All Arsenal fans hate having this ridiculous international break so early in the season, but at least we can console ourselves that some of our players are getting some added playing time to add to their match fitness. So far there have been no injuries reported so it is also good for their confidence that ten of them have ended up on the winning side as well.
We have already reported on Theo Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain making their mark in England’s 6-0 win over San Marino, which means that the national team are definitely on the plane to France next summer. Kieran Gibbs was left on the bench but may get some playing time on Tuesday against Switzerland…
Mesut Ozil impressed while he played the whole game as Germany beat Poland, and will probably feature again tomorrow against Scotland. Wojciech Szczesny was probably happy to be left on the bench for this one…
Koscielny was instrumental in stopping Portugal scoring as France beat them 1-0, while Giroud only got two minutes at the end, and Mathieu Debuchy was left on the bench (he must be getting used to that as well!)
Santi Cazorla got a 25 minute run out as substitute in Spain’s 2-0 win against Slovakia, while Petr Cech helped the Czech Republic get a 2-1 win against Kazakhstan. Gabriel went to Brazil to sit on the bench as Brazil beat Costa Rica Rica 1-0, but Joel Campbell got half an hour on the pitch and was our only loser so far. But at least it was against Bazil!
The last word must go to Alexis Sanchez, who yet again scored the winning goal for his country with just 8 minutes to go as Chile beat Paraguay 3-2. It’s a long way to go but I’m glad he got on the scoresheet.
So lots of winners, a few goals, and no injuries. Perfect!