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Manchester United's Patrice Evra reveals he was close to joining Inter The Frenchman says the Nerazzurri were keen to sign him last summer, but it was the English club who didn't want to let him go

2011-04-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's Patrice Evra reveals he was close to joining Inter
The Frenchman says the Nerazzurri were keen to sign him last summer, but it was the English club who didn't want to let him go.

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has revealed Inter were interested in signing him during the past summer.

The Frenchman says it was the English club who refused the transfer to occur.

"I signed a four-year contract with the club, and whoever wants to sign me has to go to [Sir Alex] Ferguson's office and deal with him directly," the 29-year-old said to Sky after the side's 3-1 aggregate win over Chelsea.

"Inter was very interested in me a year ago, as well as Real Madrid. With Inter, there was serious contacts, but United did not want to sell me."

Evra also believes if the Nerazzurri can score two early goals in their Champions League encounter against Schalke, they have a chance of progressing to the semi-finals of the competition.

"Inter have nothing to lose, as one can never say never in football," he added. "If they can score two quick goals, Schalke could be scared.

"The Germans did very well in Milan, and we were all surprised they scored five goals."

Birmingham City's Alexander Hleb: I love Arsenal & if I have a chance to go back I will

2011-04-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Belarus midfielder, on loan from Barcelona, admits he does not want to stay at St Andrew's and wants to join a club who "play football" at the end of the season

Alexander Hleb has revealed that he loves former club Arsenal and would like to return at the end of the season.

The playmaker is currently on loan at Birmingham City from Barcelona but his lack of form and fitness has limited him to just 11 league starts at St Andrew's.

And the Belarus international has admitted the Blues style of play has forced him to look for a summer move.

“No. I don’t stay here and I don’t want to stay,” said Hleb, according to The Daily Mirror.

“I enjoyed my time but this is not my way of football. Here you just need to fight, run and not much passing.

“This is for me something new. I will give my best for this club, but I prefer to play football."

The midfielder previously spent three seasons in England’s top flight with Arsenal before departing for Spain in 2008, and he is now eyeing a move back to north London.

The 29-year-old continued, “I would like to stay in the Premier League – and I know which club. We will speak and hopefully everything will be good.

“I love Arsenal and they are always in my heart. If I have a chance to go back then I will.

“In life everything is possible.”

Tottenham's Gareth Bale named PFA Player of the Year

2011-04-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale has been named PFA Player of the Year, beating Arsenal's Samir Nasri into second and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez into third.

The former Southampton youngster shot to fame during the 2010/11 campaign as he helped Spurs to the Champions League Quarter Finals, putting Inter Milan to the sword in the group stages when making two of Spurs three goals in the home tie and netting a hat-trick during a 4-3 defeat in the San Siro.

Despite struggling to play since late January due to injury, the Welshman has netted seven times in the Premier League, form which accompanied by his impressive European displays, allowed him to see off competition from Carlos Tevez, Samir Nasri, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Scott Parker, Charlie Adam and Nemanja Vidic for the award.

Bale was also nominated for the Young Player of the Year Award, picked up by Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, but admitted to being ecstatic to join a star studded list of players to previously pick up the honor.

''I am more than delighted really,'' said Bale. ''It is a massive award and it is a great honor to receive, especially from other fellow professionals.

''It is a honor really when you look at the names that have won it before and it just makes you go 'wow' really.

''There haven't been too many Welshman to have won the trophy but it is great and it is great for me personally.

''And it is not just for me, it is for all my team-mates that have helped me through the season and it is kind of for everyone really.''

The 21-year-old follows in the footsteps of compatriots Ryan Giggs, Mark Hughes and Ian Rush in picking up the honor but Goal.com readers may be left frustrated having voted in their droves during a recent poll that Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic deserved the award, closely followed by Samir Nasri. Bale picked up only 7.63% of the vote.

Early on in his Tottenham career, Bale attracted headlines as his side endured a torrid run of form whenever he was selected but after a strong finish to the 2009/10 campaign, his fortunes have sky rocketed this term. A change in fortune he attributes to a number of factors.

''I think it is due to a bit of everything really,'' he added.

''At the beginning I wasn't really playing much and I always believed in myself that if I did get a run in the team - which I eventually did - that I would be able to prove what I can do.

''That did happen and I kind of never really looked back from there.

''Playing in a good team with good players definitely helped me a lot and all the boys have been fantastic, the manager has been fantastic, giving me my chance, and it is something I want to improve on.''

Spurs fans will hope Bale’s return from injury and prestigious honor will springboard the dynamic winger into top form as Harry Redknapp’s men chase down Manchester City for a Champions League berth during the closing stages of the campaign.

Manchester United and Arsenal dominate PFA Premier League Team of the Year Four Red Devils included in PFA Team of the Year

2011-04-18T12:44:00.001-07:00

Manchester United and Arsenal dominate PFA Premier League Team of the Year
Four Red Devils included in PFA Team of the Year as Carlos Tevez, Gareth Bale & Samir Nasri among others also make the cut. Charlie Adam and Leighton Baines omitted.

Players from Premier League challengers Manchester United and Arsenal dominate the 2010-11 PFA Premier League Team of the Year, cementing seven of the 11 places.

PFA Young Player of the Year Jack Wilshere grabs himself a midfield berth and is joined in the impressive side by Arsenal team-mates Bacary Sagna and Samir Nasri.

MORE...

* Bale takes Player of the Year gong
* Wilshere wins PFA Young Player award

Edwin van der Sar takes his place between the sticks for his performances during what is expected to be his last Premier League season and the Manchester United contingent is completed by Nemanja Vidic, Nani and Premier League top goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov.

FA Cup finalists Manchester City are also able to boast two names in the select XI as Belgian defender Vincent Kompany receives recognition, as does talismanic forward Carlos Tevez.

Premier League champions Chelsea have only one representative in Ashley Cole and Tottenham are represented by PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale.

Notable omissions from the XI include Everton defender Leighton Baines, who boasts the most assist for any defender in the league this year, and inspirational duo Scott Parker and Charlie Adam.

Premier League Team of the Year: Van der Sar (Man Utd); Sagna (Arsenal), Vidic (Man Utd), Kompany (Man City), Cole (Chelsea); Nani (Man Utd), Nasri (Arsenal), Wilshere (Arsenal), Bale (Tottenham); Tevez (Man City), Berbatov (Man Utd).

rsenal's Jack Wilshere wins PFA Young Player of the Year award

2011-04-18T12:39:00.001-07:00

Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere has been named PFA Young Player of the Year.

The 19-year-old beat off competition from Arsenal team-mate Samir Nasri as well as Joe Hart, Gareth Bale, Seamus Coleman and Manchester United pair Javier Hernandez and Nani.

Since making an hour-long appearance away at Liverpool on the opening day, Wilshere has progressed to become a regular starter for Arsene Wenger and won major plaudits for his performance during Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League first-leg victory over Barcelona in February.

Rising to prominence as the season progressed, Wilshere made inroads into Fabio Capello’s plans and made his full debut in England’s 2-1 friendly victory over Denmark before making a competitive bow for the Three Lions in the 2-0 Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Wales.

Wilshere joins an illustrious list of previous winners of the award such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard but the decision to grant the Arsenal play-maker the honor contradicts the views of Goal.com followers in a recent poll.

Readers voted Manchester United’s Nani as deserving of the award with 27.96% of the vote, just nudging out the successful Wilshere with 27.06%.

The award will prove some form of consolation for the Arsenal midfielder as his side was thwarted at the death by Liverpool in Sunday’s vital Premier League clash.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger furious at award of late Liverpool penalty

2011-04-18T12:38:00.003-07:00

Arsene Wenger could not hide his annoyance after watching his Arsenal side concede a 101st minute penalty to Liverpool as the two sides drew 1-1 at the Emirates.

The game seemed to be heading for a goalless draw until Jay Spearing felled Cesc Fabregas in the seventh minute of injury time for a penalty, that Robin van Persie converted, to seemingly keep them in the hunt, with Manchester United, for title glory.

However, there was to be one final twist left in the game and it came in the 101st minute when a Luis Suarez free-kick hit the wall and deflected away from the goal. Lucas chased after it, only to be bundled over by Emmanuel Eboue for another penalty.

Dirk Kuyt stepped up and fired home the kick that surely all but extinguished Arsenal’s title hopes.

After the game, Wenger appeared incredulous that the penalty was given.

"But extra time was only eight minutes,” he appealed on Sky Sports. “I wanted to get the players away from the referee and after having watched it again I don't think it was a penalty. At all.

“The referee [thought he] saw a penalty, so it was a penalty. What can you do?

“We have to continue to play and fight until the last minute [of the season]. That's what we are about and that's what we want to show.

“We have players who are ambitious and want to do as well as we can. We had disappointments in August and we had to bounce back. That's what we will do.”

Wenger also insisted his side felt "hard done by" at the end of the game but he insisted the Gunners would continue their title fight despite the disappointment.

“It was a game where Liverpool defended and defended and we had to throw everything forward," he added.

“It's not easy to keep a clean sheet. I feel we were hard done by in the end because time was over by three minutes and you were told that just after the free-kick it was game over but we have to take it and continue to fight.

Arsenal blows its title hopes again and it is time Arsene Wenger pointed the finger at his players – and himself

2011-04-18T12:38:00.001-07:00

Having taken the lead in stoppage time, the Gunners were quick to shoot themselves in the foot, as Dirk Kuyt's last-gasp equalizer shows yet another display of mental fragility.

