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Wenger - Fabregas is now better than ever


Is Cesc Fabregas as good as Cristiano Ronaldo? As good as Lionel Messi? Is Arsenal's captain now the best player in the world?

Who cares? While those debates rage across the football world, Arsène Wenger is only concerned about one thing - that Fabregas keeps improving.

And according to the Arsenal manager, that's exactly what is happening. The Spanish midfielder scored twice against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday to join Robin Van Persie at the top of Arsenal's scoring charts with eight goals and has just been crowned PFA Player of the Month.

Wenger always knew Fabregas was a class act. Now the Frenchman thinks his captain is better than ever.

"I am not too keen on these comparisons [with Ronaldo and Messi] because Cesc is a midfielder," said Wenger.

"I believe he is one of the best of course and all the rest we leave to the media.

"What is good for me is that he has improved defensively and offensively.

"What is good as well is that he is 22 years old so there is a lot more to come from him. If he keeps the same attitude a lot more will come from him."

Quelle: arsenal.com

Wenger - Arsenal's style suits Van Persie


Arsène Wenger believes Robin Van Persie's excellent form has come on the back of the Dutchman settling into Arsenal's style of play.

Van Persie has looked lethal in front of goal recently with seven goals in his last eight games for the Gunners, helping to steer the Club to third in the Premier League and to the brink of the Champions League Knockout Stage.

Earlier this week AZ Alkmaar coach Ronald Koeman hailed the striker as the greatest Dutch footballer around and Wenger thinks he knows why the 26-year-old has been playing so well this season.

"It is because he knows how we play," said Wenger, who likened Van Persie to Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

"The team has played together for four or five years now and everybody knows the movement of each other.

"Van Persie has adapted to our style and is suited to it, like Drogba is suited to the Chelsea style."

Quelle: arsenal.com

Injury News



Carlos Vela
November 5
Carlos Vela missed the Carling Cup clash with Liverpool due to a knee injury and did not feature in the North London derby either. According to Arsène Wenger the striker will also miss the Wolves game. "It seems a bit short for Carlos Vela," he told Arsenal TV Online.


Theo Walcott
November 5
Theo has been sidelined by a knee injury and is expected to return to training after the international break. "He will be back in training the week after the international break," said Wenger ahead of the Wolves game.


Denilson
November 5
Denilson is expected to return to training in around two weeks time. The Brazilian midfielder's last appearance in an Arsenal shirt came at Eastlands back on September 12. He was substituted eight minutes after half-time and has not been seen since. Speaking ahead of the game with Wolves, Arsène Wenger revealed Denilson will soon return to training. "Denilson will be back in training during the second week of the international break."


Armand Traore
November 5
Armand Traore has returned to training but is unlikely to be available for the Wolves game. . "It seems a bit short for Armand Traore," said Wenger.


Gael Clichy
November 3
Gael Clichy has suffered a back injury and could be out for a few weeks. "We have lost Gael Clichy with a back injury which was not expected," confirmed Wenger ahead of the Alkmaar match. "It looks like he could be out for a while. We fear a stress fracture but we will know more of that tonight. But if that is the case, he will be out for a few weeks."


Lukasz Fabianski
November 2
Lukasz sustained an injury during the 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Liverpool. "We lost Lukasz Fabianski with a thigh injury," Arsène Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on October 29. "He will be out for three to four weeks. Of course it is big disappointment because he has just come back from injury."


Jack Wilshere
November 2
Jack Wilshere has picked up an ankle injury and has missed the last three games. "Jack had a knock on his ankle and will be out unfortunately," said Wenger


Nicklas Bendtner
November 3
Nicklas limped off during the first half of the North London derby on Saturday. "Bendtner is quite seriously injured... we still do not know yet but we suspect four weeks," said Wenger ahead of the Alkmaar game.


Johan Djourou
November 2
Johan suffered a knee injury while on international duty in August and faces a lenghty lay-off. “Johan is six to eight months,” Wenger said. “He had big surgery, and it is a big blow for him and the Club. He will have to be patient this season.”

Quelle: arsenal.com

Wolverhampton 1-4 Arsenal

Barclays Premier League, Molineux Stadium

Saturday, November 07, 2009, 17:30



* Craddock 88

* Zubar 28 (og),
* Craddock 35 (og),
* Fabregas 45,
* Arshavin 65


Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 13 games with a sublime 4-1 win at Molineux on Saturday.

Although Wolves put Arsène Wenger’s side under pressure in the opening 20 minutes, the hosts shot themselves in the foot in twice around the half-hour.

First Ronald Zubar scuffed Cesc Fabregas’ corner into his own net from close range then Jody Craddock nodded Eduardo’s chip past his own keeper.

