ARSENAL FC

Bendtner admits Arsenal miss Fabregas

2008-12-29T16:18:00.002+01:00

Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner concedes that the Gunners are beginning to miss the creative spark of sidelined captain, Cesc Fabregas.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is expected to miss up to four months of action after damaging knee ligaments during the Premier League draw with Liverpool eight days ago.

The Gunners got back to winning ways yesterday, winning only their second game of December, with a tight 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at the Emirates.

Their Danish frontman Bendtner foresees a drought of sorts for his side in the absence of their captain, whose assists have been key to the manner in which Arsene Wenger's line-up conducts its business.

No player laid on more Premier League goals last season, and Bendtner admits that the void in midfield will not be readily filled.

He told Ekstra Bladet: "Of course we notice that he is out. He was our engine and he created loads of chances for others with his fantastic passes."

Arsenal are currently 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the race for the Premier League crown, and lie in fourth as a result of some decidely shaky domestic results.

The Gunners' championship status has been reduced to outsiders thanks to defeats to the likes of Fulham, Hull, Stoke and Manchester City.

Bendtner cannot easily recognise where the team's problems have lain, but understands the importance of consistency in one of the most open top-flight seasons in recent years.

He concluded: "I really can't see that we've lost it [the league]. Everyone knows how fast things can change. None of the top sides can afford to relax for the remaining 18 games."

Gallas scored for new three points

2008-12-28T19:50:00.000+01:00

Arsenal - Portsmouth 1:0

Arsenal left it late but they eventually managed to pick up all three points against a resilient Portsmouth side, thanks to a William Gallas goal less than ten minutes from time.

The home side were guilty of missing a few clear cut chances throughout the match and it looked as though they were going to draw their fourth successive Premier League match until the defender popped up.

The goal owed plenty to Portsmouth goalkeeper David James though, who flapped at a free-kick, allowing Gallas to head into an empty net.

The win means that the Gunners are back on level terms with Aston Villa in the battle for fourth, but the crowd, and the manager, will not have been too pleased the display.

Returning striker Emmanuel Adebayor could, and should, have put the game to bed on a few occasions but he missed golden chances, whilst others looks flat and uninspired.

Ex-Gunner Tony Adams was given a warm reception on his return to Arsenal, and even though his side fought hard, he will know the result, the fourth straight defeat for his team, does him no favours at all.

First-Half

With both sides low on confidence at the moment, it was no surprise that the match started as a cagey affair, with possession swapping hands frequently. Despite having Emmanuel Adebayor back in the side, Arsenal did not look comfortable, and it looked like they could go behind on the ten minute mark, when David Nugent broke behind the defence. The linesman belatedly lifted his flag though, much to the relief of the home crowd, for what appeared to be a tight offside call.

Playing on the right wing Nugent was looking a real threat in the early exchanges, and was involved in the move which saw the first real chance of the match, as Peter Crouch cracked the woodwork with a header from Marc Wilson's cross. Portsmouth were starting to play with real purpose in a deathly quiet Emirates, but they were indebted to Sylvain Distin thirty minutes in, as he blocked a shot off the line.

It was Adebayor who had the chance, after Emmanuel Eboue had played him in and he rounded David James, only to see Distin block brilliantly on the line. In truth it would have been a harsh goal for Portsmouth to concede, bearing in mind how well they had kept Arsenal at bay all match, and they didn't let their heads drop after the chance.

Distin and ex-Arsenal man, Sol Campbell, looked solid at the back, and whilst the home side did get a chance to put some good balls into the box, too often they were wasted. Samir Nasri was the main culprit from the dead ball situations, but on the whole Arsenal were struggling to get into the game, as Pompey sat back for stages and soaked up the pressure. The half-time whistle was greeted by an abject silence in the ground and Arsene Wenger was visibly unimpressed on the touchline.

Second-Half

Knowing they needed a goal Arsenal came out looking strong after the whistle and Portsmouth yet again cleared a shot destined for goal, this time Papa Bouba Diop was the saviour from Niklas Bendtner's header, after James had spilled a cross. The pressure was beginning to mount on the southern team and they were lucky not to go behind just ten minutes into the half when Adebayor missed yet another great chance.

The big striker found the ball at his feet, following another error from the Portsmouth goalkeeper, but he failed to hit an empty goal for the second time in the match. The away team could not get the ball from Arsenal wh, in typical style, were passing it around a lot, but without any real end product.

The crowd were growing frustrated by the lack of any cutting edge, and in an attempt to spice things up, Wenger threw on Carlos Vela to replace Eboue. The Mexican was outmuscled on more than one occasion by the Pompey defence though, as Arsenal persisted with their passing game. It did nearly pay off with just twenty minutes left, but this time James was the hero not the villian as he made a good stop from Nasri.

The England international soon changed though as his error led to Arsenal taking the lead with the clock wearing down. It was Denilson who delivered the cross, and the 'keeper flapped at the ball, missing it, and allowing Gallas to head into an empty net. The home crowd knew how important the goal was, and even though it was hard work it seemed as though Arsenal would be rewarded.

The last ten minutes presented just the one moment of panic, as the ball bounced around in the Arsenal box and twice Crouch cracked shots at goal, only for Gael Clichy to eventually clear. The home side did not come under too much pressure though, and the full-time whistle was greeted with a huge cheer, as the Gunners move back into fourth.

Arsenal - Portsmouth LIVE

2008-12-28T13:46:00.002+01:00

This Sunday watch Arsenal - Portsmouth LIVE on this LINK

Boxing day Aston Villa - Arsenal LIVE

2008-12-26T13:39:00.002+01:00

Watch boxing day matches live. Live Aston Villa - Arsenal game on this LINK

Premier League Preview: Aston Villa - Arsenal

2008-12-26T12:39:00.000+01:00

Aston Villa go into this Boxing Day clash from the commanding heights of third place in the Premier League, underlining that Martin O'Neill's impressive and pacy team are undoubtedly the most credible contenders from outside the traditional Big Four for Champions League qualification in 2009-10. What is also no longer in doubt is that Arsenal are the Big Four incumbents most at risk from the threat represented by Villa's challenge.

Indeed, since these two teams last met - at the Emirates as recently as 15 November - they have swapped places. Prior to that game just under six weeks ago, Arsenal were fairly buoyant after two well-received victories over Manchester United and (in the Carling Cup), Wigan Athletic. They were in third place, seeking a third straight win in all competitions, while Villa, in fifth, were anxious to avoid a third successive League defeat. They managed that, in some style, becoming only the third visiting side ever to win at the Emirates with a deserved and convincing 2-0 victory.

At that time, Villa needed to beat the Gunners by a five-goal margin to overtake them, but subsequent results have done the trick nicely for O'Neill's men. The Villans, who beat Arsenal through a Gael Clichy own goal on 70 minutes and a Gabriel Agbonlahor effort ten minutes later, then went on to hold champions Manchester United 0-0 at home, and returned a similar result at Villa Park against improving Fulham before winning dramatically 3-2 at Everton, beating Bolton 4-2 at home and triumphing 1-0 at West Ham. True, there were a couple of UEFA Cup defeats, with weakened teams, during that period, but not at the expense of the Birmingham club's progress to the knock-out stages of that competition. Agbonlahor and Ashley Young have been influential all season, contributing 14 Premier League goals between them so far, plus a raft of assists.

Meanwhile, Arsenal followed their loss against Villa with a humbling 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, bounced back to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge and Wigan 1-0 at the Emirates, then recorded successive 1-1 draws at Middlesbrough and at home to Liverpool. In between they beat Dynamo Kiev but lost to Porto in the Champions League (though they have qualified for the next stage) and were eliminated from the Carling Cup by Championship side Burnley.

It has been a mixed bag of results for the North Londoners, typical of their season as a whole; but Arsene Wenger has also had other problems to deal with. Growing criticism of his transfer market frugality and emphasis on youth, together with the William Gallas affair and the captaincy issue, last weekend's serious injury to new skipper Cesc Fabregas and the red card for Emmanuel Adebayor, have compounded the Frenchman's most problematic season by far as Arsenal boss.

In contrast, O'Neill's stock continues to soar. The former Celtic boss is embellishing his reputation in the West Midlands as Villa move into pole position to disrupt the Big Four's cosy hegemony. The Ulsterman's progress was underlined by the fact that last month's win at the Emirates was Villa's first success over Arsenal, home or away, in 20 attempts - and they will be anxious to build on that by inflicting a double over the wounded Gunners.

Wenger of course continues to insist that Arsenal are still very much in the title mix (what else could he say?), and that the four teams currently above his own - Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester United - will slip up at some stage as the Gunners strive to get back into a more challenging position. Although they remain eight points behind current leaders Liverpool, and outside the top four places, Arsenal must be relieved, if not encouraged, that this season's seems to be the title that no club has yet made a sustained push to win. All the contenders are dropping points - indeed, none of the 'Big Four' has won a match since 6th December, which has played nicely into Villa's hands.

Wenger said in the build-up to this game: "The title is won in May and we are in December. Mathematically we will fight until the end.

“I believe Liverpool will drop many points. I am convinced of that. They had four draws at home. That means they dropped eight points, why shouldn't they drop eight more in the second half of the season?”

He added: "Villa are mathematically in there but if you asked me if they are going to win the title I would say no because there are other teams who to me look better equipped.

"For a place in the top four, they are a threat.

"We are three points behind and have a good opportunity to come back on them. It is a very important game for us."

Villa manager Martin O'Neill is predictably playing down his club's fans' hopes of earning a Champions League place. But while trying to keep expectations in check and everyone's feet on the ground, even he admits there has been much progress at Villa Park since his arrival in 2006.

He said this week: “Two seasons ago during this period we would have been beaten by sides less capable than West Ham. There is a great determination about this team.”

"If we could win the [Arsenal] game it would give us a major psychological boost. It would be an amazing double if we could beat them at home as we defeated them at their place.

"Of course, if Arsenal win they will have caught up with us immediately. They are a talented team who have always qualified for the Champions League without a great deal of fuss."

Victory for Villa would widen the gap between themselves and the Gunners to six points. But they haven't beaten Arsenal at Villa Park for a decade, losing five - including last season’s corresponding fixture - and drawing four of the previous nine meetings on their own patch. Their last home win against Arsenal was in December 1998, when they came back from two-down to win 3-2 in a game also memorable for the injury sustained by Santa Claus as he parachuted into the stadium at half-time but hit the roof of a stand on his descent to earth.

FORM GUIDE

Aston Villa

20 Dec (Premier League) v West Ham (A) WON 1-0
17 Dec (UEFA Cup) v Hamburg (A) LOST 1-3
13 Dec (Premier League) v Bolton (H) WON 4-2
07 Dec (Premier League) v Everton (A) WON 3-2
04 Dec (UEFA Cup) v MSK Zilina (H) LOST 1-2
29 Nov (Premier League) v Fulham (H) DREW 0-0

Arsenal

21 Dec (Premier League) v Liverpool (H) DREW 1-1
13 Dec (Premier League) v Middlesbrough (A) DREW 1-1
10 Dec (Champions League) v FC Porto (A) LOST 0-2
06 Dec (Premier League) v Wigan (H) WON 1-0
02 Dec (Carling Cup) v Burnley (A) LOST 0-2
30 Nov (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) WON 2-1

TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

John Carew (back) and Wilfred Bouma (ankle) are ruled out, and O'Neill may be without Martin Laursen, who has a knee injury, and Carlos Cuellar, who was substituted after sustaining a heavy challenge during the 1-0 win at West Ham. If neither make it, Nigel Reo-Coker and Zat Knight could be handed starts.

Squad: Friedel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, L Young, Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Barry, A Young, Agbonlahor, Reo-Coker, Knight, Shorey, Harewood, Gardner, Salifou, Osbourne, Guzan.

Last Starting XI (v West Ham): Friedel, Cuellar (Reo-Coker 58), Davies, Laursen, Luke Young, Petrov, Milner, Sidwell, Barry, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Harewood, Delfouneso, Knight, Shorey, Gardner.

Arsenal

Injuries continue to blight the Gunners' season, and the blow they suffered last Sunday against Liverpool, losing captain Cesc Fabregas for possibly four months with a damaged medial knee ligament, was the heaviest yet.

Fabregas now joins Tomas Rosicky (whose hamstring problem has kept him sidelined for nearly 12 months), Theo Walcott (shoulder), Eduardo (out since February with a broken leg), Kolo Toure (calf) and Nicklas Bendtner (knee) on the unavailable-through-injury list. Meanwhile, striker Emmanuel Adebayor is suspended following his red card against Liverpool.

Squad: Almunia, Sagna, Nasri, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Eboue, Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Van Persie, Bendtner, Toure, Silvestre.

Last Starting XI (v Liverpool): Almunia, Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas
(Diaby 46), Song Billong, Nasri (Eboue 90), Adebayor, Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa

Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor will again be the biggest threats to Arsenal, given their pace and penetration and the vulnerability at the centre of the Gunners' defence. And midfielder Steve Sidwell will be keen to shine against the club with whom he started his career - while goalkeeper Brad Friedel will be extending his record-breaking run to 171 consecutive Premier League appearances.

Arsenal

Gael Clichy will no doubt relish the challenge of trying to contain Young, and will want to put in a decent performance after conceding an own goal in the reverse fixture. A problem for Arsene Wenger will be deciding who will replace Cesc Fabregas in central midfield, and of course who will captain the team. Abou Diaby will probably be a candidate for the former role (though Aaron Ramsey, on his 18th birthday, could be a surprise choice), while Manuel Almunia will probably be given the arm-band - unless Clichy gets a crack at it.

Fabregas wants to return as soon as possible

2008-12-24T14:48:00.002+01:00

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas stated that he will come back very soon, and even stronger than before.

Cesc Fàbregas has revealed that he would willingly have had surgery if it had been required to repair his injury, and that he was fortunate that his leg was in the air when Xabi Alonso caught him.

The Arsenal midfielder visited Doctor Ramón Cugat in Barcelona to determine whether an operation was required and is now hoping to be able to spend the first few weeks of his comeback in the Catalan capital with family.

After being told that he will be out for four months following the blow to his knee that he sustained in a tackle with compatriot Xabi Alonso at the weekend, Cesc was philosophical.

"After consulting the best doctor we have decided not to operate. If it had been necessary then I would have been the first to have said we should., but the doctor has recommended not to because I am young and have not damaged the meniscus," Marca quote him as saying.

"I will be out for around four months. My aim now is to return as soon as possible and help my team-mates. I will endeavour to be back quickly to do what I like doing best and that is to play football.

"It is the first serious injury that I have had in my career. They effect everyone now and again and this just my turn. I will just have to wait, keep to the time frame and return as soon as possible."

Xabi Alonso has been concerned about his international team-mate and Cesc explained that he does not blame the Liverpool playmaker for the injury.

"I remember it was a counter-attack and Xabi Alonso and I ended up on the floor. I had my leg up and he came in like a bull and he took the ball and my leg. It is not as bad because my leg was not on the ground, because if it had been I would have been out for a lot longer," he continued.

"He worried a lot about me. He called me after the game and has been ending messages as well as talking to me before I went in to see the doctor. These are things that happen, it is football, and Xabi is a great friend of mine."

Arsenal Lose Cesc Fabregas For Three Months

2008-12-23T12:50:00.002+01:00

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set to spend the next three months on the sidelines after injuring his knee in Sunday's clash with Liverpool.

The Spanish sensation hobbled out of the game at half-time after coming off second best in a 50-50 challenge with compatriot Xabi Alonso, forcing Arsene Wenger to send on Abou Diaby for the remainder of the 1-1 draw.

It was confirmed shortly afterwards that the 21-year-old midfielder had damaged the medial ligaments of his right knee, and he has been scheduled for a series of scans throughout the week.

Initial examinations have highlighted the severity of the injury, and the findings at this point are far from encouraging for Fabregas or the Gunners.

An unnamed source said in The Sun: "He has been told he will not be available until the end of March, which means he will miss the next round of the Champions League and a number of crucial Premier League matches."

That prognosis could become even grimmer if Fabregas is forced to undergo surgery, and it thought that the EURO 2008 winner is expecting the worst.

Further tests will be conducted this evening.

Emmanuel Adebayor Still Harbours Title Hopes With Arsenal

2008-12-23T12:50:00.001+01:00

Arsenal could slip to nine points behind the top spot if Chelsea win their game in hand this evening over seventh-placed Everton at Goodison Park.

With twenty games to go there is plenty of time to play catch-up, but most critics believe that a realistic ambition for the Gunners should be to concentrate on preventing Aston Villa from capturing fourth spot.

This is not a view shared by Emmanuel Adebayor, though. The leggy targetman featured in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the weekend, until referee Howard Webb sent the Togolese international for an early bath for collecting two yellow cards.

"We are not happy," Manu is quoted by the Times Online as saying.

"But we can be pleased with the performance. Every player has shown character and that is good.

"We just have to keep going now. Even with ten we can play good football and so with 11 we have a chance to win.

