Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stressed that the Gunners want to get back into the title race, and that the only way they can do so is by winning their game on Sunday against current Premier League leaders Chelsea, who have a ten-point lead over Wenger's side.
Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Chelsea counterpart for whom Wenger has a great deal of respect, does not accept that victory for the Blues this weekend would effectively knock Arsenal out of the hunt. The Brazilian insists that English football is so competitive that a team can be 15 points behind with five games to go and still not be ruled out of contention.
Most pundits favour the Blues to beat the under-fire Gunners - and in turn many fans and neutrals feel that if Chelsea do manage to open up a 13-point gap on their London rivals before the start of December, Arsenal might as well start concentrating on the cups.
Wenger has admitted that head-to-head confrontations with fellow 'Big Four' members become critical when you are as far off the pace as Arsenal find themselves. But Scolari acknowledges that Wenger's team play good football, and feels it will be a difficult game for Chelsea to win, although he is looking forward to pitting his wits against his old friend, who was coaching with him in Japan in the mid-1990s.
Scolari said this week of Wenger: "I like him as a coach. If I chose five coaches in the world as the best, he'd be one of the five.
"I watched their game against Manchester United and it was one of the best games in the Premier League. This game against Chelsea will be like that as well."
Where’s The Consistency?
There are parallels with that Arsenal-United game three weekends ago. The scenario was similar in that the Gunners were about to entertain the champions on the back of five dropped points in their previous two League games - a draw against Tottenham and a defeat at Stoke. Arsenal responded by beating United 2-1 at the Emirates in a classic, and were hailed as having turned a corner.
But it proved to be a false dawn, as they went to be well-beaten in their next two League games, at home to Aston Villa and away to Manchester City, failing to score in either contest. Those two matches were sandwiched between cup victories: the young Gunners beat Wigan 3-0 in the Carling Cup before the seniors came back in and lost to Villa; and a patched-up team beat Dynamo Kiev in midweek to clinch Arsenal's progress into the knock-out stages of the Champions League for the sixth season running.
Chelsea's results over the same period were not entirely convincing: they went of the Carling Cup at home to Championship side Burnley on penalties, had a comfortable 3-0 win at West Bromwich and were then held to draws by Newcastle United at home and Bordeaux away.
Nevertheless, Chelsea's Premier League form is fairly impressive: they are unbeaten in their last five league games, in which they have not conceded a single goal. Their last defeat did, though, come at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool - and ended their remarkable 86-match unbeaten League run at home. Their previous home defeat had been in February 2004 - and was inflicted by the Gunners on their way to title.
However, since losing to Liverpool, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side have netted 13 goals in their five subsequent League games, so Arsenal will be facing a near-watertight defence and a potent attack, on Chelsea's own patch. Formidable? Yes - Wenger's team have managed just one win in their last five League matches, though it was against United. And their last win at the Bridge was that 2-1 success back in 2004, when Claudio Ranieri was in charge of Chelsea and the likes of Patrick Vieira, who scored Arsenal's first goal, was striding imperiously through the midfield.
The Gunners were unbeaten in the League in that 2003-04, and only lost three times last season, when they finished third; but already they've suffered five defeats in the current campaign, with last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City particularly demoralising, especially in the wake of the William Gallas affair. But at least Arsenal rediscovered the winning touch by beating Dynamo Kiev last Tuesday, even if it did take a goal from Nicklas Bendtner three minutes from time to deliver victory.
Chelsea, who stuttered last weekend as Newcastle held them to a draw, failed to bounce back convincingly in Europe on Wednesday when Bordeaux equalised to deny them three points in Group A of the Champions League. It was a fraught night for the Blues in France: the draw saw them slip to second place and means they must now beat Cluj in their final group match to be sure of reaching the knock-out stages of a competition they desperately want to win. To compound their frustration, they had midfielder Frank Lampard sent off for two bookable offences. In contrast the Gunners, under the new on-pitch leadership of Cesc Fabregas, booked their place in the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Sunday's game will pit Arsenal against the team with the strongest attack and the tightest defence in the Premier League - reflected in Chelsea's goal difference of plus-28. Arsenal's is only plus-seven, with the Gunners having conceded 18 goals already compared with Chelsea's four. Indeed, the Blues have kept clean sheets in 14 of the last 21 Premier League games, and conceded just one goal in each of the other seven. They are also the only professional team in England not to have conceded a goal in the second-half of a league game this season - and they boast the best Premier League record in calendar year 2008, having won 23 matches, drawn eight and lost one, collecting 77 points from their 32 games.
Yet although Arsenal's recent record against the Blues is not brilliant - one win in 12 games in all competitions and no wins at the Bridge for four years - Chelsea have lost more games (15), conceded more goals (47) and dropped more points (67) against Arsenal than against any other club in the Premier League.
FORM GUIDE
Chelsea
26 Nov (Champions League) v Bordeaux (A) DREW 1-1
22 Nov (Premier League) v Newcastle (H) DREW 0-0
15 Nov (Premier League) v West Brom (A) WON 3-0
12 Nov (Carling Cup) v Burnley (H) DREW 1-1 (lost 4-5 on penalties)
09 Nov (Premier League) v Blackburn (A) WON 2-0
04 Nov (Champions League) v Roma (A) LOST 1-3
Arsenal
25 Nov (Champions League) v Dynamo Kiev (H) WON 1-0
22 Nov (Premier League) v Man City (A) LOST 0-3
15 Nov (Premier League) v Aston Villa (H) LOST 0-2
11 Nov (Carling Cup) v Wigan (H) WON 3-0
08 Nov (Premier League) v Man Utd (H) WON 2-1
05 Nov (Champions League) v Fenerbahce (H) DREW 0-0
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea
Luiz Felipe Scolari will be without striker Didier Drogba, serving a suspension following his Carling Cup coin-throwing incident.
Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho could return from a knee injury on Sunday, in which case Scolari would have relegate one of his deputies - Branislav Ivanovic or Alex - to the substitutes' bench.
Michael Essien (knee), Juliano Belletti (ankle) and Franco di Santo (hamstring) are all unavailable, and Joe Cole could miss out after injuring an ankle against Bordeaux.
Squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Alex, Terry, Ivanovic, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Deco, Ballack, Obi, Kalou, Malouda, Anelka, Sinclair, Stoch, J Cole.
Last Starting XI (v Bordeaux): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel, Joe Cole (Ferreira 85), Ballack, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka (Drogba 63).
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Bridge, Kalou, Alex, Stoch.
Arsenal
There was some good news on Friday for Arsenal in terms of players recovering from injury, with striker Emmanuel Adebayor, midfielder Samir Nasri and right-back Bacary Sagna all passed fit to play after missing recent games. But Theo Walcott (shoulder), Eduardo da Silva (broken leg) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) remain sidelined, while Abou Diaby (abdominal strain), Kolo Toure (calf) and Emmanuel Eboue (knee) miss out.
Squad: Almunia, Sagna, Silvestre, Gallas, Clichy, Nasri, Denilson, Fabregas, Vela, van Persie, Adebayor, Fabianski, Song, Djourou, Ramsey, Bendtner, Gibbs, Hoyte, Wilshere.
Last Starting XI (v Dynamo Kiev): Almunia, Djourou, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Ramsey (Bendtner 68), Vela (Wilshere 77), Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Gibbs, Hoyte, Merida, Simpson.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chelsea
Nicolas Anelka, 29, has scored eight goals in his last five Premier League appearances and is the top-scoring Premier League player, having netted 14 goals in all competitions for the Blues. He leads the way in the race for the Barclays Golden Boot with 12 Premier League goals, and needs just two more to reach the milestone of 100 Premier League goals (Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea). Anelka will be facing his former club, for whom he made 90 appearances (65 in the League) and scored 28 goals (23 league) between March 1997 and August 1999. He recently said he left the Gunners (to join Real Madrid) in 1999 just to spite the Arsenal fans, whom he felt didn't value him highly enough. The will no doubt let him know what they think of that, while he would love nothing better than to score against the club that gave him his break in English football.
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger replaced Anelka with Thierry Henry, who went on to become the club's all-time top scorer. Robin van Persie is one of the players seeking to assume Henry's mantle, and if he lines up at kick-off on Sunday it will be his 100th start for the Gunners. The Dutchman recently scored his 50th goal for the club so his strike rate is not at all bad. He will be a threat to Chelsea if they concede any free-kicks within firing range. But he will need to keep his temper in check as he can be hot-headed: he recently completed a three-match ban following a rush of blood to the head at Stoke. However, if Van Persie focuses on the football, he could be a key man for Arsenal.
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Friday, 28 November 2008
Arsenal Chairman: Wenger Has Money, We Want The Champions League
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Woods confirms that Arsene Wenger will have a plenty of money to spend in january's transfer market.
Arsenal are still enduring a turbulent period, having replaced shamed skipper William Gallas with youngster Cesc Fabregas amid claims of dressing room rifts and having fallen away in the Premier League title race already.
Now is the time of the season when most managers are submitting their transfer wish-lists and demanding their allowance of euros. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, though, isn't one for retail therapy.
Chairman Peter Hill-Wood knows the Frenchman won't go mental in the January sales, if he goes at all. Thus, it's easy to back the frugal gaffer who is harly known as a spendthrift.
Hill-Wood told the club's official website: "Will there be money? Absolutely. There have been suggestions that we keep stopping him from buying - that is not the case.
"He's very sensible with the way he approaches the transfer market, he's not going to buy anybody just because the press or fans say he should.
"He's only going to buy somebody if he thinks they're going to improve what is a young squad but a very talented one.
"He certainly has got money if he wants to spend it."
Laying his revised cards on the table - you can bet he wanted the title in pre-season - Hill-Wood is now targeting European glory, having escaped the Champions League group stages in midweek.
He continued: "I certainly want to finish in the top four in the league, and perhaps (win) the Champions League.
"That would be very nice."
Indeed, Liverpool have shown that you don't need domestic consistency to bag the major continental prize in recent times.
William Gallas: Chelsea Are Liars
The Gunners' disgraced ex-skipper has ensured he'll receive a fiery reception at Stamford Bridge this weekend, by branding his old club as 'mega-false'...
Arsenal will be hoping to put a week-and-a-bit of turmoil and controversy behind them when they skip across London to face Chelsea on Sunday.
At the centre of it all is William Gallas, who was removed from the club captaincy and temporarily banished from the first team after publicly criticising his team-mates.
However, the French defender's autobiography has done nothing to shift the focus. In a passage reprinted in The Sun, he blasted his former bosses at the Blues for falsifying the nature of his departure in 2006.
Chelsea infamously claimed that Gallas threatened to score for the opposition if he wasn't allowed to make the switch to Ashburton Grove.
But the 31-year-old said: “They ignored the truth. For them, I was a player who would score an own-goal.
“Who cared if I’d given them five years of my life, my passion, a Premier League title to share.
“They remembered only the mega-false version of their club. I was gutted.”
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Arsenal offering Fabregas a new contract?
New Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is to offered a new six-digit contract.
The decision to install Cesc Fabregas as permanent club captain was not that surprising considering the current perceived lack of leadership at the club.
Giving Fabregas the armband though may have been a political move from Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal management, as it could keep the playmaking midfielder in north London for an extra season or two, especially while heavyweight clubs in Spain continue publicly to court the 21-year-old.
The Sun are today reporting that Fabregas is set to become the club's highest earner as the Gunners are prepared to break the bank and offer the 2008 European Championship winner a £100,000-a-week contract.
It is a highly dubious decision considering the fact that he has been underperforming and has not even come close to the form that dazzled onlookers both at home and abroad last season.
Fabregas got his captaincy off to a winning start in midweek with a 1-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv at home. He will continue his tenure as on-field leader at Stamford Bridge when Arsenal visit Chelsea on Sunday.
Nicklas Bendtner Planning Fabulous Makeover
It takes a self-assured young man to wear pink boots whilst playing for an English club, let's be honest. A couple of prominent figures in the domestic game have raised eyebrows at the flamboyant footwear, which is being worn at a time of great turmoil in north London.
Still, football and entertainment can't grind to a half just because times are tough, and at least the striker was able to back up his flash with a winning goal in the Champions League against Dynamo Kyiv.
Speaking about his Nike Mercurial Vapor Rosa - officially labelled as 'berry' - the 20-year-old Dane gushed: "I love my pink boots! I’ve wanted to play in that colour ever since I was young.
“I’ve never seen anyone else playing in pink boots before - I think it’s an outstanding colour and looks amazing.
