Friday 29 June 2012

This Podolski Wen We Dey Wait Sef


Last night, Italy dispatched Germany in impressive style to ensure that the last two standing Gunners at Euro 2012 will head home before the Final game on Sunday July 1st. Mario Balotelli sealed Germany's fate with a brace before the break; the 2nd goal, a strike that was reminiscent of the late Rashidi Yekini in full glory.

While Per heads home without kicking a ball for Germany throughout the tournament, new boy Podolski played in four of Germany's five games racking up 290 minutes of football, has one goal and zero assists to show for it. Podolski started for the Germans but an ineffectual display had him replaced after the break.


Podolski is one acquisition that has excited Arsenal fans for two reasons, he has an impressive track record of scoring goals for both clubs and country. Two, he is a deviation from Arsene's Wenger's insistence on trying to turn metal into gold. This is a proven striker who has shown his mettle on the biggest stages in world football.

While Podolski is a name I've known for a few years from watching football, it was more about statistics and reputation. I watched him keenly at the Euros every time he played for Germany with a lot of interest knowing that starting August 18th, there will be expectations of him from every Arsenal fan around the world.

On the back of this tournament, I can't say I'm impressed with what I saw of him as I fear his best days may be behind him but like my guy Giddyz argued, "Podolski is a good player. You don't get 100 caps and 44 goals for Germany for nothing."

I do agree with him but then Giddyz is the most optimistic Gooner I've ever known. You'll never him say anything negative about Arsenal -not even Djourou.

With fingers crossed, I look forward to his joining us from July 1st, hoping that our peculiar playing style will enable him explode beyond what he's done in the past.

Before I go, Benayoun confirmed via his Twitter account @yossibenayoun15 this morning that he will be leaving us after his loan spell. "My loan spell with arsenal will be officially over tomorrow..I want to say again a big thanks to the fans and the club"

25 appearances and 6 goals in his time with us, Benayoun did enough to endear himself to Arsenal fans and I wish him success in his future endeavours as he returns to Chelsea where he still has a year left on his contract.

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