CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Arsenal v Steaua 2:1 (2:0)


Arsenal FC hat seine perfekte Heimbilanz in der laufenden UEFA-Champions-League-Saison bewahrt, im letzten Gruppenspiel gab es einen 2:1-Sieg gegen den FC Steaua Bucureşti. Trotzdem bleibt für die Gunners nur der zweite Platz in der Gruppe H, denn Sevilla FC konnte gleichzeitig beim SK Slavia Praha gewinnen. Abou Diaby und Niklas Bendtner brachten Arsenal in der ersten Halbzeit mit 2:0 in Führung. Den Gästen gelang noch der Anschlusstreffer durch Dorel Zaharia, doch schließlich mussten sie die Gruppenphase mit nur einem einzigen Punkt beenden.

Arsenal hatte vor fünf Tagen bei Middlesbrough FC die erste Saisonniederlage in der Premier League kassiert, aber trotzdem schonte Trainer Arsène Wenger einige wichtige Spieler. Er selbst musste die Partie wegen einer Sperre von der Tribüne aus verfolgen. Es sah vor Spielbeginn also nicht schlecht aus für Steaua. Die Gastgeber legten jedoch gleich selbstbewusst los, Kolo Touré und Emmanuel Adebayor hatten die ersten Möglichkeiten.

Theo Walcott bereitete anschließend die erste Chance von Diaby vor, ehe dieser auch von Robin van Persie - einem weiteren Rückkehrer - in Szene gesetzt wurde. Der Jungstar traf jedoch nur das Außennetz. Die Gäste hatten mit dem schnellen Walcott große Probleme. Er setzte sich gegen Mihai Neşu und Ionuţ Rada durch, und sein Schuss segelte nur knapp über den Querbalken. In der achten Minute musste sich Steauas Torhüter Robinson Zapata dann zum ersten Mal geschlagen geben. Bacary Sagna schlug eine Flanke auf den kurzen Pfosten, und Diaby setzte den Ball in die Maschen.

Der Franzose wurde von seinem ersten Tor im Europapokal richtig beflügelt. Bei einem abgefälschten Schuss von Diaby musste Zapata sein ganzes Können aufbieten. Nicolae Dică bediente in der 16. Minute Adrian Neaga, doch Armand Traoré konnte ihn gerade noch stoppen. Dies sollte der einzige gefährliche Angriff der Rumänen in der ersten Halbzeit bleiben. Danach waren wieder die Gunners an der Reihe, Walcott und Van Persie verzogen nur knapp. Bendtner machte es in der 42. Minute besser, der dänische Nationalspieler ließ Zapata nach einem Diagonalpass von Van Persie keine Abwehrchance.

Die zweite Halbzeit begann weniger temporeich, Steaua kam besser ins Spiel. Nach einer Stunde scheiterten die Engländer wieder einmal an Zapata, der Kolumbianer riskierte dabei gegen Bendtner Kopf und Kragen. Der Abpraller fiel Van Persie vor die Füße, doch auch er konnte Zapata nicht bezwingen.

Steauas Trainer Marius Lăcătuş wollte frischen Wind in seine Mannschaft bringen und wechselte Romeo Surdu und Zaharia ein, und nach 68 Minuten sollten sich diese Umstellungen bezahlt machen. Nur vier Minuten nach seiner Einwechslung köpfte Zaharia den Ball nach einer Flanke von Florin Lovin über Jens Lehmann hinweg ins Netz. Kurz darauf wäre der deutsche Nationaltorhüter beinahe ein weiteres Mal geschlagen gewesen, doch Emmanuel Eboué konnte in letzter Sekunde für ihn retten. Danach parierte Zapata einen Schuss von Bendtner. Steaua wollte unbedingt den Ausgleich, der jedoch nicht mehr fallen sollte. Fünf Minuten vor dem Ende hatten die Gäste Pech, als ein Schuss von Ovidiu Petre nur ganz knapp am Kasten vorbei ging.

Arsenal: Jens Lehmann, Philippe Senderos, Armand Traore, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna (Lassana Diarra 70.), Denilson, Abou Diaby (Emmanuel Eboue 70.), Alexandre Song, Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner, Robin Van Persie (Eduardo 65.)

Verwarnungen: Bendtner (Steaua 1)

Tore: 1:0 Diaby (.), 2:0 Bendtner (42.), 2:1 Zaharia (69.)

Zuschauer: 50.000

Referee: Yuri Baskakov

Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium

Sunday, December 16, 2007, 4pm

Arsenal
-
Chelsea



By Richard Clarke

Nothing will be decided this weekend. No trophies will be lifted, no medals handed out.

But it might feel like they should be.

On Sunday, the Premier League’s top four face each other. Manchester United go to Liverpool in the early fixture then Chelsea visit Arsenal. To be honest, on current form, there is not much between any of them.

Early season predictions of a two-horse race have proved unfounded and, if you were to assume that Liverpool would win their game in hand, then the quartet go into this weekend separated by a mere four points after 16 games.

You can see why Arsène Wenger feels this title race will be the most thrilling and open in Premier League history. And this could be its most thrilling weekend.

Hold onto your hats.

"I believe without a doubt that this season will be the most exciting year in the Premier League ever,” he said. “Since I've been here you have never had four teams as tight as this.

“It's very difficult to pick one out of the three contenders. For me all three are the same [strengths] but for different reasons. Chelsea because they have the quality, the experience and have done it. Liverpool because they have invested a lot and are keen to win it and Manchester United because they have the individual potential to score goals at any moment and have done it before.

“It is super-healthy. And this weekend, we have a good opportunity to strengthen our lead again because at least one of Liverpool and Man United will drop points, maybe both. A victory could put us in a very strong position."

Wenger will wait until the final possible moment before ruling on the injuries to Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Alex Hleb (hamstring) and Mathieu Flamini (thigh). All three trained on Friday and afterwards the manager was upbeat about their involvement.

Robin van Persie is back after making his first Arsenal appearance in two months during the win over Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday. However Theo Walcott is out after collecting a knee injury in the same game.

Chelsea have re-grouped under Avram Grant after the departure of Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese made for wonderful newspaper copy but the side he produced favoured the functional over the beautiful. The media perception was that Grant would be the opposite. However, at present, the jury is still out on Chelsea’s move from the athletic to aesthetic football. Wenger feels we’ll know more after this match.

"I haven't seen them [under Grant] and anyway to find the real philosophy of a team you have to see them in the big games,” he said. “In the smaller game you can always dominate at home and of course you are always attacking. I think you will see more about the philosophy of Chelsea's game on Sunday."

This game will bring up the three-month anniversary of Arsenal going top of the Premier League. They ascended to the summit after a stirring London derby, a 3-1 win at Tottenham to be precise. Surely it will take performance of similar bravery to maintain their lead.

The manager dismissed the notion that this could be the critical game of campaign only to add: “But I hope we will play in decisive games this season."

Having already matched Manchester United and Liverpool, a victory on Sunday would suggest those “decisive games” are likely to involve Arsenal.

It might tell us the opponents too.

Wenger - Drogba’s boots can be filled

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Chelsea

By Richard Clarke

The absence of Didier Drogba will be helpful but not decisive for Arsenal at the weekend, according to Arsène Wenger.

The Ivorian striker will not be with Chelsea when they visit Emirates Stadium on Sunday after undergoing knee surgery. For the past couple of seasons Drogba has been arguably the most feared forward in the top flight and already has nine goals to his name this term.

“Personally I rate Drogba,” admitted Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “He always gave us a hard game and most of the time he was very influential.

“Drogba is a fighter until the last second in every game. I admired him especially in the Cup Final last year, where he had not the best of games but in the end he never gave up and made the difference.

“But when you can replace him with Andrei Shevchenko you are not too much in misery.”

Wenger - The fans must focus on our team not Cole

Arsenal v Chelsea


By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger has called on the Arsenal supporters to cheer his side rather than jeer Ashley Cole when Chelsea come to Emirates Stadium on Sunday.



This weekend, the England left back is set to return to his mother club for the first time since leaving for Stamford Bridge in August 2006.

Although Arsenal received William Gallas in return, the manner of Cole’s departure means he is likely to receive some barracking from sections of the crowd. Ahead of the game Wenger called for calm, suggesting that the supporters needed to a play a positive role in order to help their team.

"I want our fans to be behind our team and not to especially have resentment with Ashley Cole,” said Wenger. “He did well for the Club for as long as he was here and ideally you want everybody who has played for you to be respected.

“What is over is over and you have to take a distance with that. He has been educated here, he has done well for us and overall we want him to get a fair reception.

“Then of course the fans need to be 200 per cent behind the team. That makes a difference. In the big games your fans and your team have to be one.”

Abuse from the stands has been back in the public eye over recent weeks but Wenger wants Arsenal’s fans to set an example this weekend and when Tottenham arrive next Saturday.

"You can never guarantee it,” said the Frenchman. “How can you guarantee that every single one of 60,000 people? But usually we have never had a problem with that.

“A football game has to remain a football game and we have a responsibility in that.”

'Signs look good' for Flamini, Fabregas and Hleb


Arsenal v Chelsea



By Richard Clarke

The “signs look quite good” for Arsenal’s injured midfield trio ahead of the crucial Premier League clash with Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.


Mathieu Flamini (thigh), Cesc Fabregas and Alex Hleb (both hamstring) are all back in training and fighting to be fit for what could be a pivotal game in the title race. A decision will be made as late as Sunday morning.

All three collected their injuries during a run of four away games straddling the end of November and the start of December. Arsenal returned home on Wednesday against Steaua Bucharest and, in that game, were able to start Robin van Persie for the first time in two months. He suffered no ill-effects and has been named in the squad but Theo Walcott collected a knock on his knee against the Romanian side. The England winger is definitely out and, of course, question marks remain over those others.

“Who will make it, I don’t know?” said Arsène Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “We know Robin van Persie will be available. As for Mathieu Flamini, Cesc and Alex Hleb, the signs look quite good but we have to make a decision.”

The manager added that if Fabregas was passed fit he would play.

“Theo Walcott is out with a little knee problem,” the Frenchman continued. “That is a question of days and we feel he should be OK for Tuesday maybe.”

Das wär wichtig wenn die 3 wieder fit werden würden. mit den 3 Kreativspielern Hleb, Fabregas und Rosicky im Mittelfeld kann Arsenal jeden schlagen

Van Persie - We’ll prove the doubters wrong

Arsenal v Chelsea



By Matt Fortune

Robin van Persie is raring to take up the baton his team-mates have carried so brilliantly in his absence.

The 24-year-old, who grabbed a first slice of competitive action in nearly two months against Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday, believes that failure is something only others are expecting.

The Gunners have silenced many of their critics since the season begun, producing some mesmeric football along the way. But despite being top of Premier League and having qualified for the Champions League after four games the doubters continue to dismiss their title credentials.



The Dutchman believes that those waiting to pounce on any slip-up are sure to be left disappointed.

“Everyone was waiting for us to fall down, but we're not going to fall down,” said Van Persie. “Of course, we are going to lose a game in the season; maybe we are going to lose two or three; we're going to have a few draws, that's normal.

“When you play so many games you're going to lose some. But we know everyone is waiting for us to lose more games, and we're going to fall down. Not at all.

“I've been at the training ground every single day and I know what those guys are capable of.”

Many had predicted that Arsenal’s demise would occur either at Anfield or when champions Manchester United visited the Emirates. It didn’t. On Sunday the Gunners face the last of the ‘Big Four’. Undefeated in 13, Chelsea are in good form but Van Persie is not worried.

“I'm not scared to face anybody,” he said. “I know my team-mates are thinking the same. Chelsea have a good side, they play a different style to us, respect to them. We play our style and I think if we play at the top of our game we can beat anybody.”

mann, bin geil auf 17:00 Uhr! :daumenhoc

Hamburg playmaker Rafael van der Vaart is wanted by Premier League clubs, according to the Dutchman's agent.


Van der Vaart is looking to leave Hamburg and has previously expressed a determination to join Spanish side Valencia.

His compatriot Ronald Koeman has recently been appointed coach at the Mestalla and would be keen to sign the former Ajax captain.

But while Valencia maintain an interest in the midfielder, Van der Vaart's agent Bayram Tutumlu claims there is strong interest from other clubs.


Difficult

"Now, it is very difficult for the player to join Valencia because we have important offers from other big clubs in Spain and England, but he has always loved Valencia," Tutumlu told Las Provincias.

"I have spoken with him and he said that if Valencia present an offer he will study it.

"But I know the salary being offered by president Juan Soler is very difficult to agree to."

Reports have claimed that Arsenal and Newcastle United are the two Premier League sides keeping an eye on the situation.

Match Report




Arsenal retained top spot in the Premier League with a thunderous 1-0 win over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The only goal of the game came in first-half injury-time when Petr Cech missed a left-wing corner from Cesc Fabregas and William Gallas steered in a header against his old team.



The victory was just about deserved. Arsenal were the slicker team in the first half and weathered an almighty Chelsea storm in the second. Arsène Wenger’s side had two goals ruled out in the dying seconds — on another day both might have stood — and when the full-time whistle blew they were looking the stronger team.

However top-four games are always going to be tight and today had seen a pair of them. ‘Grand Slam’ Sunday resulted in the top two easing away from the other two.

It may be the shape of things to come.

There had been injury doubts over Cesc Fabregas, Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini in the build-up to this game. In the end all three started and, perhaps surprisingly, Robin van Persie was left on the bench. However it should be remembered that the Dutchman had made only a 65-minute comeback after two months out with a knee problem in the midweek win over Steaua Bucharest.

The other changes from that game were: Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Emmanuel Adebayor. Only Bacary Sagna and Gallas retained their places.

Manchester United’s win at Anfield a few hours had cranked the pressure in this match a notch or two higher. That result had pushed Arsenal down into second and Wenger knew only a victory would retain the status quo.

The opening stages were perhaps too manic for the game’s own good. Fabregas’ deflected free-kick was about as good as it got for either side.

Gradually, the football took over from the frenetic fayre. In the 13th minute, Adebayor pressurised the backtracking Alex into nodding the ball over his own keeper. Fortunately for Chelsea it drifted wide.

The visitors flew up the other end and Shaun Wright-Phillips’s long-range drive forced a flying save from Almunia.

By now, Arsenal were starting to pass the ball nicely. But there was little to test Cech. Fabregas floated a free-kick just over the bar on the half-hour and then it was Almunia’s hands which were stung by a fierce long-range volley from Andrei Shevchenko.

Rosicky rippled the sidenetting shortly afterwards after darting in from the left and, significantly, seven minutes before the break John Terry limped off to be replaced by Tal Ben-Haim. The England captain had been limping since a challenge from Eboue a few minutes earlier.

Arsenal were going into the break in the ascendancy — they had enjoyed the greater possession and territory — however there had been precious little to show for it.

Or so we thought.

Deep into injury time Rosicky was robbed as he burst into the area from the left. Fabregas curled the corner to the far post, Cech missed the ball with a flailing fist and Gallas emerged to nod home.

It was a hammer blow to Chelsea after a competitive first half and they set about redressing the balance straight after the restart.

The visitors stole the initiative from the first whistle but, you sensed, did not quite know what to do with it. This is where the absence of the injured Didier Drogba was being felt. And, of course, Chelsea’s attacking only invited Arsenal to counter. They did not need a second invitation.

In the 57th minute Wright-Phillips curled a low ball across the face of goal. A couple of minutes later Almunia dived full-stretch to prevent John Obi-Mikel’s rasping drive finding the far corner.

Eboue was stretchered off after being felled in mid-flight by Joe Cole. Van Persie came in and immediately caused problems for the Chelsea defence.

To this point, the visitors had struggled to create a close-range chance. They put that right with 15 minutes left, Claudio Pizarro floated in a cross from the left, Shevchenko flicked on and an unmarked Wright-Phillips volleyed woefully wide from six yards out. A glaring miss.

It was the England midfielder’s last touch of the game. Avram Grant brought on another striker, Salomon Kalou, straight away.

The Cameroonian hammered a shot just wide with his first meaningful touch. However that effort came after Arsenal had carved out their best opportunity of the half. Rosicky robbed Joe Cole then Adebayor and Hleb combined in a sweeping move that saw Van Persie hoist his shot over the bar.

The Dutchman thought he had had slid home the killer goal with six minutes left but Adebayor’s pass to Rosicky in the build-up had been ruled offside. In the 88th minute Cech made a wonderful double save from Fabregas as Arsenal pushed forward.

Almost immediately Adebayor strode through and planted a shot home, only for referee Alan Wiley to rule he had held off his marker with a bit too much brute force.

But Chelsea still pressed and Arsenal had to thank Almunia at the death for tipping a fizzing Shevchenko free-kick just over the bar. The last kick of the game saw Fabregas fluff a relatively simple chance after being set-up by substitute Nicklas Bendtner.

The final whistle came a few seconds later. The roar with which was greeted was 50 per cent elation, 50 per cent relief.

It had been that sort of game.

Wenger: Returning players 'gave us technical stability'


Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium



On a good response...
"We lost at Middlesbrough and it's always important not to have another defeat, especially at home in a big game because that means straight away the confidence drops. For us it's important today to get the three points."

On the balance of the game...
"In the first half it was a bit locked, tactically, and the goal of William Gallas opened the game up and changed the game. In the second half Chelsea have thrown everything forward and on the counter-attacks we had four, fives times the opportunity to score. As long as you didn't do that, of course, you are under the threat of Chelsea scoring, which nearly happened especially I believe with Wright-Phillips and the header from Schevchenko. But overall I still feel the three points were deserved and reflect the great spirit in the side."



On the Arsenal captain...
"I feel he pops up when you need it, when you want it, and he's the leader - that's the best definition of a leader, when you need it you show the example and he did that in the last second against Man United. It shows that he is a winner because, I'm not sure if I would have jumped behind Cech because I would have thought he takes the ball, you know? And that's a real striker, they believe if a mistake happens they are there. I believe as well that Arsenal is a special club where it takes sometimes a few months to be penetrated by the spirit of the Club. I think William this season has taken that completely on board, and he's completely the leader because he represents how we want to behave."

On the title race...
"Maybe Liverpool had the biggest disappointment of the day because they played at home, and they have already dropped points at home, but they are not out of it. Nor is Chelsea because they have shown again today they have the quality. I think the spirit in the side is absolutely amazing, not everybody was at his best today because many came back from injury, they have not played for three weeks some of them. Still, it gave us a technical stability that is completely different, you know? We are confident, the confidence is there, the belief is there, I personally prefer that it remains a four horse race because it is more interesting. It makes a day like today a lot for the Premier League and, as long as it is four teams involved in it I believe that the interest for the championship is even bigger."

On facing a physical challenge...
"I believe that is where we have improved the most, be effecient, not be dominated in the fight, today we have shown great character in the fight as well. In duels, in the one-against-one, overall we were dominant on that front - it was not the case usually."

On some close decisions...
"Some were easy ones, at the first look. I believe as well the goal of Adebayor was a soft free-kick against us because I did not see a lot wrong. "

On the injury to Eboue...
"Eboue has a knee-ligament strain and we'll see how he responds in the next forty-eight hours."

PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal v Chelsea 1:0 (1:0)


Ohne Torwart Jens Lehmann hat der FC Arsenal das Gipfeltreffen in der englischen Premier League gegen den FC Chelsea gewonnen. Die "Gunners" kamen zu einem 1:0 (1:0)- Erfolg. Siegtorschütze im ausverkauften Emirates-Stadion war der ehemalige Chelsea- Profi William Gallas (45. Minute).

In einem rassigen Derby setzte sich der FC Arsenal letztlich verdient vor heimischem Publikum im Emirates Stadion gegen den FC Chelsea durch. Arsenal holte sich somit die Tabellenführung mit 40 Punkten von Manchester United (39) zurück. Chelsea steht nach der Niederlage mit 34 Zählern auf dem dritten Rang.

1. Halbzeit:

Vor ausverkauftem Haus starteten die Gäste sehr verhalten und abwartend. So hatten die "Gunners" die Möglichkeit, durch schnelle Angriffe in die Spitze Druck auf das Tor von Petr Cech auszuüben. Allerdings stand die Abwehr von Chelsea gut gestaffelt, sodass die Kombinationen des Arsenal-Mittelfelds um die starken Cesc Fabregas, Aleksander Hleb und Tomas Rosicky schon im Keim erstickt wurden.

Zu Chancen kamen beide Teams im weiteren Verlauf der ersten Hälfte nur durch Fernschüsse. So Prüften Emmanuel Adebayor (12.) und Rosicky (37.) den Keeper der "Blues" aus der Distanz. Auf der anderen Seite konnte Torhüter Manuel Almunia die Weitschüsse von Shaun Wright-Phillips (14.) und Andrej Shevchenko (33.) entschärfen.

Bitter wurde es für Chelsea, als Kapitän John Terry (39.) nach einem bösen Foul von Emmanuel Eboué ausgewechselt werden musste.

Kurz vor der Pause hatte Arsenal noch einmal die Möglichkeit, durch einen Eckstoß zum Erfolg zu kommen. Fabregas flankte von links mit viel Effet in die Mitte, Cech unterlief den Ball und William Gallas (45.+2) hatte keine Probleme zum 1:0 einzunicken

2.Halbzeit:

Nach der Pause war plötzlich "Feuer" in der Partie. Verbissene Zweikämpfe, Verbalduelle und etliche Nickeligkeiten führten zu ständigen Unterbrechungen - Schiedsrichter Alan Wiley zückte für beide Teams einige Gelbe Karten. Arsenal stand insgesamt tiefer und hatte gegen die anstürmenden Gäste alle Hände voll zu tun.

John Obi Mikel (60.) bot sich die Chance den Ausgleich zu erzielen, aber Almunia faustete den Ball aus der Ecke. Wright-Philipps (75.) stand sich selbst im Weg und verzog völlig freistehend aus fünf Metern. Shevchenko (89.) schaffte es ebenfalls nicht, den nicht immer ganz sicher wirkenden Almunia zu überwinden.

Durch Konter kamen aber auch die Gastgeber immer wieder gefährlich vor das Chelsea-Gehäuse. Der Ball zappelte auch zweimal im Netz, doch sowohl der eingewechselte Robin van Persie (85.) als auch Adebayor (90.) wurden vom Unparteiischen zurückgepfiffen.

Spieler des Spiels:

Ausgerechnet der Ex-Chelsea-Akteur William Gallas erzielte den Siegtreffer, räumte in der Innenverteidigung konsequent alles ab und bewies seine Führungsqualitäten.

Arsenal: Manuel Almunia, Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Emmanuel Eboue (Robin Van Persie 69.), Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky, Alexander Hleb (Gilberto 78.), Emmanuel Adebayor (Nicklas Bendtner 90.)

Verwarnungen: Adebayor, Flamini, Eboue (Chel$ski 5)

Tor: 1:0 Gallas (45. +2)

Referee: A. Wiley

Flamini - Our self-belief is just growing and growing



Mathieu Flamini feels Arsenal’s belief in their title-winning credentials is growing all the time.

The midfield dynamo helped Arsène Wenger’s side to a dramatic 1-0 win over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium. It was a major fillip for Arsenal after last week’s defeat at Middlesbrough, it also sent them back to the top of the table after Manchester United’s victory at Liverpool on Sunday had seen them temporarily takeover. Flamini feels they can stay there.

“Since the start [of the season] we have believed we can do it,” he said. “And we get more belief all the time. This win over Chelsea showed we can beat the big teams in England.

“It was a very difficult game, but we knew that before. We needed to be strong and we knew we would have a chance to score. We controlled the game even if, at the end, they had a few chances.

“Chelsea are a strong team and defend well. We were trying to play our game, but had to be very strong first. If you do not win the fight in this kind of game, you cannot play your football. We scored just before half-time and after that tried to control the game.”


The win means Arsenal have now been top of the Premier League for three months. In Flamini’s eyes, they have the strength and spirit to cope with the rigours of a title-winning campaign.

“Man United had won again, so we had to win,” he said. “It was important to stay in the title race. We’d lost against Boro because maybe we were a bit tired. Everybody else thought we could not do it today, but we did it because we were strong.

“We had proven against Villa and in other games away [that we could fight], and we did it again today. We won the battles and at the end we played our own game. The team spirit was fantastic again and when you see that on the pitch, you believe we can win every game.”

Gallas - We gave the perfect response against Chelsea


Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea


For William Gallas, Sunday's victory against Chelsea was more about getting back on track than getting one over his old mates.

The Arsenal captain has a happy knack of popping up with vital goals and he did the trick again in first-half stoppage time at Emirates Stadium, capitalising on Petr Cech's error to nod the ball into an unguarded net.



Gallas' header clinched Arsenal's first win over Chelsea since February 2004 and restored Arsène Wenger's side to the top of the Premier League table. As far as their matchwinner is concerned, it was the perfect response to last weekend's poor performance at Middlesbrough.

"It was really important to win that game," said Gallas. "It was not easy for us because we were playing against a good team. Chelsea were very strong but at the end we took the three points and we are still at the top.

"I think in the first half we played well - one and two-touch like before. After the games against Newcastle and Mddlesbrough it was very important for us to play how we play normally. And I think tonight was OK.

"In the second half we did not play the same way but we defended very well and all the players stayed very compact. Chelsea tried to score. They pushed very high. It was not easy but I said congratulations to the players because they fight for 90 minutes.

"It was not easy for me playing against my ex-team. You are not the same because I spent six years there and it was a little bit strange for me but it was very important for me to try to play well. Today I did not think I played my best football. I have to play for the team and not myself."

While Chelsea's fans trooped out at one end of the ground, their former favourite celebrated in style at the other end. Gallas is quick to deflect any personal glory onto his team-mates but, equally, he knows exactly how much victories like this mean to the Arsenal fans.

"I went to see my family and my friends because they are in a box and I went to see the fans as well," explained Gallas. "You have to give your maximum for them because they want to see us all the time winning trophies. You have to remember that.

"Now I am 30 years old I understand more the fans and you have to show your enjoyment on the pitch and fight, fight, fight and play some good football.

"When the victory is there, everybody is happy. They can now go back home and enjoy it. Maybe drink some beer. For the players it is the same. I will go back home now and will be happy to be with my wife and my kids. I don't drink. I will drink at the end of the season. That is my new rule."

If Gallas maintains his mantle as Arsenal's matchwinner, he could be drinking out of the Premier League trophy come May.

'His signing looks like a good bit of business'


Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal



From seven wins in a row to one win in seven - what's gone wrong at Blackburn? Mark Hughes' side have a well-deserved reputation for being hard to beat but something must be up when you're shipping five goals at Wigan and four at home to Aston Villa.

Never mind. If anything can fire up this faltering Blackburn side, it's the visit of Arsenal. Rovers always make life tough for the Gunners at Ewood Park and tonight they will entertain the Premier League pacesetters for the fourth time in this calendar year. Three tight, tense encounters have spawned a win apiece plus a draw - expect another close call when the sides lock horns in the Carling Cup.

We spoke to Andy Neild of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to get a Blackburn perspective ahead of the Quarter-Final tie. Read on for his explanation of Blackburn's recent problems, the impact of new boy Roque Santa Cruz, the need to freshen up the squad in January and the three previous meetings at Ewood Park in 2007.

THE STORY SO FAR
"They ran into a tough run of fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United. They picked up a few draws and lost their winning sequence. Since then they have struggled a little bit. They had a run of games in which you'd expect them to pick up points but they lost four, including two at home. One or two key players have lost a little bit of form, the likes of Ryan Nelsen, Chris Samba and Stephen Warnock, who were all very influential earlier in the season. That has disrupted the team a little bit and Blackburn have lost the fluency they had a couple of months ago.

"Mark Hughes prides himself on keeping things nice and tight at the back and they were achieving that earlier in the season - Nelsen and Samba looked a good combination. But for whatever reason both players are struggling and Rovers have shipped some soft goals, especially from set pieces."

MAN OF THE MOMENT
"Roque Santa Cruz. He came in during the summer, a bargain signing from Bayern Munich at £3.8 million which is looking like good business at the minute. He had a bit of a spell when he stopped scoring but he returned to form on Saturday with a hat-trick, albeit in a losing cause at Wigan."

NEW FACES
"I think someone will come in when the transfer window opens. Hughes will probably want to freshen the squad up a bit with one or two new faces but he will have to scour for bargains unless he was to cash in on one of his star players. I do expect a bit of movement in the window just to keep everyone on their toes and freshen things up.

"They possibly need a bit more creativity in midfield. Tugay has performed well again this season but he is 37 now and is coming towards the end of his career. This might be his last season. If there was one area where they are looking to invest some money it would be probably be a creative midfielder to play in the middle of the park."

TALKING TACTICS
"I think Hughes will have them fired up because he was desperately disappointed with their performance on Saturday, particularly in the first half when Rovers were 3-0 down after 37 minutes. He came out afterwards and said the first half was 'unacceptable', which is strong language from Hughes - he doesn't use those terms lightly. I think he'll make a couple of changes, try to shake things up a little and maybe give one or two of the fringe players a chance to show what they could do.

"They have an excellent record in the cup competitions since Hughes came to the club. He always tends to pick a fairly strong team, he doesn't make wholesale changes generally speaking. I think they've reached three semi-finals in his time at the club, in the FA Cup twice and the Carling Cup once. Hughes will be determined to make progress in this competition if he possibly can."

IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"I suppose the one game Rovers fans will pick out is the FA Cup replay at the start of the year when Benni McCarthy came off the bench and scored a wonderful goal in injury time to give Blackburn a 1-0 win. That was probably the highlight of the calendar year so far. They were comfortably beaten in the League, a cracking goal from Thierry Henry that day. And then in the League earlier this season Blackburn were the first team to take points off Arsenal. That was quite a feisty encounter, a few words were exchanged afterwards. They always tend to be incident-packed games between these two clubs, there is quite a bit of passion on view, and I'm sure Tuesday will be the same.

"I think Arsenal have surprised everyone. I don't think many people were tipping them to be title contenders at the start of the season having lost Henry. But their young players have matured very quickly, they have really found their feet at Premier League level and they deservedly sit at the top of the table. Arsenal play some exceptional stuff, they are good to watch and they play the game the right way. I think they have had a cracking season so far."

Arsenal announce squad for Carling Cup


Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal



Arsène Wenger has announced his 16-man squad for tonight's Carling Cup Quarter-final tie with Blackburn Rovers.

The manager has rung the changes with the squad containing just two players involved in Sunday's win over Chelsea. Philippe Senderos was an unused substitute and Nicklas Bendtner was a 90th minute replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Please note that Theo Walcott pulled out of tonight's squad after waking up this morning and feeling unwell.

2 Abou DIABY (Age 21)
6 Philippe SENDEROS (Age 22)
8 Lassana DIARRA (Age 22)
9 EDUARDO (Age 24)
15 DENILSON (Age 19)
17 Alex SONG (Age 20)
21 Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK) (Age 22)
26 Nicklas BENDTNER (Age 19)
30 Armand TRAORE (Age 18)
31 Justin HOYTE (Age 22)
34 Kieran GIBBS (Age 18)
36 Mark RANDALL (Age 18)
40 Vito MANNONE (GK) (Age 19)
41 Gavin HOYTE (Age 17)
42 Fran MERIDA (Age 17)
43 Nacer BARAZITE (Age 17)

Wenger: ‘Traore’s an adult in football’


Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal


Armand Traore has become a “different person” as well as a different player in the last 12 months.

The 18-year-old left back was the emerging star of the Carling Cup run last season. He featured in every game and was Arsenal’s youngest player to start the Final against Chelsea.

Last week, 10 months on from that match, Traore made his second Champions League start in the 2-1 win over Steaua Bucharest. It is a measure of the giant strides he has made.

“Armand has gone from a useful boy to nearly an adult in football,” said Arsène Wenger. “I still think he has 10-15 per cent to grow experience-wise and to be completely ready for the Premier League but I wouldn’t be scared to play him. He has made so much improvement. He has matured his behaviour his attitude in training and he is completely a different person.

“I hope and wish he goes back to the Final this season and I believe he has a good opportunity if he does well at Blackburn. We have made such a big impact in this competition that I felt they were hard done by in the Final. I would like this team to come back and win the Cup.”

Arsène Wenger's touchline ban is settled



Arsène Wenger will be allowed back on the touchline when Arsenal resume Champions League duty in the New Year.



The Frenchman was given a one-game ban after being sent from the dug-out against Sevilla last month. He was forced to sit in the stand for the final Group H game against Steaua Bucharest on December 12.

Denilson - We're ready for the physical battle


Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal


Talent is nothing without experience. Thankfully Denilson has bags of the first and is picking up plenty of the second.

The young Brazilian was influential in the run to the Carling Cup final last season, and has scored twice in the tournament this time around.

Seemingly adding to his reputation by the minute, the 19-year-old travels to Blackburn for what is sure to be a tempestuous Quarter-Final.

Despite a run of just one win in seven, Mark Hughes' charges are a formidable hurdle to overcome. Denilson though believes Arsenal are capable of surpassing their Lancastrian opponents.



"For me Tuesday will be a close game," said Denilson. "Blackburn is a big team but of course so is Arsenal and it is a great opportunity for us to play in a big game.

"Yes Blackburn will be physical but every team in England is strong in the battle. With this young team it is not a problem for us because we know it will happen.

"In the Carling Cup last season I grew as a player with the experience I got. The physical side of our game has improved. In training all the time, in the games and with the players we go the gym - that is very important for us.

"Now it is possible for all this team, who is ready and focused, to reach the final and win."

Match Report


Blackburn Rovers - Arsenal

Opportunity knocks loudly for Arsenal at Blackburn this evening and Arsène Wenger expects his young side to answer the call.

For the fifth season in succession the Frenchman’s blended side of squad players and emerging talent has reached the Quarter-Finals of the Carling Cup. The likes of Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Eboue, Robin van Persie, Manuel Almunia and Mathieu Flamini may be first-team regulars now but not so long ago they were ‘wannabes’ who were cutting their teeth in this competition.

Tonight, Lassana Diarra, Armand Traore, Lukasz Fabianski, Eduardo, Nicklas Bendtner and others will try and make a similar journey in Wenger’s estimations.

It would be wrong to suggest it is not the only reason for Arsenal’s improvement this term, but surely it is no coincidence that the Club’s best title bid in four seasons has come hot on the heels of that appearance in the Carling Cup Final back in February.

You could argue that the strength of the squad across all competitions has been built on the foundations of this competition. And Wenger sees the qualified success of the Carling Cup in recent seasons continuing this term - despite the task awaiting them at Ewood Park.

“The Carling Cup is more a game of the squad because we have decided to go for every single trophy this season,” he said. “We use the competition for our players to grow up but also to show they are good enough to play in the Champions League and the Premier League.

“It is fantastic is to see these players respond under the pressure of Premier League teams. You can detect who is ready and who is not ready.

“But, as always, my expectation tonight is to qualify and go into the Semi-Finals. We want to come back as well as we did last year [in this competition] and it is a good opportunity for my squad to show the strength of the players who didn’t play against Chelsea on Sunday. I believe in them extremely and it is good for them to show me ‘we knock at the door and we want to play in the first-team’.”

As usual, Wenger’s squad for Ewood Park bore little relationship to the 16 that represented the Club in the previous Premier League game. However, as a testament to their burgeoning squad strength, the starting XI this evening could be not far removed from the one that beat Steaua Bucharest 2-1 last Wednesday, though Theo Walcott will be missing after waking up this morning feeling unwell.

Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo are likely to be paired up front while Diarra and Denilson, scorer of a long-range cracker in each of the two Carling Cup ties so far this season, should patrol central midfield.

Lukasz Fabianski will get another chance in goal. However, at 22-years-old with six international caps and Polish League winners’ medal to his name, the former Legia Warsaw stopper is more advanced than many of his team-mates this evening.

“He is a very impressive keeper with tremendous qualities,” said Wenger. “I like his intelligence, his physical attributes and his agility. He is a very impressive goalkeeper. For me he does already [challenge for a first-team place] because the other keepers practice with him and they see his quality.”

Carling Cup Q/F


Blackburn Rovers: Santa Cruz 41, 59


Arsena: Diaby 6, Eduardo 29, 105


Eduardo scored a dramatic extra-time winner as 10-man Arsenal won a Carling Cup thriller at Ewood Park.

The young Gunners led Blackburn by two goals after a first-half masterclass, Abou Diaby firing them ahead after six minutes and Eduardo doubling the advantage just before the half-hour mark. Indeed, Arsenal would have been out of sight had Nicklas Bendtner's shot dipped just below the crossbar rather than against it.

Instead, Blackburn were thrown a lifeline when Roque Santa Cruz poked a low cross past Lukasz Fabianski four minutes before the break. The same man headed an equaliser after an hour and, when Denilson was sent off after an altercation with Robbie Savage, the odds seemed stacked against Arsenal.

But yet again, Arsene Wenger's young players showed their character as well as their class. They resisted everything Rovers threw at them and then snatched a winner in the first half of extra time, Eduardo scoring his second with a clinical finish after Alex Song's driving run from defence.



This incredible win was Arsenal's ninth in five seasons against top-flight opposition in the Carling Cup. More importantly, it booked their place in the Semi-Finals for a third successive season. After this gutsy display on a freezing Lancashire night, few will bet against them lining up the Club's first Wembley showpiece.

Wenger would probably have changed his entire starting line-up even if tonight's fixture had not fallen two days after the visit of Chelsea. In the event, the big team news was the presence of Mark Randall. The 18-year-old Englishman was handed his first senior start on the right of midfield after Theo Walcott's late withdrawal from the squad through illness. The starting XI had an average age of just over 20; five teenagers occupied the bench.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes dropped Benni McCarthy to the bench after their 5-3 weekend defeat at Wigan but Rovers were virtually at full strength. On paper it looked a stern test for Arsenal against a side whose 'blood and thunder' approach had ruffled their feathers in the past. In reality Arsenal gave their hosts a first-half football lesson.

The visitors were instantly into their groove and made the breakthrough after just six minutes. Randall picked out Bendtner with a clever pass in the right-hand channel and the Dane's precise cross picked out Diaby's run into the box. The Frenchman stubbed his shot into the ground and the ball looped over Brad Friedel and into the net. First blood to Arsenal.

