Champions League
Venue: Stadion FK Partizan Date: Tuesday 28 September Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website, on BBC Radio 5 live and live on Sky Sports 4
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia will miss Tuesday's Champions League trip to Partizan Belgrade with an elbow injury.
Almunia, who was at fault for two goals as the Gunners lost 3-2 at home to West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday, will be replaced by Lukasz Fabianski.
"The whole squad was very low after the weekend but I believe we will play well on Tuesday," said boss Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners are still without Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie, all out with injuries.
Full-back Kieran Gibbs will undergo a fitness test on Monday before the Arsenal squad flies out to Belgrade.
Arsenal started their European campaign with a 6-0 home win against Braga and Wenger, who says he would not have dropped Almunia had he been fit, is looking for a quick response to Saturday's calamitous defeat.
"There is always an easy target, an easy scapegoat," added the Gunners manager. "But I believe we win together and we lose together.
"Even if people think Manuel made a mistake on the second goal, we made a few before that as well as a team, so we all have to stand up for what happened.
"Manuel is very low, he was disappointed to have lost the game. Everyone felt the same, because we had a good opportunity and we didn't take it.
"But we are a good side and we will bounce back and I think we will have a good game in Belgrade."
Partizan, who lead the Serbian championship, drew 0-0 with Spartak Subotica on Sunday having lost their first game in the group stage of the Champions League 1-0 at Shakhtar Donetsk.
They will be looking to Serbian international midfielder Sasa Ilic and Brazilian-born striker Cleo to do the damage at the Stadion FK Partizan.
From http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9036382.stm
Monday, September 27, 2010
George Graham – Be realistic, Arsenal need a new keeper
The ex-Arsenal manager George Graham thinks it is obvious that the Gunners are not going to be good enough to challenge for the top honours unless they replace Manuel Almunia with a top-class goalkeeper, and he doesn’t think they should just be looking at Mark Schwarzer.
Graham said: “I think if you’re going to really be realistic challengers for the Premier League you need a top, top-class goalkeeper.
“I think Almunia is a good goalkeeper but there’s about half a dozen good goalkeepers in the Premier League.
“Arsenal need an outstanding goalkeeper. I think they should be looking all round the world, not just in England or Europe.”
The rumours about new goalkeepers are starting to return already, with yesterday’s story about Wenger bidding for Liverpool’s Pepe Reina. I also read the other day that the Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama is in the last eight months of his contract. Can you guess which one I think he will go for!
From justarsenal.com
Graham said: “I think if you’re going to really be realistic challengers for the Premier League you need a top, top-class goalkeeper.
“I think Almunia is a good goalkeeper but there’s about half a dozen good goalkeepers in the Premier League.
“Arsenal need an outstanding goalkeeper. I think they should be looking all round the world, not just in England or Europe.”
The rumours about new goalkeepers are starting to return already, with yesterday’s story about Wenger bidding for Liverpool’s Pepe Reina. I also read the other day that the Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama is in the last eight months of his contract. Can you guess which one I think he will go for!
From justarsenal.com
Wenger now seriously considering spending BIG money on new keeper
The Arsenal fans cannot be too happy with Wenger and his first choice keeper Manuel Almunia after the latter had committed another stunt of his yesterday against West Brom at The Emirates, costing his side the game.
The Gunners fans are all fuming with one persistent question in mind: How much longer before ‘the boss’ realizes Arsenal are winning nada with Almunia guarding their net?
In fact even the Gunners former boss George Graham said that, and it’s now Wenger’s call to bring in a ‘top class’ keeper next January.
“I think if you’re going to really be realistic challengers for the Premiership you need a top top class goalkeeper,” Graham said in Five Live’s Sportsweek programme. “I think Almunia is a good goalkeeper, but there’s about half a dozen good goalkeepers in the Premier League. I think Arsenal need an outstanding goalkeeper.
“I think they should be looking all round the world, not just in England or Europe.”
However, contrary to Graham’s advise, Wenger IS looking in Europe, and precisely in England too, as he intends to up the bid on Liverpool’s Pepe Reina in hopes to lure the Spaniard out of Anfield by next January, according to the News of the World.
Wenger initially offered £15m for Liverpool to let go of their keeper, and is hoping Liverpool’s financial problems will force them to accept the cash when he comes back for another visit, especially if he tosses in £3-5m more.
From footylatest.com
The Gunners fans are all fuming with one persistent question in mind: How much longer before ‘the boss’ realizes Arsenal are winning nada with Almunia guarding their net?
In fact even the Gunners former boss George Graham said that, and it’s now Wenger’s call to bring in a ‘top class’ keeper next January.
“I think if you’re going to really be realistic challengers for the Premiership you need a top top class goalkeeper,” Graham said in Five Live’s Sportsweek programme. “I think Almunia is a good goalkeeper, but there’s about half a dozen good goalkeepers in the Premier League. I think Arsenal need an outstanding goalkeeper.
“I think they should be looking all round the world, not just in England or Europe.”
However, contrary to Graham’s advise, Wenger IS looking in Europe, and precisely in England too, as he intends to up the bid on Liverpool’s Pepe Reina in hopes to lure the Spaniard out of Anfield by next January, according to the News of the World.
Wenger initially offered £15m for Liverpool to let go of their keeper, and is hoping Liverpool’s financial problems will force them to accept the cash when he comes back for another visit, especially if he tosses in £3-5m more.
From footylatest.com
Wenger now seriously considering spending BIG money on new keeper
The Arsenal fans cannot be too happy with Wenger and his first choice keeper Manuel Almunia after the latter had committed another stunt of his yesterday against West Brom at The Emirates, costing his side the game.
The Gunners fans are all fuming with one persistent question in mind: How much longer before ‘the boss’ realizes Arsenal are winning nada with Almunia guarding their net?
In fact even the Gunners former boss George Graham said that, and it’s now Wenger’s call to bring in a ‘top class’ keeper next January.
“I think if you’re going to really be realistic challengers for the Premiership you need a top top class goalkeeper,” Graham said in Five Live’s Sportsweek programme. “I think Almunia is a good goalkeeper, but there’s about half a dozen good goalkeepers in the Premier League. I think Arsenal need an outstanding goalkeeper.
“I think they should be looking all round the world, not just in England or Europe.”
However, contrary to Graham’s advise, Wenger IS looking in Europe, and precisely in England too, as he intends to up the bid on Liverpool’s Pepe Reina in hopes to lure the Spaniard out of Anfield by next January, according to the News of the World.
Wenger initially offered £15m for Liverpool to let go of their keeper, and is hoping Liverpool’s financial problems will force them to accept the cash when he comes back for another visit, especially if he tosses in £3-5m more.
From footylatest.com
The Gunners fans are all fuming with one persistent question in mind: How much longer before ‘the boss’ realizes Arsenal are winning nada with Almunia guarding their net?
In fact even the Gunners former boss George Graham said that, and it’s now Wenger’s call to bring in a ‘top class’ keeper next January.
“I think if you’re going to really be realistic challengers for the Premiership you need a top top class goalkeeper,” Graham said in Five Live’s Sportsweek programme. “I think Almunia is a good goalkeeper, but there’s about half a dozen good goalkeepers in the Premier League. I think Arsenal need an outstanding goalkeeper.
“I think they should be looking all round the world, not just in England or Europe.”
However, contrary to Graham’s advise, Wenger IS looking in Europe, and precisely in England too, as he intends to up the bid on Liverpool’s Pepe Reina in hopes to lure the Spaniard out of Anfield by next January, according to the News of the World.
Wenger initially offered £15m for Liverpool to let go of their keeper, and is hoping Liverpool’s financial problems will force them to accept the cash when he comes back for another visit, especially if he tosses in £3-5m more.
From footylatest.com
Arsenal vs West Brom, 2-3: Full time analysis and player ratings
The Game
Early this week one of the topics which was being discussed in our comments section was to compare our start to the new campaign with last season’s. Before today it was more or less the same. Now, it’s worse.
Because if last season the wake up call arrived against Manchester City away from home, in a game we lost 4-2, well this year it came at the Emirates. And not against Chelsea or Manchester United mind you, but against a team which a little more than one month ago conceded SIX goals at Stamford Bridge.
Fair enough, maybe I didn’t expect such a heavy scoreline today because Roberto di Matteo did say how his players learned the lesson from the Chelsea game. But seriously, losing?
Let’s get this straight. We reached this game with a lot of positive news such as the big win against Tottenham, the Club announcing profits which apparently are being kept safe in the vault instead of using them to improve the squad and of course, Chelsea losing against Manchester City in what many thought was our golden opportunity to cut the gap at the top.
And what was the reply from our players? A pathetic, heartless performance – for a change – just to make sure to stay four points adrift of Chelsea.
We witnessed the first signs that our players were not approaching games with the right attitude against Sunderland. Believe it or not, both the Black Cats and the Baggies played better football with better passing technique and of course, showing more determination which many prefer to describe as “wanting it more”.
Arsene opted to start with Abou Diaby, a player back from injury who could barely run and Emmanuel Eboue, first on the right and then on the left, shocking on both wings. And if you believe using the “excuses note book” to go under the letter “F” and use fatigue as the reason why we lost, remember our boss made nine changes to the team that started the Carling Cup win at Tottenham in midweek, so it seems letter “I” is still your only hope.
No my friend, I suggest you put it back in your pocket because we’ve run out of excuses. This is reality and until we grow up and accept the fact that Manuel Almunia is a mistake waiting to happen and Gael Clichy is not a defender, we can be all optimistic and full of hope as much as we want but things will not change. I can’t even say at least we still play nice football because as I said up there, Sunderland and West Brom were better even in that respect.
