Hull City have signed goalkeeper Vito Mannone on loan from Premier League side Arsenal until January.
Mannone has made 12 appearances for the Gunners since joining from Italian side Atalanta in 2005, but has struggled to hold down a first-team spot.
The 22-year-old, who has represented Italy at Under-21 level, enjoyed a short loan spell at Barnsley in 2006, making four appearances.
He is available for Hull's Championship match with Sheffield United on Tuesday.
From news.bbc.co.uk
Monday, October 18, 2010
Van Persie to return in time for meaningless International friendly!
The Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie hasn’t played for the Gunners for the last seven weeks since he injured his ever-problematic ankle in the match against Blackburn at the beginning of the season, but he is expected to recover in the next couple of weeks.
The bad news is that he will be ready just in time for Hollands next international friendly against Turkey on November 17th, and the Netherlands coach Bert van Marjwick is insisting that Van Persie will join the squad for the match.
“Robin is expected to be back in the national team next month,” he said. “We expect to play him in the friendly match.”
This will worry Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger even more than usual, as it was in last November’s friendly (against Italy) that Van Persie’s ankle ligaments were destroyed, which meant he missed the next five months football for Arsenal and left Wenger without a recognised striker while Nicklas Bendtner was also injured.
Wenger doesn’t like internationals at the best of times, but he especially doesn’t like friendlies, and even more so when Holland are involved. I bet he won’t get much sleep that weekend if Van Persie plays in the match!
From justarsenal.com
The bad news is that he will be ready just in time for Hollands next international friendly against Turkey on November 17th, and the Netherlands coach Bert van Marjwick is insisting that Van Persie will join the squad for the match.
“Robin is expected to be back in the national team next month,” he said. “We expect to play him in the friendly match.”
This will worry Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger even more than usual, as it was in last November’s friendly (against Italy) that Van Persie’s ankle ligaments were destroyed, which meant he missed the next five months football for Arsenal and left Wenger without a recognised striker while Nicklas Bendtner was also injured.
Wenger doesn’t like internationals at the best of times, but he especially doesn’t like friendlies, and even more so when Holland are involved. I bet he won’t get much sleep that weekend if Van Persie plays in the match!
From justarsenal.com
Wenger Speaks On Wilshere Incident
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confessed that Jack Wilshere deserved to be sent off for his mistimed tackled on Nikola Zigic. The youngster who had marvelled throughout the game against Birmingham City had a slight lapse of concentration as his touch let him down – leading to a mistimed lunge on the Serbian as he tried to retrieve the ball.
Wenger himself has called for more severe disciplinary actions to be undertaken on wreckless play after seeing a number of his players on the receiving end of mistimed and ill-fated tackles – most notably Eduardo and Aaron Ramsey. Although the Frenchman admits the 18-year old deserved his dismissal, he is no doubt that Wilshere unintended to hurt the Birmingham man.
“Jack mistimed his tackle and got a red card, which he deserved.” said the Gunners boss.
“He has acknowledged he deserved it, but he did not spend his whole game trying to kick people, he was one of the best players on the pitch today. It was more of frustration and did not want to hurt the player, but we do not complain about the red card.”
“I think he mistimed his tackle, his first touch let him down. He didn’t complain about it. There was no intention to harm the player. He is not a dirty player. Wilshere will be suspended for three games and will be punished.”
Wilshere is in agreement with his manger believing he will learn from his error.
“I have no complaints about getting the red card and I will learn from this. I’m missing three matches now which I’m really disappointed about.”
The stocky play-maker will now serve a three match ban.
What did you think of the tackle? Did Wilshere deserve to go? Let us know.
From football-talk.co.uk
Wenger himself has called for more severe disciplinary actions to be undertaken on wreckless play after seeing a number of his players on the receiving end of mistimed and ill-fated tackles – most notably Eduardo and Aaron Ramsey. Although the Frenchman admits the 18-year old deserved his dismissal, he is no doubt that Wilshere unintended to hurt the Birmingham man.
“Jack mistimed his tackle and got a red card, which he deserved.” said the Gunners boss.
“He has acknowledged he deserved it, but he did not spend his whole game trying to kick people, he was one of the best players on the pitch today. It was more of frustration and did not want to hurt the player, but we do not complain about the red card.”