"I don’t think anyone at Arsenal is going to be able to compete with me on that front. I have reached the top of the outstanding boots."
Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery has the boots, too, for the record.
Musing his boot fetish, Bendtner added: "Diamond-encrusted boots... that's the only way they can beat me now.
"I have all my boots at home, every single colour that has been produced.
"Now I play in a pair with my name and the Danish flag on the side, so they are definitely my favourites."
Pink boots, William Gallas - that would have won back the dressing room and dazzled Arsene Wenger and avoided this entire captaincy catastrophe.
Meanwhile, according to The Mirror, Bendtner is a £5 million January target for Spartak Moscow, who still need to replace Roman Pavlyuchenko since he left for the Gunners' rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the transfer window.
Still, football and entertainment can't grind to a half just because times are tough, and at least the striker was able to back up his flash with a winning goal in the Champions League against Dynamo Kyiv.
Speaking about his Nike Mercurial Vapor Rosa - officially labelled as 'berry' - the 20-year-old Dane gushed: "I love my pink boots! I’ve wanted to play in that colour ever since I was young.
“I’ve never seen anyone else playing in pink boots before - I think it’s an outstanding colour and looks amazing.
"I don’t think anyone at Arsenal is going to be able to compete with me on that front. I have reached the top of the outstanding boots."
Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery has the boots, too, for the record.
Musing his boot fetish, Bendtner added: "Diamond-encrusted boots... that's the only way they can beat me now.
"I have all my boots at home, every single colour that has been produced.
"Now I play in a pair with my name and the Danish flag on the side, so they are definitely my favourites."
Pink boots, William Gallas - that would have won back the dressing room and dazzled Arsene Wenger and avoided this entire captaincy catastrophe.
Meanwhile, according to The Mirror, Bendtner is a £5 million January target for Spartak Moscow, who still need to replace Roman Pavlyuchenko since he left for the Gunners' rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the transfer window.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Bendtner puts Arsenal into second phase
Arsenal - Dynamo Kiev 1:0
The new Arsenal era under the leadership of 21-year-old Cesc Fabregas got underway at the Emirates against Dynamo Kiev with as much focus on the man he succeeded, William Gallas, as on the Catalan playmaker himself.
Manager Arsene Wenger, unable to call on eight injured first-teamers, selected a starting XI team that included youngsters Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela and Johan Djourou - and with a bench populated by five teenagers. If there was a somewhat unbalanced feel about the Gunners it might have been because there were seven left-footers in the line-up.
Once the action got under way, Dynamo's goalkeeper Stanislav Bogush needed to stand tall to deny Ramsey when the 17-year-old Welshman collected a Carlos Vela cross and fired a shot goalwards.
Dutchman Robin van Persie showed his threat from set-pieces when he fired in a free-kick from the right that Bogush did well to punch away from a crowded area.
Vela then did well on the left and sent in a cross that eluded a line of Kiev defenders before Ramsey raced onto it but could only lash it wide.
The busy Vela found Van Persie with another cross, but when the striker switched it to his favoured left foot to shoot, Bogush saved it, though the Dynamo keeper appeared not to feel confident about catching the ball, and had to collect it at the second attempt.
Arsenal were playing some neat football, but lacking a cutting edge, and Dynamo were organised and very solid in defence, showing why they have conceded relatively few goals in this European campaign.
The Gunners were missing Emmanuel Adebayor's forward runs and leadership of the line, and the counter-attacking wing speed and trickery of Theo Walcott, with Denilson peripheral on the flank.
Poor Gallas, who looked sombre and subdued, nearly made unwanted headlines shortly before half-time, when a lapse in concentration allowed the dangerous Ismael Bangura to dispossess him and burst through on goal but shoot rather than pass, clipping the outside of Almunia's post.
Van Persie responded by firing in another dangerous free-kick from the right that Mikael Silvestre got to before Bogush but could only knee the ball over the bar from point-blank range.
On the stroke of half-time Gallas flicked the ball into the net from a corner but the Kiev defence had moved out en masse and the ex-captain was left in an offside position, as the linesman's flag confirmed.
Arsenal had built a decent platform but struggled to knit things together in the final third, while Kiev showed flashes of why they are top in Ukraine.
Shortly after the start of the second-half, Fabregas took a free-kick from wide on the left and the ball broke to Van Persie who fired at goal, but the ball struck the hapless Gallas, who effectively but unwittingly blocked it just in front of the line.
It was a fairly disjointed start to the second period, but Dynamo looked more purposeful going forward, and Aliev blazed over before Bangoura fired a shot wide to give a warning to the London side.
Dynamo were playing at a higher tempo, with Aliev more influential. He fired at goal and Almunia had to smother it with Bangoura ready to snap up any loose ball.
Bogush punched a Fabregas corner clear and Dynamo broke quickly with four against three, but Gael Clichy did well to snuff out the danger. In central midfield, with Alexandre Song looking harrassed, Arsenal were struggling to wrest control, and their lack of a goal threat was giving Kiev encouragement.
In response, Wenger made his first change after 69 minutes, sending on the pink-booted Nicklas Bendtner for Ramsey.
A minute later, Aliev let himself down abysmally when, rolling around on the ground in apparent agony, he spotted that Kiev were launching an attack and leapt up like a hare to join in. Classic, but ugly, simulation, which he was lucky to get away with.
When the ill-at-ease Song brought down Artem Milevskiy, Wenger used the moment to send on Jack Wilshere for Vela, and so make Wilshere the youngest Arsenal player to appear in senior European competition.
From the resulting free-kick, Milevskiy had a chance to score but was superbly thwarted by the alert Almunia, who saved at point-blank range to give Arsenal a mighty reprieve.
And almost immediately after that, the Gunners scored the decisive goal.
After the referee stopped play so that Djourou could receive treatment, he restarted it with a dropped ball. Fabregas won it, and as Kiev players backed off, he hit a sublime long pass into the path of Bendtner, who chested it down, took it forward and shot low into the net between Bogush and his near post. The Kiev players were angry about the goal, but basically they lost concentration, fatally as it happened.
In their frustration, Aliyev was shown a straight red card for trying to manhandle the referee away from the ball in order to take a free-kick quickly.
The final whistle soon followed, with Arsenal safely through and the Fabregas era having begun on a winning note. The Gunners remain unbeaten at the Emirates in the Champions League, but must now prepare to meet Premier League leaders Chelsea in a major domestic clash...
Arsenal: Almunia, Djourou, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Ramsey, Vela, Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Wilshere, Bendtner, Gibbs, Hoyte, Merida, Simpson.
Dynamo Kiev: Bogush, Betao, Diakhate, Asatiani, El Kaddouri, Eremenko, Vukojevic, Ghioane, Aliev, Milevskiy, Bangoura.
Subs: Shovkovskiy, Dopilka, Sablic, Correa, Shatskikh, Cernat, Yarmolenko.
The new Arsenal era under the leadership of 21-year-old Cesc Fabregas got underway at the Emirates against Dynamo Kiev with as much focus on the man he succeeded, William Gallas, as on the Catalan playmaker himself.
Manager Arsene Wenger, unable to call on eight injured first-teamers, selected a starting XI team that included youngsters Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela and Johan Djourou - and with a bench populated by five teenagers. If there was a somewhat unbalanced feel about the Gunners it might have been because there were seven left-footers in the line-up.
Once the action got under way, Dynamo's goalkeeper Stanislav Bogush needed to stand tall to deny Ramsey when the 17-year-old Welshman collected a Carlos Vela cross and fired a shot goalwards.
Dutchman Robin van Persie showed his threat from set-pieces when he fired in a free-kick from the right that Bogush did well to punch away from a crowded area.
Vela then did well on the left and sent in a cross that eluded a line of Kiev defenders before Ramsey raced onto it but could only lash it wide.
The busy Vela found Van Persie with another cross, but when the striker switched it to his favoured left foot to shoot, Bogush saved it, though the Dynamo keeper appeared not to feel confident about catching the ball, and had to collect it at the second attempt.
Arsenal were playing some neat football, but lacking a cutting edge, and Dynamo were organised and very solid in defence, showing why they have conceded relatively few goals in this European campaign.
The Gunners were missing Emmanuel Adebayor's forward runs and leadership of the line, and the counter-attacking wing speed and trickery of Theo Walcott, with Denilson peripheral on the flank.
Poor Gallas, who looked sombre and subdued, nearly made unwanted headlines shortly before half-time, when a lapse in concentration allowed the dangerous Ismael Bangura to dispossess him and burst through on goal but shoot rather than pass, clipping the outside of Almunia's post.
Van Persie responded by firing in another dangerous free-kick from the right that Mikael Silvestre got to before Bogush but could only knee the ball over the bar from point-blank range.
On the stroke of half-time Gallas flicked the ball into the net from a corner but the Kiev defence had moved out en masse and the ex-captain was left in an offside position, as the linesman's flag confirmed.
Arsenal had built a decent platform but struggled to knit things together in the final third, while Kiev showed flashes of why they are top in Ukraine.
Shortly after the start of the second-half, Fabregas took a free-kick from wide on the left and the ball broke to Van Persie who fired at goal, but the ball struck the hapless Gallas, who effectively but unwittingly blocked it just in front of the line.
It was a fairly disjointed start to the second period, but Dynamo looked more purposeful going forward, and Aliev blazed over before Bangoura fired a shot wide to give a warning to the London side.
Dynamo were playing at a higher tempo, with Aliev more influential. He fired at goal and Almunia had to smother it with Bangoura ready to snap up any loose ball.
Bogush punched a Fabregas corner clear and Dynamo broke quickly with four against three, but Gael Clichy did well to snuff out the danger. In central midfield, with Alexandre Song looking harrassed, Arsenal were struggling to wrest control, and their lack of a goal threat was giving Kiev encouragement.
In response, Wenger made his first change after 69 minutes, sending on the pink-booted Nicklas Bendtner for Ramsey.
A minute later, Aliev let himself down abysmally when, rolling around on the ground in apparent agony, he spotted that Kiev were launching an attack and leapt up like a hare to join in. Classic, but ugly, simulation, which he was lucky to get away with.
When the ill-at-ease Song brought down Artem Milevskiy, Wenger used the moment to send on Jack Wilshere for Vela, and so make Wilshere the youngest Arsenal player to appear in senior European competition.
From the resulting free-kick, Milevskiy had a chance to score but was superbly thwarted by the alert Almunia, who saved at point-blank range to give Arsenal a mighty reprieve.
And almost immediately after that, the Gunners scored the decisive goal.
After the referee stopped play so that Djourou could receive treatment, he restarted it with a dropped ball. Fabregas won it, and as Kiev players backed off, he hit a sublime long pass into the path of Bendtner, who chested it down, took it forward and shot low into the net between Bogush and his near post. The Kiev players were angry about the goal, but basically they lost concentration, fatally as it happened.
In their frustration, Aliyev was shown a straight red card for trying to manhandle the referee away from the ball in order to take a free-kick quickly.
The final whistle soon followed, with Arsenal safely through and the Fabregas era having begun on a winning note. The Gunners remain unbeaten at the Emirates in the Champions League, but must now prepare to meet Premier League leaders Chelsea in a major domestic clash...
Arsenal: Almunia, Djourou, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Ramsey, Vela, Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Wilshere, Bendtner, Gibbs, Hoyte, Merida, Simpson.
Dynamo Kiev: Bogush, Betao, Diakhate, Asatiani, El Kaddouri, Eremenko, Vukojevic, Ghioane, Aliev, Milevskiy, Bangoura.
Subs: Shovkovskiy, Dopilka, Sablic, Correa, Shatskikh, Cernat, Yarmolenko.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Arsene Wenger: Arsenal Won't Go Under
Gunners boss Wenger has taken a dig at his big-spending rivals, insisting the club is financially fine even if they're struggling for points...
With Arsenal lying fifth in the standings after Saturday's crushing defeat to Manchester City, questions are once more being asked regarding the wisdom of Arsene Wenger's low-budget management style.
But the Frenchman told The Sun: "This club has been pushed into the 21st Century with a new training ground, a new stadium, a young team, and is in a very healthy financial situation contrary to many teams we fight against.
"In a points situation we are not ideal but don’t worry. The most important thing is to win the next game.
"But we go towards a world where our healthy financial situation is there with a new team living in a new stadium which will be much more important than anything else."
The Gunners' trophy case has been gathering dust over the past few years while Wenger has set about building a dream-team of young, skillful and relatively inexpensive superstars.
Many believe the former Monaco boss missed a trick in the summer when he opted not to splash out on a replacement for departed midfielders Gilberto Silva and Mathieu Flamini.
