Reports emanating from the Arsenal camp this morning suggest that newly-signed French midfielder Francis Coquelin has replaced Mexican striker Carlos Vela in the squad for this afternoon’s game against Barnet.
Gooner Talk told you yesterday that Coquelin, 17, would travel with Arséne Wenger’s men ahead of the pre-season tie. We understand now, that the reason for his inclusion in the 24-man squad is because of Vela’s absence.
Football pundit Tom Watt mentioned on Arsenal TV’s ‘Fans Forum’ last night, that the Frenchman would be involved in the match while Vela will be absent, Watt failed to explain why the 19-year-old would not play at Underhill.
Today’s news could be an enormous bonus for another youngster in Jay Simpson. The striker was on loan to Millwall last season where he impressed the fans with his quality goals and fantastic work ethic. He could earn a start today as could Nacer Barazite who will also be pushing for a place upfront, added to that, the Dutchman will be look for a repeat of last season’s fixture where Nacer scored and wrapped up the game for the Gunners.
Good luck to Jay and the rest of the lads this afternoon, hopefully it will be a comfortable pre-season win against League 2 opposition.
You can read our Barnet match preview here, a full match report will be posted at full time, stay locked on Gooner Talk for the latest news, views and reports.
Tags: arsenal, arsenal tv, barnet, coquelin, friendly, pre-season, tom watt, vela, Wenger
July 19, 2008 at 1:26 am
No Vela? = Lame
July 19, 2008 at 1:29 am
It’s weird mate.
The same thing happened with Eduardo last year, we all expected him to make his debut against Barnet, instead he turned up to the ground and signed autographs.
July 19, 2008 at 1:48 am
maybe vela is super short on match fitness? or the boss wants to shield him from the media spotlight in england? ease him into the first team over the austrian tour..
July 19, 2008 at 1:52 am
Maybe wenger is keeping him as a suprise and play him when a few of the regulars get back! He knows well everyone wants to see him play hes making us sweat alittle longer!!
July 19, 2008 at 2:02 am
this is no good at all. i was going to go to the game and get his autograph. i wont bother now.
July 19, 2008 at 2:45 am
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July 19, 2008 at 2:51 am
Maybe Vela just scored for Mexico and deserves a break.
July 19, 2008 at 3:48 am
Who’s the prick who won’t go to a game because he won’t get an autograph? Pillock. Fuck off and “support” someone else.
July 19, 2008 at 4:40 am
well said stuart
July 19, 2008 at 5:11 am
wow I can’t believe somebody said they are not going to the game just because they can’t get a player’s autograph. Do you know how many true gunners around the world who would do anything just to see the team they love for one day.
!!!I’m one of them!!!
July 19, 2008 at 5:27 am
that guy has the chance to see the gooners play n yet… oh wat a lame!!!
July 19, 2008 at 6:37 am
well said Stuart. problem of our club is – these days we got too many plastic who knows nothing but moan.
July 19, 2008 at 6:54 am
I am a Bahraini Gooner. I can’t wait to watch the first preseason game. I have been searching all Channels and Arab Sat, Nile Sat & Hotbird sat but no indication for any to cover the game. Can anybody help plz.
July 19, 2008 at 7:05 am
agreed, the autograph hunter’s support is more welcome to the likes of the chavs and spuds. Bet they read OK & Hello magazine. GO and support the WAGs or something! I am going today and looking forward to our annual pilgrimage with 5 mates and my 2 and a half year old daughter (attending her 2nd game, in her full kit)!!!
Cmon the Gunners!!! Today is a fun day and it gives Barnet (and our reserve ground) a nice payday
July 19, 2008 at 7:12 am
Ican,t believe my eyes, a so called Gooner who wont go and see the Gunners play just because he cant get Velas autograph, pathetic.I am living in Denmark, though i,m origanally from Barnesbury, and supported Arsenal nearly 40 yrs , my son who also follows the Gunners has never seen them play live, he would eat his handsoff for the chance, plastic.
July 19, 2008 at 7:15 am
i think you are being a bit harsh! having a go at ALEX FERGUSON for wanting an autograph
July 19, 2008 at 7:30 am
I am a Bahraini Gunner. I have searching everywhere to watch the live match today. In our region we have Arab sat, Nile sat & Hotbird sat. I have not seen any indication of match coverage, live or rebroadcast.
Somebody help, help, help
July 19, 2008 at 7:35 am
yuostreamtv on the net may have it worth a try.
July 19, 2008 at 7:35 am
I hope this aint true, I was looking forward to seeing Vela play 2day. He better be there for day one of the emirates cup i am actually going to that gane
July 19, 2008 at 7:59 am
Arab Gunner, All the pe-season friendlies are being broadcast on Arsenal TV On Line through the official website. Just access the Arsenal TV Onlione tab on Arsenal. com and if you are a subscriber you can see the match. At £3.99 a month you can do one month and see all the pre season matches with no hassle.
July 19, 2008 at 8:24 am
I think Vela’s qualities are well known and he will be playing with first team for sure.
Maybe the boss just wants to see Coquelin in action and that’s all.
July 19, 2008 at 8:42 am
Cheers mickess. i will try to do it now.
