Daily Arsenal Updates

Ipswich v Arsenal preview

2011-01-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Arsenal visit Portman Road for the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final as Ipswich look to cause an upset.

The Gunners are firm favourites to progress to the Wembley showpiece after an impressive run through the competition so far.
They have overcome Tottenham, Newcastle and Wigan to reach the last four, with Arsene Wenger noticeably selecting more experienced players alongside the youngsters he has traditionally kept faith with in previous years.

Determined to claim their first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, Arsenal will nevertheless be wary of the threat presented by Ipswich.
Paul Jewell was named the club's new manager on Monday but will not officially take charge until after Wednesday's match.
The appointment could still have a galvanising effect, while caretaker boss Ian McParland will have demanded an improved performance following Sunday's 7-0 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea.
Roy Keane had steered Ipswich past Exeter, Crewe, Millwall, Northampton and West Brom in the Carling Cup before being dismissed last week following an inconsistent season to date in the Championship.
Jewell has therefore not had enough time to assess the squad he has inherited and it is McParland who has a number of issues to contend with ahead of kick-off.

Team news

Grant Leadbitter will be absent as he serves the second of a three-match ban, but Celtic defender Darren O'Dea and Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore have both been given permission to play by their parent clubs.
Captain Gareth McAuley should continue in the side following his recovery from an Achilles injury, but goalkeeper Brian Murphy will be out for at least three months with an ankle injury.
Winger Shane O'Connor also remains sidelined with a ruptured and dislocated shoulder and midfielder Luke Hyam (hamstring) completes a lengthy injury list.
Arsenal will be without centre-back Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring) and right-back Bacary Sagna, who is serving a three-match ban.
Wojciech Szczesny is set to line up in goal, while centre-half Laurent Koscielny is expected to return having been rested for the FA Cup third-round draw against Leeds.
Robin van Persie and England midfielder Jack Wilshere could also come back in, while Aaron Ramsey is in contention to start and reserve-team captain Ignasi Miquel should again be in the squad as defensive cover.
Midfielder Abou Diaby (calf), goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle) and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remain out.

Ignasi Miquel on securing a regular place and a possible loan move

2011-01-10T09:00:00.001-08:00

Having sold Håvard Nordtveit to Borussia Mönchengladbach during the January transfer window, many believe the next big thing for Arsenal in the defensive department is 18-year old Ignasi Miquel.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, the youngster believes he is now a much better player when compared to when he joined the Gunners two years ago adding how he is grateful to the North London Club for giving him this opportunity. The Catalan believes he is to keep working hard hoping to break in the regular team although he is fully aware that he is to be patient.
On a possible loan move to gain experience, Miquel explained joining a Championship side in England could be a wise decision as maybe the Premier League is not the ideal league to start in for someone who just came through the reserves team.
Asked about setting targets, the centre back concluded by saying how he set none as although it would be nice to feature for the senior team and having his own shirt with his name, what is important at this stage of his career is to work hard and let the managers decide when he is mature and good enough to make the step forward.
On his game and future, Miquel said:

I improved technically. If I compare myself with two years ago I improved so much, I’m so happy with that and happy that Arsenal gave me the chance.
I have to keep working every day and one day I’m going to get better and better and maybe break in the first team. I’d like to play [in the Carling Cup] but I know Arsenal want to win it this year because the big players are playing [in it] but I’m not worried as I just want to keep improving.
And if I can’t make it here I try to go on loan and show that I’m good enough to play for Championship. Maybe not the Premier League because it’s a bit tight to start with but then show that I can play when I come back. Of course if I get the chance here now I’m going to show that I’m good enough to be here.
No, [I didn't t really set any targets]. Of course I think that this year I want to play, to have my shirt with my name but I think right now it should be work and work. [The managers] know that when you’re working hard and playing well you’re ready for the first team. I want to play right now but I know they know more than me where I am and what my chances are.