But 'The Professor', who has a Master's degree in economics, has responded by warning of the impact the ongoing credit crunch will have on big spenders like Manchester City and Chelsea.
"They still live in dreamland and are spending more money but you don’t know what kind of world we are facing in the next 12 or 16 months," Wenger said.
"You can always say you need to win every game. But we are in a global situation which is very, very positive."
Monday, 24 November 2008
Fabregas is a new captain
Young Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas today became a captain of our favorite football club. This afternoon he said that it is an honour to lead one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Making dressing-room rifts public knowledge while coincidentally publicising his new book was the beginning of the end of William Gallas' tenure as Arsenal captain. The Frenchman was relieved of his duties on Friday afternoon.
Number one goalkeeper Manuel Almunia led the team out during the weekend's 3-0 Premier League loss against Manchester City, but Arsene Wenger today told journalists that Cesc Fabregas would be made permanent captain.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the club's midweek Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv, Wenger was asked about Fabregas' reaction when he was told that he would skipper the club he first joined as a 16-year old only five years ago.
Wenger bluntly said: "This subject is now closed, I don't think I need to give you much more information. You need to respect the privacy of the team."
Honour
This afternoon though the Spanish playmaking midfielder revealed to the club's official website that it is a "great honour" to be given the armband.
"It is a great honour for me to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world," Fabregas said.
"It is a proud moment," he added. "I know it's a big responsibility but together with my team-mates I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential."
Arsenal host Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday evening before making the short trip across London to take on league leaders Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
William Gallas has been recalled for the Champions League encounter.
Eduardo comes back
Croatian striker very soon will be with the first team, recovering from the horrific leg break
Eduardo da Silva has not played since the double-compound fracture sustained in February against Birmingham City.
Blues defender Martin Taylor's 'horror-challenge' will be remembered by most fans as the tackle that almost ended Eduardo's career.
Fortunately however, Eduardo's recovery has stunned the Arsenal medical team, and he seems in line for a return to the squad soon after training for the last couple of weeks to regain his fitness.
Croatia were also starved of the striker's talents during EURO 2008 in the summer, and will also gratefully welcome his return as they prepare for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
The 25-year-old striker was due to return on December 1 in a reserve team match against Tottenham, but this game was cancelled as it clashes with the Carling Cup tie at Burnley.
He will play for the reserves on December 16 against Portsmouth and will be assessed closely by the Arsenal medical team, who will then make a decision on when to start using him again in the Premier League.
More worrying news for Arsenal fans is midfielder Tomas Rosicky, as it is not known when he will play again.
Rosicky suffered a knee injury before the end of last season, and also missed the EURO 2008 competition in Austra/Switzerland, and manager Arsene Wenger has said that he will be lucky if he plays at all this year.
His agent and brother Jin Rosicky spoke to the News Of The World, saying, "I haven’t a clue when he is going to play again. I just don’t know."
Eduardo da Silva has not played since the double-compound fracture sustained in February against Birmingham City.
Blues defender Martin Taylor's 'horror-challenge' will be remembered by most fans as the tackle that almost ended Eduardo's career.
Fortunately however, Eduardo's recovery has stunned the Arsenal medical team, and he seems in line for a return to the squad soon after training for the last couple of weeks to regain his fitness.
Croatia were also starved of the striker's talents during EURO 2008 in the summer, and will also gratefully welcome his return as they prepare for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
The 25-year-old striker was due to return on December 1 in a reserve team match against Tottenham, but this game was cancelled as it clashes with the Carling Cup tie at Burnley.
He will play for the reserves on December 16 against Portsmouth and will be assessed closely by the Arsenal medical team, who will then make a decision on when to start using him again in the Premier League.
More worrying news for Arsenal fans is midfielder Tomas Rosicky, as it is not known when he will play again.
Rosicky suffered a knee injury before the end of last season, and also missed the EURO 2008 competition in Austra/Switzerland, and manager Arsene Wenger has said that he will be lucky if he plays at all this year.
His agent and brother Jin Rosicky spoke to the News Of The World, saying, "I haven’t a clue when he is going to play again. I just don’t know."
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Arsenal ultimatum: Gallas apologize....
Arsenal board has made an ultimatum for their former captain William Gallas, he must apologise for his recent comments or he can leave a club...
The Frenchman was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy on Friday following remarks made to the press about his team mates and was also dropped for yesterday’s trip to Manchester City, which the Gunners lost 0-3.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refused to discuss his former captain after the game and the defender’s future at the club currently looks unclear.
The News of the World reports that Gallas was furious when informed he was no longer captain, a role he cherished.
“Gallas went ballistic when he was told by Wenger he had lost the captaincy and the row escalated from there,” the paper quotes a ‘source’ as saying.
“He loved being captain. It was the first time in his career he had held the role as a captain. He wanted to remain as captain”
The paper goes on to claim that the defender must apologise to Wenger and his team mates if he is to remain a Gunner.
It states, “He will find it difficult to apologise for his behaviour, which is the only thing he can do to play for the club again.”
Of course Gallas has courted controversy throughout his career and this is not the first time he has clashed with the club’s hierarchy.
Yet the paper suggests that Arsenal have become tired of Gallas’ antics and that Wenger, in particular, has lost patience with his compatriot.
“Arsene is not happy with him. He had stuck by him and publicly defended him many times but this has been the final straw,” added the source.
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Title bids died?
Manchester City - Arsenal 3:0
City totally outclassed north London side. This result is a real clue what happened today and the result could be even higher. Arsenal side was lacking creativity, cohesion....
After the game got off to a poor start, Manchester City took the gae by the scruff of the neck to inflict a rare but convincing 3-0 defeat on woeful Arsenal, whose season is fast coming apart at the seams. The excellent Stephen Ireland got on the score-sheet again, and was joined by Robinho, who netted superbly, then Daniel Sturridge, who scored a late penalty after coming off the bench.
The build-up to the game was dominated by internal strife at Arsenal, where manager Arsene Wenger decided to strip William Gallas of the captaincy and leave him behind in London, out of the squad altogrther after the player criticised his team-mates through the media this week. Emmanuel Adebayor was also missing after picking up an injury while playing for Togo against Rwanda in midweek, as was winger Theo Walcott, who dislocated a shoulder during an England training session.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, making his 100th appearance for the Gunners, was handed the captain's armband by Wenger, who wasalso without the suspended Cesc Fabregas abd injured Bacary Sagna. In came Gavin Hoyte, Johan Djourou, Alex Song and Robin van Persie.
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, under pressure himself, made just one change, with Richard Dunne replacing Tal Ben-Haim, because goalkeeper Joe Hart, who had been expected to be out for three weeks with an ankle injury, made a surprise recovery to resume his place between the posts.
Once the game got underway it was obvious both sides were below-par. It was distinctly scrappy fare on offer, with neither side capable of retaining possession for long enough to create anything meaningful.
Indeed, there were two very nervy looking sides out there on the Eastlands pitch, perhaps paralysed by fear of making a calamitous error. Given the attacking instincts of both teams, that was a surprise.
But Joe Hart had nothing to do for the first 20 minutes, while Almunia had just one routine save to make.
The half continued ponderously with a chronic shortage of quality in a fixture many expected to yield plenty of goals.
A Benjani effort was blocked by Hoyte who turned it just wide of his own goal, before the visitors fashioned the best chance of the afternoon so far when Samir Nasri's ambitious free-kick was fumbled by the under-employed Hart, but the gaudily pink-booted Nicklas Bendtner laid the ball back with a back-heel for Alex Song, who shot wide.
There was little sign of guile in a dour contest low on quality considering how many supposedly talented players were on show.
So when the breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage-time, it was typically scrappy. Mikael Silvestre and Gael Clichy went for the same ball, Silvestre slicing his clearance straight into Stephen Ireland's path. The in-form City midfielder gratefully snapped up the gift, lifting the ball neatly into the top corner as things went from bad to worse for Arsenal.
Wenger's half-time team-talk seemed to have an effect, Arsenal starting the second period more purposefully with Abou Diaby cutting in from the wing and firing over the bar, before Robin van Persie sent a free-kick narrowly wide as the Gunners pressed for an equaliser.
However, the spark of class the game had been crying out for was supplied by Brazilian superstar Robinho in the 56th minute. Shaun Wright-Phillips slid the ball through to the ex-Real Madrid man, who showed a mixture of quick-thinking, audacity and glorious technique to put his foot under the ball and deftly lift it over advancing keeper Almunia and into the net for a sublime second for City.
Robinho then had the ball in the Arsenal net again, but his effort was disallowed by the linesman's flag. Almunia had allowed Ireland's shot to slip through his hands, and Robinho pounced to slot home the rebound - but from what was adjudged to be an offside position, though the decision must have been marginal.
Wenger sent on Aaron Ramsey for Hoyte, and the Welsh teenager threaded through an astute pass for Bendtner, who should have scored but struck his shot straight at Hart. Carlos Vela was then introduced in place of Diaby, who to be fair had probably been the Gunners' best player, while Elano replaced Darius Vassell for City.
But City were now totally dominating, and Arsenal were contributing to their own downfall by giving the ball away repeatedly. The Citizens so nearly made it much worse for the Gunners, Benjani wasting a good chance before Denilson lost the ball in midfield and Robinho sprinted clear, half the length of the pitch, before rounding Almunia and firing a shot in from a tight angle, only for Johan Djourou to make an excellent clearance off the line.
The effort injured Robinho, who limped off a few minutes later, replaced by Dietmar Hamann.
Daniel Sturridge replaced Benjani before Van Persie had a goal disallowed because he knocked the ball out of Hart's hands.
Then Djourou brought down Sturridge in the box, and the youngster coolly converted from the spot to complete Arsenal's day of misery and put the icing on the cake of a deserved City victory.
City totally outclassed north London side. This result is a real clue what happened today and the result could be even higher. Arsenal side was lacking creativity, cohesion....
After the game got off to a poor start, Manchester City took the gae by the scruff of the neck to inflict a rare but convincing 3-0 defeat on woeful Arsenal, whose season is fast coming apart at the seams. The excellent Stephen Ireland got on the score-sheet again, and was joined by Robinho, who netted superbly, then Daniel Sturridge, who scored a late penalty after coming off the bench.
The build-up to the game was dominated by internal strife at Arsenal, where manager Arsene Wenger decided to strip William Gallas of the captaincy and leave him behind in London, out of the squad altogrther after the player criticised his team-mates through the media this week. Emmanuel Adebayor was also missing after picking up an injury while playing for Togo against Rwanda in midweek, as was winger Theo Walcott, who dislocated a shoulder during an England training session.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, making his 100th appearance for the Gunners, was handed the captain's armband by Wenger, who wasalso without the suspended Cesc Fabregas abd injured Bacary Sagna. In came Gavin Hoyte, Johan Djourou, Alex Song and Robin van Persie.
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, under pressure himself, made just one change, with Richard Dunne replacing Tal Ben-Haim, because goalkeeper Joe Hart, who had been expected to be out for three weeks with an ankle injury, made a surprise recovery to resume his place between the posts.
Once the game got underway it was obvious both sides were below-par. It was distinctly scrappy fare on offer, with neither side capable of retaining possession for long enough to create anything meaningful.
Indeed, there were two very nervy looking sides out there on the Eastlands pitch, perhaps paralysed by fear of making a calamitous error. Given the attacking instincts of both teams, that was a surprise.
But Joe Hart had nothing to do for the first 20 minutes, while Almunia had just one routine save to make.
The half continued ponderously with a chronic shortage of quality in a fixture many expected to yield plenty of goals.
A Benjani effort was blocked by Hoyte who turned it just wide of his own goal, before the visitors fashioned the best chance of the afternoon so far when Samir Nasri's ambitious free-kick was fumbled by the under-employed Hart, but the gaudily pink-booted Nicklas Bendtner laid the ball back with a back-heel for Alex Song, who shot wide.
There was little sign of guile in a dour contest low on quality considering how many supposedly talented players were on show.
So when the breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage-time, it was typically scrappy. Mikael Silvestre and Gael Clichy went for the same ball, Silvestre slicing his clearance straight into Stephen Ireland's path. The in-form City midfielder gratefully snapped up the gift, lifting the ball neatly into the top corner as things went from bad to worse for Arsenal.
Wenger's half-time team-talk seemed to have an effect, Arsenal starting the second period more purposefully with Abou Diaby cutting in from the wing and firing over the bar, before Robin van Persie sent a free-kick narrowly wide as the Gunners pressed for an equaliser.
