DBS Football

Arsenal Will Keep Van Persie

2012-03-09T15:34:00.001-08:00

He was signed for just £2.75 million in 2004 by a manager who saw the potential and talent he possessed, and eight years later, Robin van Persie could leave the club which has propelled him to the world stage for an unthinkable fee, with clubs across Europe eyeing the sensational form that the Arsenal strike is enjoying with undeniable interest.

However, the striker is expected by Arsene Wenger to stay with Arsenal beyond this summer, by signing a new contract with the club where he has spent almost eight seasons.

Despite interest from big, ambitious clubs willing to offer and increase in wages and a staggering transfer fee such as this years Premier League title favourites, Manchester City, Wenger is confident that van Persie will commit. He said:

“We will not lose anybody to Manchester City, or to anybody else because we want to keep our players.”

“We will do everything possible to extend his contract. Our plan is to keep Robin van Persie even if we buy any player. Our desire is clean and clear. Robin is the leader of our club and I would just like to specify that he is not at the end of his contract."

“He is under contract until 2013. So I would say focus on your job, which he does very well and enjoy your games."

Arsenal have effectively signed Koln striker Lukas Podolski for close to £11 million, and there had been questions raised as to whether the German striker would be van Persie's Arsenal strike partner or replacement.

With Wenger's obviously defiant stance that the Dutchman will be going nowhere this summer, it looks likely that Arsenal's strike-force next season will consist of a very potent and experienced pairing of Podloski and van Persie who have scored 48 goals between them so far this season.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Arsenal Agree £10.9million Striker Signing

2012-03-07T14:02:00.001-08:00

Arsenal have had a £10.9 million bid for Koln's German international striker, Lukas Podolski accepted according to the Mail.

The 26 year-old, whose contract with his current Bundesliga side expires in 2013 and has been actively pursuing a move away from Germany for the good of his career has apparently agreed a four year deal with Arsenal worth £100,000 per week and will join Wenger's squad at the end of the current season.

The striker, who has scored 16 goals in 20 League games this season for Koln, has been linked to a number of clubs of late, with big monetary deals supposedly in the offing for him to gobble up, but Podolski recently stated a move would not be for the money: "Money is not the most important thing for me. What is crucial is the development of my game."

Coincidentally, Arsenal would not be able to compete with clubs with backing from billionaire owners willing to spend huge amounts on players wages, which suggests Podolski has had his heart set on a move to Arsenal. This notion has indeed been supported by a current member of the Arsenal squad, who has played with Podolski in the German national team - Per Mertesacker.

The Arsenal defender explained that Podolski has been in contact and has been eager to find out about Arsenal, saying: “He has been very interested in the past few weeks and has sent me a number of text messages. I’ve told him that this is a great place to work and that Arsenal are an amazing club. Nothing has been agreed on yet, though, and Lukas hasn’t given me a ring yet."

Perhaps Mertesacker's praise of Arsenal tipped the balance in Arsenal's favour in terms of persuading Podolski to Arsenal. If reports are true and the left footed striker is on his way to the Emirates at the end of the season, it will certainly boost Robin van Persie's cause as well as adding a reliability and power to the Arsenal attack which is crucial to the sides progress.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Arsenal Earn Respect & Restore Pride

2012-03-06T16:09:00.001-08:00

Officially, Arsenal's aim going into the second leg of their Champions League knock-out round tie against AC Milan was of course, to overturn the four goal deficit suffered last month at the San Siro and progress into the next stage. Realistically however, few people believed it would happen or considered it even possible. On Tuesday night, that notion was painfully close to being shattered by a roaring Arsenal side, out to prove a point and earn some respect.

Having been blown away by Milan just a few weeks ago, with the Arsenal display described harshly but accurately as a "disaster" by even there own very supportive manager, an inevitable wave of whispers regarding a comeback of epic proportions began to circle. At first they were said tongue firmly in cheek, but as the second leg grew closer, and rallying cries were delivered, Arsenal began to grasp a "good feeling" about the tie.

Wenger himself claimed to have a "gut feeling" about Arsenal's possible success despite the monumental challenge they faced, and on the night, it was the minuteness of the expectations placed upon Arsenal which helped them so greatly in releasing the shackles and going after the seven time European Champions.

As soon as the first whistle blew, the men in red were after the Italians with the tenacity and determination that they lacked so evidently in Milan during the first leg. Often, this positive and dogged attitude can count for nothing in football, especially with a four goal disadvantage to overcome, but in this case, the early first goal was exactly what was required. Laurent Koscielny's header set up the rest of the game to be a memorable one.

The Arsenal players celebrated quietly, mentally boosted by the opportunity which had so generously presented itself - the opening goal, an early framework to build upon and most importantly, the small glimmering possibility of a way back into this all but lost tie. Indeed, when Tomas Rosicky managed to drive the second goal past the Milan goalkeeper, the Gunners were halfway in achieving their goal, as unbelieving eyes across Europe watched in an impressed and questionable glare as to whether the comeback was really possible.

It most certainly was possible, and it was unfair on Arsenal to think that it wasn't, so when the home side won a penalty, which Robin van Persie so reliably converted before half time, Arsenal fans had finally taken their tongue out of their cheeks and begun to believe that this epic comeback could and would happen. It didn't, but the effort and passion that the Arsenal players showed to fight back as they did was to anyone, quite admirable, especially when their chances had been dismissed before a ball had been kicked.

