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'There is tremendous admiration for Arsenal'

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan



Don't be fooled by Milan's sluggish Serie A campaign. The European champions are most definitely cranking into gear for another assault on the Champions League. When it matters, Carlo Ancelotti's team tends to deliver.

A glance at Milan's cast list explains why. From back to front the Rossoneri are blessed with world-class talent from Nesta and Gattuso to Seedorf and Kaka. And if you thought they were too old, think again - Milan have a new generation of stars emerging, led by Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato.



Pato represents the future but, on Wednesday night, Arsenal fans can savour a symbol of Milan's past - Paolo Maldini. Few players in football history are respected as highly as the Italy legend and this could be Maldini's final appearance in England ahead of his summer retirement.

Maldini was one of many subjects which cropped up when we asked Gabriele Marcotti of Corriere dello Sport for an Italian perspective of Wednesday's game. Read on for his assessment of Milan, the special qualities of Kaka, where the first leg will be won and lost, and the admiration for Arsenal in Italy.
STORY SO FAR

STORY SO FAR
"Ordinarily, the pattern over the last few years has been for Milan to start the season very slowly and hit top form in March and April. That said, you wonder whether they can repeat that year after year and whether it's really a reliable gameplan to follow. In a knockout situation though, they obviously have the experience and the ability. They have a guy who - for my money - is possibly the best defender in the world. That's Nesta. Then they have a guy who is probably one of the top two or three players in the world - Kaka. They have an excellent midfield, buoyed by a guy like Pirlo who has certainly proved himself. They feel that in a knockout competition they can hold their own against anybody. Where there have been issues is when they have to sustain it over 38 weeks in a league competition."
MEN OF THE MOMENT

MEN OF THE MOMENT
"What makes Kaka so special is that he has all the Brazilian skills, he has the tricks and the flair, but he's also a very direct player. He's a very intelligent guy, he knows just when to give the ball first time, when to hold it up or maybe run at an opponent. He has an intelligence on the pitch which is uncanny. The other thing, and this seems to be the trend among great, skilled players, like Cristiano Ronaldo, he also has size, strength and athleticism.

"Maldini is pushing 40 and we can talk about how phenomenally fit he is and what a tremendous professional he is. It's his 22nd year in the top flight which is phenomenal, and even the fact that he's been a one-club man for so long is rare in modern football. At his age he doesn't play every week, he only plays the big games and he tries hard to keep fit. The one thing about Maldini is that he is very realistic about his ability. If he doesn't feel up to it, or if he feels that another guy can do a better job, he'll go to Carlo Ancelotti and tell him. That's a sign of great professionalism and putting the team first. He's not one of those older guys who feels that he's got to play because he's a living legend or because of his years of service. If he feels below 100 per cent he will always put the team ahead of his ego and that's one of the ingredients which has made him such a phenomenal player. "
SADLY MISSED

SADLY MISSED
"I think Ronaldo is a loss based on hypotheticals because he really hadn't played much this season. It's certainly very, very sad because this will be the umpteenth knee operation of his career. You feel bad for him because he would have represented added value for Milan. But he hasn't been a huge contributor this season. As for Milan's attacking options on Wednesday, Alexandre Pato has started his career very brightly but I suspect he and Filipo Inzaghi will not start the game. I think you will see Alberto Gillardino up front in a 4-3-2-1 formation with Kaka and Seedorf tucked in behind."
TALKING TACTICS

TALKING TACTICS
"I think if Milan play Gillardino on his own up front, it will be essential for him to be able to hold the ball up and give the team time to push up and time to breathe. Milan play a short-passing game, they commit a lot of people forward. They are not a defensive side, they are not a counter-attacking side, but because of that they need their front guy to hold it up for them. That will be crucial. At the same time, should Adebayor be on his own up front for Arsenal, Milan will have to retain the bulk of possession in midfield and that means Kaka and Seedorf will have to help out the tight midfield three of Gattuso, Pirlo and Ambrosini.

"I think Milan would rather score away from home. I get the sense that there are going to be goals in this game. It looks like Zeljko Kalac, Milan's No 2 goalkeeper who has kind of taken over from Dida, is unlikely to start, so Fiori will come in. He's 38 and has only started two games in the last seven years. So I think it will be an open game with a few goals. A good result for Milan will be a draw, but a scoring draw."
IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL

IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"Many observers, including Claudio Ranieri, who is now the coach at Juventus, have said that Arsenal, along with Roma, play the best football in Europe. They play football the way it's supposed to be played. There is tremendous admiration for that in Italy and also for the work Arsene Wenger and his staff have done in bringing in young players from all over the world and making sure they fit into the 'Arsenal way' of doing things. Over the last two or three years it has become a blueprint for other clubs to follow and a lot of clubs have talked about following the Arsenal methods when it comes to scouting but the fact of the matter is that no one else has done it convincingly. Not many clubs have the courage to take 18 or 19-year-olds and throw them into the first team. There is a lot of admiration but there is also a lack of courage to go and emulate what Wenger and his people have done. There is tremendous curiosity out there and people want to watch attacking sides so there is no better place to be on Wednesday - the team which supposedly plays the best football in Europe against the reigning European champions."

Fabregas - Milan midfield can 'kill us in a minute'

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan





Cesc Fabregas believes the experienced Milan midfield can "kill you in a minute" if you are not careful.

The 20-year-old admits he is in admiration of some of the players he will come up against on Wednesday night when the Champions League holders visit Emirates Stadium.

It has been billed as a game between old and young with the Italians being seen as the veterans. However, speaking at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, Fabregas was respectful of his elders while remaining confident his side would come through.

"Yes they've been playing a long time together, and have more experience than us," he said. "But we have quality and we really want to do it. That's very important at the same time.

"We have to be careful because of the experience they have. They can kill us in a minute.

"I really like Pirlo to be honest. He's a great player, very intelligent and a great passer of a ball. He's always looking at the best solution. There's also Kaka, who had a great year last year, and we'll have to be careful of him.