Fabregas scored a wonderfully-worked third on the stroke of half-time to seal the points and, just to make sure, Andrey Arshavin rifled home a fourth midway through the second period. Craddock’s consolation header meant little.

This was the best message Arsenal could send out to Manchester United and Chelsea before they meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The three points pushed Wenger’s men up to second in the table, albeit temporarily, and their four goals made it 25 in their last eight League and Cup games.

Whoever triumphs in West London on Sunday, they will realise he side from the north of the capital are looking like real title contenders.

Wenger made three changes from the side that had swept aside AZ Alkmaar in midweek. The headline alteration saw Aaron Ramsey replace Alex Song in front of the back four. Samir Nasri dropped out for Eduardo while Bacary Sagna slotted in at right back in place of Emmanuel Eboue.

Molineux is a lovely arena, steeped in football heritage and the Wolves’ fans know how to create a pre-match atmosphere.

Their team responded in the opening stages.

Manager Mick McCarthy had promised his side would attack Arsenal and they were as good as his word. But although they poured forward persistantly, there was little cutting edge. In fact the closest they came in the first half was from a couple of left-wing corners delivered by Nenad Milijas.

The first saw Kevin Doyle flick a header towards the far post and Kieran Gibbs cleared off the line. Then, in the 10th minute, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake nodded wide just wide but, in fairness, Fabregas seemed to have the effort covered at the far post.

Eduardo had claims for a penalty when he back-heeled the ball through the legs of Zubar and was clipped as he tried to go past. However referee Steve Bennett was disinterested.

At this stage, Arsenal were yet to click into gear. In fact it took the introduction of Song midway through the half to properly jolt them into life.

Diaby hobbled off and the Cameroonian came on in his usual position. This released Ramsey further forward and the change helped Arsenal.

However the alteration had little to do with the opener. That was a self-inflicted wound from Wolves.

Craddock nodded a Fabregas free-kick ball behind his own goal, the Spaniard sent over the corner and Zubar nudged the ball into his own net. The Arsenal players ran to Eduardo, who had put the Wolves defender under pressure but the Croatian dismissed any congratulations. Replays proved he had not got a touch.

The strike was unlucky on Wolves given the balance of play but their defending had been woeful.

Seven minutes later it was 2-0. Ramsey and Eduardo raced clear with only Craddock as cover. The Welshman fed the Croatian, who tried to return the favour. However the ball flicked off the defender and flew over keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Yet again, while the execution of the goal had been fortunate, the Wolves backline had been highly culpable.

Understandably the home side were now thinking this was just not going to be their day. And Arsenal profited from their despondency.

On the whistle, Sagna clipped the ball to Van Persie who displayed the deftest of touches to set up Fabregas to fire home at the near post.

At the break, Arsenal had the points in the bag.

The second half was a listless affair. The visitors saw no need to extend themselves much further and Wolves now lacked the confidence to go on the offensive.

In the 66th minute Arshavin, who had been quiet, darted inside his marker and fired in a shot that tested Hennessey to the full. When the corner came across, the keeper could only slap the ball out to the Russian. He thumped a low shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the area.

Wenger withdrew Eduardo and Arshavin for Tomas Rosicky and Nasri.

By now Arsenal were almost playing exhibition football. For example with 16 minutes left, Fabregas hacked horribly over the bar from Van Persie’s cutback. However the Spaniard’s reaction was a smile not a grimace.

Van Persie and Rosicky also wasted decent chances in the close stages as Arsenal tried to play out time. Wolves did grab some consolation a minute from time when Craddock headed home a corner from Matthew Jarvis.

It was a shame Arsenal could not keep a clean sheet however that was the most minor of blots on an ultra-efficient performance.

Quelle: arsenal.com

'Our game in hand puts us in strong position'


On being up 3-0 at half-time…
“We had chances, we had been under pressure in the first 10-15 minutes and after that I felt we controlled the game. Overall we could have scored many more. We know that on every counter-attack we looked dangerous and as soon as we could win the second ball and put it on the ground, we looked always capable to play through their lines and score goals. I feel that where we were maybe a bit surprising when we came here we expected to suffer on set-pieces, to not necessarily to score on set pieces, and that’s what happened on the first corner. Apart from that, we controlled the game."

On Wolves chances on set-pieces…
“It’s very difficult to predict what would have happened, but overall, I still feel that we scored three against Tottenham, four against Alkmaar, four today. That means we scored 36 goals now in the League. That is not a coincidence. That means we can score goals. Of course, if they had scored first it would have been much more difficult.”

On Arsenal’s defence…
“We have a style where everyone goes forward. You cannot have everything in football, but I believe we have a good balance between offense and defence, and as long as we score as many goals as we do, we can accept that.”

On why Alex Song did not start…
“I wanted to rest him.”

