-
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Arsenal Season 2010/11
- Thread starter mollusk
- Start date
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Hat-trick hero Adebayor in line to face Arsenal
Hat-trick hero Adebayor in line to face Arsenal
Roberto Mancini admitted Emmanuel Adebayor has played himself into contention to face former club Arsenal with his Europa League hat-trick at Eastlands tonight.
By PA
Published: 11:29PM BST 21 Oct 2010
Two first-half goals, followed by a tap-in provided by David Silva's brilliant cross helped Adebayor seal his first Manchester City treble - and break his barren streak this term - as the Blues recorded a 3-1 win over Lech Poznan.
In defeating the Poles, City were putting themselves in line to reach the knock-out stages with a bit to spare. Of more importance, they were signalling their well-being ahead of an eagerly-anticipated encounter with the Gunners, in which Adebayor will be desperate to start.
"It is possible he could play against Arsenal," said Mancini. "For a striker it is important to play well and his performance was excellent. But it is very important for them to score. "Now he has a good chance to play against Arsenal."
Hat-trick hero Adebayor in line to face Arsenal
Roberto Mancini admitted Emmanuel Adebayor has played himself into contention to face former club Arsenal with his Europa League hat-trick at Eastlands tonight.
By PA
Published: 11:29PM BST 21 Oct 2010
Two first-half goals, followed by a tap-in provided by David Silva's brilliant cross helped Adebayor seal his first Manchester City treble - and break his barren streak this term - as the Blues recorded a 3-1 win over Lech Poznan.
In defeating the Poles, City were putting themselves in line to reach the knock-out stages with a bit to spare. Of more importance, they were signalling their well-being ahead of an eagerly-anticipated encounter with the Gunners, in which Adebayor will be desperate to start.
"It is possible he could play against Arsenal," said Mancini. "For a striker it is important to play well and his performance was excellent. But it is very important for them to score. "Now he has a good chance to play against Arsenal."
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Wenger confident of keeping Fabregas
Wenger confident of keeping Fabregas
Arsene Wenger sees no reason why captain Cesc Fabregas should not be at Arsenal for "many years".
By PA
Published: 2:29PM BST 21 Oct 2010
While Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson appears set to lose the services of disillusioned star striker Wayne Rooney sooner rather than later, Gunners boss Wenger intends to continue to fight tooth and nail to keep his talisman well past this season.
Fabregas, 23, was close to returning to his boyhood club Barcelona during the summer, only for Arsenal to stand firm as they rejected a £35million offer for the midfielder whom they have nurtured since he was 16. The issue of just whether Fabregas would remain part of the team was one of the questions raised by shareholders to the manager during Arsenal's annual general meeting at the Emirates Stadium today.
Wenger, though, insists there is no reason to believe the World Cup winner, under contract until 2015, would not continue to be the mainstay of his side for the foreseeable future. "I convinced him to stay at this club," the Arsenal boss said. "It is a natural case of a player who loves this club - and he loves Arsenal deeply, believe me. If he did not love it, he would have gone.
"You also have to remember that Barcelona has an attraction, because he grew up there, but I believe he wants to win with this club. For how long? You never know, but hopefully for many years. It is about our potential to win also, how well he can do. I am not pessimistic about him, and I am confident we will keep him for a few more years."
Wenger confident of keeping Fabregas
Arsene Wenger sees no reason why captain Cesc Fabregas should not be at Arsenal for "many years".
By PA
Published: 2:29PM BST 21 Oct 2010
While Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson appears set to lose the services of disillusioned star striker Wayne Rooney sooner rather than later, Gunners boss Wenger intends to continue to fight tooth and nail to keep his talisman well past this season.
Fabregas, 23, was close to returning to his boyhood club Barcelona during the summer, only for Arsenal to stand firm as they rejected a £35million offer for the midfielder whom they have nurtured since he was 16. The issue of just whether Fabregas would remain part of the team was one of the questions raised by shareholders to the manager during Arsenal's annual general meeting at the Emirates Stadium today.
Wenger, though, insists there is no reason to believe the World Cup winner, under contract until 2015, would not continue to be the mainstay of his side for the foreseeable future. "I convinced him to stay at this club," the Arsenal boss said. "It is a natural case of a player who loves this club - and he loves Arsenal deeply, believe me. If he did not love it, he would have gone.
"You also have to remember that Barcelona has an attraction, because he grew up there, but I believe he wants to win with this club. For how long? You never know, but hopefully for many years. It is about our potential to win also, how well he can do. I am not pessimistic about him, and I am confident we will keep him for a few more years."
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Arsenal close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Jack Wilshere
Arsenal close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere’s current deal expires in 2012 but talks are already under way between Arsenal and his representatives.
By Jeremy Wilson
Published: 11:00PM BST 29 Oct 2010
Boy wonder: Jack Wilshere has been in sparkling form for Arsenal so far this season Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Wilshere, a player who Arsène Wenger compared to both Liam Brady and Wayne Rooney, is set to sign a contract that will make him among the highest paid 18 year-olds in football history.