"They have many strengths not just those two. They have players who work hard for the team and they're one of the best midfields in Europe.

"But we've been meeting clubs like Milan in recent years - Juventus, Real Madrid - and we know we can do it. However we'll have to be at our best."

Wenger - Milan will provide 'the ultimate test'

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan



Arsène Wenger has a solid record against Italian clubs in Europe but he regards the imminent clash with Milan as "the ultimate test".

The Frenchman has lost just three times in 12 matches against Serie A opposition since taking charge of Arsenal and has presided over impressive victories against Inter, Juventus and Roma in recent years.

Wenger's side will also be protecting a proud unbeaten home record which stretches back 19 Champions League games when Milan visit Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. Nonetheless, the Arsenal manager believes his players must be at their best to register a positive result.

"It's the ultimate test," admitted Wenger. "We're in the position of challengers tomorrow because Milan are the holders of the Champions League.

"They have quality and experience, but we're a team who can challenge them and can beat them. Overall, we want to be at our best to beat them."

"The targets in front of us are massive, but they're in front of us. We're in a very good position. Now it's down to quality."

Wenger - Big targets ensure we look forward

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan



The ‘big targets’ Arsenal have set out in front of them will allow Saturday’s defeat at Old Trafford to be forgotten, according to Arsène Wenger.

AC Milan come to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday for the resumption of the Champions League and the Frenchman believes switching focus to that particular obstacle will ensure the FA Cup exit is consigned to history.

The Arsenal manager highlighted the disappointment that resonated with his squad after the weekend exit, but insists that the team’s spirit remains intact.

“Who wouldn't be hurt by a defeat like that?” asked Wenger. “The most important thing for us is to be positive and to visualise how we want to behave and play as a team.

“Sometimes you forget how good you are when you have a big disappointment. We want to be the best as possible, but it was a bad day at the office and that can happen.

“What is most important, is to have big targets in front of you.

“This is such a big game, such a massive task, that we can forget about Saturday."

Match Preview




It is perhaps ironic that Arsène Wenger described tonight's Champions League Knockout Round first leg with Milan as a "crossroads" for his side.

That's because, in the minds of some, Arsenal's season showed the first real signs of losing its way at the weekend when they were beaten so comprehensively by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Of course, a quick glance at the Premier League table will give home fans every confidence that Wenger has his side's future mapped out with complete assurance. A five-point gap is the plumpest of cushions at this stage of the season after all.

Most can handle heavy Cup exits at their hands of the fiercest rivals as long as it is for the greater good - the acquisition of a bigger trophy. But now is the time to kick-on in those competitions.

The game is Arsenal's 100th in the Champions League and the holders are a fitting opponent but also they will be the sternest of tests at a time when Arsenal need to get back on course after being hit by a tidal wave of a defeat at the weekend.

The Milanese side are considered to be Europe's old guard while Arsenal just could be its rising young stars. With the first leg pivotal to progress, tonight could be looked back on as not only THE decisive game of the season for the North London side but also a passing point in the life cycle of these two teams.

"It is like that a bit sometimes," said Wenger at Tuesday's press conference. "People cross each other. We hope we're at a crossroads now where the youngsters can show how good they are. I believe they will.

"But it is a cup competition against a very experienced side. What's important is that we play without the handbrake on and go into the match with desire. We have to play free of pressure and I believe we will do that."

Arsenal have Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini, Gael Clichy and Denilson either back in the squad or back to full fitness. However Manuel Almunia is still laid low with sickness so Jens Lehmann retains his place.

Milan are likely to have rarely-used, third-choice keeper Valerio Fiori, 38, on duty after Zeljko Kalac followed Dida onto the injury list. When asked about the issue, Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti reportedly said "if we play well enough we won't need a keeper".

"They will need their goalkeeper," smiled Wenger in response. "We've never played at home without putting the opponents' keeper under pressure.

"But to beat Milan you have to be at your best. Can we take any advantage of a weakness in their team? I don't go into the match thinking about that.

"Milan have bought Pato, they have Kaka - they have renewed their team. They also have players like Kaladze and Nesta, as defenders they can still play four or five years at the top level. Pirlo and Gattuso too. They are all experienced, but they are not old.

"Milan said they were an old team last year, but this year they have regenerated their team a bit."

The home fans will be trusting that their manager has had time to regenerate his side since last weekend.

'Champions League is more spectacular now'

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan


Arsène Wenger believes that extending the knockout phase of the Champions League has made the competition more 'spectacular'.

Europe's premier club competition adopted a second group stage when the tournament expanded in 1999. But four seasons later Uefa jettisoned that format and returned to a single group stage with a straight knockout from the last 16 to the Final.

At the time Wenger felt that the second group stage was a potential stepping stone to a European League. But he believes that interest in the Champions League has been reignited since the current format was brought in.

"It looked like it [a European League] could happen when we had the second group stage but the television did not want to buy it anymore," said Wenger.



"In fairness I supported the idea of cancelling the second group stage. But, with a distance, I feel that for the spectacular side of the competition they [Uefa] have done well.

"Every game with the direct knockout now creates a big interest. We could sell now maybe 200,000 tickets because everybody wants to see this game [between Arsenal and Milan]. It has created big interest."

Wenger would advocate one more tweak to the Champions League format - he would abolish seedings for the knockout stage. The Frenchman explained why at his pre-match press conference.

"I like the idea of completely open competition after the group stage," he said. "You cannot have protection through the group stages and then again through the direct knockout. It would be a bit unfair to protect teams twice."

Match Report
Barclays Premier League



Birmingham City
2

McFadden 29, 95 (pen)

Arsenal
2

Walcott 50, 55


Arsenal were denied a crucial victory by a highly-debatable injury-time penalty at Birmingham on Saturday in a game overshadowed by a nasty injury to Eduardo.

After only three minutes, the Croatian striker was caught on his left ankle by Martin Taylor. The Birmingham defender was immediately sent off however Eduardo took another nine minutes to leave the pitch. He required extensive treatment and was stretchered off with an oxygen mask strapped to his face. He had barely moved through the entire time. It was later confirmed he had broken his leg.

