One of the special story of this week, return of ‘Kieran James Ricardo Gibbs’ back to his boyhood club ‘Arsenal’.
Kieran Gibbs is an Arsenal academy product. He joined Arsenal’s academy in 2004 basically playing as left winger and central midfielder. Gibbs featured for Arsenal youth teams and reserves on routine basis. He was poised to become ‘future’ of Arsenal with his pace and potential.
In 2007, Kieran Gibbs signed a professional contract with Arsenal Football Club.
31 October 2007 – Gibbs made his first team debut for Arsenal starting against Sheffield United in League Cup. In the following winter window, Gibbs joined Championship club Norwich City on loan until the end of season.
He came a long way after about a decade, when Gibbs was handed ‘Captain’ armband in 2016-17 EFL fixture against Nottingham Forest at City Ground.
Gibbs was clearly first choice left-back for Arsenal until Nacho Monreal took over the reigns and benched him regularly. But, Kieran Gibbs is an Arsenal guy, an Arsenal product who has earned Supporters respect, Manager’s and support staff respect.
The surroundings will be familiar for Kieran Gibbs when he plays at Emirates Stadium. No..No..everything won’t be familiar for him, Gibbs will be heading to ‘Away changing room’ when he arrives back home.
On 30 August 2017, it was announced that West Bromwich Albion have signed Kieran Gibbs on a four-year deal which is believed to be costing in between £7-£10 million.
Gibbs has spent 13 years at Arsenal.
Making 230 appearances.
When and Where?
Emirates Stadium hosts the fixture between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion on late Monday night kickoff.
Arsene Wenger faced media for pre-match press conference and here is what he had to say about Gibbs returning back to Emirates.
“It will strange to see him in a different shirt because he is a player who has been educated here from a very young age,” said Arsene Wenger.
“I am sure that he will have great motivation and will have a huge influence at West Brom, and it can give another push to his career.
“He has become an English international here. He has made a good career here and I believe that Arsenal is very proud for that and Kieran Gibbs can be proud.
“What happened to Kieran Gibbs is he had been bothered a few times when he was in front of other players. Many times he was a regular player here, but he had some fitness worries as well and that stopped him here.”
Team News:
Arsenal will be without Danny Welbeck, who is fresh in the injury list. He will be sidelined for about three weeks.
Jack Wilshere is back in contention for the Premier League with Arsene Wenger hinting his return to PL in Arsenal badge.Mesut Ozil is available after missing Chelsea fixture at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
Olivier Bruke, Jake Livermore and Chris Brunt are all doubtful for Monday clash. But no serious injury concerns for Tony Pulis.
Match Facts:
Gareth Barry will surpass Ryan Giggs for the highest appearances in the Premier League.
Tony Pulis has lost every game he has managed at Emirates Stadium.
Lacazette have scored in both of his appearances at Emirates Stadium.
Probable XI:
Arsenal:
Cech
Mustafi
Koscielny
Monreal
Bellerin
Xhaka
Ramsey
Kolasinac
Ozil
Lacazette
Giroud
West Brom:
Foster
Dawson
Hegazi
Evans
Gibbs
Krychowiak
Barry
Brunt
Morrison
Phillips
Rodriguez