“I think he mistimed his tackle, his first touch let him down. He didn’t complain about it. There was no intention to harm the player. He is not a dirty player. Wilshere will be suspended for three games and will be punished.”
Wilshere is in agreement with his manger believing he will learn from his error.
“I have no complaints about getting the red card and I will learn from this. I’m missing three matches now which I’m really disappointed about.”
The stocky play-maker will now serve a three match ban.
What did you think of the tackle? Did Wilshere deserve to go? Let us know.
From football-talk.co.uk
Arsenal vs Birmingham, 2-1: Full time analysis and player ratings
The Game
It wasn’t the most spectacular games of the season at the Emirates but Arsenal were brave enough to hang on and win three very important points on a day which saw Manchester United and Chelsea both drop two points.
Not included in the “brave” part of my introduction is of course Marouane Chamakh’s dive in the first half which allowed us to level things up. Was there contact? Yes, absolutely. Was it penalty? Yes it was. But it was very similar to the Wayne Rooney dive against us at Old Trafford last season where Manuel Almunia made a big mistake in going straight at him instead of just pretending to make a challenge.
Dann was today as equally foolish to make a challenge but you can’t deny it was a dive because he went down before any contact was made. We hate it when other players do it and my feelings don’t change when it’s an Arsenal player diving, especially since it was not the first time Marouane went down so easily. Minutes earlier – in fact – he was fouled but went down with both arms flying around getting four feet off the ground which was so unnecessary to see.
Anyway, as I said the game was not an easy one to follow, we again missed numerous chances in front of goal and were again shocking at the back especially in those five minutes in which Brum took the lead and went close to double their lead.
I understand we are missing key players and how what we need to do as we wait for them is to grind out the points but we need to improve at the back because regardless who plays it seems we always have to witness poor defending, today’s coming from Johan Djourou.
As for Jack Wilshere, I wouldn’t say the red ruined his top class game. We all know Jack is always full of energy and never shy to tackle but also true that he needs to learn when to tackle and when not to, something which this red will hopefully teach him.
To conclude by looking at the positives of the game, I was impressed by Lukasz Fabianski in goal who maybe wasn’t kept busy by long-range efforts or things like that but he had to deal with a number of high balls and didn’t disappoint. Abou Diaby was very good as well and Tomas Rosicky, coming on as a substitute, was superb, doing in 30 minutes what Andrey Arshavin failed to do in 70 minutes with the Russian again showing how he doesn’t deserve to be in front of the Czech in the pecking order.
Player Ratings
Fabianski: 7,5 – Very solid and secure in the air. Nothing he could do to deny Zigic’s goal. The Serbian took full advantage of some shocking defending and produced a phenomenal leap.
Squillaci: 6,5 – Very solid performance from our captain who also managed to score though it was correctly ruled out for offside.
Djourou: 5 – Poor game. Very disappointing in the way he challenged Zigic for Birmingham’s first goal and made a very dangerous pass towards the end of the game which could have cost us dearly.
Clichy: 6 – Also at fault for the first goal as he just stared at the Serbian who went up in the air to meet the ball. Minutes later he again lost an important challenge in the air, clearly showing how he can be a big liability when high balls are thrown into his direction.
Eboue: 6,5 – Worked very hard on the right and was very good with the ball especially in the final part of the game where we needed to hold onto the ball and win important fouls.
Song: 7 – I believe Alex had a very, very good game today. He was more disciplined than he was in previous games and won some important challenges in midfield.
Wilshere: 7,5 – It was a very bad tackle, straight red, no complaints there but we all know Jack is like that, it is his tenacity which makes him special. Apart from that, he was involved in almost all our moves throughout the game, providing the assist for our second goal. He will be missed against City.
Diaby: 7 – I think many are looking way too much into his contribution in the final third. I believe he was brilliant, the way he was robbing the ball in midfield – especially from Hleb’s feet – and the way he pushed forward dribbling his way past blue jerseys was top class. Granted, as I said weeks ago he needs to be more adventurous in the final third but other than that, hats off.
Nasri: 6,5 – I feel he wasn’t involved much in the game, most likely because we insisted on pushing from Arshavin’s right-hand side even if the Russian had a very poor game. Cool on the spot though.
Arshavin: 4 – As hard as I tried, I simply found nothing worth mentioning in his performance. Nothing worked for him and instead of keeping it simple he kept on trying clever tricks which never paid off. Arsene blamed it on the two games he played for Russia. Fair enough, but I think it was pretty obvious to understand this before the game.