Understandably, Arsenal struggled to come to terms with their football for the remainder of the first half and went into the break trailing to James McFadden's free-kick.

However the visitors were revitalised after the restart. Keeper Maik Taylor had already made a couple of fine saves before Walcott touched home Emmanuel Adebayor's header in the 49th minute.



Five minutes later the England international robbed Liam Ridgewell, roared into the area and planted a low shot in the corner of the net.

Arsenal might have got another couple after that as Birmingham faded.

However, in the final seconds of added time, Gael Clichy felled Stuart Parnaby and McFadden scored from the spot. The Arsenal players protested the decision and replays suggested the Frenchman had won the ball cleanly.

The point extended Arsenal's lead to six points but Manchester United would be able to claw back three of those when they visited Newcastle United later in the day.

A debatable and disappointing end to a difficult afternoon.

Wenger made three changes from the side that had drawn 0-0 against Milan on Wednesday. Kolo Toure went off with a calf injury just seven minutes into that game so it was no surprise to see Philippe Senderos start.

Elsewhere, Manuel Almunia came in for Jens Lehmann and Walcott replaced the suspended Emmanuel Eboue on the right.

After that draw and the 4-0 drubbing at Manchester United the previous weekend, there was a little pressure on Arsenal. However football is always a fickle master and victory this afternoon would heap the heat onto Manchester United for their visit to St James' Park later the same day.

It was a blustery lunchtime kick-off in the Second City but Arsenal seemingly arrived with intent and, crucially, some of their injured players returning.

But that trend would be reversed within three minutes when Eduardo received the ball in midfield and attempted to skip past Taylor. The Birmingham centre back caught the Croatian on the ankle and was immediately dismissed by referee Mike Dean.

However the bigger issue was Eduardo. Cesc Fabregas was first on the scene and called for urgent attention from the bench. The Arsenal medical staff raced on, soon to be joined by many others. The striker barely moved throughout the nine minutes in which he received treatment on the pitch. He left with concerned applause from the entire crowd ringing in his ears.

The incident affected the game for the rest of the half. Nicklas Bendtner came on for Eduardo and had a couple of tame efforts. Cesc Fabregas fired just over the bar.

Birmingham re-organised by withdrawing Mikael Forssell and leaving McFadden on his own up front. Parnaby replaced the Finn and Stephen Kelly pushed in the centre of the defence.

In the circumstances, the home side were happy to concede possession. Although they did take advantage of their infrequent opportunities to attack, Arsenal were controlling the game.

So it was a surprise to see them take the lead in the 26th minute. Flamini fouled McFadden on the edge of the area and the former Everton striker curled a lovely free-kick into the top corner. Almunia did get a hand on the ball but could only divert it into the top corner of the net.

The goal seemed to restore Birmingham's extra man while Arsenal were far from fluent. But five minutes from the break, Fabregas sent a raking ball over the head of Liam Ridgewell for Adebayor to race through. However his touch was heavy and the ball went way over the bar. A couple of minutes later, Adebayor nudged a header wide.

It was turning into a strange, strange game. For example the assistant referee's board displayed nine minutes of first-half injury time.

During that period, Bendtner's header was booted off the line by Kelly then McFadden went clear only to be put off by Senderos and shoot tamely wide.

At the break Arsenal were a man up but a goal down. They had struggled to respond mentally to Eduardo's injury. It would be an important team-talk for Wenger and, just perhaps, Arsenal's season.

Whatever was said, it seemed to work. In the opening seconds, Bendtner nodded over from a Fabregas corner then the Spaniard forced a flying save from Maik Taylor and finally Hleb's shot was tipped over.

From the corner, Adebayor beat Taylor in the air and Walcott touched home from close range. It was not just a goal but a lifeline.

Gallas raced into the net to get the ball. As he ran back, Adebayor ripped it from his captain's hands and slammed it back on the spot.

Arsenal had rolled their sleeves up.

In the minutes that followed Fabregas forced another save from Taylor and then touched Walcott's ball on to the post.

Arsenal's second was coming. It arrived in emphatic style on 54 minutes when Walcott robbed Ridgewell on the right, raced into the area and thumped low drive past Taylor and into the net.

Walcott had a glimpse of a second half hat-trick but he blazed his effort wide. Adebayor also went close as Arsenal threatened a game-killing third.

Midway through the half, substitute Mauro Zarate's free-kick forced Almunia to punch clear at the near post. But Birmingham's fire was now extinguished.

In the 73rd minute, Adebayor should have got that third when he went clear but Taylor got an excellent touch to divert his effort around the post. Bendtner rolled an effort just past the post as Arsenal seemed to be
cruising home but, deep into injury time, that all changed when Parnaby nipped in as Clichy dawdled.

The Frenchman seemed to win the ball in his subsequent tackle but referee Dean pointed to the spot.

McFadden slammed the ball home and Birmingham had a point the barely deserved.

It was heartbreaking for Arsenal after they had done all the hard work.

But Eduardo's pain was much greater than his team's.

The thoughts of everyone associated with Arsenal Football Club are with him.

Wenger: 'The first diagnosis is very, very bad'

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal



On the tackle on Eduardo...
"The injury is the result of a very bad tackle. The first diagnosis we have of the injury is very, very bad. I would not like to go into medical details because I am not qualified enough but the first news is very bad. He is in hospital."

On it possibly ending his career...
"I don't know. I would not go as far as that but it does not look good."

On other issues in the game...
"It was never a free-kick on the first goal and it was not a penalty. Five minutes before that it was a 100 per cent penalty on Adebayor. But we have to take it, we cannot change it and we have to look at ourselves as well. We have to fight against all that. We should have killed the game off earlier and scored the third. That is why with any little mistake you are caught."

On Eduardo's injury affecting the team in the first half...
"Yes 100 per cent. You could see that straight away it had a big effect."

On his half-time team-talk...
"We wanted to play football and the game what we wanted to play. We did that quite well."