However, the spark of class the game had been crying out for was supplied by Brazilian superstar Robinho in the 56th minute. Shaun Wright-Phillips slid the ball through to the ex-Real Madrid man, who showed a mixture of quick-thinking, audacity and glorious technique to put his foot under the ball and deftly lift it over advancing keeper Almunia and into the net for a sublime second for City.
Robinho then had the ball in the Arsenal net again, but his effort was disallowed by the linesman's flag. Almunia had allowed Ireland's shot to slip through his hands, and Robinho pounced to slot home the rebound - but from what was adjudged to be an offside position, though the decision must have been marginal.
Wenger sent on Aaron Ramsey for Hoyte, and the Welsh teenager threaded through an astute pass for Bendtner, who should have scored but struck his shot straight at Hart. Carlos Vela was then introduced in place of Diaby, who to be fair had probably been the Gunners' best player, while Elano replaced Darius Vassell for City.
But City were now totally dominating, and Arsenal were contributing to their own downfall by giving the ball away repeatedly. The Citizens so nearly made it much worse for the Gunners, Benjani wasting a good chance before Denilson lost the ball in midfield and Robinho sprinted clear, half the length of the pitch, before rounding Almunia and firing a shot in from a tight angle, only for Johan Djourou to make an excellent clearance off the line.
The effort injured Robinho, who limped off a few minutes later, replaced by Dietmar Hamann.
Daniel Sturridge replaced Benjani before Van Persie had a goal disallowed because he knocked the ball out of Hart's hands.
Then Djourou brought down Sturridge in the box, and the youngster coolly converted from the spot to complete Arsenal's day of misery and put the icing on the cake of a deserved City victory.
Friday, 21 November 2008
Wenger: Financial crisis may hit the transfer market
Arsenal boss is speaking of worldwide financial crisis could possibly hit the transfer market, and the economy may have an influence on any club dealings when transfer window opens in January
The world's wealthiest club Manchester City may be exempt to the rule, as the Abu Dhabi based business group reportedly paid Real Madrid £32 million for Robinho in just one installment.
For the rest of the Premier League though the credit crunch may effect the football market when the transfer window reopens in January.
Credit Crunch
"Football might not be an isolated island where nothing happens financially," Wenger told journalists at Thursday's pre-match press conference.
"Football will suffer just as much as any other activity in our society.
"We will see," the Frenchman continued. "It is very difficult to anticipate on that. I don’t know what will happen in January. We are in a world of recession and at the moment we have deflation rather than inflation."
Arsenal have been rocked with further injury trouble as Theo Walcott returned from England international duty with a dislocated shoulder that is expected to sideline the pacey winger until March and there have been calls for Wenger to buy replacement in the new year.
Meanwhile, tall defender Daniel Van Buyten, Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour, and Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Koke Resurreccion have all been linked with a move to north London.
The world's wealthiest club Manchester City may be exempt to the rule, as the Abu Dhabi based business group reportedly paid Real Madrid £32 million for Robinho in just one installment.
For the rest of the Premier League though the credit crunch may effect the football market when the transfer window reopens in January.
Credit Crunch
"Football might not be an isolated island where nothing happens financially," Wenger told journalists at Thursday's pre-match press conference.
"Football will suffer just as much as any other activity in our society.
"We will see," the Frenchman continued. "It is very difficult to anticipate on that. I don’t know what will happen in January. We are in a world of recession and at the moment we have deflation rather than inflation."
Arsenal have been rocked with further injury trouble as Theo Walcott returned from England international duty with a dislocated shoulder that is expected to sideline the pacey winger until March and there have been calls for Wenger to buy replacement in the new year.
Meanwhile, tall defender Daniel Van Buyten, Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour, and Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Koke Resurreccion have all been linked with a move to north London.
Ex Gunner Perry Groves: Gallas should not be a captain
Former Arsenal player Perry Groves speaks about stripping Gallas off the captaincy...
Arsenal skipper William Gallas was roundly slammed for his behaviour at the final whistle as the Gunners drew with Birmingham last season.
More recently, he's been 'papped' smoking a cigarette and quoted as saying that there are massive rifts in the Gunners' dressing room.
Now, pundit and former Arsenal striker Perry Groves, who made 155 appearances for the club in the late 1980s/early '90s, wants Arsene Wenger to take the armband from the French stopper before things get any worse.
"Gallas has been an absolute disgrace," he roared. "I said a year ago that he should not have been made Arsenal captain.
"He should have been stripped of the captaincy ever since his behaviour at Birmingham.
"He has brought into disrepute all the great Arsenal captains of the past. And now for him to have the front to say that we have got to be like warriors!"
Also slamming his performances, Groves groaned: "I could name four or five goals we have conceded this season where he has not been prepared to get himself hurt. The goal we conceded against Fulham is one example, the one against Aston Villa, when he got knocked off the ball like an Under-15 defender, is another.
"Arsene Wenger has to take some responsibility because he is the one who made him captain. He should take the captaincy off him."
Groves' words will be a blow for Gallas, who recently said proudly that he'd bounced back to become a great leader. Now, he'd better hope that ex-Gunners of higher standing don't share Groves' view.
Arsenal skipper William Gallas was roundly slammed for his behaviour at the final whistle as the Gunners drew with Birmingham last season.
More recently, he's been 'papped' smoking a cigarette and quoted as saying that there are massive rifts in the Gunners' dressing room.
Now, pundit and former Arsenal striker Perry Groves, who made 155 appearances for the club in the late 1980s/early '90s, wants Arsene Wenger to take the armband from the French stopper before things get any worse.
"Gallas has been an absolute disgrace," he roared. "I said a year ago that he should not have been made Arsenal captain.
"He should have been stripped of the captaincy ever since his behaviour at Birmingham.
"He has brought into disrepute all the great Arsenal captains of the past. And now for him to have the front to say that we have got to be like warriors!"
Also slamming his performances, Groves groaned: "I could name four or five goals we have conceded this season where he has not been prepared to get himself hurt. The goal we conceded against Fulham is one example, the one against Aston Villa, when he got knocked off the ball like an Under-15 defender, is another.
"Arsene Wenger has to take some responsibility because he is the one who made him captain. He should take the captaincy off him."
Groves' words will be a blow for Gallas, who recently said proudly that he'd bounced back to become a great leader. Now, he'd better hope that ex-Gunners of higher standing don't share Groves' view.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Wenger confirms Walcott injury
Gunners boss Wenger took a break from his club duties to commentate on France's dull 0-0 draw with Uruguay for homeland TV channel TF1 on Wednesday evening, after which Les Bleus were jeered by the Stade de France crowd.
He couldn't escape his own international break woes, though, and, when pressed, confirmed Theo Walcott's injury troubles. The coach said: "[Theo] dislocated his shoulder during training, he will be out for at least three months."
The Football Association flew the Arsenal winger back from Berlin to have him assessed at a Harley Street medical centre in London. According to reports, Walcott's right shoulder actually popped out twice following the training clash with Scott Parker and his specialist believes that the injury would have happened sooner or later.
Such a prognosis would muddy the waters where the blame game is concerned. Wenger previously stated that clubs should be reimbursed by national associations if the country crocks their player. But if they were a ticking time-bomb...
In any case, he's now braced for surgery and will target a return for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Walcott Set For Shoulder Surgery
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is set to undergo an operation on the shoulder he dislocated while training with the England squad.
Arsene Wenger will not be pleased that the shoulder that Theo Walcott dislocated this week on England duty will require surgery, and the player will miss a further seven to eight weeks of action.
To complicate matters, Walcott has a hereditary shoulder problem, and saw a specialist in Germany before flying back to England. He is set to undergo the operation in the next couple of days.
This is the latest in a line of recurring shoulder problems that Walcott has suffered throughout his career. He had his left shoulder pinned in 2007 and had to be stretchered off during Arsenal's recent game at Stoke after falling heavily on it and suffering spasms.
Walcott is not expected to return to action until 2009, meaning he will miss the rest of Arsenal's Champions League group games and and at least seven Premier League matches.
During Tuesday's training session Theo Walcott dislocated his right shoulder after falling on the pitch," said an FA statement.
"Arsenal's medical staff were advised of the injury soon after the incident."
Arsene Wenger had already spoken out and voiced his displeasure at the scheduling of this current round of international friendlies prior to Walcott hurting himself, saying:
It is particularly not welcome at the moment because it is at a period where you want your players to recover a little bit.
"I don't see what you gain from this friendly because there is no game. You can explain a friendly to prepare for an official match but after this there is no international game for four months."
Arsenal have certainly gained nothing from this game. Struggling with inconsistent form, the Gunners will now be without one of their most potent attacking threats for a key part of the season.
Gallas Accepts Criticism
Arsenal and France defender William Gallas believes criticism is easy to take when it is justified, but can be upsetting if you are being unfairly targeted.
Gallas' form has mirrored that of his club, and he says he is prepared to hold his hands up for Aston Villa's second goal when the midlands based club visited the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
The Villan then cooly finished by stroking the ball past Manuel Almunia and into the net to seal the Gunners' fourth league loss of the season.
Justifying Criticism
"I am not annoyed by criticism if it is justified," Gallas told journalists at a press conference in France.
"You can blame me for Aston Villa’s second goal last Saturday, no worries. But sometimes I am being criticised whereas the team drew.
"On a personal level, I have been better than during the game with Manchester [United] but as the team lost, people talked rubbish. I am thinking of the game with Tottenham and of other ones.
"But the fact this game was against Manchester, with extra pressure surrounding the game, we won 2-1...people spoke about Gallas’ game.
"I would not say this does not make me happy," he continued. "But as far as I am concerned, I know when I have done well or not.
"And I have been better than this."
Arsenal's problems have worsened in the past 24 hours with the news that pacy winger Theo Walcott could be out for three months should he require surgery on his dislocated shoulder.
Arsenal Set For Resurreccion?
Jorge Resurrection Merodio, known as Koke Resurreccion, is apparently being keenly tracked by Premier League giants Arsenal, according to the Daily Star.
Born in 1992, the 17-year-old Atlético B player is a defensive midfielder of some promise and is said to be on the fringes of the Atleti first-team set-up.
The Spanish club are keen on hanging onto the hot prospect, although Arsenal's at times bullish insistence on dragging young talent through the ranks is obviously a draw for Europe's fledgling stars.
Resurreccion has been involved at youth levels for Spain and is the most highly rated of a strong, enthusiastic B side which also features Cedric Mabwati and Sergio 'Keko' Gonten - two more tipped for big things in their careers.
Born in 1992, the 17-year-old Atlético B player is a defensive midfielder of some promise and is said to be on the fringes of the Atleti first-team set-up.
The Spanish club are keen on hanging onto the hot prospect, although Arsenal's at times bullish insistence on dragging young talent through the ranks is obviously a draw for Europe's fledgling stars.
Resurreccion has been involved at youth levels for Spain and is the most highly rated of a strong, enthusiastic B side which also features Cedric Mabwati and Sergio 'Keko' Gonten - two more tipped for big things in their careers.
Monday, 17 November 2008
Wenger: No Regrets Over Lack Of Midfield Chief
The manner in which Arsenal have begun this season is a stark contrast to how they started the last campaign. They are nine points off the pace, and have already lost four times. This time last season they had accumulated ten points more than their current 23-point haul.
Over the course of the summer the Gunners lost Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer to AC Milan and Gilberto to Panathinaikos.
Yet Wenger only brought in little known Frenchman Francis Coquelin as a direct replacement, despite reportedly frantically courting a partner for Francesc Fabregas as the transfer window drew to a close.
After their most recent loss to Aston Villa at home, by two goals to nil, Wenger hit out at claims a disciplined anchoring midfielder would have made the difference.
"We had no player we really wanted and for now we have no regrets," the Arsenal boss is alleged to have said.
"You cannot explain Gael Clichy’s own goal here by the fact we haven’t an experienced player in midfield. We were not, as a team, sharp enough to dictate the pace and be dominant in the fight."
Almunia Angry And Embarrassed After Villa Defeat
Manuel Almunia is not a happy man. After the 2-0 loss at the Emirates yesterday, the Spanish goalkeeper has questioned his team-mates' desire and enthusiasm, questioning why they didn't respond in a more positive manner to his first-half penalty save.
“It is very disappointing because after the penalty I thought the team would be more excited and grow with desire to win the game. But the penalty did not change anything and that is embarrassing for us,” the keeper said.
The defeat to Villa confirmed the Gunners' worst start to a Premier League season since Arsene Wenger too over as manager, and Almunia has urged his team-mates to shake off the dejection and low morale that lingers in the Arsenal dressing room and start to take some personal responsibility for their performances.