Ryo Miyaichi: I can penetrate defenses in the English Premier League

2011-01-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Arsenal’s new winger Ryo Miyaichi believes he has the right qualities to be an important asset for the Gunners as he is not scared of starting his career in the English Premier League.
Speaking to Kyodo News, the 18-year old is determined to secure a regular place in Arsene Wenger’s regular eleven as he explained how he has the ability to penetrate defenses in England. Asked about comparisons with the likes of Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo, the youngster explained he is “nowhere near” the talent of such big names but how one day he hopes to be as important in football as they are.

Miyaichi was officially announced as an Arsenal player last month after he signed a 5-year contract. According to reports, Ajax Amsterdam, FC Koln and A.C. Milan were all interested in the Japanese who had trials with both the Gunners and Ajax before opting for Arsene Wenger’s team.
He is the second Japanese player to join the North London Club after Junichi Inamoto signed for the Gunners in 2001.
On playing in the Premier League, the 18-year old said:

I’m confident I have the ability to penetrate defenses over there and hopefully I’ll be given the marks that I am looking for. I just have to go there and give it a shot, compete and hopefully one day I will be standing on the pitch at Emirates Stadium.
I don’t feel pressured [by the comparisons] but I know in myself that I have nowhere near the talent of such great players as Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry.
I just have to do my best to one day come close to being the kind of players they are.

Wenger may sign defender

2011-01-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Arsene Wenger admits he may have to dip into the transfer market depending on the severity of Arsenal defender Sebastien Squillaci's injury.

Squillaci suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday's FA Cup third round draw with Leeds United and is waiting to learn the extent of the damage.
The Frenchman joins Thomas Vermaelen on the sidelines and a lengthy spell out of action for Squillaci could force Wenger's hand.

The Gunners face Ipswich Town in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou the only fit centre-halves available to Wenger.
The Arsenal boss is aware he can not manage with only two options and is ready to bring in a new defender once he learns how long he will be without Squillaci.
"If we only have two centre-backs then that cannot work with the number of centre-backs we have," said Wenger.
"If Squillaci has a problem then we must quickly go out for a player."
Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill has been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium, while the veteran Sol Campbell has been tipped for a third spell with the club.

Wenger backs Arshavin

2011-01-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has backed Andrey Arshavin to recapture his best form for the Gunners.

The Russian international was a starter for the first time in three games in the FA Cup on Saturday as Championship side Leeds earned a battling draw.
Arshavin, along with Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner, was jeered by sections of the Emirates crowd at times during the game.

However the Arsenal boss insists that the midfielder will find top form on a regular basis this season.
"The fans were frustrated. That comes from when you don't win," the Arsenal manager said.
"The fans are demanding. We were not consistent technically and so they picked on our inconsistencies.
"I have no worries that Arshavin will come back into the team, but their confidence does suffer a little bit from that.
"It is not through a lack of desire with Arshavin. He wants to do well.
"He took one touch too many with his first chance and the keeper did well to save another shot he had.
"Every player during a season has strong and weaker periods and he has had a weaker period, then two or three weeks on the bench."

Cup romance

Wenger admitted that, despite a difficult afternoon at the Emirates, the result was evidence of the romance still involved in the FA Cup.
A late spot-kick from Cesc Fabregas salvaged a draw and a replay and denied Leeds a famous victory.
"Leeds played a good cup game and that is the tradition of the English game," added Wenger.
"They came here, they gave everything and credit to Leeds because they did well

Stoke make Wenger complaint

2010-08-30T03:33:00.000-07:00

Stoke have lodged a formal complaint to the FA and Premier League over Arsene Wenger's criticism of Ryan Shawcross.

Potters boss Tony Pulis was left fuming after Wenger accused Stoke defender Shawcross of turning football into rugby after Stoke's defeat to Tottenham's last weekend.
Pulis revealed Stoke have written an official letter of complaint to the Gunners and also sent copies to the Premier League and the Football Association.

"The club is desperately disappointed with the comments which Wenger has come out with, especially the comments about Shawcross," said Pulis. "We think they are out of order and you don't expect it from a person of Wenger's esteem.
"The club will deal with it in the right and proper manner."
The referee in the Tottenham match, Chris Foy, was the same referee who officiated in Arsenal's match against Blackburn.
When the issue was put to Pulis he said: "To say he was doing it as a sidetrack to influence the referee, you've said it. I've just agreed with you."
Pulis continued: "He's entitled to his opinion. We've fought two world wars to be a free country. We've all got different opinions and we must let people say what they say. Whether you agree with it or disagree with it, that's a different matter.
"What he said about Ryan was very, very poor and the football club will take that matter up."