“We are confident that we will sign Jack very quickly,” said Wenger. “We hope that we can announce that soon. He has had a great start to the season. There is a touch of Brady about him.”
Wilshere will serve the final match of his suspension for the sending off against Birmingham and, like Rooney, Wenger said that he was someone who was just desperate to be playing. “They have the same confidence. Where you see that is in the big games. He wants the ball.” Wenger is also hoping that a new contract agreement will be reached with Wojciech Szczesny, who excelled in Arsenal's 4-0 Carling Cup win against Newcastle on Wednesday and is widely regarded as the club’s outstanding long-term goalkeeping prospect.
Indeed, with Lukasz Fabianski beginning to establish himself since Manuel Almunia’s injury, there is hope that the goalkeeping problem may just be= resolving itself. In the absence of Almunia, Wenger said that Fabianski was his ‘number one’ but admitted that it is a position he needs to settle. “You have to make a choice because you cannot play in goal and feel that every mistake you make, you are out,” said Wenger.
“Fabianski always felt that if he could get a run of games, then he could show how good he is. "He always felt it was only one game and he felt under pressure and now he is a bit more relaxed. The confidence problem is a very interesting subject in top-level sport. You feel it goes quickly and comes back slowly.”
Arsenal close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere’s current deal expires in 2012 but talks are already under way between Arsenal and his representatives.
By Jeremy Wilson
Published: 11:00PM BST 29 Oct 2010
Boy wonder: Jack Wilshere has been in sparkling form for Arsenal so far this season Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Wilshere, a player who Arsène Wenger compared to both Liam Brady and Wayne Rooney, is set to sign a contract that will make him among the highest paid 18 year-olds in football history.
“We are confident that we will sign Jack very quickly,” said Wenger. “We hope that we can announce that soon. He has had a great start to the season. There is a touch of Brady about him.”
Wilshere will serve the final match of his suspension for the sending off against Birmingham and, like Rooney, Wenger said that he was someone who was just desperate to be playing. “They have the same confidence. Where you see that is in the big games. He wants the ball.” Wenger is also hoping that a new contract agreement will be reached with Wojciech Szczesny, who excelled in Arsenal's 4-0 Carling Cup win against Newcastle on Wednesday and is widely regarded as the club’s outstanding long-term goalkeeping prospect.
Indeed, with Lukasz Fabianski beginning to establish himself since Manuel Almunia’s injury, there is hope that the goalkeeping problem may just be= resolving itself. In the absence of Almunia, Wenger said that Fabianski was his ‘number one’ but admitted that it is a position he needs to settle. “You have to make a choice because you cannot play in goal and feel that every mistake you make, you are out,” said Wenger.
“Fabianski always felt that if he could get a run of games, then he could show how good he is. "He always felt it was only one game and he felt under pressure and now he is a bit more relaxed. The confidence problem is a very interesting subject in top-level sport. You feel it goes quickly and comes back slowly.”
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Injured Fabregas out of Shakhtar match
Injured Fabregas out of Shakhtar match
2 November 2010
LONDON (AFP) - Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas has a hamstring injury and will miss Arsenal's Champions League match with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine on Wednesday, manager Arsene Wenger revealed. The Frenchman though believes that Fabregas will be available to play against Newcastle in Sunday's Premier League action.
"He has a good chance to play on Sunday but tomorrow night is too risky," Wenger said. "He has no real strain, just a bit of pain. I don't know what it's down to but we cannot take a gamble as he has had injuries before. There's still a bit of reluctance to push it 100 percent."
Wenger also has fitness concerns over three of his other midfielders, with Alex Song, Andrey Arshavin and Denilson all struggling. "Alex Song has a problem with his calf which we will assess today, he has a chance not to travel," Wenger said. "Arshavin has a problem and we might leave him at home and Denilson has a groin problem. "The one that is definitely out is Fabregas, the three others will be assessed later."
Injured Fabregas out of Shakhtar match
2 November 2010
Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, seen here in 2010, has a hamstring injury and will miss Arsenal´s Champions League match with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine on Wednesday, manager Arsene Wenger revealed.
"He has a good chance to play on Sunday but tomorrow night is too risky," Wenger said. "He has no real strain, just a bit of pain. I don't know what it's down to but we cannot take a gamble as he has had injuries before. There's still a bit of reluctance to push it 100 percent."
Wenger also has fitness concerns over three of his other midfielders, with Alex Song, Andrey Arshavin and Denilson all struggling. "Alex Song has a problem with his calf which we will assess today, he has a chance not to travel," Wenger said. "Arshavin has a problem and we might leave him at home and Denilson has a groin problem. "The one that is definitely out is Fabregas, the three others will be assessed later."
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Bert van Marwijk and Dick Advocaat attack 'moaning' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Bert van Marwijk and Dick Advocaat attack 'moaning' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
The coaches of the Dutch and Russian national sides have laid into Arsene Wenger after he called for Arsenal's Robin Van Persie and Andrei Arshavin to be left out of upcoming international fixtures.