“We have to continue doing our job,” said Almunia on the club’s official website. “First of all because of respect for the fans. Anything is possible but we have to change many things from today.
“We are the same team [as last Saturday against United] but each player has to analyse his performance because today’s game was Arsenal’s worst for a long time.
The Gunners have just one win from their last four Premier League games and are currently in fourth place in the league table with 23 points, nine adrift of leaders Chelsea, and a title challenge is rapidly beginning to look beyond them.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Wenger Frustrated By Arsenal's Inconsistency
Arsene Wenger's Gunners had responded to criticism last week by impressively beating Manchester United at the Emirates, but today they undid their good work by going down to an Aston Villa side whose speed and attacking verve left Arsenal with no answers.
Villa scored twice in the last 20 minutes to claim a deserved win - their first over Arsenal in 20 attempts since 1993 - and in so doing seriously undermined Arsenal's Premier League title challenge.
Gael Clichy headed Ashley Young's cross into his own net under pressure on 70 minutes, before Gabriel Agbonlahor sprinted clear on the counter to double Villa's lead 10 minutes later.
Earlier, Young's penalty was well saved by Manuel Almunia, while at the other end Brad Friedel saved from Cesc Fabregas in the first half and substitute Emmanuel Adebayor hit a post late on.
A frustrated Wenger reflected afterwards: "It was a very bad afternoon because we were not sharp physically and beaten everywhere in the first half.
"I felt overall Villa were the better side. It is frustrating because we played at a kind of pace today that is not our pace. Villa played very well, but we were not sharp or incisive enough.
"We can play very well, but at the top level performances have to be consistent.
"I always say the first sign of quality is consistency, so this was frustrating after beating Manchester United."
Villa have joined the Gunners on 23 points, and are now behind the London side in fifth place only on goal difference.
Villa scored twice in the last 20 minutes to claim a deserved win - their first over Arsenal in 20 attempts since 1993 - and in so doing seriously undermined Arsenal's Premier League title challenge.
Gael Clichy headed Ashley Young's cross into his own net under pressure on 70 minutes, before Gabriel Agbonlahor sprinted clear on the counter to double Villa's lead 10 minutes later.
Earlier, Young's penalty was well saved by Manuel Almunia, while at the other end Brad Friedel saved from Cesc Fabregas in the first half and substitute Emmanuel Adebayor hit a post late on.
A frustrated Wenger reflected afterwards: "It was a very bad afternoon because we were not sharp physically and beaten everywhere in the first half.
"I felt overall Villa were the better side. It is frustrating because we played at a kind of pace today that is not our pace. Villa played very well, but we were not sharp or incisive enough.
"We can play very well, but at the top level performances have to be consistent.
"I always say the first sign of quality is consistency, so this was frustrating after beating Manchester United."
Villa have joined the Gunners on 23 points, and are now behind the London side in fifth place only on goal difference.
Saturday, 15 November 2008
Villa ruined Arsenal's title bid
Arsenal - Aston Villa 0:2
Aston Villa took on Arsenal in north London this afternoon looking to end a 15-year hex the Gunners had been enjoying as the Villans had not returned home with a victory since 1993. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger named the same eleven that started the Manchester United fixture last week.
Within minutes of kick-off the away side, looking to get a result after back-to-back defeats, found space down the left and an effervescent Ashley Young tested Manuel Almunia with a low drive but the Spaniard shot-stopper saved well.
For Arsenal, Theo Walcott had the better of Luke Young and lay a cross just a touch to far for tall Danish targetman Nicklas Bentdner who reaches for the header and is unable to trouble Brad Friedel. One minute later Walcott again got behind the Villa defence but cannot find a team-mate with the pass.
A controversial penalty call earned the midlands club an 18th minute penalty as Walcott was deemed to have impeded Young, but the England hopeful failed to convert the spot kick as Almunia palmed away an admittedly weak effort.
Villa continued to threaten and Agbonlahor held the ball up well after the half hour mark to lay a pass into Gareth Barry's path but his shot is blocked by Almunia.
The midlands club went into the break knowing they had gotten the better of Arsenal. The Gunners midfield lacked spark, and Bentdner had little service to take advantage of.
Theo Walcott took the initiative for Arsenal in the second 45, but his shots failed to penetrate Friedel's goal.
And three minutes after Carlos Vela replaced Bentdner, Aston Villa silenced the home support with some brilliant build up play that resulted in an away goal. Agbonlahor took advantage of a Young cross and the shot takes a big deflection off of Gael Clichy to beat Almunia and send the away fans into raptures.
Ten minutes later Agbonlahor doubled Villa's advantage after a quick counter attack. Curtis Davies punted the ball upfield, switching an Arsenal attack to a swift Villans break, and insodoing caught out the Gunners defence as an electric Agbonlahor placed a well-taken shot round Almunia. Arsene Wenger though may question the decision to allow play to carry on after what appeared to be a clear foul at the other end.
Arsenal had chances to peg one back. Friedel, for instance, produced a fantastic save to keep Fabregas at bay, but Villa held on for the win.
While the Gunners conceded two goals it may be easier to criticise their defence, but it was clear that their midfield lacked any intuition. Denilson though tried to push on by breaking up play and making good passes, but his midfield partner Fabregas' form is a far cry from his plaudit-filled season last campaign.
LINE UPS
Arsenal: Almunia - Silvestre; Clichy; Gallas; Sagna - Fabregas; Diaby; Denilson; Nasri; Bendtner; Walcott.
Aston Villa: Friedel - Cuellar; Young, Laursen; Davies - Barry; Petrov; Young; Sidwell; Milner - Agbonlahor.
Aston Villa took on Arsenal in north London this afternoon looking to end a 15-year hex the Gunners had been enjoying as the Villans had not returned home with a victory since 1993. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger named the same eleven that started the Manchester United fixture last week.
Within minutes of kick-off the away side, looking to get a result after back-to-back defeats, found space down the left and an effervescent Ashley Young tested Manuel Almunia with a low drive but the Spaniard shot-stopper saved well.
For Arsenal, Theo Walcott had the better of Luke Young and lay a cross just a touch to far for tall Danish targetman Nicklas Bentdner who reaches for the header and is unable to trouble Brad Friedel. One minute later Walcott again got behind the Villa defence but cannot find a team-mate with the pass.
A controversial penalty call earned the midlands club an 18th minute penalty as Walcott was deemed to have impeded Young, but the England hopeful failed to convert the spot kick as Almunia palmed away an admittedly weak effort.
Villa continued to threaten and Agbonlahor held the ball up well after the half hour mark to lay a pass into Gareth Barry's path but his shot is blocked by Almunia.
The midlands club went into the break knowing they had gotten the better of Arsenal. The Gunners midfield lacked spark, and Bentdner had little service to take advantage of.
Theo Walcott took the initiative for Arsenal in the second 45, but his shots failed to penetrate Friedel's goal.
And three minutes after Carlos Vela replaced Bentdner, Aston Villa silenced the home support with some brilliant build up play that resulted in an away goal. Agbonlahor took advantage of a Young cross and the shot takes a big deflection off of Gael Clichy to beat Almunia and send the away fans into raptures.
Ten minutes later Agbonlahor doubled Villa's advantage after a quick counter attack. Curtis Davies punted the ball upfield, switching an Arsenal attack to a swift Villans break, and insodoing caught out the Gunners defence as an electric Agbonlahor placed a well-taken shot round Almunia. Arsene Wenger though may question the decision to allow play to carry on after what appeared to be a clear foul at the other end.
Arsenal had chances to peg one back. Friedel, for instance, produced a fantastic save to keep Fabregas at bay, but Villa held on for the win.
While the Gunners conceded two goals it may be easier to criticise their defence, but it was clear that their midfield lacked any intuition. Denilson though tried to push on by breaking up play and making good passes, but his midfield partner Fabregas' form is a far cry from his plaudit-filled season last campaign.
LINE UPS
Arsenal: Almunia - Silvestre; Clichy; Gallas; Sagna - Fabregas; Diaby; Denilson; Nasri; Bendtner; Walcott.
Aston Villa: Friedel - Cuellar; Young, Laursen; Davies - Barry; Petrov; Young; Sidwell; Milner - Agbonlahor.
Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Aston Villa
Shifting Sands, Changed Fortunes
Arsenal, on the rack little more than a week ago, their Premier League title chances apparently hanging by a thread, are buoyant again after two well-received victories. In contrast, Aston Villa, who had been poised to displace the Gunners in the top four, unexpectedly lost their last two Premier League games. So while third-placed Arsenal are seeking a third straight win in all competitions,. Villa will be anxious to avoid a third successive League defeat.
The games that revived Arsenal's fortunes and helped restored manager Arsene Wenger's reputation were last Saturday's pulsating 2-1 victory over defending champions Manchester United, and Tuesday's impressive 3-0 demolition of a full-strength Wigan side by a team of Arsenal's precociously talented youngsters in the Carling Cup.
Villa, who had been knocking on the door of the Big Four after some excellent results and performances, stumbled to a 2-0 defeat at struggling Newcastle and a shock home loss at the hands of Villa old boy Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough. Those set-backs came either side of an encouraging 1-0 away win against Slavia Prague in the Uefa Cup.
Arsenal's win against Manchester United was achieved with a depleted side shorn of first-choice strikers Emmanuel Adebayor (injured against Stoke) and Robin van Persie (suspended after being dismissed in the same game). The Gunners' aim now has to be to attain consistency and close the six-point gap on second-placed Liverpool and leaders Chelsea.
Past Games, Late Goals
Villa, having slipped to fifth in the table, would need to beat the Gunners by a five-goal margin to overtake them. But if that seems unlikely, the Gunners have been held to 1-1 home draws on both previous occasions that Villa have visited the Emirates. In fact Martin O'Neill's Villa tenure began with one of those 1-1 draws in August 2006. On the other hand, Villa have not beaten Arsenal, home or away, in 19 attempts. The last time they won on Arsenal's turf was in early November 1993. The Gunners have not lost a home Premier League game against a club from the Midlands since Wenger became manager. And Villa have won only one of their last 26 league games in London, a sequence spanning more than four years.
Arsenal's third goal against Wigan on Wednesday was their 50th of the season and came in the their 20th match so far. They've scored in each of their last 10 Premier League games and there has been a last-minute goal in each of their last six League matches – though not always in their favour. In the corresponding fixture last season, too, Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner equalised against Villa with virtually the last kick of the game.
That deprived Villa of a long overdue win against the Gunners, but maintained the Villans' fairly dismal record of just one win against the 'Big Four' clubs in 35 attempts since April 2004. That solitary win was a 2-0 triumph against Chelsea at Villa Park in September 2007, the latter throes of Jose Mourinho's reign. Their last away win against any of that elite quartet was back in May 2002 at Stamford Bridge, when they won 3-1.
Overall, the two clubs have met 158 times in League contests, with Arsenal claiming 64 wins, Villa 58, and 36 games being drawn. In the Premier League the record reads Arsenal 16 wins, Villa five, and 11 draws. In League games on Arsenal territory only, the Gunners have won 42 times, Villa 20, and there have been 17 draws. In 16 Premier League meetings at Arsenal, the Gunners have been victorious on nine occasions, and Villa just twice, with five games ending all-square - including both of the last two.
How The Managers See It
Assessing his opponents ahead of Saturday's game, Wenger told journalists this week: "They are physically strong and technically efficient. They have a lot of pace and can adjust their style. They can play in the air and on the ground.
"It's a very, very open Premier League now. It's tougher this year and more interesting, and it looks like anyone can drop points, which is good for us. It's a massive game - a big, big test after the United game. We've built up belief and this game will give us a big answer."
His Villa counterpart O'Neill commented: "On their own patch they are a very fine footballing side.
"It will be an interesting game because they now think they are back on track for the title. It was a big game for them against Manchester United last weekend - it was a game they had to win and they did it. Now it's up to us because we have to try to win a game to put ourselves back on track."
FORM GUIDE
Arsenal
11 Nov (Carling Cup) v Wigan (H) WON 3-0
08 Nov (Premier League) v Man Utd (H) WON 2-1
05 Nov (Champions League) v Fenerbahce (H) DREW 0-0
01 Nov (Premier League) v Stoke (A) LOST 1-2
29 Oct (Premier League) v Tottenham (H) DREW 4-4
Aston Villa
09 Nov (Premier League) v Middlesbrough (H) LOST 1-2
06 Nov (Uefa Cup) v Slavia Prague (A) WON 1-0
03 Nov (Premier League) v Newcastle (A) LOST 0-2
29 Oct (Premier League) v Blackburn (H) WON 3-2
26 Oct (Premier League) v Wigan (A) WON 4-0
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Wenger could have Emmanuel Adebayor and Manuel Almunia back from injury, but will definitely be without Robin van Persie, who is suspended, and Emmanuel Eboue, who has an injured knee. Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky are also ruled out still.