Chamakh: 6,5 – Enough diving please. His work rate is fantastic and yet again on the score sheet but when I say that we should learn how to win ugly, cheating is never part of my wish.
(Subs)
Rosicky: 7 – Superb game from the Little Mozart. Not shy to dribble his way past his marker, not shy to shoot from distance and produced a delicious cross for Bendtner.
From .thegunninghawk.com
It wasn’t the most spectacular games of the season at the Emirates but Arsenal were brave enough to hang on and win three very important points on a day which saw Manchester United and Chelsea both drop two points.
Not included in the “brave” part of my introduction is of course Marouane Chamakh’s dive in the first half which allowed us to level things up. Was there contact? Yes, absolutely. Was it penalty? Yes it was. But it was very similar to the Wayne Rooney dive against us at Old Trafford last season where Manuel Almunia made a big mistake in going straight at him instead of just pretending to make a challenge.
Dann was today as equally foolish to make a challenge but you can’t deny it was a dive because he went down before any contact was made. We hate it when other players do it and my feelings don’t change when it’s an Arsenal player diving, especially since it was not the first time Marouane went down so easily. Minutes earlier – in fact – he was fouled but went down with both arms flying around getting four feet off the ground which was so unnecessary to see.
Anyway, as I said the game was not an easy one to follow, we again missed numerous chances in front of goal and were again shocking at the back especially in those five minutes in which Brum took the lead and went close to double their lead.
I understand we are missing key players and how what we need to do as we wait for them is to grind out the points but we need to improve at the back because regardless who plays it seems we always have to witness poor defending, today’s coming from Johan Djourou.
As for Jack Wilshere, I wouldn’t say the red ruined his top class game. We all know Jack is always full of energy and never shy to tackle but also true that he needs to learn when to tackle and when not to, something which this red will hopefully teach him.
To conclude by looking at the positives of the game, I was impressed by Lukasz Fabianski in goal who maybe wasn’t kept busy by long-range efforts or things like that but he had to deal with a number of high balls and didn’t disappoint. Abou Diaby was very good as well and Tomas Rosicky, coming on as a substitute, was superb, doing in 30 minutes what Andrey Arshavin failed to do in 70 minutes with the Russian again showing how he doesn’t deserve to be in front of the Czech in the pecking order.
Player Ratings
Fabianski: 7,5 – Very solid and secure in the air. Nothing he could do to deny Zigic’s goal. The Serbian took full advantage of some shocking defending and produced a phenomenal leap.
Squillaci: 6,5 – Very solid performance from our captain who also managed to score though it was correctly ruled out for offside.
Djourou: 5 – Poor game. Very disappointing in the way he challenged Zigic for Birmingham’s first goal and made a very dangerous pass towards the end of the game which could have cost us dearly.
Clichy: 6 – Also at fault for the first goal as he just stared at the Serbian who went up in the air to meet the ball. Minutes later he again lost an important challenge in the air, clearly showing how he can be a big liability when high balls are thrown into his direction.
Eboue: 6,5 – Worked very hard on the right and was very good with the ball especially in the final part of the game where we needed to hold onto the ball and win important fouls.
Song: 7 – I believe Alex had a very, very good game today. He was more disciplined than he was in previous games and won some important challenges in midfield.
Wilshere: 7,5 – It was a very bad tackle, straight red, no complaints there but we all know Jack is like that, it is his tenacity which makes him special. Apart from that, he was involved in almost all our moves throughout the game, providing the assist for our second goal. He will be missed against City.
Diaby: 7 – I think many are looking way too much into his contribution in the final third. I believe he was brilliant, the way he was robbing the ball in midfield – especially from Hleb’s feet – and the way he pushed forward dribbling his way past blue jerseys was top class. Granted, as I said weeks ago he needs to be more adventurous in the final third but other than that, hats off.
Nasri: 6,5 – I feel he wasn’t involved much in the game, most likely because we insisted on pushing from Arshavin’s right-hand side even if the Russian had a very poor game. Cool on the spot though.
Arshavin: 4 – As hard as I tried, I simply found nothing worth mentioning in his performance. Nothing worked for him and instead of keeping it simple he kept on trying clever tricks which never paid off. Arsene blamed it on the two games he played for Russia. Fair enough, but I think it was pretty obvious to understand this before the game.
