Wenger Replaces Vela With Coquelin / Young Guns Win Against Barnet

 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger opted last night to replace Mexican forward Carlos Vela with new Gunners’ recruit Francis Coquelin, after the prodigy sustained a leg injury in Friday’s training session at London Colney.

Arsenal TV had also announced in their weekly show “Fans Forum” that Carlos would be not involved, but gave no reason to why the 19-year-old wouldn’t play. Today in the morning, news from the Arsenal Team comes through, that the young 17 years old french man have earned Vela’s place in the 24 Man Squad to face League 2 side Barnet.

The Mexican starlet was an absentee as Arsenal’s young Gunners sealed a dramatic 2-1 win over Barnet. In  a very tough game for the Gunners, the League 2 hosts grabbed the first goal after 16 minutes, a left footed free kick from Kenny Gillet stunned the away side. Arsenal’s first team struggled in the first half but they turned it around in the second half thanks to goals from youngsters Jay Simpson and Nacer Barazite.

On 64 minutes, Arsenal found their equaliser, the impressive Jack Wilshere cut inside from the right wing to play a through ball to Jay Simpson and he finished the ball with aplomb. Arsenal got their second as Simpson produced a fantastic ball to Dutch winger Nacer Barazite and he slotted the ball into the far corner to seal the win for Arsenal.

Let’s hope Vela fans that Carlos will be involved next time!!! 

Article by - A.Zimmermann

Vela Keen To Start For Gunners At Underhill

 

Arsenal and Mexico forward Carlos Vela is already keen to start for Arsene Wenger’s side, when the Gunners take on League 2 side Barnet tomorrow afternoon at Underhill in the traditional pre-season opener.

Arsenal manager Arséne Wenger has included him in the squad, which is a mixture of first team and Reserve players. Vela is expected to start alongside with Denmark international Nicklas Bendtner or on the left hand side.

The Mexican starlet has waited three long years to wear the red and white Arsenal jersey and now it seems that his dream is about to come true.

Vela joined up with the Gunners this week after his holiday in Cancun and had his first training session with his new team-mates on Monday at London Colney, Arsenal’s training complex.

Kick-off at the Underhill Stadium in Barnet, Hertfordshire is at 3pm local time.

Catch the game live on Arsenal TV, build up starts from 2:45pm.

 Predicted Lineup

Almunia

Sagna - J. Hoyte - Nordtveit - Clichy

Walcott - Denilson - Ramsey - Traore

Bendtner - Vela

Article by - A.Zimmermann

Carlos Vela Officially Joins Arsenal - First Interview

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela has given his first official interview after rejoining the Gunners for pre-season training, speaking on a whole manner of subjects to Arsenal.com

You can read in full what the 19 year old had to say below.

On finally linking up with Arsenal:

“I am very proud to finally be here and I am truly very happy,”

“I have been waiting three years for this moment and now I am here I will work very hard to earn my place in the first-team and I hope to be at this club for a very long time.”

Meeting up with his new team-mates, and settling in

“The players have received me very well and been very welcoming. Of course, it takes a few days to get used to everything new but, little by little, I will find my place and be ready to perform for the team.”

His views on the time spent on loan in Spain

“It has helped me, first of all it taught me what it was like being away from your home country - that helped me grow up as a person and as a player. I think that the Spanish and English style of football is the best in the world. I think also that playing against the best players in the world can only help me grow as a player.”

On how playing for a bigger club will help him develop, and on targets reached at Osasuna.

“Yes to be honest the (Osasuna) team wasn’t the strongest in the division but it is in that kind of situation you learn more. The whole experience was a big lesson for me.

I think that I achieved the targets I had there because I had more minutes on the pitch, gained more experience and today I am here at Arsenal, which was the ultimate aim.”

His views on which position he will be playing in for Arsenal.

“The manager hasn’t said anything to me about that yet,” he added.“But it isn’t a problem for me as Arsene Wenger can judge for himself what position is best for me to play. It is good to have the option of playing in both positions in case of injuries or if a player is missing.

“Above anything else I just want to play in the first team, it doesn’t matter what position.”

 

His ultimate aim for he season

“I hope that this season we can be fighting to win the league.”

Article By - J.Sanderson & A.Zimmermann

Nervous Vela Accepts Premier League Challenge To ‘Grow As A Player’

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela has revealed he is willing to accept the rigours of the Premier League to become a better overall player.

Vela linked up with his new team mates on Monday, and admitted before hand that he was nervous, but excited about his return to London.

“Yes (I’m Nervous) because i will meet new people, with a different language. I know everything will be difficult, but I’m very motivated and delighted to arrive.”

The 19 year old then spoke about how Arsenal can develop his game, and believes the Premiership is the perfect place to help nurture his talents.

“It (The Premiership) is important for further progressing as a player.”

While he will be living on his own in London, having close friend Giovanni Dos Santos living near him is something which will make the transition easier.

“I’m glad to have a friend here, we will be safer together because we understand a lot about (English football).

“Of course England has the best league, but i also think the Spanish is great”

Article By - J.Sanderson & A.Zimmermann

Arsenal Legend Henry Praises New Forward Carlos Vela

 

Arsenal Legend and former Gunners skipper Thierry Henry visited Mexico to take part on a promotion tour for his personal sponsor Reebok. Henry gave a press conference, where he talked about Arsenal forward Carlos Vela, as well as Vela’s best friend and new Tottenham signing Giovani dos Santos.

Henry said: “Carlos is a very good player, as he arrived at Arsenal I was there, but I don’t know why he had to go to Spain to play more before he went back to Arsenal. He proved this year with Osasuna that he is a great player and that will be able to do important things for him in the English Premiership”.

Article by - A.Zimmermann

Arsenal’s Carlos Vela Expected In London Next Week

Arsenal forward Carlos Vela will travel to London next week to join Arsene Wenger’s Premiership side for pre season training. Vela is expected at the Gunners Shenley based training complex on the 14th of July, and will then start pre season training with his new teammates.

Vela will be not involved when Arsenal begin proceedings with the traditional match against Barnet Football Club at Underhill Stadium.

The team will then travel to Burgenland, Austria, for their anual trainings camp where the team will face Szombathelyi and Burgenland, before the Squad travel to Germany to take on VFB Stuttgart in another pre season friendly. Vela has told close friend of his desire and excitement to pull on the number 12 shirt.

Article by - A.Zimmermann & Jamie Sanderson