All Class at the Mercedez

Finally I got the chance to watch a 'live' Arsenal performance during this pre-season when they registered a 3-1 win at the Mercedez Benz Arena against a VfB Stuttgart side fielding former Gunner goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann in their starting line-up.

A few 'big' names made their return to the Arsenal line-up though I have mixed feelings seeing Manu 'Add-No-Buyer' in the new away kit. Though the feeling was the complete opposite when it comes to Robin Van Persie who I really hope to be able to stay injury free and realise his tremendous potential.

Despite having seen him play before for France, this was the first time I saw Samir Nasri playing in the colours of Arsenal and despite not setting the stadium alight, he showed enough for me to keep looking for more when the real business starts in earnest.

Lehmann certainly did not show any generousity towards his former colleagues, pulling several saves which any goalkeeper would be proud off. However he could do nothing when Arsenal stepped up a gear after falling behind to a Yildiray Basturk goal just six minutes into the second half.

Carlos Vela could be another gem discovered by Arsenal Wenger and his cool finish after shaking off the burly Khaled Boulahrouj and beating Lehmann certainly showed big potential of the young Mexican.

With Nicklas Bendtner continued his fine scoring form with another efficient performance and a sharp finish to put Arsenal into the lead, I really hope Arsene will give the Danish youngster the opportunity to cement his place in the line-up.

A crisp finish by 16 years old Jack Wilshere underlined what Wenger has seen in the youngster, who by being included in this pre-season tour indicated that he could see competitive first team action sooner than his peers. Hopefully he would keep his head firmly on the ground and would not go looking for grandmas in the future.

For the time being there is no indication that the Emirates Cup will be shown on the satellite TV provider here in Malaysia. Last year they did and it was the same for the Armsterdam Tournament. Hopefully this year they will too.

By the way, Chelski dropped by to play against the Malaysian National team and they won 2-0. The goals were scored by two former Gunners in Abdul Bilal Salam a.k.a Nicolas Anelka and by the left-back before Gael Glichy.

It was the second goal scored by the Frenchman, who notched his first during Arsenal visit to Malaysia on 19 May, 1999. The only time that I ever saw the Gunners in action right in front of my own eyes.

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