Chamakh: 6,5 – Enough diving please. His work rate is fantastic and yet again on the score sheet but when I say that we should learn how to win ugly, cheating is never part of my wish.
(Subs)
Rosicky: 7 – Superb game from the Little Mozart. Not shy to dribble his way past his marker, not shy to shoot from distance and produced a delicious cross for Bendtner.
From .thegunninghawk.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
Defender Bacary Sagna out for three weeks with thigh injury
The French version of the Eurosport website has just reported that Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna will be ruled out of action for at least three weeks after suffering a thigh injury.
Even if the season started only two months ago, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner, Samir Nasri, Thomas Vermaelen, Cesc Fabregas and now Bacary Sagna have all suffered injuries which kept them on he sidelines for at least three weeks with Emmanuel Frimpong injuring his cruciate knee ligaments before the season kicked-off.
Ivory Coast’s Emmanuel Eboue will most likely be the one to replace Sagna with the Frenchman explaining how he already started the recovery process.
Sagna will miss games against Birmingham and Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates and also away games against Manchester City and Newcastle United as he will be hoping to make his comeback for the home game against West Ham United on October 30.
On his injury, Sagna said:
Everything is fine, I started rehabilitation and it will take three weeks to heal.
From thegunninghawk.com
Even if the season started only two months ago, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner, Samir Nasri, Thomas Vermaelen, Cesc Fabregas and now Bacary Sagna have all suffered injuries which kept them on he sidelines for at least three weeks with Emmanuel Frimpong injuring his cruciate knee ligaments before the season kicked-off.
Ivory Coast’s Emmanuel Eboue will most likely be the one to replace Sagna with the Frenchman explaining how he already started the recovery process.
Sagna will miss games against Birmingham and Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates and also away games against Manchester City and Newcastle United as he will be hoping to make his comeback for the home game against West Ham United on October 30.
On his injury, Sagna said:
Everything is fine, I started rehabilitation and it will take three weeks to heal.
From thegunninghawk.com
Rafael van der Vaart: Joining Arsenal would have been fantastic
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart again revealed joining rivals Arsenal would have been a fantastic step in his career.
Speaking to the News of the World the Dutchman explained how he wanted to join Bayern Munich after leaving Real Madrid but the German Club were not interested in his services. When asked about Arsenal, the 27-year old again confirmed how he wanted to join the Gunners, most likely to team up with colleague and friend Robin van Persie.
After failing to move to Bayern or Arsenal, the midfielder had to accept a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the last hours of last summer’s transfer window making his debut in a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion.
The Dutchman concluded by showing his disappointment at how he was treated by Real Madrid, explaining how what he went through is part of football but was not nice to suffer.
On moving to Arsenal, van der Vaart said:
I would have moved to Bayern Munich, but they weren’t interested.
Arsenal? Yes of course, that would have been fantastic.
When Madrid sold Arjen Robben (to Bayern) and Wesley Sneijder (to Inter Milan) they asked me whether I would like to stay – I would even get my No. 23 shirt back.
What I went through is part of football – but it wasn’t nice. Football is best when you’re 10 years old.
From thegunninghawk.com
Speaking to the News of the World the Dutchman explained how he wanted to join Bayern Munich after leaving Real Madrid but the German Club were not interested in his services. When asked about Arsenal, the 27-year old again confirmed how he wanted to join the Gunners, most likely to team up with colleague and friend Robin van Persie.
After failing to move to Bayern or Arsenal, the midfielder had to accept a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the last hours of last summer’s transfer window making his debut in a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion.
The Dutchman concluded by showing his disappointment at how he was treated by Real Madrid, explaining how what he went through is part of football but was not nice to suffer.
On moving to Arsenal, van der Vaart said:
I would have moved to Bayern Munich, but they weren’t interested.
Arsenal? Yes of course, that would have been fantastic.
When Madrid sold Arjen Robben (to Bayern) and Wesley Sneijder (to Inter Milan) they asked me whether I would like to stay – I would even get my No. 23 shirt back.
What I went through is part of football – but it wasn’t nice. Football is best when you’re 10 years old.