The goal stunned Rovers and they were almost knocked cold three minutes later. Bendtner collected the ball 25 yards out and raced unchallenged into the left-hand side of the area. As a defender came across the Dane opened up his body and curled a sumptuous effort over Friedel and against the crossbar. So unlucky.

The masterclass continued. With Lassana Diarra and Denilson bossing midfield, Diaby orchestrating play from the left and Eduardo linking up well with Bendtner, Arsenal kept Rovers at arm's length. A second goal looked on the cards and it so nearly came after 19 minutes. Diaby played a cute pass into the box with the outside of his foot but Samba slid in to divert the ball behind for a corner as Eduardo lurked with intent.

Slowly, Rovers edged their way into the game. Bentley, probably the best player on the pitch who isn't currently on Arsenal's books, had a sighter with a long-range free-kick. Then David Dunn was first to a half-cleared cross, stepped inside a tackle and shot low towards the corner. Fabianski plunged to his left to push the ball aside. Seconds later Fabianski got across well to hold Bentley's effort down by his near post.

That augured well for the home side but no sooner had they belatedly joined the game, Blackburn fell two behind. Bendtner found space 25 yards from goal on the right and slid a pass through towards Eduardo. Samba should really have dealt with it but the Rovers defender missed his clearance and Eduardo placed the ball past Friedel.

You sensed that a two-goal half-time lead would leave Rovers with too much to do, given how well Arsenal were passing and moving. But the hosts were thrown a lifeline four minutes before the break. Dunn found Matt Derbyshire on the right and he curled in a fine low cross. Santa Cruz did the rest, poking the ball past Fabianksi from close range.

It was the perfect filip for Blackburn and they maintained their momentum after the break. Denilson and Diarra, afforded so much space to strut their stuff in the first half-hour, were closed down quicker. Traore and Justin Hoyte, supplementing the Arsenal attack before the break, were pushed back. Rovers were in the ascendancy.

They nearly equalised two minutes into the half when Robbie Savage, a passenger until then, lifted a pass over the visitors' defence and into Santa Cruz's path. Fabianski was already at the edge of his area and decided to stay put. It was the right decision - he got a hand on the striker's shot and, although the ball bounced off Fabianski and back towards Santa Cruz, Song was now on hand to hoik the ball clear.

But the danger had not passed. Song glanced a defensive header just wide from a right-wing cross and then Bendtner headed just over his own crossbar after a wicked delivery from Bentley, 30 yards out and slightly in from the left-hand touchline. The former Arsenal man created the equaliser from an identical position just before the hour mark. This time Santa Cruz was first to the curling free-kick and Fabianski was given no chance.

The momentum was with the home side but Arsenal still had their chances, particularly on the counter-attack. Eduardo broke on the right and picked out Denilson's run through the centre. He didn't have the pace to get beyond Ryan Nelsen but checked back and found Bendtner racing towards the box on the left. The Dane cut inside and shot low, but his effort was blocked.

With 14 minutes left Denilson turned provider again, swinging in a left-wing free-kick at pace. Senderos just failed to connect at the near post and Friedel gathered gratefully. Then Traore got forward to fire in a cross from the same flank; Eduardo could not get his head on it and the hosts breathed a sigh of relief.

Santa Cruz, scorer of a hat-trick at the weekend, almost completed another treble with three minutes of normal time remaining but missed his kick as the ball span loose across the box. Then Arsenal's chances receded when Denilson, already booked, was sent off after clashing with Savage.

A dislocated shoulder suffered by substitute Nacer Barazite - making only his second appearance for Arsenal - took up much of the first period of extra time. It also sent the game into a lull and the visitors used up a number of uneventful minutes before a clinical attack gave them an unlikely lead.

Song was the instigator, collecting the ball on the halfway line and jinking past two challenges before opting to drive forward instead of playing the obvious square pass. Song picked out Eduardo's run with a precise through-ball and the Croatian did the rest, firing wide of Friedel. Arsenal had just under 20 minutes to hold on..

Another Song-led break saw Bendtner try and sneak in but he was denied by Friedel, racing out to gather the ball as it was played into the box by Eduardo. Then Rovers cranked up the pressure again and went close when Morten Gamst Pedersen's free kick flew just wide.

Benni McCarthy fired wide after finding space in the area and Rovers continued to threaten from set-pieces, while Pedersen lashed a shot off target when well placed. Then Samba headed against the post with a minute to go while Fabianski was forced to palm the ball away from under his crossbar with even Friedel joining the fray.

It was heart-stopping stuff, but Arsenal held out heroically. They have had some good times in the Carling Cup, but perhaps none quite as impressive as this. Wenger's boys are one step from Wembley.


Arsenal

Lukasz Fabianski
Philippe Senderos
Justin Hoyte
Armand Traore
Abou Diaby
Denilson
Mark Randall
Nacer Barazite 80
Alexandre Song
Lassana Diarra
Nicklas Bendtner
Eduardo
Kieran Gibbs 116
Subs not used
Vito Mannone
Gavin Hoyte


Blackburn Rovers

Brad Friedel
Christopher Samba
Stephen Warnock
Zurab Khizanishvili 120
Ryan Nelsen
David DunnAaron Mokoena 105
Robbie Savage
Steven Reid
Morten Pedersen
David Bentley
Matt Derbyshire
Benni McCarthy 90
Roque Santa Cruz
Subs not used
Jason Brown
Jason Roberts

Wenger: 'The quality of these players is unquestionable'



Blackburn Rovers 2-3 Arsenal




on an incredible Carling Cup tie ...
"It was a great game. We dominated football-wise in the first half, playing our combination game. We were technically very good, very agile. But just before half-time Blackburn came back to 2-1, that gave them belief that they could come back in the second half. I felt that the game was more physical in the second half, we didn't get our game going so much and on a set piece they came back to 2-2. From then on it was more a mental test and we stood up to it."

on Denilson's sending-off...
"I think Denilson lost his nerves a little bit on the tackle, I will not say anything against the red card."

on the quality of his young players...
"They are all good Premier League players, you know? Their quality is not questionable. The only thing you could question is whether such a young side can last through the whole season. But quality-wise there is no problem."

on injuries...
"Nacer Barazite got a dislocated shoulder. The others have tired legs."

Senderos - The attitude was fantastic


Philippe Senderos was the proud captain of Arsenal's gutsy Carling Cup side at Ewood Park on Tuesday night. The Swiss defender led by example as the young Gunners shrugged off a Blackburn fightback and Denilson's red card to snatch victory in extra time.



Afterwards Philippe spoke exclusively to Arsenal TV Online. He talked about:

why Arsenal deserved their victory
the character of the young players
the mental test of losing a two-goal lead
why he believed they could win with 10 men
the mental test of losing a two-goal lead
captaining the side
being one of the oldest in the team

Wenger - We're through, now let's finish the job


Even Arsenal's most optimistic fans might have been bracing themselves for defeat on Tuesday night - but Arsène Wenger wasn't.

The young Gunners, with an average age of 20, squandered a two-goal lead against Blackburn and looked to be heading for the Carling Cup exit after losing Denilson to a red card and Nacer Barazite to a dislocated shoulder.

Instead, Arsenal dug deeper than ever to snatch a thrilling 3-2 victory in extra time, courtesy of Eduardo's clinical finish. A third successive Semi-Final awaits them in the New Year.

So was Wenger surprised by his team's incredible show of character? Not at all. "I believe very strongly in this team and I am not surprised," said the Frenchman afterwards.

"I am very happy because today it was more the physical and the mental test during a big part of the game and they stood up to it. After we were down to 10 men it was a mental test and we found the resources to score the goal and win the tie.

"Now we want to finish the job. We got a taste of the Final last year and now we are in the Semi-Final again so that shows that it was not a coincidence last year.

"We will have two big games now and it will cost a lot of energy. We will see who we get. Last year we got Tottenham and it won't be a surprise if we get them again."

Randall - We have lots of English boys coming through


When Mark Randall woke up on Tuesday morning he was hoping to play some part in Arsenal's Carling Cup tie at Blackburn. He certainly wasn't expecting to make his first senior start.

That all changed when Theo Walcott woke up feeling under the weather. One England teenager's pain became another England teenager's gain as Randall was drafted into the line-up for the dramatic win at Ewood Park.

"I knew when we got to the training ground in the morning that Theo wasn't travelling with us but I still didn't know if I was starting or not," Randall told Arsenal.com. "I found out I was playing about three hours before the game and I was just happy to get the chance.



"I felt nervous but I just tried to relax and think of what I had to do during the game. I tried to keep a cool head. The more experienced players like Philippe Senderos gave me a lot of advice and encouragement and they kept me working hard. The boss told me to stay relaxed and play my game."

That's exactly what Randall did. The 18-year-old looked completely at ease in the first half as Arsenal stroked the ball around in style. He even played a vital role in the opening goal, picking out Nicklas Bendtner with a measured pass before the Dane's cross was converted by Abou Diaby.

Randall tired after the break and was replaced by another teenager, Nacer Barazite, with 10 minutes of normal time remaining. But the midfielder from Milton Keynes had done enough to prove that Arsenal do have talented English youngsters emerging from their academy.

Kieran Gibbs and Henri Lansbury have also featured in this season's Carling Cup run while Rhys Murphy and Gavin Hoyte are making steady progress. Randall believes they will all get their chance to impress - provided they put the work in.

"It's hard work to get into the first team but if you are good enough you will get a chance," said Randall.

"There are plenty of young English players coming through like Henri Lansbury, Gavin Hoyte and Rhys Murphy - we just have to keep working hard to get into the first team."

Arsenal face Spurs in Carling Cup Semi-Final


Arsenal will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Semi-Finals of the Carling Cup for the second successive season.

The North London rivals were paired together at Wednesday night's draw. Arsenal will host the first leg at Emirates Stadium on January 8 or 9 with the return leg at White Hart Lane on January 22 or 23.

Arsenal beat Tottenham 5-3 on aggregate at the Semi-Final stage last season. Spurs led 2-0 in the first leg at White Hart Lane but were pegged back to 2-2 thanks to a brace from Julio Baptista.

Emmanuel Adebayor fired Arsenal ahead in the second leg at the Emirates but Mido forced extra time before goals from Jeremie Aliadiere and Tomas Rosicky took the Gunners through to the Final.

Chelsea, who beat Liverpool in the last Quarter-Final on Wednesday night, will face Everton in the last four of the competition.

Arsenal.com will bring you Arsene Wenger's reaction to the draw in our exclusive video interview with the manager, available on Friday morning.

Vela - I can't wait to join up with Arsenal


Carlos Vela has reiterated his desire to join up with the Club as soon as possible.

The Mexican international, still only 18, is currently on loan at La Liga outfit Osasuna. Vela is creating quite a storm in Spain but his goal is to make it at Emirates Stadium.



"I hope to join them [Arsenal] as soon as possible," Vela told Spanish newspaper Libero. "I will keep on working hard to improve to fit in quickly."

Vela is also keeping a keen eye on the progress of Arsene Wenger's side.

"I'll definitely be following them and hope they stay on top in the Premier League," he said.

"I'm also happy that Arsenal made it through to the next stage of the Champions League. It would be nice if they get a rival from the Spanish League. Let's wait and see."

Toure - We are prepared to face anyone


Whichever mouthwatering tie Friday’s Champions League draw presents, Kolo Toure insists Arsenal have got what it takes to progress.

The Ivorian played every minute of the Club’s run to the 2006 showpiece in Paris, scoring the decisive goal in the Semi-Final, and believes that the elusive trophy could be in his hands come May.


However, having failed to secure top spot in Group H, the Gunners could face one of four previous winners of the competition.

Inter Milan lead the way in Serie A, while Real Madrid and Porto also top their respective leagues. Barcelona are clinging on to the coat-tails of Madrid but AC Milan languish in 11th place in Italy. Nonetheless, Toure claims that every team presents an equal challenge to Arsenal.

“Definitely we are prepared for any team that we come up against,” he told Arsenal.com. “We have done so well since the start of the season. There is no team that will think they can beat us and it will be easy.

“The strongest part of us at the moment is that we are strong together and especially at home we don’t give away anything.

“This stage of the Champions League is always tight because we play away and home but whatever happens we are really confident.

“We have lost some games but all the teams in Europe have lost games. I think the main thing is to be confident when the time comes.

“At the moment we feel really strong. The squad is confident and we are winning the big games, like against Chelsea. We just need to believe in our skills and believe in what we are doing, the job we do and the belief the manager gives us and the way he teaches us to play. We must be focused on that and we can get through any team. It will be really hard but we are confident.”

Van Persie - We know how much this means to the fans

Arsenal v Tottenham H.


Robin van Persie has been hearing the same three words from Arsenal fans all week: please beat Tottenham.

Those orders have been carried out with gusto during Arsène Wenger's reign with Spurs registering just one win in 26 meetings since the Frenchman took over at Arsenal. But local bragging rights still mean so much to Arsenal supporters and Van Persie is well aware of it.

"When I see the fans in the street, they tell me that the Tottenham game is the one they want us to win," he told Arsenal.com.

"It means so much for these people, whether they are at the training ground, or when I am out shopping. It doesn't matter where, everyone speaks about this game. It means a lot.

"You can sense there is a special atmosphere. It is similar to the games against Chelsea and Manchester United in terms of atmosphere and that's what I like the most.

"I just love to play those games when the fans are on top of it, they are loving it and every single piece of action in the game gets the fans involved. It's great to be a part of it."

Van Persie has played in six North London derbies but, somewhat surprisingly, has yet to register a goal against Tottenham. He'd love to address that at the weekend but knows that Saturday's fixture is just the latest in a long line of huge games for Arsenal.

"I know it is a big game for the fans and it is for us as well. But there are big games every week - last weekend it was Chelsea and we were very happy because we played well. Spurs is massive but we have to win every game in the Premier League, not just against Spurs, if we want to be champions."

Carling Cup Semi Final dates announced

The details for the Carling Cup Semi Final ties against Tottenham Hotspur are as below:

Carling Cup Semi Final 1st Leg
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Emirates Stadium
Wednesday 9th January 2008
Kick Off 7.45pm
on Sky Sports

Carling Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
White Hart Lane
Tuesday 22nd January 2008
Kick Off 8pm
on Sky Sports

Walcott is the only doubt for North London derby


Arsenal v Tottenham H.
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Sat, Dec 22, 2007, 12.45pm



Theo Walcott is the sole concern ahead of the North London derby this weekend.

The England winger is not training at the moment after being laid low with flu. Otherwise Arsenal have a clean bill of health before the visit of Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime, a very different situation to the many questions marks that were hanging over the squad ahead of the Chelsea game last Sunday.

“The injury news is quite good compared to last week,” Arsène Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon. “The only one who is problematic is Theo Walcott. He is not fit to practice. He has had flu and has not recovered completely. Everybody else is available.”

Therefore Emmanuel Eboue is fit despite being stretchered off against Avram Grant’s side.

Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see the full pre-match interview on Friday. In it Wenger talks about Juande Ramos’ revolution at Spurs, fans’ behaviour, the importance of this derby, the performance at Blackburn, Eduardo’s finishing and Alex Song’s defending, why Chelsea was the key win of the season and William Gallas’ goal.

Arsenal will face AC Milan in the Champions League

Arsenal will play AC Milan in the First Knockout Round of the Champions League.



Arsène Wenger's team were paired with the European champions when the draw for the last 16 of this season's competition took place at UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

Arsenal lost 2-0 on aggregate to AC Milan in the 1995 European Super Cup. The teams have never met in the Champions League.

Arsenal.com will have reaction from the draw later today.

Champions League draw:

Celtic v Barcelona
Lyon v Manchester United
Schalke v Porto
Liverpool v Inter Milan
Roma v Real Madrid
Arsenal v AC Milan
Olympiakos v Chelsea
Fenerbahce v Sevilla

Flamini: Muss Arsenal um Verbleib fürchten?
Mathieu Flamini
Donnerstag 20. Dezember 2007 12:50 Uhr

Vier namfhafte Vereine zeigen an dem Mittelfeldspieler von Arsenal Interesse


Wie berichtet ist Arsenal bereit, den im Sommer auslaufenden Vertrag mit Mathieu Flamini um mehrere Jahre zu verlängern. Allerdings müssen sich die "Gunners" in Acht nehmen. Die beiden italienischen Spitzenvereine Inter Mailand und Juventus Turin beobachten den Spieler seit längerem mit Interesse und könnten jetzt aufgrund des auslaufenden Kontraktes die Initiative ergreifen. Auch Valencia und Atlético Madrid beobachten die Situation aufmerksam. "Im Januar werde ich mich entscheiden. Wir werden sehen, was passiert. Bei Arsenal gefällt es mir, aber ich muss sehen, wie sich meine Situation entwickelt", so der 23-Jährige.

C Milan Champions League dates announced

Our UEFA Champions League 1st knock out round fixtures will be played as under:

1st leg
Arsenal v AC Milan
Wednesday 20th February 2008
Kick Off 7.45 (UK time)
At Emirates Stadium

2nd leg
AC Milan v Arsenal
Tuesday 4th March 2008
Kick Off 7.45 (UK time)
At San Siro Stadium

Wenger - We must find Milan’s Euro secret


Arsène Wenger knows he must find the key to Milan’s Champions League success before the Italian side meet Arsenal in this season’s Knockout Stage.

The Rossaneri have been to the Final of the competition three times in the past six seasons, winning it twice. They triumphed only last May with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

However in recent years Milan have struggled in Serie A. Last season they finished 36 points adrift of the leaders and at the moment the margin is 22 points as Carlo Ancelotti’s side languish in 11th place. For Wenger, that chequered history makes them both dangerous and beatable.



“The draw is interesting and exciting,” he said. “But do I believe that we can do it? Yes. AC can be really average in the championship but can raise their game on big occasions. That is something that is really surprising. They look invincible in Europe but beatable in Italy. They had an average championship last year and have again this year. We have to analyse what gets them there on the special occasion.

Wenger argued that, “on paper”, Milan represented the hardest draw of any of the English sides.

“But I don't believe there is a lot of difference between Inter, the leaders, and AC at the moment,” added the Frenchman. “However Inter is dominant in the championship.

"Still I believe we can knock AC Milan out and why should we reduce our ambitions? As well, I believe my squad can improve until the end of February and beginning of March.

"What I would like my squad to do now is to focus on the Premier League and be in a comfortable position when we play Milan, so that, at that time, we can focus completely on the Champions League during these 15 days.”

In the meantime the Arsenal manager added that he is starting his research almost immediately. He is flying to Italy for the Milan derby this weekend.

Match Report




Arsenal won a bruising, breathless and ultimately brilliant North London derby at Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The winner arrived 15 minutes from time when Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench to power home a close-range header with his first touch.

However that had come shortly after Manuel Almunia had prevented Tottenham taking a surprise lead by turning aside Robbie Keane’s penalty.

And that had only happened after Dimitar Berbatov had expertly equalised Emmanuel Adebayor’s strike three minutes into the second half.

All the action came after the break. The first period had been poor. Arsenal were not fluent and Tottenham were defending deeply.

But the second half was your typical rollercaster ride — fast, nerve-jangling, occasionally inducing a little queasiness yet wonderfully satisfying.

At the final whistle, the Arsenal players ran to Almunia. Perhaps that is the best indication of the turning point today. Make no mistake, the home side were teetering for a time.

Still Wenger’s men keep on finding a way to win and this afternoon they gave their supporters a wonderful Christmas present — beating Tottenham to stay top of the Premier League.

It really doesn’t get much better than this.

Wenger retained the side that had beaten Chelsea on Sunday. However Robin van Persie, a substitute against Avram Grant’s side, was left out of the squad after picking up “a knock”. Emmanuel Eboue started despite being stretchered off last weekend. Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini and Alex Hleb had all been doubt for that fixture; they kept their places for the derby.



In fact it was Tottenham who had the injury worries — particularly in defence. Three of their back four were playing out of position. Arsenal tried to exploit the weakness in the opening minutes.

Wenger’s side tore forward from the first whistle. Flamini hooked an early effort into the sidenetting then, in the fourth minute, Kolo Toure stabbed a low shot at Paul Robinson from a Fabregas free-kick.

However there are signs that Juande Ramos is starting to exert a positive influence at White Hart Lane. They withstood the home pressure and, in the ninth minute, they worked a good position on the right. Only Bacary Sagna’s flicked header prevented Aaron Lennon’s whipped-in cross reaching Robbie Keane.

If Tottenham’s aim was to keep Arsenal at bay and quieten the crowd then they succeeded in the 15 minutes that followed. Hleb probed well, Flamini ran intelligently and Adebayor’s movement caused constant headaches for the visitors but Robinson was untroubled.

However, at the same time, Arsenal were forcing Tottenham to play on the back foot and therefore they created virtually nothing themselves.

In the 34th minute Adebayor held the ball up for Eboue to slide a fierce shot goalwards. Robinson threw himself to his left to save. It was the best chance of the half so far.

Before the whistle blew Spurs threatened a little. Berbatov floated a free-kick into the arms of Almunia then Kevin Prince Boateng hacked an effort over the bar following good work from Robbie Keane and Lennon on the right.

But three minutes from time Arsenal conjured up an altogether better chance. Toure met a Fabregas corner with his head and Robinson gymnastically palmed the ball aside once again.

It was a lively end to an otherwise sterile first half.

Arsenal need a spark. Their passing and invention had been strangely lacking. That, combined with Tottenham’s desire to get 10 men behind the ball, was strangling the life out of this derby.

However the game changed within precisely two minutes 19 seconds of the restart. That was when Rosicky collected the ball in midfield and sent a reverse pass to Fabregas, who was scampering into the area. The Spaniard had spotted Adebayor ghosting in behind. He held off his marker and backheeled the ball into the path of the Togolese striker who slid home his 10th Premier League goal of the season.

As against Chelsea last week, Arsenal had broken the deadlock at a crucial time.

In fact the home side nearly got a double-whammy. They won possession from the kick-off and Fabregas fired over the bar.

A confident Arsenal held Tottenham captive in their own half for the five minutes which followed the goal. This would be the biggest test of the visitors’ new-found confidence.

Just past the hour Eboue fired in a low cross from the right and Arsenal had a claim for a penalty when Younes Kaboul appeared to clip Rosicky.

However Tottenham were starting to stir. Lennon teased Clichy and floated a hanging cross to the far post where Robbie Keane hammered a shot against the bar. Then in the 66th minute the Irishman collected Pascal Chimbonda’s long ball forward, reached the byline and backheeled the ball for Berbatov to thump his effort high into the net at the near post.

Now Tottenham had the initiative. They pressed forward and troubled Arsenal into conceding a penalty 18 minutes from time when Toure clipped Barbatov. Keane stepped up to take the spot-kick but this time it was Almunia who pulled off a low save to his right.

It was now an end-to-end game. The midfield was just a mirage and both sides were attacking at will. With 15 minutes left both side made attacking substitutions — Bendtner for Eboue, Jermain Defoe for Keane.

Tottenham had not seen the big Dane before so perhaps that was the reason they left him completely unmarked from a Fabregas corner and, with his first touch, Bendtner powered home a header from close-range.

What a way to introduce yourself to a North London derby.

Bendtner nearly set-up Adebayor for the third but the African was muscled out as he raced through the middle. Tottenham’s main threat in the final stages was substitute Adel Taarabt but his trickery had no end-product.

Arsenal deservedly held on to their victory and their lead of the Premier League.

Wenger: 'After the penalty miss I thought we could win it'

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham H.



On doing the double over Spurs...
"I think it's one of the few years we beat Tottenham home and away. Even if you have a good record, I cannot remember many days when we got three points out of games like today, so that's a good sign. Even if we are not at our best we can still make three points. Of course, that is good for the belief but you cannot play every week like that and get three points."

On the tradition of the Xmas leaders going on to win the title...
"I believe it is important to be top of the League, I hope your statistics are right, you know? So if they are really right, let's go to the end of the season and give us the title [laughter]. That's the best we can do. I feel it's too tight to say that, in the last two seasons it was only Chelsea or Man United at Christmas, this time there are more teams in it."

On a sloppy first half...
"No, we were not as sharp as we are used to, especially in the first half. In the second half we played much better but once we were 1-0 up we wanted too much to keep the score. That allowed them back into the game, and then Keane missed a sitter, Almunia stopped the penalty and in the end we found the second goal. I thought when they missed the penalty, 'now we can win the game', but if he had scored the penalty I would have thought as well, 'now we have many chances to lose the game.'"

On the rise of Manuel Almunia...
"He came here without a CV and without a name, so you have to make a name with performances in a big club. As a goalkeeper without a name it's not easy. He had to make experience inside the club at some stage. You see your senior goalkeeper is good, how can he become a goalkeeper for Arsenal Football Club? By playing. But you know, he has never played in a big club before and he will make a few mistakes. At the moment he looks to me, in three or four games, he has gained calm and confidence. You see that he is a good goalkeeper."

On scoring from corners...
"I think we have resulted by having Bendtner, 6ft 4ins, good in the air. He scored a great header. It is strange because when a guy comes on, you organise your team. For example Tottenham makes individual marking - 'you take him, you take him, you take him'. And there's a fraction of a second where you cannot communicate when a guy comes on, and you could see he was completely free. That's what happens sometimes because nobody on the pitch says 'you take this tall guy', and we scored."



On Dimitar Berbatov...
"He's a bit like Thierry Henry, position-wise, because he doesn't turn up where you want him to turn up, he knows where to be. Frankly I thought he was outstanding today. Keane had a good game as well, they worked all very hard. They defended very well Tottenham when they lost the ball."

On his Christmas DVD's...
"Many yes, we have this to watch today and then Portsmouth to prepare for. I will be able to watch to watch Milan tomorrow. "

Make Adebayor African Footballer of the Year


Emmanuel Adebayor has been shortlisted for the BBC African Footballer of the Year award.




The Arsenal striker is up against Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Michael Essien plus Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o and Sevilla's Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla and Mali).

Wenger: 'We knew we could win without being at our best'


On winning without being at their best...
"You can call it what you want but it was a welcome goal. I feel we had a difficult first-half, we were not sharp and Tottenham had a very good first-half. We needed to raise our game and we did in the second-half but after we went 1-0 up we looked to be in control of the game but we released the pressure on them and allowed them back in.

Overall we are conscious that we were not at our best for 90 minutes today - only in patches - and as well that they missed a sitter through Robbie Keane and Almunia stopped a great penalty for us. That was the turning point of the game.

A good sign of today is we knew we could win the game without being at our best and that is something that tells you about the maturity and mental strength of the team. We know the players want it but were not so sharp today."

On the goalkeepers...
"I am not in a situation where I have any bad feeling towards Jens Lehmann at all because I can understand him. He is a 200 per cent professional, he fights everyday to be in the team but we have three keepers' of top, top class and the two that do not play can feel it is not justified. It is not only Lehmann, it is Fabianski as well and he showed himself at Blackburn.

"At the end of the day I can only chose one and Almunia is doing very well. The more experience he gets the better he plays. I feel he is a player without a CV when he came here. He had to create that and when you do that as a keeper at a big club it is very difficult. He had limited experience but he worked very hard. He didn't come here with a big name and of course you have to make it and you make it with performances."

On the admission of Robin van Persie...
"Robin van Persie is a few days away. I don't know whether he will play at Portsmouth or Everton but one of the two. I would say, being cautious, we plan for Everton rather than Portsmouth. It is a little muscular problem, but a very minor one. We nearly played him today but we didn't want to take a gamble."

On Nicklas Bendtner...
"We don't control the young lads. We give them an opportunity to play. Nicklas Bendtner is 19 years of age and I don't feel anywhere else in the world you have as many young players in a big club so the best chance is always to stay where you are, especially if you are going to play. Nicklas is here now for four years and we have developed him and want to keep him. He is close to a start and of course he will play."

On getting results...
"In some ways we played a top level game last week and we relaxed a bit after that and thought against Tottenham it would be a little bit easier. We play Chelsea at home and Tottenham at home and got six points. You cannot say we have underperformed or underachieved. To have 43 points after 18 games, 20 to go means we are in a very strong position. It is true today you can argue with the points we got but in all the rest we got what we deserved. "

On having faith...
"I am always convinced of us but maybe I am an optimistic man. I thought it was possible to be where we are now, but when I listened to the television or the radio somewhere I thought that I must be crazy but that wasn't new for me."

Gamble pays off as Almunia shows his class



It's one thing for an unknown teenager to make his name at Arsenal. But an unheralded goalkeeper in his early 30s? Manuel Almunia is certainly bucking the trend.

The Spaniard enhanced his reputation again on Saturday, saving Robbie Keane's penalty in the North London derby with the scores locked at 1-1 and just 18 minutes to play. Almunia's intervention was the catalyst for a memorable home win as Nicklas Bendtner soared highest to head home the winner.

The Dane, like so many others, arrived at Arsenal with bags of potential but little experience. Almunia, in sharp contrast, looked to have missed the boat when he was plucked from relative obscurity in the summer of 2004. As Celta Vigo's keeper, Almunia was farmed out on loan to Eibar, Recreativo Huelva and Albacete before Wenger took a chance on the then 27-year-old. It looks like the gamble has paid off.

"He came here without a CV but he has made a name for himself, which is not easy at a big club," said Wenger.

"We always knew he was good but we were asking ourselves: 'How can he become the goalkeeper for Arsenal?' He had not played in a big club before and he made a few mistakes but now he looks like he has gained confidence and everyone can see how good he is."

Almunia played second fiddle to Jens Lehmann for three long seasons before grasping his opportunity three games into the current campaign. Wenger believes that the Spaniard is under more pressure than most keepers because the man breathing down his neck has a stack of medals and international caps to his name.

But it's a sign of Almunia's progress that Wenger believes he is good enough to represent his adopted country when the Spaniard qualifies for English citizenship next year.

"Everyone makes mistakes - Reina, van der Sar, everyone," said Wenger. "But he [Almunia] was under more pressure than anyone else in the Premier League because he has been under pressure from an outstanding goalkeeper in Jens Lehmann.



"He has not only a lack of experience but someone behind him who is excellent and that is a tough test. If he has a bad game, he is under pressure to get back to form straight away because he knows who else we have. I don't know about Jens' remarks or not but he has had to deal with it. It's a double-pressure.

"That's the way of things when you are top-level sportsmen: the competition is very strong. It comes from within your camp and also from your opponents.

"I don't know why he hasn't been called up by Spain but all I would say is that England should take advantage of it and call him up."

Bendtner - Young Guns will fire title challenge


Nicklas Bendtner believes there are plenty of young Gunners who are ready to follow his example and make a real contribution in Arsenal’s title bid.

The 19-year-old striker headed home the winner in a see-saw game against Tottenham on Saturday. Within seconds of coming off the bench the Dane met Cesc Fabregas’ corner to score with his first touch in a North London derby.

Having been teetering for a time, Arsenal needed a spark from the bench and Bendtner feels the emerging young talent in the squad can play a part in such circumstances throughout the team’s title bid.

“It is the squad that wins all the games,” said the former Birmingham loanee. “You need to have a strong squad these days. If someone is tired later in the season it is important that you have someone who can come in and take over. The young players showed that in the game against Blackburn. You could call that the second team if you like but we showed what we can do - it seems everyone is ready and can step in and do the job.”

Meanwhile it turns out that Bendtner’s contribution on Saturday was inspired by Vic Akers, the Arsenal kit man.

"Arsene had actually told me to get on and tell Sagna to defend,” he remarked. “But I said to Vic our kit man to get me on for the corner and I'll score for you. It was quite funny when it actually happened.

"It was fantastic really. My first touch in a derby and my first Premier League goal. People said to me that they don't remember that ever happening and I don't think it will happen in a long time.

"I’d only ever played Reserves against Spurs before. It was my first time in the first team against them. It's always good to score in the Tottenham game because it's such a big rivalry. But what is also important is the win - that is the best thing we got from this game.”

If a Premier League season is like a marathon then it is around this time of year you start looking for milestones.

When Arsenal beat Tottenham on Saturday to secure themselves top spot at Christmas, the statistics were quickly rolled out. Apparently the last four title-winners had led the table during Yuletide.

"It's important to be top and I hope the statistic proves right," said Arsène Wenger when confronted with the fact. "If it does then let's just go straight to the end of the season now!

"But really I feel it's too early to say. In the last two seasons at this stage there was only one team involved - Chelsea or Manchester United. This year there are more teams in it so it's impossible to say how things will happen. Being top now is no insurance.

"However this is one of the few years we have beaten Tottenham home and away. It's a good sign and it should increase the belief of the team. It shows we can get three points without being at our best."

Indeed. For all their flowing football, it is Arsenal's new-found ability to grind out tough wins in tight situations that has set this title challenge apart from previous versions.

And here's a little more number crunching. Arsenal's season reaches the halfway point at Portsmouth on Boxing Day. A victory in their 19th Premier League game this term would give them 46 points. If they were to get another 46 in the second half of their campaign they would achieve a tally surpassed only once in the history of the competition.

Not that Wenger is willing to assume anything. The Frenchman is in the midst of his 12th annual crush of festive fixtures. December will see Arsenal play as many Premier League games as they will in January and February combined. And the manager wants to end it the right way at Fratton Park and then Goodison Park.

"We know that the Christmas period is heavy for us," he said. "We played Chelsea and Tottenham at home now have Portsmouth and Everton away. Therefore at the end of Christmas we'll know much more about our chances to win the Premier League."

Harry Redknapp's side have fallen away in recent weeks after a surprising start to the campaign.

"In my opinion they are a team who can finish in the top eight," said Wenger. "Whether they can get into the top four? Well perhaps they have dropped too many points at home. But they have an impressive record particularly away from home and the strong side of Portsmouth this year is their physical potential. Their power.

"At the back they have Distin, Pamarot, Johnson and Sol Campbell. They are all very strong and difficult to move. They have a similar strength in the midfield where I feel John Utaka has been a very good buy for them. There is strength with Kanu and Kranjcar while Benjani has been scoring goals this season for them."

Match Report


Arsenal were top at Christmas, but they've been knocked off their perch before the turkey has gone cold.

A goalless draw at Portsmouth, coupled with Manchester United's crushing win at Sunderland, leaves Arsene Wenger's side one point behind the champions at the halfway point of the Premier League season.

Tomas Rosicky went closest to breaking the deadlock. The Czech international tested David James with a long-range curler in the first half, shot wide after a swerving run in the second half and missed the best chance of the game in the last minute of stoppage time after good approach play from substitute Nicklas Bendtner. Benjani provided Pompey's most dangerous moments but a draw was probably a fair result.

This was not a night to remember but perspective is needed. Arsenal's tally of 44 points from 19 games has exceeded expectations this season. If they can maintain that standard in the second half of the campaign, the pre-season title outsiders will be there or thereabouts in May.

Before the game Wenger suggested he would not risk Robin van Persie's thigh strain and so it proved. The Frenchman named the same XI which started against Tottenham on Saturday but opted for rotation among the substitutes with Abou Diaby, Lassana Diarra and Alex Song joining derby hero Bendtner on the bench.

There were some familiar faces in the Pompey side with Kanu, Sol Campbell and Lauren starting against their former club. Indeed, the home team fielded three regulars from the 'Invincibles' side compared to just one - Kolo Toure - in the Gunners line-up. Strange indeed.

Arsenal handed out a 5-1 beating to Pompey in the FA Cup here a few years ago but, generally, games between these teams at Fratton Park have been tight encounters. Tonight's meeting followed the rule, not the exception. It was no great surprise - Pompey had failed to score in six hours of Premier League football at Fratton Park and both sides fielded a lone striker for much of the game. It made for a rather dull affair, particularly in the first half.



It might have been a different story had the six-foot-plus Emmanuel Adebayor met Emmanuel Eboue's drilled cross into the box after just 42 seconds. Instead it was the diminutive Cesc Fabregas in the centre-forward position - and the ball merely skimmed off his head.

Eboue created that chance with a driving run into the box and he was at the heart of Arsenal's best early efforts. The Ivorian played a neat one-two with Adebayor after five minutes but his first-time effort whistled well over the bar. Nine minutes later he at least warmed the palms of James with a low shot from the edge of the box.

At the other end Kanu played Benjani through but his cut-back eluded Sulley Muntari. But neither side had got into their stride and Arsenal's most creative players - Fabregas, Alex Hleb and Rosicky - were struggling to get into the game.

Nico Kranjcar showed good footwork to create a shooting chance from 20 yards after 27 minutes but his fizzing effort flew a yard wide of Almunia's left-hand post with the Spaniard at full stretch. Then Rosicky cut inside and curled a sumptuous effort towards the top corner. James timed his leap to perfection to pluck the ball from the air.

It was difficult to see where a goal was coming from but the game opened up slightly after the break.

Benjani fired the first salvo of the second half, beating Clichy on the outside and testing Almunia at his near post with a rasping drive. But Arsenal pressed forward and, until the hour mark, set up camp in the Pompey half.

Half-chances came and went. Bacary Sagna burst into the box but his cross, directed towards Adebayor, was diverted behind for a corner. Toure picked up the pieces when the corner was delivered and went down under Richard Hughes' challenge. Steve Bennett waved the penalty claims away. Then Hleb raced past Campbell on the left and reached the byline with Adebayor screaming for a cut-back and Fabregas calling for a far-post cross. Both were denied as Hleb's delivery sliced out of play.

Rosicky was making the difference, exerting more influence on the game after swapping positions with Hleb. But it wasn't one-way traffic. Pompey had their moments too.

Kanu lashed high and wide just after the hour mark and Almunia had to race out of his goal to clear as Benjani homed in a few minutes later. The same striker leapt to meet a left-wing cross with 24 minutes left but his downward header lacked power. Then Kranjcar turned Sagna inside out on the left and fired in low shot which bobbled up off the turf. Almunia did well to hold on.

Wenger replaced Eboue with Diaby and then Hleb with Bendtner but Rosicky looked the most likely, swivelling past Lauren on the left-hand side of the box before poking a left-foot shot wide of James' near post. At the other end Benjani raced clear and knocked the ball past Almunia, but Clichy raced back to clear the danger as the Pompey striker looked to apply the finishing touch.