While it may not be a very meaty or meaningful consolation to a club which has gone around seven years without a trophy, they can take great solace in such an improved performance in their final European game of the season, as well as their recent impressive domestic form. Perhaps if Arsenal had played this well in the first leg, the desperation and panic would not have been present in the second, and perhaps Arsenal would be through to the next stage, but that is not giving this performance enough credit.

Arsenal go out pained with the knowledge of leaving once again, empty handed, but full with the knowledge that they defeated the seven time winners and possibly the future European Champions by an incredibly impressive three goals to nothing, and only one or two kicks of a ball away from a previously thought of impossible victory.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Watch Goals: Arsenal 3 - 0 AC Milan

2012-03-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Arsenal's 'mission impossible' proved to be far more possible to complete than many had originally anticipated thanks to a fantastic display against Milan at the Emirates in the second leg of their Champions League knock-out round.

Goals from Laurent Koscielny and Tomas Rosiscky as well as a Robin van Persie penalty all in a first half display of huge courage and determination, gave Arsenal huge hope that this incredibly difficult challenge of overcoming a four goal deficit from the first leg could be done.

Unfortunately, the second half was far less succesful, with Milan finally awakening from a temporary slumber of complacency, and controlling the game in a far more composed manner than which they displayed earlier in the game. Watch the goals below:

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Arsenal may Play 6 Strikers vs Milan

2012-03-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

To many, overturning the four goal deficit carried over the first leg in Italy seems an impossibility for Arsenal to achieve against AC Milan. Few teams could even contemplate scoring at least five against the seven time European Cup winners inside 90 minutes, but Arsenal and Arsene Wenger will dare to dream.

There is one overwhelmingly expected outcome for Tuesday nights game at the Emirates, but with a "gut feeling" and nothing to lose, Arsene Wenger will send an Arsenal team out to battle with the order to attack relentlessly and at least come some way to scraping back some dignity in Europe after their abysmal showing at the San Siro last month.

Wenger's injury problems in midfield have left him with just two fit players available in the middle, but it also leaves him with little option but to fill in the blanks with forward thinking, attacking players with an eye for goal. Wenger describes his situation as one in which he has "no choice" with and therefore can take the risk of playing a very attacking formation despite being up against such a potent attacking force in the form of Milan. Wenger said:

"Basically, I have only two midfielders fit, that is Alex Song and Tomas Rosicky, which means we have to play with four strikers."

“I can play six strikers if I want. I have enough strikers. I can take a risk because I have no choice. Even if they should score, we have to ignore it and continue going. We have to gamble a bit and go forwards, opening ourselves up a bit."

Opening up at the back and allowing vulnerability against a side with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Kevin Prince-Boetang is hardly the ideal tactic for such an important game in such a prestigious tournament, but as Wenger says, his side have little choice in matters. Either Arsenal go out of the competition without a fight, or they battle the Italians in London until the very end, and squeeze as much pride and joy from the situation as they can.

Indeed, Wenger has a gut feeling which despite meaning little and doing nothing to fill Arsenal fans with a considerable or meaningful amount confidence and positivity heading into the game does suggest the positive mentality in the Arsenal camp. A mentality of underdogs of whom many are expecting very little from them which could certainly work in Arsenal's favour. He said:

"I have a gut feeling they can do it and my job until kick-off is to convince them they can do it. In the last two home games against Tottenham and Blackburn we scored 12. There is a real possibility.”

Those worried that Wenger is all talk and will leave the clubs top scorer and in form captain, Robin van Persie on the bench in order to spare his energy for upcoming Premier League games can put their minds to ease, with Wenger's recognition of possible hypocrisy. “It would not be very credible to tell you we want to score five goals and then leave Van Persie out,” he said.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Wilshere Back in Arsenal Training Very Soon

2012-03-04T17:52:00.002-08:00

Arsenal are hoping and perhaps expecting that Jack Wilshere will play a part in Arsenal's improving Premier League campaign before the end of the season having been boosted by the latest scan results on the midfielders troubled ankle.

The 20 year-old has played absolutely no part in Arsenal's season so far due to the stress fracture he suffered before the footballing year began and the persistent and most unfortunate set-backs he unexpectedly suffered as a result of the recovering injury.

However, Arsene Wenger has revealed that Wilshere is hoping to be back before the end of the season having received positive information regarding his rehabilitation and the state of his ankle from doctors.

While the Arsenal manager warned that a cautious approach will be taken with the young English midfielder, he did admit that the player is most certainly on his way back. Wenger said:

“The last scan was good and he can start to jog, so he is on the way back. We have to be very cautious with him, though I hope to have him back by the end of the season. We go step by step.”

He may not be back in full, competitive training just yet, Wilshere is starting to train on the ankle once again which is progress in itself. Having worked hard to stay fit all season without any game time, Wenger will slowly work him back into first team action without aggravating the previous problem or piling too much pressure on the youngster too early on in his return.

Sooner or later, Wilshere will return which is a huge bonus for Arsenal's push to secure a top four spot which is looking increasingly likely with their closest competitors Chelsea only recently parting company with their manager.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Villas-Boas Sacked as Chelsea Look to Guardiola

2012-03-04T08:19:00.002-08:00

The list of former Chelsea managers grew another famous name longer today with news that Andre Villas-Boas has parted company with the club, less than nine months after being appointed in the incredibly challenging role of pleasing the expectant billionaire Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.