"Against Liverpool, you could say the referee took those two points away, and if you think about our own mistakes in some other games, you can see where the title could have gone.

"But at the moment, we are still there and have just to keep going."

He added: "We managed to get a point against Liverpool, who are at the top of the table with players who are playing well.

"We have to go there, they have to play Manchester United and Chelsea, too. The title is still open for everyone to win it."

Adebayor, though, is now suspended for the crucial Boxing Day fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Liverpool gone with one point

2008-12-22T12:07:00.000+01:00

Arsenal - Liverpool 1:1

League leaders Liverpool arrived at the Emirates aiming for a victory that would finish Arsenal’s hopes of claiming the title.

Yet the Reds were without manager Rafael Benitez who was recovering from surgery, although there was a recall to the side for Robbie Keane. Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua also featured in place of the injured Andrea Dossena and flu victim Javier Mascherano.

Arsenal, meanwhile made only one change from the side held at Middlesbrough last weekend with Samir Nasri replacing Abou Diaby.

The sides traded chances in the cagey opening exchanges. Steven Gerrard firing straight at Manuel Almunia after some good hold up play by Robbie Keane before Emmanuel Adebayor’s header from Bacary Sagna’s cross was claimed by Pepe Reina.

Yet midway through the first half the Gunners took the lead with a glorious goal. A superb 60 yard pass from Nasri found van Persie on the edge of the box.

The Dutchman chested the ball down, before a superb second touch took the ball away from Jamie Carragher and allowed him space to slam it home right footed.

The goal visibly relaxed Arsenal who enjoyed some controlled possession football but minutes before half-time Liverpool grabbed an equaliser.

A hopeful punt upfield by Arbeloa, found Keane capitalising on some poor Arsenal defending and the striker smashed home an emphatic finish to level the scores.

Liverpool could have gone in at the break ahead, with Kuyt setting up Gerrard for a great chance on the stroke of half time, but the Reds skipper on the stretch couldn’t quite find the target.

There was more bad news for Arsenal at the break with captain Cesc Fabregas unable to continue after picking up a knee injury in a challenge with Xabi Alonso, and Abou Diaby replacing the Spaniard.

The visitors picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, dominating possession and with Lucas forcing Almunia into a decent stop after some good work down the left by Insua.

However, the biggest talking point of the second half undoubtedly occurred on the hour mark when Adebayor received a second yellow card from referee Howard Webb after a clash with Arbeloa.

Whilst Arbeloa went to ground clutching his face, after appearing to catch a stray arm from the Arsenal striker, Webb appeared to brandish the card for Adebayor having gone in for the tackle with his foot over the top of the ball.

The decision infuriated both the Arsenal crowd and a frustrated Arsene Wenger on the touchline and with the tempo well and truly raised, the tackles began to fly in with Sagna and van Persie both going into the book for rash challenges, swiftly followed by Jamie Carragher.

Yet strangely the sending off seemed to suit Arsenal who battled impressively against a Liverpool side seemingly reluctant to take a risk against ten men and turn one point into three.

Indeed the closest the visitors came was a speculative shot from range by Agger that just missed the top corner and a header from substitute El Zhar that flew inches wide.

However, it was not enough and Liverpool, unable to make their man advantage count, had to settle for a draw and what they may feel is a missed opportunity.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas (Diaby, 46), Song, Nasri (Eboue, 90 +1), Adebayor, Van Persie.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas (Ngog, 88), Alonso, Riera (Babel, 71), Gerrard, Keane (El Zhar, 81).

GOALS

1-1 Liverpool (Keane, 42)

1-0 Arsenal (van Persie, 24)

Watch Arsenal - Liverpool LIVE

2008-12-21T14:40:00.004+01:00

Like in the middle of the week, when we provided you with free Arsenal reserves vs. Portsmouth reserves link, this Sunday Gunners inside blog team are offering you another opportunity to watch Arsenal live.
On this LINK you can choose your picture quality and watch Premier league Gameweek 18 derby Arsenal - Liverpool live.

Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Liverpool

2008-12-20T15:33:00.002+01:00

The incentive for breaking into the top four places of the Premier League was vividly illustrated on Friday when the draw for the Champions League Round of 16 was made, and these two residents of England's 'Big Four' were handed mouth-watering ties. Arsenal will play Roma in February, while Liverpool take on Real Madrid, as both English clubs seek to reach the quarter-finals for the second year in succession. Last season, of course, they met each other at that stage of Europe's top club tournament; and on Sunday they meet again for the first time since then, with precious Premier League points at stake.

Current League leaders Liverpool will probably be pleased to be on the road again after their recent dropped points and inhibited displays at Anfield; but then again they may view a trip to the Emirates with some disquiet, having failed to beat Arsenal away in ten attempts since February 2000 (eight Premier League games, one FA Cup tie and a Champions League clash). The Gunners won six and drew four of those; but nevertheless they have still been beaten more often (14 times) and dropped more points (60) in the Premier League against Liverpool, than against any other club.

The two sides were great rivals in the last few seasons of the old Football League, alternating as champions in the four seasons between 1987-88 and 1990-91 - when George Graham and Kenny Dalglish were the respective managers, Alex Ferguson's Manchester United were yet to hit their formidable trophy-winning stride, and Chelsea were nowhere near the top four. The Reds and the Gunners remain major adversaries, as members of the 'Big Four', and there are any number of reasons why Saturday's meeting will have a special resonance.

The Revenge Factor

The Arsenal camp harbour a grievance following last April's Champions League elimination. They claim they were denied a clear penalty towards the end of the Emirates leg when Dirk Kuyt hauled down Alex Hleb in the area. And they feel the penalty awarded to Liverpool for a foul by Kolo Toure on Ryan Babel, immediately after the Gunners had equalised to move ahead in the tie on away goals, was harsh. The fact remains that Liverpool won that epic collision 5-3 on aggregate, and progressed to the semi-finals where they suffered their own torment at the hands of Chelsea.

Arsenal strikers Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor have both suggested that revenge on Sunday would be sweet.

The Big Four Factor

Both Arsenal and Liverpool are unbeaten in their games against fellow Big Four rivals this season. That is another way of saying each can point to a home win against Manchester United and an away win against Chelsea already in this campaign. Obviously both will want to preserve their 100% record in Big Four meetings. But for the Gunners, it has been - and continues to be - a matter of brinkmanship. Whereas Liverpool have been first or second all season, Arsenal's inconsistency has seen them vacillate, and after last weekend's results they found themselves in fifth-place, their Champions League slot having been usurped, at least temporarily, by Aston Villa, whom they meet at Villa Park on Boxing Day.

That means they must again strive to keep their title hopes alive by pulling a win out of the bag against another of the big boys. It was the same when they took on Manchester United and then Chelsea in recent weeks: defeat in either of those games might have effectively ended their aspirations to win a fourth Premier League crown and 14th top-flight title overall. They won; but the value of those epic victories has been undermined by dropped points in other games. Arsenal have already lost five times in the League - to Fulham (away), Hull (home), Stoke (away), Aston Villa (home) and Manchester City (away) - and history suggests they cannot lose any more and still go on to claim the championship. So this weekend they must again take all three points to remain in touch at Christmas.

Yet Liverpool's form has also been less than convincing recently. They remain top, but as much because of the stumblings of their rivals as through the irresistible quality of their own performances. Nevertheless they hold a substantial eight-point lead over their North London hosts, and will be striving to make that eleven.

The Inconsistency Factor

Arsenal have been hit-and-miss all season. Their seeming inability to string a winning sequence together was again evident at The Riverside last week. They took an early lead through Emmanuel Adebayor in a dominant opening against Middlesbrough, but were pegged back in a 1-1 draw. Indeed, Wenger's side have won only one of their last four games in all competitions.

However, Liverpool are not exactly in outstanding form themselves at the moment: they've drawn three of their last four League games, and will be anxious to start turning those stale-mates into victories that yield maximum points if they are to realise their ambition of lifting a first Premier League crown - their first top-flight title since 1990.

Arsenal striker Adebayor has warned his team-mates against assuming that wins against two of the top teams mean another can be expected against the leaders. “We have to forget about what we have done against Chelsea and Manchester United,” the Togo striker said. "We have done that so the most important thing is just to keep focused against Liverpool.

“If we think because we have beaten Manchester United at home and Chelsea away we are going to win easily against Liverpool then we have got everything wrong. We all know how important this is for the club so we will just try to keep our dreams alive. For us the most important thing is to keep positive. We have a good chance because we play at the Emirates Stadium in front of our own fans. We always play quite well there.

“As a player you dream of playing in these big games. When I was young I had a chance to watch Arsenal against teams like Liverpool and Manchester United. Now I have a chance to be in those games.”

But Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa also believes his team can bounce back from their disappointing home draw against Hull and get what they need against the Gunners. He said, “We believe in ourselves and we can get a good result there.”

The Rafa Factor

Liverpool's preparations for this game have been overshadowed by the hospitalisation of manager Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard has been bed-ridden following surgery to remove kidney stones, so assistant manager Sammy Lee has been taking training during the week. Lee, though, doesn't think the absence of Benitez has been a major distraction.

He said: "We have already planned what we are going to do so we will just be sticking to that. The main man may not be here, but we have to keep things going so he can just pick up from where he left off when he comes back."

Something else Liverpool have tried to shrug off this week is the speculation surrounding Robbie Keane. The ex-Tottenham striker has been the subject of rumours suggesting he could be leaving the club in January, which the Reds have denied - although he is likely to be named as a substitute again at the Emirates, even through Fernando Torres is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

The ’89 Factor

Twenty seasons ago, uniquely in English League history, the fate of the title was decided in the very last match of the season, Liverpool v Arsenal at Anfield, in which either Liverpool or Arsenal would be crowned champions. Liverpool, who had already won the FA Cup, would win the coveted double if they beat, drew with or even lost to Arsenal by one goal to nil. The Gunners had to win by 2-0 to claim their first title since 1971. And Arsenal, leading 1-0 through Alan Smith from early in the second-half, scored the vital second in the dying minutes to win the championship in the most dramatic finale to any season before or since. Ironically, the scorer of the late, winning goal, Michael Thomas, later left Arsenal to join Liverpool. And Arsenal fans attending Sunday’s game at the Emirates are being urged to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that historic win by wearing yellow shirts – as their team had done on 26 May 1989.

Stat Attack

Two of the players likely to be involved in Sunday's game share the distinction of having most shots off target so far this season - Steven Gerrard and Robin van Persie have both racked up 29. Indeed, as a team Liverpool have had the most shots off target - 136. Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor shares with Steed Malbranque (Sunderland) the highest number of assists (seven), and Adebayor has also been flagged offside more times than anyone else (32). And Arsenal have had more corners (134) and more woodwork strikes than any other Premier League team. But Pep Reina has kept the most clean-sheets (ten).

Head-To-Head

Liverpool are seeking their first Premier League win in nine attempts at Arsenal. The last time they won on the Gunners' home patch - which was Highbury at the time - Titi Camara scored in a 1-0 win on 13 February 2000.

Remarkably, the two teams haven't managed an away League win - in London or on Merseyside - in nine meetings, although the Gunners won twice in four days at Anfield in early January 2007, beating Liverpool 3-1 in the FA Cup then 6-3 in the League Cup.

The overall League record between the teams (home and away) is played 168, Arsenal 58 wins, Liverpool 68, Draws 42. In the Premier League only, the record is Arsenal 9 wins, Liverpool 14, Draws 9. At Arsenal only, the Gunners have achieved 37 wins, Liverpool 20, and 27 games have been drawn. In the Premier League at Arsenal, the home team have six wins, Liverpool five, and five have been drawn.

Charity Begins At Home

This game is being dedicated by Arsenal to the Teenage Cancer Trust - which means the Gunners' players, staff and directors are all donating a day's wages to the Trust, the club's chosen charity this season. They are aiming to raise £300,000 during the course of the campaign, and there will be other fundraising activities at the Emirates on Sunday.

Manager Arsene Wenger is also supporting the charity by donating a day's wages, and captain, Cesc Fabregas, said: "I encourage all supporters to follow our lead and give what they can. The team and I have met some patients from Teenage Cancer Trust units on several occasions throughout the partnership so far and we're all struck by the strength and courage they show in fighting this disease.

"We understand the importance of these units, which give young people a sense of normality in their lives while being treated for cancer, so we want to ensure we do the best we can for them throughout the whole partnership.

Fabregas added: "The dedicated matchday highlights the work of the charity and gives players, staff and supporters the chance to do something, however small, to reach this target. I visited the Teenage Cancer Trust unit back in August so I know what this means to the charity and the teenagers it helps."

FORM GUIDE

Arsenal

13 Dec (Premier League) v Middlesbrough (A) DREW 1-1
10 Dec (Champions League) v FC Porto (A) LOST 0-2
06 Dec (Premier League) v Wigan (H) WON 1-0
02 Dec (Carling Cup) v Burnley (A) LOST 0-2
30 Nov (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) WON 2-1
25 Nov (Champions League) v Dynamo Kiev (H) WON 1-0

Liverpool

13 Dec (Premier League) v Hull (H) DREW 2-2
09 Dec (Champions League) v PSV Eindhoven (A) WON 3-1
06 Dec (Premier League) v Blackburn (A) WON 3-1
01 Dec (Premier League) v West Ham (H) DREW 0-0
26 Nov (Champions League) v Marseille (H) WON 1-0
22 Nov (Premier League) v Fulham (H) DREW 0-0

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Midfielder Samir Nasri could be back following an ankle injury, but defender Kolo Toure is again a doubtful starter with a calf strain. Striker Nicklas Bendtner could be ruled out by a knee problem, but Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) are still out, and striker Eduardo suffered a hamstring problem on his return from breaking his leg.

Squad: Almunia, Sagna, Nasri, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Eboue, Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner.

Last Starting XI (v Middlesbrough): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Diaby (Bendtner 82), Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere, Eboue.

Liverpool

Manager Rafael Benitez could be back on the bench after an operation to remove kidney stones, but at least he has no new injury problems to worry about. Striker Fernando Torres (hamstring) is out for at least one more week, while full-back Fabio Aurelio (calf) may return after three games out. Dirk Kuyt started last weekend's draw with Hull as the main striker, supported from midfield by captain Steven Gerrard, who scored both goals as the Reds staged a dramatic come-back. Defenders Philipp Degen (metatarsal) and Martin Skrtel (knee) remain on the sidelines.

Squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Alonso, Riera, Kuyt, Keane, Ngog, Cavalieri, Insua, El Zhar.

Last Starting XI (v Hull City): Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher, Dossena, Mascherano (Leiva Lucas 87), Alonso, Benayoun (El Zhar 74), Gerrard, Riera (Babel 82), Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Agger, Keane, Ngog.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor has scored 11 goals so far this season - and 57 altogether for the club he joined from Monaco in January 2006. He was on target in each of Arsenal's last two league games, netting the winner against Wigan and the Gunners' goal at Middlesbrough. And with Samir Nasri scoring twice in Arsenal 's win over Manchester United, and Robin van Persie grabbing both when they beat Chelsea, Adebayor may fancy his chances of getting on the score-sheet against the third of their big rivals - with a brace? The Togo striker has rehabilitated himself with the Arsenal fans after a summer spent prevaricating over a possible move to Italy or Spain, and he was on target against Liverpool in both legs of last season's Champions League tie.

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard's reputation as an inspirational leader has been further enhanced this season, his drive and determination clearly illustrated a week ago at Anfield when his side were trailing 2-0 to Hull City before he hauled them back into the game with two goals. The midfielder has already contributed 12 goals in all competitions to Liverpool's cause this season, and is likely to play a key role against the Gunners. He more than anyone at Anfield, with the possible exception of fellow-Scouser Jamie Carragher, is desperate to end the Reds' 19-year title drought, and can be expected to drive his team-mates on from midfield on Sunday, rampaging forward in search of a sight of goal whenever he can.

Wenger Expects Stern Defensive Test From Roma

2008-12-20T15:33:00.001+01:00

Following today's draw for the first knock-out round of the Champions League, in which Arsenal were paired with Roma, Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger has warned that his side will have little room for error against the Giallorossi.

He is expecting his defenders to face a stern test in the two games - at the Emirates on February 24 and in Rome on March 11.

"We have a great chance of winning the competition," Wenger said. "But now the Champions League becomes like a cup competition. If you miss five minutes of the 180, you are out."

He regards Roma as one of the better teams in Serie A, and knows they will provide a stern examination of his back-four.

"Roma are back to form now and maybe are the best team in Italy at the moment, so it will be interesting," he said.

"Roma are a very balanced team with their playmaker (Francesco) Totti and around him they have players like (Daniele) De Rossi, (Alberto) Aquilani, (Simone) Perrotta, (Rodrigo) Taddei and Julio Baptista, who we had here.

"They are all very technical players who are comfortable in a small space. They are a team where you want to defend very well. The fact the final will be in Rome means they have an incentive to fight in the second leg."

Arsenal will be going to Rome twice.

2008-12-20T15:31:00.002+01:00

Arsenal main shareholder Danny Fiszman declared himself happy with Roma draw.