Not for the first time, a goal in the last minute of a game between Liverpool and Arsenal has decided the destination of the title in England.

Dirk Kuyt's penalty in the 12th minute of added time at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night will not live in the memory for quite as long as Michael Thomas' Anfield winner for the Gunners in 1989.

In front of Stan Kroenke, the American businessman who has taken over the club, Arsenal showed exactly why it will not win the Premier League this season, and exactly why Manchester United will triumph in the top flight of English football for a 19th time.

Arsene Wenger's reaction at the end of the game spoke a thousand words from a man who had already conceded that failure to beat the Merseysiders would effectively end his side's title tilt.

The Frenchman first sought a row with Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, then marched onto the pitch to confront referee Andre Marriner before finally spewing his frustration to the press.

He complained about the length of additional time after the 90 minutes, he vehemently protested against the decision to award Liverpool's penalty and took every opportunity to take a dig at the visitors' “negative” tactics.

What Wenger did not do was accept the home truths that have confronted him in Arsenal's last three games at this stadium.

He knew Arsenal had blown it but was looking to point the finger anywhere but his own players – or even himself – for yet another display of complete mental fragility. The Gunners only had to hold on for five minutes following Robin van Persie's spot-kick to claim all three points against a Liverpool side that barely mustered a shot on target during the match.

When asked about Emmanuel Eboue's clumsy challenge on Lucas that gave Marriner no choice but to point to the spot, Wenger insisted that the Ivorian had not fouled the Liverpool midfielder, refused to acknowledge the naivety of Arsenal's defending and the utter panic in the side once they had taken the lead.

"If Arsenal's Invincibles won the Premier League in 2004, then it is the Invertebrates who have blown their chance of glory this year"
This was more or less Arsenal's first-choice attack, with Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott and Van Persie all in the same team against a Liverpool side that was devastated by injuries before and during the game.

Yet the Gunners were completely devoid of ideas, drive and creativity – just as they were in a dire goalless draw against Blackburn in their previous outing at the Emirates. The frustration in the crowd boiled over into anger on many occasions, particularly in the second half as Liverpool was able to get a body in the way of Arsenal's intricate passing moves.

Arsenal needed a killer instinct but Fabregas could not produce a match-winning pass; it needed a touch of class in front of goal but Van Persie smashed a clear chance straight at Pepe Reina; it needed a bit of luck but Laurent Koscielny's header hit the crossbar and bounced away from the goal.

But it has been the same story for Arsenal throughout the season and the opposite for Manchester United, which has constantly proved its mental strength collectively and as individuals.

Wenger's side now sits six points behind United with six games to play. It is a gap they will not close and the players' reactions at the final whistle, their body language as they trudged off the field, suggested they know that to be true.

“Bottlers” was the word one fan sat near the press box screamed towards the players, his face puce with rage and sheer emotion. He had gone through the agony of watching Arsenal toil, the relief of them taking the lead, and the resignation of watching them throw it away. Any Gunners supporter who had been at the League Cup final would not have been surprised.

Wenger needs to change both the mindset and the personnel to make sure that six years without a trophy does not become seven next season. Kroenke has made it clear he has no intention of interfering with the football side of the club, but he could do worse than give Wenger a metaphorical kick up the backside to make sure Arsenal sign a proven central defender who can lead from the back.

Wenger's refrain when he oversaw great Arsenal sides of the past used to always be about “mental strength”, now he talks about “character” almost sheepishly, knowing that he is in charge of a team with about as much backbone as an earthworm.

If Arsenal's Invincibles won the Premier League in 2004, then it is the Invertebrates who have blown their chance of glory this year.

Wenger and his new boss need to accept that if the club is to move on into a new era.

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool: Kuyt scores penalty with final kick of the game as Gunners blow chance to close gap on Manchester United

2011-04-18T12:35:00.001-07:00

Late drama at the Emirates Stadium denies Arsenal three points in their hunt to catch Manchester United.

Two penalties in injury time turned a frustrating game into the most shocking finale to a Premier League game in a long time as Robin Van Persie gave Arsenal the lead before Dirk Kuyt denied the hosts in the 101st minute as Arsenal and Liverpool drew 1-1 on Sunday.

The build-up before the game was all about Arsenal’s chances of leap-frogging Manchester United for an unlikely Premier League title. A win was a must. But, as a rather convenient metaphor for the subsequent display from the hosts, it turned out to be all talk and no end product. Before the explosive finale that is.

Arsenal came out of the traps the quickest with Abou Diaby flashing a downward header just past the post after a mere 3 minutes from a Samir Nasri freekick.

But true to form in this fixture, it wasn’t just one side intent on attacking as Liverpool caused the home side problems with the link-up play between the towering figure of Andy Carroll up front, the same man who scored the solitary goal in a Newcastle victory at the Emirates earlier in the season, and Luis Suarez.

Minutes later, at first glance, a seemingly innocuous penalty claim for Liverpool after Jay Spearing was felled was quickly waved away by referee Andre Marriner, but replays showed that the away side could perhaps consider themselves unlucky.

The returning Theo Walcott tested Pepe Reina after 12 minutes with a swerving 22-yard effort that the goalkeeper opted to punch rather than gather, with a moment of panic among the Liverpool defense ensued before they regained their composure and hacked the ball clear.

Again Arsenal came forward though and came within inches of taking the lead when Laurent Koscielny’s header, from a Robin van Persie corner, crashed back off the cross bar as Reina again looked shaky.

Arsenal were definitely the side on top, and soon they had the ball in the back of the net. Cue cheers from the home fans. Unfortunately for them they were short lived as the goalscorer, Van Persie, was correctly adjudged to be offside when collecting the ball and it was back to square one.

With Arsenal providing all its threat down the flanks, Liverpool’s chances of containing the Gunners were handed a blow when Fabio Aurelio was forced off through injury mid-way through the first half, to be replaced by the second rookie full-back of the game in the form of Jack Robinson.

Reina, obviously not enjoying the continuing trend of the game coming towards his goal rather than goal, made another error shortly afterwards when he came out to stop Van Persie’s dart towards his goal but inexplicably missed the ball and the man and only the Dutchman’s momentum carried the ball harmlessly out for a goalkick with the goal unmanned.

If rumors of Arsenal making an approach for Reina last summer are true, on this performance the Spaniard is probably not expecting the same call this summer.

Another returning player, Johan Djourou, was also making an impact, after Walcott’s earlier wicked shot, by helping Arsenal control the midfield and dominate possession, so as both sides walked down the tunnel at the end of the first half only one winner was evident. Unfortunately it was the team playing all the pretty football, but nothing of note when it came to end product.

It was heart-in-mouth time again for Liverpool in the opening stages of the second half, but this time not because of an Arsenal attack. Record signing Andy Carroll collapsed inside the opposition area when he lost his footing stretching for a ball and immediately waved for help from the touchline.

Replays showed a buckling of the knee when his ankle gave way but after a couple of minutes on the sidelines, the striker reappeared to solider on.

This was quickly followed by more injury woes for the away side when Jamie Carragher clashed heads with John Flanagan when attempting to clear an Arsenal attack, and immediately fell to the floor unconscious.

Unfortunately this time the player did not recover as quickly and Sotirios Kyrgiakos came on in replace of the Liverpool captain.

After the extended pause to the action, Arsenal picked up where it left off as Walcott did well down the right flank to find space for a low driven cross towards Van Persie, only for Reina to intercept with a low save before the Dutchman could pounce.

It may have been all Arsenal, but Liverpool looked like being able to snatch a goal, as Carroll and Suarez again combined for the latter to cut inside from the right and bend a shot in, but Szczesny was never troubled and made a comfortable save.

It wasn’t long before the earlier injury caught up with Carroll though as 10 minutes later he was reluctantly substituted in place of Jonjo Shelvey. A good call though as the striker was not moving freely.

More pretty link-up play from Arsenal, but more groans from their fans as great vision from Fabregas allowed the ball to be slid into the path of Van Persie, but the striker went for a delicate dink rather than a shot and Skrtel was able to clear.

With Wenger desperately looking to keep their title challenge alive and tension building all around the ground, Nicholas Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin were introduced for the last 20 minutes, unfortunately Bendtner’s first touch was to over-hit a first touch out for a goal kick.

As the minutes ticked by, both teams knew only one goal was in this and Liverpool knew it was there for the taking as Flanagan and Suarez tried to combine for another hopeful effort but the pass from the former was over-hit. Cue groans from the away support.

Every single misplaced pass, bad first touch, wrong decision was being derided by the ever-increasingly frustrated Arsenal fans as an Arshavin fluffed attempted cross did not appease them. Cue more groans.

As it turned out, there was one gilt-edged chance that Arsenal made to grab a winner. With five minutes remaining, and persisting with tippy-tappy football, a glorious flick by Nasri with his heel set Van Persie scampering into the area one-on-one with Reina, only for the latter to make the vital save and keep Arsenal out. That could well be the save that denied Arsenal a title. Ironic for the apparent long-term admirers of the goalkeeper.

As the fourth official announced that there would be a massive eight minutes of injury time, most fans surely would have been happy to call it a day. They will be happy they didn’t though as in the seventh minute of injury time Jay Spearing tripped Cesc Fabregas as the latter ran into the box. A blatant penalty. Van Persie duly stepped up and reignited the title challenge fire for Arsenal. Surely?

No. As in the 100th minute of the game, Eboue bundled over Lucas inside the Arsenal area as the Brazilian was running away from the Arsenal goal to gather a deflected Suarez freekick. Another penalty. Dirk Kuyt converted under supreme pressure. The final nail in Arsenal’s title dream? Perhaps.