Villas-Boas, who cost Chelsea £13.3 million to buy out his FC Porto contract last year, managed just 40 games with a 47.50 win percentage compared with the impressive 88.24 win percentage he managed at Porto. Chelsea's poor form has left them in fifth place - three points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table.

Roberto Di Matteo, who was Villas-Boas' assistant manager for his short time in charge will take the role of interim caretaker manager until the end of the season as the Chelsea board attempt to persuade a new name to the Chelsea dugout to take charge of a troubled Chelsea side.

Already, Abramovich has apparently set his sights on Barcelona's hugely successful manager, Pep Guardiola who is yet to commit his future with the current La Liga and European Champions. Abramovich is well known for his dogged desire to see his Chelsea side lift the European Cup, with no manager since his takeover managing the achievement, but 41 year-old Guardiola has already won the illustrious trophy twice in his short managerial career.

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who famously won the Champions League in his first season with the club reportedly had a 5 hour interview earlier in the week with the Chelsea board. However, discussions fell through due to Chelsea's desire to have the Spaniard until the end of the season which was in conflict with Benitez's demands for a contract of at least two years.

There had also been talks of Villas-Boas being sacked before the week-end, but to give the young manager one last chance, he was allowed to lead the side into the game against West Bromwich Albion. Having lost the game by a single goal which meant the side were left in fifth place in the table, the decision was taken to part company, with Chelsea saying in a club statement:

"The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointment that the relationship has ended so early. Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season."

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Watch Goals: Van Persie Double vs Liverpool

2012-03-03T07:04:00.002-08:00

Arsenal made an impressive comeback at Anfield against Liverpool in the early kick off thanks to someone very familiar to the Arsenal score sheet this season, Robin van Persie.

The Arsenal captain managed to haul Arsenal back into the game having seen his side concede an own goal through Laurent Koscielny in the 23rd minute, scoring a diving header seven minutes later from a Bacary Sagna cross. He then won the game in injury time with a stunning volley at Reina's near post to the delight of the travelling Arsenal fans. Watch the goals below:

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

"I am flattered to be linked to Man United"

2012-03-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

Manchester United's little-known Spanish defensive target, Roberto Román Triguero, has spoken of the flattery at being linked to a club as big as the Old Trafford side.

The 26 year-old right back, who currently plays in La Liga for 11th placed Rayo Vallecano, has been scouted by Sir Alex Ferguson's own brother and United scout, Martin Ferguson, who watched the defender in action against Real Madrid at the week-end.

The player, who is more commonly known as 'Tito', explained his situation to the Spanish daily sports newspaper, AS, saying:

"I am flattered to be linked to a club like Manchester United and I know Martin Ferguson was at Vallecas on Sunday because I was told in the dressing room."

"I don’t know if the interest will result in a move – if it does, I will be delighted. If not, I am happy here at Rayo."

It is believed that a fee in the region of £1.5 million would be enough to bring the player to Manchester United, but whether or not the Premier League champions wish to act on their initial interest remians to be seen.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Gym Work & Adjustment for De Gea

2012-03-01T16:35:00.001-08:00

Much has been written and said of Manchester United's 21 year-old goalkeeper David de Gea, whose beginnings in England have been far from perfect. Unfortunately for him, due to his inevitably difficult start in the Premier League, he has had to endure those jumping viciously upon his back, adding further pressure and removing any room for error.

It is credit to his talent and mentality as well as the support he has gratefully received from Manchester United, that the Spaniard has ridden this storm, shaken many of his bloodthirsty critics from his back, and is now showing fantastic signs of consistency between the sticks at Old Trafford. There is of course room for improvement.

He has made an increasing number of top quality saves which have kept United in games and won them incredibly valuable points, but it is his suspect physical presence in the box which is hoped to be added to in the coming months.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who has put continued faith in his young goalkeeper amidst some often unjustified criticisms believes work in the gym to develop his frame will do him the world of good in competing against large, physical attackers of the Premier League. He said:

"The boy has got talent. He’s lightning quick, but he has just found it difficult to adjust to some parts of the game here."

"It’s a matter of developing his frame and he’s doing a lot of work in the gym. If we can get maybe a stone on him without losing any of his flexibility or speed it would be a great boost to him."

He has received support from a number of sources, the latest of which comes from United's former European and Premier League Champion, Peter Schmeichel, who admitted that he was "disappointed" by the criticisms of de Gea who he believed hadn't been given a fair chance to prove himself. The United legend said supportingly: "There's no doubt in my mind that he [De Gea] is a great goalkeeper."

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Podolski Agrees Arsenal Move

2012-02-28T15:39:00.000-08:00

Lukas Podolski will be playing in the Premier League for Arsenal next season if reports are to be believed today. The Polish born German international has, according to several reports originating from the German press, agreed terms to move to Arsenal at the end of the season.

The 26 year-old had been linked to Arsenal strongly in the past and was ambitiously pushed towards London by the press this January, but those associated with the player insisted that he would be staying with his current side, FC Koln for at least and most likely until the end of the season.