On Aaron Ramsey playing 90 minutes in his second Premier League start…
“He’s 18 years old and people forget. I set him a target to play between 15 and 20 games this year. So at some stage when you set a boy a target you give him a chance. When we play every three days, I rotated it a little bit because I believe we have a real squad of 20 field players who are of a fantastic level and you can talk and talk and talk, but you have to do it on the pitch as well and give them a chance. He has improved a lot. He has a tremendous engine and he already has good experience for an 18-year-old player.”

On the squad’s desire to win…
“The desire is there. We want to strengthen our belief, but I think the most important factor is that we play for each other as we do, we focus on our performance, and that we continue to develop our style of play. To play at a high pace, our collective game.”

On being out of the title race early last year…
“We were already out of it last year. Two years ago, we were very close to winning it, and people forget that. And last year we were out very early because in 14 games we had lost five. Now it is very different. We are in a strong position because we have a game in hand. Let’s keep strength in our belief, keep humility, and enjoy our game.”

On tomorrow’s Chelsea-Manchester United match…
“It will be very interesting, yes. A draw is fantastic for us. But the most important thing is that it is a good game, it is too early to calculate too much. Is it good or bad to win? Let’s hope it is a good game and enjoy it. You enjoy it always when you have won your game!”

On the teams in the title race…
“I wouldn’t discount Liverpool at the moment. The problem we had last year, the others had not lost two. Now everybody has lost two, so the difference with Liverpool is not as big.”

Quelle: arsenal.com

Bendtner in Dänemark zum Spieler des Jahres gewählt

Arsenal-Stürmer Nicklas Bendtner ist in seiner Heimat Dänemark von den Fans zum Fußballer des Jahres 2009 gewählt worden. Der 21-Jährige hatte mit seinen Toren maßgeblichen Anteil an der Qualifikation für die WM 2010 in Südafrika. Sein Treffer beim 1:1 gegen Portugal im September wurde zum Tor des Jahres erkoren.

Zum Trainer des Jahres wurde Teamchef Morten Olsen gekürt. Dazu fand der 2003 zurückgetretene Peter Schmeichel (1992 Europameister, sowohl 1992 als auch 1993 Welttorhüter und 1999 Champions-League-Sieger) als sechster Spieler Aufnahme in die Ruhmeshalle des dänischen Fußballs.

sport.orf.at

Wenger - Injuries explain our November record


Arsène Wenger is hoping that November will be kind to his Arsenal side this season.

At the start of the month, the Frenchman argued that this was one of the most important and yet frustrating times of the campaign.

Our table below shows how Arsenal have fared in November during Wenger's tenure in North London. It has been mixed to say the least. Thankfully this month has begun with a pair of 4-1 wins - over AZ Alkmaar and Wolves. Following the latter game, and despite their good form of late, the 60-year-old spelled out the need to stay focussed.

"Traditionally November has not been a good month for us," said Wenger. "But I explain that by the fact we had more injuries, it is the first period when they kick in.

"It depends on the fixtures too - you can have two or three difficult games in November. You have decisive games in the Champions League and the players go on international duty.

"Now we have that break and all the players fly away so let's hope they all fly back in good shape. After that we go to Sunderland and that is always a difficult place to go."

arsenal.com

'We'll stick to our policy against Man City'



Arsène Wenger says he will be "faithful to his policy" in the Carling Cup Quarter-Final clash with Manchester City even though Mark Hughes says he'll put out a full-strength side.

After beating West Brom and Liverpool in the previous rounds, the Gunners will travel to Manchester on December 2.

Wenger has employed a policy of giving Arsenal's youngsters a chance to shine in the Carling Cup over recent seasons and confirmed that isn't set to change regardless of the team fielded by City.

"[It will be] Interesting, exciting and a good test," he told Arsenal TV Online.

"We will be faithful to our policy and of course put a team out who has a good chance to win the game."

The Frenchman also expressed his view that any side capable of winning a tie should be considered a ‘full side'.

"If you call a full side 11 top players, then we will play a full side," he said. "For me a full side means a team who has a chance to win any game."

Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Burnley at this stage of the competition last season and will be hoping to go one better when they return to the North-West in the Carling Cup next month.

arsenal.com

Injured Van Persie ruled out for six weeks



Robin Van Persie was stretchered off during Holland's international friendly with Italy in Pescara on Saturday.

The Arsenal striker suffered ankle ligament damage after 10 minutes of the match when he landed awkwardly on his right ankle following a challenge from Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Following the care given to Van Persie by the Dutch FA, he will travel back to London this week and continue his treatment with the Arsenal medical team at London Colney.

Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks.

We wish Robin a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him playing again soon.

arsenal.com

Das ist natürlich sehr bitter, Robin befabd sich in absoluter Höchstform...

