Slam Dunk

Few thoughts now it's over: Dominated the majority of the first half, but seriously paid for it by not converting the possession into chances. Also looked very susceptible to the counter attack. David Luiz couldn't hit a barn door with his passing tonight, it was awful which was frustrating because they were passes that he didn't need to try. Hazard and Marin looked like the players that could make something happen but the play was far too narrow (Ramires and Hazard guilty in the first half). Probably not enough commitment, perhaps a little complacent, perhaps even a bit fatigued.

For what it's worth I think it's actually a pretty strong lineup.

Precisely why i'll be avoiding the boards during the game.

Looking forward to tonight's game. It'll be good to see Torres playing again, but please, people, none of this 'he'll never find form' or 'he's back to his best' nonsense after the game.

That third kit is tragic. But I'll forgive Adidas because the other two, as well as the training kit, are top-notch.

Something I forgot to add into my previous post; Why, as soon as Lukaku was off the field, did the crosses start coming in? Yet before that, everything was played to feet. It struck me as very odd. Is Lukaku not as strong in the air as he looks?

Well that was hardly worth staying up for. Uninspiring to say the least, and although results do not matter one bit, I don't enjoy seeing us lose. Lukaku was far too static and offers next to nothing in terms of movement. Ironically Benayoun was the best player in a white shirt first half. I've no idea why Marin was playing so centrally either. We'll look a better team when our strikers start scoring goals, I'm sure. Over to you, Fernando.

I think it's fair to say we've been interested in him for a while and we are actively looking for a striker so its a bit odd that other outlets aren't running with this a bit more. Cavani would be my second choice (behind Falcao) if we didn't already have Torres. I think it's well established by now that Torres is going to be our first choice striker this term, whether you lot like it or not. Cavani is too good to be a second string striker and as much as I hate to admit it, we don't need him right now. Invest the money in other areas.

Yes sir.

Lovely from Pastore.

It's blatantly obvious which team is further in their preseason preparations.

4-6-0?

Who do you suggest starts up front? NB - Isn't N17 Spurs territory?

Benayoun just tweeted he will not be involved in the game.

If we really wanted to win we could put out a nearly full strength team... Cech Ivan - Cahill - Luiz - Cole Mikel - Lampard Ramires - Hazard - Marin Lukaku Although it's safe to assume this is unlikely

I doubt it. Not at the moment anyway, it might be a bit too early in the season. Cheapest i've seen it (shirt + printing) online is JJB for £50 delivered.

Anyone know why Kane, Bamford and Saville have flown home?

Based on what I saw last night (unfortunately this is my only reference to his game, I don't watch much Brazilian football) - He is someone that we were crying out for last year, a player that keeps the play ticking over. He seems very tidy/efficient with the ball when deep, but also looks like he could be more dangerous in a more advanced position (he only had one shot however). For a slight 20 year old, he also seems very combative and willing to help out with the midfield battle. Brazil's 4-4-3 system suited him very well I must say. He wasn't the star of the show last night by any means, but he did his job and he did it well.

So he's had the medical, but hasn't signed? Don't buy that for a second.

Ah, our old friend Harry Harris

Warm up game for the Olympics.

The only good thing about Arsenal was this guy. Fact.

Have you been living under a rock?

Yeah, alright.