As the sounds of the referee’s whistle ended the game and flew out of the stadium, it could well have been accompanied by Arsenal’s title hopes for another season.

wenger -sell fab

2011-04-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

Maybe they believed their own publicity

Maybe they were over indulged, poisoned by praise.

But Arsenal’s under-achievers have run out of excuses.

It’s a time of reckoning, of retribution.
Click here to find out more!

Those who lack spirit and a sense of responsibility should be surplus to requirements.

Cesc Fabregas has been diminished by disappointment and recurrent injury.

He should be allowed to return to Barcelona... if they will have him.

****

Which manager will summon the courage to emulate Brian Clough?

He made a point of siding with referees.

His punishment of indisciplined players was brutally public.

It carried subliminal messages of support.

Human nature ensured the benefit of the doubt went Cloughie’s way.

Who is going to be Mike Riley’s new best friend?

wenger must change his way

2011-04-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

It is just like having a row with your favourite uncle.

You love him, think the world of him and never dreamed it could come to this.

But that is exactly what has happened among Arsenal fans, and it is Arsene Wenger who is playing the role as lovable ageing relative.

It's hard to contemplate life without him, but he's upset you, you're angry and, no matter how much you love him, your patience is being tested.
Click here to find out more!

Trouble is, some of the family are on your side but the majority are staying loyal to Uncle Arsene. If my family is anything to go by, no wonder passions are running high. There's a nasty split.

And that is certainly what happened at the Emirates on Saturday. Hard to believe that a place labelled The Library (a nickname brought across from Highbury) by cynics and frequented by Islington's latte sipping classes could arouse such anger.

But fights broke out at the Emirates during and after Saturday's goalless draw with Blackburn, and dear old Uncle Arsene was the cause.

They were just odd pockets of scuffles and would usually be glossed over at some clubs. But civil war has broken out at Arsenal, and you can only hope the club's hierarchy are listening.

There is one obvious way to broker peace talks - and that is for Arsenal to win a trophy. Sadly for Arsenal fans, their last remaining hope from their quadruple dream is the Premier League title and they are seven points adrift of Manchester United.

Fulham now have their statue of Michael Jackson. Arsenal need one of Jim Bowen with the inscription underneath: "Look what you could have won."

The fights at the Emirates, from what I'm told, consisted of people abusing certain players (Manuel Almunia), then turning their annoyance towards the manager, and leaving even earlier than usual in protest.

Wenger loyalists defended the team and the manager's honour. There were pushes and scuffles, and even fists. Staff handing out Club Level renewal forms - with tickets going up by 6.5 per cent next season - also got stick.

That's one of the grievances. Arsenal are charging top dollar for tickets but are buying at the bargain basement. Example: Sebastien Squillaci. Forget what happened to Tottenham in Madrid, Squillaci is not a patch on William Gallas.

The truth is that Arsenal and Wenger have not listened to their fans. Everyone in January was saying that Arsenal should buy reinforcements, particularly in central defence.

But Wenger didn't want to pay over the odds for Gary Cahill even though, the critics argue, they're happy to charge over the odds for expensive tickets.

It's easy for journalists, pundits and ex-players to stand up for Wenger. He is, after all, the most successful manager in the club's post-war history. Probably the greatest of all time.

But that is to ignore what the fans are saying. They know they are lucky to be in the top four each and every year. But do you win a trophy for that? No. That might be the measure of success for the club, but not for the fans.

Arsenal fans want some silverware. You don't get a cup for finishing third. And if the club ignore that then they are being extremely foolish.

They're not a finishing school, or a business with a plan of getting in the Champions League each season.

Arsenal also isn't merely a theatre run just to put on pretty football. If you want the theatre then go to The Old Vic.

It is a football club with fans who desperately want to win things. The fans are getting restless because, being realistic, it is going to be six years this summer since they last did.

Wenger set out his long term plan and kept faith with players who have time and again not realised their potential and yet they are still on the scene.

Arsenal used to buy proven quality. Gilberto Silva and Thierry Henry were World Cup winners when they arrived. Arsenal don't buy from that bracket anymore.

But just imagine what a few experienced, quality players alongside the likes of Jack Wilshere, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie could achieve. What an incredible prospect.

Wilshere is going to rule the world, so why not complement him with more world class talent?

I still think the majority of Arsenal fans are backing Wenger. But even many of those want him to change his ways and to buy better players.

Sadly, there is a growing minority who aren't backing Wenger. There's a few fringe groups who want change now. They want a new manager this summer.

They want that change because the club has ignored them in the past couple of summers and their dissent and frustration has grown.

They were the ones who were shouting the odds on Saturday. And the trouble is, Arsenal desperately need to listen to them. They need to address issues to stop even the ardent Wenger loyalists from growing disillusioned.

This is not about getting rid of the manager. It's about getting the manager to tweak his philosophy. David Dein used to have his ear. Who does that now? Who tells him that a new player is needed or a change in the set-up?

I often joke that Wenger will decide when it's time for the board to sack him. But that's the truth. His contract expires in 2014 and don't expect him to leave before then.

What must be ensured is that he retires on a high and in glory. He's been a brilliant manager for Arsenal, the Premier League and for the footballing world. He deserves better than an ugly, painful exit.

However, for Wenger to go out on a high, he needs to change. That much is obvious. The last six years hasn't worked. His faith in players is admirable but when will Denilson, Diaby, Rosicky, Eboue and so on ever realise their potential?

It is time for change and it's no secret - he has hinted as much publicly - that Wenger is planning a clear out and shake-up.

But the players coming in have to be of proven quality. Forget the £2m bargains or free transfers. It's time to spend £18m on Cahill and a similar amount on a striker. A midfielder would be good, too.

Don't believe the nonsense about not being any money. There is money. Wenger has chosen not to spend it. He didn't want to pay over the odds.

But fans won't stomach that much longer. They also don't want to hear conspiracy theories about playing on a Sunday after Manchester United.

The league programme is set out, 38 games, 19 home and 19 away. It's open to everyone. Same rules, same refs, no mystery men at the Premier League plotting Arsenal's downfall. Fergie doesn't think he gets a fair deal either. It's Paranoia City.

Wenger still has the majority of the fans. But the boss of any company would be foolish not to listen to the concerns of their backers, be it shareholders or fans.

They want top quality, proven signings, strength in depth, leaders and a trophy. You can't have one without the other.

And unless Wenger addresses the key issues this summer, expect more fisticuffs next season. And what a shame that would be for one of the all-time greats to see his reign end in bitter disappointment.

question and answer session with wenger

2011-04-10T08:44:00.001-07:00

n all of my years covering Arsenal, including almost all of Arsene Wenger's reign, rarely have I seen the manager been so upset, passionate and defiant at a press conference as he was yesterday afternoon.

After a week of unprecedented criticism from fans in which even the Arsenal Supporters' Trust expressed their "considerable disappointment", Wenger had to face some tough questions.

Questions on whether this season had been a failure, his spending policy, why is there not more experience and whether he'd walk away if fans continued to be so upset.

At Arsenal press conferences (both pre-match and after games), they do a section in front of the cameras and then they are switched off for the written media to put their questions. This is not filmed.
Click here to find out more!

In the past, Wenger has always enjoyed a good cordial relationship with the written media but, understandably, defended his players, the club and his own record with passionate replies to some tough questions.

Here is the transcript from Friday's written press conference.

Q: You've had a fantastic career here and no-one is disputing that, but can you understand why some supporters wish there was a bit more experience there, thinking about what you may achieved if there was?

A: "I'm against superficial judgement, that's what I fight against. For example people ask 'why don't you buy central defenders?' We have a better defence than Man United if you look at the numbers, but nobody mentions that. And should we kick Vermaelen, Djourou and Szczesny out? What for?

Q: You said the team had done well for its age, so isn't experience an issue?

A: "We've done well for our age as we're second in the league. Is that a disaster for you? There are teams who invest ten times more than us, one player cost more than the whole team and they're behind us. I don't understand the way people think.

Q: It's what the supporters are thinking though, that's the issue.

A: "Do not hide behind what the supporters think, tell me what you think. You do not know what the supporters think because what people write is only 5 per cent of what they see on the internet. There are 95 per cent others.

Q: But it's not my money, it's the supporters who are paying to watch:

A: "How many supporters are complaining?"

Q: But there were people complaining after the Blackburn match.

A: "At every game I find people complaining. What are you talking about? I don't understand supporters complaining."

Q: Compared to four years ago, they weren't complaining, because it wasn't so long without a trophy?

A: "Do you judge this season or the last four seasons? Some of the clubs behind us have done nothing for 20 years, yet suddenly they get a lot of praise. I don't understand. We have eight games to go and are in a position to fight for the Championship so let's give the maximum. If we're disappointed at the end then okay. Why do you say it's a disaster when we're second in the league? Do the 18 clubs behind us have a fantastic disaster?"

Q: Are you a victim of your own success?

A: "I'm a victim of nothing. I try to do my job as well as I can, and that's it."

Q: But you are judged against your own success?

A: "I told you just now. To be consistent at the top level is the most difficult and important thing in our job. We've been in the Champions League for 15 years, and there's only two clubs who've done that in this country. It's Arsenal and Man United."

Q: Arsene, everyone respects the job you've done, but shouldn't a club like Arsenal be judged on the trophies they win? And obviously in the last six years there haven't been any trophies?

A: "Trophies are one way to judge a club."

Q: Are trophies an over rated way to judge success?