William Gallas, who has popped up with some vital late goals for Arsenal this season, almost did the trick again two minutes from time. He collected Fabregas' low pass six yards out with Campbell in close attention. The captain's spin was excellent but his shot skewed just over the bar.

Then, with seconds remaining, Rosicky spurned a great chance to snatch the points. Fabregas found Bendtner inside the box. He chested the ball down, turned past his marker and poked the ball towards Rosicky. The Czech star met it first-time but his right-foot shot flew inches wide with James beaten. It summed up the game - not bad, but not good enough.

Clichy - Title race is tough, but we can win it


Portsmouth 0-0 Arsenal


Nineteen games, 44 points. Arsenal may have slipped off their perch at the top of the Premier League but at the halfway stage of the season it's a case of 'so far, so good'.

Arsene Wenger's side have lost just once and lie one point adrift of the leaders, Manchester United. As far as Gael Clichy is concerned, the title will be within Arsenal's grasp if they maintain their standards in the second half of the season.

"I think it's not too bad," he told Arsenal.com. "It's a shame we couldn't stay top until the New Year but that's the way it is. Manchester United are a strong side, Liverpool and Chelsea as well.

"We know the race for the title is going to be tough. United went in front of us today but let's do a good job at Everton at the weekend. We can be first again in the New Year. It would be great for us and for the fans."

Arsenal were widely regarded as also-rans last summer in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure plus major investment from their title rivals. Indeed, Tottenham were tipped to replace the Gunners in the Premier League's top four.

In that respect Wenger's side have exceeded most pre-season expectations. But is Clichy surprised that Arsenal have set the pace for much of the campaign?

"No, not at all," he insisted. "When you play for a club like Arsenal you just want to win all the games and be the best at the top level.



"Week-in week-out you have to be focused for every game, even in the Carling Cup. You have to be ready because the team needs you. The objective is the same - we have to win, win and win again."

'One-point difference is not that big a deal'

Portsmouth 0-0 Arsenal



on the game...
"It was frustrating because we are not used to not scoring. It was frustrating we could not get an opening. I feel we gave absolutely everything and the positive side was that we did not concede a goal. Our game in the final third was not decision-wise good enough to open them up and we had a few opportunities at the start of the game that we didn't use well."

on Portsmouth's tactics...
"I didn't think Portsmouth played at all in the second half, they didn't come out at all, they just defended. It was surprising to see them just make up the numbers with 10 at the back. It is difficult because they have experience in defence, their midfield was highly focused on defending they just left Kanu on his own up front. You cannot play like that every week. They conceded four goals at Liverpool and after that the team is just ready to focus on defending but you cannot play like that every week."

on beating 'negative' teams...
"I'm not disappointed with Harry Redknapp. we faced a problem we have to find a solution to. No matter what problem we face we have to find a solution. They did what they did well but you cannot expect them to play all the games at home and not come out of their half. Maybe against Manchester United or Arsenal or in special circumstances. Credit to them they did well what they wanted to do. We were not quick enough or sharp enough. And maybe our position on the field was too narrow to open them up completely."

on whether he lacked options up front...
"Maybe, but we had many offensive players, we had Fabregas, Hleb, Rosicky, Adebayor and Diaby when he came on, but Portsmouth defended very well I feel."

on why he didn't bring Bendtner on earlier...
"We had the [injury] problem with William Gallas, we didn't know how long he would last, we were looking for the break in the middle the park, we were very open in the end."



on taking two points from nine on the road...
"It is the 26th of December and we lost one game since the beginning of the championship. So we have problems? You convince me we are in crisis - if we do six months again and lose no games we will be champions."

on losing top spot to Manchester United...
"I prefer to be in front but a one-point difference is not a big deal. I believe we just have to focus on our performances and get a good result at Everton and everything is alright."

Van Persie will NOT return against Everton

Everton v Arsenal


Robin van Persie will NOT be fit to return against Everton on Saturday - and William Gallas is a doubt for the weekend trip to Merseyside.

The Dutch striker made his first start for two months against Steaua Bucharest on December 12 after a long-term knee injury and came on as a substitute against Chelsea four days later.

He was sidelined for the north London derby with what was described by Arsene Wenger as a "little muscular problem, but a very minor one". Van Persie was expected to feature at Everton but that is no longer the case. To make matters worse, Gallas suffered an injury against Portsmouth on Boxing Day.



"Van Persie will not play on Saturday," confirmed Wenger after the 0-0 draw at Fratton Park. "We don't know about Gallas yet. He got a kick on his foot late in the first half."

'He gives them drive, determination and goals'


Everton v Arsenal


Liverpool was tricky, Manchester United was tough, but Saturday's trip to Everton could be Arsenal's sternest test of the season so far.

Arsene Wenger's side have a pretty mediocre record at Goodison Park while David Moyes' side are one of the Premier League's form horses. Their only defeat in 14 matches was an ill-deserved, last-gasp loss at Old Trafford before Christmas.

Everton have pace, power, creativity and, since the signing of Yakubu and the return to fitness of Tim Cahill, a real cutting edge. If any team is going to break into the 'Big Four' this season, you suspect it will be them.

We spoke to Dominic King of the Liverpool Echo ahead of Saturday's game at Goodison Park. Read on for his take on Everton's season so far, the influence of Cahill, the impact of the new signings and the tactical approach of Moyes.
THE STORY SO FAR

THE STORY SO FAR
"They have been in terrific form. Whether the Merseyside derby defeat was the thing they needed to jolt them into life I don't know but it certainly seems that way. The run of form has been fantastic. This is comfortably the best squad David Moyes has had. The significant thing now is when he takes one of his big guns out of the team he's got quality to replace them with. They say you need two players for every position and it's definitely getting that way. The top four and the Champions League will certainly be the aim. Christmas is a hugely important time so they need to keep their run of form going with some tough games ahead."
MAN OF THE MOMENT

MAN OF THE MOMENT
"The goals that Tim Cahill brings from midfield are absolutely phenomenal. He's got the knack of being in the right place at the right time which is absolutely priceless for a manager to be able to call upon. But not only that, people underestimate the drive and determination Cahill brings to the team. He can make things happen in games when things might be going a bit flat. Mikel Arteta is also important to Everton but the pressure has been taken off him a little by the form of Steven Pienaar, who's on loan from Borussia Dortmund. His influence has grown and grown with every game he plays."
NEW FACES

NEW FACES
"Leighton Baines has been terrific, I think he'll be England's left back in a couple of years, maybe even next season. He's got everything you want from a defender. Jagielka is settling in and in recent weeks he's looked like he's got to grips with things. Yakubu's goals have been a huge bonus, he's right up there with the top scorers in the league and I think this will be the season where he'll finally get 20 goals. There aren't any obvious areas which need strengthening in the Everton squad but the manager has made no secret of the fact that he wants to bring in another midfielder, maybe someone with a bit of stature, someone with strength who can pick a pass. He might be after a left-sided midfielder as well but I don't think there's a pressing need to bring players in as there was a couple of years ago."
TALKING TACTICS

TALKING TACTICS
"David Moyes will set Everton up the same way he always does. He favours a 4-1-4-1 formation with Lee Carsley sitting deep in midfield and Arteta, Cahill, Pienaar and maybe Thomas Gravesen and then Yakubu up front. As usual Everton will be difficult to beat and they will try to cause problems if and when they can."
IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL

IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"I think the view of Arsenal on Merseyside is the same around the country. They are a fabublous side, comfortably the best in the league to watch. Arsene Wenger has done an absolutely magnificent job, they have a really impressive team developing. It's always good to see Arsenal at Goodison because you know they are going to play good football."

Key Battles: The players to watch on Saturday

A repeat of last season's defeat on the blue side of Mersyside would have repercussions for Arsenal's title challenge but the Gunners travel north with just two points from their last three away fixtures while Everton are a form side with just one defeat in 14 in all competitions. Arsenal have struggled at Goodison Park in the league, winning just once in their last five attempts and failing to score in their last two. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying the key battles for each Premier League game and bringing you all the statistics and information a fan could need. Swot up now and come Saturday you'll be impressing anyone who'll listen with your new-found knowledge.

Leighton Baines v Alex Hleb
Injury to Alex Hleb cut short what was becoming his finest hoard of games for the Club. However since returning to action against Chelsea the Belarussian has failed to assert the influence that earned him his plaudits. In the absence of Robin van Persie, Hleb played as the main source of support for Emmanuel Adebayor, providing two goals and four assists. The 26-year-old dazzling feet and ability to wriggle out of a tight spot is his greatest attribute - 21 dribbles made. Deployed either as a wide man or slightly more central he opts for an incisive pass rather than a cross - 85 passes made and only two successful crosses. Following Leighton Baines' summer move to Everton, the England Under-21 international has been dogged by injury. The former Wigan man is a glittering example of the work done by his previous employers, climbing the ladder to success as quickly as the team itself. His attacking prowess has wavered somewhat with just one shot on target and one assist. He has though burst forward on 15 occasions, delivering a successful cross twice. On the back foot he remains sturdy having lost just one tackle.



Mikel Arteta v Bacary Sagna
Every great team has a great creative mind in its midst. For David Moyes' high-flying Toffees Mikel Arteta is that mind. Influential across the midfield, the Spaniard, since the emergence of Steven Pinenar in the middle, has featured largely from wide left. From there he has scored once and added five assists. Equally adept at shooting - 22 at goal with half hitting the target - and at passing - 128 made with 60 per cent reaching their target - the 25-year-old will have a major say in the outcome of the fixture. In stark contrast, Bacary Sagna is a rough and rugged defender, whose performance on Saturday will be as telling as that of Arteta. The summer acquisition from Auxerre has been a revelation for the Gunners and has lost just three tackles all season. Seemingly always positioned perfectly he has made several telling interceptions, most notably flicking the ball away from Robbie Keane's expectant head midway through the first-half of last week's North London derby. Pushing forward to great effect, the French international is yet to be stopped when running with the ball and has registered three assists for the Club.



Ayegbeni Yakubu v Kolo Toure
David Moyes fought tooth and nail to acquire Nigerian striker Yakubu from Middlesbrough. The stocky front-man has repaid the Scot's perseverance with some wonderful displays including a sublime hat-trick a few weeks ago. The ex-Portsmouth player notched on his debut and has an impressive haul of nine for the season. However he is yet to lay on a telling pass for a team-mate. Twenty-two shots on target is testament to his keen eye for goal, while 18 tackles made (please note a mistake on the below table) proves he never shirks a challenge. Arsenal's own African star, Kolo Toure, has had a enjoyed a typically solid campaign. His pace remains a deadly attribute, while his positional and tactical awarness is exceptional - the Ivorian has made 34 clearances and won 13 tackles. True to his calm nature, Toure exhibits a rare ball-playing skill for a defender - he has made a staggering 122 passes and embarked on eight successful dribbles.

Wenger - Players must fight for their places




Arsene Wenger understands the frustration of players who cannot force their way into the Arsenal first team but he insists that competition is part and parcel of life at a big club.

The form of Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini has restricted Lassana Diarra's opportunities since he swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in August. The Frenchman has made 12 appearances in total with six of those in the Premier League.

Reports of Diarra's unhappiness have appeared in the media and he has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium in January. Wenger sympathises with Diarra's plight but has urged him to fight for his place.

"You can not be in the game so long and not understand the frustation of the players who do not play but at the end of the day I will act for what is good for the Club," said Wenger. "That is my first responsibility. What is important is what is good for hundreds of thousands, not for just one.

"Diarra is a fantastic player, he is 100 per cent professional in training every day. There is no problem and he is in the squad tomorrow. I try to make everybody happy but it is impossible. But it is part of your job, you cannot always feel sorry for players who are frustrated. When you are a professional football player, competition is part of your job.

"What I cannot understand is people who are surprised that there is competition at a big club. If you change tomorrow to another big club there is competition again. You have another manager who at the end of the week picks 11 players and 15 will have to deal with the situation. Why does that raise questions? It is part of our job.

"It is completely normal that he wants to play. You cannot be at our level, in one of the biggest clubs in the world, paid at a fantastic level and have no competition. I am always surprised to be asked about it. We are not in kindergarten here, we are in a job for men."

Wenger is renowned for giving young players their chance in the first team - Cesc Fabregas, Nicolas Anelka, Patrick Vieira and countless others can testify to that. The Arsenal manager believes that Diarra's opportunity will also come.

"You tell me one club in the world, of this size, that gives the chances to young players like we do. There isn't one. At our club young players are in paradise because usually you wait until 26 or 27. You go to Madrid, Milan, where do the young players play?

"Players like Diarra are top level. But you have moments in your career when the team is doing well, you have a player in front of you, and that is hard luck. But still at the end of the day it is a job for strong people and those who stay strong always come out.

"At a big club there is big competition. Diarra has the talent to be in a big club. I can understand that he is unhappy not to play but you have to stay where you belong - and he belongs to a big club. If he continues to fight he will play."

Match Report

Eduardo 47, 58, Adebayor 78, Rosicky 94

Arsenal are back on top of the Premier League.

They were restored to the summit thanks to Manchester United’s defeat and then their own remarkable 4-1 comeback in a tempestuous game at Goodison Park on Saturday evening that saw both sides reduced to 10 men.

Tim Cahill’s goal deservedly gave the home side the advantage at the break. But within 12 minutes of the restart Arsenal had snatched the lead thanks to a fine brace from Eduardo, his first strikes in the Premier League.

Nicklas Bendtner’s dismissal in the 73rd minute threatened to unsettle the visitors as they started to look to the final whistle. But, in the end, they were handed a third goal when Emmanuel Abedayor profited from hesitancy between Joseph Yobo and Tim Howard.

Mikel Arteta threw out an arm at Cesc Fabregas in the 84th minute and also saw red. It undermined Everton’s late rally and substitute Tomas Rosicky added a fourth in injury time.

This was far from Arsenal’s best performance of the season but it did illustrate, perhaps more than any other game this term, the type of qualities they will need to win the title.

And, of course, they are now clear at the top by two points.

Wenger made three changes from the side held to a 0-0 draw at Portsmouth on Boxing Day. All smacked of rotation in order to accommodate the busy Christmas period. Emmanuel Eboue was rested entirely while Adebayor and Rosicky were left on the bench. As a result Bendtner and Eduardo were paired up front while Abou Diaby came in on the left. Alex Hleb went from support striker to right midfielder.

Just before kick-off, the visiting Arsenal supporters heard confirmation of Manchester United’s defeat at West Ham. It meant Wenger’s men would resume the lead of the Premier League with victory this evening. That was no formality however. They faced an Everton side who had a record of W12 D2 L1 in their last 15 games.

The start was scrappy. Arsenal were lively and inquisitive in the opening minutes however the best chance they conjured up was a goal-bound Fabregas shot that was blocked on the edge of the area. In fact Everton keeper Tim Howard would have worry-free first half.

As the game wore on, the home side took over - though Almunia was hardly overworked either. Gradually Arteta and Cahill started to find space in midfield while Yakubu’s muscle was proving a handful for the Arsenal defence. In the 19th minute the Nigerian went shoulder to shoulder with Kolo Toure, the visitors’ strongest player, and won a corner on the left-hand side.

Arteta whipped it into the six-yard box and the Arsenal defence hesitated. That was all that was required. The ball bobbled to the far post where a combination of Yakubu’s head and Cahill’s foot turned it home off the post. Eventually the strike was credited to the Australian but, from an Arsenal perspective, it had been all too easy.

Everton had been rightly confident before the goal. Afterwards they were full of vigour and determination. Steven Pienaar pulled an effort six yards wide of goal, Phil Neville drove over following a flowing move and, just before the whistle, Arteta forced a low save from Almunia.

Arsenal rallied briefly as the seconds ticked away but they could hardly argue with the scoreline at the interval.

But what a change after the restart.

Three minutes in, Clichy’s long ball forward caught the home defence napping. It flew over the backtracking Phil Jagielka and fell to the scampering Eduardo who showed commendable nerve to steer home his shot under pressure from three recovering defenders.

It was the Croatian’s first goal in 10 Premier League appearances and Arsenal’s 800th in the competition under Wenger.

Everton were suddenly subdued while the visitors had a spring in their step and a bite in their challenge.

However just before Arsenal took the lead, the home side spurned a superb chance to score a second themselves. Joleon Lescott fired over a cross from the left and Yakubu escaped from Toure to steer a powerful header wide.

Still Everton had already paid painful witness to Eduardo’s poaching ability and, in the 58th minute, he added a second. The 24-year-old collected Bendtner’s flick on the edge of the area, nudged the ball past Jagielka, ran around the other side and then slipped the ball past Howard.

A wonderful finish from an expert poacher.

Everton were stung. They did not deserve to be losing on the balance of play while Arsenal were attempting to pull off to a classic snatch-and-grab — the staple diet of Premier League champions.

However their chances of a clean getaway were dented in the 73rd minute when Bendtner picked up a second booking for a foul on Andy Johnson.

It was certainly a rash challenge but the dismissal was all the more distressing as Adebayor had been waiting to come on for a couple of minutes. With Eduardo on a hat-trick, it would seem safe to assume the Dane was about to be substituted.

The red card only added to the mounting Everton momentum. Almunia saved from both Johnson’s flick-on and Lee Carsley’s low shot in the 76th minute.

However for all their reputation for flowing football, it was a route-one goal that sealed the game two minutes later. Adebayor nipped in as Joseph Yobo tried to shepherd Almunia’s long punt forward towards his keeper. The Togolese striker’s touch bounced off Howard’s leg and fell kindly for him to race clear and tap the ball into the empty net.

The drama was not over. Six minutes from time Arteta received a straight red card for lashing out at Fabregas. The second dismissal brought a simmering game to the boil in the final few minutes

Rosicky fired in a fourth at the death. That was harsh on Everton who had bossed the game for much of the first half.

But, as well as a fluent side, Arsenal are a ruthless side these days.

And they are all the better for it.

Wenger: 'We battled for the three points, we had to'

Everton 1-4 Arsenal


on the three points and going top...
"For us it is a great result. We have showed that we can battle and we have a great spirit. We can cope with all the problems we face and that is always the sign of a very good side."

on the vital moments...
"The turning point was that we played well on set-pieces in the second half and also the spell where we had 10 men and they had 11 but we did not concede. Then they made the mistake that killed their game. I think 4-1 is hard on Everton, the difference was not as big as that. But when they were 3-1 down they lost a player and from then on it was impossible."

on making changes at the break...
"I was tempted yes but I felt the reason was that we were a bit nervous after the Manchester United result. We were against a good Everton side who stopped us playing. They did well. It was up to us to get the ball down and play more positive. And to be less nervous because we lost too many balls in the first half. After the break maybe we had the luck to score straight away, 1-1, and that changed the game. From then on we looked dangerous, Everton dropped physically maybe and the 2-1 came quickly."

on the red cards...
"Both were not completely obvious from the outside. I did not see the foul of Bendtner. It was certainly not malicious but clumsy. If it was a second yellow then we have to accept it. Arteta touched Cesc Fabregas because I asked him but I have not seen it on the tape."

on facing up to the physical battle...
"We battled, we had to. Last season here, Everton played a very physical game and they were very direct. And we lost. So I can understand that they repeated this tactic. We won today, but it was very close. I saw tapes of Everton before today and they played a completely different type of game. They were more direct than they were against Bolton, for example, when they were passing short all along the ground. It was strange for us. But we have faced so many teams in that style that it has made us stronger to face it. Maybe 18 months ago we would be beaten easily but we have had practice in this kind of game. Today we are less in danger."

on adapting Arsenal's style...
"When we do not win, many times people have questioned the way we play. When you want to play a different style first they fight it, then they accept it and, if you win, they love it. I hope we are in the third stage. But our style has to be convincing efficiency-wise because if you don’t win then people will always question you. We want to win and play the football we love. I am convinced that is the best way for us."

Wenger: 'I still don't understand how it went in'
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United



on a game of two halves...
"I felt in the first half West Ham were a few times dangerous, especially on set pieces, we didn't look at ease. In the second half we looked like we were in control without really pushing it to score more goals. But we just didn't want to concede a goal and I think that's the inference of our defenders who wanted to keep a clean sheet. West Ham maybe as well, who didn't come out in the second half and didn't challenge us really. We were quite comfortable in the second half and overall this Christmas period has been absolutely great for us because we had four difficult games and we come out with one draw and three wins. If you add Chelsea - four wins and one draw."

on scoring from long balls...
"Well the teams that come here play four-five-one and try to mark us very tight and push us up very high, you know. Therefore their defenders need to play nearly on the half way line, and with the players we have we can as well go behind the central defenders and that gives us naturally a different option. They have always two options - other teams - stop us from the start of the play or they drop very deep, and then of course we have not this option, but West Ham decided to push very high up and therefore they gave us some room behind the central defenders. We work on it of course, to work with the runs of Adebayor, because there is so much pace and power that he can use that, and as well he is shrewd to get in behind the central defenders. So it gives us a little bit a different option."

on a couple of well taken goals...
"I still don't understand how it went in. I feel the first goal was a great finish as well because it looked so natural. When you are... I got a few balls in this central position and I know it's not as easy as it looked today [laughter]. It looked just chest and then in the back of the net in a fraction of a second, you know? He's a clinical finisher, Eduardo."

on Clichy's long pass for Adebayor...
"It was a fantastic pass, he did that already at Everton. It's two assists in the last two games, Clichy. "

on a tense title race...
"It's too early to go into mind games, you know. I feel at the moment we have the luxury, going into January, that we rely on our performances. Man United will be a tough opponent but we have one thing - we have belief, we have talent, we are ready to fight. This team is hungry. So that's good ingredients for the rest, I don't count only Man United, I still feel Chelsea today... they were one-nil down - they won two-one, so we have still to count Chelsea. You have still to count Liverpool so let's see where we go from there."

on preferring to lead from the front...
"Yes, definitely. Because you just rely on your results, the other way you say 'no we do not look at the others' - but you still look at the others, you know? Because you are second, or third, or fourth. And you have to hope that the others don't perform."

on West Ham looking tired after beating United...
"Of course, it gave us a little plus, especially in the second half, they had nothing to push on. It happens to us as well you know, and sometimes the other teams play teams who have played against us, and they take advantage of it as well."

on his New Year's Resolution...
"To give absolutely everything I have, every bit of energy to make this Club successful, and make this team successful, because I feel it's a pleasure to work with the team and they give absolutely everything as well, so I want to give everything to make this team successful."

Song called up for African Cup of Nations


Alex Song has been called up to Cameroon's squad for the African Cup of Nations.

The 20-year-old is uncapped at international level but has forced his way into the Indomitable Lions' set-up for the tournament which takes place in Ghana from January 20 to February 10. Cameroon have been crowned African champions four times and will be favourites to win a group which also contains Egypt, Sudan and Zambia.

Song has made 10 appearances for Arsenal this season, earning plaudits for his displays in central defence during the Club's run to the Carling Cup Semi-Finals. He set up Eduardo's extra-time winner when the young Gunners beat Blackburn at Ewood Park last month.

Song is one of three Arsenal players on duty at the African Cup of Nations - Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue have both been named in the Ivory Coast's squad. The trio could miss as many as eight Arsenal fixtures, depending on how far their countries advance in Ghana and how well the Gunners fare in domestic cup competitions.



Stay close to Arsenal.com for all the Arsenal-related news from the African Cup of Nations plus an exclusive interview with Emmanuel Adebayor, whose Togo side did not qualify for the tournament.

Out in Africa - the Arsenal games they could miss

January 9: Carling Cup Semi-Final first leg - Tottenham (h)
January 12: Premier League - Birmingham (h)
January 19: Premier League - Fulham (a)
January 23: Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg - Tottenham (a)
January 26/27: FA Cup Fourth Round *
January 29: Premier League - Newcastle (h)
February 2: Premier League - Manchester City (a)
February 9: Premier League - Blackburn (h)

* If Arsenal remain in the competition

Gallas - We'll miss Toure but we can cope


William Gallas admits he does not know how much Arsenal will miss Kolo Toure while he is away at the African Nations Cup.

The Ivorian played his last Premier League game before going to Ghana in the 2-0 victory over West Ham on New Year’s Day. If Toure’s team go all the way he will not be available for Arsenal again until mid-February.



Gallas concedes that Toure’s loss is a blow to the leaders.

“Kolo is very important for the squad because he is very strong,” said the captain. “He has good qualities and my relationship with him has been good.

“We have good players in the squad and someone else will be able to play. If you play for Arsenal you are very good and I hope my relationship with them will be good too. We will miss Kolo but I can only say how much after a few weeks.”

The win over West Ham helped Arsenal emerge from a difficult Christmas campaign with a two-point lead in the Premier League.

“We played very well and it was just about what we had to do,” said Gallas. “We have got two days off so we can relax now.

“It is good that we are top. It was important for us to show everybody that we wanted to be there. For me it is not finished and we have to stay strong to stay on top.

“I think Manchester United and Chelsea want to come back on us. It will not be easy for them and it will not be easy for us. We have to show people how we are strong and how we want to win the Premier League.

“Everyday I speak with the players and the boss and we know how we want to play. We know sometimes it will not be easy to win. For example we needed to do what we did against Everton.

“We didn’t play well but we were so strong. We wanted to win that game and we showed everybody. If we can keep doing that I think everything will be fine.”

Matt Connolly joins Queen's Park Rangers

Defender Matthew Connolly has joined Championship side Queen's Park Rangers in a permanent deal.

Connolly (20), who had spent the first half of the 2007/08 season on loan at Colchester United, broke into the Arsenal first team last season, making his debut in the Carling Cup victory at West Bromwich Albion, playing the full 90 minutes. This was followed by a substitute appearance in the 6-3 victory at Anfield in the Carling Cup Fifth Round.

Matthew, who joined Arsenal as an eight year-old, was a regular in the Reserves during his time the Club and was Captain for Neil Banfield’s team last season.



Matthew had a very eventful 2006/07 season. After playing in Dennis Bergkamp’s Testimonial match at Emirates Stadium in July, Matthew also trained with the full England squad as they prepared for their friendly match against Holland and then spent a successful loan spell with League One side AFC Bournemouth.

Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Matthew for his contribution during his time at the Club and wish him the best of luck with Queen's Park Rangers.

Beckham hält sich bei Arsenal fit

Der englische Fußballstar David Beckham hat am Freitag erstmals mit Premier-League-Spitzenreiter Arsenal trainiert.

Beckhams derzeitiger Club Los Angeles Galaxy aus der amerikanischen Major League Soccer (MLS) befindet sich noch bis Ende März in der Winterpause.

Bis zum Länderspiel Englands gegen die Schweiz am 6. Februar im Wembley-Stadion, dem Debüt von Neo-Teamchef Fabio Capello, will sich der 32-jährige Mittelfeldspieler bei den Londonern fit halten. Die unmittelbare Vorbereitung auf die US-Liga, die am 29. März beginnt, absolviert Beckham dann im Februar in Kalifornien.

Wenger - Beckham's stay will not be a 'circus'



Arsene Wenger will not allow David Beckham's link-up with Arsenal to become a media 'circus'.

The former England captain will be training at London Colney this month as he bids to stay fit ahead of England's international friendly against Switzerland in February.

Wenger has poured cold water on suggestions that Beckham could register to play for Arsenal and insists that the 32-year-old's spell with the Premier League leaders will remain low-key.



"We are helping him to work on his fitness and trying to keep it as quiet as possible," said Wenger.

"He's just come back from a long break and has had injuries. He joined us on January 2nd. He will not be playing in any games and will not be registered. He is just training.

"We don't want to make something complicated out of something that is very simple. He doesn't far away and always loved Arsenal. That's why we help him.

"It will not become a circus. We are quite well equipped here to handle that here. We have mirror doors and everything that is needed."

Beckham was pictured in an Arsenal training kit, sporting the No 23, during a first-team session on Friday. So had he forgotten his own kit? Wenger cleared that matter up quickly.

"We give a kit to everyone who practices. When a triallist comes from anywhere in the world we give him a kit," said the Frenchman.

Wenger - Tottenham have not bid for Diarra


Arsène Wenger intends to keep Lassana Diarra and has not received any bid from Tottenham for the talented midfielder.

It has been suggested that Arsenal’s neighbours were hoping to tempt the French international into his second cross-London move of the season.

The 22-year-old only arrived at Emirates on transfer deadline day in August but has not broken into the side on a regular basis since then. The new window has just opened and Wenger suggested that the desire to retain his national team place may be giving Diarra itchy feet. But he definitely wants to retain the former Le Havre star.




“I would love to keep him,” said Wenger at his press conference ahead of the Burnley game. “You don't make a player come on August 31st and then want to sell him on January 1st. I want to keep Diarra but we'll see.

“The bad luck is that he arrived when our train had started. I rate him highly and, if it's down to me, I want him to stay. I can understand his frustration because he is worried by the national team. But I bought him in and it was long, hard work to get him here.

“I had nobody from Spurs on the phone and I didn't reject any bids from Spurs. We’ll we keep [our conversations] close and what we do inside [the Club]. But if you ask my opinion, I want him to stay.”

Wenger - African stars will join our 'injury' list


Arsene Wenger will treat the loss of three players to the African Cup of Nations in the same way he would deal with an injury. He'll just get on with the job and focus on the players who are available for Arsenal.

Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song leave for Ghana on Monday and could miss as many as nine domestic games, depending on their countries' success in the tournament and their club's progress in the FA Cup.

Wenger is used to chopping and changing his team in response to injuries and suspension. As far as he is concerned, this will be no different.

"I consider them to be injured, so if they were injured, they would not play," said Wenger. "The day they get out of the competition, they are not injured any more and so you get them back."



The Frenchman expects a similar problem when the next African Cup of Nations comes around, but he hopes that the tournament dates will eventually be shifted to accommodate club football.

"I would love to see it played in June or July," said Wenger.

"[Staging it now] dates from a period where they had no floodlights and had to play during the day, therefore it was maybe too hot in some countries in June and July. That has changed now.

"They could put it now maybe on the same date as the European Championship."

Diarra, Denilson, Diaby in contention for Cup tie


Arsène Wenger has explained how he will rotate his side for the FA Cup Third Round tie at Burnley on Sunday.

Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring), Alex Hleb (ankle) and Robin van Persie (muscular) are injured, Mathieu Flamini is suspended while Gael Clichy and Cesc Fabregas will be rested. Theo Walcott’s shoulder injury will be considered on Saturday.

Nicklas Bendtner is back after suspension. Lassana Diarra, Abou Diaby and Denilson are vying for places in midfield. Jens Lehmann will start.

“Robin van Persie is still out,” said Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “Mathieu Flamini is suspended. Theo Walcott has a little shoulder problem that we will assess tomorrow.



“We will rest some players who have played a few games. I might rest Fabregas and Alex Hleb has a little problem with his ankle. Emmanuel Adebayor will be rested because of his hamstring. Clichy will be rested aswell.

“Nicklas Bendtner is back after suspension so he is available again. Denilson, Diaby and Diarra are in contention."

Wenger - I respect the way Lehmann has acted


Arsène Wenger has spoken of his respect for the way Jens Lehmann has conducted himself in recent weeks.

The Arsenal manager admits “the door is open” for the German keeper if he wants to leave Emirates Stadium during January. However suggestions that, on Friday morning, Borussia Dortmund would be announcing his decision to re-join them proved to be false.

In fact Lehmann will play in goal for Arsenal at Burnley on Sunday. Wenger believes the 38-year-old has not yet decided whether to stay or go during the current window however this summer’s Euro 2008 tournament could well be a factor.

“When I extended the contract for Jens, I opened the door that if he does not play [for us] and has a chance to play in the European Championships, then I would not stop him from leaving in January,” said Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “If he does not play, that means somebody else can get in front of him.



“I have heard that Dortmund made a press conference and they did not announce Jens but they are hopeful. The door is not closed for Jens, but at the moment we have not reached any agreement. I do not even believe he has made his mind up.

“He still thinks he should play, and I respect that. On one side you cannot want a player to give 100 per cent every day to be the best and then accept he is not the best. They do not work together.

“But what I respect the most is he is a player who comes in and does his job 100 per cent and does not talk too much. That is what he does at the moment.”

Match Report


Arsène Wenger will preach a gospel of respect this Sunday. Respect for Burnley, respect for the FA Cup and respect for the momentum that has taken his Arsenal side to the top of the Premier League.

Having hauled themselves through a demanding yet rewarding Christmas period, the Frenchman could probably do without a throwback of a Third Round game at Turf Moor this weekend.

As usual Wenger will send out a much-changed side for the televised tie. In days gone by, that would have brought about accusations of dishonour from the Arsenal manager. However four FA Cup successes in 10 full seasons and plenty of long runs to the latter stages suggests this is a competition taken very seriously at Emirates Stadium. In fact this week it was an Englishman, Reading striker Dave Kitson, who hit the headlines for suggesting the world’s oldest knockout competition paled in comparison to his side’s fight for Premier League survival.

“I don't like it when people disrespect the FA Cup,” responded Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “Personally I love the competition.

“But I saw Kitson's interview. He's an intelligent boy and I think he was just saying they have different priorities.

“For us, this is our next game and we have created a momentum which we want to keep going. Whoever is in the squad, we know that if we play well, we win. So let's just go and win the next game whether it's the FA Cup, Carling Cup or any other competition.

“At the beginning of the season we didn't know if we were good enough to win our games. Now we know we can. And it's not like we have won the FA Cup 10 years on the trot.“

In terms of changes, Cesc Fabregas. Manuel Almunia and Gael Clichy will be rested while Alex Hleb (ankle) and Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) have only slight injuries but will not feature. There will be a late test on Theo Walcott’s shoulder and Mathieu Flamini is suspended. Robin van Persie (muscular) is still a week from fitness.

Their replacements are not certain yet. However Wenger did suggest that Lassana Diarra, Denilson and Abou Diaby will be contesting midfield roles and Jens Lehmann would be starting in goal. Nicklas Bendtner is available after his ban and Johan Djourou is back in the Arsenal fold having returned from a loan spell at Birmingham. Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue are likely to start in their last games before leaving for the African Nations Cup.

Burnley are on a terrible run right now. They have picked up just two points from their last six games and, after the 3-0 defeat to Blackpool last time out, manager Owen Coyle felt the need to apologise to the fans for his side’s performance. However Wenger is far too experienced in this competition to think that a lower-league opponent cannot lift their performance by several notches on the day.

“We have to respect Burnley,” said the manager. “The side we take up will have to play at their best because if you give them a chance they certainly have enough quality to take it. They have Ade Akinbiyi, David Unsworth, Jon Harley and Graham Alexander. That’s many good Premier League players with experience.”

While Burnley are worried about arresting their poor run, Arsenal’s concerns are to balance their highly-plausible ambitions in the Premier League and Champions League. Traditionally the addition of the FA Cup has been highly problematic to Wenger’s side at this time of year.

“It's not in conflict too much with the Premier League but more the Champions League,” said the manager. “That’s because of the number of replays positioned every time just in front of the Champions League games.

“But we want to do well in the competition and we have a common desire to do well in every single competition we play in. In fact, if you look at it, in the last 10 years nobody outside the top four has won this competition. And we are highly motivated to win it again.

“So please, don't expect us to sacrifice the FA Cup.”

Versatile forward joins Dutch side on loan

Dutch forward Vincent van den Berg has joined Go Ahead Eagles in Holland on loan until the end of the season.

Van den Berg (18) joined the Gunners from homeland side Heerenveen in the summer of 2006 and made Arsenal history with a late substitute appearance in Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial, the first fixture to be played at Emirates Stadium. Happy as a striker, midfielder or link between the two positions, the Dutchman made 15 appearances in Neil Banfield’s reserve side last season and also featured 10 times for Steve Bould’s Under-18s.



Go Ahead Eagles are currently third in the Eerste Divisie, and have previously won the Dutch Eredivisie title four times.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes Vincent the best of luck with Go Ahead Eagles.

Match Report


Burnley-Arsenal 0-2
Eduardo 9, Bendtner 75

Goals from Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner gave Arsenal safe passage to the FA Cup Fourth Round with a 2-0 win at Burnley on Sunday.

The Croatian completed a cool finish after only nine minutes, his sixth goal in his last four starts for the Club. The Championship side did have their moments in a highly-competitive first half but their challenge faded on the hour after Kyle Lafferty received a straight red card for a foul on Gilberto.

Fifteen minutes from time, Bendtner ended the argument when he danced around the keeper and slotted home.

Saturday had seen a number of FA Cup shocks but, if Burnley had pulled off a win this afternoon, it would have dominated the back pages for days.

That was never really on after Eduardo's strike. Arsenal were competent, composed and controlled as, once again, they avoided this perennial banana skin.

They march on.

Wenger had said his side would be “a mixture” and he was good as his word. Only three were retained from the starting XI against West Ham on New Year’s Day. Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure were playing their last game before going to African Nations Cup. Eduardo was asked to continue his striking success over the festive period.



The Croatian’s partner was Bendtner, who was back from suspension. Gilberto and Denilson formed an all-Brazilian central midfield while Armand Traore came in at left back for only his second start in this competition. Johan Djourou named on the bench for the first time since returning from his loan spell at Birmingham. He was joined there by two Carling Cup wannabees — Mark Randall, 18, and Henri Lansbury, 17.

Burnley had been struggling in the Championship under new manager Owen Coyle recently but Turf Moor was buzzing with anticipation for Arsenal’s first visit in over 30 years.

And the Clarets nearly took the lead with their opening attack in the fifth minute. Andy Gray escaped down the right-hand side and crossed to the far post where Lafferty arrived to power a header against the bar. The ball bounced down and Arsenal scrambled it away but the effort could only go down as a major let-off for the visitors.

Wenger’s men had hardly settled but, in the ninth minute, they snaffled the opening goal. It was not a clear-cut chance. Toure’s chipped pass forward sent Eduardo through but the bobbling ball would not come down and the 24-year-old was being pursued by a couple of Burnley defenders. However the Croatian is fast becoming the coolest finisher in the top flight. He took his time before tapping a trickling shot past Gabor Kiraly and just inside the upright

It was harsh on Burnley but you don’t always get what you deserve in FA Cup football. They responded with what you would expect — gusto. Gray threaded a shot through and then Robbie Blake thundered a drive over the bar. However you sensed that Arsenal were relatively comfortable with the situation. They expected the home side’s onslaught and were confident they could cope with it. They were also causing the home side some problems on the break.