Wenger - Taylor comments were 'excessive'

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal


Arsène Wenger admits he made some "excessive" comments about Martin Taylor following Saturday's game at St Andrews.

Passions were running high during the Arsenal manager's post-match press conference after a game in which Eduardo sustained a broken leg from the Birmingham defender's challenge and the visitors let two points slip in the final seconds due to a debatable penalty.

Wenger was strident in his view on Taylor's tackle but later he re-assessed his own viewpoint.

“It was a highly emotional afternoon and we were all shocked by the injury to Eduardo," he said. "On reflection, I feel that my comments about Martin Taylor were excessive. I said what I did immediately after the game, in the heat of the moment.”

Update: Eduardo is moved to London

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal



Sunday: Eduardo has been moved to a London-based hospital after undergoing surgery at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

Arsenal Football Club would like to thank everyone at Selly Oak Hospital for making Eduardo's stay as comfortable as possible.

Saturday: Eduardo underwent surgery in hospital on Saturday and is currently resting. The Croatian striker sustained a broken leg in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham earlier in the day.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to wish him a speedy recovery.

Eduardo - I am determined to overcome injury

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal


Eduardo has given his account of the terrible events at Birmingham City on Saturday.

The Croatian, 25 on Monday, broke his leg following a challenge from Blues defender Martin Taylor in the third minute of the game at St Andrews. He was taken to hospital and underwent surgery that night. The striker has since returned to a London-based hospital for further treatment.

Speaking for the first time after the incident, the summer signing from Dinamo Zagreb ruled himself out of the rest of the season and Euro 2008 in the summer. However, he added that he is 'determined to overcome this injury'.

“I don't remember the incident very well and it is not something that I want to see again on television or in the newspapers," said Eduardo.

"All I remember is that when I fell, I looked down at my foot and it had turned the other way. The rest is just a blank. It was an unfortunate situation but these things can happen in football.

“I am unsure at the moment of the extent of the injury and how long I will be out of action for but I know that I won't be able to play for Arsenal for the rest of the season or be ready in time for the Euros this summer.

"But I'm not worried about that. My concentration and determination is on making as quick a recovery as possible. I am determined to overcome this injury.

“I would like to thank the medical team here at Arsenal for their efforts as well as the staff at Selly Oak Hospital who carried out the operation on Saturday night. Everyone there made me feel as comfortable as possible.

"I would also like to say how touched I am by the many messages of support I have received and to be surrounded by my loved ones at this time.”

Flamini - We'll win the title for Eduardo now

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal

Mathieu Flamini has vowed to win the Premier League title for Eduardo.

The Croatian striker broke his leg in the opening minutes of Arsenal's game at Birmingham on Saturday. The incident overshadowed the first half and, though Martin Taylor had been sent off for the tackle, Arsène Wenger's side trailed at the interval.

Theo Walcott's brace saw them storm in front 10 minutes after the restart and Arsenal looked to be cruising to a vital three points until Gael Clichy was adjudged to have fouled Stuart Parnaby in the area deep into injury time. James McFadden scored from the spot.



Manchester United's subsequent win at Newcastle reduced Arsenal's lead to three points. It was a tough day all-round for Wenger's outfit but, according to Flamini, Eduardo's misfortune will spur on the side.

"We wanted to win the title before but now we want to win it also for him," said the Frenchman afterwards. "He is not going to be with us for a long time, so of course we want to win it for him.

"We are still three points clear at the top but the way we have only drawn is going to be disappointing because there was an opportunity to win this game. We came back, we showed great character and I think that was the only positive thing from the game."

Of course, the massive negative was the loss of Eduardo, who ironically celebrates his 25th birthday today.

"I genuinely didn't see the tackle," said Flamini. "But I could see it was bad because I saw the result. I have no words to describe what I saw.

"Yes, of course, it was difficult to get over in the game. He is a friend before he is a partner in the team. It upsets you but we're not going to say we conceded the goal because of that.

"We all said in the dressing room at half-time that we had to react. We want to win the title and we wanted to win this game. We came back we scored the first one very quickly and the second just behind.

"I think we should have killed the game. So, yes, we were very disappointed because it is a bad result for us, and especially when we conceded the goal 30 seconds before the end of the game.

"It is clear there was no penalty. We checked on the video so it is very frustrating. But I really don't think we deserved this result."

Euro Watch: Late Inzaghi strike seals win

Having successfully navigated their way through Group H, Arsenal will now face defending champions AC Milan in the First Knockout Stage of the Uefa Champions League. Keep up to date with the fortunes of the Italian giants in our weekly Euro Watch.
AC


AC Milan 2-1 Palermo
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A last-gasp Filipo Inzaghi strike ensured AC Milan kept pace with those vying for a Champions League spot, although their performance at the San Siro was once again less than convincing. Mark Bresciano fired visiting Palermo into a ninth-minute lead before Massimo Ambrosini pulled the Rossoneri level midway through the first half. Inzaghi’s late strike came just minutes after the Sicilian side had a shout for penalty waved away by the referee. Despite the nature of the win, the three points will be overshadowed by the withdrawal at half-time of Kaka with a knee complaint.

More good-luck messages flood in for Eduardo


Thousands of Arsenal fans from all corners of the globe have e-mailed messages of support for Eduardo as the Croatian striker begins his long recovery from a broken leg.

If you would like send a message e-mail here. Please keep your messages down to a couple of sentences and include your full name, age and where you come from. Arsenal.com will collate them, put them into a book and give them to Eduardo.

Here's a selection of the e-mails we have received so far...