It just feel good to contribute to Arsenal. 120 pound for my children and my kit plus 3.99!!.
I am not much less than season ticket holders haa.
My flat gonna be mini Emirates this afternoon.
taa
July 19, 2008 at 8:56 am
Shame about Vela, I think we are all exited and keen to see him, but in Arsene we must trust and lets face it there will be some great talant on show.Does any one know if Nasri will be making an appearence?
July 19, 2008 at 8:56 am
Dammit! Badly wanted to see Vela…. he was one of the main things I was looking forward to. Oh well, I just hope Denilson, Bazarite, Wilshere and Ramsey play well.
July 19, 2008 at 8:56 am
he wont go to see a match just bcuz he wont get an autograph… I wold kill to even see the players and then theres this self centred shit head!
July 19, 2008 at 9:01 am
to Arab Gunner: Out ov context
U ever seen the British School Of Bahrain!
July 19, 2008 at 9:04 am
I understand Nasri is on Holiday still, if Vela is out then I take it Theo may play through the middle with bendtner / Barazite, cant wait!!!
July 19, 2008 at 9:58 am
Guys lets ease off the fella who said he was not going to the game because he could not get an autograph. I suspect this person is just a kid who was hoping to get an autograph. Its not something a regular sound of mind adult would say. Lets give this person the benefit of the doubt. Up The Arsenal!!!
July 19, 2008 at 10:32 am
This is the 2nd sight I’ve linked to from “NewsNow” and the 2nd one where somebody called “me” has earned some abuse. He’s “a bit of a dick” at the other place!
July 19, 2008 at 10:45 am
My bad Shad! Thanks for giving me the heads up on him “me”. Honestly, is he really worth the effort? I think not! With the season just around the corner, there are much more important things to talk about.
July 19, 2008 at 11:10 am
Lets be honest, I think he has really good idea alreary of vela’s abilities and where he will play him coquelin on the the other hand may be a little different, in that hes not really seen him perform except on trial (injured then) and since his move and of course through scout reports. Thats another ball game throwing him in and seeing him perform!!!
Vela will get his chance prior to the season.
Great site by the way… Henry must be splitting blood I think he left to get away from Hleb now hes lumbered with him again
July 19, 2008 at 11:45 am
guys can u turn up and buy a ticket? or is it already sold out? i live very local to barnet…
July 19, 2008 at 12:13 pm
It is illegal to link to streams, if you need links, please email me. Thanks.
July 19, 2008 at 12:25 pm
i hihgler suspect that wenger will be scouting the reserves to promote in first team and based on that he make decision on if he willbring in any player to the squad
July 19, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I can wait for Carlos. We KNOW he can play.
I’ll be tied to every one of these preseason games to see who is in that CM slot.
Guessing Denilson will get the first audition. If we had to open against West Brom today instead of Barnet — and had made no further purchases — I think Denilson would be Cesc’s minder in midfield.
And to be honest, I’m kind of excited to see that pairing. Denilson is tougher than he looks, reads the game well and he’s a better passer than Famini. We haven’t seen the same kind of engine as Flam, but to be fair, Denilson has been injured and when playing, he’s been in a different position.
Remember when we signed Denilson in the first place? All the conversation was that he would be tutored to replace his countryman Gilberto in that holding role.
May turn out that’s how it works after all.
We WILL score plenty of goals, whether Ade’s still around or not. The title challenge will come down to clean sheet (many) and silly goals allowed (hopefully few).
For all of Flamini’s energy, he got himself into some bad positions last year and we ended up outnumbered.
The changes this time around might not be all bad.
Cheers, everybody!
Let’s have some football — finally.
July 19, 2008 at 2:18 pm
you cannot link to streams ,i’ve said it over five times.
July 19, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I’d have thought they would have played Vela in every game to get him used to the squad.
http://webescape.wordpress.com/
July 19, 2008 at 3:47 pm
anyone seen the new boy in action before?
July 19, 2008 at 4:09 pm
[...] Posts What Thierry Henry Really Thinks Of The Hleb Signing (Photo)Reports – New-Boy Coquelin Replaces Vela In Squad For BarnetMatch Preview: Barnet v Arsenal – (Pre-Season Friendly)Arsenal Legend Henry Delighted With ‘Greatest [...]
July 19, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Iceman,
been to British school no, seen yes !!
whats the point Iceman
July 19, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Good news that Vela didn’t make the Barnet match, I’ll get to see his debut in Austria hopefully.
July 19, 2008 at 8:49 pm
[...] what did we tell you earlier this morning? This is Jay Simpson’s chance to prove himself, and he did, an [...]
July 19, 2008 at 8:52 pm
[...] what did we tell you earlier this morning? This is Jay Simpson’s chance to prove himself, and he did, an [...]
July 19, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Kieran Mac, I doubt he will be ready for the Austrian tour mate.
He will definitely make his debut in the Emirates Cup against Juventus.
July 19, 2008 at 11:59 pm
[...] Reports – New-Boy Coquelin Replaces Vela In Squad For Barnet [image] Reports emanating from the Arsenal camp this morning suggest that newly-signed French midfielder Francis [...] [...]
July 20, 2008 at 1:46 am
Interesting.