From thegunninghawk.com
Marouane Chamakh full of praise for new France coach Laurent Blanc
Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh revealed former Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc was an important figure in his development as a footballer.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, the Moroccan said how the Frenchman’s objective was always very similar to Arsene Wenger’s in terms of playing the game the way it should be played. Chamakh added how Blanc – who took over from as France’s manager after the World Cup Finals – always asked his players to express and enjoy themselves on the pitch.
The 26-year old striker, who left Bordeaux to join Arsenal last summer, also said how Blanc’s philosophy included short, yet very important speeches to his players.
Now 44, the former defender played for a number of prestigious clubs in Europe before retiring, including Barcelona in Spain, Napoli and Inter Milan in Italy and also Manchester United in England.
On Blanc, Chamakh said:
To me it was clear that Blanc’s main objective was to send us out and play football. He wanted us to express ourselves and enjoy ourselves, as that mean we would create chances and score goals. It worked really well.
He [Blanc] gave me lots of confidence. He wasn’t the sort of coach that made me work ten hours a day. Just a few words here and there from him were enough to improve me as a player sometimes.
It wasn’t long since he had retired from playing himself, and you could tell that he was still instinctively a footballer and felt the game as we did.
I gained a lot of confidence during the three years I worked under him. Thanks to the confidence I got from playing for him, I tried things out on the pitch that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
From thegunninghawk.com
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, the Moroccan said how the Frenchman’s objective was always very similar to Arsene Wenger’s in terms of playing the game the way it should be played. Chamakh added how Blanc – who took over from as France’s manager after the World Cup Finals – always asked his players to express and enjoy themselves on the pitch.
The 26-year old striker, who left Bordeaux to join Arsenal last summer, also said how Blanc’s philosophy included short, yet very important speeches to his players.
Now 44, the former defender played for a number of prestigious clubs in Europe before retiring, including Barcelona in Spain, Napoli and Inter Milan in Italy and also Manchester United in England.
On Blanc, Chamakh said:
To me it was clear that Blanc’s main objective was to send us out and play football. He wanted us to express ourselves and enjoy ourselves, as that mean we would create chances and score goals. It worked really well.
He [Blanc] gave me lots of confidence. He wasn’t the sort of coach that made me work ten hours a day. Just a few words here and there from him were enough to improve me as a player sometimes.
It wasn’t long since he had retired from playing himself, and you could tell that he was still instinctively a footballer and felt the game as we did.
I gained a lot of confidence during the three years I worked under him. Thanks to the confidence I got from playing for him, I tried things out on the pitch that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
From thegunninghawk.com
Hoofers give us something to laugh at on a slow Sunday
Wow, you really have to feel sorry for the scousers don’t you? Er – NO! Just friggin’ laugh at them, how many times have you heard ‘we’re ya foookin europeeeeean coup, eh, eh?’ The response from now on could well be “Championship, Championship”. They face the real proposition that the new Yanks may not be able to buy the old Yanks out and the club could be sent into administration. Despite Scousers being confident the takeover will happen to me it seems more likely RBS will bottle putting them into administration. The News of the World are loving it today and we can all have a lovely giggle. It seems this season, how every dark some days may be, there will always be old LFC to brighten our day.
Peter Hill Wood calls it a tragedy in The Mirror today. I call it fucking funny.
Sorry to start with non-Arsenal news but this is just dominating all the headlines and Arsenal news is thin on the ground. ManUre’s debts even pick up some column inches. The ridiculous debts in football are, unpayable, surely now big business men can football is a passion and not an investment tool. Even if you’re making £100Mil a year like ManUre are, this is all just going down the drain, it’s a total embarrassment and as a fan of AFC can you imagine the board putting up ticket prices by 25% and chucking it away in interest. Sickening. Well if it was us, thankfully it’s not, we just keep it all the in the bank to look pretty on the balance sheet.
The one Arsenal story that will brighten your day is in tnotw. Brad Friedel has 3 months to sign a new contract before he can sign terms with another club. Without doubt Le Boss would look at this free transfer. Sure he is 39, positively ancient in Arsenal terms, but you’re talking absolute world class and for one season, next season, he could do a job. Certainly in my mind better than anything Schwarzer could do. It’s just a shame Arsenal didn’t go and make a sensible offer in the summer when O’Niel left. What might have beens.
Second laugh of the day comes from Shite Hart Lane, their hero, saviour, apparent miracle worker, Rafael Van Der Fart wishes he was a gooner. Priceless.