There have also been murmurs that Podolski has become troubled by the Bundesliga sides restricted ambitions and had been awaiting for a 'bigger club' to come in for him. Arsenal, who will be hoping to persuade Robin van Persie to stay at the club at the end of the season, have therefore offered their hand to the Bundesliga striker, with Podolski more than happy to accept.

His current side are supposedly willing to offer Podolski a new contract worth 5 million euros per year, with the knowledge that their star man's current contract expires in 2013. However, they are also willing to negotiate with Arsenal if Arsene Wenger is prepared to match their valuation of £15 million.

In 18 League appearances this season, the striker has managed 15 goals, and is moving into the prime of his career. Arsenal would do well to bring him to London and partner him with van Persie as the determined and very left footed head of the attack.

Surely, having bought strikers such as Marouanne Chamakh, Park Chu-Young and to a certain extent, Gervinho all for relatively small prices and to no positive effect in recent transfer windows, Wenger must understand that an established European striker with experience and credibility is a more reliable choice for the Arsenal attack.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Leaving Arsenal "Best Possible Decision" for Midfielder

2012-02-27T15:52:00.001-08:00

Arsene Wenger is well known for his admirable support and defence of his players when it comes to criticism, and there are few Arsenal players who received more criticism than Andrei Arshavin.

The Russian captain moved back to his boyhood club, Zenit St Petersburg on loan this February whilst the Russian transfer window remained open, and has since spoken of the suitability of the move for him.

He had been experiencing particularly difficult times of late among Arsenal fans due to his questionable performances in a red shirt, yet retained the support of his manager despite growing adversity.

The 30 year-old attacking midfielder believes that moving back to Russia for regular first team football and a relieving of pressure has been a positive move for him because of "problems" he was having at the Emirates. He said:

“I believe that it’s been the best possible decision for me – to return to my native town, to help my native club and myself.”

“Zenit made me the right offer at the right time as I was having certain problems at Arsenal with too little match practice.”

Arshavin was linked to several other clubs in the January transfer window as well as to another Russian side, Anzhi Makhachkala who have incredible spending power, but the player says that his former club were the only ones to make a serious move, whilst insisting that the loan deal will improve his preparations for Russia's participation in the upcoming Euro 2012 competition:

“It was unlikely for me to join any other club as Zenit were the only side, who made Arsenal and me a serious proposal."

“I hope here in Zenit I will receive everything I need to prepare for the 2012 European championships in the best possible way.”

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Wenger's Recipe for Arsenal Success

2012-02-26T14:46:00.001-08:00

Arsene Wenger continuously and determinedly espouses the utmost importance of spirit and belief that his players do and often do not show. It is a huge part of the Frenchman's philosophy it seems, that this character and resolute mental attitude is crucial for success.

Two goals down at home against Tottenham on Sunday, and you would be forgiven as an Arsenal fan in feeling sapped of all positivity and belief in this seemingly dejected, defeatist Arsenal side. Wenger's face conveyed a similar pessimism as he sat frustrated on the Arsenal bench watching his side lose their way once again this season. However, what was to come was exactly what Wenger preaches persistently with admirable perseverance.

Goals from Bacary Sagna, Robin van Persie, two from Theo Walcott and a rare one from Tomas Rosicky completed a stunning turnaround which, after Emmanuel Adebayor's penalty to put Spurs two goals ahead, seemed utterly impossible.

It is this type of unthinkable and unanticipated comeback which is to some degree rather shocking considering Arsenal's form of late and it this exact shock factor for both Arsenal and the rest of the League that could change the clubs season for the better.

Indeed, Arsene Wenger sees it in this light. The troubled manager who has once again guided a side to a season which will see no silverware at the end of it barring an even greater and preposterous recovery against AC Milan this week, highlighted the change in emphasis in Arsenal's so far unsuccessful season.

Wenger said: "People will see now that Arsenal are alive more than anyone thought before the game. The performance today showed spirit. From the technical side, and with the drive of the whole team and style that we want to play, everything was perfect despite a very bad start. Spurs started well in the first five minutes, but it was all us for the next 85 minutes. We were 2-0 down but refused to lose the game and kept going."

What is important here are his final words. Arsenal "refused to lose the game and kept going." This is exactly what must continue in order for the Gunners to have a season which can be looked back on with any semblance of satisfaction.

They have ridden - granted, not very well - a rather large wave representing an incredibly difficult start to the season, and have played inconsistently since then. They must refuse to end this season outside of the top four and keep going to achieve that sole aim.

Without the top four, it is extremely unlikely that the best players will firstly want to stay with Arsenal, and secondly, want to join. Champions League football must be achieved. Even if they do not win in Europe this season, they must have the possibility of trying again next year.

Momentum must be kept up in their favour, starting with a positive result against Milan and more importantly, a win against QPR on Saturday. They side cannot afford to drop back into obscurity and ridicule with a poor performance lacking in everything Wenger is about; spirit and belief. Keep this up and they have a chance.

Meanwhile, on Arsenal's chances of coming back from four goals down against Milan, he managed a small chuckle, saying: "We will try."

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Nasri: I Support Arsenal But I'm Glad I Left

2012-02-21T17:29:00.003-08:00

Samir Nasri created a name for himself at Arsenal thanks to the clubs free-flowing attacking style of play, initiated by Arsene Wenger to roam the final third with his "technically outstanding" ability, skill and creativity.