Arsenal's major shareholder Danny Fiszman has declared that his club have every intention of planning two trips to Rome this season, as the Gunners contemplate facing Roma en-route to the Champions League final in the Eternal City.

The north London side will entertain the Romans at the Emirates late in February, with the return leg scheduled for mid-March.

With the final of the competition pencilled-in for May in the Italian capital, the Gunners are hopeful of making two trips to the Stadio Olimpico this campaign.

Fiszman insists that the club are satisfied with the draw, and feels that it has been kind to them. He was happy to have avoided some of the juggernauts of the competition, and is pleased that his side have been spared a long away trip too.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think it is a good draw for us. We have stayed away from the favourite of the moment and we have also stayed away from Panathinaikos, which meant a long trip.

"We have a good record against Roma, we are pleased with the draw.

"I think it is the old cliche, there isn't an easy game, but it is an exciting draw, exciting for the fans.

"Our fans will have the chance to go to Rome and hopefully we will do it twice."

William Gallas wants to leave Arsenal

2008-12-18T12:23:00.001+01:00

French defender declared himself unhappy, and wants to leave the club during the next transfer window in january.

Speculation has been rife in the British press recently that Arsenal centre-back William Gallas could be set for a January departure.

The British newspaper The Times claims that the 31-year-old is almost certain to leave the Gunners as he wants a move away following a torrid time over the last season or so.

It is understood that Gallas has not been the same person in the Arsenal dressing-room since the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona in 2007, as the two are very close friends.

Apparently, the former Chelsea defender has been more angry than he has let on since manager Arsene Wenger decided to take away his captaincy and give it to Cesc Fabregas.

It is believed that Wenger took action after Gallas criticised his Arsenal team-mates during an interview to promote his autobiography.

Since then, the 108-time-capped French international's relationship with players such as Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri has apparently become strained.

While the likes of Paris St. Germain in France, and Italian duo Milan and Juventus, are keen to sign the versatile defender, his wages could prove to be a stumbling-block as he currently earns £90,000 per week in North London.

Fabregas doesn't want Barcelona

2008-12-17T15:48:00.002+01:00

Arsenal midfielder and captain Cesc Fabregas spoken about friday Champions league draw.

Cesc Fàbregas has admitted that he would prefer not to face high-flying Barcelona in the next stage of the Champions League, with the draw set to be made on Friday in Switzerland.

The Catalan midfielder recognises how strong his boyhood team currently are and has taken the unusual step of having a preference when asked about his views on the first knock-out round of the competition.

While the majority of players sit on the fence and state that all sides are difficult at this stage, Cesc has no qualms in identifying whom he does not want to face.

"We can draw some very big teams," Cesc told Sky Sports News. "We will see what happens. If you want to win this tournament you have to beat everyone

"I don't want them (Barcelona) to be honest.

"But whenever you say that you don't want someone, you get them. So I would prefer not to say anything."

Gael Clichy was not prepared to make any such bold statements and reverted to the safer ground before adding that on their day Arsenal should be able to beat anyone.

"At this stage of the competition all the teams are great teams," he explained. "We will have to play our best football and if we play our best football we have a chance to win.

"I am really confident in the squad we have and the quality."

After nine months, Eduardo on the pitch!

2008-12-16T23:18:00.004+01:00

Arsenal reserves beat Portsmouth reserves with two goals difference (2:0) with two late goals from Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs. But this is not so important. The most Important thing is that finally we had an opportunity to see, in our opinion, best Arsenal striker, Eduardo da Silva back on the pitch.

It was beautiful to see Eduardo back in Arsenal shirt, wearing number 10 on his back. His partner in front of the Portsmouth goal was Jay Simpson, one of the guys with great future in front of him, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Eduardo showed that he is again going to be an exact type of player that Arsenal need right now. His pace is significant, his ball control excellent, prolific left leg...He is a "fox in the box".

Although Eduardo only played first half, he gave as confidence to believe that better days are coming, equally for him, Wenger and Arsenal.

Can't wait to see you back in first eleven, Eduardo.

Watch Eduardo comeback!!! LIVE

2008-12-16T19:41:00.002+01:00

Gunners inside blog are providing you with the exclusive link. Watch the Arsenal - Portsmouth reserves match and see Eduardo da Silva back in Action.

Only on this site:

[Arsenal Reserves v. Portsmouth Reserves]
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Christmas Arsenal gifts!

2008-12-16T18:14:00.006+01:00

Christmas is so close and our blog team is going to provide you with some great Arsenal gifts. Wouldn't that be great to impress your family members, you boss, colleagues, your kids with some very nice and cheap gifts related to our favorite football club!? Gunners inside team would offer you some of the nicest Arsenal products.

Arsenal jersey

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Arsenal 2009 football calendar

This year is close to the end, and new 2009 is just around the corner. If you want to have an Arsenal 2009 calendar, hanging on your wall in your living room, standing on your working desk, hanging on your office wall or just want to surprise someone and cheer him up with another Arsenal widget, you can find it HERE

Arsenal official ball

Your kid is playing with his friends with some ordinary balls. Impress him and surprise with THIS official Arsenal ball.

This just a preview of more than hundred Arsenal stuff you can find on internet. If you want to look more, and choose another Arsenal product that would be ideal as a Christmas gift, visit this page -> Other Arsenal stuff

Eduardo today on the pitch

2008-12-16T12:45:00.002+01:00

Croatian striker, Eduardo da Silva set for comeback. He will be given one hour in todays reserves match Arsenal - Portsmouth.

The Arsenal reserves have yet to name their starting XI for this evening's clash against their Portsmouth counterparts at Underhill, but striker Eduardo da Silva is set to be involved.

The Croatian hitman suffered an injury in the early moments of the Gunners' trip to Birmingham City on February 23, breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle as he was tackled late.

Khalid Baloch, the surgeon who saved Eduardo's career, has admitted that his patient's comeback is something of a miracle. He explained: "When I saw Eduardo after surgery, I predicted it would take him about 12 months before he could even think about training.

"An average person, however, would take up to two years to readjust and get back.

"Thus, to get back to training in nine months is pretty amazing."

The 25-year-old is expected to play for an hour against the Pompey second-string. Even if he comes through the test with flying colours, however, boss Arsene Wenger has warned that it could take up to six further weeks before he's anywhere near peak fitness.

The game, which kicks off at 1900 GMT, could be a landmark moment in Arsenal's season, for it could finally herald the return of a gifted player at a time when under-pressure Arsenal need some positives.

Asked if he has any fears for Brazilian-born Eduardo's mental state ahead of his return, Baloch added: "I think there is always a possibility of being mentally scarred, but I haven't come across any patients who have suffered psychologically from this type of injury."

Adebayor: "Arsenal will beat Liverpool"

2008-12-15T14:01:00.001+01:00

Top Gunners striker, Emmanuel Adebayor believes Arsenal is better than Liverpool.

A pattern is emerging within Arsenal's patchy form. They can't always do the business against 'lesser' opposition - losing to Burnley, Porto and drawing with Middlesbrough over the course of the last four games.

Thus, the Gunners will be delighted to see Liverpool and Aston Villa on the horizon of their schedule. They've already shown, by beating Manchester United and Chelsea, that their brand of sexy football is more effective against better opposition.

Togolese hitman Emmanuel Adebayor, for one, can't wait to sink his teeth into the league-leading Reds as the north London side look to rescue their season for the umpteenth time this term.

"We just want to try to keep our dreams alive," said the striker.

"Everybody all week will talk about this game. We know how big Sunday is for the club.

"The big games bring out the best in us... big players, a great atmosphere - everything contributes to those occasions."

Boss Arsene Wenger added similarly: "There's no big difference between Liverpool and the rest of the teams near the top of the table. We can beat them."

It's clear, though, that 'Big Four' form isn't enough this season. The Gunners have already fallen out of the top four and, although they'd take great confidence from good results against 'Pool and Villa, their season will continue to be broken by also-rans unless they can find a winning formula.

Wenger: We Lacked Something But Can Close Gap On Liverpool

2008-12-14T15:58:00.002+01:00

Arsene Wenger speaks after Middlesbrough clash.

Togolese targetman Emmanuel Adebayor nodded home in the 16th minute to give Arsenal a first-half lead, but the Gunners could only hold onto the lead for twelve minutes as Sanli Tuncay sent in a well-weighted cross for former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere to level the score.

The draw meant Arsenal dropped two further points in the league in a game that they perhaps should have won, but a failure to convert their chances, coupled with a lack of urgency, ultimately led to an unfavourable result.

Nevertheless, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger still believes the title race is "wide open," though he is also quoted by the club's official website as saying that his side "lacked something."

"We tried, I do believe that," Wenger said after the match.

"In the end we lacked something, we couldn’t take our chances and I must admit I expect ‘Boro to collapse a bit more than they did in the final part. They didn’t give in, even with tired legs and that is credit to them.

"You want always to get more but I feel my team needs more encouragement because they don’t get it anywhere and that is why I want to focus on the next game."

Regarding the race for the Premier League crown, the Frenchman added: "The league is wide open but we are in a position that every point we drop we are asked about it.

"I understand that, but champions are people who never stop and we can show that belief to keep going. We can do that in the next game.

"We must believe that the next game is one to reduce the distance between us and Liverpool."

"We have a better defensive balance," Wenger added, concerning improvements in his side.

"We just lack that extra thing that comes with confidence.

"This is a young team that is under a lot of pressure at the moment and that is why it is important to keep belief."

With Liverpool only managing a point against Hull City, Arsenal have not lost any ground on the league leaders, as Chelsea are yet to play.

Aston Villa have leapfrogged the Gunners though to fourth place, as they beat Bolton Wanderers by four goals to two.

Arsenal continues to drop points

2008-12-13T19:25:00.000+01:00

Middlesbrough - Arsenal 1:1

Middlesbrough and Arsenal are two sides that have a similar outlook in terms of their relative prudence in the transfer market, coupled with the faith their respective managers have in their youth academies.

Two former Gunners are now on the books at the Riverside Stadium: Justin Hoyte; and Jeremy Aliadiere; and the latter led the line for 'Boro this lunchtime.

It took ten minutes for play to settle and Arsenal treated onlookers to a cameo flash of zippy one and two touch football that had Middlesbrough's backline running ragged. Francesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, and Emmanuel Adebayor were at the core of the move, but Robin Van Persie failed to get his shot on target.

Diaby, who is equally capable of producing superlative-laden brilliance as he is remaining largely anonymous, made multiple decisions throughout the half that were questionable.

On one occasion Manu Adebayor fed the Frenchman in as Abou darted into the box and he went for a shot with his right foot that was easily blocked by Ross Turnbull's legs, when a low cross along the six yard line into Van Persie would have been the wiser choice.

Moments later space opened up in front of him as 'Boro's backline backed off as Diaby dribble into the final third, and he opted for a 25 yard drive that had so much slice on it that it would have made an amateur golfer's shank look modest. Adebayor though was begging for the through ball.

Arsenal opened the scoreline in the 16th minute when an unmarked and unchallenged Manu headed home from a corner kick.

The away side only kept their lead for ten minutes though as Gael Clichy's failure to efficiently clear the ball, or roll it out to touch, meant Turkish internatinal Sanli Tuncay could capitalise by whipping in an instinctive cross into the box that Aliadiere met with aplomb.

Middlesbrough had a penalty appeal on the 36th minute as Gael Clichy left his leg out and Adam Johnson went down in the box but referee Peter Walton waved play on.

Chances were few and far between in the second half as that extra bit of pace that was required to kill the game off was lacking, and the second goal from either side never looked like coming.

Gael Clichy looked intent on making amends for his earlier mistakes with some darting runs into the opposition half and into the danger areas, but his charges were ultimately fruitless.

Stewart Downing forced Almunia to get a strong hand to his drive on the hour mark as his half-volley fizzed goal-ward.

Van Persie continued with his own chances; one rolling well wide of the marker, and another wild effort lashing over the bar.

The points were shared though at the end of the day and Gareth Southgate maintained his stranglehold over Wenger; the Englishmen is yet to lose to the Frenchman.

Mtch preview: M'Boro - Arsenal

2008-12-13T12:18:00.000+01:00

Middlesbrough may not have been enjoying the best of form or fortune just lately, but such has been the erratic and unconvincing nature of Arsenal's challenge on all fronts that the Teesside club - unbeaten by the Gunners in their last three meetings at The Riverside - are probably relishing Saturday's clash as a chance to get back on track. Indeed, a feature of this competitive Premier League campaign has been the apparent dilution of the fear factor among clubs facing Arsenal. The perception seems to be that the Gunners are there for the taking these days, and that is something that Arsene Wenger and his players need to address quickly and earnestly.

The problem is that Arsenal have been so inconsistent lately that it is difficult to predict which Gunners will turn up. Will it be the confident, free-flowing side who blew away the likes of Blackburn, Bolton and Fenerbahce away from home earlier this season; the error-strewn outfit who tossed way home points to Hull City and Tottenham; the determined, spirited battlers who won against the oddswhen they met Manchester United and Chelsea; or the anaemic shambles brushed aside with embarrassing ease by Stoke City, Aston Villa, Manchester City and, on Wednesday in Portugal, FC Porto?

The Porto defeat in some ways encapsulated all that is wrong at the club at the moment. Admittedly the Gunners had already qualified for the knock-out stage of the Champions League, had this game against Middlesbrough looming, with vital Premier League points at stake, and had a number of injuries to contend with. In the circumstances it was not surprising that Wenger selected a much-changed team, but the manner in which that team performed was seriously below-par. There seemed to be a lack of character and leadership out on the pitch, and Porto were able to threaten the Manuel Almunia's goal with alarming ease.

No doubt there will be different personnel on show at the Riverside, and hopefully from Wenger's point of view a different attitude, greater aptitude and sharper appetite. But whether it's a Carling Cup tie, another crucial Premier League game or a 'dead rubber' in the Champions League, he needs his players to be fully focused and set on victory. The winning mentality (which Robinho is finding elusive among his team-mates at Manchester City) is not something can easily be turned and off, and to invoke a cliche, while winning becomes habit, so can losing, and inconsistency never achieved anything of note for any team.

Inconsistent Boro,Too

Inconsistency has, of course, been a long-term problem for Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough. The Teessiders were undoubtedly unlucky last weekend when the referee awarded Hull the penalty from which they scored to win the game. Consequently Boro need a win on Saturday to keep themselves clear of the relegation places. Although traditionally the Gunners have dominated clashes between the two sides, having won 62 and drawn 32 of their 127 meetings, Boro have become a bit of a bogey team for Wenger's side, who have picked up just one point from the last nine available in this fixture.

That said, the North-Easterners have looked better away from home recently. But home or away, Boro need to end a four-game winless streak that has taken them out of the top half of the table into choppy waters. They are struggling for bodies at the back at the moment, but their recent troubles have been more to do with a toothless attack. They have scored only three times since beating Aston Villa 2-1 at the beginning of November, with Mido's continued absence through injury not helping a situation in which Brazilian Afonso Alves has not scored for six games and ex-Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere for eight. Fortunately for Southgate, Sanli Tuncay has been finding the net - he is the club's joint leading scorer even though he missed nearly two months of the season through injury.

FORM GUIDE

Middlesbrough

06 Dec (Premier League) v Hull (A) LOST 1-2
29 Nov (Premier League) v Newcastle (H) DREW 0-0
22 Nov (Premier League) v Bolton (H) LOST 1-3
16 Nov (Premier League) v Everton (A) DREW 1-1
09 Nov (Premier League) v Aston Villa (A) WON 2-1

Arsenal

10 Dec (Champions League) v FC Porto (A) LOST 0-2
06 Dec (Premier League) v Wigan (H) WON 1-0
02 Dec (Carling Cup) v Burnley (A) LOST 0-2
30 Nov (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) WON 2-1
25 Nov (Champions League) v Dynamo Kiev (H) WON 1-0

TEAM NEWS

Middlesbrough

Gareth Southgate is faced with something of a defensive crisis, and will be without David Wheater, suspended following his red card in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Hull City, while the availability of Robert Huth and Chris Riggott remains in some doubt because of injury, though both could make the starting grid. Fellow central defender Emanuel Pogatetz played the full 90 minutes against Hull, but only with the help of pain-killing injections in his troublesome shoulder.

One of Boro's much-vaunted youngsters, Seb Hines, is on stand-by for a call-up to the starting XI, but Gary O'Neil and Mido (hamstring) will miss out, while former Gunner Justin Hoyte and Andrew Taylor (knee) are also doubtful.

Squad: Turnbull, Riggott, Huth, Pogatetz, Aliadiere, Arca, Digard, Hines, Downing, Sanli, Alves, Jones, Emnes, Johnson, McMahon, Grounds, Walker.

Last Starting XI (v Hull): Turnbull, Hoyte, Wheater, Pogatetz, Taylor, Aliadiere, Arca, Digard (Hines 87), Downing, Sanli, Alves.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Emnes, Johnson, McMahon, Grounds, Walker.

