Welcome: Mohamed Elneny

[Tommy_Goon]

sure he will feature against Hull.

[Nos89]

I'm sure he was bought as a back up to the current squad and not an instant first teamer. We're losing flamini. arteta and rosicknote in the summer, not that it makes a diffrence as they are generally out injured, but I think he'll be around the squad for a gradual integration.

[GoonerMuzz]

I get the point your making Nos but the point is he needs time on the pitch to get used to the pace of the game here, even if it is only the last 15 mins of a game, what he doesn't need is to sit on the bench game after game and then suddenly find himself thrown in the deep end at a crucial point of the season.

[SteveO 35]

sure he will feature against Hull.

Yep, him and Chambers holding the midfield. Joel Campbell will come back in too which based upon the Ox's recent attempts might be a good thing.

Elneny to be used throughout the FA Cup, then we'll see him again in the League Cup 3rd round next season !

[GranadaJoe]

I've been surprised by the amount of anti-Mo sentiment in some of the match threads, and I'd like to put a good word in for him.

For a young lad, new to English football and new to the country I think he's done quite well.

He has kept it simple but there were signs yesterday that his confidence is growing. He obviously has good stamina and he gets about the park. I really like his movement. Too many of our players stand about, even at throw-ins and free-kicks.

His passing is improving and looks pretty sharp.

I think, and hope, that he'll turn into a good squad player.

Additionally, unlike, Giroud, Ramsey, Kos Theo etc he hasn't made any horrendous cock-ups.

[begeegs]

I've been surprised by the amount of anti-Mo sentiment in some of the match threads, and I'd like to put a good word in for him.

For a young lad, new to English football and new to the country I think he's done quite well.

He has kept it simple but there were signs yesterday that his confidence is growing. He obviously has good stamina and he gets about the park. I really like his movement. Too many of our players stand about, even at throw-ins and free-kicks.

His passing is improving and looks pretty sharp.

I think, and hope, that he'll turn into a good squad player.

Additionally, unlike, Giroud, Ramsey, Kos Theo etc he hasn't made any horrendous cock-ups.

I am going to second this. He played well against Spurs and tonight. Always available for the ball and making runs which is very unusual in our static play. He isn't a defensive midfielder, but it is no coincidence that with someone there who doesn't go walkabouts from their position (hello Ramsey), we look more solid through the middle.

[Theoperator]

Agreed we were pretty much overhard on Joel Campbell too- I say judge him in May

[casgooner]

Last night, Hull were attacking down the right- hand side, 2 on , 2right in front of me. They were just about level with our penalty area. Theo and Elneny picked them up. Elneny was like a little terrier chasing this way and that making it really difficult for the Hull player. As soon as he passed it or tried to pass it to his teammate, he was closing him down. Theo was doing that thing of putting his arms behind his back and doing a little dance, being totally ineffectual and not helping Elneny at all. Elneny worked hard all night and had a couple of shots. I don't think he is as bad as others make out either. I like his attitude.

[gp543]

Agreed. He's started very well. That volley would have been some way to open his account.

[northbank123]

He's done about as well as expected but looks very naive and lightweight - summed up by his booking yesterday.

Given time etc he might improve to be a decent squad player but there's a reason you don't see top sides raiding third tier leagues for players to plonk straight into their CM as a long-term project.

[officepest]

Mohamed Wilkins

SteveO's finest moment.

[casgooner]

He's done about as well as expected but looks very naive and lightweight - summed up by his booking yesterday.

Given time etc he might improve to be a decent squad player but there's a reason you don't see top sides raiding third tier leagues for players to plonk straight into their CM as a long-term project.

Personally, I think the Hull player dived, but it happened right at the opposite end of the pitch from where I was.

[Robin_L]

If you take our last month or so in isolation, the only players that haven't pissed me off at all are Campbell and Elneny (and Cech I suppose, who has earned so much credit already he can afford a howler or two).

I like Joel Campbell a lot. He's been around here long enough, must be dispiriting for him as he's clearly not a WengerBoy. Yet he's forcing his way into the picture off the back of the limited / enforced opportunities he's getting.

[casgooner]

If you take our last month or so in isolation, the only players that haven't pissed me off at all are Campbell and Elneny (and Cech I suppose, who has earned so much credit already he can afford a howler or two).

I like Joel Campbell a lot. He's been around here long enough, must be dispiriting for him as he's clearly not a WengerBoy. Yet he's forcing his way into the picture off the back of the limited / enforced opportunities he's getting.

Monreal has been ok.

[StuartL]

From the games I've seen him in, he has done ok in my book.

He provides far more cover for the defence and energy than most of our current midfield, but that isn't saying too much

He has been quite conservative with his passing, but maybe that's to be expected during this bedding in period ?

He also has good stamina, and heart so all in all I think a good squad addition, good enough to take us on to the next level ?
I guess only time will tell but for me he is doing fine.