It was this which led to his fantastic early season form in his final year with the London club and which, in turn, led to Manchester City and their millions being attracted to such a talent.

However, since signing for City for £24 million last summer, Nasri has found life rather different.

One could say he has been disappointed by his sparing start to his career in Manchester, having featured more on the bench than on the field, and experiencing a more defensive minded philosophy and playing style under Mancini than under Wenger.

He does feel though, that Arsenal must learn from his new club in order to be successful, citing "winning ugly" as something that Arsenal avoid and is therefore holding them back, saying:

“In football, sometimes it’s good to win ugly – you don’t always have to play good football to win.”

"Arsenal play good football, but after seven years, they don’t win so that’s difficult for them. We did it [won ugly] against Aston Villa and Porto, but the problem is that everyone is used to 5-1 and 6-1 victories and, in a season, you have a moments where you don’t feel the same way."

His generous advice to Arsene Wenger perhaps stems from the fact that he left Arsenal slightly reluctantly, with a sense of support for the club that he played 125 games for, scoring 27 and assisting 16 goals. He did in fact reveal that he was hoping the club would win the FA Cup before their loss to Sunderland last weekend due to the respect he has for Arsene Wenger and his former colleagues.

"It’s important to win points and win games and that’s what we have done. I wanted Arsenal to win the FA Cup or something because I have respect for the players there and the manager. I don’t want Arsenal to fall down."

Despite that, he does not at all regret signing for Manchester City, and believes that after three seasons with no trophies at Arsenal, moving north was the best career choice for him, especially considering that whilst Arsenal are soon to be confirmed out of the Champions League, and already out of all other domestic competitions, City could be on course to win two major trophies this season, in the Premier League and Europa League:

"But I have never doubted that I made the right choice in coming here. We are top of the league and still on course for the Europa League, so I’m really happy."

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Van Persie to Open Arsenal Contract Talks

2012-02-20T16:26:00.001-08:00

Arsenal's much discussed "crisis" has come at the worst possible time for a club hoping to retain a firm grip on one of the best strikers in the world at the moment; Robin van Persie.

Having been knocked out of competitions and humiliated on Europe's biggest stage, you would have thought it would be a good time for the 28 year-old Dutchman to jump ship in search of silverware. According to the latest reports, this is not the case.

In fact, the widely anticipated action of van Persie being reluctantly sold at the end of the season due to his Arsenal contract running out may yet be avoided, with the talismanic figure for the Gunners prepared to enter into contract negotiations with his club.

He has, as yet been hesitant to discuss his future with anyone, keeping his cards firmly and rightly against his chest with the knowledge that any comment on his future could and would undoubtedly be blown way out of proportion, causing needless unrest in the Arsenal camp.

Currently earning around £80,000 per week, Arsenal, who were revealed to have a £55 million transfer budget for this summer to spend on recruiting new players, will offer the club captain an improved weekly wage which could take his earnings up to over £100,000 a week. According to the Telegraph, the player would also be given a substantial added sum for signing on, described as a "renewal fee."

Understandably, it is likely that the Dutchman will wait until the end of the season to put pen to paper if at all, as he waits to see if Arsenal will qualify for the Champions League next season by making it into the top four. This is now Arsenal's only real aim having been effectively knocked out of both Europe and the FA Cup in a matter of days.

Nevertheless, van Persie's apparent willingness to talk is a welcome boost for the club who look likely to have a considerable overhaul this summer in terms of transfer activity. Whether all factors considered are enough to keep a man with big ambitions and a decreasing amount of time in which to fulfill those ambitions at Arsenal remains to be seen, but Wenger and the fans will certainly hope so.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Arsenal's £55m Summer Spending Spree

2012-02-19T16:38:00.001-08:00

Arsenal will look to make up for lost ground on fellow top four challengers this summer by giving Arsene Wenger a mammoth amount of £55 million to spend on recruiting new players.

The club have been knocked out of the FA Cup and League Cup, and are effectively out of both the Champions League and the Premier League title race, leaving them with the only ambition of finishing inside the top four in order to gain European Cup qualification next year.

After seven years without a trophy, it has finally been decided that money must be spent in order to keep Arsenal in with a chance of winning something next season.

Despite Wenger's failure to deliver success to the London club in recent years, Arsenal's majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke and the Gunners board will support their manager despite growing unrest among the Arsenal fan base.

As I wrote yesterday, this support from the board and the fans must be present in abundance, as must substantial funds be available for Arsenal to compete with clubs who have mountains of cash themselves in the transfer market.

However, what must also be assured is that Arsene Wenger, known for his reluctance to delve into his transfer fund, does purchase players who are ready-made, quality players, rather than young men with potential.

Whilst this has been successful to a degree, it has not brought Arsenal the desired silverware to appease frustrated fans and ambitious players. Former Arsenal manager George Graham diagnosed the problem as follows:

'I think Arsenal are in crisis. I think it’s been slipping away for the last couple of years and they’ve not been replacing the players that left four or five years ago. They’ve got money to buy players and I can’t understand why Arsene didn’t go out and buy some real quality players in the summer."

"Nowadays you’ve got to introduce youngsters coming through like Sir Alex Ferguson does. But at the same time he’ll buy the ready-made player who costs £25m because they’re not afraid to do it."

"I think Arsene has overdone the youth policy and the players coming in are not as good as the ones that have left."