A: "They're not overrated as it allows you to say you've won a trophy, but would you swap winning the FA Cup for playing in the Champions League? Is it a trophy or not to be in the Champions League? Is it more important to win the FA Cup? We do as well as we can, and if it's not good enough it's not good enough. But what I deny is that everything is suddenly negative. We've built this club. Tomorrow, you look at the players in this team and I'll speak to you in 10 years."

Q: We know you've had some fabulous offers to leave this club - Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City - if this continues will it make you think about leaving, if you're not being appreciated?

A: "I don't think about leaving. I love this club and do the maximum for them. I don't think like that. When I make a commitment I give absolutely everything. At the end of the season I'll look back and see what we've done well and not done well. We should not go overboard. We're second in the league so it's not a scandal. Where is the common sense there?

"I do as well as I can with the players I have. What's important for me is how well we do. All the rest I don't care about.

Q: Where would this club be without you, Arsene?

A: "I don't know where Arsenal would be without me, maybe better, maybe worse. I hope one day maybe better. I'm happy that the club goes on and gets better. But we shouldn't think we have the right to be where we are."

Q: I've rarely seen you so passionate, so upset, are you hurt?

A: "I'm not hurt at all, but I defend what we do here and the way we do it. That's all. I don't see why we should be negative when we're going for the Championship. I'm having to answer why it's a disaster. I'll have to stop talking and you write what you want. If I cannot defend that, we're second in the league and fighting for the Championship then I should stay at home, but I'm in a fighting job."

Q: Arsene, sometimes there's a criticism that you don't sign the quality of player that you used to. Have you had a change in policy?

A: "Of course, we've had a change in policy to sign younger players. It's important for football that there's another way then to just come in, put money on the table and buy a star. I feel it's very important for football."

Q: Can you expand on that?

A: "No, I don't want to expand on that. The way we are doing things is right. Personally, I'm rather proud of this team, proud of the players, if I look at this team I'm proud of them, proud of the attitude of the players and the football we play. It's only in this country that we have to face what we face. If you go anywhere else in the world Arsenal are given much more credit, I can tell you."

Q: You spoke about the age gap to Barcelona as perhaps one reason why you haven't won trophies, but how will that change if you're always bringing younger and younger players into the squad?

A: "That's why it's important to keep these players together."

Q: What about the stadium. It's important to get into the piece, to be positive, to get into the piece, because that impacted on your spending and yet no-one's talking about that? You haven't then been able to sign big players?

A: "Nobody talks about the fact we built a new stadium. We have many big players in this team, and the future will tell you that. Whether they play here or somewhere else, you'll realise they're big players."

Arsenal chairman brands own supporters as 'silly people' who 'do quite a lot of damage'

wenger with bad boy rooney

2011-04-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger today ripped up the prospectus for his exclusive Arsenal School and admitted that taking on so many impeccably behaved pupils had taken his football finishing school in the wrong direction.

Six years without any awards tells its own story. Despite appearing attractive on the surface, the curriculum at the Arsenal school of science has become sterile.

Some devilment and steel is needed, particularly at the front of the class, although two uncompromising scholars at the back would not go amiss either.

Wayne Rooney, at the Manchester United academy, has been up before the headmaster on numerous occasions but continues to deliver his work on time with impressive results.
Click here to find out more!

Wenger has now decided to broaden his intake next term and consider those who have been in trouble in the past and who are repeat offenders. Joey Barton need not apply.

The Arsenal academics have often presented a goody-goody image that has been easy to overcome.

Expect a scholarship being awarded to Gennaro Gattuso of the Institute of Milan (primarily for his head butt on Joe Jordan.)

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/terry-butcher/Terry-Butcher-column-Why-Arsene-Wenger-could-do-with-a-bad-boy-like-Wayne-Rooney-at-his-Arsenal-Academy-of-Excellence-article721762.html#ixzz1JDXlpCW0
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Blackpool 1 - 3 Arsenal

2011-04-10T08:13:00.003-07:00

Arsenal kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United and maintained their title hopes with victory at Blackpool.

Arsene Wenger's side have reduced United's lead to seven points with a game in hand - despite veteran 41-year-old keeper Jens Lehmann being thrust into his first start for the club in three years after Manuel Almunia was injured in the warm-up.

Lehmann had a relatively untroubled first half as Arsenal established firm control courtesy of two goals in three minutes through Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue.

Arsenal could have built up an unassailable lead before half-time as Samir Nasri hit a post and was also denied by Blackpool keeper Richard Kingson.

Blackpool launched an assault on The Gunners after the break as Gary Taylor-Fletcher pulled a goal back after 52 minutes and then appeared to be denied a clear penalty by referee Lee Mason when he was brought down by Laurent Koscielny.

Boss Ian Holloway will not just regard that incident as a pivotal moment, with Keith Southern somehow failing to even make contact with a header in front of an open goal as Arsenal suffered a serious wobble and frailties were exposed.

Wenger introduced Theo Walcott to give Arsenal extra pace and thrust, and the ploy worked when he raced clear to set up Robin van Persie for the crucial third 14 minutes from time.

There was still time for Lehmann - on a short-term deal at Arsenal and only a week shy of being the oldest player ever to play for the club by overtaking 1920s star Jock Rutherford - to show some of the old instincts by saving with his legs as DJ Campbell looked certain to give Blackpool hope of a late recovery.

Wenger's frustration at Arsenal's recent collapse was obvious before the game - but this victory will lift the spirits of manager, players and supporters as they still retain hope of catching United.

For Blackpool, this defeat increased their relegation worries and extended a dismal sequence of losing 11 out of 15 Premier League games since the turn of the year.

There was drama even before kick-off when it became clear Almunia was struggling with a knee injury as he warmed up in the goalmouth, forcing a hasty rewrite of Wenger's team-sheet and the return of former Germany keeper Lehmann to the colours.

After that late change, it was inevitable that Blackpool would attempt to apply early heavy pressure on Lehmann - but his only moment of discomfort came when he attempted to take a goal-kick with a lace undone.

Van Persie gave a sign of problems to come for Blackpool when he escaped the offside trap to run on to Cesc Fabregas' pass but his touch was heavy off his chest and Kingson raced smartly from his line to claim.

Blackpool's reprieve was brief as their defensive shortcomings were brutally revealed when Arsenal took the lead. Van Persie was allowed too much time and space on the left flank and his cross was met by the easiest of finishes from Diaby.

And three minutes later Arsenal doubled their advantage as Blackpool's defence was once more nowhere to be seen as Eboue drove into the area before sending a thumping finish past Kingson.

Holloway immediately moved towards the touchline to reorganise and attempt to lift his players, whose bright start had been totally undermined by their calamitous lack of composure and organisation at the back.

Charlie Adam, predictably, was probing and trying to spark life into Blackpool - but the task was proving even beyond the player who has provided so much inspiration in this eventful season by the seaside.

Arsenal threatened to unlock Blackpool's defence every time they attacked and Nasri almost increased their lead twice in the space of seconds as the interval loomed. He brought a fine block from Kingson before striking the outside of an upright after collecting Fabregas' clever lofted pass in the area.

Lehmann was finally given a serious anxious moment in the dying seconds of the half when Taylor-Fletcher and Adam combined in the area and it needed desperate defending to keep Blackpool out in a six-yard scramble.

Holloway had clearly delivered stern words to his players at half-time. They steamed into Arsenal on the resumption and Luke Varney should have done better than steer Adam's free-kick wide.

It was not long, however, before Blackpool did get the goal their renewed ambition deserved. And great credit must go to referee Mason, who twice played advantage before Taylor-Fletcher scored from close range.

Jack Wilshere committed a foul for which he was booked and Lehmann hauled down Campell as he raced into the area but Mason waited crucially to see how the play developed, allowing Taylor-Fletcher to ignite the contest.

Mason did not draw any credit from Blackpool or Holloway moments later when Taylor-Fletcher was clearly caught by Koscielny's trailing leg in the area. It looked a certain penalty but to Bloomfield Road's fury - and Arsenal's undoubted relief - he waved play on.

And, as Arsenal rocked, Southern missed a header with the goal gaping in front of him and Lehmann unprotected.

Wenger needed to restore a measure of order to proceedings and introduced Walcott for Andrey Arshavin, who had been very much on the margins of the game.

Van Persie almost restored Arsenal's two-goal lead as Blackpool pressed for the leveller, shooting just wide and then sending a spectacular volley over the angle from Fabregas' pass.

The Netherlands striker made no mistake when handed a third opportunity. It was a goal that owed almost everything to Walcott, who exploited time and space to leave Van Persie to complete a formality of a finish.

Blackpool were denied a grandstand finish when Lehmann saved from Campbell - but Arsenal will have travelled back to the capital with their dreams of winning the title still alive.

Hamburg to offer Bendtner a German lifeline if Wenger lets him go

2011-04-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hamburg will offer Nicklas Bendtner a way out of Arsenal if Arsene Wenger makes radical changes.

The Bundesliga side will have Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen in charge of transfers at the end of the season and he is a fan of his Danish compatriot.

Bendtner, 23, who once said he was one of the 'best strikers in the world', has failed to score a Premier League goal in 2011 but could join the German side for about £8million.

Hamburg will offer Nicklas Bendtner a way out of Arsenal if Arsene Wenger makes radical changes.

The Bundesliga side will have Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen in charge of transfers at the end of the season and he is a fan of his Danish compatriot.

Bendtner, 23, who once said he was one of the 'best strikers in the world', has failed to score a Premier League goal in 2011 but could join the German side for about £8million.

Arsene Wenger says second place is 'not a disaster'

2011-04-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger insists failure to win a trophy for a sixth successive season would not be a "disaster" for Arsenal.