Squad: Almunia, Fabianski, Diaby, Sagna, Fabregas, Toure, Nasri, Gallas, Vela, Walcott, Denilson, Ramsey, Song, Silvestre, Wilshere, Gibbs, Djourou, Clichy, Bendtner, Adebayor.
Last Starting XI: Fabianski, Hoyte, Song Billong, Djourou, Gibbs, Wilshere (Bischoff 76), Randall, Ramsey, Merida, Simpson (Lansbury 76), Vela (Fonte 84).
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Coquelin, Ogogo, Frimpong.
Last Starting XI in Premier League: Almunia (Fabianski 78), Sagna, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Walcott (Song Billong 77), Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Diaby (Toure 86), Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou. Booked: Gallas, Sagna, Clichy.
Aston Villa
Stilliyan Petrov and Luke Young could return after injury for O'Neill. James Milner is again likely to partner Gabriel Agbonlahor in the Villa attack if striker John Carew fails to recover in time from an injured hip.
Squad: Friedel, Guzan, Luke Young, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Shorey,Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Harewood, Gardner, Routledge, Salifou, Knight, Delfouneso.
Last Starting XI: Friedel, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Shorey (Harewood 70), Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Ashley Young.
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Routledge, Salifou, Knight, Delfouneso, Gardner.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arsenal
Given Villa's pace on the wings, the game is likely to be an interesting challenge for left-back Gael Clichy. The Frenchman who took over o smoothly from Ashley Cole for the Gunners has been their most consistent defender for the last couple of seasons, showing good awareness and positional sense and sharp turn of speed, and offering vital width to Arsenal's attacks. He recently scored his first-ever goal for the club, and has also made a vital goal-line clearance - as well as a slip that cost a goal against Spurs.
Samir Nasri scored two fine goals against Manchester United last weekend and will be looking to maintain that form and momentum, cutting in dangerously from the flanks. Another of Wenger's French contingent, he is proving to be an astute summer purchase - and will be keen to add to his five-goal haul for the season so far.
Aston Villa
In his Blackburn days, American goalkeeper Brad Friedel was regularly inspired against the Gunners, and he will be looking to make life as hard as possible for the Arsenal forwards again on Saturday. Remarkably, it will be Friedel's 165th consecutive Premier League appearance, a sequence that began with Rovers at the start of the 2004-05 season, and means he needs just one more game to equal the run of David James, who made 166 consecutive appearances for Manchester City and Portsmouth between 17 January 2004 and 27 April 2008.
Further forward, Steve Sidwell will hope to start, or at least be involved, for two reasons. Firstly, he will be eager to erase the memory of his errant back-pass that gifted Tuncay Sanli the winning goal for Middlesbrough last weekend, taking the gloss off his own first goal for Villa in the same match. Secondly, having begun his career with the Gunners - and won two FA Youth Cups in Arsenal colours in 2000 and 2001. Having moved in 2003 to Reading, and then in 2007 to Chelsea before joining Villa in summer 2008, Sidwell would love to impress on his return to the club where he was unable to break into the first-team.
Arsenal, on the rack little more than a week ago, their Premier League title chances apparently hanging by a thread, are buoyant again after two well-received victories. In contrast, Aston Villa, who had been poised to displace the Gunners in the top four, unexpectedly lost their last two Premier League games. So while third-placed Arsenal are seeking a third straight win in all competitions,. Villa will be anxious to avoid a third successive League defeat.
The games that revived Arsenal's fortunes and helped restored manager Arsene Wenger's reputation were last Saturday's pulsating 2-1 victory over defending champions Manchester United, and Tuesday's impressive 3-0 demolition of a full-strength Wigan side by a team of Arsenal's precociously talented youngsters in the Carling Cup.
Villa, who had been knocking on the door of the Big Four after some excellent results and performances, stumbled to a 2-0 defeat at struggling Newcastle and a shock home loss at the hands of Villa old boy Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough. Those set-backs came either side of an encouraging 1-0 away win against Slavia Prague in the Uefa Cup.
Arsenal's win against Manchester United was achieved with a depleted side shorn of first-choice strikers Emmanuel Adebayor (injured against Stoke) and Robin van Persie (suspended after being dismissed in the same game). The Gunners' aim now has to be to attain consistency and close the six-point gap on second-placed Liverpool and leaders Chelsea.
Past Games, Late Goals
Villa, having slipped to fifth in the table, would need to beat the Gunners by a five-goal margin to overtake them. But if that seems unlikely, the Gunners have been held to 1-1 home draws on both previous occasions that Villa have visited the Emirates. In fact Martin O'Neill's Villa tenure began with one of those 1-1 draws in August 2006. On the other hand, Villa have not beaten Arsenal, home or away, in 19 attempts. The last time they won on Arsenal's turf was in early November 1993. The Gunners have not lost a home Premier League game against a club from the Midlands since Wenger became manager. And Villa have won only one of their last 26 league games in London, a sequence spanning more than four years.
Arsenal's third goal against Wigan on Wednesday was their 50th of the season and came in the their 20th match so far. They've scored in each of their last 10 Premier League games and there has been a last-minute goal in each of their last six League matches – though not always in their favour. In the corresponding fixture last season, too, Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner equalised against Villa with virtually the last kick of the game.
That deprived Villa of a long overdue win against the Gunners, but maintained the Villans' fairly dismal record of just one win against the 'Big Four' clubs in 35 attempts since April 2004. That solitary win was a 2-0 triumph against Chelsea at Villa Park in September 2007, the latter throes of Jose Mourinho's reign. Their last away win against any of that elite quartet was back in May 2002 at Stamford Bridge, when they won 3-1.
Overall, the two clubs have met 158 times in League contests, with Arsenal claiming 64 wins, Villa 58, and 36 games being drawn. In the Premier League the record reads Arsenal 16 wins, Villa five, and 11 draws. In League games on Arsenal territory only, the Gunners have won 42 times, Villa 20, and there have been 17 draws. In 16 Premier League meetings at Arsenal, the Gunners have been victorious on nine occasions, and Villa just twice, with five games ending all-square - including both of the last two.
How The Managers See It
Assessing his opponents ahead of Saturday's game, Wenger told journalists this week: "They are physically strong and technically efficient. They have a lot of pace and can adjust their style. They can play in the air and on the ground.
"It's a very, very open Premier League now. It's tougher this year and more interesting, and it looks like anyone can drop points, which is good for us. It's a massive game - a big, big test after the United game. We've built up belief and this game will give us a big answer."
His Villa counterpart O'Neill commented: "On their own patch they are a very fine footballing side.
"It will be an interesting game because they now think they are back on track for the title. It was a big game for them against Manchester United last weekend - it was a game they had to win and they did it. Now it's up to us because we have to try to win a game to put ourselves back on track."
FORM GUIDE
Arsenal
11 Nov (Carling Cup) v Wigan (H) WON 3-0
08 Nov (Premier League) v Man Utd (H) WON 2-1
05 Nov (Champions League) v Fenerbahce (H) DREW 0-0
01 Nov (Premier League) v Stoke (A) LOST 1-2
29 Oct (Premier League) v Tottenham (H) DREW 4-4
Aston Villa
09 Nov (Premier League) v Middlesbrough (H) LOST 1-2
06 Nov (Uefa Cup) v Slavia Prague (A) WON 1-0
03 Nov (Premier League) v Newcastle (A) LOST 0-2
29 Oct (Premier League) v Blackburn (H) WON 3-2
26 Oct (Premier League) v Wigan (A) WON 4-0
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Wenger could have Emmanuel Adebayor and Manuel Almunia back from injury, but will definitely be without Robin van Persie, who is suspended, and Emmanuel Eboue, who has an injured knee. Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky are also ruled out still.
Squad: Almunia, Fabianski, Diaby, Sagna, Fabregas, Toure, Nasri, Gallas, Vela, Walcott, Denilson, Ramsey, Song, Silvestre, Wilshere, Gibbs, Djourou, Clichy, Bendtner, Adebayor.
Last Starting XI: Fabianski, Hoyte, Song Billong, Djourou, Gibbs, Wilshere (Bischoff 76), Randall, Ramsey, Merida, Simpson (Lansbury 76), Vela (Fonte 84).
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Coquelin, Ogogo, Frimpong.
Last Starting XI in Premier League: Almunia (Fabianski 78), Sagna, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Walcott (Song Billong 77), Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Diaby (Toure 86), Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou. Booked: Gallas, Sagna, Clichy.
Aston Villa
Stilliyan Petrov and Luke Young could return after injury for O'Neill. James Milner is again likely to partner Gabriel Agbonlahor in the Villa attack if striker John Carew fails to recover in time from an injured hip.
Squad: Friedel, Guzan, Luke Young, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Shorey,Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Harewood, Gardner, Routledge, Salifou, Knight, Delfouneso.
Last Starting XI: Friedel, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Shorey (Harewood 70), Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Ashley Young.
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Routledge, Salifou, Knight, Delfouneso, Gardner.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arsenal
Given Villa's pace on the wings, the game is likely to be an interesting challenge for left-back Gael Clichy. The Frenchman who took over o smoothly from Ashley Cole for the Gunners has been their most consistent defender for the last couple of seasons, showing good awareness and positional sense and sharp turn of speed, and offering vital width to Arsenal's attacks. He recently scored his first-ever goal for the club, and has also made a vital goal-line clearance - as well as a slip that cost a goal against Spurs.
Samir Nasri scored two fine goals against Manchester United last weekend and will be looking to maintain that form and momentum, cutting in dangerously from the flanks. Another of Wenger's French contingent, he is proving to be an astute summer purchase - and will be keen to add to his five-goal haul for the season so far.
Aston Villa
In his Blackburn days, American goalkeeper Brad Friedel was regularly inspired against the Gunners, and he will be looking to make life as hard as possible for the Arsenal forwards again on Saturday. Remarkably, it will be Friedel's 165th consecutive Premier League appearance, a sequence that began with Rovers at the start of the 2004-05 season, and means he needs just one more game to equal the run of David James, who made 166 consecutive appearances for Manchester City and Portsmouth between 17 January 2004 and 27 April 2008.
Further forward, Steve Sidwell will hope to start, or at least be involved, for two reasons. Firstly, he will be eager to erase the memory of his errant back-pass that gifted Tuncay Sanli the winning goal for Middlesbrough last weekend, taking the gloss off his own first goal for Villa in the same match. Secondly, having begun his career with the Gunners - and won two FA Youth Cups in Arsenal colours in 2000 and 2001. Having moved in 2003 to Reading, and then in 2007 to Chelsea before joining Villa in summer 2008, Sidwell would love to impress on his return to the club where he was unable to break into the first-team.
Friday, 14 November 2008
Wenger Baffled By Late Goal Rush
Last minute goals have been scored in the last six games that Arsenal have played. Gael Clichy struck a late consolation for the Gunners at Stoke City, whilst Cesc Fabregas notched an equaliser for them at Sunderland.
Emmanuel Adebayor scored late on against West Ham, and Theo Walcott netted in the dying moments to crown a 3-1 victory over Everton.
But, worringly for Arsene Wenger, the opposition has found Arsenal's defence easier to breach at the end of games.
Rafael da Silva notched for Manchester United last Saturday, whilst Gunners fans will probably have already tried to forget about Aaron Lennon's dramatic equaliser in the North London derby.
And Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he has no idea why it is happening, but it certainly isn't doing his health any favours.
“I believe that it’s a coincidence but it’s not very good for my heart,” quipped the Frenchman.
“We have chased the game many times and we can score late and we can concede late goals, like we did against Tottenham and at Sunderland for example.
“I don’t know why though, there is no real rational explanation. You could say that sometimes you feel the game is won like against Tottenham. Sometimes we have to chase the game, throw everything forward and then we score late."
Wenger will hope for a more comfortable time when his side entertain Aston Villa at the Emirates this weekend.
Wenger: EIGHT Kids Can Make The Grade At Arsenal
After watching his Carling Cup side score nine goals in two games against Championship side Sheffield United and Premier League club Wigan Athletic, Arsene Wenger believes at least eight players are good enough to make it through to the first team.