By Telegraph staff
Published: 9:43AM GMT 05 Nov 2010
Always moaning: Arsene Wenger has attracted the scorn of international coaches Photo: AFP
Wenger had said that it would be "a scandal" if Van Persie were to be called up to international duty. The injury-prone striker has not played since injuring his ankle in August, but has recently resumed training. He missed most of last season after sustaining an ankle injury in Holland's friendly against Italy last November.
Despite Wenger's concerns, Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk included Van Persie in his 24-man squad for Holland's friendly against Turkey on Nov 17. He publicly rejected Wenger's concerns, saying "they don't mean anything." "I’ve spoken to Robin personally and he is doing well. He will rejoin training there so I had no hesitation picking him," he said.
Van Marjwick dismissed the idea that he was obliged to consult Wenger before making his decision. "Has there been any contact with the medical staff of Holland and Arsenal? I don’t know," he said. "I don’t care, because I spoke to Robin personally and I just made the selection and will wait for any comments to come." Russia's manager Dick Advocaat also had strong words for Wenger.
Asked whether he was concerned about Wenger's reaction to his decision to pick Arshavin for Russia's upcoming friendly against Belgium, he said: "He is always moaning about something." Advocaat bluntly suggested that the demands of national coaches will inevitably clash with the wishes of club sides. "Mr Wenger wants to become the champion of England; I want my team to qualify from the Euro 2012 group," he said. "We need to respect the interests of each other."
Bert van Marwijk and Dick Advocaat attack 'moaning' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
The coaches of the Dutch and Russian national sides have laid into Arsene Wenger after he called for Arsenal's Robin Van Persie and Andrei Arshavin to be left out of upcoming international fixtures.
By Telegraph staff
Published: 9:43AM GMT 05 Nov 2010
Always moaning: Arsene Wenger has attracted the scorn of international coaches Photo: AFP
Wenger had said that it would be "a scandal" if Van Persie were to be called up to international duty. The injury-prone striker has not played since injuring his ankle in August, but has recently resumed training. He missed most of last season after sustaining an ankle injury in Holland's friendly against Italy last November.
Despite Wenger's concerns, Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk included Van Persie in his 24-man squad for Holland's friendly against Turkey on Nov 17. He publicly rejected Wenger's concerns, saying "they don't mean anything." "I’ve spoken to Robin personally and he is doing well. He will rejoin training there so I had no hesitation picking him," he said.
Van Marjwick dismissed the idea that he was obliged to consult Wenger before making his decision. "Has there been any contact with the medical staff of Holland and Arsenal? I don’t know," he said. "I don’t care, because I spoke to Robin personally and I just made the selection and will wait for any comments to come." Russia's manager Dick Advocaat also had strong words for Wenger.
Asked whether he was concerned about Wenger's reaction to his decision to pick Arshavin for Russia's upcoming friendly against Belgium, he said: "He is always moaning about something." Advocaat bluntly suggested that the demands of national coaches will inevitably clash with the wishes of club sides. "Mr Wenger wants to become the champion of England; I want my team to qualify from the Euro 2012 group," he said. "We need to respect the interests of each other."
After 5 years, Wanker finally got his hands on a trophy!!
Ooh La La!!
Ooh La La!!
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Arsenal double blow as Thomas Vermaelen ruled out and Laurent Koscielny loses appeal
Arsenal suffered a double blow on Tuesday when Thomas Vermaelen endured yet another injury setback and Laurent Koscielny lost his appeal against his sending off.
Facing surgery: Thomas Vermaelen Photo: REUTERS
By Jeremy Wilson 7:30AM GMT 10 Nov 2010 Jeremy's Twitter
It leaves Arsene Wenger with only two available senior centre-backs in Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci for the difficult away games over the next five days, against Wolves on Wednesday and Everton on Sunday. Arsenal go into those matches off the back of consecutive defeats. Wenger also made the surprise admission that he may change the team's renowned passing style to include more long balls.
Of particular concern has been the recent home form, with West Bromwich, Birmingham, West Ham and Newcastle all frustrating Arsenal for long periods by defending deeply. Wenger is renowned for an unshakeable commitment to his football ideals but, in Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner, he know that he has forwards who can provide more variation.
"In the last four home games we have not absolutely made a demonstration of football," said Wenger. "We might find a way to play a bit more direct in some situations because everybody drops deep against us and as soon as you make a mistake it becomes even harder. "On Sunday [against Newcastle] we didn't create enough. We looked at some stage that we could play for a while without scoring a goal and that is of course a worry."
While it had been expected that Koscielny's appeal against his two-match ban would be dismissed on Tuesday, the news about Vermaelen increases fears that he may need surgery on his injured Achilles. When Vermaelen first suffered the injury while playing for Belgium at the beginning of September, it was hoped that he would fully recover within a week.