Kieran Gibbs injury update


After being assessed by the Arsenal medical staff, the Club can confirm that Kieran Gibbs has sustained severe bruising to the bones and soft tissue of his right foot. Thankfully the foot is not fractured and his enforced absence will be short term.

Eduardo signs new long-term contract


Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.

Eduardo (26), who joined the Gunners from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in July 2007, made an impressive start for Arsenal, scoring 12 goals from 22 First Team starts in his debut season with the Club.

The Croatian striker was also prolific during his early career with Dinamo Zagreb, where he netted 73 times in 111 appearances. This fine goal scoring form has been replicated at International level, where he has now scored 18 goals from his 28 international appearances, including a brace in Croatia's 5-0 friendly win over Liechtenstein at the weekend.

Since joining Arsenal, Eduardo (full name Eduardo Alves da Silva) has now made 48 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 18 goals and also showing huge courage and bravery to recover from a serious leg and ankle injury, which ruled him out of action for almost a year.

Eduardo overcame this adversity with great attitude and commitment, eventually returning to action by scoring two goals in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Cardiff City in February, completing a long journey to recovery for the striker.

Arsène Wenger said: "We're delighted that Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with us. Eduardo is a special player with huge talent and natural goal scoring ability, and we're all so happy that he has committed his future to Arsenal Football Club.

"We have also seen in his come back from injury, Eduardo is a human being full of courage, bravery and commitment. His full recovery from this injury is a testament to Eduardo's character. We all look forward to enjoying Eduardo's performances in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come."

Eduardo said: "I am very pleased to have signed a new long contract with the Club. I'm very happy and I hope to stay at Arsenal for as long as I can. This period is good for me now. I feel strong in my body and I feel ready to play 90 minutes every three days if it's needed.

"I went to Croatia last week and everybody was telling me Arsenal play the best football in Europe at the moment. I agree with that. We feel we are strong now this season and we're all going to give everything to win trophies."

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is looking forward to Eduardo's continued contribution in the forthcoming years.

arsenal.com

Wenger - My relief over Van Persie and Gibbs



Arsène Wenger admits he was “relieved” when the full extent of the injuries to Robin Van Persie and Kieran Gibbs was revealed.

Both collected knocks during international duty, the Dutchman on his ankle, the Englishman on his foot. It was deeply disappointing news but, in comparison to initial reports, the extent of the problems is relatively short-term.

“We knew that when Robin came out with this injury, that he would be out for a long time,” Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. “But frankly I feared it would be more because the first news was very, very bad. So it was a relief that he would be out for six weeks.

“Of course it is a disappointment and something we did not want but I feel we have enough strength to compensate for his absence for a while. It will also allow him to be fresh for when he comes back.

“[As for Kieran], our medical staff called me saying he was in hospital in Lithuania with a suspected broken metatarsal. Later on it was much better news. He will still be out for Sunderland but maybe we could have him back for Standard Liege on Tuesday.”

Wenger confident of Rosicky and Gallas deals


Arsène Wenger hopes that Tomas Rosicky and William Gallas will sign new contracts soon.

The duo, who both arrived in the summer of 2006, see their current deals run out this next year. At 29 and 31 respectively, Rosicky and Gallas are two of the most experienced players in a young squad. Understandably, Wenger would like to retain their services.

“We are talking at the moment and I am optimistic of finding a solution for both of them,” said the manager.

arsenal.com

'Vela's the reason Adebayor wasn't replaced'



Carlos Vela’s time has come.

Injuries to Nicklas Bendtner and Robin Van Persie have presented the Mexican with a chance to stake a real claim a first-team spot over the next month or so. In the meantime, the 20-year-old will be talking to Arsène Wenger about a new deal at Arsenal.

Vela has shown immense potential since joining from Guadalajara in 2008 and Wenger likens him to former Liverpool poacher Robbie Fowler. Even though top-flight chances have been limited, the manager clearly values the youngster.

“We are extending his contract at the moment,” said the Frenchman. “We are in a situation where we get these players in at 15 or16 and work very hard for five years with them. After that we do not want to give them away.

“At the moment we have very good young players but the players in front of them are young as well, so it is a bit harder for this generation than it was for the generation of Denilson and Fabregas.

“Vela is a fantastic talent and he is 20-years-old. We have invested a lot of time for him because we put him in Spain for two years, got him back and now we work with him every day.

“I believe he is a Robbie Fowler-type. He needs very little time to make a decision in the box. He is relaxed when he finishes and he has very short backlift. He is aswell left-footed and he is a similar size.”

However perhaps the most telling praise was Wenger’s final word on the matter.

He was asked whether Vela’s talent was the single reason he decided not to replace Emmanuel Adebayor in summer.

