Arsenal 1-1 AC Milan: Old Weaknesses Cost Arsenal Victory

Good morning to you, the first day of Emirates Cup yielded two pretty entertaining games. In the first match, Celtic came back from two down to secure an unlikely draw against a far superior Lyon team.

The highlight of that game had to be the opening goal. Michel Bastos scored a blistering free kick into the top corner, a totally unstoppable thunderbolt, and friendly or not, it was probably one of the best free kicks I've ever seen.

After a well-worked second goal for Lyon, the result looked beyond doubt. Credit where it's due, though, Celtic didn't give up, kept plugging away and were rewarded with the goal that made the game a contest again, and minutes later were rewarded yet further with a dramatic equaliser.

So, with a highly entertaining first game out of the way, it was time for the main event as Arsenal and AC Milan made their way to the pitch.

It was a significant step up in the calibre of pre-season opposition for Arsenal and some of the young players like Wilshere and Frimpong seemed to find it harder going, which is of course completely understandable.

Wilshere particularly showed that he is human after all by getting caught on possession on two or three occasions.

More impressive for Arsenal were the new boys. I'm of course aware of the need not to read too much into what is still a pre-season friendly, but I was thoroughly impressed with Marouane Chamakh.

Chamakh looked sharp for the duration of his time on the pitch, and he seems to bring much more than just being a big man up front to the team. He was quick thinking, creative and looked very dangerous the whole time.

That he scored the first goal then, was no surprise. He and Arshavin seemed to strike up an instant understanding and it was Arshavin who played him in for a delightful finish just after the half hour.

Hopefully the first of many for Chamakh at the Grove.

At the back, Laurent Koscielny looked tidy and solid. I still think he could do with bulking up a bit, but he did well against tough opposition yesterday.

It looks like he and Vermaelen will be first choice for the new season, so it was good to see them combine well yesterday.

Speaking of Vermaelen, I couldn't help but think that the captain's armband suited him. With the departure of so many defenders this summer, he is now the senior figure in defence.

He seems to have all the attributes to be a good leader, and though the armband will be staying with Fabregas on a permanent basis and rightly so, we have need of a good leader and a good organiser in defence. Vermaelen could tick those boxes for us.

The only blemish on what was an afternoon with plenty for Arsenal to be positive about was the Milan equaliser. It was, to say the least, a soft goal. Pato was allowed to get on the end of a cross far too easily for a straightforward finish.

A familiar story, I think most Arsenal fans would agree, and something the team needs to work hard on in the build up to the new season.

Still, that one disappointing moment shouldn't overshadow a positive afternoon for Arsenal. The team performance was good (even if the first half was a bit pedestrian in places), some individuals did well in their own right, and there looked to be a lot to be encouraged by.

Lukasz Fabianski had a good 90 minutes in goal. I know the sight of him between the sticks is enough to cause some Arsenal fans heart problems (myself included), however there's no getting away from the fact that until we sign a new keeper, Fabianski seems to be the No. 1.

The Arsenal fans were behind Fabianski yesterday, and when he did well, he was given generous applause by the crowd, which is the role a crowd can play.

If a player is struggling for confidence like Fabianski has been, vocal support can make a real difference. If Fabianski ends up playing in goal for a few more games, then I hope that sort of support continues.

So, the end of Day One in the Emirates Cup and the tournament is well poised. Lyon and Celtic both have three points due to the point for a goal system. Behind that, Arsenal and Milan are on two points each.

You'd fancy Lyon vs. Milan to be a tight game normally, but of course in pre-season anything can happen.

But if it is a low scoring game, or a draw particularly, then a good Arsenal win over Celtic should be enough to secure the cup.

Not much other news today. Arsene Wenger had plenty to say on a variety if subjects after the game. Most importantly, he confirmed that he wants Jack Wilshere to stay with Arsenal for the coming season, which is good news.

Wilshere looks like he has plenty to offer the team, and we don't want to be giving good players away on loan.

The boss also called on Cesc Fabregas to clear the air over the recent speculation over a move to Barcelona. To be honest, as long as he comes back and works hard and plays well, a public declaration of loyalty isn't that important to me.

Barcelona will keep talking either way. I can see why people might want him to confirm his commitment to the Arsenal cause, but I'm not that bothered. I don't doubt the commitment or professionalism of Cesc Fabregas.

So that's your lot for today. Enjoy the games later and I'll be back tomorrow.