Wenger hails Arsenal resilience

2010-08-30T03:29:00.000-07:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his side's win at Blackburn shows the Gunners have the stomach to mount a Premier League title challenge.

"If you have ambition in this league you have got to win at Blackburn," said Wenger after the 2-1 victory.
"If you fail to win at Blackburn - if you go to clubs like that and don't win - your ambition will not be respected by the other teams.

"In that regard, it was a important test for us."
Arsenal went ahead through a Theo Walcott goal and, despite Mame Biram Diouf hauling Blackburn level, Andrey Arshavin's effort earned Wenger's men the three points.
The north Londoners were beaten 2-1 at Ewood Park last season and Wenger added: "The players are committed and we had that little bit more experience, even if on just one or two occasions we were a bit lucky.

"Last year we had bad memories here and because we knew they would play the kind of game we don't like we had not enough confidence to deal with that.
"In the second half I felt we were calmer. We put the ball well on the ground and controlled it better and it was just a question of time. We had the right resilience and commitment."
Rovers boss Sam Allardyce cited his team's failure to take their chances during the first half as the key to the defeat.
"I'm disappointed we didn't get something out of the game and from my point of view the first half was our opportunity to get our noses in front," said Allardyce.
"Because we didn't take those opportunities we paid the price for that.

"At some stage Arsenal were going to take control of the game. You switch off for a split second and they are very, very good at punishing you.
"The pass and Walcott's finish were top quality and while we might try to criticise our defenders it's very difficult to stop that sort of quality of football."
He added: "We played to our maximum as a team, which you've got to be reasonably satisfied with, but the game is about results and we've lost two games on the trot.
"It's put us in a difficult position in terms of points on the board. While our performances over the three games have been very good, we've only got three points and that's the danger."

Relaxed Theo in the mood

2010-08-30T03:24:00.000-07:00

Theo Walcott admitted that he is benefiting from a relaxing summer after scoring in Arsenal's 2-1 win against Blackburn.

Walcott, who missed out on Fabio Capello's World Cup squad, fired a stunning 19th-minute opener as the Gunners secured all three points at Ewood Park.

The winger was disappointed to miss out on the tournament in South Africa, but he took his tally of Premier League goals to four with the opener at Ewood Park after his treble against Blackpool last time out.
He told Sky Sports: "I've had a good think in the summer - I didn't blame anyone else for not being at the World Cup but didn't read too much into it because I had a nice break, I've not had one for a long time.
"Now I just want to get playing and show people what I can do... it's for me to push on and get on the goal sheet a bit more often."
Gunners goalkeeper Manuel Almunia added: "We have improved our defensive work, I think the team is more strong.
"The boys did well today, everyone realises how hard the league is and tries to get better every year."

Tottenham host Arsenal in Carling Cup third round

2010-08-30T03:10:00.000-07:00

Tottenham will host north London rivals Arsenal in the pick of the Carling Cup third-round ties to be played in the week commencing 20 September.

It gives Spurs new boy William Gallas an early chance to face his old side.
Holders Manchester United are away to Championship side Scunthorpe while last season's beaten finalists Aston Villa host Blackburn.

Premier League champions Chelsea entertain Newcastle and big-spending Manchester City visit West Brom.
Draw for the third round of the Carling Cup:
Brentford v Everton
Portsmouth v Leicester City
Stoke City v Fulham
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
Millwall v Ipswich Town
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Notts County
Burnley v Bolton Wanderers
Birmingham City v MK Dons
Liverpool v Northampton Town
Scunthorpe United v Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City
Sunderland v West Ham United
Peterborough United v Swansea City
Wigan Athletic v Preston North End

Fergie unhappy with Wenger

2010-08-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Arsene Wenger's criticism of Paul Scholes.

