Thursday’s odds and ends

Here’s your Thursday’s odds and ends, as well as some notes and quotes worth repeating…

Arsenal defeated Brentford this morning at London Colney in a “behind closed doors” friendly. Goals were scored by Martinelli, Lacazette and a brace from Cedric. Mikel Arteta started a back three consisting of Mari, White and Gabriel.

On the medical front: Granit Xhaka tested positive for the coronavirus prior to Switzerland’s World Cup qualifier on Wednesday. Xhaka has not been vaccinated. Also, Sead Kolasinac suffered an ankle injury in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s WCQ v France on Wednesday. The extent of the injury is unknow, however, sources inside his national team indicated he could be out for several weeks.

What a week it has been for superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. First, a shocking transfer move to Manchester United, and then yesterday a record-setting performance with Portugal.  Ronaldo’s two goal performance v the Republic of Ireland propelled him into first place among all-time international goal scorers. He now has 111, and counting!

Bukayo Saka and his England teammates host Hungary today at Wembley Stadium in a WCQ match.

Martin Odegaard said having Amazon’s “All or Nothing” cameras following his team around, “Is not one of my favorite things.”

Former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil signed on with Arsenal eight years ago today from Real Madrid.

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has publicly said he would be willing to help Arsenal solve some of their defensive problems.

TV pundit Gary Neville says, “Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Granit Xhaka need to get themselves right.”

Inter Milan are now claiming, via TuttoSporto, Bernd Leno could possibly be considered as their future #1 goalkeeper in the next transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur has terminated the contract of defender Serge Aurier, and Arsenal are willing to talk with the free agent.

Since the Turkish transfer window is still open, Beskitas have started negotiations with Arsenal to sign Mo Elneny.

Cheers.

Gunner1953