In the 20th minute, Arsenal might have grabbed a second when Gilberto met Denilson’s corner with a stooping header. It deflected towards Graham Alexander at the near post and he scrambled the ball off the line.

Burnley continued to pressure but the visitors continued to enjoy the best opportunities. Most of them fell to Eboue on the right. He hammered the best chance over the bar midway through the half and then he nearly flicked the ball past Kiraly from close-range.

Eight minutes from the break, Traore dallied over his clearance at the far post and Wade Elliot harried him into a mistake. Chris McCann blazed his effort over the bar when he should have done better.

Kiraly saved Bendtner’s overhead kick just before half-time and, at the interval, Arsenal were content.

They should have all but completed the victory six minutes after the restart when Bendtner found Eduardo unmarked 12 yards out. It was a much more straightforward opportunity than the ones he had netted recently against Everton, West Ham and earlier this afternoon. However he steered an inexplicable shot a yard wide.

Burnley might have responded in the best fashion when Blake’s free-kick picked out the unmarked McCann at the far post but, wastefully, he nodded over the bar from six yards out.

The Clarets were perhaps exercising their last throw of the dice. Certainly Lafferty gambled and lost on the hour when he caught Gilberto on the knee with a nasty-looking challenge. Referee Alan Wiley had little option but to send off the Northern Irish international.

The dismissal only fuelled a match that was already starting to boil. Senderos nodded Elliot’s cross off the head of Gray as the Burnley striker threatened at the far post.

However, 15 minutes from time, Arsenal made the game safe. Eduardo exploited gaping holes in the Burnley defence to feed Bendtner. The Dane skipped around the keeper and tucked his shot past Kiraly.

Burnley were now a spent force. Two goals and one man down, they failed to mount a response.

Arsenal held on with comfort. But, in a straightforward afternoon, they had barely been out of their comfort zone from the moment Eduardo had given them the advantage.

FA Cup draw at 1.30pm Monday afternoon

The draw for the FA Cup Fourth Round is due at 1.30pm UK time



Alan Cork and John Aldridge, who both played their part in the 1988 FA Cup Final, will make the draw along with host Sir Trevor Brooking.

Arsenal will will be ball number 15.

1. Preston North End
2. Cardiff City
3. Peterborough United
4. Sheffield United
5. Coventry City
6. Mansfield Town
7. Walsall or Millwall
8. Charlton Athletic or West Bromwich Albion
9. Watford
10. Luton Town or Liverpool
11. Plymouth Argyle
12. Manchester United
13. Tranmere Rovers or Hereford United
14. Tottenham Hotspur or Reading
15. Arsenal
16. Middlesbrough
17. Fulham or Bristol Rovers
18. Huddersfield Town
19. Swansea City or Havant & Waterlooville
20. Wigan Athletic
21. Southend United
22. Oldham Athletic
23. Derby County or Sheffield Wednesday
24. Southampton
25. West Ham United or Manchester City
26. Portsmouth
27. Wolverhampton Wanderers
28. Barnsley
29. Chelsea
30. Stoke City or Newcastle United
31. Swindon Town or Barnet
32. Norwich City or Bury

'I've got a squad and I'm not afraid to use it'

FA Cup
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal



on the game itself...
"Burnley played well. They missed the first chance on the header and I firmly believe that would have had a big effect on the game. At 1-0 in this atmosphere it would have been a very different game for us. We took our first chance and were pushed in the second half. We missed a few chances for the second goal. The sending off killed the game."

on Burnley's performance...
"I must say that Burnley gave everything. They played at a high pace and in a fair way. I am surprised to see where they are in the Championship - this division must be very difficult. What surprised me was the tempo of their game and how quickly they could pass it. I was surprised by the quality of their crosses but they could not score."

on the red card...
"You will laugh but I did not see it. Gilberto had his back to me. I have not seen it on the tape yet."

on resting players...
"I have a squad and I am not afraid to use it. We went to Everton with Bendtner and Eduardo up front like we did today. I rotate the squad. My team today — Toure, Gilberto, Bendtner, Sagna — are all top quality players. So I had a Premier League side out there today. I rested some players because we had a busy Christmas period."

on Eduardo's finishing...
"The surprise of the day was that he missed the other one. You quickly get used to your players putting the ball in the back of the net. He has scored one and had an assist for the second. The two strikers did well."

on the benefits of a game like this...
"It was an enthralling game. You see a little bit about your young players. I am lucky. Everywhere we go we see good games because our opponents like to play as well. What surprised me with Burnley is that they threw players forward, they were not just waiting for our mistake to take the game to us. There is an exceptional hunger in my squad and that came out again today."

Arsenal face Stoke or Newcastle in FA Cup

Arsenal will face Stoke City or Newcastle United in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.

Arsene Wenger's side were first out of the hat when the draw was made at FA headquarters in Soho Square on Monday afternoon. They will have to wait for the result of Stoke and Newcastle's Third-Round replay before their opponents are confirmed. The teams drew 0-0 at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday.

Arsenal eased into the last 32 with a 2-0 victory at Burnley. Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner were on target at Turf Moor.

The Fourth-Round ties will be played over the weekend of January 26 and 27.

Stay close to Arsenal.com for reaction to the FA Cup draw.

FA Cup Fourth-Round draw

Arsenal v Stoke or Newcastle
Coventry City v Walsall or Millwall
Oldham Athletic v Huddersfield Town
Swindon Town or Barnet v Fulham or Bristol Rovers
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea
Luton Town or Liverpool v Swansea City or Havant & Waterlooville
Southend United v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich City or Bury
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur or Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth Argyle
Derby County or Sheffield Wednesday v Preston North End
Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Peterborough United v Charlton Athletic or West Bromwich Albion
Sheffield United v West Ham United or Manchester City
Mansfield Town v Middlesbrough
Tranmere Rovers or Hereford United v Cardiff City

Fabianski - This is a chance for me to impress

Carling Cup
Arsenal v Tottenham H.



"I was told that if you save a penalty against Tottenham then you are the biggest man in the world."

Lukasz Fabianski has been one of the stars of Arsenal's run to the Carling Cup Semi-Finals and he is determined to enhance his reputation with another solid display against Tottenham on Wednesday night. The Polish keeper spoke exclusively to Arsenal TV Online ahead of the first leg. He discussed:

* getting used to life in England
* the prospect of facing Tottenham
* the intensity of the North London derby
* the equivalent games in Poland
* his surprise at being made captain
* the incredible win at Blackburn
* the incentive of a Wembley final

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

Van Persie back for Carling Cup Semi-Final against Spurs

Carling Cup
Arsenal v Tottenham H.



Robin van Persie will return from injury for the Carling Cup Semi-Final first leg against Tottenham at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

The Dutch striker has played just 85 minutes for Arsenal since October 23. He injured his knee on international duty then, after returning for two games in mid-December, suffered a muscle problem. Speaking to Arsenal TV Online on Tuesday afternoon, Arsène Wenger was delighted to have the 24-year-old back in the fold at last.

“Yes Robin van Persie is back in the squad,” he said. “He had a little set-back coming back from his knee injury, it was a muscle problem. But the positive side of it is that he could forget about his knee and work on his fitness.”



Apart from that, the manager intends to stick with the young side that has taken the Club to their fourth Carling Cup semi-final in the past five years.

“Lukasz Fabianski will play in goal again, Theo Walcott is available while Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos will play at the back,” he said. “Apart from that it will be the players who played in the last [Carling Cup] game. Basically it will be a young side maybe with one or two experienced players.”

Arsenal.com will announce the full squad on Wednesday morning.

Wenger names 16-man Carling Cup squad

Carling Cup
Arsenal v Tottenham H.


Arsène Wenger has announced his 16-man squad for tonight's Carling Cup Semi-Final first leg against Tottenham at Emirates Stadium.

As revealed by Arsenal.com yesterday, Robin van Persie returns to action after a muscle strain. Theo Walcott is also fit to play while Bacary Sagna and Gilberto have both been named in the squad.

Arsenal squad to face Tottenham:

2 Abou DIABY
3 Bacary SAGNA
6 Philippe SENDEROS
9 EDUARDO
11 Robin VAN PERSIE
15 DENILSON
19 GILBERTO
20 Johan DJOUROU
21 Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK)
26 Nicklas BENDTNER
30 Armand TRAORE
31 Justin HOYTE
32 Theo WALCOTT
36 Mark RANDALL
40 Vito MANNONE (GK)
41 Gavin HOYTE

Wenger - Stoke can shock Newcastle in replay

FA Cup
Arsenal v Stoke/Newcastle


The bookies make Newcastle firm favourites to overcome Stoke and earn a FA Cup Fourth Round trip to Emirates Stadium, but Arsene Wenger is not so sure.

The Arsenal manager listened in as the Championship side held their Premier League opponents to a 0-0 draw at Britannia Stadium on Sunday and expects the Third Round replay on January 16 to be another close contest.

"I saw only the highlights of Newcastle and Stoke because we were travelling back [from Burnley] on Sunday," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"We listened on the radio instead. It will be very tight in the replay as Stoke look to be a very good side. Sometimes in the Cup it is not easier to play at home but more difficult and they look to be good on the break.

"It is difficult to predict who we will play against."

Wenger - African loss is no excuse for failure

Carling Cup
Arsenal v Tottenham H.


Arsène Wenger will not blame the African Cup of Nations if Arsenal fail in their bid to win the Premier League title.

Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song have left for the tournament in Ghana and could miss as many as nine Arsenal matches, starting with tonight's Carling Cup Semi-Final first leg against Tottenham at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's predicament could be worse - Chelsea and Portsmouth lose four players each - but it could be much better - Manchester United are not affected at all. Nonetheless, Wenger insists that the disruption of the African tournament is no excuse for failure.

"I believe it will be Chelsea who suffers the most though on the other hand they can buy more than anyone else to correct that," said Wenger. "But losing [John Obi] Mikel, [Michael] Essien, [Didier] Drogba and [Soloman] Kalou, that's four main players. Nobody else loses that many.



"We are just behind Chelsea and Portsmouth. But I won't use it as an excuse if we don’t win the title because I’ve known who we will lose since the start of the season. If the players were injured, I wouldn’t complain."

Wenger has tapped into a new generation of African talent in recent years and will be relieved that Emmanuel Adebayor's country, Togo, did not qualify for the African Cup of Nations.

The Frenchman would prefer the Cup of Nations to take place at the same time as the European Championships but, despite its present place on the football calendar, Wenger will still consider more African signings.

"It won't put me off but when you do buy them [African players], you have to consider how many to go for," he said.

"If you lose four or five games at that time you can’t win the championship so you have to consider the balance. You can afford to lose two maybe but not five. It's certainly a problem you have to consider."

Wenger - Why I might have found my 'fox in the box'

Carling Cup
Arsenal v Tottenham H.



Arsène Wenger believes he may have found his ‘fox in the box’ at last.

The phrase was coined a few years ago by Thierry Henry to describe the type of predatory striker his Arsenal side were perhaps lacking at the time. For all their beautiful approach play, Wenger’s men certainly lacked the killer instinct sometimes.

Over time the term became inextricably linked with the Club’s search for a classic No 9. Francis Jeffers, Jose Antonio Reyes and Julio Baptista have all filled the shirt but could not fulfil the expectations.



Perhaps the same was starting to be said of Eduardo a month or so ago. His manager was happy to give the Croatian adaptation time after his summer move, most notably in Carling Cup games. But, with Robin van Persie’s injury lingering on, Arsenal needed a goal-scorer to keep up their trophy bids on all four fronts.

Eduardo became that over Christmas. His brace against Blackburn and Everton helped to secure him the Arsenal.com Player of the Month for December.

The 24-year-old goes into tonight’s Carling Cup Semi-Final with a record of six goals in his last four Arsenal starts. That is why Wenger feels his fox-hunt may be over.

“He is growing towards that [role],” said the Frenchman. “I must say he has deservedly got rewarded because he had an outstanding December.

“If you look at the numbers he has 14 starts, 11 goals. That is top, top numbers for any striker anywhere in the world. It is exceptional.

“And what struck me on Sunday at Burnley was not the goal he did score, but the one he didn’t score. That shows you how big an improvement he has made in our minds because every time he is in front of the keeper you expect him to score now.”

Carling Cup S/F Leg 1
Emirates Stadium



Theo Walcott bundled home a late equaliser to preserve Arsenal’s proud unbeaten record against Tottenham and set up a mouthwatering second leg to the Carling Cup Semi-Final.

Arsène Wenger’s run of 20 North London derbies without defeat looked under serious threat for much of tonight.

Tottenham bossed the latter stages of the first half and deservedly grabbed the lead when Jermaine Jenas slotted home eight minutes before the break. Arsenal were disjointed and, although they improved after the break, they were staring at their first home defeat to their neighbours since May 1993 before the equaliser emerged with 11 minutes to go.

Eduardo sent Walcott clear and Lee Young-Pyo’s attempted challenge saw the ball ricochet off the England winger and past Radek Cerny. Emirates erupted with relief as much as anything.

Make no mistake, this was not the type of performance we are used to from the youngsters in this competition and they will have to improve markedly if they want to go through after the second leg on January 22.

However they are still in the tie and, just perhaps, still hold a psychological edge over their traditional rivals.

Certainly, given the nature and timing of the equaliser, Tottenham will be a worried side at White Hart Lane.



It was perhaps surprising to see Wenger name Robin van Persie in his starting line-up this evening. The Dutchman had just 85 minutes under his belt since October 23 because of knee and then muscular injuries. Eduardo, the star of recent Arsenal victories, made way.

Johan Djourou returned for his first appearance of the season following that loan spell at Birmingham and Theo Walcott was back after a shoulder injury. Lukasz Fabianski and Justin Hoyte also came in.

Transport problems caused a 15-minute delay to the kick-off. It did little to quell the bubbling atmosphere this evening.

Both sides could draw motivation from last season’s tie at the same stage. Tottenham felt they were a much better outfit under Ramos while Arsenal’s youngsters had a reputation to keep up in this competition - and a wonderful record to sustain against the old enemy.

Certainly it was Tottenham who quicker were off the blocks tonight. They created a couple of fleeting frighteners for Arsenal when Ledley King and Dimitar Berbatov momentarily went clear. But their early bluster soon fizzled out.

In the 13th minute, Walcott raced into the area and found a second of space before being swamped by Tottenham defenders.

It was the prelude to a period of Arsenal pressure. Van Persie fed Hoyte on the right and his cross was headed powerfully goalward at the near post by Bendtner. Cerny, surprisingly selected above Paul Robinson, threw himself to his left to save.

However Tottenham’s fightback was severe. Senderos obstructed Berbatov on the edge of the area and Jamie O’Hara curled a low free-kick wide of the far post.

Then, just past the half-hour, Berbatov hoisted a ball forward to Robbie Keane in the area. Senderos timed a dispossessing challenge to perfection however the ball fell to Steed Malbranque. With Fabianski out of position, the Frenchman trickled a hurried shot wide of the upright.

Seconds later, Keane skipped past the onrushing Fabianski and crossed to Malbranque again at the far post. The former Fulham midfielder rose above Hoyte to nod wide.

Tottenham had now built up a head of steam and the Arsenal midfield was struggling to hold back their incessant attacks leaving the defence exposed.

It was no surprise when the visitors took the lead eight minutes before the break. Berbatov’s pass put Keane clear and referee Mike Dean waved play on despite calls for offside. That left the Irishman with the relatively simple chance of sliding a sideways pass to the unmarked Jenas in the centre. His low shot past Fabianski was even more straightforward. Replays later suggested that Keane had been onside — albeit by a whisker.

As in the Premier League game between the sides in December, Tottenham’s goal rattled Arsenal. Before half-time, the overworked Fabianski had to save from a low Jenas shot and Berbatov’s attempted chip.

When the whistle blew for the break, few could argue with the scoreline.

Wenger made changes after the restart. Van Persie and Djourou went off, Eduardo and Bacary Sagna were the replacements. The Frenchman filled his usual position at right back and Hoyte moved into the middle of the defence.

Again Tottenham pressured at the start of the half. In the opening seconds, Fabianski spilled O’Hara’s corner and Denilson had to hack the ball off the line.

Arsenal were better for the changes but Tottenham had the confidence of that goal and they were using it. But they were not creating much anymore. Keane’s woeful dribbler from distance was the only effort from either side for the first 25 minutes of the half.

The home side started to sustain some pressure after that. However, had Keane controlled a relatively simple pass forward with 15 minutes to go then the lead could have been doubled.

Diaby wriggled himself into space on the edge of the area and had a goalbound shot charged down. Before that, Armand Traore had wastefully blasted over after Arsenal had won a free-kick in a promising position. It seemed that the home side were nearly spent.

Then, with a slice of good fortune, they grabbed that equaliser.

Gilberto flicked a ball forward to Eduardo in midfield. He sent Walcott sprinting through with Lee Young-Pyo in close pursuit. The Korean timed his challenge well but the ball spun up, hit the Englishman and bobbled past the onrushing Cerny.

It was one the scrappiest goals Emirates Stadium had seen. Yet, in the fans’ eyes, it was perhaps one of the most important.

Tottenham could have replied five minutes later when Aaron Lennon broke forward and clipped an angled ball to substitute Jermain Defoe at the far post. It was a gilt-edged chance but the England striker shot high over the bar.

At the end of the game, the home fans sang ‘you’ll never beat the Arsenal’. That proud boast has now stretched to 21 games however, on the evidence of tonight, the gap is closing.

Arsène Wenger: 'We had resilience and didn't give in'

Carling Cup
Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham H.



on the final score...
"I believe it's a good result for us considering Tottenham created more chances tonight. We had a good start for thirty minutes and after we gave a goal away and just before half time they created two or three really good chances, you know, they didn't take. In the second half I feel we were a bit... we were better defensively but we didn't create many chances but we had resilience and didn't give in, and in the end we came back to one-one, that is a good result for us."

on Tottenham ...
"They are on their way up, yes, they have played well tonight, but you need consistency in your results to know that, I feel quality is first down to consistency. That's why they played well tonight, I don't deny that at all, but we have to repeat the same performances every three days, and every four days, and that is very difficult."

on the return leg ...
"In two weeks it can change completely, I feel we are in a good position, considering the game tonight, to make it. At two-nil it would have certainly have killed the game for us and the chance to qualify maybe, but a one-one - we are in a good position, a good opportunity. "

on a hangover from the FA Cup...
"I feel we were not at our best physically tonight, I feel we had not recovered completely from our Burnley game. Tottenham was sharper than us tonight but we have shown mental resilience and strength and for such a young team that is a positive attitude."

on new injuries...
"Djourou was injured, Senderos is injured, Van Persie got injured. So, we had no injuries before the game started but tonight considering that we lost three players, and we lost three players in the African Nations Cup, we lost suddenly in one night six players... basically in two days - that is very difficult for us."

on Van Persie's problem...
"We have to see tomorrow morning, is it just scar tissue? Sometimes, you know, when you come back after a long time, is it just a question of two days or is it longer, we'll see that tomorrow."

on his central defenders...
"Djourou is a problem we had already at Birmingham so that means for me it came back, a groin problem, you know? Senderos, a little mid-knee ligament he got in the first half, so we'll see. We have to assess all that, I cannot tell you how long they will be out, it can be one, two days, it can be two weeks! It's difficult to assess tonight. Hoyte, Gilberto, Sagna can play in there, we still have solutions."

Brady - Academy is best since I've been here



Liam Brady, Academy Manager and Head of Youth Development at Arsenal, believes that this season’s Carling Cup run is further evidence that the Academy is producing players of a high enough quality to feel at home in the first team.

Academy graduates Mark Randall, Henri Lansbury, Kieran Gibbs and Justin Hoyte have all appeared in the League Cup this season, and Liam believes that there more talented youngsters further down the system awaiting their chance.

“I’m very excited about what we have at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level, especially with regards to the English boys,” he begins. “They have done ever so well in the Under-18s league so far this season, as in the main we have played with the Under-16s and 17s. We are top of our section at the moment, and the Reserve team is doing very well also and that mainly consists of our second year boys.

“In fact I would say this is probably the healthiest state the Academy has been in since I’ve been here.



“I think that’s because we are starting to see the first generation of players who have come all the way through the age groups at Hale End. Boys like Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Henri Lansbury, Jack Wilshere, Emmanuel Frimpong and Sanchez Watt have all attained England schoolboy recognition and they have been with us since they were nine and ten.

“Roy Massey deserves great credit for all the work he has done with the younger players at Hale End.”

The Hale End Academy is where the Club’s under-nines to under-16s are based, before becoming scholars and moving the Arsenal Training Centre at Shenley, with the first team squad.

Roy Massey is in charge of the Essex-based facility, where he works each day with a host of coaches.

“There’s an excellent team of coaches there,” Liam confirms. “Carl Laraman came on board about a year ago, and he’s in charge of the coaching for the Under-12 downwards. We also have a number of younger coaches, generally non-league players in their late 20s or early 30s, who work with the players at that level too.

“Then we have Steve Gatting, who coaches the Under-15s and Under-16s. He also mentors and tutors the guys, helping them with their apprenticeships and sporting excellence — the football side of their education. Steve Leonard is another coach doing great work at Hale End, we also have George Paris, who was with me at West Ham. It’s a good coaching team at Arsenal, they all know the kind of work we want them to be doing.

“Basically,” the former Republic of Ireland International continues, “unless we can give players to Arsène Wenger who are technically strong, able to pass and move, they would find it difficult to progress to the first team. So that’s why I’m very pleased with the quality of player we have got this year.

“The Under-18s who have gone into the first team — Mark Randall, Nacer Barazite, Fran Merida, Henri Lansbury, Kieran Gibbs — they have all done very well and you can only do that if you are technically able.

“To get these boys into the Club in the first place is the most important thing, because we feel that as soon they are here, the facilities and coaching we can offer is sufficient to keep them. But if they end up at West Ham, Tottenham or QPR for example, you can’t get them. So a lot of work goes into getting the boys at eight or nine, and Roy does a great job with that.”

In the past there has been a criticism that young English players were not as technically gifted as many of their foreign counter-parts, due to the coaching in this country. However Liam states that, at Arsenal at least, the English players are now very strong technically.

“Generally I don’t think enough emphasis is placed on the technical side of things in coaching the youngsters in England. But we have been doing that here for the best part of ten years now and I do believe that the technical level of our players has improved because of that. The academy system is functioning well at Arsenal, but it all depends on the work you give to the boys.”

And a successful academy has led to a successful Carling Cup side in recent years — this is the third year in succession that the Gunners have reached the last four, sticking the policy of using mainly young players — this year younger than ever.

“I heard that the average age of the squad that won at Blackburn in the last round was less than 20,” says Liam — himself a former trainee at Arsenal. “The experience the boys are getting is invaluable. I think how they have played has been amazing, and the results they have got have been amazing too. A lot of the teams they have knocked out in recent times have been teams that really want to win the competition — Everton, Newcastle and Blackburn for example.

“In last year’s Semi-Final against Spurs, they put their very best team out to reach the final, but they couldn’t beat us and I’m really looking forward to this year’s Semi-Final.

“The boys play without fear, and in fact if anyone has fear, it’s the opposition because know if they don’t do well they could get embarrassed.”

This season though it’s not just the Carling Cup team that has benefited from the Academy’s Graduates.

Johan Djourou has recently returned from a successful loan spell at Birmingham City, where he played more than a dozen Premier League games, and will be hoping to pick up where he left off in an Arsenal shirt last season, following his return to the Club.

Another player who gained valuable first team experience with the Blues is Nicklas Bendtner, who spent two years in the Gunners Academy between 2004 and 2006 before his season-long loan spell at St Andrews. Since returning to Arsenal in the summer he has already netted twice in the Champions League, and got his first Premier League goal against Spurs in the 2-1 win at Emirates on December 22.

“It was funny,” recalls Liam, “because at half-time I said to Nicklas that if he can score a winner against our biggest rivals he will be a hero forever more. It was quite prophetic of me!”

Rodgers - It still feels like a bad dream



Last season Arsenal were less than a minute away from the FA Youth Cup Final. Paul Rodgers is still haunted by their excruciating exit.

Since signing professional terms in the summer, the defender has been colossal for Neil Banfield’s Reserve team. Pitted against a host of players boasting Premier League and international experience, he has excelled.

On Friday the 18-year-old and the rest of Steve Bould’s young Gunners start the long road to what they hope will be a first Final in seven years. Youth Alliance League North West Conference side Burnley represent the first hurdle.

“In truth, we know very little about Burnley and the ground we are playing at,” Rodgers told Arsenal.com. “However, we are expecting a tough, physical game.

“It’s a case of going about our own business in the right way and sticking to our game and getting the job done.”

Seemingly cut from the same cloth as Kolo Toure, the personable young defender agonises when reflecting on the night that nearly was.

“Even up until now it still seems like a bad dream,” said Rodgers. “We can’t quite believe that it happened in the way that it did. The last minute was heart-breaking so this time around everybody has that desire and determination.



“As a team we feel that we have got what it takes. We have been there, in extra-time, and know what is required.

“Last year only a handful of players were playing regularly in the Reserves. You can see how different it is this time.

“Add that to the extra year of playing and training we have got, and being in the gym we know now that on the physical side of things we can compete with anyone.”

Wenger - Anelka's move is my biggest regret




Just as Nicolas Anelka moves into a position to gun down his former side, Arsène Wenger has described the striker’s departure from Arsenal as his “biggest regret”.

The Frenchman looked set for a glittering career in red-and-white when he arrived from PSG in February 1997, aged 17. Within a year he was the spearhead of the Arsenal attack and helping them towards the ‘double’. However he moved the following season leaving memories of 28 goals in 90 games and an overwhelming sense of what might have been. A meandering career took him to Real Madrid, back to PSG, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbache and Bolton. On Friday he signed for Chelsea in a reported £15 million move.

“It is my biggest regret that he moved from Arsenal at that time [in 1999] because I felt at that time he was a star here,” said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “When he left he was a regular member in the French squad. He moved to Real Madrid, Thierry Henry moved here and Thierry played in the European Championship but Nicolas didn’t play.

“I still believe that at that time it was a big mistake that move. But there are two lessons: the first one is you need to be at the right club at the right moment. And the second is that when you have as much talent as Nicolas you can always bounce back because the talent at that level is not everywhere.”

Wenger admitted a reconciliation was in his mind after another fleet-footed French striker left last summer.

“When Henry wanted to leave you always consider if you are strong enough,” he said. “I decided to go with Bendtner and then I signed Eduardo. But you consider all the strikers available.

“I feel that Nicolas has had a funny career because he has the talent to play in every club in the world? and he has played in nearly every club in the world. There’s Arsenal, Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool, Chelsea but in between it looks like he takes some breathers below.

“I feel this signing for Chelsea could be decisive because they will not feel the absence of Drogba as much. But they have so much talent that when Drogba comes back and they play with him and Anelka, which is very possible, somebody else will have to move out.

“So the good news is that they have one world class player more, but they have to move another world class player out.”

Freeman signing would lead English revival

Arsenal 1-1 Birmingham City



Arsène Wenger believes the current crop of young players at Arsenal is the best he has had during his time in charge — and most of them are English.

The Frenchman has always drawn criticism for supposedly favouring foreign talent at Emirates Stadium. It is a charge he vehemently denies but certainly, over the past year, Arsenal have consistently put out sides that do not include an Englishman.

However Wenger believes that will change in the future. At Friday’s press conference he announced that he was close to signing Luke Freeman, a 15-year-old striker who has already made three appearances for Gillingham. Wenger also suggested that a couple of the Club’s 14-year-old players were so advanced “they had nothing to learn technically”.

“Yes, we will be pushing it through,” said the manager when asked about the Freeman deal. “I want to buy English,” he added with a smile.

“I met the boy and I like him. He has personality and he looks alert. He’s a striker and to play in a first team at 15 years of age is something special.

“We were quite well on the case and we are very positive that we will find an agreement with the club without going to compensation. We will pay them a transfer.”

Freeman will surely cut his Arsenal teeth in the Under-18s, FA Youth Cup side and then the Reserves. Wenger added that young Englishmen like Kieran Gibbs and Henri Lansbury would “certainly be in the first team squad next season”. But, even below those age-groups, the manager sees emerging talent.

“Yes overall from 14 to 20 it is the best group we have had,” he said. “We play a youth cup game against Burnley [tonight] and we have a very good side. They are all at a good level now.

“Also we have two Under-14s players I watched play and technically they have nothing to learn.

“Will they be professional footballers at Arsenal? I don’t know. The more you go down [in ages] the greater the margin of error. Sometimes you see a player at 13 and you think ‘absolutely amazing’ then two years later he has disappeared.

“But our target is to produce good players and I believe we are on the right road with the way we want to work throughout the Club.

“I know how much the English national team means here to people. To contribute to that would be a big pride as well. At the moment it is not my first responsibility.

“But I have been accused of only buying foreign players and I would like to contribute to the quality of English football.”

Match Report


Arsenal conceded vital ground in the title race by drawing 1-1 with Birmingham City at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsène Wenger’s side were the better team in the first half and deserved the lead given to them by Emmanuel Adebayor’s spot-kick. However the penalty decision itself was a little harsh on the visitors.

Birmingham’s reply came three minutes after the restart when Gary O’Connor headed in a corner by former Arsenal youngster Seb Larsson. Although it was doubtful the ball would have beaten Manuel Almunia but for a deflection off Cesc Fabregas’ foot.

Arsenal stormed forward in search of a winner. But the Birmingham defence were organised and focussed, keeping the home side mostly at range.

This was only the second brace of points dropped at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League this season. The other draw had come against Manchester United.



That had come courtesy of an equaliser deep into injury time and felt like a victory. This one felt like a significant defeat.

And of course it gave Sir Alex Ferguson’s side the opportunity to knock Arsenal off top spot with victory over Newcastle in the late game on Saturday.

Naturally Wenger made wholesale changes from the Carling Cup tie on Wednesday so a more realistic benchmark was the last Premier League game against West Ham. From that game, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue had gone to the African Nations Cup while Justin Hoyte dropped to bench. Philippe Senderos, Alex Hleb and Bacary Sagna were their replacements. Tomas Rosicky had fallen victim to flu overnight so Theo Walcott came in.

Since that 2-0 victory over the Hammers, Arsenal had begun their FA Cup campaign and continued their Carling Cup assault. With four competitions on the go, perhaps there was a danger of complacency against Birmingham side languishing two places above the drop zone.

Arsenal’s start suggested that would not be a problem.

Within three minutes of the start, Eduardo and Adebayor had already gone close with headers. Shortly afterwards Gallas nearly scrambled home the ball at the end of a goalmouth melee.

Arsenal continued to pressure with Birmingham barely venturing outside their own half for the first 15 minutes.

Walcott skipped into space and floated an inquisitive cross to Eduardo who could only flick the ball on. A minute later Adebayor bore down on goal but a combination of Rafael Schmitz’s challenge and his own stumbling feet saw Birmingham survive.

It was all Arsenal at this stage so it would have been a travesty if Birmingham had scored with their first chance. But they so nearly did. Olivier Kapo’s wonderfully weighted ball forward allowed Cameron Jerome to dart between William Gallas and Senderos. The ex-Cardiff striker won the foot race and his low shot looked destined for the far corner. Almunia dived full length to make a crucial save. From the corner, Fabrice Muamba might have headed home.

The game was starting to open up. In the 17th minute Adebayor backheeled a pass to Hleb on the left who whipped in a wonderful curling cross onto the head of the onrushing Eduardo just six yards out. Had his effort gone a yard either side of Maik Taylor it would have been the opening goal. Unfortunately it was straight at the former Southampton stopper who caught the ball at the second attempt.

Arsenal probably deserved to be ahead but when they did take the lead in the 22nd minute it did involve an element of good fortune. Adebayor’s ball found Eduardo on the corner of the six-yard box and Stephen Kelly rushed in to challenge. Replays confirmed that the former Tottenham full back certainly got a touch on the ball but referee Phil Dowd deemed he had illegally tackled the Arsenal striker. Adebayor slotted home his 13th goal of the season from the penalty spot.

If Birmingham felt sorry for themselves they did not play like it. The visitors did not test Almunia in the minutes that followed but they did take the initiative from Wenger’s men.

Arsenal only threatened briefly when Eduardo went close and Fabregas had a shot blocked. The home side had the advantage at the break but you sensed they would need another to secure the points.

That was proved just three minutes into the second half. Larsson floated over a corner from the left and O’Connor’s header wrong-footed Almunia and bobbled into the net. Replays proved that the ball had got a crucial deflection off Fabregas.

Arsenal had been content to play the game in third gear until now. They clearly had to put their foot on the gas.

Adebayor responded immediately when he met a Fabregas pass with a low, goal-bound shot from the edge of the area. Liam Ridgewell pulled off an excellent block. Then in the 52nd minute Senderos sent in a towering header from a Fabregas free-kick but Taylor held the ball on the line.

Arsenal were now stoking up the pressure. They won a succession of quick corners and, just before the hour, a sweeping move ended with Fabregas slicing a shot wide.

As their storm began to blow itself out, Wenger made an astute move. Nicolas Bendtner came on for Walcott. The Dane joined Adebayor up front and Eduardo moved out to the left.

The Croatia nearly profited from the move, racing onto Fabregas pass and advancing into the area before trying to set up Adebayor. The ball eventually fell to Sagna on the right but his piledriver flew wide.

Arsenal were now starting to lay siege to the visiting goal. Bendtner hacked an effort over and slid another wide while Hleb blazed over wastefully.

Flamini’s low, long-range drive forced a decent save from Taylor with six minutes left. By now Arsenal were gambling going forward. Wenger even withdrew a defender, Sagna, to bring on midfielder Abou Diaby.

It was desperate viewing but at the same time credit must be given the Birmingham backline who were stretched — but never beyond breaking-point.

Arsenal had two significant chances late in the game. First Hleb reached the byline and cut the ball back into a crowded area. However no-one was on hand to turn it home.

Then deep into injury time Fabregas blasted an effort inches wide of Taylor’s left-hand post.

It was the last act of a disappointing afternoon.

Adebayor landmark nets £1,000 for charity

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been presented with a Barclays Golden Boot Award in recognition of him becoming the first player to score 10 goals during the 2007/08 Barclays Premier League season.

In addition to his award, Adebayor will receive a £1,000 donation for the charity of his choice.



The Arsenal striker scored his landmark 10th goal during the Christmas North London derby against Tottenham, grabbing the opening goal in a 2­1 victory at Emirates Stadium.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo currently leads the Premier League scoring charts but Adebayor remains in contention to become the first Arsenal player to win the Golden Boot since Thierry Henry in 2002.

Wenger - I'm hopeful that Flamini will stay


Arsène Wenger is confident that Mathieu Flamini will stay at Arsenal.

The French midfielder was close to leaving the Club last summer but opted to stay and fight for his first-team place. Now, after an outstanding start to the season, Flamini is a regular in the Arsenal side.



The 23-year-old's contract expires at the end of the current campaign so he is free to speak to other clubs about a transfer. However, Wenger wants Flamini to stay at Emirates Stadium and revealed that talks over a new deal are underway.

"Mathieu is free to talk but the talks [with Arsenal] are ongoing," said Wenger.

"I am hopeful on it. I am not concerned."

Diarra wechelt von Arsenal zu Portsmouth

Der französische Nationalspieler Lassana Diarra wechselt innerhalb der englischen Premier League vom Tabellenzweiten Arsenal zu Portsmouth. Das gaben die beiden Clubs am Donnerstag bekannt. Der 22-jährige Mittelfeldspieler unterschrieb bis 2011.

Diarra war im Sommer von Chelsea zu Arsenal gestoßen und hatte für die "Gunners" 13 Pflichtspiele absolviert. Über die Ablösesumme wurde Stillschweigen vereinbart. Im französischen Teamkader zählt Diarra zum Stammaufgebot.

Wenger - Why English stars are so expensive



Arsène Wenger believes that Premier League clubs pay a premium for English players because they know they will cope with the rigours of the domestic game.

The Arsenal manager has a rich mine of local talent bubbling under in the Club's academy and revealed last week that he was close to signing Luke Freeman, a 15-year-old striker who has already made three appearances for Gillingham.

However, Wenger is less inclined to buy "top" English players because of the large transfer fees their clubs demand. At the launch of Arsenal TV, the Frenchman offered a reason for the disparity in cost between Premier League players and their counterparts on the continent.

“There is less uncertainty about English players’ adaptation period,” said Wenger. “You know what you get.

"When you get a player from Spain, for example, there is always a question mark. Will he adapt to the English winter? Will he love the country? Will he want to stay?

"With English players you don’t get that kind of problem."

Wenger - Merida’s loan will mind the gap



Arsène Wenger sent Fran Merida on loan to Real Sociedad in order to fill a gap in his education.

The 17-year-old midfielder joined the Spanish Segunda Division club last week and will stay until the end of the current campaign.

“He is a great player,” Wenger told Arsenal.com. “He has a good opportunity to play there and he should be at Sociedad for six months.”

The Basque side, who have just parted company with former Fulham manager Chris Coleman, are well-placed for a promotion push later this season. That’s why Wenger believes the experience will solve the perennial problem of providing competitive football for those players between second and first-team football.



“At the moment we play the young players so quickly in the Reserve team — at 16 or 17 — that at 18 and 19 there is sometimes no challenge for them anymore,” said the Frenchman. “But it is still a little bit too early for them to play in the first team at Arsenal. So there is a little gap period for them.

“We always think about how we can use this period for the benefit for the boy and the Club. One of the solutions is to get them into clubs where they can get first-team experience.”

'The African people love Toure and Eboue'



The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Ghana this Sunday and there's a decent chance that at least one Arsenal player will emerge with a winner's medal.

Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue will represent tournament favourites Ivory Coast while Alex Song has earned his first call-up to the Cameroon national side. The Indomitable Lions have a rich pedigree and are in with a shout of their fifth Nations Cup title.

So how are Toure, Eboue and Song perceived in Africa? How strong is African football at the moment? Who will be there or thereabouts when the Final takes place on February 10?. We asked Durosimi Thomas, African Football Correspondent for the BBC, for some answers.