The manager replied: “Yes.”

arsenal.com

Chamakh chase unlikely to resume in January



Arsène Wenger is unlikely to revive his interest in Marouane Chamakh during the January window.

The Arsenal manager was closely monitoring the Bordeaux striker in the summer and, in the wake of the medium-term injury to Robin Van Persie, it was suggested he may launch another bid for the talented 25-year-old in the New Year.

The Moroccan international is in the final few months of his contract with the French champions. Therefore, by January, his value will be dropping rapidly and he will be able to sign a pre-contract with another club. However, Wenger argues that because they are performing so well in the Champions League, it still makes financial sense for Bordeaux to retain his services.

“At the moment I am inclined to say no [about going back for him] because I feel we have enough quality,” said the Frenchman before the weekend. “Also I want to give a chance to Carlos Vela who comes back from injury and has great performances in training.

“Bordeaux are very reluctant [to sell]. The player will be free to sign where he wants but they will not get a lot of money for three months more [on this contract].

“No [I have not enquired about him]. They are reluctant because I cannot see how they can get a player of the same quality and it will be stupid for them to sell him if they are qualified in the Champions League to make, what, £1 million Euros? They can make three times that if they have a good run in the Champions League.”

arsenal.com

Fabregas - We must beat Chelsea on Sunday



Cesc Fabregas has described Sunday's encounter with Chelsea as a game Arsenal "have to win".

The captain is currently preparing for Tuesday night's Champions League fixture with Standard Liege but, once that is out of the way, the countdown will begin to arguably the biggest game of the season so far.

Arsenal's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Saturday - and Chelsea's 4-0 win over Wolves - left Arsène Wenger's team in third place, eight points behind the Blues with a game in hand.

Defeat at Emirates Stadium next weekend would leave Fabregas and co with an uphill task in the title race and the Spanish midfielder is under no illusions about the magnitude of their next London derby.

"The Chelsea game is vital," said Fabregas. "We have to win and we are ready for it.

"Chelsea are a great team, one of the best in Europe. They are very strong. They have been playing together a long time, you can see that on the pitch.

"I respect them a lot because they are a great team with great players but I know what we can do and if we play well and we are at our best we can beat them and with a game in hand we can still be there.

"First of all we think about tomorrow [against Standard Liege] and then Chelsea but it's an important week for us definitely."

arsenal.com

Fabregas - We must bounce back against Liege


Cesc Fabregas says it is important for Arsenal to pick themselves up after defeat at Sunderland, starting with a win over Standard Liege.

The Spaniard believes the team started well at the Stadium of Light but accepts it is always difficult to win away from home after an international break.

"We started to play very well in the first half. We had some chances but we didn't take them as we should have done," he said.

"It is always difficult to play away from home when you come back from an international break with so many hours of travelling.

"We have to pick ourselves up and show that we are a good team and we are all together and that starts from tomorrow with a good win and a good performance.

"We just have to be positive for the next game and learn from the mistakes."

Fabregas says Arsenal know they can score goals at any point in a match but believes the team must learn defensive lessons from the trip to Sunderland.

"I think definitely the most important thing that we have to improve on is defending the set pieces.

"Our main priority is to go forward and score goals but when you see that you are creating chances but the ball doesn't go in, the most important thing is that as a team you don't concede. We know that we can score goals right up until the last minute."

arsenal.com

'My players cannot think about World Cup'



Arsène Wenger has insisted that for his players this season is about achieving success with Arsenal, not earning a place at the World Cup.

During a press conference at Arsenal's Training Ground on Monday, one journalist suggested that the current campaign is a crucial one for Theo Walcott because, at its conclusion, England manager Fabio Capello will choose his squad for South Africa.

The reporter did not reach the end of his question.

"I must stop you there," interrupted Wenger. "The big season is with Arsenal, not at the World Cup.

"We do not pay players to go to the World Cup - we pay the players to do well for Arsenal.

"The first pride of a man is to do well for the guy who pays you in life, not to go to the World Cup."

arsenal.com

Wenger - Why we slipped up at Sunderland



'Lack of creativity' is a charge rarely levelled at Arsenal but Arsène Wenger believes that was to blame for their slip-up at Sunderland on Saturday.

Darren Bent's second-half strike inflicted a third defeat of the Premier League campaign and the 1-0 scoreline was something of a shock. Not because the Black Cats are a poor side - they are one of the top-flight's most improved teams - but because Arsenal hardly ever fail to find the net.

Before the game there was much talk of record goal hauls after Arsenal had plundered 36 in just 11 Premier League games but, at the Stadium of Light, goalkeeper Martin Furlop had little to do once he had denied Tomas Rosicky from close range in the fifth minute.