I wish I could say it’s a one off, that the team will recover and produce super performances against Partizan and Chelsea but we’ve seen this before so you’ll surely understand why I look forward to these games with less optimism than this afternoon.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 4 – This is sad. Only days after Lukasz’ latest mistake in goal, here comes another Manuel show. Too quick to leave his goal, uncertain when he doesn’t and just like Liverpool, goal conceded at his near post.
Koscielny and Squillaci: 4,5 – Awful(both) in forgetting about Peter Odemwingie in West Brom’s first goal. Awful(Laurent) in doing very little to block Gonzalo’s Jara second goal attempt and terrible(Sebastien) in West Brom’s third goal.
Clichy: 4 – Just to spare the irony of some saying I only complain when we lose, I warned about him after the 6-0 Blackpool win. Now it’s no longer just a warning, it’s a big problem which should be fixed immediately.
Sagna: 5 – I can’t remember the last time Bacary was so shocking back there. Some of his decision making were completely wrong and the way Thomas surged past him to then cross for the second goal was depressing to see.
Song: 4 – No idea what he is doing this season, plays with no discipline at all. Stepped it up in the second half, seemed to care, but not enough.
Diaby: 4 – And the wait for Abou to be a finished product goes on. And on. And on.
Nasri: 7,5 – Almost scored a hat-trick to salvage a point but yet again, here I am, asking why only in the second half? What is the bloody reason why he sleeps for 75 minutes and wakes up in the last part?
Arshavin: 5 – I don’t care if he’s tired or still upset because Russia didn’t qualify for the World Cup. Fact is that he’s not performing. If you squeeze his 90 minutes you will get no more than 5 where he tried to do something worth mentioning. The rest was walking, going down, staying down and misplacing passes.
Eboue: 4 – Failed in everything he tried. First on the right, then on the left, no impact whatsoever.
Chamakh: 5 – Tried hard, but not good enough today.
(Subs)
Vela: 4 – Zero confidence. Only once he received the ball and tried to run with it. But can’t blame him, this is what you get when you use such a talented player the way Arsene has been doing so far.
Rosicky: 5 – Little impact, was supposed to do what basically Samir did but never managed to get close to that.
Wilshere: 6 – One of the few who seemed to care about what was going on around him. Seriously, it cracks me up to look at an 18-year old and say he is the one others should look at to learn what fighting means.
From thegunninghawk.com
Early this week one of the topics which was being discussed in our comments section was to compare our start to the new campaign with last season’s. Before today it was more or less the same. Now, it’s worse.
Because if last season the wake up call arrived against Manchester City away from home, in a game we lost 4-2, well this year it came at the Emirates. And not against Chelsea or Manchester United mind you, but against a team which a little more than one month ago conceded SIX goals at Stamford Bridge.
Fair enough, maybe I didn’t expect such a heavy scoreline today because Roberto di Matteo did say how his players learned the lesson from the Chelsea game. But seriously, losing?
Let’s get this straight. We reached this game with a lot of positive news such as the big win against Tottenham, the Club announcing profits which apparently are being kept safe in the vault instead of using them to improve the squad and of course, Chelsea losing against Manchester City in what many thought was our golden opportunity to cut the gap at the top.
And what was the reply from our players? A pathetic, heartless performance – for a change – just to make sure to stay four points adrift of Chelsea.
We witnessed the first signs that our players were not approaching games with the right attitude against Sunderland. Believe it or not, both the Black Cats and the Baggies played better football with better passing technique and of course, showing more determination which many prefer to describe as “wanting it more”.
Arsene opted to start with Abou Diaby, a player back from injury who could barely run and Emmanuel Eboue, first on the right and then on the left, shocking on both wings. And if you believe using the “excuses note book” to go under the letter “F” and use fatigue as the reason why we lost, remember our boss made nine changes to the team that started the Carling Cup win at Tottenham in midweek, so it seems letter “I” is still your only hope.
No my friend, I suggest you put it back in your pocket because we’ve run out of excuses. This is reality and until we grow up and accept the fact that Manuel Almunia is a mistake waiting to happen and Gael Clichy is not a defender, we can be all optimistic and full of hope as much as we want but things will not change. I can’t even say at least we still play nice football because as I said up there, Sunderland and West Brom were better even in that respect.
I wish I could say it’s a one off, that the team will recover and produce super performances against Partizan and Chelsea but we’ve seen this before so you’ll surely understand why I look forward to these games with less optimism than this afternoon.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 4 – This is sad. Only days after Lukasz’ latest mistake in goal, here comes another Manuel show. Too quick to leave his goal, uncertain when he doesn’t and just like Liverpool, goal conceded at his near post.
Koscielny and Squillaci: 4,5 – Awful(both) in forgetting about Peter Odemwingie in West Brom’s first goal. Awful(Laurent) in doing very little to block Gonzalo’s Jara second goal attempt and terrible(Sebastien) in West Brom’s third goal.
Clichy: 4 – Just to spare the irony of some saying I only complain when we lose, I warned about him after the 6-0 Blackpool win. Now it’s no longer just a warning, it’s a big problem which should be fixed immediately.
Sagna: 5 – I can’t remember the last time Bacary was so shocking back there. Some of his decision making were completely wrong and the way Thomas surged past him to then cross for the second goal was depressing to see.
Song: 4 – No idea what he is doing this season, plays with no discipline at all. Stepped it up in the second half, seemed to care, but not enough.
Diaby: 4 – And the wait for Abou to be a finished product goes on. And on. And on.
Nasri: 7,5 – Almost scored a hat-trick to salvage a point but yet again, here I am, asking why only in the second half? What is the bloody reason why he sleeps for 75 minutes and wakes up in the last part?
Arshavin: 5 – I don’t care if he’s tired or still upset because Russia didn’t qualify for the World Cup. Fact is that he’s not performing. If you squeeze his 90 minutes you will get no more than 5 where he tried to do something worth mentioning. The rest was walking, going down, staying down and misplacing passes.
Eboue: 4 – Failed in everything he tried. First on the right, then on the left, no impact whatsoever.
Chamakh: 5 – Tried hard, but not good enough today.
(Subs)
Vela: 4 – Zero confidence. Only once he received the ball and tried to run with it. But can’t blame him, this is what you get when you use such a talented player the way Arsene has been doing so far.
Rosicky: 5 – Little impact, was supposed to do what basically Samir did but never managed to get close to that.
Wilshere: 6 – One of the few who seemed to care about what was going on around him. Seriously, it cracks me up to look at an 18-year old and say he is the one others should look at to learn what fighting means.
From thegunninghawk.com
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Arsenal youngster Carlos Vela banned for six months by Mexico for post-match partying
Arsenal's Carlos Vela and Celtic's Efrain Juarez were suspended for six months by the Mexican federation and 11 other footballers were fined for partying after a friendly.
Bad boys: Carlos Vela (left) and Efrain Juarez have been given six-month international bans by Mexico for breaking team rules Photo: AFP
The players threw a party at the team hotel in Monterrey after a friendly against Colombia on Sept 7. The Mexican federation offered few details, but local media said family members, friends and unidentified women attended the party, which lasted until dawn.
The players fined were Rafael Marquez, Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, Tottenham midfielder Giovanni dos Santos, Guillermo Ochoa, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido, Andres Guardado, Gerardo Torrado, Pablo Barrera, Hector Esqueda and Hector Moreno.
The sanctions were announced at a news conference by Nestor De La Torre, the director of national team selections for Mexico. He said Vela and Juarez violated four rules from the code of conduct, including an obligation to "conduct themselves with respect and seriousness, taking into consideration what it means to represent Mexico."
"It's said they are young, but that doesn't exempt them from responsibility," De la Torre said. "The space for recreation should exist, but there are moments and places for it."
Following the World Cup, Mexico has no key matches for several more months. The next two big events are the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June in the United States followed by the Copa America in July in Argentina.
Mexico officials said they spoke with most of the players who were fined or suspended.
"Many of them totally accepted it," De la Torre said. "Others expressed some doubts, but in general it's an issue that involves something that is not a perception, but something that is written and specified."
He said the money collected from the fines may go to charity or to flood victims in Veracruz, which was hit by Hurricane Karl.
From telegraph.co.uk
Bad boys: Carlos Vela (left) and Efrain Juarez have been given six-month international bans by Mexico for breaking team rules Photo: AFP
The players threw a party at the team hotel in Monterrey after a friendly against Colombia on Sept 7. The Mexican federation offered few details, but local media said family members, friends and unidentified women attended the party, which lasted until dawn.
The players fined were Rafael Marquez, Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, Tottenham midfielder Giovanni dos Santos, Guillermo Ochoa, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido, Andres Guardado, Gerardo Torrado, Pablo Barrera, Hector Esqueda and Hector Moreno.
The sanctions were announced at a news conference by Nestor De La Torre, the director of national team selections for Mexico. He said Vela and Juarez violated four rules from the code of conduct, including an obligation to "conduct themselves with respect and seriousness, taking into consideration what it means to represent Mexico."
"It's said they are young, but that doesn't exempt them from responsibility," De la Torre said. "The space for recreation should exist, but there are moments and places for it."
Following the World Cup, Mexico has no key matches for several more months. The next two big events are the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June in the United States followed by the Copa America in July in Argentina.
Mexico officials said they spoke with most of the players who were fined or suspended.
"Many of them totally accepted it," De la Torre said. "Others expressed some doubts, but in general it's an issue that involves something that is not a perception, but something that is written and specified."
He said the money collected from the fines may go to charity or to flood victims in Veracruz, which was hit by Hurricane Karl.
From telegraph.co.uk
Henri Lansbury happy for the fans: We put on a show for them
After an impressive loan-spell at Watford last season, Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury is determined to break into Arsene’s Wenger regular squad.
His formidable run and finish started a memorable night for the Gunners on Wednesday as they went on to beat North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur by four goals to one and according to the youngster, playing and scoring at White Hart Lane was simple a dream. Lansbury, 19, also revealed how his friends kept asking if he would start before the game as he believes hard work will be rewarded.