On Friday, Wenger said that Vermaelen would return within "days" but on Tuesday he delivered a far more worrying prognosis. "He had a little setback in training [on Monday] and he has to see specialists again. I don't know where we go with Thomas Vermaelen time-wise but at the moment he cannot play.
On the scan his Achilles is completely clear, but as soon as he stays out playing or training for a while, it tightens up and he has pain. We don't know the source of his pain." There is also concern that midfielder Abou Diaby may need an ankle operation, although he will have further tests over the next 48 hours to determine whether he needs to see another specialist.
On a more positive note, Wenger is confident that Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are both nearing full match fitness following respective hamstring and ankle injuries. "The injury has taken a lot out of Cesc mentally and I believe that the fact he came through well against Newcastle you will see a different player," said Wenger.
Although deeply frustrated by Arsenal's wasted opportunity against Newcastle on Sunday, Wenger remains confident that there will be further opportunities to close the five-point gap to Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
"The demands on the teams in Europe are very high and the level of the less prestigious teams in the Premier League has gone up so I believe everybody will drop points," said Wenger.
D
Dodomeki
Guest
D
Dodomeki
Guest
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Chamakh in a hurry as Arsenal down Wolves
Chamakh in a hurry as Arsenal down Wolves
11 November 2010
WOLVERHAMPTON (AFP) - Marouane Chamakh scored Arsenal's fastest ever Premier League goal and added a late second to maintain Arsene Wenger's hoodoo over Mick McCarthy. Chamakh's header after thirty-seven seconds and an injury time strike was enough to secure Arsenal's first win in three games and condemn Wolves to their fifth successive defeat against the Gunners.
But their victory ended in controversy after Cesc Fabregas somehow escaped a red card for a cynical lunge on Stephen Ward, who was stretchered off. Fabregas was only booked by referee Mark Halsey and had a bottle thrown at him as he left the field.
Back-to-back defeats against Shakhtar Donetsk and Newcastle had again raised question marks over Arsenal but this was a gritty performance from Wenger's troops to keep them in third place. And it was the much maligned Lukasz Fabianski who helped Arsenal to a crucial three points with a string of stunning saves.
Arsenal remain five points behind league leaders Chelsea while Wolves remain in the bottom three. After conceding a late goal against Manchester United in an agonising defeat at the weekend, Wolves were undone by a goal at the start of this match. Alex Song was given far too much time on the right to bend over a cross and Chamakh could not miss with a close-range header.
Arsenal could have been further ahead in the sixth minute when Andrey Arshavin was sent clear but his shot was saved by Marcus Hahnemann. Wolves finally carved out their first opportunity in the 27th minute when Stephen Hunt - who replaced the injured Dave Edwards - sent over a free kick that Kevin Doyle headed onto the roof of the net.
And Arsenal needed the much maligned Fabianski to claw away Matt Jarvis's deflected cross as it arced towards the corner. Poland international Fabianski had retained his place despite an error against Newcastle last weekend but appears to be backing up Wenger's theory that he is improving.
Wenger had insisted Arsenal fans would see the 'real' Fabregas as he steps up his recovery from a string of injuries. But the Fabregas of last season would have comfortably dispatched the gift-wrapped chance he was presented with in the 49th minute.
Richard Stearman's pass was cut out by Tomas Rosicky and he sent Fabregas clear with only Hahnemann to beat but he sliced his shot wide. Wolves almost made the Gunners pay the price for that miss -- but it was Fabianski again who denied Doyle with a stunning save.
And from the resultant corner Rosicky was in the right place to hack Stearman's shot off the line. But the game swung back and forth as Arshavin danced into the area and struck the post with a low drive. Then came Fabregas's moment of madness before Chamakh killed off the game with a late second.
Chamakh in a hurry as Arsenal down Wolves
11 November 2010
Arsenal´s French-Morrocan striker Marouane Chamakh (2nd L) scores the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton. Chamakh scored Arsenal?s fastest ever Premier League goal and added a late second to maintain Arsene Wenger's hoodoo over Mick McCarthy.
But their victory ended in controversy after Cesc Fabregas somehow escaped a red card for a cynical lunge on Stephen Ward, who was stretchered off. Fabregas was only booked by referee Mark Halsey and had a bottle thrown at him as he left the field.
Back-to-back defeats against Shakhtar Donetsk and Newcastle had again raised question marks over Arsenal but this was a gritty performance from Wenger's troops to keep them in third place. And it was the much maligned Lukasz Fabianski who helped Arsenal to a crucial three points with a string of stunning saves.
Arsenal remain five points behind league leaders Chelsea while Wolves remain in the bottom three. After conceding a late goal against Manchester United in an agonising defeat at the weekend, Wolves were undone by a goal at the start of this match. Alex Song was given far too much time on the right to bend over a cross and Chamakh could not miss with a close-range header.
Arsenal could have been further ahead in the sixth minute when Andrey Arshavin was sent clear but his shot was saved by Marcus Hahnemann. Wolves finally carved out their first opportunity in the 27th minute when Stephen Hunt - who replaced the injured Dave Edwards - sent over a free kick that Kevin Doyle headed onto the roof of the net.
