Is somewhat comical that, for all of Wenger's love of exceedingly young players, he snags one who looks absolutely immense and hesitates to play him.
Watched the match earlier on MOTD. Now I have always had a sneaking respect for Gary Lineker, but did he really need to say that Arsenal had found a player..? Both Arsenal's wingers were ex-Saints Academy, and the best player in the Premier League, Gareth Bale, is also one. And I think we should not let people forget it.
I'll always be the first one to hate Chamberlain for the way he left Saints! But fair play, its every kids dream to score in the the premier league. Well done Alex, I'm proud of you kid, sotonsaint
Sadly these players have come through us and ultimately we lose them but we should take some pride in the fact that we seem to concentrate on young home grown footballers and that we had a sneak preview to the outstanding talent of the lads that are now shining at their respective clubs.One day in the near future it could be that we can keep hold of these kids for even just a bit longer as this club drives upwards.English football as a whole would benefit if more clubs concentrated on developing our own rather than signing foreign imports . What has happened with us proves that its no fluke and is down to the hard work of the youth development people at our great club.The exploits of Oxo, Theo and Bale make headlines but Dyer has reputation that is growing and Surman who i always liked very much is showing what a cultured player he is his finish against Bolton yesterday was sublime.
The footballing insiders know how well we are doing...there have been a couple of decent articles about us recently (one posted on here yesterday), but we can't expect them to mention it every time an ex-student plays. Perhaps we should ask Oxo to include us in his name: Alex Oxlade.Mr.Southampton.FC.Chamberlain, but he'd need broad shoulders to get away with that.
You know what..? Having watched MOTD, and seen both Dyer and Surman having great matches, it was entirely wrong of me to leave them out. They are every bit as effective, in their own teams, as Oxo and Theo, for instance. On his day Bale is, let's face it, a bloody phenomenon, and is arguably the best player ever to leave the Saints Academy.
Two great goals from Chamberlain and an excellent all-round performance. Hopefully he'll keep doing the business for Arsenal, so he signs for Barca and we get a whole heap of cash. If only we still had a sell-on for Bale too.