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust recently expressed "considerable disappointment" at recent results.

The Gunners boss said: "We are second in the league. Is that a disaster? There are teams who invest 10 times more than us, and they are behind us.

"Some of the clubs behind us have done nothing for 20 years, yet suddenly get a lot of praise. I don't understand."

He added: "If we are disappointed at the end [of the season] then OK. Why do you say it's a disaster when we are second in the league? Do the 18 clubs behind us have a fantastic disaster?"

The Gunners are second in the Premier League behind Manchester United, but were knocked out of the FA Cup and the Champions League in the last six weeks, as well as losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham.

They have not won a trophy since the FA Cup in 2005 - but have been a permanent fixture in the top four of the table, earning regular Champions League participation.

And the Frenchman wants any criticism of his team to be put into context, insisting they are heading in the right direction.

Wenger went on: "We have been in the Champions League for 15 years, and there are only two clubs who have done that in this country - it is us and Manchester United.

"Trophies are one way to judge a club. They're not overrated as it allows you to say you have won a trophy, but would you swap winning the FA Cup for playing in the Champions League?

"Is it a trophy or not to be in the Champions League? Is it more important to win the FA Cup?"

"We do as well as we can, and if it's not good enough it's not good enough, but what I deny is that everything is suddenly negative. We have built this club. Look at the players in this team. I will speak to you in 10 years."

Wenger also gave a staunch defence of his policy to invest in youth rather than signing proven stars, adding: "We have done well for our age as we are second in the league.

"There are teams who invest 10 times more than us, one player cost more than the whole team and they are behind us. I don't understand the way people think."

Having dropped points at home in the draw with 10-man Blackburn last weekend, Arsenal trail leaders United by seven points with a game in hand.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Bloomfield Road to take on Ian Holloway's Blackpool, Wenger urged everyone involved with the club to get behind the team as they chase a first title since 2004.

"We have eight games to go and are in a position to fight for the championship, so let's give the maximum," he said.

"If I cannot defend the fact that we are second in the league and fighting for the championship then I should stay at home, but I am in a fighting job."

Wenger reaffirmed his belief that this Arsenal team will enjoy success, and can rise above any criticism that comes their way.

"If I look at this team I'm proud of them, proud of the attitude of the players and the football we play," he added.

"It's only in this country that we have to face what we face. If you go anywhere else in the world Arsenal are given much more credit, I can tell you."

Arsenal seek to defuse fans row as Hill-Wood speaks out

2011-04-10T08:02:00.001-07:00

Arsenal have sought to avert a row between disgruntled sections of their support and chairman Peter Hill-Wood.

Hill-Wood was quoted in a newspaper as saying supporters critical of the club's lack of trophies in recent seasons were "silly".

But in a statement, Arsenal said: "Emotions can run high in football many times throughout a season. It's because we all care about our club.

"Our fans are at the heart of what we do, and that will always be the case."

Arsenal are still in contention for the Premier League title but face the prospect of a sixth season without any silverware.

They lost to Barcelona over two legs Champions League in the first knockout round of the Champions League, lost the Carling Cup final to Birmingham City and had their FA Cup hopes ended in the sixth round by Manchester United.

But manager Arsene Wenger defended his players on Friday, saying: "Trophies are one way to judge a club... would you swap winning the FA Cup for playing in the Champions League?"

The Daily Star quoted Hill-Wood on Saturday as saying the Arsenal board remained "100% behind" Wenger.

"I simply cannot believe he will react to these stupid comments from these silly people," Hill-Wood said. "They are supposed to be supporters, but, in fact, they do quite a lot of damage.

"We have set the bar high and everybody expects us to achieve that every year, but it simply isn't possible."

Hill-Wood directed his anger towards the Arsenal Supporters Trust who earlier this week expressed "considerable disappointment" at recent results.

The AST meet regularly with the north London club's hierarchy, but Hill-Wood added: "They are in danger of us becoming less friendly with them. We haven't yet, but I am just saying we could become less friendly."

Second-placed Arsenal go into Sunday's match at Blackpool 10 points behind league leaders Manchester United.

The Gunners have two games in hand on the Red Devils but third-place Chelsea are now only a point behind the north Londoners having played one match more.

Wenger - We want to be judged by actions

2011-04-10T07:57:00.001-07:00

Arsène Wenger wants his team to be judged on its actions - and that means putting in a shift at Blackpool on Sunday.

The Arsenal manager and his players have been under fire in recent weeks after falling short in three cup competitions and falling behind Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title.

Opinions - most of them negative - have been thrown around like confetti since last weekend's 0-0 draw with Blackburn after a performance that Wenger admits was not of the required standard.

The Frenchman puts much of the vitriol directed at his team down to the nature of society and he knows that the critics will only get off Arsenal's back if they are 'up for it' at Bloomfield Road.

"That is what we want to show," said Wenger.

"You are judged only on your last game. We live in a society where everybody has an opinion and very few people do something. We have to act and we want to be judged on our actions.

"For the rest, our society lives at the moment only on opinion. I have grown up by judging people on what they do, not what they say. We want to be judged on Sunday on what we do, that means a good performance."

One of those 'opinions' came from former Gunner Paul Merson, who claimed this week that Arsenal lack a 'winning mentality'. Wenger believes he has enough experience to understand what his team is doing wrong - and where they are progressing.

"I do not want to go into the comments or individual opinion of people," he said. "I managed 1,500 games and I have to listen to many opinions of people who have done a bit less. I am ready to do it but not ready to comment on it.

"We understand that [it is a long time without a trophy]. We give our maximum and you have to accept people's opinion. Let's hope that in the whole of history we will never be more disappointed than [we are now]. If the situation remains like that, it is not too dramatic.

"I believe we have done well. We have been hit very hard with big disappointments but we have not lost in the FA or the Champions League against anybody, we have lost against good teams. In one week, we had three big disappointments.

"Personally, I am very proud of the attitude, the behaviour and the quality of our season. I will defend that until the end. It is important that we finish as well as we can and the quality of the team is linked with the mental attitude that we have and how much you are ready to fight until the end of the season."

Wenger - I'm not hurt, I'm staying positive

2011-04-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

Arsène Wenger has had better weeks.

The Frenchman was crestfallen after watching his side struggle to a 0-0 draw against Blackburn last Saturday. After that game he could not put his finger on why Arsenal were, in his words, "so flat", when they had so much to play for.

Criticism has rained down on Wenger ever since - from those who pay to watch his players and from those who get paid to comment on his team. Some of it has been pretty strong stuff.

When the manager faced reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday some of those insults, those perceived shortcomings, were repeated back to him. Given his right of reply, Wenger insisted that he had too much to fight for to succumb to the doom and gloom.

"I'm not hurt at all, but I defend what we do here and the way we do it," he said. "I don't see why we should be negative when we're going for the Championship.

"If I cannot defend the fact that we're second in the league and fighting for the Championship then I should stay at home, but I'm in a fighting job.

"I'm a victim of nothing. I try to do my job as well as I can, and that's it. To be consistent at the top level is the most difficult and important thing in our job. We've been in the Champions League for 15 years, and there's only two clubs who've done that in this country. It's us and Man United."

Last weekend Wenger was asked if he had taken his current squad as far as he can, prompting suggestions that his future at Arsenal might be in doubt. He put the record straight on Friday.

"I don't think about leaving," he said. "I love this club and do the maximum for them. I don't think like that. When I make a commitment I give absolutely everything.

"At the end of the season I'll look back and see what we've done well and not done well. We should not go overboard. We're second in the league so it's not a scandal. Where is the common sense?

"I do as well as I can with the players I have. What's important for me is how well we do. All the rest I don't care about. I don't know where Arsenal would be without me, maybe better, maybe worse. I hope one day maybe better.

"I'm happy that the Club goes on and gets better. But we shouldn't think we have the right to be where we are."

Wenger - I'm not concerned about my legacy

2011-04-10T07:53:00.001-07:00

Arsène Wenger says he is more worried about the success of the current Arsenal side than the way he is remembered when he eventually leaves the Club.

The manager has overseen some historic moments during his 15-year tenure in north London, from the ‘Invincibles’ of 2003/04 and the double-winning side of 1997/98 to the move from Highbury into Arsenal’s new home of Emirates Stadium. But Wenger insists he is only concerned about the here and now.

"My worry is to do as well as I can with the team and get them to play decent football so that the people who come and pay for their tickets are not bored,” he said. “[The way I am remembered] is not my concern.

“I have watched a lot of games in my life and I think we have a clear conscience. We do not try to cheat our people, we do not always manage to but we try to give them something for the money they spend.

“We always have that ambition and if we do not have that ambition to do it, we are sorry. [But] we have that ambition.”

Odemwingie Impresses Again, As Man Utd Extends Lead

2011-04-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

SUPER Eagles Osaze Odemwingie continued his goalscoring run in the English Premier League as he fired his team, West Brom to a 3-2 win over homers, Sunderland yesterday.

Apart from scoring the equaliser, the Nigerian also provided both assist to send his team to the 10th position on the table.

Also, leaders Manchester United went 10 points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League as they enjoyed a straightforward 2-0 win at home to Fulham.

With second-placed Arsenal not in action until today, albeit with two games in hand now, United were comfortable as Dimitar Berbatov (12) and Antonio Valencia (32) put them two goals up by the break.

Nani played a starring role as he set up Berbatov following a lovely run forward before crossing to allow Valencia to nod home the second and while Fulham refused to roll over, there was never any danger of United being denied.