Arsenal

After missing the win over Wigan Athletic last Saturday, both William Gallas (calf) and Abou Diaby (groin) returned to the squad for Wednesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat by FC Porto.

Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri picked up injuries in the Wigan game, but are thought likely to return, while Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie - who were all rested for the Porto clash - should be back to face Boro.

Squad: Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Silvestre, Sagna, Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas, Eboue, van Persie, Adebayor, Fabianski, Djourou, Gibbs, Song, Vela, Bendtner, Ramsey, Wilshere.

Last Starting XI (v Porto): Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Silvestre, Djourou, Ramsey (Wilshere 59), Diaby (Gibbs 59), Song Billong (Randall 78), Denilson, Vela, Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Hoyte, Merida, Simpson.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Middlesbrough

Jeremie Aliadiere, 25, will be coming up against his former club. The French striker made 51 appearances (29 in the league) and scored nine goals (one league) for Arsenal between March 2000 and his move to Teesside in June 2007. And he scored the opening goal against the Gunners at the Emirates in a 1-1 draw last season.

Arsenal

The Gunners clearly missed Cesc Fabregas against Porto in midweek, and will be looking to the Catalan playmaker to makes things tick from midfield. The goalscoring record of Fabregas has been curious: 13 goals in his first four seasons with the club, then another 13 in last season alone (though all but two of them before Christmas), but only one so far this season. He's due to score again soon - and is always likely to provide an assist.

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott wins a prize.

2008-12-12T21:57:00.002+01:00

Young gunner Theo Walcott was named a Young Player of the Year award presented by BBC.

It is sometimes hard to believe that Theo Walcott is still only 19. The Arsenal forward was picked by Sven Goran-Eriksson for England's World Cup 2006 squad at only 17 after playing only a handful of games for Southampton, and has made rapid progress since he signed for Arsenal in January 2006.

Walcott has spoken today of the pressure he has faced as a very young man trying to make his way at a high-profile club such as Arsenal.

"A lot of young players develop without the cameras on them but Arsenal are on television literally every week," said Walcott.

"And considering I went to the World Cup, a lot of eyes were on me at an early age. Obviously there is a lot of pressure. It's up and down really.

"There are good periods and bad periods as young players always have and the best thing is to just bounce back from it."

The player also remembered the sacrifice he had to make to become a top professional, and the sacrifices made by those close to him such as his father.

"At a young age it's just a fantastic achievement for myself," he said. "I've worked hard.

"Me and my dad were talking the other day. Just the mileage, all the cars blowing up, all the hard work, all the sacrifices and everything we had to make and it's all paid off in the end. All the decisions have been the right ones."

Walcott was also clearly delighted and proud to represent England, and he showed this year that he had really come of age internationally by bagging a hat-trick in England's 4-1 demolition of Croatia in Zagreb.

"It's brilliant to be part of the England squad at a young age, to play regularly," he added.

"I didn't expect to play in any of the qualifiers or to start against top international teams in the world."

Despite not expecting to start, Walcott has excelled. His experiences haven't jaded him though, and one can still sense his almost child-like enthusiasm when he speaks about the excitement of scoring that hat-trick in Zagreb.

"I've had a lot of experience at a young age going to all sorts of stadiums and hostile places," admits the youngster

"But that first 15 minutes I was so nervous, I couldn't believe it.

"You could probably tell I lost the ball a couple of times but then got a good cross in and got a goal and from there it was just sky high really.

"I pinched myself afterwards. The whole team were fantastic that night. That's what we needed for England to get the right result and I don't think anyone expected that.

"I got the match ball signed by all the players on the way back. I got my shirt signed and I've got it in my house now. It's nice to look back at that and show people, it's fantastic to look at."

Walcott is currently sidelined due to the shoulder injury he picked up in November whilst on international duty. His expected return in February is eagerly anticipated by Gunners fans.

Bendtner will rise

2008-12-12T21:55:00.001+01:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken about Nicklas Bendtner weak form. He believes Danish forward will rise up and his hard training work will be shown in next games.

Along with Emmanuel Eboue, big Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner has been booed by a select few of Arsenal's own support.

Last season the tall link-up man scored some crucial goals, including the winning goal in the final Champions League game against Steau, together with a winning header in the same month against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

However, those goals have dried up and Bendtner has gone on a barren run leading some to criticise the inclusion of the Danish international.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes that the player has put in a lot of hard work this season, and is yet to receive his just rewards. He is also adamant that Bendtner will eventually turn into a top-class
centre-forward.

Arsenal play Middlesbrough on Saturday lunchtime, and Wenger explained in his pre-match press conference:

Rewarding Hard Work

"I believe that at this moment he puts a lot of pressure on himself and he does not play with enough freedom.

"I am sure he works harder than ever in training and that he will come good but at the moment he does not get rewarded for the kind of pressure he puts into his training."

Bendtner has made 16 first-team appearances, netting on five occasions, and has helped set up a further three goals.

Mikael Silvestre Calls For Consistency

2008-12-12T12:31:00.002+01:00

French defender still thinks Arsenal has title chances and they have proven it by winning the big boys Chelsea and Manchester United.

Mikael Silvestre was bought from competitive rivals Manchester United for a lowly sum of £700,000 during the summer. The French defender was signed in order to provide the Gunners with some added experience in their rearguard.

Silvestre has today spoken of his belief that, having already lost five league games this season, together with the Carling Cup defeat and the midweek Champions League loss, it is now imperative that his side show a consistent winning streak.

He added that the Gunners have already shown they have title-winning qualities by taking the game to Manchester United and Chelsea, and finishing both matches with maximum points.

"We proved [by winning] against Man United and Chelsea that the quality is there so we just have to get the consistency," he is quoted by the club's official website as saying.

"The season is long," he added.

"It is difficult if you judge the team on the strength of Porto but you cannot expect to perform like that and win anything.

"The squad is big and there are going to be points to catch - on the road to Middlesbrough on Saturday first of all.

"It’s going to be tough but we have got time to grow up," he demanded.

"We've made it difficult for ourselves so far but we are still in the race."

Mikael Silvestre knows all about what it takes to win a Premier League title, as he won four of them whilst at Manchester United. He will be keen to translate that winning mentality to his current side, Arsenal.

Almunia and Wenger admits Porto was better

2008-12-11T11:52:00.002+01:00

Arsenal goalkeeper and manager admitted that Arsenal was poor last night, and Porto deserved their win.

Manuel Almunia, captain for the night in the absence of Cesc Fabregas, was not surprisingly downcast after Arsenal were well-beaten by Porto in Porugal. The Spanish keeper admitted the Gunners had simply not got into the game at all, and bemoaned the fact that they kept misplacing passes and seldom worked his opposite number Helton.

The Gunners had fielded a much-changed team and were punished for defensive lapses either side of half-time as first Bruno Alves and then Lisandro scored the goals that gave Porto victory and took them top of the group.

Almunia told Sky Sports Xtra: "We were not in the game at any moment. We didn't pass the ball well, we lost too many balls and this way, you always lose.

"We lost 2-0 and had no shots on target at any time. We didn't feel good on the pitch and just weren't in the game.

"When we lose we have to think about what we did badly and what we have to do to improve, whether it is the first team or not."

It was a night of few positives for manager Arsene Wenger, who conceded that despite his side having been "quite comfortable" in the first half, until the first Porto goal, they were simply not dangerous when they tried to raise their game, were guilty of too many lost balls and were "too weak when they went 2-0 down".

"We were quite comfortable in the first half until the goal tonight. What was disappointing was that when we tried to come back we were not capable of being dangerous, we lost balls and then we were on the verge of conceding more," admitted the Frenchman.

Asked if he now regretted fielding a relatively inexperienced side, with several first-teamers left behind in London, Wenger said, "No," explaining that "many had little injuries," and stressing that with qualification for the knock-out stage of the Champions League having already been clinched before tonight's game, his priority had been to protect their position the Premier League - where they face a tricky asssignment at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Wenger added that he had been pleased with the positive reception for Emmanuel Eboue, adding that the under-fire Ivorian full-back had needed that support from the fans.

Given that, by finishing second in Group G rather than topping it (which they would have had they earned a draw in Porto), Arsenal could now meet Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Roma or Panathinaikos in the knock-out round in February, was the Gunners' boss concerned?

No, he insisted, backing his team to handle facing a group winner. "It will be difficult but we will be up for it and have a chance against anyone in Europe," he said.

Easy Porto win against poor Arsenal.

2008-12-11T11:51:00.000+01:00

Porto - Arsenal 2:0

Arsenal lacked poise, power and pentration and were distinctly second-best against Porto. They had looked reasonably comfortable for much of the first half, but a familiar flaw - lack of concentration leading to lax marking at a corner - saw Bruno Alves head the hosts in front on 39 minutes. And early in the second half more poor defending saw Lisandro double the hosts' advantage.

Arsenal travelled to Portugal needing a draw against Porto to finish top of Group G, and manager Arsene Wenger made seven changes from the side that beat Wigan last Saturday, with Emmanuel Eboue, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner all brought into the starting XI. For Porto, playmaker Lucho Gonzalez was back, with Lisandro Lopez and Hulk forming the strike partnership.

Eboue was looking to exorcise the misery of his barracking at the weekend, which led to his being substituted after he himself had come on as a sub. Being away from home, and restored to his favoured right-back position should have made him feel better, though he is clearly a man under pressure and looked understandably edgy, despite being given a decent reception by the travelling fans.

The Gunners adopted a 4-5-1 formation, Bendtner playing as a lone striker with Vela on the left wing and Ramsey on the right, and Silvestre deployed at left-back.

Eboue fouled the wonderfully-nicknamed Porto striker Hulk early on, prompting the incredible one to wave an imaginary yellow card at the Ivorian, though the referee took no action.

Undeterred, Hulk then set off on a powerful run and Eboue checked him again. Alves took the free-kick and bent it in teasingly but Manuel Almunia dealt with it comfortably.

It was a fairly even, half-paced opening, Arsenal's passing looking neat and tidy but not causing Porto any problems, with Bendtner looking isolated up front. Porto though were pressing Arsenal well when not in possession, denying the Gunners time and space.

After they won a midfield scrap for the ball, Hulk was sent sprinting on to an astute defence-splitting pass, and it needed an outstanding last-ditch interception from Johan Djourou to snuff out the danger.

The Gunners followed that by mounting their best attack so far, Alex Song turning smartly but Bendtner overhitting a lay-off to Eboue. Then a slick through-ball from Denilson for Bendtner saw Brazilian goalkeeper Helton dash quickly off his line to gather.

Arsenal's first real shot at goal arrived on 26 minutes when teenager Aaron Ramsey ended a determined run with a powerful left-foot drive that was parried away by Helton.

Bendtner had to receive treatment after Alves' arm accidently caught him in the face, and a minute later Porto carved out an excellent chance as Gallas was robbed near his own goal and Almunia was forced into a smart save. The Portuguese side followed that with a rampaging run by Meireles who undid his good work with a long-range strike that flew well wide.

Then Porto earned a free-kick in a dangerous position after a Denilson foul, but Alves hit it straight into the wall and away to safety, though the hosts were beginning to dictate by this stage. And on 39 minutes they duly took the lead from a corner. Diaby was guilty of allowing Alves to power into the area and head home Meireles' flag-kick unhindered. It was too easy for defender Alves, and a poor goal to concede.

Although the Gunners picked up the game for the remainder of the half, they lacked any punch or real conviction and Porto went in deservedly ahead.

The second half got underway with the London side continuing to misplace their passes in the final third. Within the space of two minutes, Lucho was yellow-carded by the fussy Greek referee for a lunge on Eboue, and the Arsenal player was then booked for fouling Lucho.

After Ramsey tried an ambitious overhead kick that went wide, Porto struck again with a finely taken goal on 54 minutes that again exposed inept Arsenal defending. Silvestre allowed Lisandro to get goal-side of him and the rest of a flimsy back-four, and he strode on before firing the ball emphatically into the roof of the onrushing Almunia's net.

Vela was hacked down but the ref waved play on to the annoyance of Wenger on the touchline, and the manager responded by taking off the enterprising Ramsey and out-of-touch Diaby and sending on teenagers Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs.

Just after the hour, with Porto looking comfortable and Arsenal short on confidence and ideas, Rodriguez burst down the left leaving defenders trailing, then cut in and tried to find the bottom far corner with a shot but dragged it wide.

Arsenal switched to 4-4-2 but Bendtner in particular kept giving the ball away when the Gunners looked to get the ball forward. It was giving Porto opportunities on the counter-attack, and on one such break, Rodriguez sprinted through but Eboue managed to keep up with him and do enough to put him off, the Porto player firing wide.

Arsenal mounted a promising attack through Vela's run, but the Mexican was brought down to end the threat, though it was not a foul, said the referee.

Argentine Lucho got a lucky deflection off Gallas but his first-time shot went the wrong side of the post. Lucho was promptly replaced by Costa, and Rodriguez by Mariano as Arsenal sent on Randall for Song.

Apart from an impressive cameo role from Wilshere, and an earlier decent shift by the man he replaced, Ramsey, Arsenal were poor, lacking cohesion in a disjointed display in which their defending was at times shambolic and their passing off-target.

On 83 minutes, the Gunners earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Bendtner's low kick went through the wall but straight at Helton.

After a mazy Wilshire run came to nothing, incredibly Hulk was taken off for Guarin. But Porto, with a little more care, might easily have won by four or five.

The final whistle sounded on a game the Gunners will quickly want to forget. And by finishing second in their group behind Porto, they could face Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Juventus in the next round.

Porto: Helton, Fucile, Rolando, Alves, Emanuel, Gonzalez, Fernando, Meireles, Lopez, Hulk, Rodriguez.
Subs: Nuno, Stepanov, Guarin, Mariano Gonzalez, Lino, Sektioui, Costa.

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Silvestre, Djourou, Ramsey, Diaby, Song, Denilson; Vela, Bendtner.
Subs: Fabianski, Wilshere, Gibbs, Hoyte, Merida, Randall, Simpson.

New captain leaves club

2008-12-11T00:35:00.002+01:00

Fabregas stated that one day he will return to Spain.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his desire to move away from the club and back to Spain upon completion of the terms of his current contract.

Fabregas still has six years to run on his current Gunners deal, having signed a long-term agreement in October 2006.

However, the Barcelona-schooled 21-year-old admits that he still harbours a long-term ambition to feature in La Liga.

The Euro 2008 winner conceded in the interview with Radio Marca that not even his place in the Arsenal line-up can be guaranteed, but affirmed that he is still happy and motivated at the Emirates.

Fabregas was handed the captaincy last month after manager Arsene Wenger stripped it from William Gallas, and the midfielder admits that the responsibility has had an effect on his game.

Nevertheless, Fabregas stated that it is a question of 'when' rather than 'if' he returns to ply his trade on the Iberian peninsula.

He told Radio Marca: "The idea has always been the same. That's why I signed such a long contract.

"What happens is that nobody in football has guaranteed place anywhere. Today everything is so changeable, so complicated that you never know, but the truth is that I'm very happy, very motivated and being captain is an extra incentive.

"Everybody knows that one day I would return to Spanish football. It's an experience I want to live. I want to play in Spain as a professional."

Adebayor: "Forget pretty football"

2008-12-09T15:05:00.001+01:00

Throughout all Arsenal's turmoil so far this season, they've continued to play good football. Many questions have been asked of the Gunners' mentality, but few have slammed them for bringing quality to the majority of their matches.

However, their penchant for sexy football has seriously hampered their title bid, which has hung by a thread for weeks now.

Now, even flamboyant forward Emmanuel Adebayor wants the gloves to come off and for his teammates to show the kind of grit that can haul them back into contention.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's final Champions League group game at Porto, he said: "We are eight points behind first place and now we just have to control ourselves, not to worry about whether we play with elegance or not.

"The most important thing is not the way we play, it's what we are going to achieve.

"Now we have to forget about how we are going to dribble, how many passes we are going to make - the most important thing is to get the ball in the back of the net and that is it."

Generally the North London side have fared better against their Big Four rivals that the Premier League also-rans, but Togolese star Ade knows there's no more margin for error, regardless of the opposition.

He noted: "We have to fight as a team and that is how we are going to try to achieve something this season.

"To be champions, you need to win every single game."

Arsenal, however, are at least already through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Wenger's Starlets May Fly The Arsenal Coop

2008-12-08T16:28:00.001+01:00

For the past couple of season's Arsenal's young guns have impressed in the Carling Cup. Boss Arsene Wenger has used the competition to blood his next batch of talent, with great success.

This season, though, the high of outclassing Wigan Athletic's first team was followed by an awful low as the youngsters misfired, learning a harsh lesson against Championship outfit Burnley.

Thus, Wenger has limited opportunities remaining to give his hot prospects a run out this term. After all, the league title race is already getting down to the nitty gritty and the established first teamers are struggling as it is.

With that in mind, the wily Frenchman has conceded that it's time for some of his future stars to prove themselves away from North London.

He told the club's official website: "Jay Simpson, Gavin Hoyte and Kieran Gibbs might go on-loan.