And Arsenal needed the much maligned Fabianski to claw away Matt Jarvis's deflected cross as it arced towards the corner. Poland international Fabianski had retained his place despite an error against Newcastle last weekend but appears to be backing up Wenger's theory that he is improving.
Wenger had insisted Arsenal fans would see the 'real' Fabregas as he steps up his recovery from a string of injuries. But the Fabregas of last season would have comfortably dispatched the gift-wrapped chance he was presented with in the 49th minute.
Richard Stearman's pass was cut out by Tomas Rosicky and he sent Fabregas clear with only Hahnemann to beat but he sliced his shot wide. Wolves almost made the Gunners pay the price for that miss -- but it was Fabianski again who denied Doyle with a stunning save.
And from the resultant corner Rosicky was in the right place to hack Stearman's shot off the line. But the game swung back and forth as Arshavin danced into the area and struck the post with a low drive. Then came Fabregas's moment of madness before Chamakh killed off the game with a late second.
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Inconsistent Arsenal face Everton test
Inconsistent Arsenal face Everton test
14 November 2010
LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal's season is proving frustratingly -- if typically -- inconsistent and a victory at Everton would be the ideal way for Arsene Wenger's side to restate their title ambitions.
The meeting between the two sides comes seven days after Newcastle United stunned the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, inflicting a single goal victory that appeared to expose the home side's flaws. There is little doubt that Wenger's side is far from being the finished article. Yet away to Wolves this week, they produced the kind of gritty away performance that reminded their main rivals in the battle for the championship that they should never be ruled out.
So far the London club's campaign is following much the same pattern as last year when Arsenal repeatedly lost ground on Chelsea and Manchester United only to claw their way back into contention. Ultimately Wenger's team fell short last season, but should they win on Merseyside -- even the manager knows it would be asking too much to repeat last season's opening day 6-1 victory at Goodison Park -- they would undeniably be back in the race.
Their ability to sustain the challenge will be lifted by the return to full fitness of Robin van Persie. The striker is being eased back into action and will again be part of the Gunners squad while Wenger is hoping to strike a compromise arrangement with Holland manager Bert van Marwijk that will allow the forward to face Turkey next Wednesday.
"We will sit down with Robin and the Dutch manager to sort that out," said the Arsenal manager, who initially criticised van Persie's selection. "On one side this situation was completely surreal 10 or 12 days ago. Now he is still not completely there but if he can get 45 minutes and we can find an agreement on that it would be good for him to get some competition.
"We have to see how he gets through the weekend and after we will decide that." The dismissal of Laurent Koscielny against Newcastle, meanwhile, meant Arsenal have now collected four red cards in 12 league games this season and the manager accepts that record must change. "I can't deny we have a bad record, the only thing I can say is we will try to improve it," Wenger said.
"If you look at our record in the last four or five years we had always a good record and that has not changed because because we want to kick people. We will improve it. "It's a bit down to bad luck as well because if you look at the number of fouls we make it's not spectacular. But we have been punished severely and we can only look at ourselves and try to improve it."
Everton manager Moyes will obviously be doing all he can to upstage Wenger and maintain Everton's current seven-match unbeaten run but the Goodison Park boss is fluent in his praise for his opposite number. "It is nearly insulting to ask me my opinion of the job Arsene Wenger has done at Arsenal," he said.
"Arsene Wenger has been unbelievable for English football in general. I think he has been partly involved in changing the culture of our game. "Everybody has to admire the way he brings in young players and encourages them. He puts his faith in them and trusts them to play. I think he has done great things for English football and he deserves huge credit."
Inconsistent Arsenal face Everton test
14 November 2010
Arsenal´s season is proving frustratingly -- if typically -- inconsistent and a victory at Everton would be the ideal way for Arsene Wenger´s (pictured) side to restate their title ambitions.
The meeting between the two sides comes seven days after Newcastle United stunned the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, inflicting a single goal victory that appeared to expose the home side's flaws. There is little doubt that Wenger's side is far from being the finished article. Yet away to Wolves this week, they produced the kind of gritty away performance that reminded their main rivals in the battle for the championship that they should never be ruled out.
So far the London club's campaign is following much the same pattern as last year when Arsenal repeatedly lost ground on Chelsea and Manchester United only to claw their way back into contention. Ultimately Wenger's team fell short last season, but should they win on Merseyside -- even the manager knows it would be asking too much to repeat last season's opening day 6-1 victory at Goodison Park -- they would undeniably be back in the race.
Their ability to sustain the challenge will be lifted by the return to full fitness of Robin van Persie. The striker is being eased back into action and will again be part of the Gunners squad while Wenger is hoping to strike a compromise arrangement with Holland manager Bert van Marwijk that will allow the forward to face Turkey next Wednesday.