Eden Hazard, Mario Goetze, Lukas Podolski; all are players whom have been linked with Arsenal recently, and all are quality players who will cost a considerable amount. Wenger now has no excuses. It is spend to succeed or fail to do both.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Arsenal's Big Issue

2012-02-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

It's that time again. Arsenal's chances of winning a trophy this season have once again been painfully shattered like a heavy sledgehammer through thin glass, and the rumblings and grumblings over the future of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger emerge from the shadows. This is becoming a repetitive routine.

Season after season, year after year, the glass is lain upon the ground in millions of fractured pieces along with the Arsenal players' morale, confidence and belief. For Arsenal fans, this is a feeling felt so often their support is growing numb. Disappointment upon disappointment is hard to take, and to see Wenger's empire slowly erode is painful for most.

The latest episode of disaster was rather hard to watch. The "massacre" as some called it, in Italy against a ruthless AC Milan side, means Arsenal are effectively out of the Champions League, but Wenger and his players were quick to announce that this must be put behind them. They did after all, have an FA Cup fifth round to look forward to against Sunderland.

This would surely be accomplishable. Sunderland themselves had been in a situation similar (granted, not to the same scale) as Arsenal, having witnessed Steve Bruce's time tick too far around the managerial clock. The club were in trouble, and in dire need of an injection of new blood - who better than Martin O'Neill? The Irishman has lifted the club mentally and physically (not quite) up the table, breathing new life into a dejected and tired team. Sunderland were on good form going into the game, but Wenger expected his Arsenal side to overcome the challenge.

They didn't. Not even close. Two goals conceded at the Stadium of Light means nothing but a gloomy darkness for the Gunners and Wenger. Only a monumentally unlikely comeback at the Emirates against AC Milan and then a stunning sprint to the final, passing Europe's elite on the way, would revive the fortunes of this Arsenal side this season.

Everyone agrees that there is a problem. Seven years without a trophy is hard to argue with; no matter how close they have come, the team has a clear lack of finishing touch and it is this quality which has come to define the ailing side. However, not everyone agrees on what the problem is.

Some say Wenger is the culprit for Arsenal's failings. He would say it's the pitch, the schedule, player absentees, bad luck (possibly caused by a mirror he may have broken seven years ago) or some other excuse he may find. There is little doubt that the Frenchman has some culpability in the mess Arsenal find themselves in. Whether it is his fault or not (or even a fault at all), Arsenal's net spend since 2006 is the lowest out of every club in the Premier League.

His policy of not spending big money has allowed the club to fall behind the pack. He may pull Arsenal into the top four every season despite not purchasing established world stars, but once he has nurtured players into world stars he is forced to sell them because their ambitions cannot be met at Arsenal. The latest example of that situation is Cesc Fabregas and the next is likely to be Robin van Persie.

This has clearly had a long-term affect on the side and its ability to win silverware against clubs without that policy.

Then there is his current crop of players. On paper, the aren't a bad bunch. In fact, they are pretty decent. Szczesny is one of the best goalkeepers in the League, Vermaelen and Koscielny are a solid pair on their day, Ramsey and Arteta are, likewise, good footballers, and Robin van Persie is, well, Robin van Persie. The players on either side of the pitch have been a big problem, however.

The left and right backs have been ravaged with injury, and this was incredibly bad luck, but there are then the players who would probably do Arsenal a favour if they were out injured. Walcott and Arshavin have been the occupiers of the wings for the most part, and the least said about them the better. The others in Arsenal's squad are a mixture of very good players like Jack Wilshere, and the players who have been rather ineffective or poor such as Tomasz Rosicky, Sebastian Squillaci and Marouann Chamackh.

What Wenger has done for Arsenal is fantastic. Few managers could have driven a side to the success and respect that he has for the last 16 years. Sacking him would be a catastrophe and an embarrassment as well as an ungrateful wave of ignorance for what he has achieved. He needs support and money - as much as possible.

He must be willing to listen to his fans growing cries - to get rid of certain players and replace them with men ready with quality, ambition and determination to succeed. This summer will be huge for Wenger. Clearly, trusting players unworthy or ungrateful of a place in the team has cost, as has not spending money and Arsenal must change this as soon as possible, with support from the board, the players and fans alike.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Watch: Arsenal's Ryo Miyaichi's Goal for Bolton

2012-02-18T07:30:00.001-08:00

Arsenal's on loan youngster, Ryo Miyaichi scored a wonderful goal in he FA Cup 5th round against Millwall for Bolton Wanderers. His potential has been praised by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, and his talent is an exciting prospect for all at The Emirates, and this goal only adds to that hope. Watch the goal below:

Hazard Flirts with Arsenal Transfer

2012-02-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

Eden Hazard is a young player with extremely impressive footballing talents, and a big future ahead of him, with the next big step in his career expected to be taken this summer. He has been linked to every club who could possibly raise the money to afford his services, and has also flirted with the idea of a transfer to several clubs himself.

The latest is Arsenal, whose manager, Arsene Wenger has a long running admiration for the 21 year-old Belgian attacking midfielder.

The French manager has previously stated that Hazard has the ability to play in his Arsenal team, whilst the player himself has also previously expressed an interest in playing for the Gunners. Speaking to Foot Sport Magazine recently, Hazard reaffirmed that interest, saying:

"There are several clubs that interest me in England and Arsenal is really a part. Of course, it's always more fun when the football is beautiful. In addition, at Arsenal, there is a French coach and French players, as well as my compatriot Thomas Vermaelen."