"We're so looking forward to seeing you back in an Arsenal shirt! Keep smiling, we are with you all of the way. We know you'll come back stronger for it" - Jo & Jon. Epsom


"I hope you make a full and speedy recovery. You are a world class striker who will be sorely missed and I look forward to the day when you are banging in the goals again. Best wishes Dudu" - Daniel Brown, Enfield


"I was genuinly excited when you signed for Arsenal and I am looking forward to your return. Everyone is behind you so keep your chin up and you will be back scoring wonder goals soon" - Martin, Bracknell


"It isn't always easy, but when you're not feeling well, I hope it helps to know others are thinking of you and hoping that you'll be better very soon. Take good care of yourself Eduardo and remember your now part of the Arsenal family and we are all here for you" - Lee Bostock, Surrey


"All the best Eduardo. I hope you recover quickly and do what you do best. Remain positive" - Zena Tailor, London


"This last weekend I have thought about nothing but the injury sustained by you. Therefore it came as a real joy this morning when I heard that you could be running again in six months and playing again before Christmas. Keep strong mate, Arsenal is thinking of you and hoping you have a very speedy recovery. Come on you Reds!" - Richard Allen, Kent


"You came to Arsenal five months ago. We had never heard of you then but you were nothing short of outstanding for Arsenal this season. You are our HERO. All Arsenal fans will be waiting to see you back on the pitch and praying for you. We wish you all the best. Get well soon mate" - Leo, India


"I want to send you my best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Keep up with the positive thinking, and if you are feeling down, just remember how loved you are across the world. You will come back to us stronger, I know it ! See you soon at Emirates" - Celine Begley, Ireland


"Eduardo, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to seeing you back in your Arsenal strip again. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery" - Campbell & Ann Finnie, Galway, Ireland


"Hi Eduardo. I am a Manchester United fan and am truly saddened by your injury. Get better soon. I will miss not having you at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks as I love seeing the best players there. You are one of them" - Dom, Manchester


"Dudu, I'll miss your goals and skills but I know you'll be back better than ever. Best wishes!" - Slaven Kontic, Bosnia & Herzegovina


"Hey Eduardo. All I can say is that you are world class and that I hope to see you play for Arsenal again, hopefully this year if not next year. Keep believing that you can play again and I am sure you will. I will pray for your speedy recovery.Get well soon" - Jeremy Lobo, India


"I really hope you get well soon. Everyone, I'm sure, will be missing your fantastic football skills on the pitch and can't wait until you get back scoring for us again! We're all behind you. Keep positive!" - Hannah Wright, Hertfordshire


"Hi Eduardo. We hope and pray you have a speedy recovery and that you are back in your number 9 shirt soon. Please stay positive as this will help your recovery and remember to stick to your healthy diet while you're away. Take care, God Bless" - Phil Gayle


"All best wishes for a rapid recovery and a return to the pitch. It will seem like no time until Cesc is playing you through again. Whether for Croatia or Arsenal, you are the personification of "the beautiful game". Godspeed, my friend" - Don Adam, St. Louis, Missouri, USA


"Eduardo, you are one of the best strikers Arsenal has ever had and I am truly devestated by your injury. I was watching the game in Australia and when I saw your team mates' facial expressions I knew something bad had happened to a great player. I wish you all the best on a speedy recovery. I can't wait when you come back to play again, I'm sure it will be soon. Go the Gunners!" - Gianni Zollo, Australia


"Eduardo, I absolutely love watching you play and scoring goals, you are a true inspiration. I hope that your recovery goes well and is completed quickly. Can't wait to see you back on the pitch scoring goals for us. Best Of Luck!" - James Olavesen, Australia


"Rest well. I have no doubt in my mind that you will be back for Arsenal. Smile because there is a whole population of people who are sending you their love. Take each step slowly and NEVER give up. I will always believe in you. I hope come May, you will have the joy Robert Pires once had - he also came back from his injury better than ever!" - Cheyenne Lu, Singapore


"We are all looking forward to seeing you released from hospital and pray that one day in the not too distant future we will see you haring around the pitch scoring fantastic goals in the glorious colours of Arsenal." - Greg Nichols, Gloucestershire


"Dear Eduardo, come back soon. We won't give up on you! Stay strong and God bless you." - Jani Sivendoinen, Finland


"Eduardo, you are a special player and we all love to watch you. Wishing you lots and lots of luck for a good and speedy recovery. We are all thinking of you and will miss you in the coming months." - Samantha Hicks, Berkhamsted


"I wish you the best road to recovery possible with your friends and family around to support you. You must know that every Arsenal and football fan is behind you and wishes to see you in a football jersey again in the future." - Samuel Tihon, Belgium


"Keep your chin up and remember when you're feeling low we're all thinking about you. Once you're in the Arsenal family you're in for life. Can't wait for your first goal when you're back playing for us." - Kevin Hills, Kent


"Eduardo, you're a fantastic player, a great finisher and an all-around class footballer. Everyone is behind you and rooting for you and I can imagine the roar of the crowd when you step back onto the pitch at the Emirates. All the best Eduardo!" - Mark Tan, Singapore


"Hello Eduardo! I hope you recover fast and become the same great player you’ve been over the last few years! It was awful to see you in great pain on Saturday. You’ve done a great job for Arsenal, and the team needs a player like you." - Roar Johansen, Norway


"Be strong, remain positive and remember in times of pain how truly special you are." - Nella Mereu, Aldershot


"It is a cruel way for someone of your talents and endeavour to be forced from our team, as well as the loss that Croatia will feel this summer. Keep the faith and there is every chance you can come back just like Henrik Larsson, Djibril Cisse and Abou Diaby." - Rehan Ashraf, East Ham, London


"Please god you make a quick recovery, you're gonna be needed as you and the rest of the lads are the next generation of great Arsenal players." - Linda and John Roche, Co. Dublin, Eire


"What has happened is just awful and I think you are one of the players who do not deserve it." - Adam, Sweden


"I wish to see you kick the ball and score again. I pray!" - Eyosias, Ethiopia


"I am a diehard Arsenal fan and was watching the game when you got injured. I knew something was terribly wrong by the look on Fabregas' face... I wish you a speedy recovery and I am sure your team-mates are more determined than ever now to win the league for you." - Akil Jelani, Trinidad & Tobago