"We will sit down with Robin and the Dutch manager to sort that out," said the Arsenal manager, who initially criticised van Persie's selection. "On one side this situation was completely surreal 10 or 12 days ago. Now he is still not completely there but if he can get 45 minutes and we can find an agreement on that it would be good for him to get some competition.
"We have to see how he gets through the weekend and after we will decide that." The dismissal of Laurent Koscielny against Newcastle, meanwhile, meant Arsenal have now collected four red cards in 12 league games this season and the manager accepts that record must change. "I can't deny we have a bad record, the only thing I can say is we will try to improve it," Wenger said.
"If you look at our record in the last four or five years we had always a good record and that has not changed because because we want to kick people. We will improve it. "It's a bit down to bad luck as well because if you look at the number of fouls we make it's not spectacular. But we have been punished severely and we can only look at ourselves and try to improve it."
Everton manager Moyes will obviously be doing all he can to upstage Wenger and maintain Everton's current seven-match unbeaten run but the Goodison Park boss is fluent in his praise for his opposite number. "It is nearly insulting to ask me my opinion of the job Arsene Wenger has done at Arsenal," he said.
"Arsene Wenger has been unbelievable for English football in general. I think he has been partly involved in changing the culture of our game. "Everybody has to admire the way he brings in young players and encourages them. He puts his faith in them and trusts them to play. I think he has done great things for English football and he deserves huge credit."
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Arsenal go second as Sagna silences Everton
Arsenal go second as Sagna silences Everton
15 November 2010
Everton´s Australian defender Tim Cahill reacts after missing an opportunity against Arsenal during their English Premier League football match in Liverpool. Bacary Sagna scored his first goal in two years to help Arsenal claim second place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Everton.
LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AFP) - Bacary Sagna scored his first goal in two years to help Arsenal claim second place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday. French full back Sagna and captain Cesc Fabregas struck to put Arsenal in command before a last-minute Tim Cahill strike set up a tense finale.
Arsene Wenger's side held on and moved one point above Manchester United to keep the pressure on leaders Chelsea, who were set to host Sunderland later on Sunday. "We have had two hard-fought wins, built on spirit, desire and resilience," said Wenger, whose side also won at Wolves in mid-week. "There is a great spirit and resilience in the side and there is more to come from this team." With 11 goals in their previous three league visits to Goodison Park, Arsenal have clearly enjoyed this fixture.
Last season's 6-1 win on the opening day was as memorable for their flowing football as Everton's abject defending. Once again, Arsenal were incisive in their passing and swift in a series of counter-attacks that left the home side unable to cope at times. However, Everton had the first chance when Seamus Coleman charged forward down the right and floated over an inch-perfect cross for the unmarked Cahill. The Australian set himself up but looped his header disappointingly over the bar.
Arsenal looked increasingly dangerous and the opening goal came from an unlikely source in Sagna in the 36th minute. Samir Nasri forced Tim Howard into a good save to his left, but Andriy Arshavin was quickest to the loose ball and teed up Sagna, who smashed a powerful shot into the corner from a tight angle. It was only his second goal for the club and first since netting at Chelsea in March 2008. Everton almost levelled on the stroke of half-time thanks to the unconvincing Lukasz Fabianski.
The Polish goalkeeper completely missed a corner from Mikel Arteta to the back post and Louis Saha rose to head towards the net, but the ball fortunately struck Fabianski.
It was a moment of frustration for the home side and they suffered a decisive setback just three minutes into the second half when Arsenal scored a crucial second. Denilson broke forward and found Fabregas, who exchanged passes with Marouane Chamakh and then thrashed the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Everton launched an immediate response and were unlucky when Saha broke clear on goal, but was brought crashing down by a sliding challenge from Sebastien Squillaci. Coleman carried on and slotted the ball into the net, but play was brought back for the foul. The Arsenal defender was the last man, although Gael Clichy was covering, but referee Howard Webb gave him a yellow card instead of red.
Leighton Baines took the free kick from 20 yards, but curled it straight into the arms of Fabianski. As Everton pushed forward and Arsenal broke quickly, a third goal looked inevitable. Nasri was denied by a brave block from Howard and then a stretching Chamakh steered a shot over from a couple of yards from a low Fabregas cross. Everton staged a late rally and Jack Rodwell blazed over when well-placed to meet a pass from Steven Pienaar.
Striker Jermaine Beckford came off the bench and forced Fabianski into a full-length save to his left before the Arsenal keeper then denied Saha and Pienaar. Everton's efforts were rewarded a minute before time. Arteta swung over a corner to the back post, which Saha headed back across for the lurking Cahill to pounce for his sixth goal of the campaign. But it proved to be just a consolation as his side suffered their first defeat in nine games.
Arsenal go second as Sagna silences Everton
15 November 2010
Everton´s Australian defender Tim Cahill reacts after missing an opportunity against Arsenal during their English Premier League football match in Liverpool. Bacary Sagna scored his first goal in two years to help Arsenal claim second place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Everton.
