Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin was pretty much satisfied with the Gunners’ easy win over Sturm Graz on Wednesday saying how leaving the pitch as a winner is always a nice feeling, regardless of the type of game.

Speaking on his official website, the 29-year old explained how training in the morning and then play a friendly game in the evening was not easy, adding how the game was not difficult for the Gunners to win after they enjoyed plenty of possession and found the net twice thanks to two beautiful goals from Frenchman Samir Nasri.

Arsenal went on to win the game by three goals to nil after Henri Lansbury added a third in the first part of the second half and according to the Russian all the youngsters given an opportunity during pre-season always do their best to show what they are capable of ahead of a long season.

Arshavin concluded by again highlighting the hot conditions the Gunners have found in Austria and by showing his appreciation to all the Austrian fans who supported the team during the game.

He said:

Quote:

It’s hot, very hot. As for the game, one should understand that it was an informal game. We had a training session in the morning and went out to play in the evening. The game was easy for us. Those who followed the game saw that we had the most of the possession, managed to score two beautiful goals in the first half. [The young players] are all trying to do their best; they wanted to show themselves in today’s game as well as in the game against Barnett. Those players, who represented our club at the World Cup, have already trained with us, but according to an individual program. The Gunners’ reunion will be tomorrow. We work on many things: physical training, tactics. As for those guys who have just arrived in Austria, they are being gradually drawn into the training process. Actually, the training camp is the same as last year. Only the heat is strong.

What a difference a couple of days make. Joe Cole’s arrival at Anfield signaled the beginning of what has been a fantastic 48 hrs for Reds fans. With the skipper Steven Gerrard set to remain at the club, the dark clouds which have been hanging over Anfield for some time are beginning to disperse; two announcements that have given supporters a huge lift given the struggles and disappointments of the last months. Over to you Fernando and Javier…

In several previous articles I continually stated my hopes for the club to pursue a deal for Joe Cole, the best free transfer on the marker this summer and the type of player that the squad has clearly lacked for some time. It was with great delight therefore that I read the news of Cole’s arrival and gave praise to Roy Hodgson for making it happen. Joe Cole and £5.5 million for Yossi Benayoun? Go on then Roman. It is a struggle to see how both Chelsea and Benayoun got the better deal there.

The majority of Liverpool supporters were not too disappointed to see Benayoun leave the club, a well-liked player but definitely not a mainstay of the team. Fans were accepting of his departure, provided the manager was able to reinvest the money received and crucially replace the player with one of better quality.