"Keep your chin up, lad. You'll be back and you'll be so busy building your leg back up, the time will fly. Your injury affected a lot of people in Britain and every last one of them, whichever club they support, is right behind you. I look forward to watching your return." - Thom Mills, York


"I am with you until you come back! Your injury caused pain but hope the Lord may help you recover as soon as possible. You mercy with Taylor shows how great your soul is and how big your personality is." - Robert Makuta, Kigali, Rwanda


"I pray to God to give you mental and physical strength to overcome the pain and trauma to make you quickly come back to play the beautiful football Arsenal play." - Seyed Mahmood, Hong Kong


"Get well soon mate! All my thoughts are with you. I am sure you will overcome this injury and prove to all of us the fighter that you are. Hope to see you soon playing for the Arsenal." -
Aditya Dhingra, Mumbai, India

Club releases statement with update on Eduardo injury



The Club can confirm that following the incident during Saturday’s match at Birmingham City, Eduardo has fractured his left fibula and sustained an open dislocation of his ankle joint in the same leg.

He was immediately taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where he underwent surgery on Saturday evening. The operation was successful and Eduardo was transferred to a London-based hospital on Sunday afternoon.

Earlier today (Monday 25th February), the Orthopaedic surgeon and Arsenal medical staff assessed the extent of the damage and possible time scale for a full recovery.

All being well, Eduardo will have his leg in plaster and using crutches for the next six to eight weeks. After that time, partial weight-bearing exercises will be scheduled into a slow rehabilitation process.

It is hoped that Eduardo will be running again in six months time and making a full recovery after nine months.

Eduardo will be released from hospital in a few days.

The Arsenal medical team would like to take this opportunity to thank Birmingham City FC for their assistance on the day as well as the surgical and ward staff on S2 at Selly Oak Hospital for their expert medical care.

In addition, and on behalf of Eduardo, the Club would like to thank everyone for their many touching messages of support.

Bendtner - We must put 'terrible' day behind us




Nicklas Bendtner believes Arsenal need to move on quickly from their "terrible" day at Birmingham on Saturday.

The match was overshadowed by Eduardo's injury in the opening few minutes. As suspected on the day, the Croatian striker had suffered a badly broken leg - a huge blow to the Club's chances of winning a trophy this season. However it was to get worse at the end of the game when a debatable penalty saw the visitors pegged back to 2-2 after they had dominated the second half.

Arsenal are still three points clear at the top of the table but Bendtner feels they must try to leave the weekend's unfortunate events at St Andrews and not take them forward.



"Everything went wrong," said the 20-year-old. "We need to recover quickly and start coming out on top again. We can't keep thinking about this day because it has just been terrible.

"We were thinking about everything in the dressing room afterward. There were a lot of disappointments. We had a draw when we have to win and of course what happened to Edu is worse. It's just not the best of days."

Bendtner is in a unique position to assess Saturday's incident having played with Eduardo for Arsenal this year and with Martin Taylor while on loan at Birmingham last season. He was adamant there was no malice in the challenge.

"He's not a player like that," said the Dane. "He's really calm. He's not one who goes in to hurt people, never. But in football things like this happen.

"But, even though he is not one who does bad tackles, it was a bad tackle and he deserved to be sent off," he concluded. "The referee had no choice."

Adebayor - Champions League goals will come



Emmanuel Adebayor is unconcerned about his lack of goals in the Champions League and vows to go to Milan next week in search of history.

The Togolese striker, 24 today, missed a gilt-edged chance in the final minute of the Knockout Round first leg tie against the 'Rossonere' last Wednesday. Had his header not hit the bar, it would have been Adebayor's first goal in 14 Champions League matches for Arsenal.




It is a record in stark contrast to his overall tally at the Club - 38 goals in 90 games - but it is not one that concerns him.

"When the goals come they will come," he said. "Of course that is what I am fighting for. But it does not worry me. I am not putting pressure on myself. Against Milan [at home], the ball did not want to go in.

"We have passed through the first game with a draw so we know it is not going to be easy now. It is going to be doubly difficult. But I think we played quite well."

The goalless draw leaves Arsenal as the underdogs to go through. Milan's Champions League record in the last five years reads: Winners, Quarter-Finalists, Finalists, Semi-Finalists, Winners. In addition they have never lost to English opponents at the San Siro. Adebayor holds Milan in the greatest of respect but feels the task is within his side's capabilities.

"We will go there with confidence," said the striker speaking last week. "We know that beating Milan is something that will be important for us, our families and the fans, so of course our confidence will be very high. We will play our football, pass and move and if we have a chance to win the game that is what we will do.

"It is going to be my first time in the San Siro so hopefully we can make history there.

"Yes, they have the intelligence and the experience. They are one of the biggest teams I have played against.

"It will be a more open game [than the first leg] and we will have more chances to score. I don't know how many chances we will have but, whatever happens, we will have a chance."

Almunia - Maintaining home form will be vital

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Aston Villa



Manuel Almunia believes that Arsenal’s home form will be vital if their title charge is to stay on track.

The Gunners have dropped just four points at Emirates Stadium this season and the Spanish shot-stopper insists that those home comforts could help Arsenal wrestle the title away from Manchester United.

Both sides have five home games remaining, with the Premier League clash between the two being staged at Old Trafford on April 13. Almunia is not worried about the challenges which lie ahead.

“We of course have respect for every team and we don’t care who we play against,” he said. “It is just important to get three points regardless of who is in front of us.



“All the games we have at home must be won. Here we are so strong and that is what can help us win the title.

“What must not happen again is what happened in the League here against Birmingham where we dropped two points.”

Of course Arsenal want to win every game between now and the end of the season - a target Almunia insists is perfectly attainable.

“Our physical fitness is good and I think we are a young team that has everybody is in good shape,” he continued. “Mentally these young people have a lot of fantasy in their head and show that on the pitch.

“We have a good feeling in the dressing room and outside of football. That is the secret, the focus that we all have on what we want to do. That is what it is all about.”

