Arsenal News 24/7Writer: Site Staff 
Date:Thursday April 9 2009
Time: 8:13AM
UK time is: 09:58:16
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John Barnes On Arsenal's 'Impressive Resilience'.
John Barnes, pundit for the New Football Pools says Arsenal had impressive resilience against Villarreal.
'Arsenal showed an impressive resilience over in Spain in their match with Villarreal which many critics would have argued the lacked. After losing Manuel Almunia to injury, conceding an early goal and generally being outplayed in the first half you would have thought Arsene Wenger`s young side would`ve gone under. Instead, the Gunners weathered the storm and bossed the second half in every department.
The North London side could have easily been two or three goals down by the break but just as Manchester United got a result against Aston Villa when they didn`t perform well, so did Arsenal. It would have been pleasing for Wenger to see the belief within the young side in that second half as they took control of the game with key man Cesc Fabregas pulling the strings. We all know he is a very talented player but to come back from such a long time out and play so well in a game of this importance was impressive. Luckily for the Arsenal midfielder he is not a player who relies heavily on his physical attributes, he is more of an intelligent technical player so the long lay-off shouldn`t affect his general game too much.
You can`t comment on the match without congratulating Emmanuel Adebayor on a fine goal. The big Togolese striker hasn`t had the best of seasons compared to the last but he has kept going and is reaping the rewards on his return to fitness. Adebayor is a very good player and has all the attributes in terms of his pace, height, strength and touch to become a fantastic player. For the goal last night he showed great technique when receiving Fabregas` pass and that goal puts Arsenal well and truly in the driving seat to reach the Champions League semi-final.'
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Your Comments
Gallas out for season, Clichy out for 2/Almunia out for 3 weeks. First one could prove pivotal, 2nd two both give superb opportunities for very promising youngsters.
shewore
Gallas out for season, Clichy out for 2/Almunia out for 3 weeks. First one could prove pivotal, 2nd two both give superb opportunities for very promising youngsters.
shewore
I sincerely hope that isn't the last time we see Gallas with an Arsenal shirt on.
ChaosTeaCup
I sincerely hope that isn't the last time we see Gallas with an Arsenal shirt on.
ChaosTeaCup
So do I CTC, and I think I just about trust him to stay, although if he does go, maybe it will bring out the best in Kolo? Shewore, Gibbs could get a chance here, he's a promising youngster, but it's just a shame that it has happened at this time in the season. As for Djourou, although I rate him very highly, having watched Barca last night, and hoping for us vs them in the final (if we get there, big if), I just don't think he's as quick off the mark to deal with balls behind the defence as Billy G, and we'll mis Billy's experience. However, he should help us cut down on our inability to cope with long balls/set pieces.
ArsenalRob
So do I CTC, and I think I just about trust him to stay, although if he does go, maybe it will bring out the best in Kolo? Shewore, Gibbs could get a chance here, he's a promising youngster, but it's just a shame that it has happened at this time in the season. As for Djourou, although I rate him very highly, having watched Barca last night, and hoping for us vs them in the final (if we get there, big if), I just don't think he's as quick off the mark to deal with balls behind the defence as Billy G, and we'll mis Billy's experience. However, he should help us cut down on our inability to cope with long balls/set pieces.
ArsenalRob
Agree with ya on Djorou there, however if Gibbs comes in and plays a blinder in some big games coming up.... much the same as that berkely hunt that used to wear the no 3 shirt for us made his name by usurping Sylvinho.
shewore
Agree with ya on Djorou there, however if Gibbs comes in and plays a blinder in some big games coming up.... much the same as that berkely hunt that used to wear the no 3 shirt for us made his name by usurping Sylvinho.
shewore
I miss Senderos in times like this!
SUX2BU
I miss Senderos in times like this!
SUX2BU
So do I SUX2BU! I really hope he returns to stay in the summer. shewore, don't forget Gael 'cashing in' on cashley's injury in 06, too.
ArsenalRob
So do I SUX2BU! I really hope he returns to stay in the summer. shewore, don't forget Gael 'cashing in' on cashley's injury in 06, too.
ArsenalRob
Wenger may play Silvestre at left back till Clichy comes back. Gibbs seriously lacks experience so i would think twice before playing him in such big pressure games where so much is at stake..
luckys_10
Wenger may play Silvestre at left back till Clichy comes back. Gibbs seriously lacks experience so i would think twice before playing him in such big pressure games where so much is at stake..
luckys_10
I would usually share that view, luckys, and I excpect that Wenger will opt for Silvestre, particularly now that Billy G is out, but I think with some youthful enthusiasm, Gibbs could do a good job. Remember, it was in the CL semi final vs Villareal where Clichy really showed Arsene that he could afford to offload C*le.
ArsenalRob
I would usually share that view, luckys, and I excpect that Wenger will opt for Silvestre, particularly now that Billy G is out, but I think with some youthful enthusiasm, Gibbs could do a good job. Remember, it was in the CL semi final vs Villareal where Clichy really showed Arsene that he could afford to offload C*le.
ArsenalRob
I would rather have a fit as a fiddle good 19 year old playing in his position, than a 30 plus player who has just come back from a long lay-off , playing out of position !!....
radarman
I would rather have a fit as a fiddle good 19 year old playing in his position, than a 30 plus player who has just come back from a long lay-off , playing out of position !!....
radarman
Plus Gibbs gives us something extra going forward......
radarman
Plus Gibbs gives us something extra going forward......
radarman
Man, losing Clichy isn't good, especially for the FA Cup semi.
Gooner_Vin
Man, losing Clichy isn't good, especially for the FA Cup semi.
Gooner_Vin
I seem to remember that Silvestre was fine as a CB at MU but that when Ferguson played him as a LB, he made some really silly errors. Regardless of his age, I'd go with Gibbs.
jaelle
I seem to remember that Silvestre was fine as a CB at MU but that when Ferguson played him as a LB, he made some really silly errors. Regardless of his age, I'd go with Gibbs.
jaelle
LMFAO!!! I can't believe some people are calling for Senderos. Thats one the funniest things I've ever heard.
I think Gallas will be sorely missed, but I think Fabianski will do no harm. Not completely sold on Djourou. I reckon Song might end up there before the seasons out.
d11gunner
LMFAO!!! I can't believe some people are calling for Senderos. Thats one the funniest things I've ever heard.
I think Gallas will be sorely missed, but I think Fabianski will do no harm. Not completely sold on Djourou. I reckon Song might end up there before the seasons out.
d11gunner
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