West Brom continued their resurgence under Roy Hodgson as they twice came from behind to win 3-2 at Sunderland and move into the top half of the table.

Baggies defender Nicky Shorey headed into his own net and though Peter Odemwingie slammed home an equaliser, Phil Bardsley’s rifled long-ranger made it 2-1 to the Black Cats.

Youssouf Mulumbu levelled early in the second half after being played in by Odemwingie and the same provider assisted once again for the Baggies’ third, Odemwingie crossing low from the right for Paul Scharner to sweep home and earn the win.

Florent Malouda ensured Chelsea did not lose further ground as they beat Wigan 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to remain 11 points off United.

Chelsea, with Fernando Torres on the bench, were sterile against the rock-bottom Latics and needed Malouda’s scrappy 67th-minute strike after Didier Drogba’s corner was not cleared to break the deadlock.

Torres came on in the second half but missed two good chances to break his Blues duck.

Peter Crouch scored twice on his return to action following his controversial red card against Real Madrid on Tuesday as Tottenham overcame Stoke 3-2 White Hart Lane.

The England striker scored either side of Luka Modric, though Matthew Etherington’s sublime run and finish and Kenwyne Jones’ strike kept the gap to one goal.

In the relegation tussle at the other end of the table, third-bottom West Ham were destroyed 3-0 at Bolton.

Daniel Sturridge’s sublime left-footed curler put the Trotters in front at the Reebok Stadium before Lee Chung-yong headed home the second after 20 minutes. Sturridge’s fine individual performance continued as he made it 3-0.

Liam Ridgewell’s mistake helped Blackburn take a 1-1 draw in their crunch clash at home to Birmingham as both sides moved three points clear of the bottom three.

Junior Hoilett robbed the Blues defender of the ball before converting in first-half added time to cancel out Lee Bowyer’s headed opener.

In the early game played yesterday, Wolves suffered a comprehensive 3-0 hammering as Everton wrapped up the win in the first half through Jermaine Beckford, Phil Neville and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

Fashola To Flag Off MTN Street Soccer

2011-04-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

LAGOS State Governor, Babatunde Fashola will flag-off the fourth edition of the MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship today at the Campos Stadium.

Governor Fashola will also captain a team of dignitaries from the Lagos State Government against an MTN Team; comprising MTN executives in a novelty match that will kick-start the championship.

The opening event promises to be an exciting moment for all the participating teams and their supporters, as it is expected to draw a huge attendance of spectators, soccer icons and dignitaries.

“The MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship has over the past three years advanced significantly as a medium of youth empowerment, talent discovery and grassroots development for sports in Nigeria,” says Kola Oyeyemi, MTN’s General Manager, Consumer Marketing.

“The championship has come to stay as it is adding value to the lives of football-loving youths in Lagos by helping them to realise their dreams. It is a viable platform for delivering the true value that MTN brings to grassroots soccer as well as the development of the game in the country,” he said.

Recalling the successful organisation of the last edition, Oyeyemi expressed optimism that this year’s championship would witness the discovery of more talents who would eventually fly the country’s flag in both national and international football tournaments.

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of the Management Committee of the championship, Tajudeen Oladeji said this year’s championship would be better than the previous editions.

“Our plan is to improve on the success of last season and deliver a more successful competition in terms of organisation, administration and the overall impact to all the participants of the championship,” he assured.

With so much to vie for, about 500 teams will slug it out in the preliminary stages for a chance to qualify for the group stage of the Championship.

The champion will get a reward of N5 million and an all expense paid trip to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, while the first and second runner-up teams would enjoy an all expense paid trip to South Africa and The Gambia, with an additional cash prizes of N3 million and N2 million respectively.

Guiness says game is for fans

2011-04-10T07:10:00.003-07:00

THE presence of top football personalities at the unveiling of the Grade A friendly match between the Eagles and the Argentine National team last month showed the importance attached to the game.

Football buffs, administrators and journalists, who were present at the venue, agreed that the encounter would be a good test for the new team, which Coach Samson Siasia is building.

The Argentines have won games between the two countries at both the U-20 and U-23 levels levels. The Super Eagles fell 2-1 to the Albicelestes at the USA ’94 World Cup and any hope of getting a revenge evaporated as the Eagles once again lost 1-0 to the South Americans at the 2002 World Cup.

Samson Siasia was also at the helms of affairs when the Flying Eagles and the Under 23 team lost to a Lionel Messi-inspired side in the final of the World Youth Championship in 2005 in Holland and the Olympic Games in 2008 in Beijing.

The Eagles under Coach Lars Lagerback also lost to the South Americans at last year’s World Cup in South Africa. So, the importance placed on the match is high and it would afford Siasia to the opportunity to settle scores with the Argentines.

However, for the sponsors of the game, Guinness Nigeria Plc, the tie would afford Nigerians the opportunity to see their emerging stars take on one of the best footballing nations.

While it is not certain whether the South Americans would come to town with two-time world Footballer of the Year, Messi, the sponsors are hopeful that the best of football would be on display at the Abuja National Stadium on match day.

To underline their readiness for the game, Guinness’ boss told journalists that the right of Nigerian football fans to see top games informed his company’s decision to bankroll the encounter.

“I am, therefore, delighted to announce Guinness The Match, a FIFA accredited football game, in response to the growing calls for the Super Eagles to be able to play world class competition with one of the top football nations of the world.

“And on behalf of Nigerian football fans, Guinness has negotiated with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Argentine Football Association to bring the South American giant to play the Super Eagles on June 1.”

He added: “It would be the event of a lifetime that no true football fan should miss. Argentina — one of the world’s greatest football nations renowned for its touch of genius and creative play — have never before played on Nigerian soil and as a country that has produced some of the greatest footballers, people will be talking about this for a long time to come. And since Argentina beat Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup in 2010, there is definitely a lot at stake,” he said.

Announcing juicy offers, Hainsworth stated that passionate fans would have the opportunity to play a part in Guinness The Match including becoming an assistant coach to the Super-Eagles, be the official photographer, be an official TV and radio commentator as well as the chance get behind the scenes and see the teams at close quarters.

Chairman of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage said that Nigeria being a great nation with great people deserves the best.

“Nigeria is a great nation of good people, many of whom are ardent and passionate followers of football. They just don’t follow our players and national teams but any game, anywhere in the world, particularly the English Premier League, Champions League, La Liga and of course the Africa Cup of Nations and The World Cup tournaments.

“Many of Nigeria’s football fans are also passionate fans of Guinness. Guinness is arguably Nigeria’s most beloved beer and we remain grateful to the people of Nigeria for their continued support,” he added.

Continuing, he said: “Through this sponsorship, Guinness celebrates the greatness of the players that represent our country and those around them who have inspired them to reach for greatness despite what sometimes look like a rollercoaster ride. So, we have decided to take positive action and reiterate our support for the nation’s fans and our national team.”

However, Siasia has said that he was ready for the challenge against Argentina on June 1 at the Abuja Stadium. His words: “I want to thank Guinness for stepping in and making this happen for Nigeria. The fans should be grateful to Guinness for this opportunity.

“It’s now down to us and the fans to make sure we show that we are a football nation worthy of respect. The match would also give us the chance to show that we have the potential to succeed on the world stage. We had played Argentina three times at senior national level in the past and they have been formidable opponents.

“They too are building for the future and from this game we can benchmark the progress of our future heroes against that of their future heroes. But we are ready for the challenge.

He continued: “I am well aware that if there is anything that makes Nigerians genuinely happy and love to be called Nigerians, it is the success of the Super Eagles. What makes Nigerians happy is what makes me happy. I am therefore determined to make sure that Guinness The Match on home soil on June 1, this year will be an epic encounter that will make Nigerians happy by making history and coming away with our first ever win against Argentina at senior national level.”

No Rooney, no problem as Man Utd march on

2011-04-10T06:59:00.001-07:00

Manchester United shrugged off the absence of Wayne Rooney to defeat Fulham 2-0 at Old Trafford and open up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Saturday.

United, still furious at the two-match ban handed out to Rooney for swearing, secured all three points thanks to Dimitar Berbatov's 22nd goal of the season and a close-range header from Antonio Valencia.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made eight changes from the side which defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the Champions League as he juggled his options ahead of next Tuesday's return leg at Old Trafford.

"It was an important win and at this stage of the season that's the name of the game," said Ferguson, who nevertheless was unhappy at United's display.

"I don't think it was a job well done at all. We were a bit casual and lackadaisical," he added.

United's victory keeps the pressure on second-placed Arsenal, who travel to Blackpool on Sunday knowing they can ill-afford any more slip-ups, even with their two games in hand over the leaders.

Chelsea kept alive their remote hopes of overhauling United with a 1-0 victory over Wigan at Stamford Bridge, Florent Malouda scoring the only goal as the Blues remained third, 11 points adrift of United.

But it was another disappointing afternoon for Chelsea's 50 million pound striker Fernando Torres, whose goal drought continued after he appeared as a second-half substitute.

Tottenham -- thrashed 4-0 by Real Madrid in midweek -- maintained their push for a place in next season's Champions League with a 3-2 win over Stoke at White Hart Lane to remain in fifth spot.

Peter Crouch bounced back from the disappointment of his red card in the Bernabeu to score twice, with Luka Modric grabbing Spurs' other goal.

Stoke's goals came Matthew Etherington and Kenwyne Jones.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said he was pleased at the way his side responded to their drubbing by Madrid.

"We've had a setback at Real Madrid. But we've got to come back and go on a run in the league and try to get back in that top four," he said.