Durosimi, how big a deal is the African Cup of Nations these days?

"At this time in the competition's history, it is a bit divided. There could be the passion for a country like Namibia to be at the Nations Cup because it is only the second time they have qualified for the competition so they will have a lot of expectation. At the same time you have a young generation of African fans who are now infected by the English Premier League and other top European football. When the Final takes place on February 10, if there is an English fixture on the same day, you will see some young African fans watch the English game instead of the Final. It has only been like that because local football in Africa is not as developed as the national teams, so youngsters grow up watching European football and don't always follow the African Nations Cup. It is a bit divided but the competition has maintained its status because now there is more media coverage."

Arsenal fans will be watching the progress of Ivory Coast and Cameroon. What are their chances of winning?

"Ivory Coast are top of the list. Even two years ago in Egypt they were hot favourites to win. They are strong in all departments - goalkeeping, defence, midfield, attack - and they have strong substitutes too. Everybody is expecting Ivory Coast to win it. The only thing which will prevent them from winning is over-confidence. As for Cameroon they can still maintain their pedigree, they have some good players including some from the 2002 tournament which they won. Rigobert Song is still there and now they have the younger Song, Alex, and everyone is waiting to see what he can deliver. Cameroon are definitely among the favourites."

Ivory Coast came so close last time, losing the Final to Egypt after a penalty shoot-out. That will be an extra incentive for them, won't it?

"Exactly. They didn't do so well at the World Cup, it was a very difficult group for them in Germany. They think they have to win the African Nations Cup because they have such a good side at the moment but the next generation of Ivorian players is not of the same quality so it could be a long time until they have such a good chance again. You have to go back to the 1960s and early 1970s for the last time Ivory Coast were so strong. Even when they won the tournament in 1992 it was a complete surprise. Now they have a strong generation of players and they know they must win it."

What is the perception of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue in Africa?

"Eboue, when he started playing in the Premier League for Arsenal, they fell in love with him immediately. When kids have a kickabout in Africa, Eboue or Kolo Toure are the names they have. They are very popular all over Africa and so are Arsenal because the people in Africa follow the English Premier League passionately. Toure? They love him and they love the fact he can go forward and try to score a goal. They are both very important players for the Ivorian side. Didier Drogba gets a lot of headlines because he is an attacker but the next most important player for them is Kolo Toure."

Alex Song has earned his first call-up for Cameroon. What do African football fans think of him?

"I have seen flashes of him in the Premier League but the comments I have heard about Alex Song is that people would like to see more of him. Now he is going to play in a Cameroon shirt I think they are waiting for him to perform on the big stage. He will of course be compared to his older brother, Rigobert, who now plays in Turkey. It's possible that Cameroon's German coach will pair them up in central defence and that is what people are waiting to see. They love the idea of that happening."

African players know that Europe will be watching the tournament. Are they in the 'shop window' for a dream move to a big club?

"Exactly. About 95 per cent of the players coming for the Nations Cup are already based in Europe or at least they are not playing in their country of origin. What that means is that you have a talented player like the Nigerian striker Osaze Odemwingie, he plays for Lokomotiv Moscow and has all the qualities you can look for in a striker who can play in the Premier League. He might already be on the radar of Arsene Wenger! But the player will be dreaming of a move to the English Premier League. European-based Africans who don't play for big clubs, as well as those who are still playing in Africa, they know that if they want to be in the bigger picture they have to be in the Premier League or La Liga in Spain. The Nations Cup is their chance to show what they can do."

Do you think African football has ever been stronger?

"People who followed the earlier Nations Cups say that nothing much has changed. The reason why they say this is that in those days, for example the 1980s, the players were massive legends. For example you can't put Didier Drogba close to Jamela, you can't even start to compare them because those guys were legends. They played with their hearts, it was a matter of pride for them, it wasn't a matter of wanting to play for a big European club side. When you go back the local club teams were stronger and had a greater following but that is not the case now. Now the players have more money and that is the big difference. In the past there was real passion but no money."

Who do you expect to win this year's tournament and which players will stand out?

"My money is on Ivory Coast - I will take the risk of making a prediction! If I had to go for one it would be them. The star of the tournament is hard to pick because I think we could have a new discovery, some new talent playing for Sudan or Namibia or Benin or another team which does not usually qualify and is not expected to do well."

French midfielder leaves Arsenal for the south coast

Arsenal can confirm that Lassana Diarra has signed for Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.

Diarra (22), who joined Arsenal from Chelsea on transfer deadline day - 31st August 2007, made a total of 13 appearances for the Gunners, seven of which were in the Premier League.



Lassana also made five international appearances for France during his time at Arsenal, giving him a total of nine full caps for his country.

At both his previous clubs, Lassana won the Young Player of the Year Award — with Le Havre in 2004 and with Chelsea in 2006.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Lassana the best of luck during his time with Portsmouth.

Match Report

Fulham
0

Arsenal
3

Adebayor 20, 39, Rosicky 82

Arsenal kept up the pressure at the top of the Premier League with an excellent 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday.

Arsène Wenger’s side had slipped to second place last week after a disappointing draw with Birmingham at Emirates Stadium. However there were no slip-ups this afternoon. Emmanuel Adebayor gave the visitors a stranglehold with a pair superb first-half headers — his 14th and 15th goals of the season.

Fulham rallied briefly in the second period but nine minutes from time Tomas Rosicky slid in a fine volley at the far post.

The scoreline did not flatter Arsenal however this was more of a measured than memorable performance.

For much of the afternoon it appeared this could be a significant day in the title race. In the end Manchester United and Chelsea both got late winners. But, after the sluggishness of last week, this was Arsenal at their efficient best.



All they could do was win themselves and they did that with something to spare.

Wenger made just one change from the side held to a 1-1 draw by Birmingham City last Saturday. Rosicky had fallen ill on the morning of that game, his replacement that day, Theo Walcott, made way this afternoon.

It meant the Arsenal manager named the strongest line-up he had available. It was no surprise because, for only the second week since mid-September, Arsenal were playing catch-up in the table.

Fulham had been showing signs of regeneration under Roy Hodgson. However they came into this game with only struggling Derby below them in the table. Neither of their two new signings — Marlon King and Brede Hangeland - were eligible today.

The opening was typical of a London derby. But the pace was so fast that perhaps it affected the quality.

Fulham gave as good as they got in the opening quarter. Danny Murphy’s clever ball sent Seol Ki-Hyeon clear for a split-second but there was danger at the other end when Adebayor’s clipped cross into the area nearly found the head of Eduardo.

However gradually Arsenal started to put their passing together. One flowing move in the 16th minute ended with Fabregas blazing wide. The final execution was poor but the build-up had been encouraging. So it was no a huge surprise to see Arsenal take the lead three minutes later.

Rosicky sent Clichy scuttling to the byline and his high, hanging cross was nodded home powerfully by the leaping Adebayor on the edge of the six-yard box. It was the Togolese striker’s 14th of the season.

The goal tipped the game in Arsenal’s favour. Suddenly Fulham looked inhibited and Arsenal looked imperious. Still, chances were at a premium and the visitors came closest to extending their lead when Adebayor sidefooted wide in the 27th minute.

The 24-year-old was proving simply too big, too strong and too mobile for the home side. His second goal followed seven minutes from the break. Hleb’s inviting cross saw Adebayor breeze in and guide a similar header into the same corner of the net.

Again it was a goal conceded far too easily by Fulham but the real driver behind the strike had been Arsenal’s willingness to fight to regain a lost ball on the right flank.

With a two-goal advantage, the visitors were now prepared to hit cruise-control. The vociferous travelling support even start some early olès. However Fulham finally produced a decent shot across their bows three minutes from the whistle when Simon Davies reached the byline and cut the ball back for Murphy to sidefoot over.

Hodgson attempted to put further impetus into his side at the break by hauling Jimmy Bullard off the bench. The popular midfielder, who is yet to start a game since his horrific knee injury, came on to a huge reception.

However it did nothing to change the tide. Within four minutes of the restart Bacary Sagna nearly touched home a free-kick from Cesc Fabregas. Then Eduardo beat two defenders with some sublime skill on the left-hand byline. Rosicky met his low cross to the near post but his snapshot hit the outside of the post.

Arsenal were unsettled somewhat soon afterwards when Senderos needed treatment after getting a bash on the nose from Clint Dempsey.

Their concentration drifted a little bit and that loosened their grip on the game. Fulham fired another warning midway through the half when Dempsey nodded in at the far post. However the assistant referee had long-since flagged for offside.

Later Antti Niemi also required lengthy treatment after Adebayor caught him in the face following through.

Twelve minutes from time, Fabregas nearly prodded a third goal in the corner but Bullard responded by curling a free-kick well over the bar.

To be honest the visitors had started the game sprinting but, as the minutes ticked away, Arsenal seemed happy to coast over the line.

That said, they did conjure up a lovely third goal nine minutes from the end when Eduardo worked himself into space on the left byline and the flying Rosicky fired in a low volley at the far post.

Wenger - Cup concerns could affect title race

Fulham 0-3 Arsenal



This season’s title-winners could be the team who copes best with the rigours of the FA Cup and Champions League, according to Arsène Wenger.

Arsenal kept pace with Manchester United at the top of the table with a 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. It was an important return to form after, in the manager’s words, “they lacked edge” in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham a week earlier. Perhaps focus is hard to find right now given that Arsenal are juggling two domestic cups plus their League commitments — and that massive tie with Milan is less than a month away.



After the win at Craven Cottage, it was suggested to Wenger that, because it was so tight at the top, the games between the leading contenders would decide the title.

“It is a bit early for that,” he replied. “It depends also how the teams will do in the FA Cup and Champions League, how much strength will they lose? What kind of injuries they will have? So it is too early to say, but certainly these types of games could be the deciders.

“What is interesting now is we have 54 points, Manchester United have 54, Chelsea have 50. The race looks to be very exciting and very interesting. Last year at that period we were not in the race - this year we are highly in the race. And we really want to do it.”

Adebayor - My great leap forward this season

Fulham 0-3 Arsenal


Whether it is in his mother’s house in Togo or Arsenal’s state-of-the-art training ground in Hertfordshire, practice still makes perfect for Emmanuel Adebayor.

The beanpole striker climbed high above the Fulham defence twice during the first half on Saturday at Craven Cottage to score with crucial headers. They were his 14th and 15th goals of a hugely productive campaign.

The 24-year-old believes the overall improvement in his scoring record is down to stay-behind sessions after training this season. However his spring for the first two goals was down to more rudimentary practice.

“When I was young, I used to suspend a ball from the ceiling in my mum's house in Togo and see if I could jump high enough to head it,” he said.

“Every time I managed to head it, I would shorten the string attached to the ball and try to leap even higher.



"I don't know how high I could go, but ever since I played for Metz in France, I've always come first in every jumping test. And not just because I am tall.

"The first thing I worked out for myself back in Togo was that I should be able to win a lot of headers if I was tall and could jump even higher."

While Adebayor has scored more than his fair share of aerial goals this season, he has also developed on the floor. So much so he is vying with Cristiano Ronaldo for the Premier League’s Golden Boot.

"My finishing has improved,” said the player signed just over two years ago from Monaco. “I am working as much as I can to get even better by staying behind after training for 30 or 40 minutes to practise headers, volleys and one-touch finishing.

"I'm not in a rush [to win the Golden Boot]. Last year a lot of people thought I wasn't a good player or a good finisher, but this season I'm happy to be one of the leading scorers around.

"For now, I'll just keep chasing the goals and, at the end of the season, if I finish top scorer in the Premier League, of course I'll be pleased. But my ambition is to win the title, and everyone at Arsenal believes we can do that.

"To be honest I don't care whether people rate me as a finisher because I have a buzz about my game now, I have the feeling that Arsene Wenger trusts me and, at the end of my career, we'll see what I have won as a player.

"The most important thing is that I feel free now. I am starting most games and the first question I ask myself is not whether I am playing, or whether I am going to start on the bench, but whether I'm going to score."

Wenger - Rosicky reminds me of Robert Pires


Fulham 0-3 Arsenal




Arsène Wenger believes he may have re-discovered his ‘wide boys’.

Each of the 'double' sides created by the Frenchman have had players who can attack down the flanks. In 1998 it was Marc Overmars and Ray Parlour, in 2002 it was Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg. Now it appears Alex Hleb and Tomas Rosicky are ready to pick up the mantle.

In his press conference after the 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, Wenger was at pains to point that all the goals had come from crosses — not always Arsenal’s most productive avenue. Rosicky had a hand in the first and scored the third while Hleb sent over a tantalising ball for Emmanuel Adebayor to score the second.

When journalists suggested Wenger was trying to re-create the Pires/Ljungberg combination, the manager was never going to deny it.

“Of course,” said the 58-year-old. “For us it is important that we can score goals not only through our quick passing in the middle, but also from balls to the flanks, put in quality crosses and get people into the box from midfield. That is what we did at Fulham.

“Rosicky is more of a Pires-type and Hleb is more for me a guy who attracts people to the ball, and then slides it through. So he looks like he always slows the game down [only] to speed it up again. He is more of a dribbler and a passer, whereas Tomas is more of the guy who is in the flow of the game, a little bit similar to Pires.”

Exclusive: Barazite on his injury agony



Just one month after suffering his first major injury, Nacer Barazite has returned to full training with Arsenal.

The talented youngster had played only 25 minutes of competitive first-team football when he went into a fairly innocuous challenge with Blackburn’s David Dunn in the Carling Cup tie at Ewood Park. A little stumble later and the youngster had dislocated his left shoulder.

Being carried off to a standing ovation might have numbed the pain a touch. However Barazite, talking about the injury for the first time, revealed that the state of his shoulder was not what was hurting most.



“I felt so bad, I was in some pain and I could have cried,” he told Arsenal.com. “Not tears for my shoulder but because I was going to go off. I was there, in the first-team and I was being forced off.

“I had been nervous at the start but I got a few good touches in and I was feeling comfortable. I was on for 20 minutes but it could have been more. I was disappointed to be missing out on game time with the first-team.”

In assessing the challenge, the 17-year-old still appears bemused. Inevitably, frustration resonates in his voice.

“It was a simple case of trying to make a tackle and I lost balance. But it was just a fall, a fall like you do every day in training. This time though as I went down and hit the floor I felt it pop out and I just thought ‘this is not good.’

“The physio was on, it was Gary [Lewin], and I said to him ‘Put it back, I don’t want to come off.’ But he smiled and just said it wasn’t possible.

“Then I knew I had to come off and just felt awful.

“I never thought it would happen to me. I have had the odd little problem, you know, out for a couple of days, but not a big injury like this.”

The Dutchman revealed that football wasn’t the only thing to suffer: “The day after, I was supposed to go back to Holland for my Christmas holiday, but I couldn’t go! I needed to go and see the specialist, to have an MRI scan to see how bad it was.

“Luckily the person I saw said that there was no big damage around the shoulder, to the muscles and other parts, so I didn’t need to have an operation. I would have been out for three months if I needed one so thankfully without it I was out for only one month.”

The positive scan also ensured that a return to his native Arnhem was not postponed for long.

“I managed to get back to Holland,” added Barazite. “But it wasn’t the Christmas I wanted to have. I was in a sling and couldn’t do anything.

“I kept thinking about the game, how I wanted to have finished it and come home to have a nice Christmas, but it was different.”
One suspects Barazite will have a chance to rectify the situation in the not-too-distant future.

Fabregas - Adebayor has been amazing for us


Fulham 0-3 Arsenal



Cesc Fabregas spoke exclusively to Arsenal TV Online on the pitch at Craven Cottage following Saturday's 3-0 victory over Fulham. Subscribers can now see this video interview. Fabregas discussed:

* his thoughts on the game
* the 'amazing' Emmanuel Adebayor
* the unfortunate Robin van Persie
* Philippe Senderos' form
* the state of the title race

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

Wenger - Africans have a special motivation



It's not often that the glare of football's spotlight shines on anything but the major European leagues. However for the next few weeks Africa will enjoy its share of the attention.

The Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Ghana at the weekend and will be compelling viewing for any Premier League manager looking to snap up the next Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure or Samuel Eto'o.

Africa has emerged as a major breeding ground for European clubs with more and more of the continent's players plying their trade away from their homeland. And with Arsene Wenger at the helm, Arsenal have been right at the front of the queue for young African talent.



The Frenchman has brought established internationals to north London like Kanu and Lauren and unearthed rough diamonds such as Toure and Emmanuel Eboue. Then there are the African-born players who become English nationals, like Fabrice Muamba.

So why do African players make the grade in Europe? Wenger puts it down to their sheer power and a special motivation to forge a career in football.

"They have power and therefore in the modern game they are quick and strong," said Wenger. "Most of them are centre backs or centre forwards.

"They are also hungry but I cannot believe we don't have hungry players in Europe. Maybe they just practise more in the streets. Every empty space in London is not for football but an area for building. In Africa it's not the same.

"But I still believe that the top of the game is only for motivated people. If they are only motivated by money it doesn't last. You can't build a career purely on a hunger for money, in the modern game you can earn it at such a young age it's not a sufficient ingredient to build a career. You need that internal burning desire."

As you'd expect, Wenger will be keeping his eye on developments in Ghana. The Frenchman will be assessing new arrivals on the international scene and hoping that Toure, Eboue and Alex Song return with medals rather than injuries.

Arsenal's Ivory Coast duo begin their Nations Cup campaign with a tough group game against Nigeria on Monday afternoon. Wenger thinks Toure and Eboue might have plenty to celebrate when the tournament ends on February 10.

"Ivory Coast has fantastic potential," he said. "Look at the number of their players in Europe. There are two Toures - one plays at Barcelona, the other at Arsenal, and they are regulars.

"England or France or anyone else could be behind these teams. Why should a country like Nigeria with 120 million people playing sport be behind England if they organise properly?"

Gallas drafted in for Tottenham tie as injuries bite

Carling Cup
Tottenham H. v Arsenal




Injuries have forced Arsène Wenger to call on William Gallas for the Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg at Tottenham on Tuesday night.

Arsenal are without four centre backs for the short trip across North London. Kolo Toure and Alex Song are on duty at the African Nations Cup while Johan Djourou picked up a groin injury during the first leg at Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago.

The quartet is completed by Philippe Senderos who suffered a nasty blow to the nose during Saturday’s 3-0 win at Fulham. Even though Wenger has brought back his captain for a tie delicately poised at 1-1, Gallas’ partner will still be a makeshift centre back. Justin Hoyte and Gilberto are the players most likely to step in. Otherwise the manager will employ the usual squad members supplemented with a few more first-team players.



“We lost Philippe Senderos at Fulham and the injuries before that game are the same,” said Wenger on Monday afternoon.

“I will rotate the squad which means those that didn’t play on Saturday will play at Tottenham and after that I will complete it with first-team players. I will use William Gallas because I have no choice but Fabianski will play, Hoyte will play and the players that didn’t play against Fulham will all play. Walcott will feature as well.”

Wenger - Hoyte is quality, so I won't let him go

Carling Cup
Tottenham H. v Arsenal


Justin Hoyte has a huge fan in Arsène Wenger.

The Arsenal manager will not be letting the full back leave Emirates Stadium this season — on loan or otherwise — and the 22-year-old will play a pivotal role this evening in the Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg at White Hart Lane.

You could have been forgiven for thinking Hoyte’s days were numbered when Bacary Sagna arrived in the summer. Emmanuel Eboue had shared right back duties with the Englishman last term but suddenly the position was overcrowded.

The Ivorian’s move to midfield has created some space but Sagna’s form has restricted Hoyte to one Premier League appearance. However that is not a reflection of his value to his manager.

“I have big respect for Justin because he is a player who does not talk too much but every time I play him he is quality,” said Wenger.

“He has improved tremendously. Technically he is very good but as well he is very versatile and quick on the turn which is a great quality for a centre back. He is good in the air even if he is small and I refuse categorically to give him out [on loan].

“He can play in the centre and when I did that against Tottenham in the first leg he did very, very well.”

Such praise does raise the question of why he needed to sign Sagna.

“I felt that we needed physical power, aggression and experience at the back,” the manager replied. “I felt that Sagna, who can play across the back, had that.

“Because I wanted to move Eboue to the middle of the park I needed to buy another full back. I could not start with just two experienced full backs and Sagna has come in and played well.

“But anyway, for me, Hoyte plays in the first team. He plays a high number of games and every time I wanted to play a right back I played Justin in front of Eboue. Part of being at a big club is you accept that other players might come in and do extremely well. He has to be patient.”

'I have a feeling we are in for a very late night'

Carling Cup
Tottenham H. v Arsenal


Here we go again. Another North London derby, another tense night in store and yet another chance for Tottenham to end their long winless run against Arsene Wenger's side.

Theo Walcott's fortuitous equaliser in the first leg of the Carling Cup Semi-Final at Emirates Stadium extended that sequence to 21 games but, for Spurs, the signs are promising. They have clearly improved since Juande Ramos took over. They dominated their old rivals a fortnight ago. And, while Arsenal will be bolstered by the odd first-teamer, they have home advantage against inexperienced opposition.



We asked James Callow for a Spurs perspective ahead of tonight's decisive second leg. Read on for his views on the first game at Emirates, the reaction of the Tottenham players, the class of Arsenal's substitutes bench and the return to top form of Ledley King.

James, what are your thoughts on the first leg?

It was a fantastic game, one which perhaps made even the least superstitious Spurs fans wonder whether there is some kind of jinx against them. To take the lead, to be so worthy of that and then to see a combination of Young-Pyo Lee, Theo Walcott's head, shin and heaven knows what else give Arsenal a goal, well, Spurs fans could not believe their eyes. It has obviously set things up very nicely for tonight's second leg, not just because the scores are level but because both teams will be optimistic they can reach the Final. That hasn't always been the case. For example last year the scores were level at 2-2 after the first leg but Spurs had to go to Emirates and you always felt that Arsenal would go through. It's more finely balanced this time.

It's hard to think of a more one-sided game in Tottenham's favour in the Wenger era. Was the first leg a missed opportunity for Spurs?

They did have opportunities to bury Arsenal with Steed Malbranque missing a couple. Dimitar Berbatov forced a fine save from Lukasz Fabianski so, yes, Spurs should have taken their chances. Arsenal didn't create so much.

What did the Spurs players say after the game?

They have played down any suggestions that Arsenal have a mental hold over them. They were disappointed but the key for Spurs' development is how much losing - or failing to win - hurts them over the next few years. Clearly you can see from Arsene Wenger and the way he's encouraged his players to feel, losing or failing to make the most of opportunities is the worst thing in the world to them. If Spurs go into the second leg with that kind of determination, not only thinking about the glory of Wembley but also a healthy amount of fear about failing, I think they will be in the right mindset.

Wenger has hinted he will play some first-team players. How much of a concern is that for Spurs?

Assuming it will be a similar Arsenal team, with just a couple of changes, Spurs shouldn't be too fearful. But the main fear factor from last year was that Arsenal had such a strong bench. They had Hleb and Eboue for example, players who could change the game in Arsenal's favour and were fresh.

What is the Spurs team news ahead of tonight's game?

The players definitely out are Gareth Bale, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Anthony Gardner. It's unlikely that Darren Bent will be involved, he's got a knee injury. Ledley King, Pascal Chimbonda and Robbie Keane were all rested to varying degrees on Saturday so they should all come back into the side. Malbranque is back from suspension, while Younes Kaboul might be back but he's touch and go. Radek Cerny will probably continue in goal.

Ledley King is so important to Spurs, isn't he?

He is so solid and against Arsenal he was probably Spurs' best defender. Even so he was patently not fully fit. I think he's still got a little way to go but he has demonstrated just how important he is to Spurs. Against Chelsea he was absolutely outstanding and really reminded people what a class player he is. It has been a long time since people have seen him in full flight and it was a reassuring sight for Spurs.

I suppose the lesson for Spurs from last year's Semi-Final is not to surrender the initiative if they get their noses in front.

Exactly. The difference with Juande Ramos compared to Martin Jol is that, if things are going well, Ramos will still consider changing things. Jol's temptation was generally 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. Ramos has a slightly different view in that if you achieve one goal you go and look for the next one. If they go ahead Spurs will not only look to protect their lead, they will look to add to it too and press Arsenal back.

What's your prediction for tonight's game?

It's a very, very tough one to call. I wouldn't be surprised by another draw which could of course lead to penalties. I think the game will be decided quite late on and it could be a late night.

Wenger - Walcott can be a fantastic striker

Carling Cup
Tottenham H. v Arsenal


Arsène Wenger has reiterated his faith in Theo Walcott following weekend reports that the Arsenal manager was not satisfied with the progress of his teenage forward.

The second anniversary of Walcott's move from Southampton to Arsenal passed on Sunday and the 18-year-old, who is expected to feature in tonight's Carling Cup Semi-Final at Tottenham, has scored four times in 24 starts for Wenger's side.

Walcott has been deployed largely on the right side of midfield but Wenger revealed last week that his future lies as a central striker. The Frenchman admitted that Walcott was not yet at the level "where I expect him to be" but was forced to clarify his position at Monday's pre-match press conference.



"I believe that I was completely misinterpreted with what I said," Wenger insisted.

"People asked me 'do you expect more from him?'. I said of course because I cannot expect less from an 18-year-old player and I believe that he is like every player and wants to play in every game.

"I am amazed that people are surprised that he is a little bit frustrated when he doesn’t play. It is part of his job and part of his improvement.

"Overall I am very happy with him, I have said many times that he will be a player through the middle, as a striker, because the timing of his runs, the quality of his runs is fantastic and he is a clinical finisher. The time he spends on the right will help him became a fantastic striker."

Ends

Fabregas, Adebayor and Hleb included in Carling Cup squad

Carling Cup
Tottenham H. v Arsenal


Arsène Wenger has announced his 16-man squad for tonight's Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Arsenal squad to face Tottenham:

2 Abou DIABY
3 Bacary SAGNA
4 Cesc FABREGAS
9 EDUARDO
10 William GALLAS
13 Alexander HLEB
15 DENILSON
16 Mathieu FLAMINI
19 GILBERTO
21 Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK)
25 Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
26 Nicklas BENDTNER
30 Armand TRAORE
31 Justin HOYTE
32 Theo WALCOTT
40 Vito MANNONE (GK)

Carling Cup S/F Leg 2
White Hart Lane

Tottenham H.
5

Jenas 3, Bendtner 27 (og), Keane 48, Lennon 60, Malbranque 93


Arsenal
1

Adebayor 70



Arsenal’s cherished and historic unbeaten run against Tottenham has come to an end.

Arsène Wenger suffered his first defeat against the old enemy in 21 games as his young side were beaten 5-1 at White Hart Lane in the Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg on Tuesday night.



Tottenham had dominated the opening rubber but the tie was delicately poised at 1-1 when the first whistle blew tonight. However, just three minutes later, Jermaine Jenas danced through and rolled home a long-range shot in off the base of the post.

Arsenal were playing a more experienced side than in the first leg but, in the 27th minute, Tottenham doubled their advantage when Nicklas Bendtner nodded a Jenas free-kick past his own keeper. Robbie Keane rifled home a third three minutes after the break and Aaron Lennon added a fourth on the hour. That effectively ended this North London argument.

Five minutes after coming off the bench, Emmanuel Adebayor gave the scoreline a little respectability on the night with a fierce drive. Arsenal pressed until the end but Steed Malbranque added a fifth in injury time to put the seal on a painful night.

Undoubtably this was a disappointing, even dispiriting, defeat for Arsenal. Their players left the pitch head-bowed at full time as their Tottenham counterparts did a lap of honour.

The home fans received them with an adoration that will last a good while but those who leaf through the record books in the years to come will see Arsenal’s defeat tonight was preceded by eight seasons of joy.

That should not be forgotten either.

Before kick-off, Wenger had suggested he’d play as many of the more established youngsters as he could — then pack the side with first-teamers. That is what he did.

Lukasz Fabianski, Denilson, Bendtner, Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte all started. We knew William Gallas would be employed at centre back — Wenger was without four players in that position. Bacary Sagna came in at right back while Abou Diaby and Alex Hleb flanked Gilberto and Denilson in midfield.

The big guns were reserved for the bench. Cesc Fabregas, Eduardo, Mathieu Flamini and Adebayor all had ‘just-in-case’ roles this evening.

White Hart Lane was packed and passionate tonight. The home side were hardly playing down the game. In the build-up Dimitar Berbatov had called it ‘Tottenham’s game of the year’. The roar at first whistle suggested the crowd concurred.

That noise had barely subsided when Tottenham took the lead. Berbatov tapped a pass to Jenas in midfield and he was allowed to advance to the edge of the area and plant a trickling shot into the net off the far post.

You sensed it could be hammer blow in the tie. Certainly it buoyed the home team and Arsenal had to cope with an inquisition in the minutes that followed.

The pressure was eased in the 11th minute when Hleb and Bendtner combined for the Dane to rifle a shot a few feet over the bar.

But, on the quarter-hour, Keane pestered his way past Gallas on the byline and Hoyte hurriedly hacked his dangerous cross out of the six-yard area.

By this time Denilson had already needed treatment for a leg injury. In the 18th minute he was forced to retire and Fabregas came off the bench. The Spaniard’s appearance was déjà vu from last year when he had orchestrated Arsenal’s recovery from two goals down.

And, with bitter irony, that was just about to become a reality again. Jenas floated a free-kick into the area from the left and Bendtner rose high above Dawson. However, his touch inadvertently took the ball past Fabianski.

It might have been 3-0 in the 29th minute when Berbatov sprung the offside trap and raced through. He had plenty of time to steady himself but the Bulgarian’s shot hit the outside of the far post.

To this point, Arsenal had not really troubled Cerny. But the Tottenham keeper was called into action shortly afterwards when Sagna flicked on a Fabregas corner.

The home side cruised into half time sated with their lead. However Arsenal responded after the restart with vigour.

Yet, as in the first half, they conceded easily and early. Lennon’s long ball sent Keane clear in the left-hand channel with Hoyte and Sagna in pursuit.

The Irishman did well to wrap his foot around the ball. Fabianski got a touch but it still found its way into the corner of the net.

Arsenal might have responded immediately. Walcott darted to the byline and chipped a cross to the far post. Bendtner’s header crashed down off the bar and Fabregas’ follow-up was cleared.

The visitors were now pressing forward and they were wide open to the counter-attack. Malbranque raced through and his shot squirmed through Fabianksi’s grasp initially but the Pole recovered.

But there was little the keeper could do about the fourth in the 59th minute. It was another breakaway. This time it was Lennon who emerged in space on the right of the area. The former Leeds midfielder drilled his shot low through the legs of the keeper.

It was now looking beyond a merely forlorn hope.

Wenger played his last hand with 25 minutes left when Adebayor and Eduardo replaced Traore and Walcott.

Within five minutes the Togolese frontman had wriggled through a couple of challenges on the edge of the area and thumped a rising shot past Cerny.

Such was Adebayor’s urgency to get his side back into the game he earned a booking and then a last warning from referee Howard Webb, who officiated calmly and sensibly on the night.

In injury time Malbranque turned in a low cross from close range to complete the visitors’ agony.

When Webb blew the whistle at full time, White Hart Lane erupted. Arsenal’s proud record was over.

However Wenger’s men will have ample opportunity to create their own glory later on this season.

'The score doesn't reflect what happened on the pitch'

Carling Cup
Tottenham H. 5-1 Arsenal


On the way the game went...
"Of course it is disappointing because we lost. I feel that everything went against us. We were always in the situation where we were chasing the score. We were open to counterattacking and we were not mature enough to stop the counterattacking."

On the scoreline...
"The score is very high and very brutal but I think it does not reflect what happened on the pitch. The first shot on goal was a goal, the second goal was an own goal, the third was straight after half time. After that, the game was over. It had no real meaning after that. They could concentrate on defending and catching us on the break. I don't give a big meaning to the importance of the score. It can be explained by the way the game went."

On regrets...
"My only regret is playing [some of] the players who played. We go into the season with many targets and every season we go in with that priority in this competition. It is good to see that some players have potential and some are not completely ready yet."

On the Carling Cup being a priority ...
"Not at all frankly."

On the second half scoring...
"That was dictated by the game. They defended like mad and they caught us on the break. We were 2-0 down, they only have 45 minutes to last. I don't see where you can be surprised."

On the education of the Carling Cup...
"It is part of the learning process. When you are a footballer you have to deal with disappointments. That is part of it all. You have to take that on board. When you a footballer you lose games, it is how you respond and deal with that."

On the reaction to this defeat...
"We in a world where the last game is always a definitive conclusion. But it is not as simple as that. To educate young players great patience is needed aswell as a comprehensive attitude and tolerance. That is my problem not yours."

Arsenal history: On this day... January 28

1928
Joe Hulme was on target twice as Herbert Chapman's team prevailed by the odd goal in seven in an FA Cup Fourth-Round thriller at Highbury

1931
David Jack netted four goals and Jack Lambert plundered a hat-trick in Arsenal's 9-1 annihilation of Grimsby Town at Highbury - the Gunners' biggest ever First Division win



1959
David Herd scored twice as the Gunners triumphed 4-0 at home to Colchester United in the FA Cup Fourth-Round replay

1978
Strikes by Alan Sunderland and Malcolm Macdonald clinched a 2-1 FA Cup Fourth-Round win over Wolverhampton Wanderers

1998
Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the Coca-Cola Cup Semi-Final First Leg with goals from Marc Overmars and Stephen Hughes. Chelsea won the Second Leg 3-1

Match Report

Arsenal 3
Adebayor 50, 84, Butt 88 (og)


Newcastle United 0

While this straightforward victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup Fourth Round may not obliterate the memory of that 5-1 beating at Tottenham in midweek, it will at least help Arsène Wenger's side settle into their old and familiar winning groove.

Kevin Keegan's side arrived at Emirates Stadium with ambition, determined to take advantage of any Carling Cup hangover. Their industrious game-plan worked to an extent and this lively tie was well-balanced until Emmanuel Adebayor rifled home the opening goal five minutes into the second period.



But, after that, Arsenal took over and the Togolese frontman secured a berth in the Fifth Round with a second seven minutes from time. Then, just before the end, Nicky Butt touched Cesc Fabregas' free-kick into his own net.

The scoreline was harsh on Newcastle who played a full part in proceedings. But, at full time, the home side's now traditional huddle was back in evidence - as was Arsenal's efficiency.

Wenger's men move onwards and upwards - not only in the FA Cup but from Tuesday night.

The manager retained four players from midweek - Abou Diaby, Justin Hoyte, Theo Walcott and Willaim Gallas. Philippe Senderos returned at centre back, Mathieu Flamini and Fabregas were restored to central midfield with Tomas Rosicky on the left while Emmanuel Adebayor was back up front. Jens Lehmann took over the No 1 spot at the expense of Lukasz Fabianski.

Well that is the way Arsenal started anyway. Within 10 minutes Rosicky was forced off with an injury and Eduardo came on. The Croatian joined Adebayor up front and Walcott dropped to the right flank.

It was a not massive change. The game had barely settled down. Newcastle had caused slight consternation from a corner and the stretching Fabregas had nearly touched Gael Clichy's chipped through-ball past Shay Given. But that was about it. Still, there was drive and ambition in abundance from both sides.

Keegan's return had hardly been triumphant last weekend against Bolton. Gary Megson's underrated outfit had held them to drab goalless draw at St James' Park. Today they were much more vibrant.

In the 14th minute, Charles N'Zogbia's run won a corner. He took it himself and Alan Smith's first-time shot was headed off the line by Gael Clichy. A couple of minutes later Stephen Carr and Smith combined on the right only for the resulting cross to flash across the area with Michael Owen in close attendance.

The game was starting to sparkle. Clichy's shot was batted away by Given and then Diaby cracked an effort well wide.

In the 23rd minute, Diaby's attempted pass was half-blocked. A steepling bounce fooled Steven Taylor and Eduardo pounced to lash a shot goalwards. Given saved spectacularly. In the minutes that followed the Irishman made a more mundane stop and an unmarked Eduardo miscued his header at the near post.

Arsenal's response had been heartening and it was shaping up to be a wonderful FA Cup tie. While Havant & Waterlooville were doing their best to play out the classic David and Goliath scenario this was more like Clash of the Titans.

On the half-hour, Fabregas cleverly sent Walcott through on the right of the area but the winger's teasing cross trickled unconverted across the face of goal.

Duff's tenacity won a corner at the other end as Newcastle threatened once more but Arsenal's response saw Adebayor nudge a header just wide. It was end-to-end stuff.

However as the game neared half time, the visitors' end came under more pressure. Fabregas fired an angled shot wide and, on the whistle, Given tipped over from Diaby's piledriver.

The interval had come at the wrong time for Arsenal. They were just building up a head of steam and, if anything, Newcastle had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges when the home side took the lead in the 51st minute.

Eduardo received the ball in space on the edge of the area and cleverly opened up his body to curl an effort against the base of the post. The ball rebounded to Adebayor who cut inside his marker and rifled a shot into the far corner of the net.

The Togolese striker has had a tough week and his sliding knee celebration had all the hallmarks of a relieved man.

It was also Arsenal's 100th goal at Emirates Stadium.

Adebayor nearly added another second soon afterwards but, after collecting Diaby's pass in the area, he was dispossessed at the vital second.

The goal had seemingly dented Newcastle's self-belief and they spent the next 10 minutes on the back foot. Once they had gathered themselves Damian Duff continued to menace the Arsenal defence. However there was now an ominous air about the home side.

In the 69th minute Fabregas touched on a Clichy cross and the swivelling Eduardo had a goalbound shot blocked. Newcastle were now spent force. They had played their part in a lively tie but the latter stages of the game were dictated by Arsenal's pursuit of a second goal.

It arrived six minutes from time when Adebayor skipped past a couple of Newcastle defenders and drilled a low shot past Given.

As full time approached, Nicky Butt nodded a Fabregas free-kick past his own keeper.

That was harsh on the Keegan's side. But, as Tuesday night had proved, the scoreline does not always entirely reflect the nature of the game.