"They need to play somewhere in the Championship for three or four months. Jack Wilshere? Not him... he is too young."

The Wilshere remark is a curious one. If he's too young for Championship football, then why was he given the task of dumping Burnley out of the League Cup?

Meanwhile, press reports are linking more second string players with January loan spells. West Bromwich Albion are said to be tracking Carlos Vela, while Mark Randall could again be farmed out, having spent time with Burnley themselves last term.

"Eboue will come stronger"

2008-12-07T21:08:00.001+01:00

The Arsenal boss thinks Emmanuel Eboue eill bounce back after terrible game against Wigan.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given Emmanuel Eboue his backing after the Gunner had to be substituted in yesterday’s victory over Wigan Athletic.

The Ivorian only came on as a substitute for Samir Nasri after half an hour at the Emirates, but after an error-prone display was hauled off by Wenger in the final minutes.

His substitution prompted the Emirates crowd to jeer the player off the pitch, a reaction which dismayed Wenger.

Speaking to the press after the game he said: “The crowd was very hard on him. I felt he had completely lost confidence, and when you can't keep the ball any more then you become a danger.”

Wenger, as reported by football365.com, also admitted that he was disappointed for the player but that he had no option but to take him off.

The Frenchman revealed, “I just didn't want the 90 minutes' work to go to waste. The fans contributed. He's a sensitive boy who wants to do well and he cares about the club. It was very sad but the important thing was that we won the game.”

The low point of the afternoon for Eboue came when he took the ball off team mate Kolo Toure and passed it straight to the opposition.

A clearly distraught Eboue then left the field and was consoled by Emmanuel Adebayor, amongst others, on his way to the dugout.

Yet his disastrous display appears not to have affected his standing in his manager’s eyes and Wenger tipped him to bounce back well. He said: “I think he will come back and show how good a player he is.”

The Arsenal boss also appears confident that the Emirates crowd will forgive Eboue, claiming: “The same fans will applaud him when he does well.”

Adebayor scored for new three points.

2008-12-06T18:42:00.002+01:00

Arsenal - Wigan 1:0

This was the game in which Arsenal were to prove they could build on victories against fellow Big Four rivals by showing the consistency to grind out wins against so-called less formidable opposition. But in the first half at the Emirates, the Gunners were somewhat laboured and certainly not very convincing, despite going ahead thanks to Emmanuel Adebayor's tenth goal of the season.

Defender and former captain William Gallas was ruled out with a calf injury but in a like-for-like change, Kolo Toure came back in after overcoming a similar problem. That was the only change from the team that beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday, though in midweek Wenger's second string lost at Burnley in the Carling Cup, with five youngsters plus Mikael Silvestre from that defeat named as substitutes today, along with Emmanuel Eboue, fit again after a knee injury.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce brought back captain Mario Melchiot to replace Michael Brown.

Wigan started brightly enough, but it was Arsenal who took the lead after 16 minutes. It wasthe Gunners' first real chance of the game, when a first-time pass by Cesc Fabregas came off Alexandre Song and Titus Bramble and fell kindly for Adebayor, who fired the ball low into the corner.

A quarter-of-an-hour later, Wenger was forced to make an early change when Samir Nasri, injured by an ugly Wilson Palacios tackle, failed to recover and had to be replaced by Eboue

It was unwanted disruption for Arsenal, who despite holding on to their lead, continued to toil in a less than vintange display.

But on the stroke of half-time, Adebayor nearly doubled histeam's advantage. The Togolese striker saw his low shot from 20 yards tipped onto the foot of a post by Latics' keeper Chris Kirkland after a neat move in which Denilson cut the ball back to him.

Wigan carved out a good chance early in the second-half, but England striker Emile Heskey - whose future is the subject of much speculation - couldn't quite get enough power or direction onto a potentially dangerous header.

Shortly after that, an Arsenal attack saw Fabregas play a perfect through-ball for Robin van Persie, but the Dutchman, clear on goal, hit his shot wide from the edge of the area.

Van Persie went close again when Denilson squared the ball to him and the Dutchman turned and drove in a shot with his favoured left-foot that flew just inches wide of the right-hand post.

The Gunners struck the woodwork for the second time when Denilson let fly from 25 yards with a shot that cannoned back off the frame of the goal as they sought a second goal that would have enabled the vast majority of the Emirates crowd to breathe a little more easily.

Their anxiety heightened almost immediately when Mario Melchiot's volley was superbly saved at point-blank range by Manuel Almunia.

Steve Bruce brought on Wigan's top scorer Amr Zaki, but Arsenal were now pressing hard to increase their lead. But Adebayor missed an excellent chance, and with just one goal in it, Wigan always had hope.

And with Eboue repeatedly giving the ball away - to the annoyance of the home crowd - Heskey headed a decent chance over for the visitors.

Eboue was now being barracked by his own fans and was mercifully taken off by Wenger. Adebayor tried to console him as he left the pitch, but it was a very unhappy Eboue who stalked off down the tunnel, giving the end of the game a sour note.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere, Bendtner, Eboue.

Wigan: Kirkland, Taylor, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Melchiot, Heskey, Camara. Subs: Kingson, Kilbane, Koumas, Brown, Zaki, De Ridder, Kapo.

Arsenal - Wigan preview

2008-12-06T14:40:00.000+01:00

Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic travel to the Emirates unbeaten in five Premier League games, meaning that it is hosts Arsenal who are currently saddled with the curse of inconsistency. The Gunners pulled out of a mini-slump of two consecutive defeats by beating Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League and then coming from behind to win 2-1 at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. But in midweek they were eliminated from the Carling Cup when Championship high-fliers Burnley out-witted them 2-0 at Turf Moor.

Of course, the team that lost to the Clarets was entirely different from the one that beat Chelsea; it was the much-heralded young Gunners who had performed so impressively in the earlier rounds of the Carling Cup but came up against a Burnley side who asked questions to which the youngsters struggled to find the answers.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will no doubt reinstate his seniors for the visit of Wigan, which ironically may suit Bruce and his players - because the Latics were comprehensively out-played by the young Gunners at the Emirates last month in the Carling Cup. In contrast, Wenger's seniors have too often struggled to break down lower-placed sides who arrive at Ashburton Grove with a game-plan backed by organisation and hard work, and Bruce will be hoping they can throw their hosts out of their elegant stride on Saturday.

However, the Arsenal camp must surely know they are fast running out of second chances; indeed, they've managed only two League wins in six attempts - though those were against last year's champions and runners-up, Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively. And having impressively won at Stamford Bridge last week to haul themselves firmly back into the Barclays Premier League title race, they really do have to press on and start winning - consistently - the games which, on paper at least, they are expected to win. And Wigan at home is certainly one of those.

If they do beat the Latics they could make up further ground on their three main title rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. If they don't, they will merely have devalued their victory over Chelsea - which is what happened after they beat Manchester United then lost to Aston Villa (home) and Manchester City (away).

Remarkably, the Gunners - eight points adrift of current leaders Liverpool - will be aiming to win two successive Premier League matches for only the third time this season, underlining their erratic form. But with the captaincy issue now resolved there should be nothing to distract them from being fully focused on the job in hand against rejuvenated Wigan, who have just achieved back-to-back victories over West Bromwich Albion and Everton. Those wins saw the Latics climb to 11th in the table, and were gained without the services of top scorer Amr Zaki. But a third straight win would also be their first success in 26 attempts against one of the Big Four.

Wigan boast the longest current unbeaten sequence in the Premier League, though they have conceded 10 goals in their seven away games this season, and in fact have conceded 99 goals away from the JJB Stadium in their Premier League history. Arsenal will be looking to ensure the century mark is passed this weekend, given that they have already scored 27 Premier League goals this season - a figure which only Chelsea (33) and Manchester City (29) can better.

They should be buoyed by the fact that they are unbeaten by Wigan in league meetings (five wins, one draw), and hold a perfect home record against the Latics of three wins out of three.

On the other hand, Arsenal haven't celebrated back-to-back victories in seven Premier League matches, since beating Everton (3-1 at home) and West Ham (2-0 away) in mid-October. And they have collected 11 fewer points this season than at the same stage last term, when they were top of the table as opposed to fourth. In contrast, Wigan are up by 10 points on this same stage last season - but six points down on their best-ever performance after 15 Premier League fixtures.

The tightness of this season's Premier League competition is underlined by the fact that Wigan, who are currently 11th, could climb as high as 7th or fall as low as 14th this weekend, depending on their own and others' results.

How The Bosses See It

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said ahead of the game: "Many eyes will be turned on Arsenal to see how we respond to our defeat in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

"Let's believe in this team - and I say that to the fans as well - let's get behind them because they want to do well. I believe we have the quality, we have the desire, the talent and the spirit, so that should make us go into the game on Saturday with a strong belief."

Wenger's Wigan counterpart, Steve Bruce, commented: "What we must have is belief because teams like Arsenal do not lose many games.

"This is the enjoyable part of the Premier League, wondering if we can go and give a good performance against a top side. We have done it before but we will need to play to our maximum if we are to take anything out of the game."

Head-To-Head

When Wigan frustrated Arsenal in a goalless draw at the JJB Stadium on 9 March this year, it was the only time the Latics have taken as much as a point off the Gunners. And already this season Arsenal have got back to winning ways against Wigan, running out 3-0 victors in the Carling Cup fourth round tie. Teenagers Jay Simpson (two) and Carlos Vela scored the goals on 11 November.

However, the two clubs also met in the Carling Cup in the 2005-06 season. It was at the semi-final stage, and Paul Jewell's side took a one-goal lead to Highbury for the second leg of the semi-final. The Latics lost 2-1 but reached the final on away goals after extra time.

Last season in the Premier League at the Emirates, Arsenal won 2-0, with goals in the last seven minutes from William Gallas (83) and Tomas Rosicky (85).

All League Matches (home and away):
Arsenal 5 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 1

League Matches At Arsenal Only:
Arsenal 3 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0

FORM GUIDE

Arsenal

02 Dec (Carling Cup) v Burnley (A) LOST 0-2
30 Nov (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) WON 2-1
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

Wigan

29 Nov (Premier League) v West Brom (H) WON 2-1
24 Nov (Premier League) v Everton (H) WON 1-0
15 Nov (Premier League) v Newcastle (A) DREW 2-2
11 Nov (Carling Cup) v Arsenal (A) LOST 0-3
08 Nov (Premier League) v Stoke (H) DREW 0-0

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Long-term injury victims Eduardo (broken leg), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Theo Walcott (shoulder) are still sidelined, while William Gallas suffered a calf problem at Stamford Bridge and will be missing. But Kolo Toure (calf) is likely to be available again, along with Emmanuel Eboue (knee). But Johan Djourou (hip) and Abou Diaby (abdominal) are unlikely to be fit to return.

Squad: Almunia, Clichy, Toure, Silvestre, Sagna, Nasri, Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Adebayor, Van Persie, Fabianski, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou, Vela, Bendtner, Eboue.

Last Starting XI (v Burnley): Fabianski, Hoyte, Silvestre, Ramsey, Gibbs, Rodgers (Lansbury 46), Randall (Bischoff 72), Merida, Wilshere (Simpson 63), Bendtner, Vela.
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Coquelin, Steer, Frimpong.

Wigan

Top scorer Amr Zaki has been struggling with a hamstring problem, but could return after missing the last three matches. Defender Paul Scharner could also be back after a groin problem saw him miss the West Brom game last weekend. But long-term injury victim Erik Edman is not expected to return to action before Christmas. The Swedish defender has been out for eight months with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and Bruce is not planning to rush him back.

The Wigan boss said this week: "Erik has been training for the best part of three or four weeks and played in two reserve games. It was a bad injury he had and I don't think we'll be seeing the best of him for another couple of months yet."

Squad: Kirkland, Taylor, Boyce, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Brown, Koumas, Palacios, Camara, Zaki, Heskey, Melchiot, Kilbane, Pollitt, Kingson, De Ridder, Cywka.

Last Starting XI (v West Brom): Kirkland, Taylor (Melchiot 70), Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa (Kilbane 81), Valencia, Brown (Koumas 60), Cattermole, Palacios, Heskey, Camara.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Kingson, De Ridder, Cywka.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal

Striker Robin van Persie was Arsenal's match-winner last weekend with a brace against Chelsea, and if he starts, as he's expected to, against Wigan, the former Feyenoord Dutch international will be making his 100th Premier League appearance for the club. Those two goals against the Blues also took his total for the Gunners to 52 in all competitions.

Wigan

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has been in outstanding form recently, and the ex-Liverpool shot-stopper could the man to frustrate the Gunners on Saturday. He was in top form when the Latics met Arsenal in the Carling Cup last month, and couldn't be blamed for the three goals the young Gunners netted. Another inspired performance could spread anxiety through the players and fans of the North London club.

Wenger wants Gallas to stay

2008-12-06T14:39:00.003+01:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken about William Gallas future at the club.

Controversial Wiliam Gallas was stripped of his Arsenal captaincy recently after blabbing to the tabloids about dressing room rifts within the Gunners' camp. Young midfielder Cesc Fabregas was subsequently handed the armband.

No sooner had the big stopper been binned than the transfer rumour mill started working overtime, linking the French centre-back with Italian giants Milan and homeland club Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Wenger has reiterated his support for the player, and his distrust of the media, insisting that Gallas won't be moving on in January, contrary to the reports.

"My desire is clear - I want him to stay, of course," Wenger asserted.

"The problem in the modern game is that you always have to fight against an environment which attempts to destabilise you just by creating news.

"I cannot fight against that, I can only give what we want inside the club: we want to keep William with us. He is an important player in the squad and what other people try to provoke, or try to put out in the media, we cannot master.

"It does not change my mind and, in the end, I will decide."

Asked about the visit of Wigan at the weekend, he added: "Many eyes will be turned on Arsenal to see how we respond tomorrow.

"Let's believe in this team, because we have the quality, the desire, the talent and the spirit."

Eduardo back in game

2008-12-05T16:16:00.000+01:00

Eduardo da Silva will be back in an Arsenal shirt imminently, according to the Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger.

The Brazil-born striker has not featured in a fixture for the past 10 months after suffering a horrific leg-break during a Premier League game at Birmingham City.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, there were fears that the Croatia international would never play again as his left fibula was fractured and his left ankle left dislocated.

Eduardo was ruled out of Euro 2008 but set about a painstaking recovery that has now led him back to full fitness.

Rehabilitation with his club combined with time spent at home in his native Brazil have left the forward on the cusp of a return to action, and he is lacking only match practice according to his manager.

The Gunners will be pleased with the boost that Eduardo will bring, as they currently sit eight points from the summit of the table.

Despite victories over Manchester United and Chelsea, Arsenal have been hampered by inconsistency and Eduardo's firepower will provide a timely boost for their Premier League challenge.

Wenger is quoted as saying on BBC Sport: "He is joining in full training matches but he needs games now."

Gallas will miss Game against Wigan

2008-12-05T16:15:00.000+01:00

The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal defender William Gallas has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Wigan Athletic due to a calf problem.

The 31-year-old pulled up sore after the Emirates club's morale-boosting win over Chelsea last weekend, and he has not recovered in time to face Steve Bruce's men.

This is just the latest of several setbacks for unsettled Gallas, who has become something of an outcast at Ashburton Grove since being forced to hand the captain's armband to young Cesc Fabregas.

The Frenchman's place in defence is likely to be filled by Ivorian international Kolo Toure, whose campaign has been interrupted by a similar injury.

In other news, Brazilian-born striker Eduardo da Silva has finally returned to training after more than nine months out of action, and could be ready to play in the reserves by Christmas.

The Croatian international suffered a ghastly double-break in his left leg, thanks to Martin Taylor's mistimed tackle, when Arsenal visited Birmingham City in February.

Young Randall probably going on loan?

2008-12-04T17:59:00.001+01:00

Now when Arsenal lost in Carling Cup, Wenger is going to set some of the youngsters on loan.

19-year-old Arsenal starlet Mark Randall could be set to leave the Emirates on loan, now that the club's Carling Cup charge has been halted.

Burnley disposed of Arsenal at Turf Moor on Tuesday evening convincingly by two goals to nil, to set up a semi-final appearance.

The Championship side had already done away with a close to full strength Chelsea side a round previous, and took the Young Guns to school with a resounding win this time around.

The exit of Arsene Wenger's experimental side from the competition may spell the end of first team opportunities for some of the club's fringe players, who may now be better served by loan deals elsewhere.

Midfielder Mark Randall received part of his footballing education at Burnley last season, and could be ready to move temporarily again.

His reputation is growing under Wenger, who has already offered the Milton Keynes native a berth in Arsenal's Premier League squad.

The Frenchman rates Randall as highly as the precocious Jack Wilshere, and there is sure to be no shortage of suitors for his services in the next transfer window.

Wenger told the press: “He has as much as Jack Wilshere. I think he is a little bit more of a late developer but he is exceptional.”

"We lacked intelligence against Burnley"

2008-12-04T12:20:00.004+01:00

Arsenal manager tried to explain what went wrong in Carling Cup game.