The youngster was already showing good signs in pre-season after featuring and scoring against Sturm Graz in Austria but a groin injury halted his development and also – according to reports – a possible loan spell to Swansea City.
But having put injury problems behind him, the Englishman was one of the best players for the Gunners in the first half against Tottenham as he explained how winning against Tottenham was special for the team but also for the fans.
After the game, Lansbury told the club’s official website:
It was obviously a big thing for me to start here tonight and to show what I can do. To come in against our rivals and score is a dream.
Coming here [and playing] is massive. I’ve had all my mates on the phone today saying ‘Are you starting? Are you starting?’
Obviously I’m pushing for a place every week, that’s why I want to be in the first team. I’ve just got to keep working hard in training and hopefully I’ll get my chance.
It was good to get on the score sheet and it was a great performance from our team. Coming into a London derby is a great experience. Seeing the tempo of how the first team play – I just want to get involved in that.
To come here and win is always a great time for the fans. We put on a show tonight for them.
From thegunninghawk.com
Spurs 1-4 Arsenal: Jack Wilshere the main [young] man
You sometimes wonder how Arsenal don’t score more goals, and last night was one of those events.
I think the first half possession stats said something like Arsenal 70% – Tottenham 30%. A similar statistic was measured when Barcelona came to the Emirates last season and gave us a footballing lesson in 45 minutes of scintillating football that I will never forget. It was a similar sort of dominance.
After 15 minutes youngster Henri Lansbury slotted home his first Arsenal goal, it rounded off a fantastic move and Jack Wilshere provided a lovely ball to create the opportunity in the first place – the next generation alright. The only thing is there are here and, to be quite honest, look ready now.
It must have been a sweet moment for Henri – a Gooner as a kid and Arsenal’s longest serving player.
Triangle after triangle, movement, one-two’s, flicks and through-balls. It was beautiful football. Can they all play like this? Every single Arsenal player? It is quite unbelievable.
The only down side is that the lead was not added too. There were scant opportunities in all honesty and that is testament to the fight of Tottenham, who, to their credit gave a pretty good account of themselves. It should have been 2-0 when Wilshere played a through-ball Cesc would have been proud of to Kieran Gibbs who rounded the keeper and was adjudged offside before he could slide the ball into an empty net… he was onside.
In the second half Spurs really got a foothold in the game, they grabbed an equaliser when Robbie Keane, who was a yard offside, tried to slide the ball into the near post, Fabianski should have made the save but the shot went right through him – an example of why Szczesny seems pretty frustrated with his situation at the moment despite his age.
Chamakh and Arshavin also entered the fray, there was a greater incisiveness about the side once they came on and once Tottenham were exhausted they picked them apart with ease and forced mistakes in the first half of stoppage time. Samir Nasri was felled in the area – Harry Redknapp can claim it was a dive all he wants but there was definite contact there – and, in a change in the script from the weekend Nasri stood up as captain and smashed the ball down the middle.
A few minutes later Chamakh was fouled, another penalty, same taker, same result, 3-1.
After that Arsenal hammered in the final nail, Arshavin was put through and he finished nicely to wrap it all up, a pretty comprehensive victory.
Jack Wilshere – along with pretty much every player out there, was immense. He was so difficult for Spurs to pick up, his darting runs pulling players out of position and making him impossible to track. Spurs took turns in fouling him, rotational fouling, time after time he was clattered and he just brushes it off. At 18 it is remarkable maturity. In his post match interview Arsene said that he is “much ahead” of where he expected him to be this season.
Its a big statement to make but I think we are seeing the birth and blooming of a massive, massive footballing star at this club. Both for England and Arsenal. It is well within his capabilities to be one of he all time greats at this football club – he is with the right manager, the right club and he seems to have a decent head on his shoulders too.
It was only the 3d round of the Carling Cup but its a sweet victory all the same, the biggest win for us at White Heart Lane in 30 years and it means if the draw is good in the next round, we can see some more of the next generation.
There may be some very bad injury news to follow with Nasri’s hamstring trouble and the news of a probable break to Kieran Gibbs foot… that news will be along shortly.
Right now though, lets enjoy the win.
Til next time.
From thegoonblog.com
I think the first half possession stats said something like Arsenal 70% – Tottenham 30%. A similar statistic was measured when Barcelona came to the Emirates last season and gave us a footballing lesson in 45 minutes of scintillating football that I will never forget. It was a similar sort of dominance.
After 15 minutes youngster Henri Lansbury slotted home his first Arsenal goal, it rounded off a fantastic move and Jack Wilshere provided a lovely ball to create the opportunity in the first place – the next generation alright. The only thing is there are here and, to be quite honest, look ready now.
It must have been a sweet moment for Henri – a Gooner as a kid and Arsenal’s longest serving player.
Triangle after triangle, movement, one-two’s, flicks and through-balls. It was beautiful football. Can they all play like this? Every single Arsenal player? It is quite unbelievable.
The only down side is that the lead was not added too. There were scant opportunities in all honesty and that is testament to the fight of Tottenham, who, to their credit gave a pretty good account of themselves. It should have been 2-0 when Wilshere played a through-ball Cesc would have been proud of to Kieran Gibbs who rounded the keeper and was adjudged offside before he could slide the ball into an empty net… he was onside.
In the second half Spurs really got a foothold in the game, they grabbed an equaliser when Robbie Keane, who was a yard offside, tried to slide the ball into the near post, Fabianski should have made the save but the shot went right through him – an example of why Szczesny seems pretty frustrated with his situation at the moment despite his age.
Chamakh and Arshavin also entered the fray, there was a greater incisiveness about the side once they came on and once Tottenham were exhausted they picked them apart with ease and forced mistakes in the first half of stoppage time. Samir Nasri was felled in the area – Harry Redknapp can claim it was a dive all he wants but there was definite contact there – and, in a change in the script from the weekend Nasri stood up as captain and smashed the ball down the middle.
A few minutes later Chamakh was fouled, another penalty, same taker, same result, 3-1.
After that Arsenal hammered in the final nail, Arshavin was put through and he finished nicely to wrap it all up, a pretty comprehensive victory.
Jack Wilshere – along with pretty much every player out there, was immense. He was so difficult for Spurs to pick up, his darting runs pulling players out of position and making him impossible to track. Spurs took turns in fouling him, rotational fouling, time after time he was clattered and he just brushes it off. At 18 it is remarkable maturity. In his post match interview Arsene said that he is “much ahead” of where he expected him to be this season.
Its a big statement to make but I think we are seeing the birth and blooming of a massive, massive footballing star at this club. Both for England and Arsenal. It is well within his capabilities to be one of he all time greats at this football club – he is with the right manager, the right club and he seems to have a decent head on his shoulders too.
It was only the 3d round of the Carling Cup but its a sweet victory all the same, the biggest win for us at White Heart Lane in 30 years and it means if the draw is good in the next round, we can see some more of the next generation.
There may be some very bad injury news to follow with Nasri’s hamstring trouble and the news of a probable break to Kieran Gibbs foot… that news will be along shortly.
Right now though, lets enjoy the win.
Til next time.
From thegoonblog.com
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Marouane Chamakh ready to feature against Tottenham in the Carling Cup
Having dropped two points away at Sunderland by conceding a late equaliser, Arsenal will try to forget what happened at the Stadium of Light when they face Tottenham Hotspur in tomorrow’s Carling Cup game.
Throughout the years, manager Arsene Wenger has always used the competition to field a very young squad so as to understand who can be promoted with the regular squad as it was the case with 18-year old Jack Wilshere. But one already-established player who is looking forward to the game is Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh who believes he can be an asset at White Hart Lane.
The 26-year was kept busy by the Gunners since his arrival by featuring in every single game played so far but speaking ahead of the clash he admitted how he is ready to be involved if Wenger opts to use him either from the start or as a substitute.
Chamakh explained how missing key players like Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner up front and considering how big the game is, the Frenchman could decide to use some experience alongside the young generation, adding how he simply loves to play in big games.
He said:
I have spoken to the French players here like Gael Clichy and they told me that the atmosphere against Tottenham is hot, very hot – in fact they say it’s boiling!
And in the absence of the other players, if the coach wants me to play I will do so willingly.
I know the importance of the match against Tottenham. It is important for the players and for the supporters to win.
I do not know yet if I am playing but if I am picked I am happy to do so.
I understand that over the years the manager has picked young players for this competition but with the number of players we have injured maybe I will play.
The nearest we had to a derby game when I was at Bordeaux was against Toulouse. It was also a big atmosphere when we played against Marseille.
But they have told me that Arsenal and Tottenham is a huge game with a fantastic atmosphere. I love that kind of game.
From thegunninghawk.com
Video : Sunderland vs Arsenal highlights
Thank you video from http://rutube.ru/tracks/3595196.html?v=02249d9fcd3e97449b085473006712d9
Sunderland vs Arsenal, 1-1: Full time analysis and player ratings
The Game
To start with, yes, Darren Bent’s goal should have never taken place because when you give four minutes of stoppage time and when the clock reads 94:02 the ball is cleared, you blow the whistle.
But, a draw would have been flattering to us. Not because of Sunderland, mind you. I mean if you analyse the game closely you will see that Sunderland enjoyed more possession and put more pressure on our back four but they played at the top of their game and we blocked all their attempts bravely. Can you remember one menacing shot by the home side before the equaliser? Neither can I. Enjoying plenty of possession does not necessarily mean you deserve to get something out of the game.
And yes, we scored a lucky goal but it’s also true we created chances and won a penalty when reduced to 10-men. So ultimately, we deserved to win more than they deserved to get a draw. But to go back to my remark on why we didn’t deserve to get all three points, well that’s because when you are a defender and you don’t behave like one, you deserve to be punished. Our central pair, Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci as well as Bacary Sagna on the right were phenomenal but Gael Clichy doesn’t belong there, I’m sorry.
