They think it’s all over for Frimpong at Arsenal

Ahead of Arsenal’s 3rd round Capital One Cup game vs West Brom at the Hawthorns, Arsenal announced the official travelling squad on their website. There were a few surprise absences as well as a few surprise inclusions however ultimately the majority of the team is nothing more than expected. It was a slight surprise to see the exclusion of Koscielny, but the likes of Wilshere, Ozil and Ramsey were always likely to miss out on the trip. One player who caught my eye that wasn’t on the list, was Emmanuel Frimpong. Things seem to have gone from bad to worse for the Ghanaian, who despite making such rapid progress through the youth team ranks at the club; he has never really managed to make his way into the Arsenal first team. There looked like some hope for Frimpong when he became an active member of the Arsenal first team in 2011, however his sending off against Liverpool, seemed to knock him back to reserves again. He then never really made his way back up again and ended up spending respective loan periods at both Wolves and Fulham. His return to the club this summer after his latest stint at Fulham meant nothing to anyone associated with the Gunners and ultimately everyone expected him to be pushed out of the exit door! However further concerns about his fitness seem to be the main reason behind why his expected departure never quite materialised. This game vs. West Brom was the ideal opportunity to see if Frimpong could still make it with the Gunners. He made his way up with the likes of Wilshere, Ramsey and Walcott but hasn’t quite made the same progress in the first team that they have. A good game tonight could have saved his soul with the Gunners, however with the player now getting old for a fringe youth player, concerns over fitness, an aggressive nature, and final contract concerns, I don’t think we will see Frimpong’s career with Arsenal lasting for much longer.