Lansbury wonder goal for Under 21’s vs Belgium

Signing for Arsenal at the tender age of 9, central midfielder Henri Lansbury came up through the ranks until he eventually signed a professional contract in  1 July 2008. After a successful loan spell at Scunthorpe United in League One  (which included 4 goals and 5 assists in 16 appearances), Lansbury featured in Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup winning team (6-2 over Liverpool, Lansbury 2 assists).

Further Loan deals have included:

• 2009/2010 Watford (English Championship) – 37 appearances (3 of those as a sub)- 5 goals, 4 assists
• 2010/2011 Norwich City (English Championship) – 23 appearances (8 of those as a sub) – 4 goals, 4 assists (missed out on the 2010/2011 Football League Championship Young Player of the Year award when he was beaten by Connor Wickenham).
• 2011/2012 West Ham United (English Championship) – 23 appearances (10 of those as a sub) – 1 goal, 4 assists (including a game where he spent time as the goalkeeper after Green was red carded. He managed to shut out the rest of the game).

In between then he has made 6 sub appearances and one start for Arsenal. But what a start it was! A 120 minute game in the 1-4 victory against our bitter rivals Tottenham in the third round of the Carling Cup. Lansbury lined up on the right wing scoring the first goal of the match with a lovely tap in after some great anticipation.

For those who don’t remember here is the video:

He later described the moment as “like a dream.” It was the sort of midfield tap in goal that we haven’t seen since the likes of Flamini, and it was great to see a midfielder get into that position.

After the match Arsene had this to say:

“Henri Lansbury is a type of player who I rate because of his qualities, but as well his mental strength, the timing of his runs. He gives you qualities that are very difficult to find in the modern game. He goes always behind [the defence] and he has the timing to get in the box and scores goals from midfield. He is showing that again the other night when you see the cross coming in, who is on the move? It’s Henri. I like his attitude, his spirit, his mental strength and of course his qualities. He has not played for a while; he played with cramps until the last minute [against Spurs] and has a fantastic team attitude. I rate him and I like him.”

Other comments Arsene has said in regards to Lansbury include:

• “Henri Lansbury is in a situation where I believe he will make a career,” said the manager. “At the moment it is a bit congested for him but I believe he has the talent to play for Arsenal Football Club.

“I have to give him a chance at some stage and as quickly as possible. I believe in him. But if I honestly believe he will not play this season or has no chance to compete for a position I will tell him and let him go.”

• “For me, Lansbury will be an Arsenal player,” said Wenger. “He is doing extremely well [on loan].”

Arsene clearly believes in Lansbury and Lansbury is willing to do what it takes to get into this Arsenal team. After the Tottenham game he said:

“Obviously I’m pushing for a place every week, that’s why I want to be in the first team. I’ve just got to keep working hard in training and hopefully I’ll get my chance.

“It was good to get on the score sheet and it was a great performance from our team.

“Coming into a London derby is a great experience. Seeing the tempo of how the first team play – I just want to get involved in that.

“To come here and win is always a great time for the fans. We put on a show tonight for them.”

The talent is there (regular in England’s Under-21 team including a brace recently against Belgium), the will and passion is evident, but will Lansbury get his chance to prove himself? Wilshere got his chance and he grabbed it, Ramsey is getting his chance now (just how well he’s done depends on who you ask. But that debate has talked about too much for some people to bear), and Diaby is struggling fitness wise with only 25 appearances (8 of those as a sub) in all competitions over the last two seasons.

The 2009 FA Youth Cup winning team was as follows:

Starting:

Shea (young keeper working his way up)

Eastmond (loan –  Wycombe Wanderers)

Bartley (loan – Rangers)

Ayling (realesed)

Cruise (released)

Lansbury (loan – WHU)

Wilshere (injured, but very much a first teamer)

JET (sold – Ipswich Town)

Coquelin (come into the picture this season and bidding his time)

Watt (loan – Crawley)

Sunu (sold – Lorient)

Subs:

Murphy (loan – Preston North End)

Mann (sold – Crystal Palace)

Henderson (back after a long injury lay off)

Ozyakup (exciting prospect)

Evina (released)

Which way will Henri Lansbury go? Will he leave like others have from that team? Or will he take the next step and become a regular Arsenal player? After his loan spell we shall see! Personally i hope he is given his chance in the pre-season games and as a starter in cup matches. I love how Lansbury goes about it, he is a fighter with Parlour like attributes. I would rather Lansbury take Diaby’s squad position until he gets his fitness back on track. Having another Arsenal fan in the squad like Jenkinson would be great to see, they give you something extra, a passion that is unrivalled. Hopefully he can carry his Arsenal dream further, and we can help support him along the way.

Written by oz gunner