Frontline Football Blog

The media can't seem to find the superlatives for the fleeting cameo Cesc Fabregas gave for Arsenal yesterday as they overcame an inform Aston Villa 3-0.

With the scores level, the Spaniard arose from the bench to win and score a sumptuous free-kick before sealing the game with a confident finish after been set up by Theo Walcott.

Fabregas then returned to the bench after aggravating his hamstring injury before the imperious Abou Diaby made it three with a storming solo goal.

A young man with pace to burn who causes fear in opposition defenders or simply a guy with pace to burn?

Since joining Arsenal in 2006, Walcott has often threatened to fulfil his supposed promise but all the Gunner faithful and England supporters have witnessed are cameos and snippets.

His brace at Birmingham, run at Anfield, and hat-trick against Croatia now seem lost to a mirage of "he's injury-prone," he's "got no confidence," he "just ain't any good."

For many of the bigger sides it is an opportunity to give some of the younger and reserve players a run out in competitive games.

To many, Arsenal are the forerunners in giving youth its chance and this season will be no different.

Speaking after the victory over Wigan at the weekend, Arsene Wenger said his aim is to combine youth and experience.

Not exactly a great start, nor a terrible one either. There is a long way to go in the Premier League yet and with Chelsea and Manchester City the only undefeated sides to date, one can count on it been a good race this season.

Whether Arsenal will be in the race or not is another matter.

Two defeats to date isn't ideal but shouldn't raise panic stations among Arsenal supporters just yet.

This morning at Arsenal's annual pre-season summer camp in Austria, French international Samir Nasri suffered a fractured right fibula which could put him out of action for up to three months.

Considering that Tomas Rosicky got a "short-term injury" and only returned on Saturday against Barnet after an 18 month lay off, I'll not hold my breath.

In the last number of transfer windows, Arsenal have been accused of being too slow in their dealings and missing out on key players as a result.

However, so far this summer Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been quick to address the first team's defensive frailties with the signing of Belgian international Tomas Vermaelen.

It is as expected the 23-year-old Belgian international and former Ajax skipper Tomas Vermaelen.

Vermaelen has been linked with the Gunners for the last number of weeks and has spoken of his joy at joining the North London side. With neither Arsene Wenger or either club denying the claims, it always seemed a matter of when and not if.

The club's official website claim the deal to be "long term" and "undisclosed", however many believe it to be a four-year contract worth in the region of £10 million.

Nicklas Bendtner falling out of a nightclub at 3 AM in the morning with his jeans around his ankles.

Half the Tottenham team seemingly incapable of finding anyone else to sleep with but Danielle Lloyd.

The flash cars, big houses, lavish lifestyles, swish holidays, continuous nights on the tiles.

So go the stories about footballers that fill space not on the back but front sections of today's tabloids.

'Victoria Concordia Crescit'. Translation: 'Victory grows out of harmony.'

The motto of Arsenal Football Club and one that adorned the club's crest for many years. However, one has to ask just where is the harmony at Arsenal in recent years? Per chance is this the cause of a lack of trophies?

From this Arsenal fans perspective there is a distinct lack of harmony between the Arsenal board, manager Arsene Wenger and the fans.