At the other end of the table, Wolves' battle against relegation suffered a setback as Everton romped to a 3-0 victory in the early kick-off at Molineux.

First-half goals from Jermaine Beckford, Phil Neville and Diniya Bilyaletdinov secured all three points for Everton, who remain in seventh spot after extending their unbeaten run to six matches.

But the defeat left Mick McCarthy's Wolves rooted in the relegation mire, with the midlands club second from bottom with only six games remaining.

Birmingham and Blackburn remain three points clear of the relegation zone after grinding out a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.

Birmingham took the lead through a headed Lee Bowyer effort on 32 minutes only for Blackburn to level on half-time courtesy of David Hoilett.

West Ham missed the chance to pull themselves out of the drop zone after crashing to a 3-0 defeat at Bolton.

Bolton took the lead on 14 minutes with an exquisite strike from Daniel Sturridge, the on-loan Chelsea striker curling a shot from the edge of the area beyond the grasp of West Ham keeper Robert Green.

Lee Chung-Yong made it 2-0 for the Trotters on 20 minutes, heading in at the near post from Martin Petrov's cross before Sturridge grabbed his second.

West Bromwich Albion eased their relegation fears against Sunderland, twice coming from behind to snatch a 3-2 victory at the Stadium of Light as the Baggies revival under Roy Hodgson continued.

Sunderland took the lead courtesy of a Nicky Shorey own goal.

West Brom levelled it through Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie but Sunderland grabbed the lead again on 31 minutes through Phil Bardsley.

The Baggies got back on level terms however after half-time with Congolese midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu rounding off a well-worked move to score.

Austrian international Paul Scharner then bagged the winner for West Brom on 72 minutes after another flowing move.

"It was a good performance and we deserved it for how hard we battled," Hodgson said. "It gives us some breathing space ahead of the bottom three."

Arsenal manager defends record ahead of Blackpool game

2011-04-10T06:50:00.001-07:00

Arsene Wenger launched a stout defence of his Arsenal team's achievements and his managerial policy ahead of their Premier League game against Blackpool on Sunday.

Arsenal have come under criticism this week from the club's influential Supporters Trust following the 0-0 draw against Blackburn, which dimmed their hopes of overtaking Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.

But Wenger claims the dissent is premature, as there is still a chance they could win the league.

And he pointed to the fact that even though they have gone almost six seasons without a trophy, the players they have at their disposal and the sound financial footing should count as success.

"We give our maximum and you have to accept people's opinion," Wenger said.

"Let's hope that in the whole history we will never be more disappointed than that and that, in the next 20 years, they will be exactly as disappointed as they are at the moment.

"If the situation remains like that, it is not too dramatic. People's opinion is people's opinion and we have to accept that in our game.

"As long as you are second in the league, I am ready to sign for the next 20 years and stand up for that.

"You are judged only on your last game. We live in a society where everybody has an opinion and very few people do something.

"We have to act and we want to be judged on our actions. For the rest, our society lives at the moment only on opinion.

"I have grown up by judging people on what they do, not what they say. We want to be judged on Sunday on what we do, that means a good performance."

Two months ago Arsenal were chasing four trophies, but lost the League Cup final to Birmingham, the FA Cup quarter final to Manchester United and the Champions League round of 16 tie to Barcelona.

But Wenger insisted he would still look upon this season as a success, even if they fail to win the Premier League.

"We want to fight until the last game of the season," Wenger said. "The fight of the team is to come out after every game and know we have given as much as we can.

"If there is a team that is better than us we have to accept it. I believe we do not have to be ashamed at the moment of what we have done.

"Rather, I have to be proud because if I took statements from all the people here at the start of the season we were not even in the top five. Now it is a scandal we are second.

"It is time people understand what our job is about. It is important we realise this team is absolutely amazing for what they do at their age. One day people will understand that, but at the moment, I am not sure many people do.

"Now it is a crucial moment where we have to trust these players and not listen to some opinions of people who have not worked half a day in football."

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is fit, but Wenger will be without Alex Song, who has a knee injury. Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna face fitness tests.

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway, meanwhile, has moved to quell the anticipation for their game against bottom club Wigan on Saturday week.

"I've already heard people going on about Wigan -- it is being made out to be the game that could decide whether we stay up or not. But that’s nonsense as it will decide nothing.

"We can lose our next five and win our last two and still stay up because I believe 39 points will be enough to survive. Our season won't depend on what happens against Wigan."

Tottenham's Harry Redknapp: We will attack Real Madrid

2011-04-05T05:11:00.001-07:00

Tottenham's Harry Redknapp: We will attack Real Madrid

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp claims he isn't scared of Spanish giants Real Madrid ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash, but wants to keep the 'dream' run going

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has vowed to send his team out to attack Real Madrid in their Champions League clash on Tuesday.

With Spurs boosted by the return of Gareth Bale, Redknapp is hopeful his team will perform on the big stage against Jose Mourinho’s side and give their travelling fans something to cheer.

“We’re not just turning up and we’re not going to come here and defend – because we don’t have defensive players,” he told reporters.

“We know that if we have a bad day it could be a nightmare so we’ve got to start well and make sure that we don’t give an early goal away and put ourselves under severe pressure.

“Real Madrid are one of the great clubs and great to be bringing the team here but if you don’t play well it’s not a good night.”

Madrid also have a star back in their squad in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, but Redknapp stressed he wasn’t scared of their opponents and was confident in the attacking quality he has at his disposal.

“We have an attacking team,” he continued.

“When you have Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart and Lennon, attacking players, it’s how you have to play.

“I can’t say I’m scared of them. We have to give them more problems than they give us. That’s the way we will approach the game.”

The Spurs manager admitted his side's progress to the quarter-finals - at the first time of asking - was a "dream" but didn't think there was too much pressure on his team to progress.

“The only pressure on us is that we play well,” he said.

“Nobody expected us to be here at the start of the competition but we came through the qualifying game, the toughest group and then a knock-out game with AC Milan.

“We want to keep progressing. The dream is still there for us all and we want to make that dream come true. There is still a chance and we have to make sure we take it.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: Tottenham can beat Real Madrid in Champions League

2011-04-05T05:09:00.001-07:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: Tottenham can beat Real Madrid in Champions League

Frenchman believes it is a tie that can go either way, and says Spurs have the advantage as they play the second leg at White Hart Lane

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes rivals Tottenham have a "50-50" chance of beating Real Madrid.

The two sides meet on Tuesday at the Bernabeu for the first leg of their Champions League double-header.

And Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho had previously written off Spurs' chances of making the semi-finals of the competition, but the Frenchman believes otherwise.

"It is very open," Wenger said, according to The Guardian.

"Who cannot be beaten? If everything went all right, Barcelona would be out today ... if it had stayed 11 v 11, I am convinced of that.

"So why can't Spurs beat Madrid? Madrid has a disadvantage to play the first game at home and Spurs look to be strong at home. It is a real 50-50 tie."

Real Madrid's Emmanuel Adebayor: Arsenal fans still love me

2011-04-05T05:01:00.001-07:00

Real Madrid's Emmanuel Adebayor: Arsenal fans still love me
Togolese forward feels his former club's supporters still have a soft spot for him, despite his infamous celebration after scoring against

Real Madrid's Emmanuel Adebayor believes Arsenal fans are still appreciative of him, despite the relationship having appeared to have soured in recent times.

The striker made a move to Manchester City in 2009, and infamously ran the length of the pitch to taunt Gunners supporters after scoring against his former club.

But despite the incident, the Togolese forward believes that the north London club's supporters still remember him fondly.

"Today the difference between leaving Arsenal and going to Manchester is that at Arsenal the fans loved me, I think even today they love me," Adebayor told The Sun.

"When I come to Madrid I feel the same atmosphere, I feel the fans love me here as well."

Adebayor also took a swipe at City boss Roberto Mancini, insisting that his time at Eastlands became more difficult after the Italian's appointment.

The 27-year-old made a loan move to the Bernabeu in January, and has maintained that he intends to do whatever he can to seal a permanent move to ply his trade in the Spanish capital again next season.

"When I first joined Manchester City, I was very happy," he said.

"At the beginning everything started very well. I was pleased, I was playing and I was scoring goals.

"Suddenly we had a game against Arsenal and you all know what happened. From then it went downhill for me.

"It was a difficult moment for me, we changed the bosses. Mark Hughes left, Roberto Mancini came along and it was even more difficult."

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger unhappy with Premier League run-in fixture schedule

2011-04-05T04:56:00.000-07:00

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger unhappy with Premier League run-in fixture schedule

Frenchman annoyed that his side will continue to play after their title rivals for the remainder of the season but insists it does not excuse recent disappointing results

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed his unhappiness with his side's end-of-season fixture list but revealed his players were simply not "good enough" in the goalless draw with Blackburn at the weekend.

Wenger's team had seen United win before kicking off at the Emirates and will again play after Sir Alex Ferguson's side next weekend, with the leaders meeting Fulham on Saturday and Arsenal playing at Blackpool a day later.

The north London side will not play again on a Saturday this season, something that Wenger could hide his displeasure about.

"There are a lot of things going on which I don't want to talk about," he said.

"I have been here for 15 years, I know how things work, I want to be completely neutral, like I have to be.

"I am not involved in any decision. I do not do the schedule. I look when do we play? It is on Sunday until the end of the season."

Despite the Arsenal manager's unhappiness, he has conceded that scheduling was no excuse for his side's limp display against Blackburn on Saturday, and insists his players must improve.

"I do not want to speak about anything else like we look for an excuse about our performance," added Wenger.