Scholes has enjoyed a fine start to the new season with United leading to calls for him to return to the international fold with England.
Wenger admitted last week he was a great admirer of Scholes' ability, but claimed there was a 'darker' side to the midfielder's game.

Ferguson was disappointed with Wenger's comments even though he concedes the 35-year-old is not be best tackler in the world.
United chief Ferguson is puzzled why Wenger would add such comments to an appreciation of Scholes' talents.
"I don't know why Arsene Wenger said that," said Ferguson.
"When you are asked your opinion about someone with the ability and performance level of Paul Scholes I don't see why you should say that.

Dark side

"It is very easy to look at the dark side of any player. I could say it about one of the Arsenal players in particular and everybody knows that but there is no need. "Paul is not the best tackler but he has not injured anyone in his time here.
"You should focus on the strengths and abilities he shows and also the contribution he has made to English football over 18 years. It is phenomenal."

Squillaci to get physical

2010-08-30T02:57:00.000-07:00

Arsenal new boy Sebastien Squillaci is eagerly anticipating the physical challenge that comes with playing in the Premier League.

The experienced France international has joined the Gunners from Sevilla for a fee in the region of £3million.
And Squillaci is confident he has what it takes to be a success in England's top flight.

The central defender said: "Yes, I do like the duels. I feel it is one of my qualities and here in England there are many duels and it is good to be able to respond physically.
"I have played in France, I have played in Spain for two years, I have played internationals and in the Champions League, I am 30 and I have a bit of experience.

Adapt

"Now I am going to discover a new league. I have played against English teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool so I know what to expect.
"I know it will take some time to adapt to new team-mates and the new game but I hope that it will happen quickly."
He continued: "It is a very difficult league but when you play for Arsenal, you play for titles and cups.
"It is very difficult to be the champions but that is why you need that ambition. Arsenal are a very respected team who qualify every year for the Champions League so why not one day be at the top?"

Experience

Squillaci has reportedly signed a three-year deal at Emirates Stadium, and the 30-year-old is hopeful his experience will prove invaluable this season.
He said: "I hope I will be able to play for another four or five years.
"It is true that there are many young players here and to arrive at 30 is unusual.
"But I left France quite late, at 28, to join Sevilla. I played for two years in Spain and now I am playing here.
"It is an unusual career path but I regret nothing. The most important thing is that it is happening today and I will be playing for Arsenal."

Blackburn v Arsenal preview

2010-08-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

Blackburn Rovers host Arsenal, live on Sky Sports HD2 & 2, aiming to record a repeat of last season's triumph in the corresponding fixture.

Rovers were 2-1 winners at Ewood Park in May this year as Gunners goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski endured another outing to forget.
Speaking on Thursday, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger urged referees to ensure that Premier League matches do not become 'rugby', perhaps hinting at Blackburn's sometimes physical approach.
But Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is unlikely to be ruffled by Wenger's words, with the former focused on exploiting their opponents' potential weaknesses.

Dunn doubt
Blackburn have made a solid start to the season, beating Everton at home and being unfortunate not to come away from St Andrews with at least a point.
Key playmaker David Dunn could again miss out for Rovers while Vince Grella (calf) has an outside chance of being fit.
Midfielder Keith Andrews is considered a doubt with a groin problem while on-loan striker Mame Biram Diouf will be hopeful of a role following his midweek Carling Cup hat-trick.

Koscielny return

Arsenal, who beat Blackpool 6-0 last time out, have defender Laurent Koscielny available after he served his one-match suspension last weekend.
Midfielder Denilson also returns to the squad, but new signing Sebastien Squillaci will not be involved.
Samir Nasri (knee), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (broken leg) remain sidelined.

Possible starting XIs:

Blackburn: Robinson, Olsson, Salgado, Samba, Givet, Nelsen, Jones, N'Zonzi, Pedersen, Diouf, Kalinic.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Diaby, Fabregas, Arshavin, Van Persie, Walcott.

Ancelotti – Arsenal has to run for third place!

2010-02-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

The Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti is intent on consigning Arsenal to the also-rans of the Premiership for this season, by creating an unassailable 11-point lead over the Gunners in the next week.
If Chelsea win their game in hand, against Hull City this evening, and then take all three points from Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Ancelotti then reckons it will be a straight fight between his team and Man Utd for the title.