Arsene Wenger's side held on and moved one point above Manchester United to keep the pressure on leaders Chelsea, who were set to host Sunderland later on Sunday. "We have had two hard-fought wins, built on spirit, desire and resilience," said Wenger, whose side also won at Wolves in mid-week. "There is a great spirit and resilience in the side and there is more to come from this team." With 11 goals in their previous three league visits to Goodison Park, Arsenal have clearly enjoyed this fixture.
Last season's 6-1 win on the opening day was as memorable for their flowing football as Everton's abject defending. Once again, Arsenal were incisive in their passing and swift in a series of counter-attacks that left the home side unable to cope at times. However, Everton had the first chance when Seamus Coleman charged forward down the right and floated over an inch-perfect cross for the unmarked Cahill. The Australian set himself up but looped his header disappointingly over the bar.
Arsenal looked increasingly dangerous and the opening goal came from an unlikely source in Sagna in the 36th minute. Samir Nasri forced Tim Howard into a good save to his left, but Andriy Arshavin was quickest to the loose ball and teed up Sagna, who smashed a powerful shot into the corner from a tight angle. It was only his second goal for the club and first since netting at Chelsea in March 2008. Everton almost levelled on the stroke of half-time thanks to the unconvincing Lukasz Fabianski.
The Polish goalkeeper completely missed a corner from Mikel Arteta to the back post and Louis Saha rose to head towards the net, but the ball fortunately struck Fabianski.
It was a moment of frustration for the home side and they suffered a decisive setback just three minutes into the second half when Arsenal scored a crucial second. Denilson broke forward and found Fabregas, who exchanged passes with Marouane Chamakh and then thrashed the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Everton launched an immediate response and were unlucky when Saha broke clear on goal, but was brought crashing down by a sliding challenge from Sebastien Squillaci. Coleman carried on and slotted the ball into the net, but play was brought back for the foul. The Arsenal defender was the last man, although Gael Clichy was covering, but referee Howard Webb gave him a yellow card instead of red.
Leighton Baines took the free kick from 20 yards, but curled it straight into the arms of Fabianski. As Everton pushed forward and Arsenal broke quickly, a third goal looked inevitable. Nasri was denied by a brave block from Howard and then a stretching Chamakh steered a shot over from a couple of yards from a low Fabregas cross. Everton staged a late rally and Jack Rodwell blazed over when well-placed to meet a pass from Steven Pienaar.
Striker Jermaine Beckford came off the bench and forced Fabianski into a full-length save to his left before the Arsenal keeper then denied Saha and Pienaar. Everton's efforts were rewarded a minute before time. Arteta swung over a corner to the back post, which Saha headed back across for the lurking Cahill to pounce for his sixth goal of the campaign. But it proved to be just a consolation as his side suffered their first defeat in nine games.
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Nicklas Bendtner fails to make Arsène Wenger's 'strongest ever' Arsenal squad
Nicklas Bendtner will be omitted from an Arsenal squad against Tottenham today that Arsène Wenger rates as the strongest he has had during his 14 years as manager.
Arm's length: Wenger is unlikely to have appreciated a Bendtner outburst last week Photo: GETTY
By Jeremy Wilson 11:00PM GMT 19 Nov 2010
Ostensibly, Bendtner’s absence against Everton last week and Tottenham Hotspur is because he has not recovered full fitness following his long-term groin injury. However, there was no denial from Wenger to the suggestion that Bendtner was being dropped as punishment for venting his frustration at not playing more regularly.
In an outspoken interview in Denmark last week, Bendtner said that he would look for a new club if he was not in Arsenal’s starting line-up. The 22 year-old did also miss the international friendly on Wednesday due to his groin problem, but has been training at Arsenal and will play against Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“I’ve not a lot more to add,” said Wenger. “I believe that he will not be involved but he will play on Tuesday. I rotate the squad. "Sometimes, for the players I want to get into the squad for the next game, I decide that it’s better they practise rather than sitting on the bench doing nothing, especially when they’re coming back from injuries.”
The size and depth of this Arsenal squad is certainly allowing Wenger to be more selective and yesterday he even described it as superior to the options he had during the ‘Invincible’ season of 2003-4. That quality has been underlined in recent matches by the substitutes’ bench, with Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin all spending time out of the starting XI.
Asked if this was his strongest Arsenal squad, Wenger said: “Certainly. When everyone is fit it will be difficult to keep everyone happy. "I have to leave players out of the squad that deserve to be in there. If you look at players who are not in there today, plus [Abou] Diaby and [Thomas] Vermaelen, we have too big a squad.”
Wenger also acknowledged that Tottenham were better than at any time since he arrived in English football in 1996. “It is the first time they have finished in the top four since I was here, so it means their achievement was better,” he said. Jack Wilshere came through a fitness test and will be available to start in Arsenal’s midfield today even though he received a caution yesterday for common assault following a street brawl.
The 18-year-old England midfielder was arrested and bailed following the incident in Kensington High Street, London, in the early hours of August 29.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “An 18-year-old male has attended a west London police station where he received a caution for common assault.”