Wenger was surprised and disappointed by his team's lack of cutting edge and he does not want to see it happen again.

"The mood [in the squad] is disappointment because we didn't expect to lose the game," said the Frenchman.

"I felt that we had some deficiencies that we paid for and we have to make sure that is not repeated. Overall I still believe we didn't produce enough in the final third and that was our strength until now.

"We have to rectify that offensively because we are used to creating chances and we didn't create enough on the day. Defensively I feel we were quite OK because we've analysed well the game and Sunderland had one shot on target in the game.

"But we didn't create enough in the final part of the pitch. When you don't do that you are not dangerous in football. That's where we were highly deficient and that is down as well to the fact that Sunderland defended very well. On the day they did not make any defensive mistakes and when they made one we did not take advantage of it."

Wenger insists there was one other notable mistake at the Stadium of Light at the weekend - Alan Wiley's refusal to award Carlos Vela a penalty when he was brought down in the closing stages.

"I think as well we were a bit unlucky because we had a 100 per cent penalty for us but unfortunately Alan Wiley was in a very strong position and it is very difficult to explain why he turned that down," said the manager.

"I looked at that very well again and he was in a very good position."

arsenal.com

'Walcott will play a big part in our season'



Cesc Fabregas is backing Theo Walcott to put his bad luck behind him and play a big part in Arsenal's quest for silverware.

The England star had managed just 54 minutes of competitive action this season before the weekend trip to Sunderland after suffering a back injury in the summer and then damaging knee ligaments in his first start of the campaign against Birmingham on October 17.

Walcott ended his latest lay-off with a substitute appearance at the Stadium of Light and could return to the first XI for the Champions League clash with Standard Liege. Indeed, Walcott is a candidate to fill a central role in Arsenal's attack with Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner out injured.

The 20-year-old believes that Walcott's hectic summer schedule - he represented England at senior and Under-21 level - may have hampered him. But Fabregas expects his team-mate to make a major contribution for Arsenal in the weeks and months to come.

"It has been really bad luck for him since the start of the season probably because of what happened in the summer," said Fabregas.

"He had a lot of games and it has happened to me many, many times. When you play a long tournament in the summer sometimes it is difficult to come back and it has been frustrating for him.

"Maybe [he has been burned out]. He is still very young. When you hear his name it is like he has been playing for a long time but he's still only 20. When you make him play so many games at that age... I've done that before myself and it is difficult and sometimes you get those kinds of injuries.

"Now the most important thing is that he is fit, back, and now he can help us. He looks really good in training and he's very sharp. As soon as he starts getting games and minutes I'm sure he'll play a big part in our season because he's a really important guy for us.

arsenal.com

Fabregas - I am happier than ever here

Cesc Fabregas says he is happier than ever at Arsenal.

Despite consistent rebuttals from the player himself, the Spaniard is still linked with a return to Barcelona and his name has even been dragged into the upcoming Presidential elections at the Nou Camp.

But, speaking ahead of Tuesday's game with Standard Liege, the midfielder gave all that little credence and once again painted a rosy picture at Emirates Stadium.

"It does not affect me at all because it's been going for years," he said. "To be honest I just don't think about it, I don't want to and I don't think I should because I'm at a great club and in a great team.

"I'm very happy where I am and there is very long season in front of us. The last thing I want to do is get disconnected from what I have to do which is to play football for my team and for the Club that pays me. I'm really looking forward to a great season with Arsenal."

The skipper was then asked if he would like to stay for the rest of his career.

"Why not?" he replied. "I have never thought about it. I'm only 22. You never know what your career will bring but why not? I'm in my seventh season now and I'm really happy, better than ever."

Fabregas also believes that his desire to win trophies can be satisfied too. Barca's relative success compared to Arsenal is sometimes cited as a reason for moving.

"We can achieve that here," said Fabregas in response to the question. "I have played some Finals, fought for Premier League titles.

"It's true that at the end of the season we have sometimes had some feeling that we haven't done it but I'm really happy with the way this club focuses on winning things and I'm sure we are more than capable of doing it this season."

arsenal.com

Arsenal 2-0 Standard Liege

UEFA Champions League, Emirates Stadium

Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 19:45

Job done.

Arsenal won Champions League Group H with something to spare after dismissing Standard Liege 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

The home side bossed an eccentric first half that saw goals from Samir Nasri and Denilson but will be most remembered for the jaw-dropping five-chance melee that preceded them.

Arsène Wenger's side dictated the game from start to finish but, having obtained the required advantage, offered some benevolence after the break.

After taking 10 points from their opening four games, Arsenal were virtually through before kick-off anyway. This result just rubber-stamped their passports for the Knockout Stages.