“It is a big gap,” Ancelotti said. “If we win the game, we have the possibility to win against them on Sunday. If this happens then Arsenal has to run for third place.”
“We are playing really well, there is confidence in our play and I’m happy with this because now is a very important part of the season,”
“We will soon be starting the Champions League again, so it is important to stay top of the league.”
Arsenal have now gone three games without a win, and will face a Chelsea side that welcomes back Drogba, Kalou and Essien from the African Nations Cup.
Chelsea are also aiming for their sixth win in a row tonight and are unbeaten since the 5th Dec in any competition. They also have a home record of 11 wins and just one draw in the Premiership.

Arshavin looking forward

2010-02-02T05:32:00.000-08:00

Andrey Arshavin admits Arsenal's title bid has faltered over the past week but is refusing to throw in the towel.

The Gunners were held to a goalless draw at Aston Villa last weekend before being battered 3-1 at home to champions Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsenal are in the middle of a season-defining quartet of fixtures, with first Chelsea and then Liverpool next on their agenda.

Arsene Wenger's men were being tipped as outsiders for the Premier League crown after charging back into contention, but results against the top sides have seen their cause deteriorate.

The United defeat, their fifth in the league this term, leaves Arsenal five points behind leaders Chelsea, who also won at the Emirates in November.

However, while Arshavin admits their title chances have taken a big knock he insists the side will look forward and not back as they prepare for their visit to Stamford Bridge.

"It is getting even harder to believe that we can win first place after such defeats," the Russian said on his personal website.

"I divide the games with Aston Villa, Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool into two parts - the first part has been held, there are still two more games, I hope we will conduct them

Arsenal’s Emmanuel-Thomas Arrested By Police

2010-02-02T05:29:00.000-08:00

Arsenal’s Under 18 League and Cup ‘double’ winning captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested by police in the early hours of the morning. The versatile prospect failed to stop when signaled in his high performance £100,000 Mercedes McLaren in East London.

Emmanuel-Thomas had the back window of his car smashed as officers attempted to gain entry. He was reportedly found alone inside and with only a provisional driving licence. Jay has been released but will report to Redbridge magistrates court on February 12. It is expected he will be found guilty of driving without a licence and failure to stop – both could result in a prison sentence.

Jay only recently signed an extension to his contract and impressed on his first-team debut in the FA Cup against Stoke City recently. This came after he scored a terrific hat-trick for the Reserves a week previously. Any in-house punishment will be dealt with by the club in due course.

Wenger must go? The fans say YES!

2010-02-02T05:26:00.000-08:00

After Arsenal’s home humiliation against Man Utd yesterday hit home, the fans have come out in protest against Arsene Wenger’s refusal to spend some of the massive profits he has made from selling his best players in the last few years.
The transfer window closes today, and Wenger has already stated there will be no new arrivals, not even the talented youngster Victor Moses, who has gone to Wigan today for peanuts!

I wrote a post this morning about Wenger not buying, and judging by the fan’s comments, it is obvious that they think that there will be no more trophies won while Wenger is in charge.
Here are some example quotes:
Where we went wrong is in not going for the two cups we might have a chance to win : fa and carling. We will never win anything with such a young side – we need experience through the side. but it is not ‘our way’……
Wenger has got to stop deceivng us, we deserve better.. At the beginning of the window he said that he was in the Market for a player or two, now he’s saying that it’s unlikely we’ll sign anyone. I’m sick of it…………
All Arsenal supporters should unitedly criticise AW for not buying players…….AW should resign or else he should apologise to millions of Arsenal fans for not utilising money he earned…….
I blame AW, he has not reinforced the team and filled the weakest positions. …….
time for change throw money at hiddink, rijkard, guardiola “IF” wenger doesnt change strategy and transfer policy….
The objective is not to win the premier league but to qualify for the champion’s league at the expense of the fans. …Arsenal will never win anything under Wenger….
Arsene Wenger is a hypocrite who believes that the money belongs to him. ….. It is time for him to go, unless he changes…..
IDIOT of a Manager. If I was the owner of the club, he´s a gone DUCK ! SACK HIM ! Honestly, when will he get it ?…..
Wenger get the F.off and get a new manager in place of him. I don’t care anyone as long as he have the experience and are not afraid of spending!……
Wenger, buy a striker by end of today or your reign is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!………..
i think this is the time to AW to step down..his youth policy didnt progress at all..pls someone start a campaign to sack AW!!….
As everyone can clearly see, these comments are left by REAL Arsenal fans, and not ONE reply has come out in support of Wenger.
Are there ANY Arsenal supporters that are willing to stand up for the stubborn Frenchman?