The first sign that trouble was looming was when he tried to dribble his way out of our penalty area, was robbed of the ball but we survived. Things didn’t change in the second half as I immediately remember when he tried to pass it to Rosicky instead of clearing it long. And then the goal, embarrassing in hitting his own team mate in his panicky attempt to clear the ball.
Believe me, I love Gael’s determination, the commitment he puts in every single game and what he gives to the side when pushing forward but he’s an awful defender and this is not an isolated case. It’s time for him to learn to take the right decisions back there or else give Kieran Gibbs a chance to show whether he can adequately replace him or not.
Wenger will be upset in his post-match interview and rightly so, the referee was shocking, but I said it weeks ago, our left-back position is in an emergency state and needs to be addressed. Immediately. Just notice how in almost every game that’s the flank our opposition target. It’s not a coincidence.
All in all I have mixed feelings about the game. I am not completely devastated by the outcome but I find myself asking questions, actually not just about Clichy but also why the likes of Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin were shocking when we needed their creativity the most, the first half that is. Please don’t feed me the excuse that the Stadium of Light is a difficult place to win as based on what we saw these are two dropped points which I’m afraid could see Chelsea take a comfortable four point lead at the top.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 7,5 – He’s gaining more and more confidence with every game, bossing the penalty area and dealing exceptionally well with high balls.
Koscielny: 8,5 – Perfect, no other adjective to describe his game. Especially when down to ten men, he was still rock solid answering all the questions the Sunderland players kept asking over and over again.
Squillaci: 8,5 – As equally good, and really, today’s game has showed that we are covered at the back. Well, at least in the centre and on the right.
Clichy: 5 – Started well, very well, blocking all attempts from the right and was a beast when going forward but he went downhill as the match progressed. Seriously Gael, you’re one of the true fighters of the team but learn to defend or give way.
Sagna: 7,5 – Handled everything in the air and made sure to keep Sunderland at bay on the right flank.
Song: 5 – Decided to be our Cesc Fabregas today, surging forward which meant leaving poor Jack Wilshere all alone in midfield. Regardless of the decision of not booking Bramble minutes later, Alex’s second yellow was deserved, he simply didn’t care about the ball, went for the man.
Wilshere: 6 – Very, very poor start though he did improve as the game went on. Some of the tricks he tried in the middle of the pitch were so uncalled for though.
Fabregas: No Vote – Not easy to rate our captain who only stayed on the pitch for 29 minutes. The news is that it’s a hamstring injury which usually means two weeks out.
Arshavin: 5,5 – Awful. I understand some players can create magic at any time and he went close with a nice right-footed low shot but it would be fair to give someone else a chance to shine, Emmanuel Eboue or Carlos Vela to name a few.
Nasri: 6,5 – As equally shocking as Andrey in the first half, but stepped it up a gear in the second half especially after we were reduced to ten men. Still disappointed, a game lasts 90 minutes not 45.
Chamakh: 7 – What more can you ask from him? Shields the ball to perfection, helps the midfield and was crucial when we went down to ten men to ease the pressure off the defensive department. Misplaced a number of passes but I can accept that.
(Subs)
Rosicky: 6 – Penalty aside, his performance was not that bad. He held the ball nicely in midfield and created some nice gaps for his team mates.
Denilson: 6,5 – Showed all the good and bad he brings to the team. Phenomenal in breaking up Sunderland’s game and surging forward after winning the ball but the one-minute fiasco started with the back pass to Almunia was horrible. The way he let Ahmed Al-Muhammadi surge past him on the left was no good either.
From thegunninghawk.com
To start with, yes, Darren Bent’s goal should have never taken place because when you give four minutes of stoppage time and when the clock reads 94:02 the ball is cleared, you blow the whistle.
But, a draw would have been flattering to us. Not because of Sunderland, mind you. I mean if you analyse the game closely you will see that Sunderland enjoyed more possession and put more pressure on our back four but they played at the top of their game and we blocked all their attempts bravely. Can you remember one menacing shot by the home side before the equaliser? Neither can I. Enjoying plenty of possession does not necessarily mean you deserve to get something out of the game.
And yes, we scored a lucky goal but it’s also true we created chances and won a penalty when reduced to 10-men. So ultimately, we deserved to win more than they deserved to get a draw. But to go back to my remark on why we didn’t deserve to get all three points, well that’s because when you are a defender and you don’t behave like one, you deserve to be punished. Our central pair, Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci as well as Bacary Sagna on the right were phenomenal but Gael Clichy doesn’t belong there, I’m sorry.
The first sign that trouble was looming was when he tried to dribble his way out of our penalty area, was robbed of the ball but we survived. Things didn’t change in the second half as I immediately remember when he tried to pass it to Rosicky instead of clearing it long. And then the goal, embarrassing in hitting his own team mate in his panicky attempt to clear the ball.
Believe me, I love Gael’s determination, the commitment he puts in every single game and what he gives to the side when pushing forward but he’s an awful defender and this is not an isolated case. It’s time for him to learn to take the right decisions back there or else give Kieran Gibbs a chance to show whether he can adequately replace him or not.
Wenger will be upset in his post-match interview and rightly so, the referee was shocking, but I said it weeks ago, our left-back position is in an emergency state and needs to be addressed. Immediately. Just notice how in almost every game that’s the flank our opposition target. It’s not a coincidence.
All in all I have mixed feelings about the game. I am not completely devastated by the outcome but I find myself asking questions, actually not just about Clichy but also why the likes of Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin were shocking when we needed their creativity the most, the first half that is. Please don’t feed me the excuse that the Stadium of Light is a difficult place to win as based on what we saw these are two dropped points which I’m afraid could see Chelsea take a comfortable four point lead at the top.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 7,5 – He’s gaining more and more confidence with every game, bossing the penalty area and dealing exceptionally well with high balls.
Koscielny: 8,5 – Perfect, no other adjective to describe his game. Especially when down to ten men, he was still rock solid answering all the questions the Sunderland players kept asking over and over again.
Squillaci: 8,5 – As equally good, and really, today’s game has showed that we are covered at the back. Well, at least in the centre and on the right.
Clichy: 5 – Started well, very well, blocking all attempts from the right and was a beast when going forward but he went downhill as the match progressed. Seriously Gael, you’re one of the true fighters of the team but learn to defend or give way.
Sagna: 7,5 – Handled everything in the air and made sure to keep Sunderland at bay on the right flank.
Song: 5 – Decided to be our Cesc Fabregas today, surging forward which meant leaving poor Jack Wilshere all alone in midfield. Regardless of the decision of not booking Bramble minutes later, Alex’s second yellow was deserved, he simply didn’t care about the ball, went for the man.
Wilshere: 6 – Very, very poor start though he did improve as the game went on. Some of the tricks he tried in the middle of the pitch were so uncalled for though.
Fabregas: No Vote – Not easy to rate our captain who only stayed on the pitch for 29 minutes. The news is that it’s a hamstring injury which usually means two weeks out.
Arshavin: 5,5 – Awful. I understand some players can create magic at any time and he went close with a nice right-footed low shot but it would be fair to give someone else a chance to shine, Emmanuel Eboue or Carlos Vela to name a few.
Nasri: 6,5 – As equally shocking as Andrey in the first half, but stepped it up a gear in the second half especially after we were reduced to ten men. Still disappointed, a game lasts 90 minutes not 45.
Chamakh: 7 – What more can you ask from him? Shields the ball to perfection, helps the midfield and was crucial when we went down to ten men to ease the pressure off the defensive department. Misplaced a number of passes but I can accept that.
(Subs)
Rosicky: 6 – Penalty aside, his performance was not that bad. He held the ball nicely in midfield and created some nice gaps for his team mates.
Denilson: 6,5 – Showed all the good and bad he brings to the team. Phenomenal in breaking up Sunderland’s game and surging forward after winning the ball but the one-minute fiasco started with the back pass to Almunia was horrible. The way he let Ahmed Al-Muhammadi surge past him on the left was no good either.
From thegunninghawk.com
Sunderland 1 Arsenal 1: match report
Last gasp: Sunderland striker Darren Bent scored deep into stoppage time to earn the home side a point Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Alex Song - Alex Song is shown the red card by Phil Dowd
Seeing red: Arsenal's Alex Song is sent off for a second bookable offence by referee Phil Dowd after a block on Steed Malbranque Photo: PA
Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas pulls up after scoring a goal
Pleasure/pain: Cesc Fabregas feels a twinge after scoring the opener for Arsenal - to the obvious concern of team-mate Samir Nasri Photo: ACTION IMAGES
Tomas Rosicky - Tomas Rosicky misses a penalty for Arsenal
Spot of bother: Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky wasted a glorious chance to put the game beyond Sunderland after blazing over from the penalty spot Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Darren Bent would regularly sit on Highbury’s North Bank as a youngster. He might not be quite so welcome on his next visit to the Emirates after denying boyhood club Arsenal their place at the summit of the Premier League.
Sunderland have developed an unwanted reputation for shipping late goals under Steve Bruce, but the roles were reversed five minutes into added time as England international Bent pounced from close range after a goalmouth scramble to earn his side a deserved share of the spoils.
The visitors, at a numerical disadvantage for most of the second half after the needless sending off of midfielder Alex Song, appeared to have held on as they came under severe pressure from the hosts, who stretched an impressive home run which has seen them beaten just once at the Stadium of Light in the last 10 months.
A 75th-minute penalty miss by Tomas Rosicky, who sent the ball over from 12 yards after Samir Nasri was tripped by Ahmed Elmohamady, proved to be a pivotal moment.