Wilshere’s spokesman insisted that the player’s involvement in the brawl, which left two people needing hospital treatment, was that of a peacemaker. Wenger also confirmed that he was poised to complete the signing of 17-year-old Japanese midfielder Ryo Miyaichi. “It’s very important that Asia is represented at our club,” he said.
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Arsenal 2 Tottenham 3 - Tottenham fire back to beat Arsenal
Rafael Van der Vaart
Football News Staff - 20 Nov 2010
Tottenham came from two goals down to stun North London rivals Arsenal, 3-2, at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners, who could have gone top for a couple of hours at least, got off to a flying start when Samir Nasri raced on to a Cesc Fabregas ball and, despite a poor first touch, was able to round Heurelho Gomes and slot the ball home from the tightest of angle on nine minutes.
Arsenal doubled their advantage on 27 minutes when Fabregas played the ball out wide for Andrey Arshavin and his cross was diverted home by in-form forward Marouane Chamakh.
Spurs tried to respond immediately to going two down but Lukasz Fabianski was equal to Luka Modric’s effort on goal, and the Gunners should have made it three on the stroke of half time only for Chamakh’s hesitancy to let Kaboul clear the danger.
Bale fired Spurs back into the game five minutes after the restart when Rafael Van der Vaart played in the Welshman and he made no mistake.
Modric was just off target with a powerful strike as Tottenham looked for the equaliser, while Arsenal also had their chances but Sebastien Squillaci headed over before Chamakh again waited too long to take his chance.
And the hosts were punished when Van der Vaart struck from the penalty spot after Fabregas handed a free-kick delivered into the box.
An offside flag ruled out a Squillaci effort as Arsenal thought they had gone back in front, and Gomes then produced a fine diving save to push a Fabregas shot round the post.
Laurent Koscielny then wasted a glorious chance to restore the Gunners’ lead, and Spurs snatched the three points when Bale was needlessly brought down and Van der Vaart whipped in a dangerous free-kick that was glanced home by Kaboul with five minutes remaining.
Be patient!!
Wanker IS BUILDING A TEAM FOR THE FUTURE!!
Wait for another 5 or 50 years
Whahahah!!
<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4gaICf6cxZo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4gaICf6cxZo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>
D
Dodomeki
Guest
Braga concerns for Cesc
Braga concerns for Cesc
22 November 2010
(GSM) - Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has warned his team-mates against complacency ahead of the Gunners' trip to Sporting Braga on Tuesday. The North London side brushed aside the Portuguese side with a 6-0 win at home as they went on to win their opening three games in their UEFA Champions League group. However, last time out they went down 2-1 at Shakhtar Donetsk and the Spanish ace insists Arsenal need to make sure they do not under-estimate Braga.
"We have two games left in the group, both difficult, especially the one away to Braga - but we will try to win the group," said Fabregas. "We will do our best and if we play the football we know, focus 100 per cent and don't treat the opponents softly, then I am sure we can win the group." Fabrgeas says Braga will be a different proposition playing in Portugal.
"Playing in their own stadium, in front of their own fans, we knew Shakhtar would be a different team to the one we faced at the Emirates last month, and to be fair to them, I thought they played well," he continued. "But it was down to us, it was our fault, we let them back into the game. "We had to retain possession better and control the game, but we didn't and in the end, we paid for that. "The manager said the same after the game - once we were ahead, we took the game too easily.
"We had just scored five against them, we are top of the group and maybe we were thinking that a draw would be a good result. "But in football, you can never be complacent, you can never switch off, otherwise you will pay for it, whoever you play against." Arsenal, who lead their Champions League Group H thanks to superior goal difference, will assure themselves of a place in the Round of 16 if second placed Shakhtar lose at point-less Partizan.
Braga concerns for Cesc
22 November 2010
Wary: Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, seen here, has warned his team-mates against complacency ahead of the Gunners' trip to Sporting Braga on Tuesday.
"We have two games left in the group, both difficult, especially the one away to Braga - but we will try to win the group," said Fabregas. "We will do our best and if we play the football we know, focus 100 per cent and don't treat the opponents softly, then I am sure we can win the group." Fabrgeas says Braga will be a different proposition playing in Portugal.
"Playing in their own stadium, in front of their own fans, we knew Shakhtar would be a different team to the one we faced at the Emirates last month, and to be fair to them, I thought they played well," he continued. "But it was down to us, it was our fault, we let them back into the game. "We had to retain possession better and control the game, but we didn't and in the end, we paid for that. "The manager said the same after the game - once we were ahead, we took the game too easily.
"We had just scored five against them, we are top of the group and maybe we were thinking that a draw would be a good result. "But in football, you can never be complacent, you can never switch off, otherwise you will pay for it, whoever you play against." Arsenal, who lead their Champions League Group H thanks to superior goal difference, will assure themselves of a place in the Round of 16 if second placed Shakhtar lose at point-less Partizan.
Similar threads