Andrey Arshavin: That we can win the title is now getting harder to believe

2010-02-02T05:23:00.000-08:00

Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin declared the believe to go on and win the title is slowly fading away after the Gunners suffered a heavy 1-3 defeat, at home, against rivals Manchester United.
Speaking on his official website, the Russian admitted Arsenal were “outplayed” by Alex Ferguson’s side and that the next two games, against Chelsea and Liverpool, will tell a lot about their chances of winning the Premiership.
The 28-year old said:

Manchester United was good at controlling mid-field; they managed to make several quick transitions from defense to attack. They managed to score three times. They outplayed us at Emirates. What else? I think that was a very good match for Nani.
It’s getting even harder to believe that we can win first place after such defeats. There are still two more games, I hope, we will conduct them better.

Van Persie back in training and set for early return!

2010-02-02T05:21:00.000-08:00

Arsene Wenger has received a tremendous boost this week with the news that Robin Van Persie has made rapid improvement after the operation on his ankle, and is now expected to be able to help the team in the crucial latter stages of the season.

The Mail today reports that Van Persie’s Dutch medical team has revised his expected return date to just seven weeks time. It seems that he is now walking freely and has resumed light training as he attempts to build his strength back up. It was originally thought that the Dutch international would be lucky to take any more part in Arsenal’s season but this news will help vindicate Arsene Wenger’s decision not to buy another striker this month.
The Frenchman said yesterday that he WOULD have bought another front man, if he thought that there was a good enough target to make a bid for. The Mail reported that Wenger has £30m to spend, if he wanted to, but just cannot find the right class of player.
“It is not only about wanting to buy, it is to find better players than what you have available and we haven’t until now.” said Wenger. “It is as simple as that. You always want to add a Ronaldo if you can, but is he available and where is he?”
“Marouane Chamakh is not available because he is playing with Bordeaux and Bordeaux don’t want to release him. David Villa as well, Valencia don’t want to let him go.”
“I believe as well the extra push can come within the Club and the easy solution is always to look outside. When you look deeply at what is happening to us, we have the best attack in the League; we scored more goals than anybody else. That means at least if you can do that for the first 20 or 21 games, why not in the other 18?”

Wenger: We were poor

2010-02-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

Manager Arsène Wenger finally dispensed with the spin of his side's performance in 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Wenger has been criticised in the past for defending his players even when they had obviously played badly.

But there was simply no hiding behind the words 'passion, spirit, determination' today, the Frenchman held his hands up and said that the players were 'poor offensively and defensively'.
An own-goal from Manuel Almunia, one from Wayne Rooney and another from Park saw Arsenal 3-0 behind before defender Thomas Vermaelen scored a consolation effort towards the end.

Speaking after the match, Wenger said: "It is difficult to take but easy to explain because we were poor offensively and defensively cohesion-wise. We delivered an off-the-mark performance completely and that is why we were well beaten today.

"We gave them always too much room, we were naive. I believe we have to stick together now, recover and produce a much better performance next Sunday [against Chelsea].

"I believe we had no cohesion defensively or offensively. The players wanted to win, they are really down. This team has spirit, a good attitude mentally, and it is very difficult to say straight away after the game why we were not at all at our level. We were naive.

"You always have to answer these sorts of questions [after a defeat]. Man United, in the last six away games against a top-four team, they got one point.

"Today is the first game in seven they won away from home against a top-four team. You could have said before that they were naive but they are not.