Wenger: 'The second goal killed Newcastle'
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United
FA Cup Round 4


on a win that Arsenal needed ...
"I need always to win because I want to win, but this team has done extremely well since the start of the season and I was quite confident - I was not worried at all before the game, I must tell you. We played against a good Newcastle side who started strong and they created some chances at the start and slowly took control of the game. In the second half it was completely controlled by us and we won in the end - I felt the second goal killed Newcastle. Overall it was a difficult game. "

on the importance of the first goal...
"Well it was a game where the first goal had a big impact on the result. We scored when we were in control of the game, and that of course was mentally difficult to solve by Newcastle because they knew then it would be difficult. If they had scored in the first half, that certainly would have given them more belief. We scored when we were already in control of the game."

on sticking with Walcott...
"Yes of course because I feel at the moment he needs that. You see as well, for example, Theo Walcott, the way he started the game and the way he finished the game, that he grew in the game. He slowly found confidence. Sometimes when a player feels he had not a good game, when you can, you can give him another game to show him as well that you believe in him."

on further talk of Adebayor's incident with Bendtner...
"Frankly, he has played football, they have all played football. In what team does that kind of incident not happen? You are surprised that a country with such a history in the game makes so much of that, but I can understand it as well because maybe it is something to talk about. But it has happened, in every team it happens that there are disagreements."

Adebayor - That Spurs incident is behind us
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United
FA Cup Round 4


Emmanuel Adebayor has dismissed his disagreement with Nicklas Bendtner at Tottenham as “a little thing” that has already “finished”.

The spectre of that 5-1 defeat at White Hart Lane was hanging over Arsenal ahead of their FA Cup tie with Newcastle on Saturday. It did not seem to worry Adebayor however he as hit two goals in a 3-0 win.

Afterwards, the Togolese striker spoke for the first time about an issue that had dominated the back pages for a number of days.

“It was just a little thing,” he said. “I tried to motivate him and he took it in the wrong way. Then I did a little bit and I have to work at that as well. But that is football. What happened is already behind us. It is finished.

“I do not want to look what happened yesterday. I want to look at tomorrow. We are all passionate about this Club, we want to win something together as team-mates and as friends. We are all here working in the same way. On Tuesday, things went wrong and that is it.

“We are big guys, so we talk about it. It is behind us already. I am No 25, and he is No 26, so in the dressing room we sit very close. Sometimes it does happen. A child can fight with his father, and they are still friends again.

“We have to take it in a positive way. We have our spirit and are together again as a family. We just want to achieve something together.”

Wenger - I am not after Jonathan Woodgate


Arsène Wenger has denied any interest in signing Jonathan Woodgate.

The Middlesbrough centre back is in the process of a move away from the Riverside Stadium after Tottenham and Newcastle agreed a fee with the North-East club.



On Monday morning, it was reported that a third team had matched that valuation and speculation centred on Arsenal.

Speaking to the Matchday Programme ahead of the game with Newcastle, Wenger laid the rumour to rest.

“I do not know where that story came from,” he said. “There is no truth in it at all. We have never been in touch with Middlesbrough about Jonathan Woodgate.”

'I do think the scoreline flattered Arsenal'
Arsenal v Newcastle United


Newcastle's fans will have clocked up well over 1,000 miles by the time they complete their second round-trip from St James' Park to Emirates Stadium. At the halfway point, they are still waiting for a goal to celebrate.

Kevin Keegan's side came close to breaking the deadlock in Saturday's FA Cup tie but some wayward finishing and Gael Clichy's goal-line clearance kept the visitors at bay. Arsenal stepped up the pace after the break and romped to victory.

There was some solace for the away fans with two centre forwards and two wingers in Newcastle's starting line-up - a sure sign that Keegan is still a man who sends his players out to attack. But the new man in charge will be hoping to shore up Newcastle's leaky defence before the January transfer window closes this week.

We spoke to Lee Ryder of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle ahead of Tuesday night's game. Read on for his thoughts on Saturday's game, Keegan's tactics, strengthening the squad and Newcastle's misfortune with Cup draws this season.


Lee, what are your thoughts on Saturday's Cup tie?

I thought in the first half we played really well. It was the best brand of football we've seen for a long time at Newcastle. Sam Allardyce was very successful at Bolton but the style of play he used at Newcastle didn't really work and didn't capture the imagination of the fans. The fans like attacking football and we saw that in the first half on Saturday. In the second half Arsenal's class really shone through and Adebayor's two goals were really good. The own goal by Nicky Butt wrapped it up and the way it ended was disappointing because I do think the scoreline flattered Arsenal. I've had a look at a few Arsenal fansites and they pretty much say the same. But when you're on a high like Arsenal are, eventually you get those results if the opposition fail to take their chances.

Keegan's policy was clear with two wingers, two strikers and just one holding midfielder in his line-up.

It is an exciting time. We haven't so far been successful in the transfer window, the loss of a manager in the middle of the month is the main reason for that. But Kevin Keegan has inherited a good team, we've got some good wingers at the club. Charles N'Zogbia switched to the centre but out wide you had Damien Duff and James Milner. Having watched the Keegan team from all those years ago with Keith Gillespie and David Ginola, those type of players will excel under Keegan. We need the centre forwards to start scoring but they will get more service now so Michael Owen and Alan Smith could be a big threat on Tuesday night.

Duff looking a bit more like the player he was at Blackburn and Chelsea isn't he?

Yes, I know his confidence is quite high at the moment. It's not that long ago - against Arsenal in the League game at St. James' - that he made his comeback from a very bad foot injury he sustained at Portsmouth last April. December time was a fresh start for Damien and we should see the best of him now he's got his freshness back.

Newcastle's defensive deficiencies were clear in the second half. Is Keegan any nearer to signing a new centre back?

At the moment the clock is ticking towards January 31. We know Keegan has got a wish-list of players but whether time will beat him remains to be seen. We know we got Giuseppe Rossi and Antoine Sibierski on the last day of a previous transfer window, it all went through late on, so a lot can happen in the last few hours. I know Keegan is working hard to bring in new bodies - he certainly said he was looking for two or three new faces.

Will he make any changes for Tuesday night?

The manager hinted that Mark Viduka might be near a comeback so perhaps he'll be on the bench or he might even start. You have to remember Keegan is still experimenting really, it's only his third game in charge. He needs to see what the players can do, try different combinations and see what works for him. So there could be one or two changes but I think the bulk of the team will be the same. We know Emre won't be playing because he's suspended.

I suppose Keegan could have done without two trips to the Emirates in his first three games.

He certainly could. From Newcastle's point of view to draw Arsenal away once in the Carling Cup is unlucky enough but to draw them away in the FA Cup too is very unfortunate. That said, had we beaten Arsenal we'd have got Manchester United away! For Kevin it would have been nice to have a few home games against lesser opposition but at the end of the day we could have had a better start against Bolton but they held us. Every game between now and the end of the season is a big game and we just hope to see a bit of exciting football to go into the summer on a high.

Wenger - Rosicky, Toure injuries not serious
Arsenal v Newcastle United


Arsène Wenger had three reasons to be relatively cheerful when he revealed his team news ahead of the Premier League game with Newcastle at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Firstly, the hamstring injury that forced off Tomas Rosicky in the FA Cup tie between the two sides at the weekend will clear up in “days not weeks”.

Secondly the groin problem Kolo Toure picked up on international duty had been scanned by Arsenal staff in Paris and would sideline him for only “eight to 10 days”.

Thirdly Robin van Persie is expected back in training on Tuesday as he bids to return from a thigh injury.

Meanwhile Manuel Almunia and Bacary Sagna are back in the Arsenal squad for the return of Kevin Keegan’s side. Rosicky will be absent but only in the short-term, something that looked doubtful when he trudged off after just nine minutes on Saturday.

“There is no deep problem with Tomas,” said Wenger. “He has a problem with his hamstring but it is not torn. He got a kick at Fulham and the inflammation around his tendon provokes some pain but we feel it's a question of days, not weeks."

The same can be said of Toure. And that can be classed as a relief after he went off during the first half of Ivory Coast’s game with Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday. Since then the centre back has flown to Paris, been assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff and returned to the tournament in Ghana.

"He has a Grade One groin problem,” said Wenger. “It will keep him out for eight to 10 days. But he will stay with the Ivory Coast squad for the rest of the tournament."

Wenger added Van Persie would return to training on Tuesday but the striker will not be available again for another two or three weeks.

Lehmann - I think I have a chance to win things
Arsenal v Newcastle United


Jens Lehmann believes he has every chance of winning trophies with Arsenal.

The German stopper's future has been subject to much press speculation in recent months, but as the end of the transfer window draws closer it appears the 38-year-old will stay at the Club for the remainder of the current season.



Lehmann cites many reasons for his decision to stay in London. Ultimately though, he is happy in the capital.

"First of all, I like it here," he said. "I like the Club, I like the fans, I like the team and the way we are playing football. And I think that I still have a chance to win things here — I wouldn’t have had this chance somewhere else.

"It’s true that I had to consider my family situation — my boys like going to school here and they have a lot of activities ahead of them before the end of the academic year.

"Then there’s the fact that I am a competitor. If I still see a chance to get in the team, why should I give up? The pressure comes into play from this point in the season, and I know that experience can be very valuable, we all have a role to play.

"Those are the reasons why I decided to stay here.

Lehmann also revealed that his 'special' relationship with the supporters was a big factor.

"Yes, they [the fans] played a big role in my decision. I’ve had a fantastic time here — soon after I arrived we went unbeaten for 49 games so I was lucky to build up a special relationship with the supporters.

"The next year we won the FA Cup, the third year we unfortunately didn’t win the Champions League but it was very close. I’ve always liked playing here and it’s not something I could just give away through not playing a few games — things can all change very quickly in football.

"I believe in this team’s ability to win things and I believe in my ability to be a part of that, so I can’t give it up that quickly."

Arsenal face Manchester United in FA Cup

Arsenal will face Manchester United in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup.

Arsene Wenger's side were drawn against their Premier League title rivals when the draw was made at FA headquarters in Soho Square on Monday afternoon.

Arsenal eased into the last 16 with a 3-0 victory against Newcastle at Emirates Stadium. United beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Fifth-Round ties will be played over the weekend of February 16 and 17.

Stay close to Arsenal.com for reaction to the FA Cup draw.

FA Cup Fifth-Round draw

Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston North End v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town

Alex Song on Cameroon and uncle Rigobert

Alex Song is currently in Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations. The defender made his debut for Cameroon in their 5-1 win over Zambia on Saturday and will be looking to keep his place for the crucial game against Sudan on Wednesday. Late last year Song looked ahead to the tournament with Arsenal TV Online. He talked about:

* Cameroon's chances of victory
* the banter between the African players at Arsenal
* the state of African football
* playing with Rogobert Song, his uncle
* why he calls his uncle twice a week



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

Wenger - You can't discount Chelsea in title race


Even though Arsenal could go seven points clear of Chelsea this evening, the Stamford Bridge side are still title contenders according to Arsène Wenger.

For much of the current campaign, the race for the Premier League crown has had two front-runners. Arsenal had their noses ahead from mid-September until Boxing Day. Since then they have been playing leapfrog with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Currently Manchester United are top on goal difference.

Victory this evening against Newcastle will see Arsenal return to the summit — for 24 hours at least. And Wenger is not fooled by the sizeable gap a win would create over Chelsea.

“I believe that it will be tight until the end of the season,” said the Frenchman. “I watched Chelsea the other night. They had 11 players out and it was still very strong. What was on the pitch was very experienced. So you can't discount Chelsea.”

Adebayor - I've found the goalscoring secret



Emmanuel Adebayor believes he may have found the secret of finishing.

The tall Togolese striker has hit eight goals in his last six games for Arsenal, including a brace against tonight’s opponents Newcastle in an FA Cup Fourth Round tie at the weekend.

With Robin van Persie injured plus Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner still adapting to top-flight English football, the 24-year-old has done as much as anyone to haul Arsène Wenger’s side into title contention during the first half of the season.

However he shuns comparisons to Europe’s top strikers — Didier Drogba and Filippo Inzaghe — arguing his improvement is down to simple hard work plus a regular run in the side.

“This year I've had a chance to start all the games and just try to make goals,” said Adebayor. “At the moment, everything is going into the net. Everything is going the right way for me and the fans are singing my name. I am just enjoying myself.

“Since the beginning of the season I have been working and working, and you can see what's happened. Now I have the secret, and just want to carry on working to the end of the season and the end of my career.


“I have had a chance to talk with a lot of people. They have all told me I have good qualities, I can jump high, am strong and can run fast. I just have to work hard a bit more than before, and it will pay off.

“The most important thing is to keep my head on my shoulders and my feet on the ground, keep on doing what I can to work hard for the team.

“I am not here to say whether I am as good as Drogba, as good as Inzaghi. The most important thing for me is doing my job. People will always compare you to people they want to. It is for others to say that.

"The most important thing for me is to keep on getting goals and playing my part on the pitch.”

Match Report
Barclays Premier League



Arsenal
3

Adebayor 40, Flamini 73, Fabregas 80


Newcastle United
0


Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a handsome 3-0 win over Newcastle on Tuesday night.

Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsène Wenger's side a first-half lead with his ninth goal in his last seven games. As they had in Saturday's FA Cup tie, Kevin Keegan's men made Arsenal work hard but Mathieu Flamini ended the argument with a 30-yard thunderbolt 19 minutes from time. Cesc Fabregas completed the scoring soon afterwards with his 12th goal of the season.

So, after that sorry defeat six days ago at White Hart Lane, a pair of 3-0 wins over Newcastle have put Arsenal back on their feet.



And those victories have now shifted the focus squarely on Old Trafford. Saturday's gave Arsenal an FA Cup Fifth Round tie at Manchester United and, on Wednesday night, Sir Alex Ferguson's side entertain a Portsmouth side who have been productive travellers this season.

It is now their turn to play catch-up.

Wenger made four changes from the weekend game. The rested Manuel Almunia and Bacary Sagna came back for Jens Lehmann and Justin Hoyte. Theo Walcott dropped to the bench while Eduardo stepped up. Tomas Rosicky, who had hobbled off after nine minutes at the weekend, was replaced by Alex Hleb.

There was almost another early casualty this evening. Gael Clichy went thundering forward only to be brought upended by Steven Taylor. The move broke down and eventually Abou Diaby was clattered by James Milner. The Frenchman was stretchered off and needed a treatment for a couple of minutes. Fortunately he was able to continue.

In the 17th minute Diaby was in the wars again. This time while stooping to nod Hleb's cross over the bar, he got a blameless boot from Nicky Butt on the top of the head.

The intervening minutes had belonged to Arsenal albeit without the incisiveness we had seen in the second half on Saturday.

Eduardo and Adebayor had both seen glimpses of goal but nothing more. It appeared that Newcastle were going to be less expansive than they had in the cup game.

In fact the closest Arsenal came in the first half-hour was when Adebayor chased down Taylor's backpass and Shay Given, standing virtually on the goal-line, casually back-heeled the ball out for a corner!

However, in the 31st minute, the home side created a genuine chance. Sagna got to the byline and cut back a wonderful low cross that was cleared away milliseconds before the sliding Eduardo could make contact inches from goal.

Arsenal were improving. Eight minutes from the break, Flamini found space close to the right-hand byline. His measured chip across goal was met with a thunderous volley from Adebayor. It whistled inches over the bar.

That turned out to be a 'dry-run' for the opening goal. Four minutes later one-touch football from Hleb and Fabregas sent Flamini to virtually the same spot. This time his cross was flatter and met by Adebayor's downward header.

And the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Newcastle were now reeling. Before half time, Hleb tried to dance around Given and then dithered when he should have let fly.

However Milner did send a deflected shot into the netting at the other end. It was a close as Newcastle got all half.

And they were to have another decent effort after the restart when Alan Smith got a glimpse of goal when Arsenal failed to clear their lines. However his shot was weak.

Their small spell of pressure did not last. Diaby created some space then cracked an effort wide and, as on Saturday, Adebayor began to make his muscular presence felt.

In the 63rd minute he chested down Sagna's cross for Flamini but the Frenchman's shot was smothered. The Togolese striker then set up the same player for a low drive.

Flamini had been enjoying one of his best games in recent months. But, although the 23-year-old's work-rate is something to admire, it is rare for him to fire a 30-yard piledriver into the top corner of the net. But that is what he did tonight after collecting Fabregas' pass 19 minutes from time. An incredible strike.

The Spaniard completed the scoring eight minutes later. Substitute Nicklas Bendtner controlled a long punt forward inside the area and found Fabregas with the simplest of passes. His finish was clinical.

Again Newcastle had played a full part in the game but were on the end of a sound beating. Three minutes from time they won a free-kick on the edge of the area, Butt took it but his effort bounced back off the bar and Sagna cleared.

That, and Shola Ameobi's injury-time trickler into the arms of Almunia, summed up their night.

Arsenal, however, are back on form and back on top.

Wenger: 'I liked the signs we have shown tonight'

Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United



on another 3-0 win...
"I felt it was a little bit a repetition of the first game, maybe less sharpness physically on both sides a little bit, more jaded physically. But overall we controlled well the game. I liked the signs of maturity we have shown tonight. We knew when to control the game, too keep the ball and when to accelerate. Of course we scored three great goals. It was a little bit similar to the first game, they started very strong. We scored a goal just before half-time, and in the second half we controlled the game and scored two great goals. We could have maybe added one or two more but overall... Newcastle worked very hard and as long as it was 1-0 it was important for us not to make a defensive mistake."

on the role of Flamini...
"I feel we have a few who have improved but he is one of them. His work-rate is tremendous, his run on the first goal was great, the timings of his runs are good and his composure with the final ball is great. That was not the case in the years before. On top of that he scored a great goal tonight. We are talking [about a contract]. I'm hoping to finalise it, he wants to stay, I want him to stay, so we should find an agreement. I'm not especially concerned because I believe what he tells me."

on Adebayor scoring goals for Arsenal rather than Togo...
"Well, they cannot qualify now anymore - that is the good news! He has many assets for a striker because he is mobile, he's tall and he has quick feet, you know? So he can score with his feet, he can score in the air, he can score on crosses with headers and he's a generous type of player. He works for the team so he's a striker you dream to have."

on the title race...
"Well for us it's good to win tonight and see what they will do tomorrow, of course we always enjoy that but it's too far to go now to just consider everything a result. What's very important is for us to get ourselves in a position in April where we are head-to-head with Man United, or with Chelsea, and therefore for that we need now to be consistent and to win our games."

on a growing side...
"They can dig in, yes, and I feel we are much more mature. What I liked tonight is the signs of maturity we have shown in our game. That means 'OK, let's wait, let's be patient, let's move the ball, OK we'll get our chance and then take it', and we'll not make a mistake defensively. Before, you could see one year ago we were not capable of doing that."

Arsenal verpflichtet 15-jähriges Stürmertalent

Der englische Traditionsclub Arsenal hat erneut in die Zukunft investiert. Die Londoner gaben am Mittwoch die Verpflichtung des 15-jährigen Engländers Luke Freeman bekannt.

Der Stürmer kommt vom Drittligisten Gillingham, für den er im November zum jüngsten Spieler in der mehr als 100-jährigen Geschichte des FA-Cups avanciert war. "Er ist ein großes Versprechen für die Zukunft", streute Arsenal-Trainer Arsene Wenger Rosen.

Walcott - There's no reason to go on loan


Theo Walcott believes he can make more progress by staying at Arsenal instead of going out on loan.

The Arsenal youngster was linked with a temporary move away from Emirates Stadium earlier this month but Arsène Wenger insisted that loan deals were not on the agenda despite the Club's exit from the Carling Cup.

Speaking exclusively to the Arsenal matchday programme, Walcott explained why he would prefer to stay put.



"I don’t think there’s a reason for me to go on loan," he said.

"I want to push myself every day here at Arsenal and try and get in the first-team as often as I can and play well when I’m in the team.

"And with respect to other clubs, I train here with some of the best players in the world and that’s not going to happen at other places.

"My game is obviously going to benefit the most from being around these players. And Arsenal is such a fantastic Club anyway, I just want to show people what I can do here."

Key Battles: The players to watch on Saturday

When Arsenal last played Manchester City, the Citizens were at the summit of the Premier League and Arsène Wenger’s men were seventh. A late Cesc Fabregas pile-driver on that day ensured three points for the Gunners and, while City have yet to find consistency, Arsenal are mounting a serious title bid. At home though, Sven Goran Eriksson’s men are yet to lose in the Premier League. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying the key battles for each Premier League game and bringing you all the statistics and information a fan could need. Swot up now and come Sunday you'll be impressing anyone who'll listen with your new-found knowledge.

Martin Petrov v Bacary Sagna
Of all those who arrived alongside Sven Goran Eriksson at the City of Manchester Stadium in the summer, Martin Petrov has arguably been the most successful. While others lit up the early part of the season with a sprinkling of fine performances, the Bulgarian international has been consistently top-class. Registering eight assists, his direct approach and blistering pace strikes fear into opposing defenders and with seemingly scalpel-sharp accuracy when crossing, Petrov will need to be kept on a tight rein. The 29-year old can often neglect his defensive duties, a fact shown by the fact he has made just five clearances and just 13 tackles. Another new face to the Premier League, Bacary Sagna, has taken to the domestic scene like a duck to water. A tough but always well-timed approach to tackling, the Frenchman can often neuter the threat of a winger early in the game. He has made 21 tackles and averted danger an equally impressive 34 times. In the modern mould of a right-back, Sagna instantly tuned into the free-flowing Arsenal style and can help unhinge any defence. Stopped just four times when running with the ball, the 24-year-old has also registered three assists this term.

Key Battle

Richard Dunne v Eduardo
An explosive end to 2007 cast aside any lingering doubts over Eduardo’s ability to settle in north London. A stunning, match-changing brace against Everton is arguably the highlight so far, and although the goals have not come in recent weeks his impact has been considerable. Showing both slight of foot and power to boot, the Croatian international has played the decisive pass to a teammate four times, but his strength on the ball means he has only failed to complete a dribble on three occasions. Signed as a proven scorer, the Brazilian-born striker’s keen eye for goal has been underlined by 15 shots at goal with six on target. Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne has enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent seasons. Disciplinary issues in 2003 led to a club suspension but after an intensive fitness program he returned to the side and has not looked back, winning Player of the Year three consecutive times. Alongside Micah Richards this season, the 28-year-old has been imperious - 39 clearances and just eight tackles lost demonstrates his commendable attitude. Putting his body on the line 18 times simply reinforces that point. Although yet to score, the former Everton man is a danger from set plays.

Key Battle

Joe Hart v Manuel Almunia
Joe Hart has been a revelation for City this season. The young stopper spent the tail-end of last season on loan at Blackpool and was used sparingly in the first few weeks of the season. However he was called upon against Newcastle in late September and has retained his spot ever since. An England Under-21 player, Hart was touted as "one of the biggest talents in this country as a goalkeeper" by Eriksson. He has kept an impressive five clean sheets since becoming a first-team regular and made a staggering 82 saves. His distribution is fairly direct too — he has found a City player 90 times out of 141. Manuel Almunia’s growth shows no signs of slowing; in 2008 he has conceded just one goal. The Spaniard’s status as a top goalkeeper is all but assured after a run in the side that stretches back to early September. In 22 appearances he has been beaten just 15 times, keeping 10 shut-outs. Quick and dynamic, Almunia’s sharpness when rushing out means he rarely gets it wrong when confronting opponents. Just 73 of his 230 kicks have failed to find a fellow Gunner.

Flamini - Youth not an obstacle on title quest




Two accusations were levelled at Arsenal at the start of the season: they would struggle without Thierry Henry and they were too young to challenge for the title.

The rise of Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and company quickly addressed that first concern. In Mathieu Flamini's opinion, Arsenal's durability in the heat of the title battle shows that youth will not be an obstacle to success either.

"We are definitely not too young," said Flamini, speaking after the 3-0 win against Newcastle. "A lot of people said that at the start of the season but we are almost in February and we are still top of the league. We are playing well and I think we have a good chance of winning this title.



"We are very confident. Game after game you see we play fantastic football, like [against Newcastle]. The first half was difficult because they were all defending and the most important thing was to score, which we did before half time.

"Our confidence is very high and we will do everything to win the title."

Flamini was a bit-part player this time last year but has emerged as a vital cog in the Arsenal machine. If anyone doubted the midfielder's importance, they just had to witness his virtuoso display on Tuesday night, capped by an assist for Adebayor and a thunderous long-range strike.

The camaraderie in the Arsenal squad has been a feature of their season, from joyous goal celebrations to that now familiar post-match huddle. Flamini believes that the team spirit at Emirates Stadium can propel Arsène Wenger's side to the Premier League title.

"The team spirit is fantastic," he said. "At key moments this season it is always helping us and making the difference. I think it is the most important thing and at the end of the season it will make the difference for us."

Cesc - We'll be disappointed if we don’t win title


When Cesc Fabregas was asked if he would be disappointed if his Arsenal side did not go on to win the title, he replied with two words - "definitely, definitely".

The Spaniard was speaking just after Arsène Wenger's team had marched three points clear of Manchester United with a handsome 3-0 win over Newcastle. Sir Alex Ferguson's outfit returned top on Wednesday night with an equally comfortable win over Portsmouth. So, as it stands, the dividing factor between the sides is merely a couple of goals.

However many observers believe it will not stay like that and the experience of Manchester United will prove decisive down the stretch. Fabregas feels they are not looking at the facts.

"Even though we are young now we have shown everyone what we can do," said the 20-year-old. "If we do not win it of course we will be disappointed. Definitely, definitely."



Chelsea are just beyond touching distance in third place but Liverpool's challenge is surely over after their defeat at West Ham. Even ahead of that game the former Barcelona midfielder believed it was now a three-horse race.

"Both of them are our main rivals," he said. "I wouldn't just say Man United. Chelsea, I can tell you, are in a good position because nobody speaks about them but they are playing and winning. We will see what happens but I'm sure they will be up there up until the end.

"As for us we need to be consistent. Sometimes we won't play well. It has happened a few times this season but we still kept the points. It is very difficult.

“You can see Chelsea are playing maybe not as well as they used to do. They still win 1-0, 2-1 - that makes the difference at the end of the season.

"Man United are a very strong side. We know they will not lose so we have to be stay strong until the end.”

Internationals: Clichy earns first France call-up

Arsenal´s International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest news on how they all got on...
Gael Clichy
France

Gael Clichy, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, Mathieu Flamini
France v DR Congo, France v Spain
Gael Clichy has received his first call-up to the France squad. The Arsenal full back, regularly pre-selected for international duty, has been named in the final squad for next week's friendlies against DR Congo and Spain. Clichy is one of five Arsenal players in the France squad. William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby and Mathieu Flamini have also been called up, while former Arsenal captains Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have been included too.
Gilberto
Brazil

Gilberto
Republic of Ireland v Brazil, February 6
Gilberto has been selected for the Brazil squad that will face the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly on February 6. The match will be played in Dublin.
Nacer
Poland

Nacer Barazite
Scotland Under-19s v Holland Under-19s, February 6
Nacer Barazite has been selected for the Dutch Under-19 squad that will face Scotland in a friendly on February 6.
Lukasz
Poland

Lukasz Fabianski
Poland v Czech Republic, February 6
Lukasz Fabianski has been selected for the Polish squad that will face Czech Republic in an international friendly on February 6. The match will be played in Cyprus.
Tomas Rosicky
Czech Republic

Tomas Rosicky
Czech Republic v Poland, February 6
Tomas Rosicky has been selected for the Czech Republic squad that will face Poland in an international friendly on February 6. The match will be played in Cyprus.
Eduardo
Croatia

Eduardo
Croatia v Holland, February 6
Eduardo has been selected for the Croatia squad that will face Holland in an international friendly on February 6.

Wenger - Squad unchanged for trip to Manchester City

Manchester City v Arsenal


Arsène Wenger will select from an unchanged squad for the trip to Manchester City on Saturday.

Once again Arsenal will be without Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) though the Czech international is targeting a return at Blackburn on February 11. Johan Djourou (groin) is still three weeks away while Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure and Alex Song are at the African Nations Cup.

Robin van Persie returned to training earlier this week. There have been no problems but Wenger would not be drawn on a return date. He is taking a softly, softly approach with the Dutch striker.

"Rosicky will still be out for the weekend," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday. "We have set Blackburn as a target for him but Johan Djourou will be three more weeks. Otherwise all the players from Tuesday night should be available. It will be the same squad.

"As for Robin, it has all gone well. After last time we have decided not to push him and give him the needed time. I don't want to set any timescale because that means, if he is not ready by that date, I might feel I have to push him."

Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see the full video on Friday morning. In it, Wenger talks about:

* the wins over Newcastle
* Adebayor's superb form
* David Beckham's omission from the England squad
* his time training with Arsenal
* Ronaldo v Adebayor for the Golden Boot
* Liverpool's defeat at West Ham
* the chasing pack
* Manchester City's season and their home form
* Sven-Goran Eriksson's signings 'on video'

Wenger - How I avoided transfer temptation


Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal


Arsène Wenger has explained how he avoided the temptation of adding to his first-team squad during the January transfer window.

The window slammed shut on Thursday night, bringing to a close the usual frenzy of transfer activity and speculation. Wenger's only new recruit was Luke Freeman, a 15-year-old striker from Gillingham and, in the Frenchman's words, "one for the future".

Lassana Diarra's move to Portsmouth was the only notable transfer involving Arsenal's senior squad. At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Wenger revealed how close he came to making a major signing.

"I did flash on one player who was available," he admitted. "I got lots of calls because the agents are always [calling], especially in the final four or five days, but nothing hit me.

"In fairness as well, when the transfer market opens you think 'Oh, a lot will happen' but at the end of the day, look at what happens - not a lot.

"I never count how many calls I get, it depends on the days as well. You can get 10 to 20 to 30. When you are busy as well with one player, you can call the same agent 10 times in one day.

"I must say I have done less calls than ever this year, because I was really in a position where I knew I didn't want to buy, and I didn't really want to sell. The only problem we had was with Diarra and that was sorted out quite quickly."

Diarra's departure ensured that Arsenal made a net profit during the transfer window - not for the first time since Wenger has been manager. The Frenchman admitted that he gets extra satisfaction from balancing the books.

"I feel that your club being in a good financial situation is very important, for your stability, and you have a responsibility not to get the club bankrupt," said Wenger. "I would not like to come out here and say the club is absolutely on bare bones.

"[Being in credit] is down to the quality of work. I don't feel managers get enough credit for that."

Wenger - Golden Boot not linked to title glory


Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal


While Arsenal and Manchester United lead the race for the title, Emmanuel Adebayor and Cristiano Ronaldo are leading the race for the Golden Boot. So will the winner of the individual battle be holding the Premier League trophy in May? Arsène Wenger is not convinced.

The Frenchman is aware that the goals of Thierry Henry were vital to Arsenal's last two title successes while Ruud van Nistelrooy provided a cutting edge when United were top dogs in 2003. But as Wenger points out, that link does not always exist.



"The Golden Boot winner will not decide the title," he said.

"I’ve never found a correlation between the best goalscorer and the title. Sometimes I found a negative correlation. I can give you many examples of the guy who scores the most goals but his team doesn't necessarily win.

"When he starts to focus only on scoring goals, who pays the price? Most of all it’s the team. I can find plenty of examples of that."

Wenger - We were close to signing Ronaldo


Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal


Arsène Wenger has revealed Arsenal were "very close" to signing Cristiano Ronaldo before he moved to Manchester United in 2003.

The Portuguese winger is having a superb season and leads the Premier League scoring charts with 19 goals. Overall the 22-year-old has 54 strikes in 149 games for Sir Alex Ferguson's side - a great ratio from midfield. But he so nearly plied his exciting trade at Emirates Stadium.



"I knew about him yes," said Wenger at Friday's pre-match press conference. "We were very close. Manchester United had a partnership with Sporting Lisbon when Carlos Queiroz came in - that made the difference.

"One day I will tell you more about that story and you will be surprised. But you will have to ask him how close it was."

Wenger's own striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, is the nearest challenger to Ronaldo in the scoring charts with 16. The Arsenal manager was surprised to see that particular pair so far clear at the top.

"I expected Rooney to be in there, also Owen but he was injured," said Wenger. "I am not surprised too much that Adebayor scores more goals, but I did not expect Ronaldo to score as many as he has because he plays on the wing.

"Someone asked me in an interview today what is the difference between Ronaldo and Messi? For me it is the goals. Messi is more of a dribbler in a very short space, but Ronaldo is good in the air, good on free-kicks, right foot, left foot. He has developed very well."

Wenger - Adebayor is best in Premier League


Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal


Arsène Wenger believes he has the Premier League’s best striker in Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Togolese front man is bang in form at the moment with nine goals in his last seven games. His 16 strikes put him second in the top-flight scoring charts behind only Cristiano Ronaldo.

And, when you consider that Robin van Persie has been out for much of 2007 while Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner have been undergoing a process of adaptation for much of the current campaign, it is easy to see why Wenger heaped praise on the 24-year-old at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester City game.

“Adebayor is the best striker in the Premier League at the moment,” said the Frenchman. “He’s mobile, he’s quick, he’s not scared and he’s brave. For me that’s a fantastic quality, especially in England.

"He doesn’t get enough credit for his touch. He has good feet, quick feet, and is a complete striker. He can still improve the timing of his runs as he sometimes gets caught offside, and, just with that, he can score 10 more goals each season.

“He’s a strong character in the dressing room and a winner. He’s a guy who made mistakes at the start of his career, and has realised here that there’s another life rather than being easy.

“He smells that he can win, and is a winner. When he realised that he could in the big world of top-class football players it changed him, and today he’s a different animal, mainly mentally. He realised he wasted some time and it was time for him to be serious.”

Match Report



Manchester City1
Fernandes 28


Arsenal3
Adebayor 9, 88, Eduardo 26


Emmanuel Adebayor scored two goals and made another as Arsenal secured a crucial victory at Manchester City on Saturday.

The Togolese striker clipped home Bacary Sagna's cross in the ninth minute and Alex Hleb's cut back three minutes from time to give him 11 strikes in his last eight games.

Inbetween those efforts he also nodded down Gael Clichy's swirling cross for Eduardo to hook home Arsenal's second goal midway through the first half.

Manchester City responded immediately when Gelson Fernandes fired in after Verdan Corluka robbed Clichy. And the home side did threaten periodically after the interval.



But Arsenal always had the game under control and, in Adebayor, they have undoubtedly the best forward in the country right now.

His second at death secured the points and the final stages of the game were played out with the visiting fans singing his name.

At full time we did not know the full significance of this result as Manchester United and Chelsea were still to play.

But Arsenal - and particularly Adebayor - had done their part in style.

The 14 outfield players used at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday were, according to Wenger, the only ones he had. In all nine players were out.

Manuel Almunia (thumb) and Gilberto (back) dropped out on Friday. Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Denilson (hamstring) Johan Djourou (groin) and Robin van Persie (thigh) already had injuries while Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song were on international duty.

Apart from Almunia, Wenger's side was the same one that had beaten Newcastle in midweek. Jens Lehmann's appearance was his first in the Premier League since August 19.

There had been a snow overnight in Manchester and it was bitterly cold for this lunchtime kick-off. However, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side at Tottenham and Chelsea at Portsmouth, all three title contenders were facing tough games this afternoon.

An Arsenal victory in the early game would leave the others playing catch-up. It was no time for a cold start.
But that was so nearly how it turned out. In the sixth minute, Fernandes clipped a ball forward and Stephen Ireland beat the offside trap. Had the Manchester City midfielder shown a little more confidence he may have been able to touch the ball past the advancing Lehmann. However his indecision allowed the keeper time to gather the ball.

That was the closest the home side would come to leading this afternoon as, two minutes later, Arsenal went in front. Hleb won the ball in midfield and found Fabregas. He sent Sagna scampering into the area on the right side. The full back showed wonderful tenacity and strength to muscle past two defenders and cut the ball back to the near post. Adebayor's shot hit Micah Richards, looped over Joe Hart and dropped silently into the net.

The Arsenal fans were positioned at the other end and they did not register the goal for a couple of seconds. They soon made up for their hesitancy.

The strike was Arsenal's 50th in the Premier League this season, 17 of which had now been supplied by Adebayor.

Diaby made an important headed clearance from Martin Petrov's free-kick shortly afterwards but the visitors were starting to take control.

Midway through the half, Eduardo found space on the left but decided against a first-time shot. Instead he passed square to Adebayor who then found Hleb. Finally Fabregas saw his shot deflected out for a corner. A wasted opportunity but, overall, Arsenal were cutting through the home defence with ease and second was in the offing. It arrived in the 26th minute.

The excellent William Gallas won possession from Petrov and a sweeping move found Clichy whose high hanging cross was nodded down by Adebayor at the far post. The Togolese striker had drawn the attention of the Manchester City defence so when the ball came down Eduardo had time to chest it down and hook home. A superb team goal.

Arsenal were playing wonderfully and deserved their lead but they would not be allowed to cruise home this afternoon.

Three minutes later, Clichy tried to shepherd the ball away from Corluka on the byline but the Croat won possession. He cut the ball back to Fernandes who threaded his shot into the net through a crowded area.

However the home team failed to build on their goal. Before the break Adebayor forced a fine save from Joe Hart and Elano had to clear off the line - both from headers. Inbetween those chances, Gallas flashed an effort across the face of goal from a corner.

Petrov fired a shot wide just before the break. When the whistle blew Arsenal were in control of a disjointed Manchester City side but had yet to put them out sight.

The home side were better after the break but Lehmann was rarely troubled in the opening stages. Gradually Arsenal began to create pressure with a string of corners. Just before the hour, Hleb crossed from the right, Adebayor touched the ball on and Fabregas, leaning back, sidefooted the ball over the bar.

Five minutes later, the Spaniard sent the striker through with Richard Dunne and Richards in pursuit. All three ended up in a heap in the area but, despite protests from the away fans, referee Andre Marriner waved away penalty appeals from the crowd.

Substitute Darius Vassell then went clear, forcing the sliding Lehmann to hack clear and Elano drifted a shot over.

Manchester City had certainly made the second half a more even affair. However, when they got in promising positions they did not have the ingenuity to create a decent chance.

Arsenal might have killed game with a breakaway 15 minutes from time but Eduardo's ball was nudged off course by Michael Ball when Fabregas was waiting in anticipation at the far post.