It provided the hosts with a psychological boost as they eventually found a last-gasp equaliser, much to the chagrin of Arsène Wenger, who seemed to jostle Martin Atkinson, the fourth official, in the wake of Bent’s goal.
Atkinson had indicated four minutes of stoppage time, but Bruce insisted afterwards that referee Phil Dowd was within his rights to play beyond that. “It’s a minimum of four minutes. I think there was about 15 seconds overtime. I certainly didn’t sense any atmosphere between Arsène and Martin Atkinson,” the Sunderland manager said.
Arsenal led courtesy of a freak goal by Cesc Fabregas inside the opening quarter of an hour. At a venue where they had emerged with a single point from their previous two visits, the unexpected gift provided them with a release of pressure and allowed them, at times, to play their sumptuous passing game.
Sunderland, who paid the visitors every respect by opting for a 4-5-1 formation, played their part in a flowing encounter, and posed a significant threat from set-pieces.
From one of those, a Jordan Henderson corner, Nedum Onuoha headed wastefully over the bar when meeting the ball unmarked six yards from goal.
It looked easier to score, and would have proved the perfect riposte to the hugely-fortuitous opener for Arsenal, who were, predictably, unchanged from the side that beat Braga 6-0 in the Champions League.
The visitors took the lead when Fabregas showed the merits of refusing to give up on a seemingly hopeless situation, closing down Anton Ferdinand as the Sunderland defender, barely 15 yards inside his own half, prepared to launch upfield a ball laid back to him by Kieran Richardson.
Ferdinand’s connection was true but Fabregas’s firm block astonishingly ballooned up and over goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, stationed between the penalty spot and six-yard box, and into the empty net.
It proved to be the Spanish midfielder’s last contribution, as he trudged off injured shortly afterwards with a hamstring problem. Following that, Arsenal may have looked the prettier team when in possession, but it was Sunderland’s industry that helped to carve out the better openings.
The clearest opportunity they created, after Onuoha’s glaring miss, was just before the interval when Paraguayan midfielder Cristian Riveros met an inviting centre from Elmohamady just six yards out, but he was unable to direct his header on goal.
Half-time punctured the momentum built up by Bruce’s side, and it showed as Arsenal wasted three decent chances to claim the decisive second goal immediately after the restart.
Andrei Arshavin was the culprit on the first two occasions, from close range and then from the edge of the area, before Mignolet, with his first real save, did well to block at the feet of Marouane Chamakh.
Arsenal’s ambitious were reined in somewhat after the needless departure of Song 10 minutes after the restart for obstructing Steed Malbranque – though the Cameroonian’s departure was rather more due to being brainless than brutal – and they were fortunate to escape when Bent missed from 12 yards out.
But there was still time for the former Tottenham striker to ensure his welcome on his next visit to the Emirates will be a frosty one. Bruce added: “We warranted at least a point for the way we played and the chances we created.”
By Jason Mellor at the Stadium of Light
From telegraph.co.uk
Alex Song - Alex Song is shown the red card by Phil Dowd
Seeing red: Arsenal's Alex Song is sent off for a second bookable offence by referee Phil Dowd after a block on Steed Malbranque Photo: PA
Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas pulls up after scoring a goal
Pleasure/pain: Cesc Fabregas feels a twinge after scoring the opener for Arsenal - to the obvious concern of team-mate Samir Nasri Photo: ACTION IMAGES
Tomas Rosicky - Tomas Rosicky misses a penalty for Arsenal
Spot of bother: Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky wasted a glorious chance to put the game beyond Sunderland after blazing over from the penalty spot Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Darren Bent would regularly sit on Highbury’s North Bank as a youngster. He might not be quite so welcome on his next visit to the Emirates after denying boyhood club Arsenal their place at the summit of the Premier League.
Sunderland have developed an unwanted reputation for shipping late goals under Steve Bruce, but the roles were reversed five minutes into added time as England international Bent pounced from close range after a goalmouth scramble to earn his side a deserved share of the spoils.
The visitors, at a numerical disadvantage for most of the second half after the needless sending off of midfielder Alex Song, appeared to have held on as they came under severe pressure from the hosts, who stretched an impressive home run which has seen them beaten just once at the Stadium of Light in the last 10 months.
A 75th-minute penalty miss by Tomas Rosicky, who sent the ball over from 12 yards after Samir Nasri was tripped by Ahmed Elmohamady, proved to be a pivotal moment.
It provided the hosts with a psychological boost as they eventually found a last-gasp equaliser, much to the chagrin of Arsène Wenger, who seemed to jostle Martin Atkinson, the fourth official, in the wake of Bent’s goal.
Atkinson had indicated four minutes of stoppage time, but Bruce insisted afterwards that referee Phil Dowd was within his rights to play beyond that. “It’s a minimum of four minutes. I think there was about 15 seconds overtime. I certainly didn’t sense any atmosphere between Arsène and Martin Atkinson,” the Sunderland manager said.
Arsenal led courtesy of a freak goal by Cesc Fabregas inside the opening quarter of an hour. At a venue where they had emerged with a single point from their previous two visits, the unexpected gift provided them with a release of pressure and allowed them, at times, to play their sumptuous passing game.
Sunderland, who paid the visitors every respect by opting for a 4-5-1 formation, played their part in a flowing encounter, and posed a significant threat from set-pieces.
From one of those, a Jordan Henderson corner, Nedum Onuoha headed wastefully over the bar when meeting the ball unmarked six yards from goal.
It looked easier to score, and would have proved the perfect riposte to the hugely-fortuitous opener for Arsenal, who were, predictably, unchanged from the side that beat Braga 6-0 in the Champions League.
The visitors took the lead when Fabregas showed the merits of refusing to give up on a seemingly hopeless situation, closing down Anton Ferdinand as the Sunderland defender, barely 15 yards inside his own half, prepared to launch upfield a ball laid back to him by Kieran Richardson.
Ferdinand’s connection was true but Fabregas’s firm block astonishingly ballooned up and over goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, stationed between the penalty spot and six-yard box, and into the empty net.
It proved to be the Spanish midfielder’s last contribution, as he trudged off injured shortly afterwards with a hamstring problem. Following that, Arsenal may have looked the prettier team when in possession, but it was Sunderland’s industry that helped to carve out the better openings.
The clearest opportunity they created, after Onuoha’s glaring miss, was just before the interval when Paraguayan midfielder Cristian Riveros met an inviting centre from Elmohamady just six yards out, but he was unable to direct his header on goal.
Half-time punctured the momentum built up by Bruce’s side, and it showed as Arsenal wasted three decent chances to claim the decisive second goal immediately after the restart.
Andrei Arshavin was the culprit on the first two occasions, from close range and then from the edge of the area, before Mignolet, with his first real save, did well to block at the feet of Marouane Chamakh.
Arsenal’s ambitious were reined in somewhat after the needless departure of Song 10 minutes after the restart for obstructing Steed Malbranque – though the Cameroonian’s departure was rather more due to being brainless than brutal – and they were fortunate to escape when Bent missed from 12 yards out.
But there was still time for the former Tottenham striker to ensure his welcome on his next visit to the Emirates will be a frosty one. Bruce added: “We warranted at least a point for the way we played and the chances we created.”
By Jason Mellor at the Stadium of Light
From telegraph.co.uk
Thursday, September 16, 2010
VIDEO GOALS Arsenal’s 6-0 Win over Braga
Arsenal’s 6-0 Braga
We are the champians.
Video from rutube.ru/tracks/3587244.html?v=df95612384f7ead19e0ee71c2bd3fb76&autoStart=true&bmstart=0
We are the champians.
Video from rutube.ru/tracks/3587244.html?v=df95612384f7ead19e0ee71c2bd3fb76&autoStart=true&bmstart=0
Arsenal vs S.C. Braga, 6-0: Full time analysis and player ratings
The Game
Can it get any better than this? Maybe, but we’re simply a goal machine at the Emirates and even though Braga looked like a Championship side at the back, it is the hungriness and determination of our players which really stood out tonight.
A lot and a lot of questions were asked on whether Cesc Fabregas is still interested in playing for Arsenal and like a true professional, captain and leader, he answered the doubters with two top class performances in five days. There are players who are irreplaceable, who are special and Cesc is one of them. He is our captain, he is our man in midfield and without him, believe me, we wouldn’t be as fluent and menacing as we are.
Other players were amazing as well. Andrey enjoyed himself out there, Jack showed why he’s first-eleven material and Manuel Almunia was again very confident at the back. Also of course, thrilled to see Carlos Vela hit a segmented “hat-trick” in less than 45 minutes. Vamos Carlos, a regular place is not that far away.
The win will of course boost the morale of all our players as we approach two tricky away games against Sunderland in the Premier League and of course, Tottenham in the Carling Cup. But anyway, brilliant game, brilliant display from our key players, let’s just hope we can replicate this form when the going will get tougher, much tougher.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 7 – He’s more and more gaining the confidence he needs ahead of much tougher games which he will have to face very soon. Keep it up Manuel.
Koscielny and Squillaci: 7,5 – Very little was asked from these two tonight, yet they never lost concentration and produced a fine display at the heart of our back four.
Sagna: 8 – With this rate he will not only make the EPL squad of the year for a second time but will also be one of our best players of the seasons. Hoping of course he can keep it up!
Clichy: 7,5 – Apart from that first half lapse in concentration which was not good to see as other teams would have punished him, he was a beast on the left. I still believe he needs to improve his defensive side of his game but in terms of willingness and workload when pushing forward, he is still one of the best.
Fabregas: 10 – How can you give less to someone who scores two goals, turns provider for his team mates and keeps on fighting until the very last second of the game?
Song: 6 – My lowest rate for today’s game. I counted something like 5-6 passes missed by Alex tonight as he looked out of sorts.