Walcott - Agbonlahor is Villa's major threat

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Aston Villa





They're young, fast and quite possibly the future of English football. Theo Walcott and Gabriel Agbonlahor have plenty in common but on Saturday they will put their friendship to one side when Arsenal meet Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium.

The duo are regulars in the England Under-21 set-up and both have sampled life in the senior squad. Walcott was famously called up for the World Cup finals in 2006 while Agbonlahor earned a place in Fabio Capello's squad for this month's friendly against Switzerland before injury ruled him out.

Agbonlahor's call-up was just reward for an outstanding season with Villa and Walcott is well aware of the damage he could inflict on Arsenal's title challenge this weekend.

"All of Villa's young players are absolutely tremendous - you just have to look at how many of them are getting into the England senior and Under-21 squads," Walcott told Arsenal.com.

"But Gabby has been doing fantastically well and it's such a shame he got injured just before going with England. He deserved the call-up, just like Ashley Young, because he's worked so hard. He is consistent too, he does well in every game.

"With Gabby you can over-cook a pass and he'll still get there because his pace is just phenomenal really, it's a joke. I love playing alongside players with pace. He's a clever player and he's got a good finish on him, which helps."

Walcott's searing pace is arguably his most potent weapon and Agbonlahor is no slouch either. So who would win in a race between the two? Walcott would back himself in a sprint against most opponents but admits he might have met his match in the Villa man.

"You know what, I do not have a clue who would win," said Walcott. "I'm doing a Nike event about who is fastest to the ball and I haven't done it yet but Gabby has done it so I need to try and beat his time.

"In the meantime, I'll see him before Saturday's game and we'll have a little chat then. Hopefully we'll get the result so I'll be happy to talk to him again afterwards!"

Walcott - We'll be there for Eduardo throughout

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Aston Villa




While Eduardo is still in their thoughts, Arsenal’s focus is remains very much on the job in hand, according to Theo Walcott.

The youngster revealed that the best way the team can overcome the adversity of last weekend is to take all three points when Aston Villa visit Emirates Stadium this Saturday. Walcott also told of the feeling within the squad in the days that followed the Croatian striker’s horrific injury.

“Of course Eduardo has been on our minds,” Walcott told Arsenal.com. “It was a quiet coach ride home and felt just like a loss in truth.

“We had a couple of days off and then actually went bowling to keep our team-spirit up. A couple of lads went to see him yesterday and reported back to the rest of us.

“But we have tried to forget about it in a way and concentrate on Saturday.



“We don’t all want to rush there and then gradually stop. It will be more difficult for him in later months so we want to be there for him the whole time he is out.”

Eduardo’s absence, coupled with Robin van Persie’s lack of fitness leaves the door wide open for someone to seize a role up front. After grabbing his first Premier League goals at Birmingham, Walcott believes he is the man to do it.

“I feel upbeat, I feel confident,” he continued. “The goals helped and they gave me a boost so hopefully I can take that into Saturday.

“It was nice to get a poacher's goal. My agents have told me I need more of those. Then the second was more about the kind of player I am. Left-foot too, which is something people have questioned me about.

“Now I just have to improve with every game and time will tell [if I can fill the striker’s role]. After all, the boss picks the team so when I do play I will just do my best.”

JAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Match Report

Champions League

AC Milan
0


Arsenal
2

Fabregas 84, Adebayor 92



Arsenal stormed into the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League after a magnificent victory at Milan on Tuesday evening.

It was a huge night for Arsène Wenger's side. They were up against not only the holders but Europe's most successful side in recent years and, at home, their bright campaign had been stuttering of late.

But they responded with a performance of determination, poise and patience. It was capped five minutes from time by a goal from Cesc Fabregas. Along with Mathieu Flamini, the Spaniard had dominated the famous names in the Milan midfield. Perhaps it was a new-found respect that meant they afford him a little too much space to let fly from fully 30 yards.

As the ball bounced into the net, the Arsenal fans erupted. Fabregas slid on his knees towards the dug-out then ran off kissing the badge on this shirt.

Adebayor slotted home another in the final minute seal a win that felt every bit as good as the 5-1 on this ground against Inter in 2003... or the 1-0 win at Real Madrid... or the 1-0 win at Juventus in 1980.

It was Milan's first defeat at home by English opposition and perhaps Arsenal's greatest away win in European competition.

And it was utterly, utterly deserved.

It is a well-worn phrase but the San Siro really is a cathedral of football. And, as in every place of worship, the atmosphere is dependent on the strength of belief among the congregation.

Before kick-off this evening, the Milanese fans seemed to have an almost evangelistic belief in their side. Most of the independent observers were with them.

Wenger side's saw only one change from the weekend. Emmanuel Eboue, whose current ban does not include European football, replaced Theo Walcott on the right. Alex Hleb was deployed as a half-striker behind Adebayor.

Although it had been a highly tactical game overall, the second half of the first leg had been attacking and enthralling. The start of the return rubber began the same way.

In the fifth minute, Pato burst to the byline and saw his angled shot deflected over. From the corner, Paolo Maldini nodded on at the near post and there was a moment of consternation in the six-yard box before Arsenal cleared. In the minutes that followed William Gallas and Mathieu Flamini had to nod inquisitive free-kicks away from the danger area.

Milan had started not like traditional cagey Italians but akin to an up-and-at-'em English side.

Arsenal knew they might be counterattacking tonight. And they showed some stomach of the job when Adebayor held up a long ball forward before laying the ball back to Diaby, who sidefooted wide.

However Milan would respond with better chances - Filippo Inzaghi's volley and Pato's chip. Almunia held on to both. Inzaghi was starting to look lively. The veteran flicked a header wide and drove into the sidenetting midway through the half as Milan continued to press.

Arsenal were being stretched and stretched. But Adebayor's fine drive in the 27th minute gave them not only respite but hope. Hleb weaved forward and eventually Diaby nudged the ball to the Togolese striker whose curling sidefoot had to be touched over by Milan keeper Zeljko Kalac.

The visitors grew in confidence from the chance and started to build moves with a little more patience. The whistles from the home crowd suggested the tide was turning.