Third laugh of the day is at the Mirror, Asmir Bergovic my arse, £5Mil for Stoke’s sub keeper. Nah you can keep that one.
That’s me, I’m off to play 11v11 Fifa online, if you were playing last night about 10pm, Real Madrid v Barcelona, I missed two penalties and scored the third, and cracked one from outside the box. It was a game of two halfs but we won it in the end. Well done Real!!
From clockenders.com
Peter Hill Wood calls it a tragedy in The Mirror today. I call it fucking funny.
Sorry to start with non-Arsenal news but this is just dominating all the headlines and Arsenal news is thin on the ground. ManUre’s debts even pick up some column inches. The ridiculous debts in football are, unpayable, surely now big business men can football is a passion and not an investment tool. Even if you’re making £100Mil a year like ManUre are, this is all just going down the drain, it’s a total embarrassment and as a fan of AFC can you imagine the board putting up ticket prices by 25% and chucking it away in interest. Sickening. Well if it was us, thankfully it’s not, we just keep it all the in the bank to look pretty on the balance sheet.
The one Arsenal story that will brighten your day is in tnotw. Brad Friedel has 3 months to sign a new contract before he can sign terms with another club. Without doubt Le Boss would look at this free transfer. Sure he is 39, positively ancient in Arsenal terms, but you’re talking absolute world class and for one season, next season, he could do a job. Certainly in my mind better than anything Schwarzer could do. It’s just a shame Arsenal didn’t go and make a sensible offer in the summer when O’Niel left. What might have beens.
Second laugh of the day comes from Shite Hart Lane, their hero, saviour, apparent miracle worker, Rafael Van Der Fart wishes he was a gooner. Priceless.
Third laugh of the day is at the Mirror, Asmir Bergovic my arse, £5Mil for Stoke’s sub keeper. Nah you can keep that one.
That’s me, I’m off to play 11v11 Fifa online, if you were playing last night about 10pm, Real Madrid v Barcelona, I missed two penalties and scored the third, and cracked one from outside the box. It was a game of two halfs but we won it in the end. Well done Real!!
From clockenders.com
Schwarzer still eyeing Arsenal switch
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has not ruled out joining Arsenal at some point in the future.
Arsenal were on the verge of landing the Australian international over the summer but the deal never came off with Cottagers chief Mark Hughes desperate to keep the experienced star at the club.
However, the former Middlesbrough man has admitted a move to the Emirates in the new year could still be a possibility.
"Who knows, we will have to wait and see," he said.
"I'm very happy at Fulham. The supporters have been unbelievable and I've enjoyed every minute. It's been a very hectic two months or so and the fans have been great to me. I am enjoying my football again."
He added: "I think when you look at the opportunity that was in front of me, I don't think anyone can begrudge me exploring that opportunity.
"The club actually asked me if I was interested in exploring the opportunity, and I was. I'm not getting any younger, unfortunately, and you always want to better yourself."
From eatsleepsport.com
Arsenal were on the verge of landing the Australian international over the summer but the deal never came off with Cottagers chief Mark Hughes desperate to keep the experienced star at the club.
However, the former Middlesbrough man has admitted a move to the Emirates in the new year could still be a possibility.
"Who knows, we will have to wait and see," he said.
"I'm very happy at Fulham. The supporters have been unbelievable and I've enjoyed every minute. It's been a very hectic two months or so and the fans have been great to me. I am enjoying my football again."
He added: "I think when you look at the opportunity that was in front of me, I don't think anyone can begrudge me exploring that opportunity.
"The club actually asked me if I was interested in exploring the opportunity, and I was. I'm not getting any younger, unfortunately, and you always want to better yourself."
From eatsleepsport.com
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Pires Returns To Arsenal For Training
Arsenal legend Robert Pirès is back training in North London. Arsène Wenger has allowed the 36-year-old use of the club’s London Colney training centre as he bids to maintain fitness and seek a fresh challenge.
Pirès will also offer words of wisdom to Arsenal’s Reserves and Youth teams as he enters the second week of training with The Gunners. The Frenchman is currently a free agent after Spanish outfit Villareal decided against extending his contract in July.
Robert enjoyed six campaigns with Arsenal after moving from Marseille in 2000. He played 189 times, scoring 62 goals in a trophy laden spell in England. Pirès is hoping he can impress potential suitors enough to win a return to the French Ligue One, whilst still offering guidance and expertise to Arsenal’s emerging youngsters.