Hazard, whose technical ability and all-round flare has been compared to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, currently plays in the French Ligue 1 for Lille, and has amassed 179 appearances since making his debut at the age of just 16. He is in his fifth year with Lille and now feels it is time to head for bigger things, with his preference being a move to the English Premier League. He continued:

"That's the championship where I think I can express myself better. Where I can learn more, too. It's difficult to explain why, it's a question of feeling."

"The level of the matches, the atmosphere in the stadiums, this is still well above anything I've experienced so far in France and that attracts me. And I know many people in England - this is another added attraction."

Arsenal have an almighty challenge in securing the Belgians signature however, as his price tag is hefty to say the least. It is thought somewhere in the region of £35 million will be demanded from Lille this summer, which would destroy Arsenal's record transfer fee. Whether Wenger would afford the luxury of spending that amount remains to be seen, but what does seem clear, is that if he doesn't, someone else most certainly will. Tottenham are also a favourite of Hazard's.

The attacking midfielder has not ruled out a move to Spain or Italy however - in fact he is very welcoming of interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but as he says, his main attraction is England for now, which leaves his future on the hands and the bank balances of English clubs.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Theo Walcott - Should I Stay or Should I Go?

2012-02-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

Since signing for arsenal in 2006, Theo Walcott has consistently been a player with potential - nothing more, nothing less. He has shown bursts of quality on the football field to match his lonesome attribute of blistering pace, but far too often has the most important facet of a winger illuded the young Englishman - delivery.

His performances have therefore been hindered by growing frustrations with his service to the Arsenal attack, and on the back of an abysmal all-round display from Arsenal in the Champions League against AC Milan in which an ineffective Walcott was hauled off at half-time, heavier criticism is being angled at the 22 year-old. Some are suggesting the club should sell him as soon as possible - but what do you think?

Should Arsenal stick with the frustrating winger and hope he improves, or should they get rid of an underachieving player who will continue to disappoint. Vote now:

Antonio Valencia - Out for "4 Weeks"

2012-02-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

Manchester United's 0 - 2 win against Ajax in the Europa League first leg knock out round came at a price. Just how heavy a price remains to be seen, but according to Sir Alex Ferguson, his in form Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia, who started the move which led to the second goal, will be out of action for four weeks. Ferguson said:

"He has a hamstring injury unfortunately. It will be four weeks. It's a blow to lose Valencia, but bit by bit, we are getting stronger with Nani and Ashley Young coming back."

It is typical of Manchester United's luck this season with injuries that the 26 year-old, who has been in fantastic form this season, with his strong, penetrating runs down the wings and coming inside, would pick up an injury to disrupt that form.

However, several players did return from absences to gather some much needed playing time and European experience. Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones both started, with the former coming off early in the second half and the latter completing the whole 90 minutes, whilst Chris Smalling spent the game on the bench after returning from injury. The Manchester United manager continued:

"Tom Cleverley has played a bit of football tonight and Phil Jones has played a full game which is good for us. Chris Smalling was on the bench, but will play in the return match at Old Trafford next Thursday."

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

"It is very, very hard to take this one"

2012-02-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Arsenal's Champions League campaign looks to be over before it really begun. A disastrous and morale destroying loss to AC Milan in the intimidatingly vociferous San Siro on Wednesday night was met with understandable disappointment. It is a deficit which will be hard or near impossible to claw back, but it is a result that Arsenal cannot dwell on.

Mikel Arteta, purchased by Wenger in the summer transfer window as a replacement for the departed Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal must look forward to the sides FA Cup tie against Sunderland rather than focus on the heavy defeat in Italy. He conceded it is painful to deal with, but he feels him and his team mates must remain positive. The Spaniard said:

“We have to try to digest this result. We have another great game on Saturday in the FA Cup and there are some big ones coming up soon.

"We have to be mentally ready when we get back because it will be a very tough game against Sunderland. It is very, very hard to take this one."

The 29 year-old former Everton midfielder, like the rest of the team, did not perform to the standard expected of them against Milan, and thanks to goals from Kevin Prince Boateng, Robinho [2] and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, suffered a heavy loss which was embarrassing for all. Arteta attempted to explain the problem on the night:

"We were expecting a different game but we found it very difficult to create chances on the floor like we wanted to and they were the better team."

"Every time they managed to get the ball out from the back on the floor and create a problem for us. We are very disappointed, it's a big result to take."

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

Watch Goals: Ajax 0 - 2 Man United

2012-02-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

Manchester United overcame Ajax in Amsterdam on Thursday night thanks to two second half goals from Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez in the first leg of their Europa League knock-out round.

The display, particularly in the first half, was not the best from United, but a pick up in pace after the restart put Ajax under increasing pressure and Sir Alex Ferguson's men eventually managed to break the deadlock through Young, who prior to his goal had been, along with fellow United winger Nani, disappointing.

The game also saw the welcome return of the young Tom Cleverley in the midfield who played alongside Michael Carrick for the first half. He was substituted after United's first goal early in the second half by Paul Scholes, who was able as usual, to keep possession and the one goal lead.

