B52 Grounded, JET Takes Off

Good evening, Fellowship of the Arsenal

Well, Sol is back. I didn't see that coming. I don't think any supporter of the Club could have predicted his return to the Arsenal, as a player. As strange and unexpected as it is I'm happy to have an experienced defender ready for back-up to our starting CBs. But is Sol coming as a straight back-up to our starting pair? I don't think so. Arsenal is facing 5 matches in 10 days and certainly TV5 and Capi won't play every match, start to finish. If Sol is as fit and ready as advertised he'll be able to slot right in and do a solid job, allowing our regulars a much-needed rest for the month's finale against IOU. Having one back-up CB may not be enough so I wouldn't be surprised to see Reserves CB Kyle Bartley get a chance to play against the likes of Stoke [FA Cup] or the second fixture versus Bolton [at Emirates]. And what about Silvestre? Right, what about Silvestre? In short, Sol is a welcome addition to the Arsenal and I hope he can provide much-needed leadership both on the training ground and during matches.

In other news, and surprisingly unreported by most Blogs is the emergence of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. Back from his short loan spell at Blackpool JET, as we've come to call him, bagged a tidy hat-trick for the Reserves this week vs West Ham. JET's first goal was admittedly lucky and a bit fortunate; second was a solid, cross-goal header from a corner; third was a driven left-footed shot across goal. If only JET had scored that first goal with his right foot he would have had a Perfect hat-trick! All in all a good day at the office.

The reason I find this achievement to be such a big deal is that JET is listed as a midfielder but has been playing as a Central Striker. JET is a very versatile player and can play through the middle or up front. And I whole-heartedly believe that JET is the temporary answer to our striking dilemna. B52, also a high-flying act, is a few weeks short of his return and rumors have simmered regarding the signing of Chamakh. I believe that Arsene is going to promote JET, perhaps even give him some sizable minutes this weekend versus Bolton I believe the youngster needs at least 20 minutes under his belt this weekend to be considered a short-term replacement. In truth, we're lacking a big, strong Central Striker who can hold up the ball and distribute to our streaking midfielders; finish crosses, either on the ground or in the air; come to the Arsenal on the cheap without being cup-tied. JET fits the mold perfectly as Arsenal already own him, and should be given a chance.

I know it's a long shot to think that a player as young and untested as JET can jump right into the first-team and produce. Fortunately, we have seen relatively unknown players such as Sagna, and Eduardo succeed at the Arsenal with little time in the system so there is some evidence of such success. To JET's fortune he has been in the Reserves system for awhile [since 2007], and one would think his adaptation to the first XI would come easier as he has been coached specifically for the 4-3-3 system. Then again, he's only just turned 19. At the minimum I hope he gets to sit the bench and maybe get a few late minutes, but I really hope he gets a full debut and seizes the opporunity. Only Arsene knows what he'll do with the lad.

The Arsenal is about to embark on a very important stretch of matches, which could both bolster our shot at silverware [FA Cup] or pave the way to the Championship. I believe there is enough in the team to sweep the matches, and with Fit-again Fabregas, Clichy and Bendtner back for much of this stretch we are in a strong position to temporarily silence the doubters and push on. So here's to hoping we're up for it...

Enjoy the melee of matches, and Come on you Gunners!
ArsenaLOS