At his pre-match press conference, Wenger had accepted his side were always on a hiding to nothing in this group. They were expected to cruise through comfortably and, in the end, they did.

But then, quiet efficiency is nearly always underrated in modern football. Just ask Liverpool.

Wenger made five changes from the side beaten at Sunderland on Saturday.

Denilson was restored to the side after 10 weeks out with a back problem. It was his 100th appearance for the Club.

Kieran Gibbs returned after recovering from a badly bruised foot. Carlos Vela made his first start of the season in the central attacking role while Andrey Arshavin came back on the left and Emmanuel Eboue did likewise at right back.

Bacary Sagna, Tomas Rosicky, Eduardo, Armand Traore dropped to the bench. Aaron Ramsey was left out all together.

The Liege fans took centre stage before kick-off. They had had little to shout about thus far in Group H and were facing elimination tonight. But the travelling support did not let that stop them.

Arsenal fans, on the other hand, arrived with a mixture of emotions; disappointment from the weekend and anticipation towards this Sunday. With qualification all-but assured this was seen as just another day at the Emirates Stadium office.

However there was nothing bureaucratic about the way their side began. In the opening minutes, Alex Song, Nasri and Cesc Fabregas all had presentable efforts on goal. In the 10th minute, the Frenchman spurned the opportunity to shot after popping up on the left side of the area but his cross found Vela. The Mexican cut inside but his shot was saved.

Arsenal were pressing and pressing. A goal seemed likely. It should have arrived five times in the 15th minute.

It all started when Fabregas took a corner...

* Arshavin's point-blank shot was saved
* Then Vela's collected the rebound and planted the ball against the post
* Then Gallas had two efforts blocked by the keeper
* And finally Vermaelen's vicious shot beat everyone, hit Arshavin on the line and flew wide

Stupefying.

But then no more shocking than Dieudonne Mbokani juddering the post five minutes later. The Congolese striker darted inside Vermaelen and lasered an effort off on the angle of post and bar from the edge of the area. It was the first attack the visitors had mustered all night.

On the half-hour, Gallas nudged a header over the bar from a Fabregas cross. The Frenchman clashed heads with Arshavin in executing the chance. Both players needed lengthy treatment. The Russian had gash on the top of his head and Gallas had swollen eye worthy of a heavyweight boxer.

The home side had not yet returned to 11 men when they took the lead. Given the bizarre events so far, it was relatively mundane. Vermaelen punted the ball forward towards Nasri and Landry Mulemo, the covering defender, slipped as he tried to intercept. The Frenchman pounced then lifted his shot over the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

It was so nearly 2-0 a couple of minutes later. Nasri slipped a clever ball to Arshavin who drove a low shot inches past the keeper's left-hand post.

This was an open, attacking and wonderfully curious game. Five minutes from the break, Liege seemed to have won a clear penalty when Gallas clattered Reginal Goreux. Referee Konrad Plautz played on.

Fabregas nearly rubbed salt in the wound seconds later when he whistled a low drive across goal and beyond the far post.

Both sides seemed to be looking for the refuge of half-time now. However this peculiar game had one more twist. On the whistle, Gibbs tapped the ball to Denilson 25 yards out. He took a touch, looked up and thumped it. Keeper Sinan Bolat, so brilliant early on, could only parry the ball into his own net. Nevertheless it was a fine, fine strike.

Perhaps it was that goal which convinced Wenger to take off Gallas at the break. The job of qualification was nearly done and the Frenchman could be saved for Sunday. Mikael Silvestre came on.

Liege were now in an impossible position; chasing the game away from home against a side that seemed to be their superiors. They nearly grabbed a lifeline seven minutes into the second half when a free-kick from Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez found Axel Witsel eight yards out. The midfielder miskicked at the crucial moment and Almunia gathered.

Arsenal had clearly taken their foot of the gas but their engine was still ticking over. Vela got a glimpse of an opportunity but thrashed his shot horribly wide. Substitute Theo Walcott cracked an effort inches past the far post.

By the midway point of the second half, Wenger had made all his changes. The manager clearly thought that this particular Group H box had been ticked and therefore he did not want to over-exert his side.

As a result, Liege were allowed to have a go. With eight minutes left, Goreux cut inside and Gohi Bi Cyriac smashed a left-footed shot against the base of the post. His supplier then belted the rebound over the bar.

Carcela-Gonzalez clashed heads with Fabregas in the dying seconds and was sent off. That ended the Belgians' battling.

When the whistle went, Arsenal had only 10 men on the pitch as Gibbs had picked up an injury and hobbled off down the tunnel.

That was the only concern on a crushingly comfortable night at Emirates Stadium.

Sunday should be a stark contrast.