Antonio Valencia - a winger in superb form at present - came on for Young, and began the move which led to Hernandez's goal and United's second. However, in the build up to the goal, the Ecuadorian picked up and injury which meant he had to be substituted for Danny Welbeck.

The convincing win by two clear goals relieves a great deal of pressure from Manchester United as they head into the second leg at Old Trafford. It may be a chance to rest some key players and introduce some younger players into the first team in Europe to gain some valuable experience.
Watch the goals below:

Arsenal's Italian 'Disaster'

2012-02-15T17:42:00.000-08:00

The fact that Clarence Seedorf - a player who lasted only 12 minutes before being forced off with injury - received a match rating equal to the highest rating of any Arsenal player in the Telegraphs "how the players rated" article, tells you all you need to know.

Arsenal were outplayed, outclassed and quite simply outdone by a deceptively strong and clinical AC Milan side, who smashed a much deserved four goals passed Wojciech Szczesny at the San Siro on Wednesday night.

It was Arsenal's first real test in the Champions League, and they did little to prove that they have the firepower or strength to pass it with any ambition or intent in order to progress into the latter stages of the prestigious and notoriously difficult competition. It was just too easy for the Italian side to keep the ball, pass it around the Arsenal midfield and dominate the play As a result, they created a few good chances, and, thanks to some poor defending on Arsenal's part, finished them.

A superb goal from former Tottenham and Portsmouth attacker Kevin Prince Boeteng gave AC Milan the mental and numerical boost they needed in order to press for a valuable home win in front of their intimidatingly noisy fans, but it was also a chance for the away side. The opening goal gave Arsenal a chance to wake up from their slumber and have a go at AC Milan - give the home side something to resist, to fight against, to play against - but nothing came. Wenger's team lacked any drive or penetration and their performance in all areas of the pitch suffered as a result.

The defence was generally weak - even more so when the best Arsenal defender on the night, Lauren Koscielny was forced off due to an injury. The midfield were overrun and Robin van Persie received little support of any kind up front to work his magic. He has one or two chances which were well saved by Christian Abbiati, but, in truth, the away side didn't deserve a goal.

The second goal came soon enough, with the illusive Zlatan Ibrahimovic beating the offside trap (debatable) and pulling it back for Robinho to head in. After that, it was a matter of how many Milan would score, and how many goals Arsenal would need to get back in the second leg in order to progress. The answer? 4. Robinho grabbed another after half time and Ibrahimovic, who had been impressive all night slotted home a penalty conceded by Johan Djourou just over ten minutes before the end.

Thierry Henry, who came on at half-time for his last game in an Arsenal shirt before heading back to the USA, had any hopes of a fairy-tale ending to his nostalgic return to the London club dashed, with Arsenal's hoped of winning a European trophy suffering the same fate.

A four goal deficit is not impossible to overcome, but it is extraordinarily unlikely to happen, with the self proclaimed 'realistic optimist' Arsene Wenger, declaring that the result was a "disaster" and that "we don't play in a dreamworld, realistically we will be out of this competition".

The Frenchman continued: "We were never in the game, we were very poor both offensively and defensively. It was shocking to see how we were beaten everywhere, it was the worst performance in Europe by far. There was not one moment during the 90 when we were really in the game."

"What made it worse is that we had to chase the game and open up our game and they always caused the same problems with balls over the top. We were well beaten, it's difficult to analyse, it's better not to talk too much and to analyse it with a cooler head and regroup for the next game."

Barring an epic comeback of Biblical proportions, Arsenal will look to the FA Cup as their only source for silverware this season. The Champions League has once again proven, with Arsenal's weak and youthful team ravaged with injuries, too much for a club that looks out of its depth against the European heavyweights.

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

PIC: Arsenal, Barca & Man United 2012/13 Kits?

2012-02-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

This is the picture supposedly leaked from a Nike warehouse which has been thrown around the internet recently of Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United's home kits for the 2012/13 season.

Opinions have so far been generally negative on the kits which often bring forth a number of critical fans each year. What do you think?

Follow Me on Twitter @DB SFootball

DBS Football

Arsenal Will Keep Van Persie

Arsenal Agree £10.9million Striker Signing

Arsenal Earn Respect & Restore Pride

Watch Goals: Arsenal 3 - 0 AC Milan

Arsenal may Play 6 Strikers vs Milan

Wilshere Back in Arsenal Training Very Soon

Villas-Boas Sacked as Chelsea Look to Guardiola

Watch Goals: Van Persie Double vs Liverpool

"I am flattered to be linked to Man United"

Gym Work & Adjustment for De Gea

Podolski Agrees Arsenal Move

Leaving Arsenal "Best Possible Decision" for Midfielder

Wenger's Recipe for Arsenal Success

Nasri: I Support Arsenal But I'm Glad I Left

Van Persie to Open Arsenal Contract Talks

Arsenal's £55m Summer Spending Spree

Arsenal's Big Issue

Watch: Arsenal's Ryo Miyaichi's Goal for Bolton

Hazard Flirts with Arsenal Transfer

Theo Walcott - Should I Stay or Should I Go?

What Should Arsenal Do With Theo Walcott?

Antonio Valencia - Out for "4 Weeks"

"It is very, very hard to take this one"

Watch Goals: Ajax 0 - 2 Man United

Arsenal's Italian 'Disaster'

PIC: Arsenal, Barca & Man United 2012/13 Kits?