Nine minutes from time the Spaniard did get a sight of goal but he crashed his effort a few feet wide.

But Arsenal had been threatening a second goal for some time. It arrived just before the end when Hleb broke up the right and squared the ball for Adebayor to tap a shot home.

WENGER'S VIEW

Arsene Wenger'He is so composed now, a complete forward'
Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal



On the performance...
"Overall we controlled the game and scored very good goals. We lost a fraction of concentration and it came back to 2-1. From then on it was a case of not making a mistake at the back and trying as quickly as possible to get the third goal. We got caught in the between the two.

"But we did not concede a goal and kept good control of the game. Manchester City as well wanted to wait until the last 15 minutes to bring the strikers on. The game opened up and we naturally got the third goal. I believe it is a deserved win."

On Adebayor not going to the African Nations Cup...
"At the moment I am glad in every match that he stayed at home with us."

On whether he'd swap him for Ronaldo right now...
"I don't consider the problem like that. I have a lot of respect for Ronaldo but I am happy with the players I have. They are different players. I believe that Ronaldo is more of a winger type and Adebayor is a real centre forward. But he has made big improvement this season and has been remarkably consistent. I like the fact that he not only scores goal but he had a big impact on the two centre backs today. Their two good centre backs."

On where he has improved...
"His movement off the ball, his finishing, his calmness. I don't know if some people have seen when he first came to us he was not really composed in front of goal. Now he looks really composed."

On setting targets for Adebayor...
"On the contrary I have said that for me the top scorer in the table is not important. I had seasons when we had the best striker in the Premier League and we did not win. What is important is that the team wins so I asked him to focus on his team performance."

On Adebayor's character...
"He is a generous type of guy. He has big, big stamina plus great strength and power. He loves to play."

On his potential...
"When you are a long time on the job you don't set any limits on anybody. Human beings can always surprise you. You accept that. His form is linked with his mental state. He enjoys it all. Above all there is a great understanding in the team. That makes people more comfortable and confident. That is where you see the best of the team."

Wenger - A 'global game' is almost inevitable

Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn Rovers





The idea of playing Premier League games abroad is the result of football's inevitable move towards globalisation, according to Arsène Wenger.

On Thursday, it emerged that plans were being considered to play a round of top-flight games overseas in a few season's time. The Arsenal manager was not surprised.

"It is inevitable in some way," he said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. "Why? Because communications is always quicker. Right now if I tell you Philippe Senderos is injured in the same minute a guy in China can read that as well. That was not the case 20 years ago. So football is already global through television or media.

"Where it is not global is in access to the competition. At the moment TV gives access to the best in the world. And that means there will be a pressure for the best playing against the best.

"So then the question you ask is can the best against the best only be in England? And I think that’s what the Premier League is trying to do. Not to lose the best domestically but to promote them abroad and keep the best in England. Will that last? I don’t know."

It is an interesting view for Wenger to take given that he has famously refused major money to take his side on promotional pre-season tours.

"For one friendly game they offered to pay cash up front," he said. "But I thought it is not the right way for us to prepare for the League."

However, it seems, competitive matches are different in his eyes.

"It is better to fly the team around the world for a competitive game than for friendlies," said the 58-year-old. "I have seen the French national team flying to Australia and then the next month flying to Chile for friendly. Nobody knows why.

"But if it is real competition then you don't cheat people. You can't satisfy people anymore with half competitive games because they always see the best on television. You cannot keep them happy with friendlies now."

Wenger - We could play abroad but not for money

Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn Rovers



Arsène Wenger is open-minded about the idea of Premier League clubs playing a competitive game overseas in the future - as long as it is for the good of the game and not just for money.

The idea was first mooted on Thursday and immediately brought condemnation from various sections of the football fraternity. The Arsenal manager wants to know much more detail about the proposals before he comes down for or against. However, speaking at his press conference on Friday, he refused to dismiss the notion without further examination.

"By principle, I am not against innovation," he said. "And I like that somebody is thinking 'how can we promote the League and promote English football?'

"But you have to respect basic criteria - the competitiveness of our League, the fairness of our League, and, as well make sure that it is a promotion for our football.

"If it's just to make £5m or £6m more then it's not worth doing. We have to check that it is really to give something competitive to the rest of the world, not just a chance to make a few more millions because that will go into the wages straight away and it will all be equal again. It's not worth doing it only for money.

"Having said that, it deserves a deeper look into because it's not a decision, and you have to think forward always. We are, at the moment, certainly creating a new fan-base.

"What you can say at the moment is that 10 per cent of our fans have access to our competitive games, and 90 per cent have no access at all to competitive games.

"Do you want to give them something? I can agree with that idea. But is this the best way to do it? That has to be checked because I am not completely sure."

Wenger happy to face questions over Bentley

Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn Rovers




Whenever Arsenal play Blackburn, Arsène Wenger spends a large proportion of his pre-match press conference talking about David Bentley - and he is perfectly happy about it.

The Frenchman allowed the talented home-grown midfielder to leave permanently just two years ago. Since then he has gone on to become one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old made his first start for England last week, thus equalling the number he achieved at Arsenal if you leave out Carling Cup appearances. Despite that, and his subsequent success, Wenger is perfectly content to be questioned over the wisdom of letting him go.

"Bentley is having a good development in his career and I am very happy for him," said the manager ahead of the weekend.

"I let him go at a moment where I could have said 'no, you stay here', but I was also conscious there were big players in front of him and he was not experienced enough. You have to consider if it is fair to them not to let them go, even if it hurts you later.

"I knew there would be some stage where people said 'why did you let him go?'. But, when I make that kind of decision, I am then happy someone asks me this question later because it means he has been a success elsewhere.

"Of course, it can come back to haunt you and Bentley is a great player now. I don't know whether he would play here now and whether he would be a regular or not. But he has the quality.

"It is sometimes difficult to let a player go when you know it is just a question of timing. But at the end of the day, you cannot keep everybody. You would end up with 45 players and nobody would play."

Wenger - Cesc can cure his own growing pains

Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn Rovers




Arsène Wenger has hailed the self-help therapy employed by Cesc Fabregas this season.

Last term, the Spanish midfielder had an equally impressive campaign but, by his manager's own admission, did get drawn into some heated incidents. One of them came against tonight's visitors Blackburn at the end of an FA Cup tie at Emirates Stadium.

This season, Fabregas has retained his form and jettisoned his temper. But, as Wenger revealed before the weekend, he has had little to do with it.

"Cesc is committed and you always like your players to have a winning attitude," said the Frenchman. "Sometimes it can go a little bit over the top but Cesc has behaved remarkably well this season - I cannot remember one incident.



"There was maybe a stage, for about six months, where he went a bit the wrong way but he corrected that very well and without any special management from me. He is so intelligent that he realised that is not the way he wanted to go.

"If I feel that the players aren't managing to do it themselves then I will help them to do it. But in his case, there was no need. He apologised [for the Blackburn incident] and from then on there have been no problems with him.

"Maybe the outrage in the media prompted that but I always feel that talented, great players have a fair assessment of their performances and their behaviour. They go home and they ask themselves: 'what did I do right today and what did I do wrong today?' They analyse what happen and they rectify their behaviour and improve their attitude."

Match Report

Barclays Premier League



Arsenal
2

Senderos 4, Adebayor 90


Blackburn Rovers
0



Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a fraught and frantic 2-0 win over Blackburn at Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

From the fourth to the 92nd minute, only a Philippe Senderos header divided the sides.

Arsenal created the better of the chances - most notably when Alex Hleb thumped a shot against the base of the post - but they never quite killed off a resilient Blackburn side until Emmanuel Adebayor cracked home a close-range shot just before the final whistle.

As Manchester United and Chelsea will testify, title victories are build on performances such as this - when, with the pressure mounting, you respond in the most positive way.



Make no mistake, despite Blackburn's endeavour, tonight Arsenal fully deserved their three points. It was not comfortable but games such as these never are. And, remember, it won't get any easier from here on in.

But this evening Arsenal proved to their fans, the Premier League and themselves that they have the stuff of champions.

In the build-up to this game, Wenger had suggested he might be without as many as 11 first-team players. In the end, Senderos (knee) and Mathieu Flamini (hamstring) recovered in time to make it.

However the absentee list was still lengthy: Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure, Alex Song (all international duty), Johan Djourou (groin), Robin van Persie (thigh), Abou Diaby (calf), Manuel Almunia (sick), Denilson (hamstring) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring). Yet despite all that, there was actually only one change in the starting XI - Gilberto returning in place of Diaby.

This was always going to be one of the toughest of Arsenal's remaining home fixtures. But all of a sudden it had become massive.

Since Arsenal had won at Eastlands last Saturday lunchtime, Manchester United had come within a 94th-minute equaliser of dropping six points. In fact they had dropped five. Meanwhile third-place Chelsea had let two slip at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

For the first time since that trip to Newcastle just before Christmas, Arsenal had the chance to lead the Premier League table by more than a nose.

And they were certainly the quicker out of the stalls this evening.

They simply deluged Blackburn in the opening stages. In the second minute, Bacary Sagna skipped past a couple of challenges on the right and crossed for the unmarked Fabregas, whose chest control let him down at the crucial moment.

Then Eduardo went through only but was clipped just before he reached the area and his stumble allowed the Blackburn defence to sweep the ball behind for a corner. Fabregas fired it over to the edge of the six-yard box where it was met by a firm header from Senderos.

The Swiss defender was engulfed by his team-mates after the ball went in. In the circumstances you sensed it might a crucial goal in the season not just the game.

Arsenal did not sit back and admire their work. They swarmed all over the visitors in the minutes that followed. Adebayor and Eduardo received the ball in dangerous positions as the Blackburn defence creaked under the weight of mounting Arsenal pressure. Steven Reid flicked a header wide from Bentley's free-kick but when Flamini skied a lay-off from Sagna yards over the bar in the 19th minute it was pretty much the first thing the home side had done wrong all evening.

Midway through the half the French midfielder should have made amends when he went raced onto Fabregas' header. However his bobbling drive bounced away off Brad Friedel's legs.

The tempo dropped markedly after that and Blackburn finally emerged from their own half and won a couple of corners. However the excellent Sagna inspired Arsenal into further forays forward.

Blackburn gave the home side their first genuine scare in the 36th minute when Brett Emerton curled over a cross from the right that Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz got a touch on. Both had too much space and had either made a solid connection the scores would have been level.

The Paraguayan nearly slid in a goal late in the half from Andre Ooijer's raking cross. Arsenal had been dominant team in the opening period but, at the break, the visitors had suggested they would be the test many had predicted.

Bentley nearly proved that in the opening seconds when he bent a low free-kick towards the near post and the stooping Lehmann shovelled the ball wide.

But Arsenal might have made the game safe seconds later when Eduardo appeared on the right and eschewed his team-mates in the middle to drill a pass to Hleb on the far side of the area. The Belarus midfielder took a touch and hammered his drive against the base of the post.

To this point Adebayor had being having a quiet game compared to his imperious form of late. That changed in the 53rd minute when he collected Eduardo's chip forward, cruised past his marker and thumped an angled shot against the legs of Friedel.

The game was opening up now. Arsenal looked the team more likely to score but Blackburn were having an ominous amount of pressure. Emirates Stadium was as nervy as it was passionate.

The greatest soothing influence from a home perspective was now Adebayor. Fifteen minutes from time, he tricked his way past a couple of defenders in the area and fired low at Friedel. The American half-saved it and the ball was cleared. The Togolese striker did something similar a couple of minutes later but this time the ball went out for a corner.

Hleb stung Friedel's hands with 10 minutes left as Arsenal began to look like the end of the game would see them as dominant as the start.

Fabregas had a couple of effort in the dying minutes. The better of them was a flashing shot just wide.

Two minutes into added time, the second finally arrived. Hleb waltzed into space inside the area and squared to Adebayor who slammed home his shot from the edge of the six-yard box.

Arsenal had taken full advantage of their rivals' faltering form.

Arsène Wenger: 'We want to grab this chance'

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn Rovers



on an important weekend...
"It was a very good weekend for us because after the results of yesterday we were a bit under pressure to take advantage of the situation. We did it - I think we had a good start, with a good drive, going forward for the first twenty minutes, we scored an early goal. The second one didn't come and then Blackburn came back into the game in the last twenty minutes of the first half."

on the second period...
"In the second half I feel always we controlled the game, Friedel kept them in it, we were a little bit in-between 'let's not make a defensive mistake' and 'go forward and score absolutely the second goal' and I think the dominance was a bit in the side tonight - 'let's not make a defensive mistake and we'll score another one'. But overall, that's why I sometimes believed we missed something going forward, but overall Friedel kept them in the game and we scored a goal in the last minute."

on he road ahead..
"We had always the belief from the first day on but there is still a long way to go, you could see again tonight that as soon as you are not at your best at the top you can drop points, and we have seen that over the weekend. We still have twelve games, we are in a good position, we believe we can do it but we are not a fool as well, we know it's far from being over and we will have to fight until the last minute of the championship, certainly. We have a hard programme in front of us like everybody else."

on the growing pressure...
"I don't know, I feel we handled the pressure every time very well this week, this year, when we had our backs to the wall. For example last week we played first, at Man City, we won. This week we played last and we won as well. So in all the different kind of situation we faced we came up with - the only answer you can give when you are strong is to win your game."

on sitting five points ahead of United...
"I don't want my team to focus on the difference between us and the rest, I want them to focus on strengthening our lead and going to every game to keep that momentum going and assert our authority and to win every game, play like real challengers."

on the fans...
"They were a bit nervy tonight with one-nil. Of course, let's not be a hypocrite, you cannot say you are five points in front and you don't believe... you believe you have no chance, of course our supporters believe - rightly so. We believe we have a chance to do it but we are conscious as well that we have to keep our humility and our team spirit and the way we want to play the game, and focus very well on the way we want to play the game."

on being tipped as favourites...
"I don't know, that is always outside the group, you know? That's in people's minds, in our minds we believe we can do it and we want to grab this chance."

on Adebayor's run of goals...
"He can score goals but I believe as well all the strikers as well benefit from the outstanding teamwork, and it's not a coincidence that strikers who play here score goals because everybody goes forward, everybody gives you good balls and the team feeds you when you're a good striker. Here you get quite good food!"

on Fabregas appearing on the right...
"I had no real choice, Fabregas was three days in bed and credit to him, you know, not only did he play but we took him out of bed to play tonight and we played him in a different position. That shows you as well how much these players are up for it."

Senderos - It was a smashing performance

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn Rovers



Philippe Senderos' fourth-minute header, his second goal of the season, set the foundations for another victory for the Gunners at Emirats Stadium. The win thrust Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League and afterwards the Swiss defender spoke to Arsenal TV Online. He discussed:

* the importance of getting three points
* keeping a clean sheet
* concentrating on set-pieces
* his injury worries
* turning attention to the FA Cup



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.

Adebayor - Henry keeps me focused on title

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn Rovers



Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed that Thierry Henry is helping to keep him motivated for the title run-in.

The Togolese striker scored his 19th Premier League goal of the campaign on Monday night as Arsenal beat Blackburn 2-0 to go five points clear at the top of the table.

It is a far cry from the pre-season predictions of doom and gloom; much of which was based on Henry’s departure to Barcelona. Since then Adebayor has filled his shooting boots with aplomb but the Frenchman is still having an influence.

"Thierry to me is like a big brother,” said the 23-year-old in the tunnel less than an hour after the match. “He already sent a message to me after the game to congratulate me.



"He talked to me a lot during the summer when he was leaving, he calls me and we have a lot of chats. He believes in my strength and my quality so I just want to thank him a lot because he helped me out a lot.

"A lot of times he sends me messages saying that I may have scored 15 or 16 but I know you can score more if you concentrate in every game.

"That is what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to listen to the advice and at the moment it's working so I'm very happy. I think Thierry keeps in touch with a lot of people [here]."

Monday’s victory put a little daylight between Arsenal and the chasing pair. However, if anything, it only adds to the pressure on Wenger’s side. As the questions to Adebayor demonstrated.

"I don't know about it being our title to lose,” he replied to one. “The feeling I have is that we have a good squad, we want to win it and we can achieve it. So we just have to keep doing our job and enjoy ourselves on the pitch.

"Five points [clear] is very good and we are very happy. Like we always said, the title is really something this year but we know Man United can always come from behind somewhere. We just want to keep our focus and keep what we are doing at the moment.

"We are enjoying ourselves on the pitch,” he concluded. “We can talk about whether we win the title at the end of the season."

Ivorian duo in contention for Old Trafford tie

Manchester United v Arsenal
FA Cup Round 5


Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue are in contention for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Manchester United.

The Ivorian duo returned from the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday and are due to report for training today. Neither Toure or Eboue played in their country's final game in Ghana, the third and fourth place play-off against the hosts on Saturday, but they could feature at Old Trafford.



Arsène Wenger admitted before the Blackburn game that he was down to the "bare bones" thanks to injuries and international commitments. Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Robin van Persie, Denilson and Johan Djourou were all sidelined for Arsenal’s 2-0 victory but Rosicky could return at the weekend.

"Kolo and Eboue came back today [Monday] so we hope to see them tomorrow to see if they're not injured," said Wenger at his post-match press conference.

"Rosicky, he looks better. Van Persie looks better, but he is still a few weeks away. But Rosicky maybe has a little chance for Saturday."

Arsenal.com will bring you the latest injury news on Thursday afternoon.

Diaby - Why the Old Trafford tie will not lack intensity

FA Cup
Manchester United v Arsenal


With the Champions League around the corner and a Premier League title to fight for, some might expect Saturday's FA Cup tie between Manchester United and Arsenal to lack its usual intensity.

Abou Diaby disagrees. The French midfielder expects both sides to give it everything at Old Trafford and believes that the winner of the Fifth Round tie could have a psychological advantage when the title rivals go head to head at the same venue in April.



"I think we want to play well in every competition whether it's the FA Cup, the Champions League or the League," Diaby told Arsenal TV Online. "We want to win all of them because we are a big club and we want to win trophies. This Saturday is very important to us.

"Maybe a win will give us a psychological advantage. We just want to give our best and win the game."

Unfortunately, Diaby will not get a chance to make his mark in the FA Cup this weekend. The 21-year-old suffered a calf injury against Manchester City at the start of February.

"I took a kick around the ankle against Manchester City and my calf felt very stiff," explained Diaby. "I won’t make the match against Manchester United, but I hope to be back as soon as I can."

Subscribers can watch our exclusive interview with Abou on Thursday. In it he discusses: the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford, the mood in the Arsenal squad, the mental toughness they need to win the title, watching Manchester United's games, Emmanuel Adebayor's incredible form and the Togo striker's impact in the dressing room.

Match Report

FA Cup Round 5


Manchester United
4

Rooney 16, Fletcher 20, 74, Nani 38


Arsenal
0


The success of Arsenal's season will now depend on their Premier League and Champions League progress after they were unceremoniously knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Before this Fifth Round tie, Arsène Wenger had suggested his side were "down to the bare bones". And they were certainly dead and buried within 20 minutes this afternoon after Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher scored with headers.

Nani added another seven minutes before the break and, after Emmanuel Eboue had been dismissed, Fletcher netted once more 16 minutes from time.

It was a poor performance from Arsenal, who were caught by Manchester United's early onslaught and never really escaped.



But, like their 5-1 Carling Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham, the travelling supporters can take comfort in the fact that their side's priorities lie elsewhere.

Towards the end of the game, those fans, who were perhaps Arsenal's best performer on the day, sang "we'll be back to win the League".

Time will tell about that.

Before then, on Wednesday, Arsenal entertain Milan in the Champions League Knockout Round first leg.

Despite all their injuries, Wenger would surely welcome a little bout of amnesia before then.

Because this game is best forgotten.

Arsenal had travelled to Manchester on Friday without nine players but, more tellingly, with a further three carrying injuries.

In the end the entire trio - Philippe Senderos (knee), Gael Clichy (hamstring) and Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) - started on the bench.

The full injured list was as follows as: Johan Djourou (groin), Robin van Persie (thigh), Abou Diaby (calf), Manuel Almunia (sick), Denilson (hamstring), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Theo Walcott (thigh), Alex Song (muscular) and Bacary Sagna (personal reasons).

It meant the side that Wenger named was pretty much his full compliment of fit players.

Justin Hoyte and Armand Traore were the full backs while Kolo Toure and Eboue were playing their first games for Arsenal since the 2-0 win at Burnley in the Third Round.

William Gallas and Cesc Fabregas started despite suggestions they may be rested ahead of the Milan game. Manchester United's only concessions to their tie at Lyon were the omission of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. However Rooney was back after missing the defeat to Manchester City through suspension.

It had been a clear bright day in Manchester. But by 5.15pm, it had gotten cold. However the bristling atmosphere was something to behold.

This was not only Arsenal v Manchester United but it was far and away the tie of the Fifth Round. Not even Liverpool's surprise exit to Barnsley could detract from that.

However Manchester United began the afternoon like they were in the mood to make some headlines - and they barely relented all game.

As early as the eighth minute, Anderson saw a left-footed drive saved at the near post by Jens Lehmann.

Soon after, Nani swung over a corner to the edge of the six-yard box and Gallas sliced the ball behind. The Frenchman erred again a couple of minutes later and Lehmann raced to the edge of his area to boot the ball clear as Rooney sprinted through.

At this stage it was all Manchester United so it was no surprise to see them take the lead on the quarter-hour. Bendtner half-cleared Nani's corner and Anderson nodded it back goalwards for Rooney to divert a header past Lehmann from close range.

Almost immediately it was 2-0. Nani twisted and turned past Hoyte on the byline then clipped a ball to the near post for Darren Fletcher to power home a header from point-blank range. Though Gallas may have got the final touch.

Only 20 minutes had gone and the visitors had barely settled. And they were now facing perhaps the most difficult task in British football over the last 15 years - clawing back a sizeable lead at Old Trafford.

Arsenal responded in some way when Bendtner touched the ball to Gallas on the left and his cross picked out Hleb on the edge of the area. The Belarus midfielder hit it first time but Patrice Evra blocked.

The ball flew up the other end and, once again, Lehmann had to race out to boot away the danger as Rooney went clear.

The England striker was having a superb game. However just past the half-hour he might have done better when, with only Gallas to beat, he trickled a shot well wide.

A couple of minutes later Rooney expertly chested down Fletcher's cross but his drive was disappointing. Still, the former Everton striker was causing untold trouble in the Arsenal backline.

However the third goal had nothing to Rooney. In the 38th minute Michael Carrick clipped a simple ball forward over Gallas' head and Nani steered in a left-foot shot. Again it had been a straightforward move. Arsenal just had not defended it well enough.

At the break, the chat amongst the creditable number of travelling fans must have been dominated by thoughts of damage limitation rather than a Sixth Round tie in a couple of weeks time.

Just to hammer home the point, within two minutes of the restart, Lehmann had saved twice from Rooney - once from a snap-shot and once from a free-kick.

However almost immediately a sizeable problem became a mountain when Eboue received a straight red card for a high tackle on Nani.

The decision ended any hope of an Arsenal comeback. The contest was over.

Just past the hour, Rooney steered a shot wide and drew a fine save from Lehmann. Despite his excellent game, the Manchester United man should have converted more of the glorious positions he had got himself into.

In the 63rd minute Arsenal created perhaps only their second legitimate chance of the game when Eduardo guided a header over the bar from a floated ball into the area by Fabregas.

Anderson, another eye-catching performance this afternoon, had another couple of chances to extend Manchester United's lead. Then Nani curled an effort wide.

Just after that Wenger made a triple substitution - Senderos, Adebayor and Mathieu Flamini for Eduardo, Hleb and Fabregas. It seemed to be a move made with Milan in mind.

Quite ironically, just as Arsenal had strengthened, Manchester United got their fourth when Nani crossed and Fletcher rose highest at the far post to head home.

There were only two real chances for a fifth. Both fell to substitute Louis Saha, prodded meekly at the legs of Lehmann and then blazed wide.

Thankfully the whistle blew a couple of minutes later.

'We need to recover quickly before Milan'


Manchester United 4-0 Arsenal



on a very bad day...
"Positive points are difficult to find because overall we were not up to the level of the game. We know that and the players know that aswell. It is difficult to find positives in our game. The only one I can see is that we do not have anymore injuries than we had at the start of the game."

on the rest of the season...
"The targets that are in front of us are very clear. They are the Premier League and the Champions League. We are not in a position where we have to make a choice. We just have balanced fixtures now. We need to pick ourselves up quickly because we have a massive game on Wednesday night."

on ever having serious thoughts of a treble...
"Not really but you try and make a choice as late as you can. It is a difficult to swallow for the players today because it looked like we did not have the physical resources to come back into the game. We need to recover quickly because we need to be at our best to beat Milan."

on concern over Nani's juggling...
"And rightly so. Nani had a very good game today but it was not needed. It is a little bit [disrespectful]. But it can happen to a young player. I hope he learns from that and does not do it again.."

on the red card...
"It looked harsh from outside. The game was over after the sending off and maybe even before because we never looked like we could come back today."

on heavy defeats in the Cups...
"At the moment it is unbelievable. When we lose in the cup we get a hiding. We don't concede in the League but when we do concede we do it well!"

on injury problems...
"Nobody was fit on the bench and all of them were recommended as risky. The most dangerous player was Clichy who I did not touch at all. The others had hamstring problems."

on the League fixture in April...
"You will see us in a different shape when we come back and I hope the pitch will be in different shape aswell."

Wenger - I don't yet know when I will retire

FA Cup
Manchester United 4-0 Arsenal



Arsène Wenger will only retire when he loses the "physical desire to win".

This week the Arsenal manager reportedly suggested he could go on for another 20 years. However, at Friday's press conference, the 58-year-old was not prepared to put a time-frame on it. In reality, Wenger said, his body would tell him when it was time to go.

“I was asked when I want to retire and I said ‘I don’t know’," he commented. "It could be tomorrow, it could be 10 years.

"I must say I don’t think like that, I think about the next game and say 'let’s do it'.

"It’s a balance between internal desire, the instinctive animal desire to fight and win plus being wise enough to make the right decisions.

"Also you must give yourself a good distance from the pressure. I cannot imagine being sat on the bench at 92 saying ‘come on my friend let’s do it’.



"Anyway," he joked. "Giovanni Trappatoni has just signed for Ireland at 69 and you want me out at 58!"

The Frenchman took charge of his first club, AS Nancy, in 1984. That was a full decade after his opponent on Saturday, Sir Alex Ferguson, did likewise at East Stirlingshire. At 66, the Scot is eight years older than Wenger but his inner desire has barely diminished. It is something both men have in common.

“Of course," replied the Arsenal boss when the point was put to him. "As long as winning means something to you, you go for it because you sacrifice nearly everything for the next game and you the life of a professional football player.

"That means if it’s not so important any more you are not ready to sacrifice, to not go out and prepare like a player.

"You only do that because it has massive meaning for you to win.”

Euro Watch: Milan stutter in push for fourth

Arsenal v AC Milan



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


Parma 0-0 AC Milan
Saturday, February 17, 2008
The return from injury of Brazilian playmaker Kaka failed to lift AC Milan as they faltered in their charge up the Serie A ladder with a goalless draw at Parma.

The Rossoneri’s second draw in four days is far from ideal preparation for Wednesday’s titanic Champions League clash with the Gunners.

Parma sit precariously close to the drop zone but were full value for the point as Milan’s problems in front of goal were underlined by a tally of just three shots on target from 16 attempts.

Kaka’s return could not have come soon enough with South American colleagues Ronaldo and Alexandre Pato sidelined. Carlo Ancelotti’s team are adrift of fourth-placed Fiorentina and are struggling to find any consistency.

Both sides had chances to register during the 90 minutes with Filippo Inzaghi the most profligate for the visitors. The late arrival of Paolo Maldini, making his 1000th professional appearance, did little but bring a hint of sentiment to what was a dour occasion.

Gilberto - We will come back even stronger

Arsenal v AC Milan



Gilberto has urged his team-mates to bounce back against Milan on Wednesday so "they don't let the opportunity to win a trophy slip by".

Like his manager, Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder offered no excuses for Saturday's 4-0 beating at Manchester United in the FA Cup Fifth Round. The visitors were clearly second-best on the day.

However, as everybody knows, the priorities this season have always been the Premier League and Champions League. So, according to Gilberto, any lethargy and despondency must be shaken off before Milan visit Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in the last 16 of the latter competition.



"Of course we can bounce back," he said. "In their last game Manchester United had a disappointing result against Manchester City and they came back strong in the next game. It is the same for us now.

"All of us are disappointed in the way that we played. But we will come back even stronger in the next game. We don’t want to let this opportunity slip by.

"We must do it if we want to achieve something because this group is very ambitious to win a trophy this season. Of course we are disappointed we were knocked out of the FA Cup.

"Now we must just think about Milan, put the result behind us and perform better at home."

There have been suggestions that this result demonstrates Manchester United's strength in depth compared to Arsenal - perhaps a crucial component in the title run-in. However, the visiting fans sang "we'll be back to win the League" and Gilberto supported their confidence.

"Of course," he answered when asked if his squad was still the stronger. "You would if you had seen our games since the start of the competition and now we are five points clear. For a young team this is not that easy.

"It is important to keep our consistency in the League now. It is also important for us to take advantage of the situation that is in our favour, learn from our mistakes and not let this sort of result happen again in the next game."

Wenger slams door on Barcelona rumour

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan



Arsène Wenger has dismissed out of hand reports linking him with the manager's job at Barcelona.

Of course, there is no vacancy at the Camp Nou. But reports in the Spanish media last week suggested the Arsenal manager was being lined-up to replace Frank Rijkaard. Speaking before the weekend, Wenger barely wasted breath on the idea.

"It's not the first time [there has been speculation]," he said. "But I'm happy where I am. I have no intention of moving and I want to carry on."

Wenger - European league may still go ahead


Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan


Arsène Wenger believes that the disbandment of G-14 has not ended the prospect of a European super league.

The group, which consisted of 18 leading European clubs, had explored the idea of establishing an exclusive league but was dissolved on Friday following talks with Fifa and Uefa.

At first glance that may suggest that a revamp of the Champions League into a European super league is less likely. But Wenger, speaking before the weekend, believes that a new competition could still be introduced under Uefa's jurisdiction.

"It [the disbandment of G-14] is the death of a European super league under the banner of the clubs," said Wenger.

"It might still go ahead because the clubs all agreed not to have any civil court and only accept the arbitration of Uefa and Fifa. That is the agreement which has been signed.

"Nothing can de decided by a civil court. Also, they will not organise any competition that is not under the jurisdiction of Uefa or Fifa. The European super league will happen [under the Uefa banner]."

Wenger - We need to be cautious over Kaka

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan




Arsène Wenger has earmarked Brazilian playmaker Kaka as AC Milan’s dangerman.

The World Player of the Year has overcome injury in time for Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Emirates Stadium — a place Kaka has fond memories of. In his first appearance at the Gunners’ home, in September 2006, the 25 year-old scored a wonderful solo goal in Brazil’s 3-0 victory against Argentina.

Blessed with pace, vision and a penchant for the spectacular, Kaka is capable of changing a game in a flash. A fact Manchester United, Liverpool and Celtic found out to their cost in last season’s premier European competition.

“Kaka made the difference last year in this competition,” said Wenger on Friday. “He scored 10 goals in 11 games. He made the difference against Celtic.

“He's the guy who can dominate a situation and in 10 seconds get to the other side of the box and score a goal.

“We need to be more cautious in the centre than we usually are. He's especially dangerous at counter-attacking. I don't know if I'll use Gilberto for him.

“My main worry is to get 11 fit players for the Milan game.”

Wenger - Milan game means defeat won't drive me crazy

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan


Arsène Wenger is not going to allow Saturday's drubbing at Manchester United to drive him "crazy".

The Arsenal manager was at a loss to explain his team's performance in the FA Cup Fifth Round tie. All he could do was admit the Old Trafford side's clear superiority and head home in preparation for the Champions League Knockout Round first leg against Milan on Wednesday - a game that was already being billed as a season-shaper.

"What can I do?" said Wenger afterwards. "I never felt we were really in the game and afterwards that can make you crazy.

"But I have difficulty being crazy today because I am more worried about the consequences it could have on the team.

"The targets are so big for us that you don’t feel sorry for yourself. We have a massive game in front of us on Wednesday night and I feel the immensity of the game makes you forget your disappointment.

"What we have learnt today is that this sort of performance will not be good enough against Milan."

Saturday's game was a total turnaround from last weekend when Manchester United's defeat allowed Arsenal to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

"From one week to the next things can change," agreed Wenger. "Man United did not look at their best last Sunday and we gave a lot on Monday night.

"However today we looked mentally lethargic. When you play so many games it can sometimes happen.

"There was a study in a French newspaper saying we are the team who has played the most games in Europe. We have played 42 till now and no one has played as many as us.

"Sometimes that can catch up with you but three days later you can be sharp again."

Wenger needs to pull off that very trick before Wednesday.

Wenger gets six-strong fitness boost ahead of Milan tie

Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan




Arsène Wenger has six players back to full fitness for the visit of Milan on Wednesday.

Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor were on duty at Manchester United last Saturday despite being troubled by hamstring injuries. All those will be ready to play against the Champions League holders at Emirates Stadium.

Bacary Sagna is available while Denilson and Theo Walcott have been added to the squad. However Manuel Almunia is still recovering from a virus so Jens Lehmann will keep his place.

"Bacary Sagna is back so are Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"Manuel Almunia is not completely ready to play. But he is getting there and is very close now. Jens Lehmann will start.

"Denilson is back in the squad and Theo Walcott is in too. But Johan Djourou, Robin van Persie, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky are all still out."

Wenger - Milan are the favourites to go through


Champions League
Arsenal v AC Milan



Arsène Wenger has branded his side as the underdogs in the Champions League Knockout Round tie against Milan.

The first leg takes place on Wednesday at Emirates Stadium. It is sure to be a nervy night, particularly after Arsenal were beaten so comprehensively by Manchester United at the weekend. But, speaking before that game, Wenger was already suggesting Carlo Ancelotti's side were the favourites - albeit slightly.

"We are underdogs, by a little bit," said the Arsenal manager. "They have the experience and won it last year. We are an upcoming team, so it is a big challenge against the holders of the trophy.

"For me we have the toughest draw of the English teams. And this game will define whether or not we can win the Champions League.

"On the other hand two years ago we played Real Madrid and went through. Last year we played Eindhoven but went out. It's very difficult to predict what's going to happen.

"The only thing we do know is that, if you don't play at your best against Milan, you're out."

'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."

Flamini - This Arsenal side has no limits now

Champions League
AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal



Mathieu Flamini believes there is no limit to what Arsenal can achieve in the wake of their magnificent 2-0 victory at Milan on Tuesday.

In tandem with Cesc Fabregas, the Frenchman dominated the centre of the park as Arsène Wenger's side not only reached the Quarter-Finals but became the first English side to beat the Rossoneri at the San Siro.



Now Flamini feels the footballing world is their oyster.

"I'm going to say there's no limit [to how far we can go]," said the midfielder, 24 on Friday. "There are no limits because we are playing the Champions League to win it. We are playing the Premier League to win it too. So we are going to concentrate now. As you saw in the last two games to concentrate is very important at a very high level.

"Before this game everybody said that Arsenal was a young side with less experience. It's true we have less experience than Milan but we proved to everyone we have more experience [than people think].

"Two years ago we went to the Champions League Final. A lot of our players were in that team and we have added quality to that. We are stronger, we have more experience so I'm sure we will do a good job in the Champions League from now on."

There was a sense that Arsenal's entire season was in the balance on Tuesday night. They had seen their lead in the Premier League cut to one point and were facing a side that had reached the Final in three of the last five years.

"Of course to come here and beat the Champions League holders [is a boost]," said Flamini. "It was a great team performance. The spirit was fantastic especially in difficult moments. It made a difference. Everyone did a great job. We were all working for each other.

"I think we could have won the game in the first half because we had a lot of opportunities to score a goal and were a bit unlucky. But we pushed and pushed and pushed and finally we scored in the last 10 minutes. I think we deserved our victory.

"We were not especially nervous going into the game. It's true it was a little bit frustrating because on a big occasion like that if you cannot score then, at the end, you are under a little bit of pressure.

"But we knew we had the quality to score. In the first leg we had a lot of opportunities but didn't score. Tonight we did it, we pushed until the last minute and even scored a second one so overall it is a great victory, especially to come here in the San Siro. We are the first English team to win here at AC Milan. Now we are just going to enjoy this victory."

Adebayor - If we can beat Milan, we can beat anybody


AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal


If Arsenal can beat Milan, they can beat anybody. That was Emmanuel Adebayor's conclusion after the Togo striker helped Arsène Wenger's side to a famous victory at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

The 24-year-old slotted home Theo Walcott's low cross in stoppage time to complete a deserved 2-0 win after Cesc Fabregas had fired Arsenal ahead in the 84th minute. Adebayor's goal also broke his duck in the competition and made up for that gilt-edged stoppage-time miss in the first leg at Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago.

Adebayor left Milan with his reputation enhanced and his belief sky-high. Having seen off the European champions, Adebayor believes Arsenal are a match for any team.

"Beating this Milan team means we can beat every single team in the world," said Adebayor.

"Now we've got that in our heads we can let ourselves go. We took control of the game really well defensively and we showed that we have a good team spirit."

"We came here to qualify and actually doing it is something really special.

"My goal was a simple goal, right in front of the posts. It was probably the easiest goal I've ever scored but it's also the most important I've scored in my whole career."

Flamini - I want to be a part of new generation

Champions League
AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal


Mathieu Flamini wants to seal a new deal with Arsenal so he can be part of the Club's "new generation" and "make history".

The French midfielder showed why he is the most improved player in English football with a magnificent display in the 2-0 win at Milan on Tuesday night.

The performance only heightened the urgency with which Arsène Wenger will want to secure Flamini's services. The former Marseille man is out of contract in the summer and has been able to talk to other teams since the turn of the year. However the player has no intention of leaving.

"Like I have said before I am very happy here," said Flamini. "Every game I give more than
100 per cent and I love playing for this team. We are a new generation, we have to create a new history. I want to be part of this history so I hope I will be here for next season.

