I watched Arsenal lose to Juventus in the Emirates Cup, in what is the second ever defeat at Emirates in all competitions, friendly or otherwise.

You could say:

-we played our youth team for the first half, and Juventus played what looked like their first team for most of the game

-it's just a friendly, just a game to let players regain match fitness

-trezeguet's goal was clearly offside.

-we dominated the game

But a defeat is still a defeat. Whatever positives we try to find from a defeat are mere consolations.

I wouldn't take it away from the team, especially the youngsters, that they had played well. In fact, I was surprised that defensively, we actually played well in that we closed the opposition down fast and were often able to win the ball back, be it one-on-one or with the help of another teammate. Gibbs played well at left-back, as did Djourou and Denilson.

What was missing was the incision and precision, which isn't really important if we had had the former. We played pretty football and were able to keep the ball a lot. We did create chances, definitely more than Juventus. But I feel that the chances were not good enough. No one was daring enough to take shots, to make the decision, to take the gamble. Like last season, we were trying to be too precise. I think if we were more willing to take the risk, to go for it, we don't need that much precision because of the element of surprise, which will upon closer analysis be lauded as a moment of brilliance. It is really just a matter of quick-thinking, to be one step ahead of the opponents. That will give you that one inch of space you are trying so much to squeeze out.

As Cryuff said: people often mistake insight for speed.

Anyway, the commentator was talking about Adebayor's 30 goals being needed for the coming season. I think he got 30 goals last season because he was the one playing. Frankly, I watched most of the games, and all I can say is that given the kind of chances he had had, a better striker would have scored 40 goals at least. And he only scored one goal in the Champions' League Campaign. In the league, Bendtner started in 7 games, scored 5 goals and created 3. In comparison, Adebayor started in 32 games, scored 24 and created 3. The goal ratio is not that much different. Of course we can say that Bendtner came off the bench 20 times, but he probably had only 15 minutes each time. And you know it is actually not easy to come off the bench and make an impact. What I am trying to say is that Adebayor had gotten the chance. Maybe if you had given it to someone else, that someone else would have been the one scoring 30 goals.

Anyway, if you ask me for my honest assessment, Adebayor reminds me of a pathetic dog that has returned home with tail between its legs. No offence intended, but someone who talked so much doesn't really deserve anything. To actually say that he should be paid like Henry just speaks so much of his intelligence, which isn't a lot, if you consider the fact that he is the player called offside MOST in the EPL.

I think for his own sake, he had better score at least 30 goals this coming season, or I think he would be hoping that the ground would just swallow him up. Really, he talked too much without thinking. Score 30 goals and he probably can get the transfer he wants, or the contract he wants. Score less, and he will become the laughing stock of the town. Who knows, he may find himself playing for Portsmouth soon enough.

"In Arsene we trust" has over the years taken on more significance, with the departures of Vieira and Henry in particular. Even more so for this upcoming season. But not because of the players we let go, but because of the players we didn't sign, and the fact that other teams have strengthened their teams considerably.

The faith in youth will come under immense scrutiny, even more than last season. Because as we have seen in this game, there is potential. But that potential has to be fulfilled. And it is something that cannot be repeatedly pushed to the next season.