That was hammered home in the 32nd minute when Arsenal worked their way down the left flank and Adebayor found Fabregas on the edge of the area. His rasping effort beat Kalac and rattled the bar.

Arsenal were now stretching Milan with Fabregas and Hleb pulling the strings to try and give Adebayor a clear sight of goal.

It never quite happened before the break but the home 'congregation' was noticeably quieter.

They were so nearly silenced two minutes after the interval when Fabregas raked a corner through the area to the far post where Senderos ghosted in to thud an effort into the chest of Kalic. If it had gone a foot either side it would have been the opener.

Arsenal were starting to find regular space in the Milan area - and the home fans did not like it one bit. In the 50th minute, Eboue fired wide from six yards when he might have tested Kalac.

Although Pirlo's bobbling free-kick was somewhat nervously turned around the post by Almunia shortly afterwards, Arsenal still had the upper hand.

Just past the hour Kaka's mazy running saw him outpace Fabregas and then outwit Sagna before firing wide.

After that, for the first time on the night, the game started to lose focus. Not surprisingly both managers threw on attacking substitutes - Alberto Gilardino and Walcott respectively

The new addition for the visitors nearly set up Adebayor in the 73rd minute but his deflected cutback just would not come down in time for the striker. Five minutes later, Pato cut inside Clichy and curled an effort just wide.

The tension was now becoming palpable. Milan were the masters of brinkmanship but Arsenal had been the better side over the two ties. They deserved to go through, all they had to do was score.

Fabregas obliged five minutes from time when the home side afforded him too much space and he tried his luck from distance.

Milan suddenly looked an old side and their response was minimal. It was no surprise to see Walcott fly down the right in the final minute before sending a low ball across the area for Adebayor to convert at the far post.

The Arsenal side reprised their famous huddle at the full time whistle in front of an emptying San Siro.

The most recent Kings of Europe had lost their crown and, on the strength of this performance, Arsenal were the young pretenders to the throne.

Wenger: 'We played with authority and maturity'

Champions League
AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal



On his team's performance...
"I have big respect for Milan, but my team deserves a lot of credit - having come here and beaten a team like them. We have given the performance we wanted. We played with organisation and never dropped off. We did not give them time and went forward every time we could. We played with authority, maturity, talent and intelligence."

On growing belief within the team...
"Sometimes as manager, you feel there is something in the team and you know that for them to get a step higher up they have to deliver in a big game like tonight. I hope this will strengthen the belief in the team."

On Arsenal's chances of winning the Champions League...
"The competition is very hard now. It is a cup competition, and you have to take it like that. We will go for it - we are in the quarter-final, so why should we not believe we can do it."

Eduardo is February's Player of the Month

Eduardo has been chosen by the fans as their Player of the Month for February.

The Croatian striker's season was cut short in horrific circumstances when he broke his left fibula and suffered an open dislocation of his ankle in the opening minutes of the game at Birmingham. But prior to that Eduardo did enough to show that, when he returns, Arsenal can expect plenty more goals from their summer signing.

Eduardo's finest moments of February came right at the start of the month. The 25-year-old was exceptional against Manchester City, combining well with Emmanuel Adebayor and scoring a fine goal with an overhead kick in Arsenal's 3-1 win. Eduardo followed that display with starts against Blackburn, Manchester United and Milan before that fateful trip to St. Andrews.

This is the second time Eduardo has scooped our Player of the Month award and, on this occasion, he polled 36.4 per cent of the votes. Adebayor, our January winner, was second with 18.4 per cent while Mathieu Flamini was third with 11.4 per cent.

February Player of the Month Results Player %
Eduardo 36.4%
Emmanuel Adebayor 18.4%
Mathieu Flamini 11.4%
Others 33.8%

Competition winner Chris Smith from Melton Mowbray has won the chance to present our Player of the Month award before the home fixture against Middlesbrough on March 15.

"Eduardo deserves to be player of the month because before his dreadful injury he was showing a more cohesive style of play," said Chris. "He had become an Arsenal player and we are going to miss him."

Fabregas, Gallas, Diaby, Senderos reaction

Champions League
AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal



Arsenal TV Online caught up with Cesc Fabregas, William Gallas, Abou Diaby and Philippe Senderos after the 2-0 win in Milan on Tuesday. It was an historical night for the Gunners as they became the first English team to beat AC Milan at the San Siro.

Philippe talks about Arsenal's "belief and patience", the manner of the victory, defending as a team, getting back on track after four games without a win and the fantastic away support in the San Siro .



Abou talks about the performance, why confidence was high before the game, Arsenal's prospects of winning the Champions League and how this win might help their Premier League form.

William talks about his pride in the players, their lack of fear, taking the game to Milan, the timing of Cesc Fabregas' goal, the Spaniard's performance and the challenges ahead.

Cesc talks about Arsenal's "perfect" night, why beating Milan in the San Siro is the stuff of dreams, his goal, taking on Gattuso, Pirlo and Ambrosini and the reputation of Arsenal in Europe.

Subscribers can now watch this footage on Arsenal TV Online. If you don't subscribe to TV Online, click on the red button on the gold panel opposite.

Sagna: 'It is too early to say we are favourites'

Champions League
AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal




Bacary Sagna believes it is far too early to make Arsenal favourites to lift the Champions League trophy, despite their stunning victory in Milan on Tuesday night.

Arsène Wenger's side were superb in the San Siro and deservedly reached the Quarter-Finals thanks to late goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor. After the match Sagna was delighted yet cautious.

"It is a great night for English football, now we will just try to win what we can win," said the right back. "It is too quick to say that [we are favourites]. We'll just go from game to game now. It will be difficult to pass through the next level but we can do it.



"In the first leg we could have scored. And we knew before the game we could play better than that. Everyone was solid. In the first half we need to stay focused. Then we scored just before the end.

"It meant there was a great atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards. It is not everyday that we win against Milan. We played well in the first leg and again tonight. For me, we deserved the win."