Wenger: 'It is not easy to be so consistent'



on the performance...
"The first half was good, in the second half we eased off. We just kept the result and we were in control. You could see we lacked a bit of urgency in the final third because we just eased a little bit off in the second half. First half was interesting with fluent moving, it was a very good first half."

on bouncing back from Sunderland...
"If you look at the last nine games we have had a very good run but Saturday was not at the requested level. It is still in the minds of the players because you never forget a disappointment. But it was important to win today to prepare well for the Chelsea game on Sunday."

on 10 years in the knockout stages...
"I am pleased because it is not easy [to be that consistent]. I must say in this group we were favourites, that was quite normal, and we just did the job. If you put the 10 years together you can say we have been consistent."

on going further than last year...
"I believe yes but there are two competitions in the Champions League - one is the championship and one is a cup. We move now from the championship to the cup competition and that means it is different psychologically and we go now into a period when every minute is important. We want of course to adapt to that. We have normally the advantage to play the second leg at home so let's get our injured players back and get in a strong position in the League, that is important as well for the confidence of the team."

on resting players at Olympiacos...
"Yes, we will."

on picking Carlos Vela...
"Carlos needs games and I thought I had an opportunity tonight to give him a game and I believe he did like the team - very well in the first half before dropping a little bit in the second half. I was pleased with his movement off the ball and his combination play with his partners in the team."

on how his selection was influenced by the Chelsea game...
"I wanted to give a game to Denilson of course because he came back from injury and apart from that I just tried to win the game tonight."

on Liverpool's elimination...
"Well I think when you depend on the results of another team you are in a bad position. They did the job tonight but you always favour Fiorentina at home against Lyon especially when they are on a good run and have an opportunity to qualify for the first time in the history of the club if they win at home. I thought it would be difficult for Liverpool to qualify unless Fiorentina did not beat Lyon."

on how it affects a team...
"It's very difficult to say how much impact it has on the team. They can respond well and say 'let's do well in the Europa League'."

on whether he is glad Liverpool are out...
"No. If you say to me I want all the big teams to be out it is impossible. I believe you look at your own performances and if Liverpool is out, somebody else strong is in. Anyway we could not play against them in the early stage of the knockout."

on Denilson's goal...
"I think he has a typical Brazilian shot. With this floating ball I think they have shorter ankles and it gives a different flight to the ball. It is typical Brazilian technique and I tried to analyse it many times. I could only think maybe they have a bit shorter ankle in front and they can kick the ball high up with the laces. I have never checked it!"

on the key to success in the group stage...
"I believe it is important to win your home games because what happened to Liverpool was that basically they lost at home to Lyon in the last minute. That cost them the qualification, even with a draw Lyon would have two points less and Liverpool one point more. In the Champions League qualifying group you cannot lose at home."

on Alex Song's contract extension...
"We extended his contract yesterday. That will be confirmed very shortly. He is an important player, of course. He has three years to go, now he has four years to go at the end of the season - to 2014."

arsenal.com

Gibbs sidelined with fractured metatarsal



Kieran Gibbs has fractured the first metatarsal in his left foot and will be out for around three months.

The England Under-21 international suffered the injury during the latter stages of Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Standard Liege in the Champions League on Tuesday night. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday morning.

Before the confirmation of Gibbs' injury, Arsène Wenger had faced the media in his post-match press conference.

"Gibbs has a big hole in his leg," said the manager. "It was a very bad challenge by the No 22 and it was not his first try, unfortunately. It doesn't look good for Gibbs."

Wenger's worst fears were confirmed shortly afterwards following X-rays but the Frenchman was more positive about injuries suffered to William Gallas and Andrey Arshavin after the pair clashed in mid-air while challenging for a cross from Cesc Fabregas.

"Gallas has an ankle problem and a swollen eye," said Wenger. "I think he will recover for Sunday, we hope so. It wasn't concussion but he couldn't see anymore because his eye was swollen.

"Arshavin has some staples in his head. He will be available for Sunday."

arsenal.com

Arsenal-Verteidiger Gibbs erlitt Mittelfußbruch

Arsenal hat den 2:0-Heimsieg in der Champions League gegen Standard Lüttich am Dienstagabend teuer bezahlt. Verteidiger Kieran Gibbs brach sich gegen die Belgier den linken Mittelfußknochen, wurde bereits am Mittwoch operiert und fällt rund drei Monate aus.

Die Partie forderte mit William Gallas und Andrej Arschawin, die unabsichtlich zusammengeprallt waren, noch zwei weitere Opfer. Der Russe musste am Kopf genäht werden, dürfte aber für den Schlager am Sonntag gegen Chelsea bereit sein. Der Franzose hat ein geschwollenes Auge und Knöchelprobleme, hofft aber auf ein Mitwirken gegen den Tabellenführer.

sport.orf.at