Today’s game against Arsene’s old club proved to be the first serious match of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia.

Despite only being a friendly, the match threw up a host of talking points.

Don’t forget about Oli

One of the most satisfying parts of watching todays game was being able to discuss Arsenal properly again, as opposed to just desperately trying to predict what lies in Wenger’s transfer plans.

Transfer time is tedious, as only a handful of people really know what’s going on.  Whether is be Rooney, Suarez or Higuain, Arsenal fans are desperate to see one of them in red and white.

Three minutes into today’s game Oliver Giroud reminded us not to be too hasty.  A superb header showed us all what we had forgotten, Giroud is a top quality striker.

Giroud has had a season to adapt and has been on blistering form throughout pre-season (granted against weaker competition).  With Podolski showing us glimpses of the player capped so many times for Germany, our strike force may not need £40 million spent on it.

Glorious homecoming

Before todays game I saw some disappointing comments from people on twitter suggesting there may have been a financial motive behind Ryo Miyaichi’s inclusion in the starting 11.

While it must be the case that it will have had some financially beneficial effect on the club, I feel people are forgetting two key points.

Firstly, Ryo is not just a Japanese player playing in Japan.  He was born and raised in Nagoya.  For him this was a chance to play in front of those he might have grown up with, to show his city why they should be proud of him.

This became evident when he put away a superb penalty, which was greeted by without doubt the largest cheer of the game.

Secondly, Ryo is evidently an immensely talented player.  At only 20, he has already had very successful loan spells at both premier league and championship levels.  His talent shone early on against Nagoya when he almost put away a tricky volley from a tight angle.

Worrying Walcott

I must admit I may have been overly critical of Theo last season, but I just cant help be disappointed in the situation regarding out £100,000 a week superstar.

Theo’s first half display was so similar to so many of his performances last season.  Poor decision-making along with being knocked off of the ball to easily were features of a glum half for Walcott.

Even his finishing, which is usually so solid, wasn’t brilliant.  However, once again he scored, and goals mean points if he carry’s on scoring into next season.

Aaron’s Arrival

Since his arrival at the club Aaron Ramsey has gone from promising youngster to injured hero to hounded underperformer to utility player.  However, in my opinion, Aaron was phenomenal today.

Superb skill, intensity and passion were features of a brilliant game for Ramsey.  If he plays with that level of commitment next season, he could be a permanent fixture in the midfield.

Zelalem who?

Out of all the players to come on tour, Gedion Zelalem was the single player I had not got a pretty good idea of. What a player.

There’s not much to say other than wow.  Gedion is a meagre 16 years of age and looked as comfortable as any alongside Wilshere in midfield.

Arsenal fans can only hope that the young Germans development continues in such an exciting manner.

Defensive worries

Nagoya’s goal was a poor one to give away.  A free header in between our centre backs shouldn’t happen.  Although Sagna wasn’t bad in the middle of the defence, Grampus weren’t the tallest of teams.  I would have serious worries about his ability against the physical aspects of the Premier League.

With Koscielny injured and only three recognised centre backs at the club, I would suggest that the transfer focus should be moved from superstar strikers, to a solid defender.

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