Wenger believes playmaking midfielder Jack Wilshere, Welshman Aaron Ramsey, striker Jay Simpson, and pacy wing back Kieran Gibbs, can all step up over the next few seasons.
"If you ask me how many will play at Arsenal in the Premier League I would say about seven to eight," Wenger explained in the Northampton Chronicle.
"That's because if you look at the team that played in the Carling Cup Final two years ago, our midfield was at that time Theo Walcott, Denilson, Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby and that was the midfield that started against Manchester United [last week] two years later," he added.
Of the current crop, he said: "There is Lukasz Fabianski, Alex Song and Johan Djourou who are ready to play as much as all the others. You have Gavin Hoyte, Kieran Gibbs, Wilshere and Mark Randall who have a future at the English national level and Jay Simpson is a good goalscorer."
Arsenal take on Aston Villa at the weekend. Manuel Almunia is likely to return to first-team duty after the concussion he suffered during the Manchester United game.
Wenger believes playmaking midfielder Jack Wilshere, Welshman Aaron Ramsey, striker Jay Simpson, and pacy wing back Kieran Gibbs, can all step up over the next few seasons.
"If you ask me how many will play at Arsenal in the Premier League I would say about seven to eight," Wenger explained in the Northampton Chronicle.
"That's because if you look at the team that played in the Carling Cup Final two years ago, our midfield was at that time Theo Walcott, Denilson, Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby and that was the midfield that started against Manchester United [last week] two years later," he added.
Of the current crop, he said: "There is Lukasz Fabianski, Alex Song and Johan Djourou who are ready to play as much as all the others. You have Gavin Hoyte, Kieran Gibbs, Wilshere and Mark Randall who have a future at the English national level and Jay Simpson is a good goalscorer."
Arsenal take on Aston Villa at the weekend. Manuel Almunia is likely to return to first-team duty after the concussion he suffered during the Manchester United game.
OFFICIAL: Eduardo Back For Christmas
Eduardo da Silva is nearing a return to first team duty, as confirmed by the club's official website this afternoon.
It will be a welcome relief for the Gunners who, despite patches of brilliance this season, have put in lethargic performances against teams from whom they should have claimed full points.
Arsenal's style makes them susceptible to conceding goals, so it is up to the strike force to ensure they score more than they concede, and both Robin Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor have been guilty of being wasteful in front of goal this season.
Eduardo will provide the red and whites a much needed alternative option during a crucial part of the season - the Christmas period.
During his Friday press conference Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed that 'Dudu' was 'two to three weeks' away from playing competitive football.
"Eduardo is close to coming back into full training so he should start to play in two to three weeks maybe."
Tomas Rosicky underwent revision surgery in Germany recently and Wenger added that the operation went well.
"As for Tomas, the surgery went very well. He should be back with us in six to eight weeks but that doesn’t mean that he will play in six to eight weeks.
"He will then start training so I think a reasonable delay is to say that he might be back at the beginning of next year."
Arsenal host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Nicklas Bendtner is expected to play a lone striker role in place of Emmanuel Adebayor (injured), and Robin Van Persie (suspended).
Bendtner Happy To Fill Ade's Boots
In the absence of Emmanuel Adebayor, who faces a fortnight on the sidelines while returning from an ankle injury, and Robin Van Persie, who is still serving a suspension following his fracas with Thomas Sorenson at Stoke City, Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner is now solely responsible for providing the Gunners' firepower.
Bendtner insists he is happy with the chance to prove himself, and the striker is likely to lead the line again when European hopefuls Aston Villa visit the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
"They [Ade and Van Persie] aren't involved at the moment but whether they are fit or not doesn't change my mentality," he explained to Sky Sports.
"If the manager picks me I will always do whatever I can. I love the pressure - you could say I prefer it and thrive on it.
"I love it when people are thinking that this is the guy who needs to score or create something today if we are to win," he said.
"That's how I set myself up for every game.
"It's good if people have big expectations for you. If people are expecting things from me, than I'm happy to take it."
Pearce Tells Young Guns To Shoot Off
The Gunners' 3-0 thumping of Wigan Athletic on Tuesday had fans and pundits alike drooling over the quality of young English talent on display.
But Pearce insisted that one Carling Cup game a month is no way for the Jack Wilsheres of this world to earn their football education.
"It's vital that young players get experience playing football," he told The Sun.
"I was thrown into first-team football when I was 16, albeit as a non-league player, and played week in, week out.
"That's where my experience came from - by learning from my mistakes and learning from senior pros."
That might explain why 'Psycho' has not selected a single Arsenal lad in his squad for next week's friendly with the Czech Republic.
The Young Lions boss did, however, call up a trio of Chelsea boys: Michael Mancienne, Jack Cork and Ryan Bertrand, all of whom are plying their trade on loan in the Championship.
"I think the loan system is vitally important," Pearce continued. "If players are connected to the bigger clubs in the Premier League and they are not playing, they can get out on loan and get their first-team experience."
Pearce also urged young prospects at lower-league clubs - such as Leeds United's Fabian Delph - to resist the approaches of top-tier suitors.
"There's a few players who are playing regularly for their club," he added.
"The important thing is first-team experience. Whatever league they play in is irrelevant, they need to play regularly."
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Eduardo Returns To Training?
Brazilian-born Croatian international Eduardo da Silva proved to be a dangerous and unforgiving forward in the box during his appearances in an Arsenal shirt in the first half of last season.
However, the 25-year old's campaign was cut short at St Andrews when Birmingham defender Martin Taylor's shin-high challenge ended up fracturing Dudu's leg and dislocating his ankle.
The injury was so severe that had it not been for the quick thinking of then-physio Gary Lewin, then Eduardo's leg could have been amputated.
Da Silva though made a speedy recovery and was video'd kicking a football and undergoing trampoline exercises as early as 12 weeks later while recovering at a rehabilitation centre in Rio de Janeiro.
Setanta Sports quote a Croatian news outlet, who claim that Arsenal coach Boro Primorac said: "Eduardo is for the first time today [Wednesday] practicing with the team after his serious injury.
"Of course, he worked with reduced capacity, mainly stretching and jogging. He is not yet at the stage where he can go into full contact, but it will come.
"I cannot tell you exactly when Eduardo will play the first match. That will be when it is decided that he is completely ready.
"It is clear that the first match Eduardo will play will be for the reserves, before gradually joining the top team."
It is widely believed that Eduardo will feature in the Arsenal first team before perma-crocked Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky.
However, the 25-year old's campaign was cut short at St Andrews when Birmingham defender Martin Taylor's shin-high challenge ended up fracturing Dudu's leg and dislocating his ankle.
The injury was so severe that had it not been for the quick thinking of then-physio Gary Lewin, then Eduardo's leg could have been amputated.
Da Silva though made a speedy recovery and was video'd kicking a football and undergoing trampoline exercises as early as 12 weeks later while recovering at a rehabilitation centre in Rio de Janeiro.
Setanta Sports quote a Croatian news outlet, who claim that Arsenal coach Boro Primorac said: "Eduardo is for the first time today [Wednesday] practicing with the team after his serious injury.
"Of course, he worked with reduced capacity, mainly stretching and jogging. He is not yet at the stage where he can go into full contact, but it will come.
"I cannot tell you exactly when Eduardo will play the first match. That will be when it is decided that he is completely ready.
"It is clear that the first match Eduardo will play will be for the reserves, before gradually joining the top team."
It is widely believed that Eduardo will feature in the Arsenal first team before perma-crocked Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky.
Gallas: I've Proved I'm A Strong Leader
Gallas has been much maligned since being handed the armband by Arsene Wenger last season, with his leadership credentials seemingly under constant scrutiny.
His antics during Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Birmingham City last season and recent pictures of him leaving a nightclub with a cigarette pursed in his lips have led to accusations that the 31-year-old is the wrong man to lead the Gunners.
However, the French international believes that he has shown himself to be the right man for the job and states that the 2-1 Premier League win over Manchester United highlighted his qualities to the naysayers.
The centre-back claims that he is happy with his level of performance all season, but is happy to have impressed under the spotlight.
He told the Daily Mail: "I know people were talking about my leadership before the game but what I found interesting is that, after we beat United, everyone was saying my leadership was good.
"But for me I played the way I have been all season. In fact, I think I had a better game against Spurs a couple of weeks ago but no one mentions it."
Win or Bust
The ex-Chelsea defender knows that the pressure is on the Gunners to deliver a trohpy this season, as the public can be notoriously dismissive of teams who fail to clinch success.
He continued: "That's how it is in football, though, people only look at the result and because we beat Manchester United we are getting all the praise again. That's why I always say that at the end of the season, the only thing that will matter is whether you have won a trophy - the rest is forgotten if you can win it."
The skipper reserved praise for Samir Nasri, his compatriot and also a former Marseille star.
The 21-year-old fired a brace to down the Red Devils last week and Gallas believes that the midfielder is making a huge impact on the Premier League.
He continued: "He has fitted in really well since he came over from France - he has picked up the language well and you can see that on the pitch the Premier League is suiting him perfectly.
"He is a very strong player, too, and is always up for the challenge and he showed at the weekend again that he can get goals for us, too."
Arsenal face Aston Villa this weekend and will be eager to capitalise on their bouyant league form against Martin O'Neill's troops.
Gallas is hopeful that all of the Gunners' mistakes are out of their system after early season losses to Fulham, Hull City and Stoke City.
He claims that the workrate within Arsene Wenger's side will help see them through come the end of the season.
He concluded: "What I really liked about last Saturday was how hard everyone worked.
"We really put pressure on them for the whole game and you saw the result. Maybe we haven't done that enough this season.
"We have shown we can do it against United, so why can't we do it in every game from now?''
His antics during Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Birmingham City last season and recent pictures of him leaving a nightclub with a cigarette pursed in his lips have led to accusations that the 31-year-old is the wrong man to lead the Gunners.
However, the French international believes that he has shown himself to be the right man for the job and states that the 2-1 Premier League win over Manchester United highlighted his qualities to the naysayers.
The centre-back claims that he is happy with his level of performance all season, but is happy to have impressed under the spotlight.
He told the Daily Mail: "I know people were talking about my leadership before the game but what I found interesting is that, after we beat United, everyone was saying my leadership was good.
"But for me I played the way I have been all season. In fact, I think I had a better game against Spurs a couple of weeks ago but no one mentions it."
Win or Bust
The ex-Chelsea defender knows that the pressure is on the Gunners to deliver a trohpy this season, as the public can be notoriously dismissive of teams who fail to clinch success.
He continued: "That's how it is in football, though, people only look at the result and because we beat Manchester United we are getting all the praise again. That's why I always say that at the end of the season, the only thing that will matter is whether you have won a trophy - the rest is forgotten if you can win it."
The skipper reserved praise for Samir Nasri, his compatriot and also a former Marseille star.
The 21-year-old fired a brace to down the Red Devils last week and Gallas believes that the midfielder is making a huge impact on the Premier League.
He continued: "He has fitted in really well since he came over from France - he has picked up the language well and you can see that on the pitch the Premier League is suiting him perfectly.
"He is a very strong player, too, and is always up for the challenge and he showed at the weekend again that he can get goals for us, too."
Arsenal face Aston Villa this weekend and will be eager to capitalise on their bouyant league form against Martin O'Neill's troops.
Gallas is hopeful that all of the Gunners' mistakes are out of their system after early season losses to Fulham, Hull City and Stoke City.
He claims that the workrate within Arsene Wenger's side will help see them through come the end of the season.
He concluded: "What I really liked about last Saturday was how hard everyone worked.
"We really put pressure on them for the whole game and you saw the result. Maybe we haven't done that enough this season.
"We have shown we can do it against United, so why can't we do it in every game from now?''
Gunners Midfielder Reveals Vieira Adulation
Arsenal's chief scout in France, former Gunner Gilles Grimandi, first scouted Abou Diaby over three years ago while the Parisian was playing for Auxerre.
Diaby first arrived in north London in January 2006 and the comparisons with leggy midfielder Patrick Vieira were instant, yet their playing styles had contrasts.
While Vieira was tough in the tackle and roamed from box to box, Diaby has been best utilised behind the striker.
Diaby though has now revealed that Arsenal's former number 4 remains his role model, and he aspires to be as successful as his fellow Frenchman.
"I have a desire and ambition to get back in the French team," Diaby, who has two international caps, told Le 10 Sport.
"I know there is a lot of competition in midfield, notably from Patrick Vieira, who is my role model.
"I have a lot of things to learn from him."
Wenger Urges Capello To Check Out Young Guns
National team manager Fabio Capello attended Arsenal's Carling Cup clash against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday evening to perhaps take a closer look at Latics' goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.
