As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
I for one, have always had faith in Vela and although understandably still in the minority - especially on here - think he will eventually prove a good acquisition. Like US Martin, I had concerns that the physical nature of the Premier League might prove difficult for him and I suppose initially it did. Especially when he was generally restricted to the subs bench and occasional appearances in the weaker Cup teams.
Also bear in mind that it's inevitably more difficult for a foreigner to settle straight into the intensity of British football on the field, and the differing culture and way of doing things off it.
Yet one year on, Vela does look better equipped physically to handle the challenges and maybe even more hungry to prove a point. Perhaps getting a good pre-season in for the first time has worked as well for him as it did Theo.
In my mind his talent as a footballer is not in question. Given sufficient game time and consecutive matches, I'm positive that he will come good and win over his critics.
rigsby wrote:He's a pretty lethal finisher and has benefited from not being played out wide when coming on this season. For me he needs to quit international football and concentrate on Arsenal. He'll be mor einclined to start games if he wasnt always missing them hvng to go to Mexico
is this a wind up? quit int'l footie? he's like 23!
Red107 wrote:He should get a good chance to prove himself against the scum next week. Would love for him to put in a really good performance. Nothing would warm himself to us more than him helping dump them lot out of the cup.
Agreed, that should be his chance to shine and show us what we are all hoping he can do........
So far this season he must have one of the highest goal to minutes played ratio. His goals to chances percentage is pretty high as well. So that is good.
But I can't remember seeing him do anything brilliant for us away from the Grove.
If he gets a chance to play at Sunderland (or the Swamp) I'd like to see him shine there, in more hostile environments.
merson_is_god wrote:He/she went on the same train as me on his/her way to the party....I took a photo of him/her as he/she said he/she knew Carlos Vela.
I wasnt at all sure about last night selection of Vela as the central striker, he hasnt shown he could play that role, hasnt shown any hold up ability and gets shrugged off too easily...However i thought he did a really good job last night, was strong on the ball, linked up with others well and generally had a good game!
Im hoping he will continue to improve, he could become an important player if these bloody injuries carry on!
