Should any Londoner read this post, I understand I already have two strikes against me: (1) I am a relatively new Arsenal fan and (2) I live in the United States but do read on...

Having driven over forty-five miles (each way) to find a decent bar that actually carried the final game of the Emirates' Cup, I admit that I have some concerns about this team and this season.  I definitely am not one of the incessant horde of supposed Gooners who are ready to jump ship simply because we haven't captured any silverware for the past few years.  However, neither am I one of those effusive, Polly-annish fans who cannot evaluate their team honsetly.

The Game (Arsenal v. Real Madrid - Emirates' Cup)

Bottomline: Get rid of Diaby, light a fire under Ade, get an enforcer for the midfield and we should have a season worthy of silverware!

This was a very lively game, and Arsenal showed all the technical prowess that makes the rest of the English Premier League cautious (if not jealous).  But here is the problem - we are missing the killer instinct and execution in the final third - hopefully, Eduardo will provide it.  Nasri, Walcott, and Denilson showed aggression in counter-attack, and, although a couple attempts were rash, at least Denilson tried to test the Camp Nou keeper.  As I see it, the main difference between Arsenal and the other teams (whose names will NOT be mentioned) who have won titles over the past few years is that we don't put enough shots on goal.  We get possession, build pressure, but most times don't even get off a shot.  We HAVE to score this season.  We need to mix Wengerball with a M-1 Abrams tank in the final third.

The Players (scale: Sublime, Functional, Atrocious/Disastrous)

Functional:

Gallas: Too quiet for my liking - if you're the captain, then lead dammit! 

Senderos: He was ok, but he still frightens me when he is pressured.  He cleared one pass - right into the path of an oncoming Madrid player.  There is no excuse for that. 

Almunia: He really wasn't tested, but he made at least one questionable decision - and was bailed out by the assistant's flag.  He needs to get better with distributing the ball in an attacking manner, but as long as he keeps the ball out of the ol' onion bag, he is alright.

Sagna and Clichy: They really played well.  They were solid on defense and aggressive on the counter.  I think they can really link up with Nasri and Walcott to good effect this year.  I surely hope so.

Adebayor: I know he scored the penalty kick for the winning margin, and he passed the ball very well.  But here's the problem: if we are going to challenge this year, Ade HAS to convert more opportunities and stay onside, dammit.  He missed at least two wide open looks.  Personally, I would have had no problem seeing him leave...

Denilson: I liked the way he played today.  He was aggressive and took some confident chances with the ball.  If he can hold possession and make a few better decisions, we'll soon be saying "Flami-who".

Atrocious/Disastrous:

ABOU DIABY: He simply has to go... not only did he show no creativity or even gumpshion to make an attack or two, but he held when he should have passed or shot and passed after the opportunity was gone.  He was slow, clumsy, and clueless.  This is disappointing because I thought he had reached a turning point last season.  His elongated stride and possession skills would be a great asset.  But, this guy is just too dangerous.  His positioning opened wide gaps in our defensive formations, and his horrific challenge on Sneijder was uncalled for.

Sublime:

Nasri, Walcott, and even the late-entering young guns:  These guys were damned good!  Nasri and Walcott took the game to Madrid, and I enjoyed every minute of it.  Nasri and Walcott absolutely raced to the ball and made exquisite passes.  When their timing improves, and Cesc gets involved, we should be able to create plenty of pressure.

Signing off for now.  Comments are welcome.