However, the Italian left the Emirates after seeing four or five Arsenal players who will be undoubtedly knocking on the doors of the Three Lions under 18 and under 21 sides, with full international honours beckoning in a few years.
"If Capello wants to have a good selection, he has to come to our Carling Cup games," Wenger explained on the Times Online.
"If you give me time, I will produce England players. These boys have a future.
"We have Gavin Hoyte, who had an outstanding game, Kieran Gibbs, Mark Randall, Jack Wilshere, Jay Simpson - all of them are top-class. There were also a few English players on the bench who are good as well. We have eight or nine players who are very impressive."
"My beliefs have always been the same," the Frenchman continued. "I am happy that the people who love the club are happier, but I've always had faith in what I have been doing.
"It would be tempting to play them in the Premier League. But the pressure at that level is different," he concluded.
However, the Italian left the Emirates after seeing four or five Arsenal players who will be undoubtedly knocking on the doors of the Three Lions under 18 and under 21 sides, with full international honours beckoning in a few years.
"If Capello wants to have a good selection, he has to come to our Carling Cup games," Wenger explained on the Times Online.
"If you give me time, I will produce England players. These boys have a future.
"We have Gavin Hoyte, who had an outstanding game, Kieran Gibbs, Mark Randall, Jack Wilshere, Jay Simpson - all of them are top-class. There were also a few English players on the bench who are good as well. We have eight or nine players who are very impressive."
"My beliefs have always been the same," the Frenchman continued. "I am happy that the people who love the club are happier, but I've always had faith in what I have been doing.
"It would be tempting to play them in the Premier League. But the pressure at that level is different," he concluded.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Jay Simpson: Young Gun Reveals Childhood Idol
Jay Simpson is one of the latest crop of club manager Arsene Wenger's young guns to step up his game and knock out Premier League opponents Wigan Athletic due to his well-taken brace at the Emirates Stadium last night.
Simpson has played at Ashburton Grove before, and scored a hat-trick in the Youth Cup against Cardiff last year, meaning that he has an impressive strike rate of one goal every 37 minutes in front of home fans.
Simpson has revealed that it was fellow striker and former club record goalscorer Ian Wright that has been his inspiration.
"When I was growing up I used to watch Ian Wright and that's what made me an Arsenal fan," Simpson told the club's official website. "I had posters of him on my wall.
"I met Wright once, it was quite a while ago at my first Arsenal match at Highbury. I met him in the tunnel and I was starstruck, I didn't know what to say to him! He shook my hand and I didn't know what to do! I was nine at the time," he said.
Wenger: 'England Has A Competitive Future'
Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic by three goals to nil last night and the scoreline could have been far greater had it not been for Chris Kirkland's consistent shot-stopping throughout the 90.
Fabio Capello and Franco Baldini were in the stands watching on and would have noted Kirkland shrugging off a shoulder injury to carry on guarding goal, but the pair would have been far more impressed with the way Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has safeguarded the future of English football.
Jay Simpson ran the channels in commendable fashion and took advantage of the neat service he was provided by scoring twice.
Kieran Gibbs overlapped well from the left back berth, and should he work on his defensive discipline could turn into the next Ashey Cole, but his current level of ability could see him utilised more like Armand Traore, currently at Portsmouth.
Jack Wilshere looks to be the golden boy of this class. His passing is inspired; he is comfortable and more importantly strong on the ball, he has fine balance and can dribble forward as well as starting play. He is not averse to having a shot on target either, and has scored numerous goals for the reserves, the under 18s, in pre-season, and also against Sheffield United in the previous round of the Carling Cup.
Speaking to the club's official website, Wenger made notes on the English contribution to his blossoming youth project.
"I believe, on the players you have seen tonight, England has a competitive future," he insisted.
"You have Gavin Hoyte, who for me had an outstanding game, Gibbs, Mark Randall, Wilshere – all four are top class. Also there is Jay Simpson, Henri Lansbury, Emmanuel Frimpong and Abu Ogogo. Some are in the national team [relative to their age] as well," he said.
"Jay had an excellent pre-season with me and after that he didn’t play because of the competition we have up front; he didn’t get the games but tonight he has shown the character and physical strength he has.
"Last year he was Player of the Year when we sent him out to Millwall on loan," the Frenchman added.
"I like Kieran Gibbs," he continued.
"He is a player who can go up and down and he has an unbelievable physique. Gibbs was first a midfielder and he has a future. I gave Armand Traore out on loan because I had Gibbs, and I also have Silvestre who can play there [left back] if needed."
Arsenal - Wigan 3:0
Young Guns Claim Another Scalp
f 6-0 over Championship opposition was impressive, then 3-0 over a full-strength Premier League opponent is just ridiculous.
The performance levels from this latest batch of Young Gunners was simply breathtaking and once again, it proved difficult to tell the men's team from the boy's.
Jack Wilshere was barely out of nappies when Steve Bruce hung up his playing boots, but bossed a considerably older Wigan midfield with authority.
Fran Merida showed exactly why Barcelona kicked up such a furore when they lost his services to the London side, while Carlos Vela and Jay Simpson look like they would walk into any team in the country.
Sure, Wigan will point to the might have beens that may have stemmed from an early second half penalty, but in truth, the strikes from Simpson and Vela put a deserved three-goal gloss on a simply majestic showing.
Team News:
Arsene Wenger named a side containing eight teenagers, with only one change from the team that beat Sheffield United last time out. Jay Simpson replaced Nicklas Bentdner up front, and made a tremendous impact.
Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic side were close to full-strength, with only an injury to Emile Heskey preventing them from fielding a favoured XI.
First Half
The Young Guns didn't take long to make a splash on this encounter, with the likes of Fran Merida and Jack Wilshere pulling the strings in midfield.
The 16-year-old prompted Mark Randall on seven minutes to allow the midfielder to find Carlos Vela, who bore down on goal for the first time. However, he couldn't get a shot away on his less-favoured right foot.
Vela was to go close five minutes later when Merida found a wonderful through ball to feed his colleague in the area.
Instead of shooting on sight, Vela tried to round Chris Kirkland, who made the first of a number of good stops of the evening.
Jay Simpson then crashed a turn-and-shot off the bar after being fed by Wilshere.
Soon after, and despite being in discomfort, the England international Kirkland stood tall to deny Kieran Gibbs after another sumptuous Merida pass.
Wigan struggled to make inroads into the encounter, with Amr Zaki suffering a palpable lack of service.
His right winger Daniel De Ridder drew a save on 15 minutes from Lukasz Fabianski for their best chance of the half.
Kirkland had to be at this best to keep out a terrific Aaron Ramsey free-kick on 20 minutes before pulling off a top-drawer stop to deny a delightful Vela curled effort.
The Gunners were to go into the break in the lead as Wigan's last line of defence finally caved.
Jack Wilshere, with time and space in the centre circle, found a Liam Brady-esque through-ball, from which Jay Simpson slid home the opener five minutes before the interval.
Second Half:
Wigan were denied a stone-wall penalty just after the break, when Johan Djourou met a Mario Melchiot throw-in with his hand.
In truth, that was as close as the Latics were going to come to a leveller.
After Merida fed Simpson for a shot and had one repelled himself, the Arsenal academy boys eased into full swing.
Aaraon Ramsey mesmerised the Wigan midfield, who to a man could only stand and watch as he weighted a wonderful pass to Gibbs on the overlap.
The full-back's shot was straight at Kirkland, but more goals and more fearless, confident and expressive football were in the offing from the precocious hosts.
Merida's chip then allowed Simpson to chest onto Vela for a powerful shot before the Young Guns struck a textbook second five minutes after the hour.
Ramsey's pass from the edge of his own area following a Wigan corner released the prominent Vela on the left-wing.
He outsprinted and outfought Emerson Boyce to reach the byline and selflessly centred for Simpson to double his and his side's tally.
It was to be three mere moments later, with a goal lent a distinctive Latino flair.
Johan Djourou's pass from midfield found Carlos Vela peeling off his marker and bending a run on goal.
Instinctively, the Mexican dinked a delightful chip over the 6'4 Kirkland and into the net to put the icing on a very impressive evening's work for Arsene Wenger's latest batch of fledglings.
Fabianski had to be at his best with two minutes to play when he pulled off a remarkable double save from Daniel De Ridder and Amr Zaki; nothing was going to spoil this special evening for the Gunners.
Line Ups:
Arsenal (4-4-2): Fabianski - Hoyte, Gibbs, Djourou, Song - Wilshere (lansbury 77'), Merida, Randall, Ramsey - Simpson (Bischoff 77'), Vela (Fonte 84')
Wigan Athletic (4-4-2): Kirkland - Melchiot, Figueroa, Boyce, Bramble - Cattermole (Brown 67'), Palacios, Valencia - De Ridder, Koumas (Camara 58'), Zaki
Rosicky Undergoes Revision Surgery In Germany
The last time Tomas Rosicky turned out in an Arsenal shirt he had to be substituted after only nine minutes.
Since the FA Cup tie against Newcastle United in late January, Arsene Wenger has gone on to describe the Czech international midfielder's hamstring injury as "not a serious one but a strange one."
But ten months later Rosicky has still not kicked a football in competitive action and the 28-year old has now undergone revision surgery in an attempt to nurse the perma-crocked star back to peak match fitness.
A statement on the Gunners' official website confirmed: "Tomas Rosicky yesterday underwent routine revision surgery in Germany.
"The operation went as planned and Tomas will now spend at least a few weeks convalescing in Germany.
"Thereafter he will follow a tailored rehabilitation progamme devised by our medical team."
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Walcott: Rivals Will Fear Fortress Emirates!
Arsenal's epic 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the weekend appears to have boosted confidence at the Emirates.
A pair of strikes from Samir Nasri helped the Gunners to their memorable win, which was a timely boost to Arsenal's title challenge.
Defeats by Fulham, Hull City and Stoke City all served to put the title credentials of Arsene Wenger's side in doubt, but winger Theo Walcott believes that the nature of their last league win will now intimidate teams visiting the red-half of north London.
Despite the fact that Arsenal squandered a 4-2 lead against Tottenham Hotspur a week before the United win, ex-Southampton man Walcott declared that his side are well placed to mount a championship challenge.
They now perch third in the Premier League rankings, thanks to the morale-boosting win over the Red Devils.
The England international predicts a close title shake-up, but is adamant that the Gunners have what it takes to go all the way.
He told the Daily Express: “We need to make teams come to the Emirates and be scared of us, and the result against United will put fear in people’s minds.
“We had a meeting ahead of the game and it showed. If we play like we did against United, then we will be fine.
“We are third now and United are just behind us in the table, so that victory has definitely boosted our confidence and morale in the dressing room.
“It’s going to be a close title race until the end of the season. It’s not just going to be a one-horse race, there will be quite a few teams involved – including us.”
Wenger: The Kids Are Alright...Even The English Ones
Following the weekend victory over Manchester United, two goal Arsenal hero Samir Nasri revealed that French football fans consider the Gunners to be the '21st Ligue 1 team', on account of their large French contingent.
Perhaps slightly sheepish over Nasri's words, boss Arsene Wenger has quickly moved to talk up the English starlets working their way through le système.
The Frenchman said: "There's Jack Wilshere; we know that people will be following his progress because there is a big expectation level here for English players to be produced.
"We are happy to do that. Look at Mark Randall, Gavin Hoyte and Kieran Gibbs. Recently I feel we've produced very good English players."
Now, Wenger feels that his multi-talented, multinational group of youngsters can finally bag the Carling Cup after several seasons of blooding his starlets in the competition.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Wigan, he said: "In the United States there's Barack Obama. He's at the top because of his quality. If you're good enough, you play.
"We will keep faith with our Carling Cup policy and not change it now. It is very important that all these young players enjoy the opportunity to show how good they are.
"We will try our best to win it, but also we use this competition for educational purposes, to allow our young players to develop. Wigan are a top team so it will be a good test for us."
Wenger Undecided Over January Transfer Plans
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he is yet to decide what his transfer plans are when the January window opens.
According to press reports, Wenger attempted to seal last minute deals on September 1 (deadline day) in an attempt to bring in a suitable partner for playmaking midfielder Cesc Fabregas, including a transaction that would have taken Liverpool's Xabi Alonso to Ashburton Grove.
"It's far from decided," Wenger told the club's official website when asked about his future transfer plans.
"We will make a check at the end of December and we will see. We have had many players out and showed we have a great squad that can win the big games."
Arsenal have recently been linked with AS Roma's combative midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
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