Wenger praises Campbell
The only thing to remember in Gunner’s FA Cup defeat yesterday by the Stoke City was the comeback of Sol Campbell says manager Arsène Wenger.
Campbell, 35-year-old defender, made his first appearance for Arsenal after the Champions League final in 2006 Paris against the Barcelona Football Club.
Arsene Wenger said, “Sol had a good game. Considering he has not played for five months, I felt he did very well under the circumstances. He has a future in the Premier League. He has motivation now and has been training very well. His reward was to be back in the side. He may have suffered from fatigue in the final 20 minutes, but that is hardly surprising considering how long he has been away from the top level.”
Tony Pulis, the manager of Stoke also praised Sol Campbell and he said, “I felt his attitude and application were outstanding. He is a very good player and considering how long he has been out of the Premier League, he was excellent. He will be a very good addition to what is already an outstanding Arsenal squad.”
Arsenal boss made some nine changes from the side which beat last week the Bolton Wanderers by 4-2 and he said after that that only William Gallas had been rested.
In the circumstance, I have to agree that Sol played very well in a match where the other experiences members of the squad were found wanting. Apart from being motivated himself he was also motivational and tried hard to inject a spirit of common course. But here was a man whom despite his affirmation, his team mates did not really turn up.