"They were better than us today for two reasons: one, they played well and two, we were not at our level.

"Why? It is too early to analyse that. I believe there are some mental reasons in there but it is difficult to say.

"We need something special now to stay in the race, of course. I am conscious of that."

Superb Manchester Utd win 3-1 at Arsenal

2010-02-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

Manchester United delivered a devastating statement of Premier League intent Sunday when they beat title rivals Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

United produced a superb attacking display with a Nani cross being turned into his own net by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after 33 minutes and Wayne Rooney starting and finishing a devastating counter-attack four minutes later.
Park Ji-sung got the third seven minutes into the second half and Arsenal, who missed several good early chances through Andrei Arshavin, never threatened a comeback despite Thomas Vermaelen's deflected volley 10 minutes from time.

Chelsea, who won 2-1 with a late goal at Burnley on Saturday, top the standings on 54 points, one ahead of United and five clear of Arsenal. Chelsea have a game in hand on both rivals.

Wenger places his faith in Arshavin

2010-01-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

The term 'a bit short up front' could have new meaning for Arsenal in tomorrow's match against champions Manchester United at the Emirates.

The Gunners have a crisis in attack with Eduardo and Robin van Persie unavailable, whilst Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott have just recovered from injury.
It leaves the Russian international as the only option to lead the attack, and he himself has been playing through the pain barrier.

But even so, the manager has complete faith in the Russian to come up with something magical tomorrow.

Wenger said: "I am very happy with Arshavin, because in every big game he is influential and creates the chances.

"When you look at him, he turns up when it is really needed - not at 4-0, but at 0-0. He is always coming up with something special.

"He is a player whom you always rely on in a big game like that.

"Arshavin likes the big stage. He can be quiet for 20 minutes, and then suddenly turn up with something decisive. That is what you want from the big players - the big players make you win the big games.

"He is always marked very tight and people do not give him a lot of room.

"Everybody who plays against Arshavin says 'make sure you mark him tight'.

"But even when he is marked tight in some of the so-called less big games, when you look at the tape afterwards, you always think 'this movement was good', or 'this pass was great'.

"He always turns up with something special."

Giggs hails Gunners new boy

2010-01-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

The Belgian international was a relative unknown when he arrived in the Premier League from Ajax in the summer.
However, Arsene Wenger can usually spot a decent player and the 24-year-old wasted no time in acclimatising to the Premier League and has already confirmed his status as one of the best buys of the season.

So, if anyone wonders why Arsenal are title contenders once more after finding their prized top four slot under severe threat last term, Giggs has identified it in the £10million defender.
"Arsenal are the kind of team that can beat anyone on their day," said the veteran Welshman.
"What they have struggled with is consistency.
"They seem to have that this year and from what I have seen, bringing in Vermaelen was the key. His partnership with William Gallas has been the bedrock of the season."
Giggs is no doubt relieved the centre-half is a major doubt for tomorrow's showdown with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium after being carried off at Aston Villa in midweek with what thankfully did not turn out to be a broken leg.
Yet even if Vermaelen fails to make it, Giggs can identify dangers all over the pitch.
The obvious one is Cesc Fabregas, who is enjoying an inspirational campaign.
But Giggs feels it would be a mistake for his team-mates to single out one individual for special treatment.
"Arsenal are a young team," he said.
"But when you look someone like Fabregas, he may only be 22 but he has a lot of experience.
"As a team, they are gaining experience all the time, so I doubt they will pinpoint one player, in the same way we won't do for them.
"You can admire certain individuals but there are all good players. That is why they play for Arsenal.
"It is better to try and stop the team as a whole because these games tend to be decided by a little bit of brilliance from one individual."
Having established their positions in Chelsea's slipstream, neither side can afford to lose. But a draw is not that much use either, certainly not for United, whose remaining encounter with Carlo Ancelotti's men does not take place until April, by which time the destination of the title might have already been decided.
Not that any meeting between United and Arsenal needs to be built up.
Giggs' memorable shirt-twirling celebration after his FA Cup semi-final winner in 1999 maybe the most notable event of the last 20 years between the two sides, but there have been plenty of meetings to stir the soul.
"There is a big rivalry between the two clubs," said Giggs.
"Over the last 20 years we have been the two top teams and there has always been this rivalry between the managers, the fans and the players.
"Let's be honest, you are talking about two teams that have had so much quality, both individually and as a team. Between us we have won so much."
Certainly Ferguson's claim of it being the biggest game so far meets with no argument from his most senior player.
"Look at the position of the two teams," he said.
"Arsenal have been on a great run and we are coming off the win over City with everyone buzzing.
"Arsenal against United is always a big game. This is bigger than most."

