Eboue is a liability

[brady]

Yet again our fragile defence looked schoolboyish in their handling of bolton's goal. Eboue went walkabout - ballwatching probably. And when the goal went in, both he and Toure raised their hands to protest I don't know what. Probably their own embarrassment at their own ineptitude at basic defending.

Yes once again we failed to put away our chances and when the best finishers are our midfielders (Diaby and the Beast as exceptions to the rule), then we are in big trouble. Only Rosicky and Fabregas want to smash it in. Adebayor and Diaby were both guilty of trying to slide them in when the keeper is already down at their feet. Whatever happened to the skill of dinking it over the keeper?

But lest anyone mistakes me for being overly critical, I think the fact that we played our game without panicking was great to watch - of course bolton scoring so early probably made it a bit easier. A win is a win. But yesterday, for me at least, some questions were answered. Should Eboue stay? Will Baptista ever adapt to the English game? No and probably not. Jury on other questions are still out.

[donaldo]

We played really well on saturday but Eboue"s lack of concentration very nearly cost us two points.He didnt pick up Nolan for the Bolton goal and he very nearly game away a penalty with his clumsy handball.He really has gone backwards this season a bit like Senderos. What a difference between him and Clichy who has been superb.Eboue"s job first and foremost is as a defender.We need another right to put pressure on Eboue next season.

[Trevheff]

Bang on Donaldo. Full backs first job is to be able to defend and break up attacks. If they can add attacking play to their game, like Clichy has done, bonus. I don't care if they are awesome at going forwrad or not, if they can't defend they are a weakness.

Eboue needs to shape up or ship out.

[exiled in notts]

I'm surprised by Eboue's performances since he came back from injury. Last season, especially in the Champions League run, he looked to be shaping up as a long-term replacement for Ralph. He could also get forward and deliver a quality cross, someting which we'd been missing. Now he seems to be lacking concentration, getting caught out of position, missing tackles and diving.

At the moment I'd be happier to see Hoyte at right back with maybe Eboue playing on the right of midfield as Hleb's not exactly setting the world on fire there. At least Eboue might provide something for Adebayore to get his head to. Anyway, right now what he really needs to do is get his focus back and show us that the second half of last season wasn't a flash in the pan.

[Romana]

Was at the game Saturday and had Eboue playing right in front of me. (Was sitting on top of the Bolton fans). He had a very poor game, but as was posted earlier on he hasn't been the same this season. Definatley agree wtih Hoyte being played instead.

[GoonerBen]

thought eboue had a poor game against citeh aswell, kept giving it away or putting us under needless pressure by lazily passing inside in our final third ,grrrrrr. he seems distracted this season when last season he seemed really driven to win his place in the side, now he seems to be more relaxed, i like the idea of hoyte at right back and eboue infront in midfield tho, oh for ralphy

[Arsenal 4 LIFE]

You are all mad. I think Eboue is an excellent player and was one of the reasons why we got to the champions league final last year, with his consistent performances something that I believe we could of never done with Lauren in the team. However I cannot excuse his below par performances this season and can only put it down to the consistent injuries he has had. He has not been there at all defensively this season but that can be improved for next season seeing as he is not the only player that has not played well i.e. Gallas, I don’t like the idea of Eboue being used as a scapegoat for the defence when they have all been poor. I do though like the idea of using Eboue as a winger because he gives us such good width as he did when he came on against the scum in the carling cup he totally changed the game for us.
He though is a very good player one that be a world class player for years to come, yes I dare to say it in the words of AW he will be a "super super player".

[Gunnerz4life]

I agree with Arsenal 4 life. Its not just Eboue, the entire defense has been a liability (well everyone except Clichy perhaps, who i think has been the best player for us this season). Gallas hasnt quite lived up to his reputation, Toure hasnt quite been anywhere near one of the best centre backs in europe as he was said to be last season. We have gone behind in far too many games this season, home and away. I wont be right to put the blame on Eboue only. This has been one of those seasons where nothing went right, and the defense only confirms that. It hasnt been our year. Hopefully next year the defense will play to their potential.