From younggunsblog.co.uk
Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal Highlights
Didier Drogba was once again Arsenal’s tormentor as the Ivorian striker scored the opening goal as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Watch the match highlights below.
From http://video.yahoo.com/watch/8331416
Chelsea vs Arsenal, 2-0: Full time analysis and player ratings
The Game
A defeat is never easy to accept but there are times when you have to admit that the other team was better on the day and fully deserved the win.
By “on the day” I mean that contrary to what many thought before the kick-off, today’s game didn’t show that we’re not as good as Chelsea because with so many key players out we still managed to put up a fight and create plenty of chances.
Thomas Vermaelen at the back, Cesc Fabregas in the middle and Robin van Persie up front. That’s one key player in every department of the pitch. I’m not making excuses up, those who read me often know that I don’t hide behind the fact that we have missing players, I’m just saying that if the mentality is right, we’re second to none.
Make no mistake, I want to take nothing away from Carlo Ancelotti’s men. I again have this funny feeling that had we scored one they would have stepped it up a gear or two to score one more. The way Drogba scored the first was simply outstanding whilst Alex’s effort – pure power with a touch of curve – was also an execution which leaves you clapping your hands in acknowledgment even if it’s not coming from the team you support.
All in all I believe Arsenal played a very good game, they put a lot of pressure on Chelsea from the first minute of the game and kept on pushing forward even after they took the lead, which was admirable to see. Granted, some players could have maybe done more and our defensive department was shaky in more than one occasion but putting that aside for a second, today was big leap forward in terms of determination and tenacity when you compare the display to the WBA one.
We now go seven points from the Blues, it’s a big mountain to climb if we are to cut the gap in the same fashion we did last season but I believe we can make it. We just need to approach every single game in the same way we did today and of course hope for the other teams to drop points along the way.
Player Ratings
Fabianski: 8 – Not much he could do to prevent the goals. One mistake in the early stages of the game when he punched the ball in a dangerous area but recovered well and produced a brilliant performance. The saved he produced were maybe not the most difficult in the world but he was there and did his job.
Squillaci: 4 – Not sure if he was under more pressure because of the captain’s armband but he was shocking back there I’m afraid. Let Florent Malouda go away in the first part of the game and then made a terrible mistake in the second which could have easily killed the game off if it wasn’t for Anelka’s poor finishing.
Koscielny: 6 – His first-minute miss was very bad as we could have had a different game had he scored. Defensively I believe he was better than Sebastien though it is clear we need Thomas to be back as soon as possible.
Clichy: 6 – Nothing personal, but his contribution in the defensive department is driving me crazy. For example I’m still trying to understand what was going through his mind in the 70th minute when he did absolutely nothing to challenge Anelka who went on to pick a team mate who was luckily flagged for offside.
Sagna: 6,5 – Very strong in challenging Drogba in the first part of the game and went on to make some vital tackles and interceptions. Could have done better to prevent Ashley Cole from crossing in the first goal though.
Song: 6 – I believe his contribution when we had possession was very good, helping the forward line with some nice runs. I still believe, however, that he is to be more disciplined in his role and let the other, more creative midfielders, run the show.
Wilshere: 7,5 – Brilliant game. Was a bit anonymous in the second half but overall he was a beast in midfield, never shy to tackle or make his presence felt when required.
Diaby: 6,5 – I’m glad to see he recovered from last week’s poor performance. He was involved in many of our moves today as he looked sharp and up for it. As I always say though, he should be more adventurous in the final third, he is to believe more in himself.
Nasri: 6 – He may have seen plenty of the ball but never gave me the impression he could hurt Chelsea. Also guilty of not sticking with Ashley Cole who went on to assist Drogba for the first goal and a very poor pass in the later stages of the game which resulted in Laurent’s yellow.
Arshavin: 6,5 – Hot and cold from Andrey but I loved his contribution, especially in the first half. Unlike Samir, he did some damage to Chelsea especially when he was getting the ball, making his way past his marker and go for goal which is just what we need in the final third. Needs to do it for the whole 90 minutes though, that’s for sure.
Chamakh: 5,5 – I expected more from him but maybe that’s because of how everyone was saying how he can be our key to success today. I also believe he should stop going down so easily to win penalties as it could easily backfire in the long run.