Ferguson – Wenger doesn’t really believe Fletcher is dirty!

2010-01-30T10:09:00.000-08:00

Ahead of tomorrow’s big clash at the Emirates, the Man Utd coach Alex Ferguson has tried to play down the attack of Arsene Wenger on Darren Fletcher after their last meeting. The Arsenal manager criticised the referee for not penalising Fletcher when he continually fouled his players.

But Ferguson doesn’t think that Wenger really meant what he said. “That is where Arsene let himself down,” he said.
“What he said was disappointing and actually, I don’t think he believes it for a minute.
“Everyone knows that Darren Fletcher is not a dirty player or a physical player. He is not built that way.
“But he can win the ball and his timing and energy to get to it is fantastic. You can’t call that a fault.”
Hmm, Wenger certainly had his srious face on when he said it, so i think HE did mean it!

Arshavin playing through the pain barrier

2010-01-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

Winger Andrey Arshavin has revealed that he is playing through the pain barrier at the moment, only because he insists on playing to allay the club's injury crisis upfront.

Regular strikers Robin van Persie and Eduardo are out injured whilst Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott have just returned from injury.

Arshavin is also calling for more protection from referees, highlighting the fact that referees are a bit more lenient here than their counterparts on the continent.

The Russian magician is widely expected to be playing upfront tomorrow when the Gunners take on Manchester United at the Emirates.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Arshavin said: "The referees here do not whistle when someone just pushes you a little bit - it's seen as nothing, you must play on.

"Of course that makes the game quicker, but for me it's not always great.

"With my knock at the moment I'm trying my best and after each kick I am feeling pain, but I still train every day. I've had a few other injuries.

"Basically it is simple - if I can play, I will.

"Thank God, I've not yet had a serious injury in my career and I hope that situation remains."

Ramsey happy with United move

2010-01-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

Aaron Ramsey has revealed that Arsenal's dedication to signing him from Cardiff convinced him to snub Manchester United's overtures.

The Welshman was wanted by both Premier League giants in the summer of 2008, having shot to prominence in a Cardiff side which reached the FA Cup final that year.

Despite still being in his teens, he turned 19 on Boxing Day last year, Ramsey was considered to be one of the hottest properties in British football.
This was a fact not lost on Arsenal and United, who were falling over each other in an effort to land his signature.
In the end it was the Gunners who prevailed, with Arsene Wenger's reputation for nurturing young talent into superstars working in the capital club's favour.
Arsenal also displayed a greater desire to secure his services, with Ramsey flown out to Switzerland to meet with Wenger as he worked as a television pundit for Euro 2008.
It was that commitment to the cause which ultimately swayed Ramsey's decision, with the Wales international of the opinion that he made the right choice in choosing the Gunners.
"I felt more wanted here [at Arsenal]," Ramsey told The Independent.
"By that I mean they did more things to try to get me. They had a plan set out for me and knew exactly where they wanted to develop me. The sort of thing they said was 'You can improve on this' and 'This is what you are good at, so we will do this'.
"I think that the boss here has brought through a lot more youngsters and given them opportunities on a more regular basis. And that is what he believes in, picking out talented young players and turning them into great players so hopefully I can be in that category.
He added: "It was great having these clubs after me but I am pretty level-headed.
"My parents kept my feet on the ground. I just concentrated on playing football and letting that do the talking.
"Obviously it was nice to hear that clubs wanted me. I'm where I wanted to be - in the best league in the world.
"As for the plane trip I was just really looking forward to meeting the boss and hearing what he had to say. It was a great experience. That was a factor in making up my mind."