Wilshere: 8 – He will not be one of the best players in England in the future. Because he already is. Granted, he needs to gain that bit of experience required to do well against tougher opposition but how many 18-year olds play with such confidence and have such quick feet?
Arshavin: 8,5 – Like Cesc, Andrey scored and turned provider for his team mates when required. He enjoyed himself out there, loved to take on Braga defenders and when he’s enjoying himself, the end product can only be one.
Nasri: 7 – Back from injury and not as sharp as he will be in a week or two as he faded away in the second half. But still a very good game from Samir who I feel will benefit from the competition Tomas Rosicky will provide this season.
Chamakh: 8 – I love Nicklas Bendtner, I feel he is one of the most underrated players in our squad but Marouane is exactly what the Dane has to be when he reaches Chamakh’s age, 26 that is. And he’s mature, just look at how he stopped and grabbed the ball when flagged for offside so as to make sure not to be yellow-carded.
(Subs)
Eboue: 6 – I feel he tried one trick too many out there Emmanuel although you’ve got to love how he’s the first one to hug players when they score.
Denilson: 6,5 – Again very tidy in midfield and produced some nice tricks in the middle of the field.
Vela: 8 – Can he miss? Scored three goals in five days even if he was on the pitch for less than 45 minutes. I honestly believe Eduardo gave him a tip or two before leaving for Ukraine as Carlos is slowly becoming the new “Dudu” of Arsenal. I so much want to know if he can be so influential during the first part of a game and not just when the game is already put to bed.
From thegunninghawk.com
Can it get any better than this? Maybe, but we’re simply a goal machine at the Emirates and even though Braga looked like a Championship side at the back, it is the hungriness and determination of our players which really stood out tonight.
A lot and a lot of questions were asked on whether Cesc Fabregas is still interested in playing for Arsenal and like a true professional, captain and leader, he answered the doubters with two top class performances in five days. There are players who are irreplaceable, who are special and Cesc is one of them. He is our captain, he is our man in midfield and without him, believe me, we wouldn’t be as fluent and menacing as we are.
Other players were amazing as well. Andrey enjoyed himself out there, Jack showed why he’s first-eleven material and Manuel Almunia was again very confident at the back. Also of course, thrilled to see Carlos Vela hit a segmented “hat-trick” in less than 45 minutes. Vamos Carlos, a regular place is not that far away.
The win will of course boost the morale of all our players as we approach two tricky away games against Sunderland in the Premier League and of course, Tottenham in the Carling Cup. But anyway, brilliant game, brilliant display from our key players, let’s just hope we can replicate this form when the going will get tougher, much tougher.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 7 – He’s more and more gaining the confidence he needs ahead of much tougher games which he will have to face very soon. Keep it up Manuel.
Koscielny and Squillaci: 7,5 – Very little was asked from these two tonight, yet they never lost concentration and produced a fine display at the heart of our back four.
Sagna: 8 – With this rate he will not only make the EPL squad of the year for a second time but will also be one of our best players of the seasons. Hoping of course he can keep it up!
Clichy: 7,5 – Apart from that first half lapse in concentration which was not good to see as other teams would have punished him, he was a beast on the left. I still believe he needs to improve his defensive side of his game but in terms of willingness and workload when pushing forward, he is still one of the best.
Fabregas: 10 – How can you give less to someone who scores two goals, turns provider for his team mates and keeps on fighting until the very last second of the game?
Song: 6 – My lowest rate for today’s game. I counted something like 5-6 passes missed by Alex tonight as he looked out of sorts.
Wilshere: 8 – He will not be one of the best players in England in the future. Because he already is. Granted, he needs to gain that bit of experience required to do well against tougher opposition but how many 18-year olds play with such confidence and have such quick feet?
Arshavin: 8,5 – Like Cesc, Andrey scored and turned provider for his team mates when required. He enjoyed himself out there, loved to take on Braga defenders and when he’s enjoying himself, the end product can only be one.
Nasri: 7 – Back from injury and not as sharp as he will be in a week or two as he faded away in the second half. But still a very good game from Samir who I feel will benefit from the competition Tomas Rosicky will provide this season.
Chamakh: 8 – I love Nicklas Bendtner, I feel he is one of the most underrated players in our squad but Marouane is exactly what the Dane has to be when he reaches Chamakh’s age, 26 that is. And he’s mature, just look at how he stopped and grabbed the ball when flagged for offside so as to make sure not to be yellow-carded.
(Subs)
Eboue: 6 – I feel he tried one trick too many out there Emmanuel although you’ve got to love how he’s the first one to hug players when they score.
Denilson: 6,5 – Again very tidy in midfield and produced some nice tricks in the middle of the field.
Vela: 8 – Can he miss? Scored three goals in five days even if he was on the pitch for less than 45 minutes. I honestly believe Eduardo gave him a tip or two before leaving for Ukraine as Carlos is slowly becoming the new “Dudu” of Arsenal. I so much want to know if he can be so influential during the first part of a game and not just when the game is already put to bed.
From thegunninghawk.com
Saturday, September 11, 2010
[VIDEO GOALS] Arsenal 4-1 Bolton: Gunners Beat 10-Man Bolton at the Emirates
Arsenal beat Bolton 4-1 at the Emirates this afternoon but the match wasn’t without controversy as Gary Cahill was sent off for a challenge on Marouane Chamakh with the scoreline at 2-1.
Arsenal took the lead when Cesc Fabregas set up Laurent Koscielny to poke home from 2 yards, but the French centre-back’s mistake then let in Bolton winger Choo-Lee who found Elmander to head home the equalizer.
Arsenal re-took the lead when Fabregas was again the provider, this time finding Chamakh who headed home from close range. Cahill was then sent off before the game was all but over when Alex Song scored the third with a delightful close range chip. Vela added a fourth late on to secure the three-points.
Watch all the goals below…
thak vidoe from http://football-talk.co.uk/7624/video-goals-arsenal-41-bolton-gunners-beat-10man-bolton-emirates/
Arsenal took the lead when Cesc Fabregas set up Laurent Koscielny to poke home from 2 yards, but the French centre-back’s mistake then let in Bolton winger Choo-Lee who found Elmander to head home the equalizer.
Arsenal re-took the lead when Fabregas was again the provider, this time finding Chamakh who headed home from close range. Cahill was then sent off before the game was all but over when Alex Song scored the third with a delightful close range chip. Vela added a fourth late on to secure the three-points.
Watch all the goals below…
thak vidoe from http://football-talk.co.uk/7624/video-goals-arsenal-41-bolton-gunners-beat-10man-bolton-emirates/
Arsenal vs Bolton, 4-1: Full time analysis and player ratings
The Game
That was fantastic. Not perfect, but fantastic. Putting aside for just one second the awful defending which led to Bolton’s equaliser, for the second consecutive week our players demonstrated how they are no longer intimidated by assassin-like tackles.
The referee was shocking, Bolton deserved to have three players sent off but at the end of the day this is not important, Bolton is now history, and we go second, enjoying a day which saw Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all dropping points. We can look forward to the Champions League game knowing that in midfield and up front we’ve got plenty of solutions to choose from. At the back, well, it’s not yet perfect but we can get there.
Laurent Koscielny is incredibly solid and has great vision in keeping his player at bay but if caught on the back foot or quick decisions are to be made, his lack of experience is immediately shown. But I’m sure he will learn from the mistakes he made against Blackburn and today. As for Sebastien Squillaci, wow, that was one helluva debut. He didn’t put a foot wrong and looked incredibly fit and as fresh as a daisy.
Cesc Fabregas, in midfield, had a slow start but as he promised in the matchday programme he clearly showed that he’s still special for Arsenal. Some of his passes were simply phenomenal with Andrey Arshavin not taking advantage of one of them in the first half. Carlos Vela, however, made no mistake in front of goal, finishing a move made up of more than 20 passes. Amazing.
The Mexican was very hungry, it’s not easy to be given only 10 minutes and show that you can be an asset up front with your runs and finishing skills, but it seems he always manages to do it. I believe he was supposed to be involved earlier but had to delay his small show after Abou’s injury, which by the way, could keep him out for some time. Shame.
Anyway, I’m a little upset about the way we conceded although as long as we score one more than our opposition, I’ve got no problem with that. Problem is that one day we’ll play against a team where such mistakes, simply, cannot be made.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 6,5 – Can’t blame him for the goal, he was as surprised as all of us to see Koscielny making a mess of the clearance and did well to push the Bolton player wide. As for the rest, he was pretty confident in dealing with high balls.
Koscielny: 6,5 – If it wasn’t for the first half mistake I would have given him an 8 as I think he was successful with ALL his tackles, but you can’t forget it’s the second game in a row in which he was at fault for the conceded goal. He will improve, I’m more than certain, it’s only experience he’s missing.
Squillaci: 7,5 – Welcome to Arsenal, Sebastien. Together with Thomas Vermaelen, the Frenchman will probably be our regular centre back and I feel the two can form a formidable partnership at the back.
Eboue: 6,5 – Many of our moves came from Kieran Gibbs’ wing with Emmanuel having a quite game but it’s always nice to see him involved knowing that we have proper backup for Bacary Sagna, at least when there is little defending to be done.
Gibbs: 6,5 – I wanted Kieran to start to understand what he can give defensively as compared to Gael. Unfortunately, the way he challenged Elmander shows that we have big problems on the left when defending is to be done, it was very similar to how Clichy failed to challenge Gary Taylor-Fletcher when we played Blackpool. If we can see it, other teams will as well.
Fabregas: 8 – “I was out of form and during the [Blackburn] game I knew it, but hopefully you’ll see an improvement [against Bolton]“. We did, Cesc, we did.
Song: 7,5 – Very shaky on the ball in the first part of the game but come on, that’s a goal every striker would be proud of. After Abou was replaced because of the injury, Alex moved in a more advanced position and caused all sorts of trouble to Bolton.