Arsene Wenger was left frustrated last night as his young Gunners crashed out of the Carling Cup 2-0 to Championship side Burnley. Now the Frenchman has highlighted what he though is side's problems were.

After 6-0 and 3-0 thrashings of Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic, respectively, Wenger's youngsters came up last night against a side who wanted to win it more than they did. The likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere weren't lacking in the skill department, the problem was in their heads, according to Wenger.

"When you are not focused from the first minute, you don't win this kind of game,” he told Arsenal TV Online.

“We had chances but didn't put them away and at that level you pay for it."

And Wenger believes that his team of youngsters could have gone all the way in the competition, if they had only been prepared to focus properly.

"We had the quality to win this competition, but you have to make the maximum of what you have. You have to mix intelligence and experience.

“We did not have the experience but could have made up for that with intelligence."

Arsenal were the third Premier League team that Burnley have beaten in the Carling Cup. Owen Coyle's men recorded victories over Fulham at home and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in previous rounds and could now be looking at a fantatstic day out at Wembley should their form hold.

Burnley closed doors for Arsenal youngsters

2008-12-03T20:31:00.002+01:00

Carling Cup -> Burnley - Arsenal 2:0

Burnley welcomed Arsenal to Turf Moor, buoyed by their victory over Chelsea in the last round and hoping to claim the scalp of Arsene Wenger’s young side.

Manager Owen Coyle opted to keep the same side that beat Derby County at the weekend, a win which had seen the Clarets move up to fourth in the Championship, whilst Arsenal changed their entire starting line up from the team that returned from Stamford Bridge victorious on Sunday.

Yet the first half was a superb affair, packing with flowing, entertaining football with both goalkeepers seeing plenty of action.

The visitors had the first chance as early as the fourth minute. A clinical move cut the Clarets apart and ended with Vela poking a ball through to Bendtner but his shot was well saved by Jensen.

The action moved straight to the other end with Eagles beating Gibbs on the right before firing a low cross into the box which Fabianski failed to deal with.

The ball rebounded off the Pole and fell to MacDonald who had the easy task of slotting the ball home into an empty net to give the home side the lead.

The goal was the first time the Gunners had gone behind so far in the tournament yet they had the chance to equalise within minutes but again Bendtner was denied by Jensen.

The Danish striker again combined well with Vela but was unable to beat the Burnley stopper with a poor finish.

However, the goal had clearly filled the home side with confidence and they continued to go forwards with Eagles and Paterson, in particular, causing the Gunners all sorts of problems and forcing Fabianksi into several saves.

Indeed just shy of the half hour mark and Coyle’s men almost doubled their lead with two chances in a minute, the second of which saw Paterson receive a superb cross-field pass from Blake, get in behind Silvestre before firing a shot which Fabianski was equal to.

At the other end Arsenal were also testing Jensen, Bendtner setting up first Randell and then Vela for shots but neither player was able to beat the Burnley stopper and the home side headed into the break with their lead intact.

Arsene Wenger changed things at half time with Lansbury replacing Rodgers and within minutes Arsenal almost had their goal.

Carlos Vela picked out Merida on the left, who cut inside and dribbled past two men before flashing a shot agonisingly wide of Jensen’s far post.

However, minutes before the hour mark and Burnley doubled their lead. A throw in on the right came to MacDonald whose forceful run inside beat Randall before he poked it past Fabianski and into the far corner to send the home crowd wild.

Five minutes later and it should have been three. A super ball in from the left by Blake found Paterson who connected with a firm header but Fabianski grabbed the ball on the line.

Burnley continued to press against an Arsenal side that looked short on ideas and had to wait until five minutes from time for another clear chance which again the wasteful Bendtner spurned.

Instead the Clarets held on for a famous victory and after beating both Chelsea and Arsenal will surely fancy their chances of going all the way in this competition and will certainly fear no one in the semi-finals.

Burnley: Jensen, Duff, Carlisle, Caldwell, Jordan, Alexander, Blake (Elliott, 77), McDonald (Gudjonsson, 60), McCann, Eagles, Paterson (Akinbiyi, 74).

Arsenal: Fabianski, Hoyte, Silvestre, Gibbs, Rodgers (Lansbury, 46), Randall (Bischoff, 72), Ramsey, Merida, Wilshere (Simpson, 64), Bendtner, Vela.

GOALS

2-0 Burnley (MacDonald, 57)

1-0 Burnley (MacDonald, 6)

According to Wenger, Fran Merida is similar to Cesc

2008-12-03T12:35:00.001+01:00

Arséne Wenger believes Fran Merida is similar to Cesc Fàbregas in the way he commands a midfield, but admitted that he was a late developer in comparison to the club captain.

The Gunners' boss secured the services of both players as youngsters from Barcelona and is hopeful that the pair can become as important as each other in the next few seasons.

While Cesc shone almost as soon as he tasted football at the highest level, Merida has taken longer to develop but Wenger is confident that he will come good.

“Being compared to Cesc is a big task as well but I think he has a similar talent,” Wenger told the club's official website.

“You see in training and in the first team, he is always an asset.

“But at the moment in the Premier League you need power and I feel Fran is a late developer physically, but I do think he will come on.”

Merida moved to Arsenal in 2005 after spending seven seasons being developed at Camp Nou and was then loaned out to Real Sociedad last term, where he played 14 games.

Van Persie: We have answered on our critics

2008-12-02T12:04:00.002+01:00

Arsenal last match hero believe that gunners still have quality to win the premiership.

Robin van Persie struck twice in five second-half minutes to lead Arsenal to a hugely important 2-1 victory against Chelsea at the weekend.

The Blues went ahead in the first half thanks to an unfortunate own-goal from Johan Djourou, and they looked by far the better team for much of the evening.

But the visitors demonstrated a gritty side to their game which has rarely been sighted this season, and Van Persie told The Sun: “We showed a lot of self-belief and character to win against Chelsea.

“Everybody thought ‘OK, we can win this game if we fight and stick together’.

“That is what we did so it was a big compliment for the whole team.

“That is the answer we wanted to give our critics. The last couple of weeks had been very difficult — we’d been losing points. But if we stayed together and fought for every ball, we had a chance against Chelsea.

“There’s still a long way to go but we set a big, big example. I’m really happy about the team spirit as it’s been a frustrating time.”

Arsenal sit fourth in the Premier League standings, eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Wenger hails Gallas

2008-12-01T11:44:00.001+01:00

William Gallas came back into the Arsenal starting line-up to face Dynamo Kyiv in midweek after a brief exodus. In that Champions League fixture he was erratic - spectacular or woeful from minute-to-minute - but got through the game and helped the Gunners to qualify.

He was still very much on edge during Sunday's massive Chelsea showdown, having been sacked as captain recently, but was far more assured under waves of pressure from the Blues.

After the game, coach Arsene Wenger continued to back the stopper, gushing over his performance.

"I think William was outstanding... absolutely amazing," he told the club's official website.

"He came out of that troublesome period with, for me, a lot of credit. His commitment is fantastic and he was outstanding.

"As he did against Kyiv, he has shown he is a fighter."

Johan Djourou partnered the Frenchman at the back and struggled a bit more than under-fire Gallas. He scored an own goal and was a little behind the pace at times.

Wenger wouldn't say whether the partnership would feature again, but noted: "I wanted to try that partnership. I think we were a bit stronger in the duels and in the air."

So much has been said about Arsenal's mentality over the last few weeks - little of it positive - but now everyone is talking about Chelsea, who have now allowed their Stamford Bridge fortress to be breached by two of their 'Big Four' rivals.

Wenger, though, isn't sure what the defeat will do to the Blues: "The win gives us the belief that we can come back, but what it does to Chelsea, I don’t know."

Van Persie stun Chelsea

2008-12-01T11:42:00.000+01:00

Chelsea - Arsenal 1:2

Arsenal arrived at Stamford Bridge hoping to bounce back from consecutive league defeats and with Cesc Fabregas leading the Gunners out for the first time in the Premier League.

Arsene Wenger was boosted by the return of Emmanuel Adebayor who partnered Robin van Persie up front with Bacary Sagna returning at right back and Samir Nasri restored to midfield.

Chelsea, meanwhile were without Joe Cole and the banned Didier Drogba with Luiz Felipe Scolari deciding to recall Deco after his Champions League suspension and Saloman Kalou.

The home side certainly began the brighter, anxious to improve on a home record that has appeared less than invincible this season.

Yet Arsenal weathered the initial onslaught and new captain Fabregas was the first to try his luck, forcing Petr Cech into a save just after the ten minute mark.

The Czech parried the ball which almost fell to William Gallas, of all people, for a tap in however the ball fell agonisingly behind the onrushing defender.

Yet aside for a Robin van Persie shot on goal on the half hour mark that was about as close as the Gunners came as Chelsea enjoyed the better of an entertaining first half.

Indeed mid-way through the opening period Scolari’s men almost opened the scoring after a superb move.

A good break by the Blues saw Michael Ballack work the ball out to Jose Bosingwa on the right and his cross was met firmly by the head of Frank Lampard, yet Almunia claimd comfortably.

However, just on the half hour mark the home side finally made the breakthrough. A poor throw out by Almunia saw Chelsea regain quickly possession before a wicked ball in by Bosingwa was diverted by Djourou past his own goalkeeper.

Minutes later and Scolari’s men almost doubled their lead. Deco played a cute ball through to Kalou but Sagna was on hand to make a great saving challenge and clear the danger.

The Blues came out for the second period in much the same mood with Lampard almost making it two, five minutes after half-time.

Kalou and Anelka combined well but were blocked by the Arsenal defence and Lampard on the follow up took the shot first time but couldn’t find the target from range.

Arsenal, by contrast, were struggling to get into the match yet they managed to pull one back against the run of play just before the hour mark.

A long ball forward was headed down by Adebayor and fell to Nasri who poked it across to Denilson. The Brazilian then slipped it to a suspiciously offside looking van Persie to rifle home from the edge of the box.

Minutes later and matters got even worse for Chelsea as Arsenal took the lead. Fabregas drifted a free kick into the box which was headed down again by Adebayor and van Persie on the turn fired it home low and into the far corner to give the Gunners the lead.

Chelsea were stunned and with few options on the bench chose to bring on one of their few attacking options Malouda replaced Mikel.

Yet whilst they saw plenty of the ball they rarely threatened Almunia and it was Arsenal who were looking the more dangerous side on the break, unafraid to commit numbers forward.

In the end it was fairly comfortable for the Gunners who held on to hand Fabregas a first league win as skipper and what must be a hugely satisfying result for Arsene Wenger.

Scolari and Chelsea, meanwhile, have much to ponder and after toiling at Stamford Bridge yet again may just be relieved that their next fixture is away from home.

Chelsea: Cech; Bosingwa; Ivanovic, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel (Malouda, 69); Ballack, Deco (Stoch, 80), Lampard; Kalou, Anelka.

Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy; Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Nasri; Adebayor (Bendtner, 83), Van Persie.

GOALS

1-2 Arsenal (van Persie, 61)

1-1 Arsenal (van Persie, 59)

1-0 Chelsea (Djourou og, 30)

Premier League Preview: Chelsea - Arsenal

2008-11-29T13:10:00.000+01:00

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.

Arsenal Chairman: Wenger Has Money, We Want The Champions League

2008-11-28T11:34:00.002+01:00

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

2008-11-28T11:33:00.000+01:00

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.”

Arsenal offering Fabregas a new contract?

2008-11-27T19:42:00.001+01:00

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

2008-11-27T15:33:00.000+01:00

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.

Bendtner puts Arsenal into second phase

2008-11-26T01:15:00.001+01:00

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.

Arsene Wenger: Arsenal Won't Go Under

2008-11-25T11:58:00.002+01:00

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."

Fabregas is a new captain

2008-11-24T19:16:00.002+01:00

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

2008-11-24T12:19:00.001+01:00

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."

Arsenal ultimatum: Gallas apologize....

2008-11-23T13:35:00.003+01:00

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.

Title bids died?

2008-11-22T18:28:00.003+01:00

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.

Wenger: Financial crisis may hit the transfer market

2008-11-21T13:21:00.002+01:00

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.

Ex Gunner Perry Groves: Gallas should not be a captain

2008-11-21T13:16:00.005+01:00

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.

Wenger confirms Walcott injury

2008-11-20T12:00:00.001+01:00

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.

Walcott Set For Shoulder Surgery

2008-11-19T22:49:00.002+01:00

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

2008-11-19T22:48:00.000+01:00

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.

Gabriel Agbonlahor took advantage of a through ball and accelerated toward goal with Gallas backtracking but not being able to shrug Agbonlahor off the ball.

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?

2008-11-19T00:00:00.000+01:00

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.

Wenger: No Regrets Over Lack Of Midfield Chief

2008-11-17T13:05:00.001+01:00

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

2008-11-17T13:04:00.002+01:00

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.

Wenger Frustrated By Arsenal's Inconsistency

2008-11-16T12:43:00.001+01:00

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 ruined Arsenal's title bid

2008-11-15T19:16:00.000+01:00

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.

Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Aston Villa

2008-11-15T12:47:00.000+01:00

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.

Wenger Baffled By Late Goal Rush

2008-11-14T20:08:00.003+01:00

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

2008-11-14T20:08:00.001+01:00

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.

OFFICIAL: Eduardo Back For Christmas

2008-11-14T20:06:00.001+01:00

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

2008-11-14T12:56:00.003+01:00

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

2008-11-14T12:55:00.001+01:00

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."

Eduardo Returns To Training?

2008-11-13T18:30:00.001+01:00

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.

Gallas: I've Proved I'm A Strong Leader

2008-11-13T18:29:00.000+01:00

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?''

Gunners Midfielder Reveals Vieira Adulation

2008-11-13T13:59:00.001+01:00

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

2008-11-13T12:53:00.001+01:00

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.

Jay Simpson: Young Gun Reveals Childhood Idol

2008-11-12T18:22:00.001+01:00

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'

2008-11-12T11:56:00.002+01:00

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

2008-11-12T11:55:00.000+01:00

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

2008-11-12T11:53:00.001+01:00

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."

Walcott: Rivals Will Fear Fortress Emirates!

2008-11-11T18:44:00.002+01:00

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

2008-11-11T12:20:00.004+01:00

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

2008-11-11T12:20:00.002+01:00

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.

Ramsey In Line For Wales Debut

2008-11-11T12:19:00.000+01:00

2008 has been the year of the meteoric rise of Aaron Ramsey; the 17-year-old made his debut for Cardiff City as recently as January, became the youngest player to feature in an FA Cup final in May and transferred to Arsenal over the summer in a deal worth more than £5 million.

Since arriving at the Emirates, Ramsey has shown some real promise, scoring on his Champions League debut against Fenerbahçe and netting a memorable strike for Wales under-21s in a commanding performance against England last month.

Nasri: Gunners Never Out Of The Title Race

2008-11-11T12:18:00.001+01:00

Arsenal's depleted side were able to edge Manchester United 2-1 on Saturday. The result was massive, lifting some pressure from the shoulders of Arsene Wenger after many had accused him of cultivating a side full of young, talented losers.

Samir Nasri has impressed in flashes since signing from Marseille in the summer, but really made a breakthrough at the weekend. His wonderful performance and crucial brace were invaluable to the Gunners in their time of need, with strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie on the sidelines.

Now, the 21-year-old has insisted that he's 'honoured' to be in the position to blast Arsenal back into a title race he believes they were never really out of.

We’ve had a tough week," he admitted, "But we couldn’t have dreamed of a better result.

"Maybe we don’t have the experience of Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea - but this was a great answer to show how mature we’ve become.

"The title? Yes, we are back in it. We always thought we were in it anyway. We know what we can do and we can definitely achieve the title this season."

Giving his full backing to wily gaffer Arsene Wenger, he added: "Arsene is one of the best managers in the world and it’s a great honour for me to play for him.

“The criticism has been unfair...just you wait until the end of the season and we'll see how things turn out."

Wenger Tips Tightest Title Race Yet

2008-11-11T12:17:00.000+01:00

With Liverpool looking like potential champions for the first time in more than a decade and the Gunners showing that, despite their youth, they can match it with the best, Wenger's comments are more than reasonable.

However, it is not at the top of the table where the Frenchman believes the most significant change has occurred.

"It could be tighter than everybody expected it to be because the teams in the second part of the league have improved," Wenger said in The Sun.

"To go away and win at Stoke, at Blackburn, at Bolton, at Wigan, it’s difficult, more difficult maybe than 10 years ago. And to deal with the Champions League and all these games is very difficult."

Wenger knows a thing or two about struggling against supposed drop-zone fodder, as Arsenal have lost to Stoke City, Hull City and Fulham so far this season. Combine those results with the amazing 4-4 draw against lowly Tottenham Hotspur, and you have a side who were already on the ropes in the title fight.

That is why Saturday's clash against Manchester United was of such importance to the London giants. Defeat at the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson's defending champs could well have proved the knockout blow - and an embarrassingly early one, at that.