(Subs)
Rosicky: 6 – Came off the bench to inject creativity to our midfield and I believe he made a significant impact.
Vela and J.E.T.: No Vote – Not enough time on the pitch to rate.
From thegunninghawk.com
A defeat is never easy to accept but there are times when you have to admit that the other team was better on the day and fully deserved the win.
By “on the day” I mean that contrary to what many thought before the kick-off, today’s game didn’t show that we’re not as good as Chelsea because with so many key players out we still managed to put up a fight and create plenty of chances.
Thomas Vermaelen at the back, Cesc Fabregas in the middle and Robin van Persie up front. That’s one key player in every department of the pitch. I’m not making excuses up, those who read me often know that I don’t hide behind the fact that we have missing players, I’m just saying that if the mentality is right, we’re second to none.
Make no mistake, I want to take nothing away from Carlo Ancelotti’s men. I again have this funny feeling that had we scored one they would have stepped it up a gear or two to score one more. The way Drogba scored the first was simply outstanding whilst Alex’s effort – pure power with a touch of curve – was also an execution which leaves you clapping your hands in acknowledgment even if it’s not coming from the team you support.
All in all I believe Arsenal played a very good game, they put a lot of pressure on Chelsea from the first minute of the game and kept on pushing forward even after they took the lead, which was admirable to see. Granted, some players could have maybe done more and our defensive department was shaky in more than one occasion but putting that aside for a second, today was big leap forward in terms of determination and tenacity when you compare the display to the WBA one.
We now go seven points from the Blues, it’s a big mountain to climb if we are to cut the gap in the same fashion we did last season but I believe we can make it. We just need to approach every single game in the same way we did today and of course hope for the other teams to drop points along the way.
Player Ratings
Fabianski: 8 – Not much he could do to prevent the goals. One mistake in the early stages of the game when he punched the ball in a dangerous area but recovered well and produced a brilliant performance. The saved he produced were maybe not the most difficult in the world but he was there and did his job.
Squillaci: 4 – Not sure if he was under more pressure because of the captain’s armband but he was shocking back there I’m afraid. Let Florent Malouda go away in the first part of the game and then made a terrible mistake in the second which could have easily killed the game off if it wasn’t for Anelka’s poor finishing.
Koscielny: 6 – His first-minute miss was very bad as we could have had a different game had he scored. Defensively I believe he was better than Sebastien though it is clear we need Thomas to be back as soon as possible.
Clichy: 6 – Nothing personal, but his contribution in the defensive department is driving me crazy. For example I’m still trying to understand what was going through his mind in the 70th minute when he did absolutely nothing to challenge Anelka who went on to pick a team mate who was luckily flagged for offside.
Sagna: 6,5 – Very strong in challenging Drogba in the first part of the game and went on to make some vital tackles and interceptions. Could have done better to prevent Ashley Cole from crossing in the first goal though.
Song: 6 – I believe his contribution when we had possession was very good, helping the forward line with some nice runs. I still believe, however, that he is to be more disciplined in his role and let the other, more creative midfielders, run the show.
Wilshere: 7,5 – Brilliant game. Was a bit anonymous in the second half but overall he was a beast in midfield, never shy to tackle or make his presence felt when required.
Diaby: 6,5 – I’m glad to see he recovered from last week’s poor performance. He was involved in many of our moves today as he looked sharp and up for it. As I always say though, he should be more adventurous in the final third, he is to believe more in himself.
Nasri: 6 – He may have seen plenty of the ball but never gave me the impression he could hurt Chelsea. Also guilty of not sticking with Ashley Cole who went on to assist Drogba for the first goal and a very poor pass in the later stages of the game which resulted in Laurent’s yellow.
Arshavin: 6,5 – Hot and cold from Andrey but I loved his contribution, especially in the first half. Unlike Samir, he did some damage to Chelsea especially when he was getting the ball, making his way past his marker and go for goal which is just what we need in the final third. Needs to do it for the whole 90 minutes though, that’s for sure.
Chamakh: 5,5 – I expected more from him but maybe that’s because of how everyone was saying how he can be our key to success today. I also believe he should stop going down so easily to win penalties as it could easily backfire in the long run.
(Subs)
Rosicky: 6 – Came off the bench to inject creativity to our midfield and I believe he made a significant impact.
Vela and J.E.T.: No Vote – Not enough time on the pitch to rate.
From thegunninghawk.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)