While I know that pre-season games do not allow one to form definitive judgements on players, they do provide a few clues and the following players stood out for me:
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox featured in midfield and was a busy player. Against Indonesia he was on the wing, but I believe he’ll get more playing time in midfield this season. Scored a nice goal.
Theo Walcott. Theo set up Chamberlain’s goal, but otherwise he had an awful game, squandering three or four gilt edged chances. We need him to be more clinical up front.
Olivier Giroud. Three goals and he’ll be happy with his performance. The first goal had lots of power, although the goalkeeper should have kept it out, the second goal was a thing of beauty, placed in the top corner, and the third was a delicate chip over the advancing goalkeeper.
Lukas Podolski. Spurned the easiest chance of the day by passing instead to nobody. Another shot hit the post and he headed just over the crossbar.
Chuba Akpom. Maybe Chuba will be our new centre forward this season. Two goals in the second half, although he should have had two more.
Jack Wilshere. What I liked seeing Jack do was gliding past defenders the way he can. Looked very good in his brief outing.
Aaron Ramsey. Aaron should play against Southeast Asian teams all the time. He oozes confidence and is happy to try some trickery that he never tries in the Premier League!
Tomas Rosicky. It’s good to see Tomas fit and healthy. He was very good against Indonesia and he had a solid outing against Vietnam.
Gedion Zelalem. Young, but with an eye for the pass. Against Indonesia he made two delicious through passes. Against Vietnam he again made several mouth watering passes. A tidy player who was busier than he was in the first game. One to watch.
Bacary Sagna. Sagna played in the centre of defence and was outstanding. Perhaps this is where he’ll end up one day, similar to Eric Abidal, although he should be a little taller.
Those were the most noteworthy players out on the pitch. The team now travels to Japan to complete their Asian tour against better opposition. We should know more about just how good the present day squad is and whether they can compete for the title.