But the Gunners triumphed, thanks to Samir Nasri's brace, and their hopes of claiming a 14th English title are far from dead.

"I didn’t imagine the consequences of a defeat. I felt beforehand that it was important not to think about that, just think you want to win," Wenger continued. "Part of the preparation was to go into the game with a winning attitude — that is what we tried to build up.

"If you open the press or listen to the media, you always have the feeling that the world will stop if you lose the game. But, in reality, it goes on the next morning. When you are under a lot of fire from the press, it’s not easy and I believe this team has a lot of character. They have shown that and kept playing the way we want to play.

"In our job, we can talk, talk, talk but, at the end of the day, it’s what you produce on the football pitch and against United the answer was right. When you don’t win you get criticised and you have to take that and deal with that and show that you can take it."

New Deal For Theo?

2008-11-09T11:49:00.000+01:00

The News of the World reports that Walcott will be offered a lucrative long-term deal when he sits down to discuss his future with Arsene Wenger in a few days' time.

The 19-year-old forward is currently earning around £30,000 per week, but Wenger and the Gunners' board will double his pay in a bid to keep him at Ashburton Grove.

Walcott has transformed from a highly rated prospect into a world-renouned prodigy within the space of a few months, largely due to his international exploits. The England star's hat-trick against Croatia, in particular, turned several important heads.

Real Madrid and Chelsea have both been linked with the former Southampton player, but young Walcott seems perfectly satisfied with his situation in North London and is unlikely to jump ship anytime soon.

Arsenal To Sign Rising Brazilian Star?

2008-11-09T11:48:00.001+01:00

20-year-old Brazilian striker Lenny - full name Lenny Fernandes Coelho - who currently plies his trade with Brazilian side Palmeiras, is reportedly bound for Arsenal.

Reports suggest that the Gunners have clinched his signature after the player signed a pre-contract agreement with the north London outfit.

Lenny's Palmeiras deal is due to expire in December, and as such, he could be on the Gunners' books as early as January 1.

However, it is expected that the forward will be shunted out on loan to Spain to garner some first team experience and a work permit. Arsenal have an agreement with feeder club Salamanca to loan them a striker or goalkeeper in January.

Mexican striker Carlos Vela benefitted from terms on loan with Celta Vigo and Osasuna among others, where he impressed before returning to the Emirates with a work permit in time for this season.

Arsene Wenger's side allegedly tabled a bid for Lenny in 2007, which was rejected by his club and was in the region of around £3 million.

The striker has European experience having represented Sporting Braga of Portugal in 2007.

Wenger: Best Way To Answer Critics Is On The Pitch

2008-11-08T16:31:00.001+01:00

Two Samir Nasri goals, one on either side of the half-time break, ensured that Arsenal emerged triumphant despite a late charge led by substitute Rafael da Silva.

The Brazilian full back replaced Gary Neville and was assured at the back, and confident at the top, but the Gunners held on for the win while the visitors squandered multiple chances by sending the ball the wrong side of the post.

Speaking to Sky Sports, captain William Gallas said it was important to return to winning ways: "It was very important to win against Manchester United because we want to stay in the race.

"The last few games we draw... we lost... so it is important to win at home."

Fabregas added that their performance highlighted their character: "It has been a frustrating past few results so it was vital to win and get back on track and show our character.

"Its great to see and hear the fans enjoying themselves and sing," the Spaniard said.

"We are the same... just because we beat Man U we are not better than we were last week. Football changes so quickly. We just need to be focussed now for the next game.

"In your head you realise you can't do the same mistake against Tottenham and I think we have learned."

Arsene Wenger echoed his player's sentiments, and claims anything other than a win would have been a disappointment.

"We had to win," the French manager said. "But it was a great football game overall, both teams were going for it.

"They didn't take the chances they created, but we did [and that is what counts].

"I knew today it was a big game for the future of the team, not the club. To keep in the race and win big games is vital for a young team," Wenger concluded.

Arsenal - Manchester United 2:1

2008-11-08T16:28:00.002+01:00

NASRI GUNS DOWN UNITED

For Arsenal, the introductory fixture of the Premier League weekend against Manchester United provided an opportunity to not only get supporting fans off of their back but also to get their season back on track.

The visiting Red Devils' manager Sir Alex Ferguson recently admitted that his side would be playing catch-up until at least the turn of the year due to a congested fixture schedule. Any setbacks, he warned, would see them slip further behind league leaders Chelsea and Liverpool.

Arsenal welcomed back William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, and Theo Walcott, and the Gunners played in a special kit with a poppy badge sewn onto the middle of their chest to serve as remembrance to those who died during the First World War.

FIRST HALF

Arsenal started the game nervously, as was shown with an early pass back from Gael Clichy's weaker right foot that was caught by Manuel Almunia instead of cleared to safety. Manchester United though failed to capitalise on the indirect free-kick inside the penalty area.

The two most successful sides in the history of the Premier League and arguably the greatest entertainers on the English stage played the game at a customary hectic and frenetic pace from whistle to whistle. United even had the ball in the net on the seventh minute but the goal was correctly chalked off as offside.

Manchester united enjoyed the greater share of possession during the first ten minutes but Arsenal's pass and move saw them grow into the game and a few early chances that were poorly cleared by Edwin Van Der Sar allowed Abou Diaby to have a shot on goal when the Dutch glovesman was off his line. Abou's shot though was weak as he was trying to jump back as he struck the ball and could never get the necessary power on the shot to really trouble the United defence.

One of the greater moves of the half arrived when Brazilian midfielder Anderson dominated his midfield counterpart Cesc Fabregas and the ball made way to Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo who threaded in Wayne Rooney before the English powerhouse launched a shot into Row Z. The final shot was not deserving of the build up, and it was a motif that was to follow the Red Devils (playing in Blue today), throughout the first half.

Attack-minded Frenchman Samir Nasri opened Arsenal's account on the 22nd minute taking advantage of a set piece. United were defending the zones, not the man, and the ball spilled out to Nasri who struck it hard and took a slight deflection off of Gary Neville and into the net. Manchester United tried to defend the space, instead of the man, and out of the two commodities it is the man who will attack the ball and score, not the space. And so the move highlighted the frailties of zonal marking in the English game.

Despite the goal the visitors remained the more dominant team on the ball and had far more touches than their hosts. Arsenal struggled to keep the ball and showed little drive in closing their men down to retrieve possession, perhaps saving their energy for the latter stages of the game where, if United were still chasing a result, would go at the home side with all guns blazing.

Clichy could have scored an own goal from glancing a header past Manuel Almunia's far post as a result of a dangerous in-swinging Cristiano Ronaldo free kick minutes later, but luckily for the full back a corner kick was the result, and not a goal.

As the half hour marked edged closer Arsenal continued to ride their luck but had an opportune moment to double their lead had it not been for Denilson slowing the counter-attack down with a slow run and Bendtner then bringing the move to a halt by taking the ball into the wide area of the penalty spot.

Arsenal then started attracting the yellow cards. William Gallas for a foul to the right flank of the defensive zone and Gael Clichy for a pull on Ji Sung Park. The home crowd grew increasingly frustrated with referee Howard Webb though as a perceived knock on Abou Diaby in between the aforementioned bookings was waved as fair play.

The half-time break loomed nearer but instead of keeping possession and seeking to suck the pace of play out of the game Arsenal relinquished the ball and allowed United to attack. Arsenal returned to the dressing room though with their one goal advantage intact.

SECOND HALF

Within two minutes of the restart Arsenal, and Samir Nasri, penetrated United's goal for the second time of the afternoon. It was a vintage Gunners goal as fifteen passes were threaded together before Cesc Fabregas attracted Nemanja Vidic toward him about three foot outside the box and was then able to play through Samir Nasri who shimmied to his right before launching a shot past Van der Sar's right hand. The net bulged and the crowd were in raucous approval for the second time of the game.

Ronaldo had the chance to halve Arsenal's lead within seconds of the restart but his sidefoot was the wrong side of the post by, at most, an inch.

Manchester United's near misses would come back to haunt them though as Wayne Rooney, together with the winking wing wizard, had ample opportunities to get themselves back into the game, but they were squandered. Dimitar Berbatov was deemed to control the ball with his hand but Webb again waved play on, the silky Bulgarian striker then swivelled round to cross the ball into Wayne Rooney but his header was directed straight toward Almunia, instead of either side of him.

Arsenal's goalkeeper had to receive treatment for a knock 22 minutes from full time as Manc midfielder Michael Carrick shinned the Spaniard square on the side of the face while he scooped to collect a loose ball. Carrick was duly cautioned for the effort even though, in truth, he had the right to try and play the ball.

The end to end display of festival football continued to treat the onlookers but United had the bit between their teeth as they constantly probed for a goal so that their travelling support had something to celebrate.

With ten minutes remaining Almunia struggled in goal due to his earlier knock and so Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was brought on to replace the number one as a purely precautionary measure.

Rafael da Silva, in the place of Gary Neville, made some assured clearances and blocks to ensure that Arsenal would not add another to Nasri's brace. The young Brazilian was solid at the back, but was also inter-linking play further up the field. His passing was sometimes questionable, but one wayward long ball was followed up with a perfectly-timed crunching challenge on fellow national Denilson, and Rafael's wall-like presence stifled a potentially dangerous counter.

If there were tired legs on the pitch in the closing stages of the game then they did not want to show themselves as the early pace of the game was maintained up until the final whistle.

Rafael ensured his impressive cameo made the backpages of the newspapers as his stunning strike seconds from the 90th minute mark gave Manchester United a lifeline as Fabianski was beaten and six minutes of added time were shown by the fourth official.

A fantastic bending through ball from Samir Nasri to Nicklas Bendtner could have wrapped up the win in the 95th minute but the big Dane failed to hit the target despite Fabregas running into the centre and begging for a cut back.

Arsenal though held on and a big win in north London could end up being a defining point in both clubs' seasons.

LINE UPS

Arsenal: Almunia - Sagna; Gallas; Silvestre; Clichy - Walcott; Fabregas; Diaby; Denilson; Nasri - Bendtner.

Manchester United: Van der Sar - Neville; Ferdinand; Vidic; Evra - Ronaldo; Carrick; Anderson; Ji Sung Park - Berbatov; Rooney.

Cesc: Too Early To Write Us Off

2008-11-08T13:21:00.001+01:00

The Gunners are currently on a disappointing run of form and face champions Manchester United today knowing another defeat would seriously dent their title hopes.

Yet Fabregas claims it is far too early to write his team off, he says: “It is far too early to write off Arsenal. At the moment, we are six points behind the leaders. If we win today, we will be back in the top three and putting pressure on Chelsea and Liverpool.”

A draw at home to Tottenham and defeat to Stoke has piled the pressure on the Gunners and their midfield ace admits it is difficult to explain their recent results.

“We have no excuses for our recent results against Tottenham and Stoke and we cannot afford to lose today,” he writes in his column, “We have to learn from the mistakes we have made in recent games and put things right.”

Yet despite insisting today’s game is a must-win, he also reveals his side need to pick up points against the so-called lesser sides if they are to claim Premier League glory.

“I am always hearing people say it’s the games against your top-four rivals which decide the title race,” he said before adding, “I don’t agree. Two seasons ago, we had the best record of top-four teams in games against each other. But we still didn’t win the league.”

The Spaniard also responded to criticisms that Arsenal concentrated more on their style of play than results, saying: “One of the criticisms which has been levelled at Arsenal this season is that we are more interested in playing beautiful football than winning trophies. But I can promise you that is not the case.

“Arsenal’s philosophy is always to play good football and bring enjoyment to the supporters. But to win the game is the most important thing. And the most difficult thing.”

He also insisted that despite being a young side, the Gunners had the experience required: “I cannot agree with claims that Arsenal do not have experience to win the title. We might be young but we are not inexperienced.”

Fabregas also reveals that he is confident his side have the quality to win the league and that last season’s near miss was evidence.

“This is my sixth year at Arsenal and my fifth season in the side. As a team, we came of age last season when we went so close to winning the Premier League,” he said before concluding, “That convinced everyone at the club that we have the quality to be champions.”

Wenger: Judge Me In May

2008-11-08T13:18:00.004+01:00

The Gunners are currently on a poor run having followed the 4-4 draw with Tottenham with defeat to Stoke and then being held to a frustrating goalless draw at home to Fenerbahce in the Champions League in midweek.

However, speaking The Guardian the Frenchman explained it was far too early to be criticising his side.

“I am always having to answer questions as though we have failed,” he said before adding, “Let us speak about it in May. I would not exchange my position with any other manager because I believe in our qualities.”

Next up for Wenger’s men is a visit from the champions Manchester United and another defeat would heap even more pressure on the North Londoners, yet Wenger is clearly relishing the fixture.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to show how strong we are, when everyone is doubting us,” explained the Arsenal boss, “Mental strength is maybe the most important quality to playing for a big club.”

Arsenal currently lie fourth in the Premier League and a loss today would seriously harm their chances of claiming the league title.

Yet Wenger insists his side are on the right path. He revealed: “I stick to what I believe is right. You have moments that go well and those that go less well. You are not God when everyone says you are, and you are not miserable when everyone says you are. The truth is somewhere in between.”

The Gunners last tasted glory back in 2005 when they claimed the FA Cup, however their manager is clearly unconcerned at the lack of trophies currently sitting in the Emirates cabinet. He said: “A trophy is important because you want people who care about the club to be happy but again, what does a Carling Cup trophy weigh compared to the fact that you play in the Champions League again next year? Nothing.”

The Frenchman also revealed the difficulties of competing with the financial power of Chelsea and Manchester United, when trying to build a young team.

“The way we build the team, you have to accept that you have to get them to grow together,” he said before concluding, “You take how Chelsea and Man United have been built and how we built and the investment we have made and you have to accept that. It is easier to say, 'OK, we buy him, him and him', but when you go for a team with young players, you have to be strong. You have to give them belief and strength and continue to push them through the criticism.”

Ferguson: Arsenal Clash Critical For United

2008-11-08T13:18:00.001+01:00

At lunchtime on Saturday, the latest chapter in the always enthralling story of Arsenal-Manchester United rivalry will be written.

And while the pundits are poised to write off Arsenal's title challenge in the first week of November should Arsene Wenger's side suffer a fourth defeat of the season, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is focused solely on his own team, and feels this is a critical game in the defence of their title.

Arsenal's poor recent results, and their lengthy injury list, mean United go into the game as favourites to win it. But Ferguson is interested only in his team's quest for three more points, not Arsenal's problems.

United have lost to Liverpool and drawn with Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton so far this season, a record which is less impressive than Ferguson would like.

"This match is critical for us," he told journalists ahead of the big match. "We have to win our games and be consistent from now until the end of the season because we have points to make up on Liverpool and Chelsea.

"There is no way I am going to be thinking about what is happening at Arsenal. This game is important for Manchester United.

"We have every right to contest the championship, just the same as Arsenal or anyone else, so we will fight for the right to win tomorrow."

Nevertheless, Ferguson is obviously aware that the Gunners are suffering at the moment - and wary that they could be at their most dangerous with their backs against the wall.

"Arsenal have had injuries and I make the point a lot, when you don't have your best players you don't get the best results," said Fergie.

"Arsene has one or two key players out but if anyone thinks it will be easy tomorrow, they are wrong.

"It will be a tough game, as it always is.

"Over the years, games between the two clubs have always been very competitive. They are always played at great speed and they are always highly emotional games.

"I am sure their fans will be wound up tomorrow because of what has been said during the week. We have to cope with that."

Ferguson was referring to Wenger's comments about what the Frenchman regarded as Stoke City's over-aggression last week in the Potteries, and the accusation from pundits that his team has a soft under-belly that can be exposed if opponents adopt a physical approach.

While United's tactics are markedly different from Stoke's, Ferguson defended their tactics.

"Certain teams have a different style of play. That has always been the case," he said.

"When you play against Stoke, if you concede a throw or a corner you need your tin helmets on. You know the ball will be in the air and you have to head it.

"It is something you have to expect.

"They know their strengths. They are committed and honest but I certainly do not think they are a dirty team."

United have yet to win at the Emirates, something Ferguson is keen to change. His side conceded a couple of last-minute goals there.

"We have thrown the last two matches away down there," he reflected.

"We were 1-0 up with four minutes to go two years ago and lost 2-1. That is crazy."

Premier League Preview: Arsenal – Manchester United

2008-11-07T14:57:00.001+01:00

The words ‘goal shy’ and ‘Arsenal’ are rarely uttered in the same breath. The Gunners are used to being the cavaliers of Premier League football, delighting the Emirates crowd with their artistry on the pitch as they craft goals from the highest order.

Arsenal fans have certainly not seen this type of play in the last week. The team from North London slumped to an impotent 2-1 defeat at Stoke City at the weekend, before following this up on Wednesday night with a 0-0 draw against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League. Just two weeks ago they had thrashed the Turkish club 5-2.

This failure in attack was the last thing that under fire manager Arsene Wenger would have wanted. The problems for the French manager were only supposed to be at the other end of the pitch.

