New boys make immediate impact

Arsenal’s last pre-season game against Cologne provided Gunners fans with an opportunity to see Arsene Wenger’s three new recruits in action for the very first time. All three began the game, offering an exciting glimpse of the future, with Olivier Giroud the lone man up front, Lukas Podolski on the left wing and Santi Cazorla pulling the strings in the centre of midfield. They didn’t disappoint either as each played a pivotal role in a scintillating first half display which saw the Gunners race into a three goal lead by half-time.

Giroud highlighted his ability to fulfil the target man role, with his immense strength enabling him to hold off opposition defenders as he held the ball up time and time again, enabling him to then lay the ball off to his team mates. The Frenchman also showed great awareness in the penalty area, creating chances first for Cazorla, with a deft header back towards the edge of the box, setting up the Spaniard perfectly for a shot on goal which was well saved by Timo Horn in the Cologne goal, before Giroud then played a neat through ball to Theo Walcott, who also saw his shot saved. The French international striker, signed from Montpellier this summer, was also able to impose himself in the opposition’s penalty area, using his great height to offer a real target for the free kick and corner takers, potentially causing havoc in the Cologne defence. In addition to these great attributes Giroud also possesses an eye for goal, his constant movement creating space, allowing the midfield to pick him out with ease. In the first half alone, the Frenchman had three great opportunities to open his Arsenal account, unfortunately he was thwarted on each occasion by great saves from Timo Horn, but it was clear for all to see that Giroud has the potential to become a success in an Arsenal shirt.

Although Lukas Podolski had a somewhat quieter game, employed on the left wing, the man returning to his home town club still managed to score two goals. The first came from the penalty spot, following a foul on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, which Podolski despatched expertly, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way; but you wouldn’t expect anything less from a German international. Podolski’s second goal showcased the 26 year Old’s skillset better, as he roamed towards the centre of the park, picked up the ball and lofted an exquisite pass into Walcott. The German could easily have stood still and admired his fine work, but instead he showed great hunger and desire as he raced towards the box to latch onto Walcott’s cut back and fire the ball into the back of the net with great power and precision. Arsenal fans will hope to see this move take place on a regular basis throughout the upcoming campaign. In the second half, Podolski was utilised in the lone striker role, vacated by Giroud at half time and proved that he also has the potential to fulfil this role too as he continually managed to find space in between Cologne’s defence and midfield before laying the ball off to his new teammates. Having played over an hour, Podolski was then substituted enabling him to receive a standing ovation from the home crowd he had served so well in recent years. It was somewhat ironic therefore that the man to replace him was want away striker Robin Van Persie who reportedly received a very different reception from the travelling Gooners.

 While Giroud and Podolski made exciting starts to their Arsenal careers yesterday, Santi Cazorla simply stole the show. The Spaniard was exceptional as he became the fulcrum of the Arsenal midfield, alongside Oxlade-Chamberlain. Cazorla’s supreme technical ability allowed him to escape from tight situations on numerous occasions, wriggling away with consummate ease, before playing sumptuous and incisive through balls. His vision, ability on the ball and execution highlight exactly why his signing has uplifted the whole squad, creating great excitement. This is the player Arsenal fans have been waiting for, the man to replace Cesc Fabregas, who alongside the rest of the Gunners’ central midfield options (Arteta, Wilshere, Diaby, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rosicky) will create one the most fluid midfield departments in the entire Premier League.  Added to this, Cazorla’s dead ball delivery is also excellent; his pin-point corner yesterday found Per Mertesacker, whose flick on allowed Vermaelen to give the Gunners the lead. Who knows Arsenal may even begin to pose a great threat from set-pieces too!

Although many will advise against reading too much into yesterday’s 4-0 win against a second division German side that didn’t even play several of their first team regulars, it could actually be a real watershed moment for the Gunners. The first time Giroud, Podolski and Cazorla donned the Arsenal shirt and gave us all a glimpse of the near future.  They all integrated extremely well with their new teammates and going forward the Gunners seem to possess all the necessary ingredients to frighten any defence. Despite the continuing rumours surrounding Van Persie’s future, the Arsenal faithful can surely look forward to a promising campaign.