How Are The New Boys Getting On?

With almost a month gone since the craziness of the last day of the transfer window, I thought it might be a time to have a look at how our new boys are getting on.

In Wenger`s busiest summer in a long time, the Arsenal gaffer brought in no fewer than 8 new players, let`s have a look at how they`re getting on.


Gervinho - The tricky Ivorian didn`t have the best of starts to his Arsenal career after getting red carded on his debut at St James` park after doing what we`d all love to do and slap Joey Barton up the side of the head.

When he has played, however, his class has been there for all to see, and once he establishes some partnerships between van Persie and the midfielders then I`m sure he`ll get plenty of assists and maybe a few goals too.

Carl Jenkinson - The relatively untried defender arrived at Arsenal from Charlton on the cheap to replace Emmanuel Eboue. Injuries meant the Jenks got thrown in at the deep end. Thrown to the lions if you will.

Despite the terrible results we suffered with him on the pitch, he gives his all in an Arsenal shirt and never shirks responsibility. Like Ray Parlour before him, what Carl lacks in talent he makes up for it in heart. He might not be the best player in the world, but that`s not his fault, all he can do is to try his best every week, and that will be good enough for me.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - Due to his young age, the signing of The Ox was always one for the future. No one expected to see much of him. However the Carling Cup and an injury to Theo Walcott meant we`ve seen a glimpse of the future of Arsenal Football Club.

In his three appearances (two starts and a sub) Alex has impressed mightily. Fast, direct, tricky, and an eye for goal. Two goals already has left Gooners drooling and looking forward to seeing him again.

He needs to work on his game when he doesn`t have the ball, but there aren`t many 18 year old players who don`t.

Mikel Arteta - The former Everton man was the marquee signing of the summer. Not quite as huge a signing as many Gooners were hoping for, but an experienced PL player who can pass, cross, take set pieces and work tirelessly for 90 minutes is just the kind of player we need un my humble opinion.

Mikel has slotted in seemlessly. His slick style makes him probably the most Arsenal-like player we could have hoped to have signed. Like van Persie, the key to success here is his fitness. He needs to stay injury-free for as long as possible. If he can do that he will be massive for us this season.

Per Mertesacker - If Mikel Arteta was the biggest signing of the summer then Mertesacker was easily the largest. Standing tall at a mahoosive 6ft 6, the experienced German was just what we were crying out for in defence.

In the first couple of games he seemed, to me at least, struggle adjusting to the pace, finding himself drifting out of position on occasion, but in the last week or so his game is really coming together. And that`s just as well conisdering he`s currently our only fit centre half.

Andre Santos - Santos came to Arsenal after the departure of long time Gooner Gael Clichy to Manchester City. Andre has shared the position so far with young Englishman Kieran Gibbs. His performances so far have been nothing spetacular, but also nothing worrying.

The Brazilian also bagged himself the winner in his first CL outing for the Gunners.

Yossi Benayoun & Ju Young Park - Very limited appearances for these guys leave my opinion unformed. However, clearly signed as squad players these guys seem more than capable of fullfilling their duties.

Benayoun in particular looks very much like an Arsenal player as he`s currently out injured.

What are the opinions of the Vital Arsenal members?

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