Wilshere: 6,5 – I believe Jack had a good game, he was brushed aside easily in more than one occasion but all in all he showed he’s not there to warm the bench.
Arshavin: 6,5 – I always have mixed feelings when I have to rate Andrey. Missed three very good opportunities which on a different day would come back to haunt us but stepped it up a gear in the second half though he still failed to beat the offside trap. Still not as good as I know he can be.
Rosicky: 7 – Was a bit anonymous in the second half but was by far our best player in the first 20 minutes of the game. The through pass he invented for Arshavin was simply amazing. It’s great to see Tomas play regularly, he’s finally back.
Chamakh: 7 – Works incredibly hard the Moroccan, just what a football player has to do on the pitch. And he scored that so important second goal which started our easy run towards the three points.
(Subs)
Diaby: No Vote – Shame. It was just what he needed, 10-men Bolton leaving gaps at the back for him to exploit. Wenger said “he cannot move his leg”, it doesn’t look good.
Denilson: 6,5 – Took over from Wilshere(and Diaby) brilliantly, keeping it simple and covering the back four well.
From www.thegunninghawk.com
That was fantastic. Not perfect, but fantastic. Putting aside for just one second the awful defending which led to Bolton’s equaliser, for the second consecutive week our players demonstrated how they are no longer intimidated by assassin-like tackles.
The referee was shocking, Bolton deserved to have three players sent off but at the end of the day this is not important, Bolton is now history, and we go second, enjoying a day which saw Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all dropping points. We can look forward to the Champions League game knowing that in midfield and up front we’ve got plenty of solutions to choose from. At the back, well, it’s not yet perfect but we can get there.
Laurent Koscielny is incredibly solid and has great vision in keeping his player at bay but if caught on the back foot or quick decisions are to be made, his lack of experience is immediately shown. But I’m sure he will learn from the mistakes he made against Blackburn and today. As for Sebastien Squillaci, wow, that was one helluva debut. He didn’t put a foot wrong and looked incredibly fit and as fresh as a daisy.
Cesc Fabregas, in midfield, had a slow start but as he promised in the matchday programme he clearly showed that he’s still special for Arsenal. Some of his passes were simply phenomenal with Andrey Arshavin not taking advantage of one of them in the first half. Carlos Vela, however, made no mistake in front of goal, finishing a move made up of more than 20 passes. Amazing.
The Mexican was very hungry, it’s not easy to be given only 10 minutes and show that you can be an asset up front with your runs and finishing skills, but it seems he always manages to do it. I believe he was supposed to be involved earlier but had to delay his small show after Abou’s injury, which by the way, could keep him out for some time. Shame.
Anyway, I’m a little upset about the way we conceded although as long as we score one more than our opposition, I’ve got no problem with that. Problem is that one day we’ll play against a team where such mistakes, simply, cannot be made.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 6,5 – Can’t blame him for the goal, he was as surprised as all of us to see Koscielny making a mess of the clearance and did well to push the Bolton player wide. As for the rest, he was pretty confident in dealing with high balls.
Koscielny: 6,5 – If it wasn’t for the first half mistake I would have given him an 8 as I think he was successful with ALL his tackles, but you can’t forget it’s the second game in a row in which he was at fault for the conceded goal. He will improve, I’m more than certain, it’s only experience he’s missing.
Squillaci: 7,5 – Welcome to Arsenal, Sebastien. Together with Thomas Vermaelen, the Frenchman will probably be our regular centre back and I feel the two can form a formidable partnership at the back.
Eboue: 6,5 – Many of our moves came from Kieran Gibbs’ wing with Emmanuel having a quite game but it’s always nice to see him involved knowing that we have proper backup for Bacary Sagna, at least when there is little defending to be done.
Gibbs: 6,5 – I wanted Kieran to start to understand what he can give defensively as compared to Gael. Unfortunately, the way he challenged Elmander shows that we have big problems on the left when defending is to be done, it was very similar to how Clichy failed to challenge Gary Taylor-Fletcher when we played Blackpool. If we can see it, other teams will as well.
Fabregas: 8 – “I was out of form and during the [Blackburn] game I knew it, but hopefully you’ll see an improvement [against Bolton]“. We did, Cesc, we did.
Song: 7,5 – Very shaky on the ball in the first part of the game but come on, that’s a goal every striker would be proud of. After Abou was replaced because of the injury, Alex moved in a more advanced position and caused all sorts of trouble to Bolton.
Wilshere: 6,5 – I believe Jack had a good game, he was brushed aside easily in more than one occasion but all in all he showed he’s not there to warm the bench.
Arshavin: 6,5 – I always have mixed feelings when I have to rate Andrey. Missed three very good opportunities which on a different day would come back to haunt us but stepped it up a gear in the second half though he still failed to beat the offside trap. Still not as good as I know he can be.
Rosicky: 7 – Was a bit anonymous in the second half but was by far our best player in the first 20 minutes of the game. The through pass he invented for Arshavin was simply amazing. It’s great to see Tomas play regularly, he’s finally back.
Chamakh: 7 – Works incredibly hard the Moroccan, just what a football player has to do on the pitch. And he scored that so important second goal which started our easy run towards the three points.
(Subs)
Diaby: No Vote – Shame. It was just what he needed, 10-men Bolton leaving gaps at the back for him to exploit. Wenger said “he cannot move his leg”, it doesn’t look good.
Denilson: 6,5 – Took over from Wilshere(and Diaby) brilliantly, keeping it simple and covering the back four well.
From www.thegunninghawk.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Walcott out 4-6 weeks
Gunner’s fans worst fears where realized with the news that Theo Walcott is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury.
“The tackle looked quite bad,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said today. “When you see how it turned his ankle I thought it would be three or four days or it would be four to six weeks. Unfortunately it will be four to six weeks. We had some good news about the scan because at some stage we were scared it could be worse. But overall it is a question of patience and rehabilitation.”
It’s s shame as Theo had had a really good start to the season. Assuming six weeks which is the end of October Walcott will miss probably six Premier League games including the matches against Chelsea and Man City.
From wearearsenalblog.com
“The tackle looked quite bad,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said today. “When you see how it turned his ankle I thought it would be three or four days or it would be four to six weeks. Unfortunately it will be four to six weeks. We had some good news about the scan because at some stage we were scared it could be worse. But overall it is a question of patience and rehabilitation.”
It’s s shame as Theo had had a really good start to the season. Assuming six weeks which is the end of October Walcott will miss probably six Premier League games including the matches against Chelsea and Man City.
From wearearsenalblog.com
Winterburn: Fixtures have been kind on Arsenal
Former Arsenal hero Nigel Winterburn believes Arsenal are heading into a good run of games following the international break.
The Gunners face Bolton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, before a home tie in their first game of the Champions League.
Winterburn admits that Owen Coyle's Bolton side will be no pushovers, but believes that Arsène Wenger can have no excuses after the dates of the international qualifying matches were moved a day earlier, giving the team more time to prepare for the weekend.
He explained: "Arsène Wenger has been asking for the international break to be altered for years and he finally got his way this week when the games were switched to Friday and Tuesday.
"It makes a lot of sense to me, and now the players will be back in training today and can have a proper preparation for the return to action on Saturday."
Winterburn believes that as long as Arsenal are focused, they should have no trouble going into these next few games.
He said: "Bolton have started the season well and will be no pushover, Owen Coyle has got them playing a bit more football and has made some interesting signings.
"But you can't help but feel the fixture list has been kind to Arsenal after the international week, and they are also at home in the Champions League next week.
"It all depends on how the players react to being back, but I fully expect Arsenal to win well on Saturday and get off to a good start in Europe against Braga on Wednesday."
From arsenal-mania.com
The Gunners face Bolton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, before a home tie in their first game of the Champions League.
Winterburn admits that Owen Coyle's Bolton side will be no pushovers, but believes that Arsène Wenger can have no excuses after the dates of the international qualifying matches were moved a day earlier, giving the team more time to prepare for the weekend.
He explained: "Arsène Wenger has been asking for the international break to be altered for years and he finally got his way this week when the games were switched to Friday and Tuesday.
"It makes a lot of sense to me, and now the players will be back in training today and can have a proper preparation for the return to action on Saturday."
Winterburn believes that as long as Arsenal are focused, they should have no trouble going into these next few games.
He said: "Bolton have started the season well and will be no pushover, Owen Coyle has got them playing a bit more football and has made some interesting signings.
"But you can't help but feel the fixture list has been kind to Arsenal after the international week, and they are also at home in the Champions League next week.
"It all depends on how the players react to being back, but I fully expect Arsenal to win well on Saturday and get off to a good start in Europe against Braga on Wednesday."
From arsenal-mania.com
New season, but same old problems for Arsenal
The new season is barely three weeks old and already Arsenal players are dropping like flies. Yes, Arsenal’s nemesis is once again threatening to hamper our search for glory. If you don’t know what i’m talking about yet let me spell it out for you I-N-J-U-R-I-E-S.
Firstly Emmanuel Frimpong did his crucial knee ligament after looking like he was breaking into the first team squad, then Samir Nasri did his knee in and was originally ruled out for a month, serial injury-victim RVP then twisted his ankle after just 30 minutes of his first start this season and was ruled out for at least a month, now Theo Walcott, who has easily been Arsenal’s best player so far this term, has also twisted his ankle while on international duty with England.
Three weeks and four injuries, and this doesn’t even take into account the fact that Bendtner is already out with a serious groin injury, Denilson hasn’t featured yet this term and of course Ramsey is still out with his leg brake. If it wasn’t Arsenal it would be unbelievable but us Gooners are used to it by now. I had hoped this year would be different but it seems we’re in for more of the same.