"At the moment my advisers they are talking with the Club so I really hope that everything will be OK. I cannot put a time on it. But I really want to stay here.

"Yes, Milan was a great game and I have more and more confidence now. But what is important for a player is to play and I am playing and game after game I am becoming more and more confident. I want to take more responsibility.

"I don't know if Milan was my best performance [for Arsenal] but my job is to work hard for the players who are a little bit more offensive than me. We are a team who are always going forward so it's very important to protect the defence, especially against a player like Kaka who was going forward very quickly so I was trying to protect the defenders.

"Yes my job was to keep him quiet, boss the midfield and win the maximum amount of balls to pass to Cesc and Alex because they are a little bit more offensive than me."

On Friday, Flamini reaches the grand old age of 24. Typically, the only present on his birthday list is three points on Sunday.

"It will be fantastic if we win at Wigan. We have to finish the job. It's fantastic to play in the Champions League and beat AC Milan but to come back in the Premier League to go to Wigan is not going to be easy. It's a tough game."


UNTERSCHREIB!!!!

Barclays Premier League


From Milan to Wigan, Arsenal's desire will be exactly the same this season.

Arsène Wenger made that confident prediction ahead of his side's trip to the North-West on Sunday. After a stunning 2-0 win at the San Siro in midweek there is the potential for a massive slip-up this weekend - and not just because of the reported state of the pitch at the JJB Stadium.

Arsenal have seen their advantage over Manchester United at the top of the Premier League cut to just one point in recent weeks. In fact, there was a concern that the Emirates Stadium side may be wobbling when they travelled to Italy on Monday. However they came back with a win so uplifting that the rest of Arsenal's season might be able to ride upon it.

That said, the last time Arsenal returned from Europe with similar buoyancy - a wonderful 1-0 win at Real Madrid in 2006 - they also went up the M6 and were beaten 1-0 at Blackburn. Wenger's side can ill-afford a draw, let alone a defeat, on Sunday, especially as Manchester United will be otherwise engaged in the FA Cup.

However, when he spoke to the media on Thursday, Wenger was quick to point out the consistency and desire of his players this season - whatever the venue.

"We are up for it because along with Inter [and Bayern] we are the only side in Europe that has lost only one game this season," said the Frenchman.

"This team hasn’t an artificial hunger; they are really hungry for success and that's why I have believed in them since the start of the season. And that's why sometimes we are a bit excessive sometimes because we are not artificial in our desire to be successful.

"There's a good team bonding and a good team spirit. Of course Gallas is the captain and the experienced players have a little bit more to say but everybody is always very highly focussed and concerned."

Abou Diaby (calf) and Theo Walcott (thigh) have been added to the injury list since the midweek game. Robin van Persie was on duty in Milan but did not come off the bench. He played an hour in a behind-closed-doors game with Colorado Rapids on Thursday but may not be risked from the start this weekend. Kolo Toure (calf) and Alex Song (knee) have a minor possibility of coming back. Eduardo (broken leg) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) definitely miss out.

Wigan have been struggling against the drop all season. However two wins and a draw in their last four games have put some daylight between them and the drop zone. They are up to 14th, their highest position since the start of October.

"It will be a big test because they play not to go down,” said Wenger. “We expect a big commitment. They are under pressure like we are under pressure, so we are both in the same conditions.

"I've heard from reporters that their pitch is not like the Emirates. But I like England because to be champions here you have to go from Milan to Wigan - and win the game. It's a completely different kind of game but you have to find always a response to what you face.

“That's real quality for me."

Wenger - Trophies are not everything to me




Trophies are not the only things that Arsène Wenger wants his team to win. The Arsenal manager wants the hearts, minds, admiration and respect of the football community.

With two months left in the season, the Frenchman is closing in on his two main targets — the Premier League and the Champions League. Should he lift either, it will end a three-year wait for silverware.

However, speaking at Thursday’s press conference, the Arsenal manager explained why that hiatus did not hang heavy on his shoulders. He wants victory, yes, but victory with integrity.

“I try to do my job as well as I can,” said Wenger. “If it’s not good enough people will tell me. But I don't feel under more pressure to win trophies this year than any other year.

“I know people who have won trophies and I don’t rate them at all. I can give you examples of people who have won 100-metre medals in the Olympic Games and they have cheated. I know people in football who have done exactly the same, you look at the history of football.

“What is important for me is to do things in a fair way and in a way that people will enjoy. Of course, a trophy is what you can show but what remains is not only the trophy but the way you play, the way you behave.

“Winning can never be everything,” he went on. “And to destroy people can never be everything. I do not understand those who come out to destroy people. That is not what life is about. Why should you always have to kill other people to exist? If you do that then, somewhere, you feel you are not good enough.

“It's like you say to me you kick everybody off the park and at the end of the season you win a trophy. To win trophies is important but it is not the only thing in sport.”

Wenger - English clubs can dominate Europe



It is possible that half of this season's Champions League Quarter-Finalists will come from England. Arsène Wenger believes that demonstrates the strength of the game in this country right now. However, at the same time, the Arsenal manager has warned the Premier League about the dangers of self-satisfaction.

Wenger's men booked their place in the last eight of Europe's top competition with a stunning 2-0 win in Milan on Tuesday. Manchester United and Chelsea are also through while Liverpool are likely to follow them as they hold a 2-0 lead from their first leg with Inter.

The Arsenal manager feels that a period of English dominance is on the way.

"I am convinced of that," he said at Thursday's press conference. "It is down to the fact that the Premier League is so hard. Many good players now play in England but the pace of the game has stayed the same. So the physical demands are very hard and that's why we will find another English club in the Final this year.

"Of course I cannot be certain of that but I believe it. You have maybe four clubs out of the eight. Unless the four play against each other you have a big chance to have another English club in the Final."

However, before anyone starts patting themselves on the back, Wenger sent out this warning.

"It can change quickly if some other countries develop quicker," he said. "And the quality of your decisions can change quickly too. Fifteen years ago France was dominant a little bit, Italy was super-dominant, then France, then Spain, now England. It changes quickly.

"Somebody from Spain called me and said Real Madrid have not reached the Quarter-Finals for four consecutives years now. And they invested 575m Euros in that time. So it's never guaranteed and it's not only down to money, it is down to good decisions."

Match Report
Barclays Premier League


Wigan Athletic
0



Arsenal
0


Arsenal came away with a solitary point and a sense of frustration following their visit to Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

The draw does extend their lead in the Premier League to two points but Manchester United now have a game in hand.

Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland had to save superbly from Emmanuel Adebayor after only 45 seconds and would have to pull off three more fine stops in a game the visitors bossed, including one from Cesc Fabregas in the final seconds of normal time.

It would be wrong to say Arsenal were suffering from a Champions League hangover. Their performance was not that bad and a dogged Wigan side gave them similar problems at Emirates Stadium earlier in the season.

The heavy, muddy pitch was much more of a factor as Arsenal struggled to put their familiar slick style into practice. Even the returns of Kolo Toure and Robin van Persie could not lift the game.

It was a disappointing - but not decisive afternoon - for Wenger's side.

The Frenchman's only changes from the San Siro were enforced. Abou Diaby had collected a calf injury during that game while Emmanuel Eboue was seeing out the last game of the three-match suspension he had picked up for that red card at Manchester United in the FA Cup Fifth Round defeat.

Their replacements were Nicklas Bendtner, whose selection up front saw Alex Hleb drop back to the left-side of midfield, and Gilberto. The Brazilian was making his 29th appearance of the season, 14 of which had been as a substitute. Somewhat surprisingly, Wenger accommodated Gilberto in central midfield alongside Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas was moved out the right.

However there was brighter news on the bench with Kolo Toure and Alex Song back after injury. Van Persie was again named as a substitute having been unused at Milan.

The state of the Wigan pitch had been a talking point before kick-off. Certainly it was muddy and still bore the markings of the last Wigan Warriors Rugby League game it had hosted. At least the expected rain had not arrived to make matters any worse. However the surface would be a factor throughout the game.

That said, Arsenal should have taken the lead right from the whistle. Only 45 seconds had elapsed when an astute pass from Fabregas sent Adebayor through. The Togolese striker outpaced the home defence but Kirkland rushed the edge of his area and blocked wonderfully.

The visitors started the game well and, early on, seemed determined to stick to their passing principles. After five minutes, Adebayor and Bendtner combined adroitly but Melchiot had shadowed the latter all the way and managed to pull off a sliding block.

In the 10th minute Flamini nipped in front of Michael Brown for Bendtner, who had an excellent first half, to trickle a shot wide.

However Wigan are a resilient side under Steve Bruce and, in recent games, have scrapped their way clear of the danger zone. They relied on the same qualities to drag themselves back into this afternoon's game.
Antonio Valencia fooled Clichy on the right and cut inside for Wilson Palacios to blunder a shot wide when he should have done better. Then, just before the half-hour, Wigan had claims for a penalty when Michael Brown's drive cannoned back off the Arsenal defence.

However, most of the quality was coming from the visitors. In the 36th minute Clichy threw a cross into the area and Fabregas sent in an angled header. It did not have power but it was directed just inside the post. Kirkland stretched himself to his right to make his second fine save of the game.

As the half-time whistle blew, Arsenal went down the tunnel fully aware that they would need the same brand of tenacity they had shown at the San Siro, albeit with a different style of football.

The visitors nearly got the goal they deserved twice within five minutes of the restart. Firstly, Clichy's long free-kick was knocked down by Kirkland to Adebayor on the edge of the area but the keeper recovered to make another fine save. Then Fabregas and Hleb spurned chances to convert when the ball ran loose in the Wigan area.

However, yet again, the home side responded. The front running of Marlon King forced William Gallas to collide with Manuel Almunia as the keeper came out to clear. Just before the hour, substitute Antoine Sibierski crossed from the right and Jason Koumas' deflected shot trickled just wide.



Suddenly the game had found some life and Wigan were playing their part. In the 63rd minute, Valencia's vicious curling drive forced Almunia into his first major action of the match.

Two minutes later, Wenger brought on Toure and Van Persie for Gilberto and Bendtner. The Dutchman, making his first appearance since January, went up front but the Ivorian slotted in the right of midfield.

The changes had no immediate effect and, after Valencia sent a drive in the area following good work from Melchiot, the first signs of real urgency started to the visitors' game.

Van Persie sent a free-kick high over the bar and, with seven minutes left, thumped an effort over the bar when well-placed. In a move entirely out of keeping with the game, the final minutes were frantic and incisive. With two minutes left, Fabregas shot straight at Kirkland after Adebayor had put him through. At the other end, the Spaniard screwed a clearance over his own bar in injury time then a thumping drive from Koumas was blocked.

Arsenal will feel this was two precious points dropped, the reaction of the Wigan fans at the end told you everything about the one they gained.

But there is still time for Wenger's men to recover.

'We prepared for a difficult pitch but still had the chances'


Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal
Barclays Premier League



On the pitch...
"If you asked me if I would like a better pitch then I say yes. Wigan fought very well and I don't want to take anything away from their performance. But frankly the pitch is a disaster. It is disrespectful for the fans who come and pay money to see the game."

On whether there is an excuse for it...
"The excuse is they have a rugby team who play on the pitch. Unless the groundsman is sick, I don't know."

On the nature of the game...
"It was a difficult game and we were focussed. We prepared ourselves mentally to face a difficult pitch and we still had the chances to win the game. Overall we did what we could and gave everything. We had a serious defensive game and we did not give any chances away. Wigan deserve credit too because they fought very hard."

On the belief Wigan gained as the game went on...
"As we did not score the first goal they did not come out. They jumped off their seats with 0-0 at 90 minutes. They were happy with a point. We did score and as long you do not score you are in danger of conceding and them not coming out at the back."

On coming down from the win at Milan...
"It is an anti-climax when you go from Milan to Wigan. And we prepared for that. It is normal because there's the glamour of a Champions League game when you play against one of the biggest side in the world. Then five days later you play against a team who fights not to go down. It is normal. I don't think that is offending Wigan. It is just the normal life of the a team who are going for the Champions League and the Premier League. We have to deal with that, it is not an excuse. We did what we could. We just lacked the spark in the final third, Wigan defended well and Kirkland did the rest."

Edelman - Our style will help keep our stars

Barclays Premier League
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal



Keith Edelman believes that Arsenal's style of play will help to keep their young stars at the club.

The only downside of that wonderful win at the San Siro last week is that it will have alerted Europe's top sides to the talent emerging at Emirates Stadium. As Managing Director, Mr Edelman holds Arsenal's purse strings, including the funds available to improve contracts, but he believes the footballing environment at a Club is sometimes more important to a player than a few more percentage points on his salary.



"I think we do play with a unique style," he said. "There is more to life than just money and a lot of our players like being here. These kinds of players want to play that way.

"The club is very stable. We've always delegated the playing side to Arsène and he has always had a lot of freedom there. In a lot of other clubs, there is not as much clear water as there is at Arsenal."

Wenger - It was like 'cycling with one pedal'

Barclays Premier League
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal




Arsène Wenger did his best to prepare his side for the pitch at the JJB Stadium on Sunday but it was still like "cycling with one pedal".

Arsenal were the better side against Wigan and certainly had enough chances to win. However the muddy surface certainly affected the visitors' brand of passing football. The single point they gleaned gives them a two-point advantage on Manchester United but Sir Alex Ferguson's side now have a game in hand.

"The pitch did not help Wigan or us," said Wenger. "It is not a professional football pitch.

"We were focused and prepared to adapt. We knew the pitch was not that good. But it is still a handicap. If I give you a bike with one pedal you can still focus and prepare to adapt but you will still not be quicker than with two pedals. That is logic.

"I don't think the Champions League was a problem. We played a good Wigan side who are going through a good patch.

"Maybe it was a good point, maybe it was a bad point. We'll see that at the end of the season but now we want to come back to winning habits straight away."

Wenger - We must remain calm and determined

Barclays Premier League
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal



Arsène Wenger has called on his side to remain calm during their current "unlucky patch".

Sunday's stalemate at Wigan was Arsenal's third Premier League draw on a row. Their lead at the top is now two points and Manchester United have a game in hand.

"It is tighter than ever," admitted Wenger afterwards. "We dropped two points today and we are going through a patch at the moment, we are a bit unlucky I feel. But the team is still focused. We want to remain calm and determined then we'll have a very good chance to do it."

Certainly the visitors deserved all three points at the JJB Stadium, as they had at Birmingham City at fortnight ago. Wenger believes it is difficult to face relegation-threatened sides at this stage of the season.

"When you fight against teams who fight not to go down - like we did at Birmingham - they never give up," he said.

"If you do not make a difference early on then you are always under threat because if that happens the more their belief and determination grows during the game."

Flamini - Players have to be ready for a title fight now

Barclays Premier League
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal



Mathieu Flamini refuses to blame the pitch for Arsenal's draw at Wigan on Sunday.

There was plenty of 'surface tension' at the JJB Stadium over the weekend as Arsène Wenger's side saw their title hopes hit by a goalless game played out in difficult conditions.

However Flamini's words afterwards were as no-nonsense as his performance. Yes, the pitch and the midweek trip to Milan were a factor but, he said, "when you want to win the title you have to be ready to fight".



"Of course, it is very frustrating," the 24-year-old commented. "We gave a lot on Tuesday and had to give a lot again at Wigan. It was not easy because it was difficult conditions. But it was important to stay focused defensively and offensively. I think we missed a little bit although we were unlucky.

"The pitch was horrible but what can you say? It was the same for both teams. Of course we like to play and we had to play more long balls so it was more difficult for us.

"But you cannot moan. You just have to score goals and we didn't so now we have to work harder in training and be ready for Middlesbrough [on Saturday].

"It's always difficult especially after big games like Milan, you need to be 200 per cent concentrated. But we had five days to recover.

"We missed a little bit in the final part. But it's like that sometimes. We have the quality and we are strong so we just have to keep going."

Wenger - Van Persie can make a difference

Barclays Premier League
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal




A fit and fresh Robin van Persie can make a difference in the closing stages of Arsenal’s season, according to Arsène Wenger.

Before his substitute appearance against Wigan on Sunday, the Dutchman had played only three games for the Club since October - the last of which came in January in the Carling Cup Semi-Final first leg against Tottenham.



Now convinced that Van Persie’s problems are behind him, Wenger believes the striker can reignite Arsenal’s title charge after three successive Premier League draws.

“He can make a difference,” said the Frenchman, talking before Sunday’s match. “How much? I don’t know. He has played eight games, we have played 28. To have him back for the last 10 would be patience rewarded.

“[Before he was injured] he played eight games and scored five goals. When you lose a player like that you think of course we are in trouble but we compensated well.”

And what of Van Persie’s thoughts?

“He is desperate to come back and do well,” concluded Wenger.

Wenger - Flamini and Fabregas are the best


Barclays Premier League
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal



Arsène Wenger rates Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini as his finest midfield partnership in more than 11 years at the Arsenal helm.

That is a bold statement from a man who nurtured the Patrick Vieira-Emmanuel Petit axis soon after arriving in North London in 1996. The French duo were a driving force behind Arsenal's Double triumph in 1998 and helped their country to World Cup glory the same year.

Fabregas has been a fixture in Arsenal's midfield since Vieira left for Juventus in 2005 but this is Flamini's first season as a regular after waiting patiently for his chance. Nonetheless, Wenger believes that the current incumbents have the edge on their illustrious midfield predecessors.



"Yes, this is the best partnership," said the Arsenal manager.

"Going forward they [Fabregas and Flamini] are technically good and very mobile. Before we had players with impact and now the players' strength is in mobility.

"Maybe they are less physically strong in the challenge than Vieira and Petit but they have a good understanding and they cover each other well."

Fans and pundits alike were urging Wenger to invest in an established midfielder after the departure of Vieira three years ago but the Frenchman stuck to his guns and stuck with his young Gunners. Fabregas, and now Flamini, have benefited from Wenger's policy and the Frenchman feels vindicated.

"We build a team over years being very restrictive about our spending and you are only rewarded if you can keep the team together," said Wenger.

Wenger - I'll keep faith with squad in summer


Arsène Wenger will stick with his usual cautious spending pattern over the summer.

The Arsenal manager has slowly built up his current squad in recent seasons and, this term, he has been rewarded with a sustained title chase. The Frenchman has funds available to buy when the transfer window opens once more at the end of the current campaign but he will only spend within budget and, as ever, his priority is continuity.

"I will keep faith [with them] because we have worked hard for what we have now," said Wenger speaking before the weekend.

"I have said many times, the real target of a manager is to find the balance with what comes in and what goes out and build a team with these restrictions. It is to do well with the funds available.

"We have money because we made money and we made money because we made the right decisions. I believe a football team is not about buying and selling. It is about building, patience, working together and going through a growing process.

"Also it is enjoyable now to see the team coming slowly up and see how well they can do."

That said, Wenger IS prepared to spend big but, he argues, his decision to invest in youngsters a few years ago means that, so far, he has not had to.

"I would have to be completely convinced that it is right and not stupid for the future of the Club," he said.

"But I am in a position where I anticipated the years to come and I prepared for it. [So] I have never been in a situation where I needed to take a big gamble like that."

Letzter Beitrag : 03/13/08 11:12 AM

Braumi - lebt Arsenal noch ?

Jo, klar Rabi

musste das AUS in CL und Meisterschaft erstmal verkraften!

ne, spass bei seite, hatte viel um die ohren und dann einfach nicht mehr wieder angefangen...

ransü hat mich in der Shoutbox auch grad gerügt...

ich gelobe besserung :verneigen

War keine Rüge, nur ne neugierige Frage. Is doch einer der interessantesten Ordner hier unten.

Arsenal to launch new website in the summer

Arsenal Football Club has commissioned award winning digital agency Rippleffect to re-launch its official website.

The new website is due to be unveiled in the summer of 2008 and will be hosted by NTT Europe Online, part of leading hosting company NTT Communications.

The new website embraces a variety of web 2.0 features including Podcasts, Vodcasts, RSS feeds, social bookmarking, multi-media and user-generated content services.

Rippleffect is developing and testing the new website in full accordance with Web Accessibility Initiative guidelines and Disability Discrimination Act legislation. The new site also makes more use of a white design to increase the usability and readability of key information.



A user group of Arsenal fans has been testing the early site development, with 100% of those polled giving the new Arsenal.com design the thumbs up.

The user group had the following to say about the new site:

"The new website seems more interactive, better presented and easier to navigate."

"The switch to a white background makes it a lot easier to read."

"It's well set out and easy to use."

"I especially like the new ticket information section."


i´ll be back

Einspruch! Tischtennis ist interessanter

Der Unterschied zwischen "der interessanteste" und "einer der interessantesten" ist dir aber schon klar, Hörr Spöncörrr?!

Match Report
Barclays Premier League




Arsenal
2

Adebayor 30, Gilberto 38


Reading
0



While some have suggested Arsenal's side needs major surgery before next season, this straightforward yet satisfying victory suggests they may be able to heal their own wounds.

After the drama and disappointment of recent weeks, Arsène Wenger's team needed a game where the points gained reflected the performance put in. That is pretty much what happened against Reading at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal were a little sluggish at the start but once Emmanuel Adebayor put them ahead on 30 minutes they never looked back. Gilberto added another just before the break with a deflected shot (oh for such good fortune in the past fortnight) but the home side were well worthy of their advantage.

Reading looked haunted by relegation and Theo Walcott ran them ragged. Robin van Persie might have added a third after the break when his free-kick hit both post and bar.

The visitors mounted something of a response in the final 10 minutes but it was much too little and much too late.

The last time Arsenal won a Premier League game at home was back February 11 when they beat Blackburn by the same scoreline. Then they were five points clear of Manchester United. This victory put then six behind having played a game more.



There is a bitter-sweet irony in the fact that Arsenal cruised through this game and came away easy winners when at Liverpool and Manchester United they played much better only to lose.

While Wenger's side will be ultimately judged on the big games this season, ahead of this fixture the manager had said the next campaign would start today.

On the evidence of this afternoon, there is plenty of quality left in this Arsenal outfit.

Wenger made just one change from the side beaten at Old Trafford last Sunday. Walcott came in on the right side of the midfield and Emmanuel Eboue dropped to bench. Jens Lehmann continued between the posts, in front of him Alex Song continued at centre half and, in front of him, Gilberto continued in central midfield.

Arsenal's injury list was Justin Hoyte (hamstring), Bacary Sagna, Mathieu Flamini (both ankle), Eduardo (broken leg) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring). Abou Diaby was seeing out the last game of his suspension but it was good to see Denilson named on the bench after seven weeks out with a hamstring injury.

It was a bitterly cold April afternoon at Emirates Stadium but, while Arsenal had a distinctly end-of-season feel about them, Reading had fallen towards the drop zone in alarming fashion in recent weeks. Steve Coppell's side would surely look to capitalise on any wandering minds in the home side.

The early moments of class came from Alex Hleb. First, he set Gael Clichy clear on the left only for the full back to be brought down. Then he released Cesc Fabregas through the centre but, pursued by two visiting defenders, the Spaniard could only poke a stumbling effort at keeper Marcus Hahnemann.

Reading's only threat in the opening quarter came when Liam Rosenior floated over a free-kick from the left and, though Lehmann caught the ball cleanly, he got bundled over by Andre Bikey.

Generally the opening stages had been flat and featureless. The most dramatic moment came after 20 minutes when Ivar Ingimarsson, under pressure from Walcott, miscued a clearance over the head of Hahnemann. The American recovered as the ball bounced towards goal.

The England striker was starting to sparkle. He nearly reached Van Persie's corner with his head and then raced onto Gallas' ball through but his clever cutback was cleared.

Arsenal were starting to exert serious pressure. Van Persie whipped in a vicious free-kick that Hahnemann scooped around the post. From the resulting corner, Song steered a header wide from six yards out.

In the end, the opening goal was simplicity itself. On 29 minutes, Toure clipped in a cross from the right, Adebayor evaded Ibrahima Sonko just outside the area and slotted home his 21st goal in all competitions past the helpless Hahnemann. It was no more than the home side deserved.

Almost immediately, Arsenal nearly got a second. Toure reached the byline and slid a low ball cross the area. Fabregas, also sliding, just failed to meet it.

The respite would be short as, in the 38th minute, Arsenal did score again. Fabregas, who had enjoyed an excellent first half, teed up Gilberto and the Brazilian's drive was diverted in via the head of Bikey. A rare piece of the luck for Wenger's men.

Freed from their title-chasing shackles and comfortably in front, Arsenal began to turn on the style. Adebayor reached the byline and his cutback was met by the galloping Van Persie but Hanhemann saved low to his right. Then the American blocked Toure's shot at the near post and Gilberto's daisy-cutter.

The statistics told the tale of the game at the break. In the first 45 minutes, Arsenal had enjoyed 70 per cent of possession and were totally on top.

For once, the scoreline reflected their domination.

Reading were fighting for their Premier League future and a response was expected. They did stem some of Arsenal's flow after the restart but, at the same time, the home side might have extended their lead in the opening minutes.

Walcott tried to chip Hahnemann after the keeper went wandering, Van Persie had a close-range effort blocked following a scramble in the area.

Just before the hour, Eboue replaced Toure. The latter went straight down the tunnel after he
left the pitch, suggesting he had picked up a knock.

Reading were not chancing their arm like you might have expected and, really, Arsenal were playing in second gear. In the 68th minute Fabregas nodded over from Walcott's dinked cross. The Englishman was still catching the eye and his pace always troubled the visiting defenders.

Sonko brought him down soon afterwards and Van Persie's incredible free-kick hit the bar and then the post before bouncing out to safety.

Just after that, Fabregas shuffled into the area and Walcott sidefooted a shot onto the bar.

Finally Reading began to push forward. Bobby Convey saw an effort tipped over and substitute Michael Duberry might have scrambled the ball in from a corner. But Walcott went clear and should have scored, Van Persie had another shot blocked then finally Fabregas saw an effort cleared off the line.

The best chance Arsenal had to add a third came in injury time when Gilberto burst through with Reading claiming offside. The Brazilian was almost surprised himself to be allowed to run on but replays proved the decision to be correct.

His shot was weak and woeful but it was the final act of an Arsenal performance that had shown exactly the opposite qualities.

Nike - The Cesc Fabregas Show

On May 13 2008, Cesc will be joined by the boss, Matt Lucas and some of football's finest in a one-off TV event.

The Cesc Fabregas Show celebrates the unstoppable rise of a player that's been at the heart of everything for us this season.

From his early season thunderbolt against Man City to his 90-minute masterclass in Milan, this has undeniably been Cesc's season.

Take a look at the video to get a sneak preview of the kind of action you can expect on the night.

Visit Nikelivefabregas.com for more information.

LOOK

Fabregas - My future belongs to Arsenal


Cesc Fabregas has once again re-iterated his commitment to Arsenal.

The midfielder's future came under scrutiny after he was interviewed following the 2-0 victory against Reading on Saturday afternoon. His response was emphatic.

"My future belongs to Arsenal, and it is the truth," he said. "I do not know why [it was brought up]. It is always the same with my situation, always putting my name in another team.



"I have always said I want to play for Arsenal, it is the best team I can be at, the best club for me. Before I even say anything, people put me in another club and I don't understand that.

"But I have always wanted to play for Arsenal."

Wenger - End of April is deadline for Flamini





Arsène Wenger admits that the clock is ticking on his contract negotiations with Mathieu Flamini but he remains confident the French midfielder will sign a new deal.

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has been able to speak to other clubs since January. Newspapers have linked him to a couple of the major Italian sides.

Flamini and Wenger have been talking for some time but the manager has set a deadline for the end of this month. Both sides know that is approaching fast.

"We are getting close to yes or no," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"He says he wants to stay and I believe him. But as long as he has not signed, for me, he is free to sign where he wants. We have set ourselves a target until the end of the month of April to finalise the situation, one way or the other.

"That's an absolute deadline because afterwards we have to make decisions about whether you have to move on the market because you don't have much time left."



At the start of every summer, Wenger is asked about his transfer plans. Every summer he replies by emphasising the importance of stability and continuity. Nothing will change in his attitude this season but a new ruling has complicated his plans.

"My first target is to keep the team together," said the 58-year-old. "Of course, that's a situation I do not master completely. But we want to continue to respect our wage structure because I feel that is very important.

"The situation at the moment has become much more unstable with the Webster clause. Every new rule provokes a little bit more inflation and instability because the players can always move out earlier and quicker.

"[The limit] was 28-years-old but I'm not convinced that that rule will resist for a long time. One day, a 26-year-old will go to court and say it's age discrimination. Why can you move out at 28 and not 26 after two years? So [that rule] will grow again. The stability inside a club will be a big problem because that can be a huge inflation factor."

* The 'Webster Clause' refers to Andrew Webster of Hearts who wished to move to Wigan in 2006. The case went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, they made their ruling earlier this season.

As a result, "the 'Webster Case' will allow players to leave a club after three years of a longer fixed-term contract, or just two years if they are aged over 28. There are two stipulations: the player must hand in his notice in the 15 days following his club's last official match of the third season, and he may not move to a club in the same country."

Wenger - I am not in the market for David Villa




Arsène Wenger was pleased to hear David Villa compliment his team but he is not making a move for the Valencia striker.

This week the 26-year-old was quoted as saying Arsenal's attractive style of play made Emirates Stadium his preferred destination. The Spaniard is hot property at the moment with a healthy record of 51 goals in 95 games for his club and 13 in 30 for his country. Despite that, Wenger ruled out a move in the summer.

On the contrary, the Frenchman believes goalscoring has not been a problem for his side this term and his improving young strikers need room to grow.

"We are not in the transfer market for David Villa," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference. "He has said some very complimentary things about us which we take as a big honour. I rate him highly as a player but I will not make concrete investigations for anyone at the moment."



The manager went on: "I feel up front I need to give time to Walcott and Bendtner because they have made big improvement for me this season. Theo is coming on so I need to give them a chance or they will not come out." THEOOOOOOO

In fact, the Arsenal manager argues goal-scoring is not where his side need strengthening. It is more the other end of the pitch that has been his concern.

"We were leading at Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United plus we were leading at home against Liverpool," he said. "So we can score goals. What we could not stop is conceding goals in big games.

"You know that nine times out of 10 the team that wins the big games is the team who scores first. But we lost these games after being in front. We suffered more as a team defensively rather than offensively."

Wenger targets two 'real quality' players


Arsène Wenger wants one or two "real quality" additions to his squad over the summer.

It was evitable that the Arsenal manager would soon be questioned on his transfer plans in the wake his side's failure to lift the Champions League and Premier League trophies.

Wenger contends his squad does not need major surgery after reaching the Quarter-Finals in Europe and taking their title bid into April despite a raft of injuries. However he concedes that a couple of major contributors are needed.

"At the moment, I don't know [how many we need]," he said at Friday's press conference.

"If you look at the numbers we had Rosicky, Van Persie, Eduardo all out for a period when one of them could have produced a goal for us.

"Van Persie did play at Liverpool but that was a Van Persie of 60 or 70 per cent. He was out for five months and he is just coming back a little bit now. Even Diaby was out for a big part of the season.

"So if you ask me how many players I want to buy, it is not a question of quality, it is a question of one or two quality, real quality, players."

Wenger: 'We want to win but with our own style'



on bouncing back...
"Yes, we responded well after massive, massive, massive disappointment. We responded quite well, I must say I was worried after last Saturday over how we could finish the season, the disappointment was so big that I was not sure we'd be capable to respond, so on that front we did very well. Overall you could see that there is a strong link in the team to play the quality of game we want to play. We have shown some pride and some mental strength not to get ourselves down until the end of the season, and that is very important. The next season starts now and we want to finish as well as possible - you never know. We can make 83 points, it will not be a shame for us, and that is still reachable."

on Walcott's recent form...
"Yes, he made a big improvement in the last two months, he became suddenly more... a man in the game, you know? He still looked a little bit a kid at the beginning of the season but now he has more belief in the fight, there is a more determined attitude, there's more power in his body when he has to resist challenges. It's just a normal development of a boy who has become a man."

on Lehmann staying in goal...
"I don't know yet, I maybe want to play Fabianski in the last games, I give one to Fabianski. I wanted to play Lehmann today, especially because I wanted him to play at home and he has been an extremely great keeper for us. What I do for the remaining games, I have to decide."

on a stylish display...
"Yes, I think the collective technical display is the best we have played in the last twelve years, I would stand for that, but we have not been... If you look a little bit back with distance you could say that at the start of the season we had nothing to lose. When we came under pressure in March maybe we were a bit unlucky, we dropped some points because every problem we had to face we lacked a little bit of maturity, but overall there is a lot of hope because if you see the game today, what kind of quality football we can play, I believe this team has to stay together and to win - to convince completely people. We want to win but with our own style."

on Reading's relegation fight...
"I still think they are three points above relegation, you know, with three points to go. I think if they have one home game against Tottenham, they need to win at home. They need three points, and they will stay up. If they don't win against Tottenham at home, they could be under threat."

Wenger - Theo Walcott is a man now but not a monster




Theo Walcott is a man - but not a monster - on the pitch for Arsenal now, according to Arsène Wenger.

The 19-year-old has put in a number of eye-catching cameos in recent weeks and, on Saturday, sparkled from the start in the 2-0 win over Reading.

Walcott has been under the microscope ever since he signed from Southampton in January 2006 but now, Wenger argues, he is fulfilling his sky-high potential.

"It was his most complete game," said the manager after the weekend win. "One where he looked most 'the man', the most mature.

"At the start of the season, when Theo was on from the beginning, you did not see a lot from him. There were only glimpses when you could say 'there is something there' and you wondered when he would come out. Now he is starting to show that.

"Theo is not a monster, but he has great body power. When he starts on the first five yards, it is like you throw him away. You do not see him, he is gone. That is more important than just more power. But the way we play, we can take advantage of his qualities.



"Before he was always a bit out of the physical contact side of the game, now he looks for it. I told him he had to be more aggressive and determined. He is that now.

"I feel next season began on Saturday for him. I don't know yet if I will start with him for the rest of the season, but there is a good chance yes.

"It is down to him now, how much he wants it. But I hope he continues to produce this type of performance and on his account are 10 or 15 goals, because that is what you should aim for."

Gilberto - I'll chat with the boss about my future



Gilberto intends to have an "open and nice conversation" with Arsène Wenger about his future at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old wants to stay at Emirates Stadium but admits he has been a frustrated figure on the bench this term. He has only amassed 18 starts in all competitions when, 12 months ago, he was a regular and a strong contender for Player of the Season.

Typically, despite his disappointment, Gilberto has kept his counsel and will remain a model professional for these last three games. However he will seek out his manager before the summer.

"I will sit down with the boss at the end of the season," he said. "But for the next few weeks, I will keep focused on doing my job and try to help the team as much as I can. Whether it's on the pitch as I was on Saturday, or whether it's on the training pitch working with the players.

"I will always do my best as a professional but then, at the end of the season, I will see when I speak to Arsène. We always speak very nicely, the conversations we have are very nice. He's open and we'll talk.

"I still have one more year. To be honest, I really want to stay and I've always expressed that. Of course I'm upset that I've not played much this season because last year I played the whole season and this year has been really frustrating.

"But you need to be professional, respect the manager's point of view and help the other players to the maximum that I possibly can.

He went on: "I confess to you, that it's hard to watch from the bench. But I need to respect the other players, respect the manager's view and to be professional.

"I think I have done a good job for Arsenal, I want to carry on and wait for my chance but I also enjoy being back on the field and for me the season starts right now in these last four games."

Wenger - Our potential should keep Hleb here



If Alex Hleb does decide to leave Arsenal in the summer, his motivation should not be the pursuit of trophies, according to Arsène Wenger.

The Belarus midfielder has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium in recent weeks, something that his manager admits he is powerless to stop.

Wenger is sure the 27-year-old will extend his three-year stay in North London but Arsenal's failure to land a trophy this season will have nothing to do with the decision.

"I believe Alex will stay but you cannot stop the rumours when players are in this type of situation," said Wenger. "But I want Hleb to stay like everybody else.

"You can go to Real Madrid and Barcelona, but you have no more guarantees to win trophies. And from this season we should get the belief we can win trophies and come back to win the title."




heyyyy, Hleb MUSS bleiben!!! :schimpfen

Walcott - I know I must produce for 90 minutes


Many have seen this as the season that Theo Walcott ‘arrived’, but the man himself wants more.

The 19-year-old has broken his Premier League and Champions League ducks and produced several game-changing performances from the bench. It appears, though, that is not enough for the ambitious youngster.

Arsène Wenger hailed Walcott’s display against Reading as his “most complete yet”. The forward tormented defenders from start to finish with his nimble feet and blistering pace; that is exactly what he has been waiting for.

“I don’t want to be coming off the bench all the time,” Walcott told the matchday programme. “I want to get in the starting line-up and I know I need to produce what I do when I come off the bench into practise when I start the games. That's my next target.

“At the start of the season, I said I wanted to make 20 or 25 starts, and score 10 goals. At the moment I'm on 16 starts (Walcott was speaking before the weekend match) and five goals, so it looks like I will fall just short of that.

“I thought that was a reasonable target for the season, so I would have liked to have played a bit more than I have, especially lately because I feel I have been playing quite well, but not starting.

“The boss actually spoke to me and he said that my development is going really well at the moment. That's nice to hear. If I keep doing the right things, people will notice even if we don’t get the right results.”

One such occasion where a disappointing result overshadowed the teenager’s brilliance came at Anfield. Walcott ran practically the length of the pitch leaving four Liverpool players in his wake before squaring to Emmanuel Adebayor to convert. Within minutes, though, Steven Gerrard lashed home a penalty sending the Gunners crashing out of the Champions League.

“It's a shame obviously that we didn't go through, but I know myself what I have done. My display up at Liverpool is the sort of thing I want to do when I start the games — get the defenders on the back foot so that they don’t know what I'm going to do next.”

And where on the field does he feel most comfortable in doing that?

“I think I am more dangerous as a striker, and the boss sees me as a striker so I don’t think I have anything to worry about. I think I will play up front more next season which will be nice but I have to work hard to get in the right positions.

“I've been training and practising a lot at home too, because I have an Astroturf area there now as well so I work on things there and try to take it into training, and then into the games.”