The full ferocity of the critic’s barbs had been projected there due to the soft centre of the Arsenal team.

This weakness at the back has seen them concede over twice the amount of goals that top of the table Chelsea have. The tipping point for this came in the recent shambolic draw with bitter rivals Tottenham, where a two goal lead in the 89th minute turned in to a 4-4 draw at the final whistle.

A repeat showing against United would be disastrous for the Gunners' hopes of getting their hands on the Premier League trophy they’ve not held since the 2003/04 season.

Arsenal will also be out to prove that they can compete with the top teams in the division after losing to the lower lights of Fulham, Hull City and Stoke City in the early months of the campaign.

With Emmanuel Adebayor injured, Robin Van Persie suspended, and Theo Walcott doubtful, it’s going to take a big performance from the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Nikolas Bendtner and Samir Nasri to get the Gunners firing once again.

United Out To Roo-in Wenger’s Day

Manchester United travel to the Emirates in the knowledge that a win could provide a critical blow to the title hopes of one of their Premier League rivals. We may only be in the early weeks of November, but the stakes are already that high.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges rarely fail to go for the jugular in these circumstances. You can bet the Scottish manager will be inspiring his troops to get the right result at a time when the Gunners are struggling at home and in Europe.

This determination to claim United’s first win at the Emirates Stadium was borne out by the side Ferguson selected for the mid-week Champions League game with Celtic.

The team that took the pitch at Parkhead for the 1-1 draw was lacking several of its usual star names. Players such as Dimitar Berbatov, Anderson, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney warmed the bench on a cold Glasgow night.

The Red Devils put in a stuttering performance in their absence, going behind to a delightful lob from Scott McDonald in the early minutes of the match. Relentless pressure from the away team ensured, but the Bhoys goalkeeper Artur Boruc was hardly forced into making a save before Ryan Giggs finally broke Celtic’s resistance in the 84th minute.

Introducing Berbatov and Rooney to the fray changed the course of this match as Nani and Carlos Tevez struggled to fill their void.

Rooney should be a particularly effective weapon for United against the Gunners. He has always proved a nuisance to Wenger’s team, with the ex-Everton man continuing this run by scoring in the 4-0 FA Cup 5th round win last season.

A repeat of this kind of display could launch United closer to Chelsea and Liverpool and leave Arsenal stranded outside of the title race.

FORM GUIDE

Arsenal:

5th November vs. Fenerbahçe (H) drew 0-0 (CHAMP LG)

1st November vs. Stoke City (A) lost 2-1 (PREM)

29th October vs. Tottenham Hotspur (H) drew 4-4 (PREM)

26th October vs. West Ham United (A) won 2-0 (PREM)

21st October vs. Fenerbahçe (A) won 5-2 (CHAMP LG)

Manchester United:

5th November vs. Celtic (A) drew 1-1 (CHAMP LG)

1st November vs. Hull City (H) won 4-3 (PREM)

29th October vs. West Ham United (H) won 2-0 (PREM)

25th October vs. Everton (A) drew 1-1 (PREM)

21st October vs. Celtic (H) won 3-0 (CHAMP LG)

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal:

Arsene Wenger is in the midst of an injury crisis as he welcomes United to the Emirates Stadium. Captain William Gallas (thigh) and Theo Walcott (shoulder) are rated as having only a ‘50-50’ chances of playing, Bacary Sagna (knee) is also a doubt, whilst Mikael Silvestre (broken nose) may be risked against his old side. Emmanuel Eboue (knee) and Emmanuel Adebayor (knee) join Eduardo Da Silva (broken leg) and Tomas Rosický (hamstring) on the Gunners treatment list. Robin Van Persie’s red card against Stoke denies Wenger of his services for this game.

Last starting XI (vs. Fenerbahçe.): Fabianski, Toure, Djourou, Silvestre (Song Billong 83), Clichy, Ramsey (Diaby 59), Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Bendtner (Vela 59), Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Sagna, Wilshere, Gibbs.

Squad: Almunia, Fabianski, Mannone, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Djourou, Silvestre, Song Billong, Clichy, Ramsey, Diaby, Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Wilshere, Gibbs, Walcott, Bendtner, Vela.

Manchester United:

United right back’s Gary Neville (undisclosed) and Wes Brown (thigh) both have a good chance of making in to the Ferguson's squad for this game. Edwin Van Der Sar should take back the goalkeeper’s jersey from Ben Foster after being rested for the trip to Celtic. Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Paul Scholes (knee) stay on the sidelines as they slowly recover from long term injuries.

Last starting XI (vs. Celtic): Foster, Rafael Da Silva (Evra 66), Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani (Berbatov 46), Tevez (Rooney 71), Giggs.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Anderson, Park, Evans.

Squad: Van Der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Rafael Da Silva, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Neville, Brown, O'Shea, Anderson, Park, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Berbatov, Tevez, Rooney.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal:

Cesc Fabregas’ goal scoring start to last season set up the Gunners’ title charge. His ineffectual displays this term have stunted Arsenal’s challenge in its infancy. On current form, it’s hard to even justify his place in a central midfield crying out for a defensive influence. With Arsene Wenger facing a striking crisis for this game, Fabregas needs to get back to his best and dust off his shooting boots.

Manchester United:

Wayne Rooney has been a thorn in the side of Arsene Wenger since his introduction to Premier League football. He announced himself to the footballing world in 2003 with a long distance pile driver against the Gunners, and helped to end the London clubs 49 game unbeaten run in 2004 by gaining a controversial penalty. Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for another match winning contribution from his Scouse firebrand on Saturday afternoon.

Vieira Misses Arsenal & United Rivalry

2008-11-07T14:56:00.000+01:00

Ahead of Manchester United's visit to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal, former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira has spoken of how he relished the rivalry between the two sides.

Vieira had infamous bust-ups with numerous members of the United line-up, including a pre-match clash in the tunnel with Roy Keane over his treatment of Gary Neville.

Speaking to the Sun, Vieira lamented: "When I was at Arsenal, Manchester [United] was the best team in the country, because they were winning the League in the last four or five years.

"There was a big rivalry between the two clubs and every single game that I played against Manchester has been tough, has been difficult.

"There was a lot of tension, a lot of arguments, battles. But it was fantastic. I loved it a lot," he said.

"Of course, talking about tension, there was some on the pitch, some outside the pitch and that makes me laugh now."

Bendtner Still Gunning For The Title

2008-11-07T14:55:00.001+01:00

Arsenal host Manchester United on Saturday with shaken confidence, poor form and a host of injury concerns.

Emmanuel Adebayor is out for three weeks, crocked in the defeat to Stoke, with Robin van Persie also out of the Unuted clash via suspension. Thus, much of the attacking pressure could rest on the shoulders of Bendtner.

The 20-year-old Dane isn't worried, though. He insists that the faltering Gunners can still roar back into title contention and expects to take a step towards that goal as the Red Devils come calling at the weekend.

"We're very strong and we have played well against big teams this season. It will be no different on Saturday," said Bendtner.

"We still believe we can win the title and it will be like that until the season finishes. We owe that to ourselves.

"We want to win it for everyone. We are very young but we can still prove people wrong. We shouldn't be written off yet.

"After what happened against Tottenham and Stoke people can get that impression that things aren't going right but we don't feel that way ourselves.

"We are strong and believe we have another chance on Saturday to show that we are united and can get back to winning ways."

On a personal note, he added, "It would be fantastic to score against Manchester United."

Ade: I Wouldn't Play With Any Man Utd Stars

2008-11-07T14:47:00.000+01:00

Emmanuel Adebayor is out of Arsenal's clash with Manchester United on Saturday, but the Togolese forward is still trying to turn up the heat.

All signs point to the Red Devils in terms of a weekend winner, with Arsenal coming off the back of the topsy-turvy Tottenham tie, defeat at Stoke and the goalless draw with Fenerbahce in midweek.

Added to that, boss Arsene Wenger will have a hard time picking a team. Ade and suspended strike partner Robin van Persie will miss out, while Theo Walcott, Bacary Sagna, Mikael Silvestre and skipper William Gallas will face late fitness tests.

However, pondering the sudden injury crisis, Ade insists that he wouldn't want any of United's players in the Arsenal team.

"I don't think I would like any of the United players in our team," the 24-year-old said.

"We already have a great team and everyone is playing quite well, so we are happy with our squad.

"If we play our football, we've got a chance to win the game."

Adebayor will spend three weeks on the sidelines after Ryan Shawcross' tackle damaged his ankle during the Stoke defeat. Wenger has kicked up a massive fuss in the aftermath of the game.

Silvestre To Miss United Clash

2008-11-06T15:54:00.000+01:00

Despite the season only being eleven matchdays old Arsenal go into their Saturday lunchtime showdown with Manchester United knowing that a further three points dropped will effectively destroy any notion they harboured of challenging for the title.

Arsenal have home advantage, but the prospect of a win seems less and less likely as their injury list continues to have big names added to it almost daily.

Emmanuel Adebayor is out of action for up to three weeks. William Gallas and Bacary Sagna are both doubtful, Theo Walcott remains 50/50, while the usual names of Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo da Silva remain months away from full match fitness.

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre is the latest player needing treatment, as he has suffered a suspected broken nose.

"We will do further scans tomorrow [Thursday] in order to assess him," boss Arsene Wenger is reported to have said.

"We do not know yet if his nose is broken but he is a doubt for Saturday’s game.

"We have to prepare for a very important game against Manchester United. A good result is vital for us and we are ready."

Wenger Points Finger At Fixtures

2008-11-06T15:53:00.001+01:00

he Gunners drew a blank against their Turkish opponents at Ashburton Grove. The reverse fixture in Istanbul resulted in a 5-2 triumph for the English giants, but on their own patch they could not break down a determined Fener.

The stalemate caps a worrying run of results for Arsenal, who have now gone four games without a win, and Wenger admitted he had an eye on Saturday's blockbuster with Manchester United.

“Saturday is a massive game for us. It is vital to do well in our League games against the big teams,” he told The Sun.

“But we have had three difficult games in the space of one week and tonight we did not have the physical resources required to break down Fenerbahce.

“We created three or four clear-cut chances in the first half but couldn’t score and in the second half we dropped physically and were less dangerous.”

None of the Premier League's big hitters managed to claim victory on Matchday 4 of the Champions League. Chelsea were downed by Roma, Liverpool scraped a draw against Atletico Madrid and Man United were held by Celtic.

Wenger believes such results indicate a collective fatigue, pointing to the fact that the 'Big Four' have now played three midweek games on the trot.

The Frenchman said: “All the English teams were doing well in the Champions League but this week none of us has won.

“Maybe that is due to the fact there was a full Premier League fixture list last Wednesday and we have not had enough time to recover.”

Arsenal Frustrated By Fenerbahce

2008-11-06T15:51:00.000+01:00

After struggling in the Premier League in recent weeks, Arsenal took to the pitch no doubt delighted to see a Fenerbahce side they had overwhelmed 5-2 only weeks ago.

Yet the Gunners still bore the scars of the defeat to Stoke. Out went the injured trio of Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor and Bacary Sagna replaced by Nicklas Bendtner, Aaron Ramsey and Johann Djourou whilst Lukasz Fabianski also took his place in between the posts deputising for an ill Manuel Almunia.

Yet the change in personnel did not affect the first half performance as Arsene Wenger’s side dominated the opening period and created chance after chance yet were unable to find a finish.

Van Persie had the best of the efforts and as early as the seventh minute almost put Arsenal ahead. A cute chipped ball into the box by Fabregas was met first time by the Dutchman but his shot slid just wide.

The Dutchman then turned provider, his shot being parried by Demirel but only falling to Samir Nasri in the box. Yet with the goal gaping the Frenchman miscontrolled the ball and the chance went begging.

Minutes later and van Persie came within a whisker of finding the back of the net. A Fabregas shot was again saved by Demirel and the ball fell to van Persie at close range but he somehow contrived to smash the ball into the ground and over the bar.

Perhaps the best chance of the half came just after the half hour mark. Toure slid a pass through to the Dutchman and he turned inside and beat his defender before curling a shot which Demirel did superbly well to tip onto the bar.

A more confident Fenerbahce emerged for the second half and within minutes of the restart Arsenal were almost made to pay for their profligacy. Guiza was put through on the break and with an uncertain Fabianski opting to stay in his goal the striker wasted the chance by shooting wide.

Arsene Wenger responded by replacing Aaron Ramsey with Abou Diaby and the ineffective Nicklas Bendtner with Carlos Vela as he searched for the breakthrough.

The young Vela almost made an instant impression. The Mexican escaping his marker before feeding Clichy who crossed for van Persie only for the Dutchman to head the ball harmlessly over the bar.

Arsenal continued to press but their performance was growing familiar to an increasingly frustrated Emirates crowd. Plenty of attractive approach work but little in the way of cutting edge and certainly not enough to break down a diligent Fenerbahce side.

Eventually the visitors held out fairly comfortably for the draw, a result that restores pride to Luis Aragones’ side especially after their mauling by Arsenal in Istanbul.

The Gunners, meanwhile, are now without a win in three games and up next for Arsene Wenger’s men is the visit of Manchester United.

Arsenal: Fabianski; Toure, Djourou, Silvestre (Song, 83), Clichy; Ramsey (Diaby, 59), Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri; van Persie, Bendtner (Vela, 59).

Fenerbahce: Demirel; Gonul, Edu, Lugano, Roberto Carlos (Vederson, 68); Kazim Kazim (Bilgin, 59), Maldonado (Josico, 68), Sahin, Boral; Senturk, Guiza.

CL Preview: Arsenal - Fenerbahçe

2008-11-05T09:17:00.000+01:00

The corresponding fixture a fortnight ago bore fruit to some thrilling end to end attacking football, hapless defending, but was altogether easy on the eye.

Since then though while Fenerbahce went on to claim four points in the Turkish Super League (TSL) Arsenal followed up a win at West Ham United with a relinquishing of a two goal cushion over arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and a capitulation at the Britannia Stadium where Gunners head coach Arsene Wenger was made to rue the rough-arm tactics employed by Stoke City.

The consequences of the Potters clash could prove costly. Not only have they dropped three points, but Arsenal have also lost out on Togolese targetman Emmanuel Adebayor due to an ankle knock, Theo Walcott to a problematic shoulder, and Robin van Persie to a three game suspension for reacting to Thomas Sorenson's goading ritual.

Couple that with the absence of Emmanuel Eboue and William Gallas and Wenger will have to pen a makeshift line-up at the Emirates on Wednesday evening.

With three accumulated losses in the Premier League (PL) a further weekend loss when Manchester United visit would seal the Gunners fate to battling for a Champions League (CL) spot, instead of the title.

Before that though Turkish giants Fenerbahce stand in their way. Arsenal need to react, and at home they are virtually guaranteeing their fans goals, the main question mark is whether or not their defence can contain Fener.

The outlook looks gloomy. Arsenal were leaking goals with first choice defenders, so a makeshift defence will be noted by Luis Aragones who will presumably order players like Roberto Carlos to attempt a thunderous shot on sight of goal. After all, it worked well for pantomine villain David Bentley...

FORM GUIDE

Arsenal:

1st November vs. Stoke City (A) LOST 2-1 (PL)
29th October vs. Tottenham Hotspur (H) DREW 4-4 (PL)
26th October vs. West Ham United (A) WON 2-0 (PL)
21st October vs. Fenerbahce (A) WON 5-2 (CL)
18th October vs. Everton (H) WON 3-1 (PL)

Fenerbahce:

1st November vs. Eskisehirspor K (A) DREW 2-2 (TSL)
25th October vs. Bursaspor (H) WON 5-2 (TSL)
21st October vs. Arsenal (H) WON 5-2 (CL)
18th October vs. Kocaelispor (A) WON 3-2 (TSL)
5th October vs. Kayserispor (H) LOST 4-1 (TSL)

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal:

Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle) and Theo Walcott (shoulder) are both out, although the injury to the latter was not deemed as bad as initially feared.

William Gallas (hamstring), Emmanuel Eboue (knee), will both need replacing.

Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo complete the injury list.

Squad: Almunia, Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Djourou, Clichy, Diaby, Fabregas, Nasri, Denilson, Ramsey, Song, van Persie, Vela, Bendtner, Wilshere, Gibbs, Randall.

Fenerbahce:

Squad: Volkan, Lugano, Carlos, Edu Dracena, Emre, Gökçek, Burak, Kâzım Kâzım, Alex, Tümer Metin, Güiza, Josico, Can Arat, Ali Bilgin, Selçuk, Semih Şentürk, Gökhan, Maldonado, Deivid, Babacan.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

If there is one thing that Nicklas Bendtner is not short on, it is confidence. He has a knack for scoring in big games when given the chance to come on as a sub, and he will be itching to fill Adebayor's boots.

Daniel Güiza was one of Fenerbahce's stand-out performers two weeks ago. His pace and skill may outfox the younger members of Arsenal's defence such as Johan Djourou, and Manuel Almunia who had been building up a solid reputation, has started to flap, badly.