Arsenal.com have provided us with some good news in that Nasri is expected back in full training this week and might be in contention for Saturday’s game against Bolton. But the bad news is that RVP has predictably been ruled out for slightly longer than expected and is now not due back until mid October. Sigh.
Now on to Walcott. Theo went over on his ankle early on in England’s game against Switzerland, looked in some pain and had to be stretchered off the field and went to hospital for x-rays. At the time of writing this article, there is no official news yet on the severity of his injury. After the game Capello said “It’s a little problem or not so big problem,” so the early signs are good, and Sky Sports News are reporting that the x-rays were positive and he should be back within 2 weeks.
Fingers crossed because Walcott has been ridiculously unlucky with injuries so far in his short career and just when he started to look like the player we all hoped he could be, another long lay-off would be a bitter blow for all concerned.
But one thing i know is, Arsenal really need to take a serious look at why we keep getting these injuries. I know, I know, these injuries were all accidents and could have happened to anyone. But they didn’t, they happened to Arsenal players and is anyone surprised it’s RVP and Walcott in particular who are injured so early in the season? Not me.
From football-talk.co.uk
Firstly Emmanuel Frimpong did his crucial knee ligament after looking like he was breaking into the first team squad, then Samir Nasri did his knee in and was originally ruled out for a month, serial injury-victim RVP then twisted his ankle after just 30 minutes of his first start this season and was ruled out for at least a month, now Theo Walcott, who has easily been Arsenal’s best player so far this term, has also twisted his ankle while on international duty with England.
Three weeks and four injuries, and this doesn’t even take into account the fact that Bendtner is already out with a serious groin injury, Denilson hasn’t featured yet this term and of course Ramsey is still out with his leg brake. If it wasn’t Arsenal it would be unbelievable but us Gooners are used to it by now. I had hoped this year would be different but it seems we’re in for more of the same.
Arsenal.com have provided us with some good news in that Nasri is expected back in full training this week and might be in contention for Saturday’s game against Bolton. But the bad news is that RVP has predictably been ruled out for slightly longer than expected and is now not due back until mid October. Sigh.
Now on to Walcott. Theo went over on his ankle early on in England’s game against Switzerland, looked in some pain and had to be stretchered off the field and went to hospital for x-rays. At the time of writing this article, there is no official news yet on the severity of his injury. After the game Capello said “It’s a little problem or not so big problem,” so the early signs are good, and Sky Sports News are reporting that the x-rays were positive and he should be back within 2 weeks.
Fingers crossed because Walcott has been ridiculously unlucky with injuries so far in his short career and just when he started to look like the player we all hoped he could be, another long lay-off would be a bitter blow for all concerned.
But one thing i know is, Arsenal really need to take a serious look at why we keep getting these injuries. I know, I know, these injuries were all accidents and could have happened to anyone. But they didn’t, they happened to Arsenal players and is anyone surprised it’s RVP and Walcott in particular who are injured so early in the season? Not me.
From football-talk.co.uk
Vermaelen honoured to play for Arsenal
After revealing that Cesc Fabregas wanted to leave the club in the summer, Thomas Vermaelen has now come out and said that Arsenal are a team that everyone wants to play for.
The Belgian joined the club from Ajax last summer, and feels honoured to be first choice at such a presitigious football club.
The centre-back has praised manager Arsène Wenger for the way he was brought into the team, and believes last season was a great experience for him, and one that many are envious of.
He said: "For me Arsenal is one of the best Clubs in the world.
"If you talk with other people they are so jealous because they want to play for Arsenal. They are happy [to talk about the Club] because for them it's such a nice Club who plays nice football. I know every player wants to play for this Club.
"Pressure was not that high [when I arrived] but the most important thing was that the boss gave me the confidence from the start. He let me play the first game, didn't put me on the bench, that was really important."
Vermaelen earned praise for his performances last season, which included eight goals, but insists he is still looking to improve this year.
He said: "I've learned a lot from last season, training with good players, with the boss, who gives me advice. I hope to do better this year."
From arsenal-mania.com
The Belgian joined the club from Ajax last summer, and feels honoured to be first choice at such a presitigious football club.
The centre-back has praised manager Arsène Wenger for the way he was brought into the team, and believes last season was a great experience for him, and one that many are envious of.
He said: "For me Arsenal is one of the best Clubs in the world.
"If you talk with other people they are so jealous because they want to play for Arsenal. They are happy [to talk about the Club] because for them it's such a nice Club who plays nice football. I know every player wants to play for this Club.
"Pressure was not that high [when I arrived] but the most important thing was that the boss gave me the confidence from the start. He let me play the first game, didn't put me on the bench, that was really important."
Vermaelen earned praise for his performances last season, which included eight goals, but insists he is still looking to improve this year.
He said: "I've learned a lot from last season, training with good players, with the boss, who gives me advice. I hope to do better this year."
From arsenal-mania.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Andoni Zubizarreta: €40m were not enough to sign Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona technical director Andoni Zubizarreta has revealed the fee the Spanish giants were ready to pay to secure the services of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
According to the ex-goalkeeper, both the club and the player wanted the transfer to go through but Arsenal was determined to keep the captain and rejected a €40 million offer. Zubizarreta added how as soon as the North London Club replied by saying they were not interested, no more pressure and no more offers were made to sign the 23-year old midfielder.
The technical director concluded by saying how not signing Fabregas was a big blow for the Spaniards as he described negotiations as impossible to conclude.
In a statement published on Arsenal’s official website last month, the player explained how he understands why the Club opted not to sell him, a decision he respects, adding how he is now totally committed to the Gunners as negotiations with Barcelona have finally ended.
On signing Fabregas, Zubizarreta said:
Both the club and the player did as much as possible. Our second offer was €40 million. From the moment Arsenal said they didn’t want to negotiate, we respected their position.
We would have liked to have signed him, but we weren’t able to negotiate. It wasn’t a disappointment – it was simply impossible. Thanks to the conversations, we have re-established contact with Arsenal.
From thegunninghawk.com
Nasri returns to training
Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has reportedly given Arsenal a major boost in terms of fitness by returning to training.
The Frenchman underwent a knee surgery about a fortnight ago, and was expected to be sidelined for about four weeks.
This Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had previously confirmed that the midfielder was recovering quicker than expected, and now Tabloid report that the 23-year-old has returned to training.
It is believed that Nasri is hoping to regain full fitness during the international break to be fit in time for Bolton Wanderers' visit to the Emirates Stadium next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are still without strikers Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie, who are out with groin and ankle injuries respectively.
From arsenalfcweb.co.uk
Merson: Arsenal should have signed Given
Former Arsenal man Paul Merson believes Arsène Wenger should have made more of an effort to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.
The Gunners were linked with a new 'keeper throughout the transfer window, particularly Fulham's Mark Schwarzer and Man City's Shay Given.
Merson, who made 327 appearances for Arsenal, told SkySports that although Schwarzer was perhaps not the answer, he would have liked to have seen an improvement on current first choice 'keeper Almunia.
He believed Given to be the answer, saying: "I played with Mark Schwarzer and he's a good goalie, but I don't know if he's that much better than Manuel Almunia.
"He has played for Middlesbrough and Fulham, but playing for Arsenal is a different kettle of fish.
"For me, Arsenal should have broken the bank and got Shay Given because he would save you 10 points per season. I'm not sure of the other two would do that. If Arsenal signed Given, they would have had every chance of winning the league."
A deadline day move that DID happen saw former Gunners winger Alex Hleb make a surprise move from Barcelona to Birmingham City, and Merse believes the Belarussian would still be good enough for Arsenal's first team.
He said: "He was one of the best players at Arsenal in his last season there and at times he was a different class. He could still play for Arsenal and he'll be an absolutely brilliant buy for Birmingham.
"He's a proper footballer who can play on the wing, but he comes inside and he's so hard to pick up."
From arsenal-mania.com
The Gunners were linked with a new 'keeper throughout the transfer window, particularly Fulham's Mark Schwarzer and Man City's Shay Given.
Merson, who made 327 appearances for Arsenal, told SkySports that although Schwarzer was perhaps not the answer, he would have liked to have seen an improvement on current first choice 'keeper Almunia.
He believed Given to be the answer, saying: "I played with Mark Schwarzer and he's a good goalie, but I don't know if he's that much better than Manuel Almunia.
"He has played for Middlesbrough and Fulham, but playing for Arsenal is a different kettle of fish.
"For me, Arsenal should have broken the bank and got Shay Given because he would save you 10 points per season. I'm not sure of the other two would do that. If Arsenal signed Given, they would have had every chance of winning the league."
A deadline day move that DID happen saw former Gunners winger Alex Hleb make a surprise move from Barcelona to Birmingham City, and Merse believes the Belarussian would still be good enough for Arsenal's first team.
He said: "He was one of the best players at Arsenal in his last season there and at times he was a different class. He could still play for Arsenal and he'll be an absolutely brilliant buy for Birmingham.
"He's a proper footballer who can play on the wing, but he comes inside and he's so hard to pick up."
From arsenal-mania.com
Bendtner prepares for “big step forward” next week
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has begun his well-awaited return from injury by taking part in running exercises at London Colney, and the Dane admitted that he faces “a huge step forward” next week as he trains with the ball for the first time in 3 months.
The 22-year-old feels that his troublesome groin problem has finally gone away, while his comments also rubbish reports from the Danish FA which suggested that Bendtner had aggravated the injury.
My basic form is now fully in place, and I have started to sprint. Next week I’ll try to train with the ball and it will be a huge step forward,” Bendtner told Sporten.dk.
He started up front in all three of Denmark’s World Cup group games, scoring in the 2-1 win over Cameroon, as the 1992 European champions missed out on a place in the last 16.
However, the injury flared up again, meaning Bendtner is likely to be out until mid-October at the earliest.
Leave your thoughts on Bendtner’s possible return in the comments section below.
From goonertalk.com
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