"We have not been good enough, which is the main information of the Blackburn game, and we have to worry about being better in our next game.

"I have no influence on the fixtures, the referees, not on anything else here.

"Now we want to focus on our next game and show we are good enough."

Carlo Ancelotti wants to extend stay at Chelsea

2011-04-05T04:50:00.001-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti wants to extend stay at Chelsea

Blues boss believes he does not need to win a trophy to keep his job at Stamford Bridge, but still insists that his players can win the Champions League

Carlo Ancelotti says he would like to sign a new contract at Chelsea.

The Blues boss left Milan to take over at Stamford Bridge in 2009, succeeding Guus Hiddink, and the Italian guided the club to a Premier League and FA Cup double.

But this season has seen the club undergo a dip in fortunes, as they have shown patchy form to fall to fourth place after leading the league earlier in the campaign.

The 51-year-old's contract expires at the end of next season, and he is hoping to sign a new deal to prolong his stay at the west London club. And the manager also feels that he does not have to win a trophy to make a case to the club officials.

"I want to stay at Chelsea," Ancelotti told the Daily Express.

"I would like to extend my contract because I love these players and this club.

"Obviously it is just not my decision, but I don't think they require me to win a trophy to retain my position."

Chelsea's only realistic hope of winning a trophy remains the Champions League, in which they take on Manchester United in the first leg of the quarter-finals at Stamford Bridge.

And Ancelotti believes that despite not needing any silverware to protect his job, his players can do owner Roman Abramovich proud by winning the competition.

"The Champions League is a dream for this club but it cannot be an obsession," he added.

"It is a motivation. Chelsea deserve to win it. They lost the final on penalties, lost a semi-final in the last minute, they went out with a goal that was no goal at Liverpool.

"I have told my players that we have 450 minutes of football now to win the Champions League. I believe we can do that."

Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic: We still respect Chelsea's Fernando Torres despite lack of goals

2011-04-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic: We still respect Chelsea's Fernando Torres despite lack of goals

Serbian calls on his team to tighten up at the back and urges United's forward to find the game's first goal if they are to progress to Champions League semi-final

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has refused to write off misfiring nemesis Fernando Torres ahead of their Champions League encounter with Chelsea on Wednesday.

The Spaniard, and his fellow strikers, have found it hard to find the back of the net since January but Vidic has spoken of the respect he has for the Blues front men.

"We have respect, obviously, for their attacking players," said the defender.

"It doesn't matter if they didn't score a goal. They will try to score and they will give their best.

"This is two games and, at the end of the day, it's most important who will go through and not who will score the goals."

United’s defence was given a stern test by West Ham on Saturday and Vidic admitted that if there are to beat the Blues they will need to tighten things up at the back, but the second half comeback to win the game 4-2 will give them a huge boost going into Wednesday’s game.

"The defending part, we need to improve a bit more and we'll be all right," he admitted.

"Of course, it's much better when you win the game and go to the next Champions League game.

“But I don't think our concentration [for Chelsea] will be different.”

And despite the recent history on Chelsea’s side the Serbian defender feels this game will be totally different to the recent league encounters.

"In the last few games, they had good results,” he continued.

"But this is the Champions League and we have to score a goal - this is the name of the game for us.

"We're not going to relax, we know we're playing against a good side, especially at home.

"They're an experienced team, they have experienced players."

Wilshere - the 'future' of England.

2011-02-01T14:14:00.005-08:00

Fabio Capello has hailed the improvement made by Jack Wilshere and told the Arsenal midfielder he will be England's new holding midfielder.

Wilshere, who had a short substitute appearance against Hungary in August, will be given the chance Denmark on February 9 to prove he is ready for a key role in the England side.

Capello wants Wilshere to sit in midfield after seeing Gareth Barry fail to shine in the role and Owen Hargreaves, Capello's first choice, fail to get over his injury problems.

"Hargreaves played this position very, very well every game," Capello told the Daily Telegraph.

"But after the knee problem, he was never back.

"I put different players in there but they'd never played in this position. Barry with Aston Villa never played this position. He started to play there only with me [and now with Manchester City]. But I saw Wilshere play every game in this position."

Capello sees Wilshere taking on a role which Claude Makelele, currently with Paris Saint-Germain, filled for France, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

"Wilshere is better technically than Makelele. He's slower than Makelele but when he receives the ball he is more dangerous than Makelele.

"Wilshere is the best young player. He now plays all the time with Arsenal. If you play with Arsenal, you are a really good player because Arsene Wenger likes good players.

"I think he's mature enough to play this role. He's a really interesting player.

"The players will arrive really tired. They play a lot of games before this. I have to change and make six substitutions. But it will be important for Wilshere to understand he will be the future."

Capello also revealed he was happy to see Wilshere's team-mate Theo Walcott back in action.

"He is playing how I remember when he started to play with us. It was a tough decision leaving Theo out for the World Cup.

"He is one of the players after the World Cup I thought about a lot. I made a mistake not selecting him."

Manuel Almunia - returns.

2011-02-01T14:14:00.001-08:00

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia will return to the Arsenal squad for the first time since the end of September for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Huddersfield at the Emirates Stadium after recovering from elbow and then ankle injuries.

Full-back Bacary Sagna will be rested after suffering a clash of heads during the midweek Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Ipswich, but defender Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring), midfielders Abou Diaby (ankle) and Tomas Rosicky (virus) all return.

Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder) remains out, while centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) is still some six weeks away from a possible return.

Teenage striker Benik Afobe, 17, is on loan at Huddersfield, but is not eligible to play against his parent club.

Huddersfield will be without leading goalscorer Jordan Rhodes.

Rhodes, who has scored 16 goals this season, has been ruled out for up to eight weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in last week's goalless home draw with Colchester.

Lee Novak replaced Rhodes on Saturday and is expected to start alongside Alan Lee in the fourth-round clash at the Emirates but Benik Afobe, on loan from Arsenal, provides manager Lee Clark with an alternative option and could be in line to play against his parent club.

Town will also be without on-loan Newcastle defender Tamas Kadar, who has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury.

Defenders Gary Naysmith (toe) and Leigh Franks (hamstring) and midfielder Damien Johnson (knee ligaments) remain long-term absentees.

Arsenal squad: Almunia, Gibbs, Squillaci, Djourou, Eboue, Arshavin, Denilson, Diaby, Rosicky, Bendtner, Chamakh, Szczesny, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Fabregas, Van Persie, Nasri, Walcott, Koscielny

WENGER CONFIRMS SZCZESNY AS TOP GUNNER

2011-02-01T14:11:00.003-08:00

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Wojciech Szczesny is Arsenal's "number one" but challenged fit-again Manuel Almunia to reclaim the role - starting against Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Almunia, 33, has not played since the end of September when he injured his elbow saving a penalty in the home defeat against West Brom, and then suffered an ankle problem when he was close to a return.

In the Spaniard's absence, Lukasz Fabianski, who has since picked up a shoulder injury, and then Szczesny impressed when stepping in between the posts.

Almunia has had offers to leave during January, from both Spain and Turkey, but could yet stay and battle to win his place back.

"At the moment Wojciech is number one," Wenger said.

"He has done nothing for me to take him out, but I can rotate the goalkeepers.

"In the cups I play sometimes different goalkeepers as well."

Wenger paid tribute to Almunia's dedication.

"He is under contract and as long as he is at the club we are happy to have him," the Arsenal manager said.

"I like him as a man and as a player and I have shown that in my decisions. I am happy that he is here."

Wenger added: "Almunia has not played for a long, long time. I don't feel that any player is happy not to play."

Arsenal are expected to roll over the npower League One Terriers at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday lunchtime to carry their momentum on from the midweek Carling Cup semi-final win against Ipswich.

While Wenger will again rotate, with the likes of centre-back Sebastien Squillaci, midfielder Abou Diaby and winger Tomas Rosicky all now in contention, the Arsenal manager has warned against any complacency.

"One thing with the fact we are involved in the four competitions is that we need a super-realistic approach and focus on the next game, just try to win it," he said.

"You build the confidence in the team slowly and you lose it very quickly. One big, bad result and you are down very quickly.

"So it is important to keep our feet on the ground and to show we have learned from Leeds and Ipswich how difficult these games are."

Wenger continued: "We are on a good run and feel we have a good confidence level and a good attitude in the whole squad.

"We are getting stronger and stronger, so that is what we want to do."

The Gunners boss, though, played down any suggestions of delivering the quadruple just yet.

"What is good is that we are involved in all competitions and we are hungry to do as well as we can.

"What can we do? We don't know. But we are hungry and have the desire to do as well as we can."

With the return of Squillaci and Thomas Vermaelen expected to return in around six weeks, Wenger believes there is enough cover in the centre of defence, but will still look to bring in a "special player" if one emerges.

However, the Gunners boss also revealed there was "no news" on the attempts to secure a deal for Southampton's highly-rated teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Former Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman, who helped transform the north London club in the 1930s, guided the Terriers to consecutive league titles in 1924 and 1925, with the Yorkshire side going on to win a third straight crown without him in 1926.

Wenger is in no doubt what the Arsenal of today owe the innovator, who introduced floodlights, the use of physios, shirt numbers as well as the famous 'WM' 3-2-2-3 formation.

"We are a modern club, but have as well a big respect for tradition," said the French coach, who himself has transformed the club's fortunes over 13 seasons.

"This cup tie has a special meaning because Chapman was the most influential manager at this club and so we have big respect for that."

Wenger added: "We can name Chapman as a super pioneer because he really has turned this club into the modern era.

"He was ahead of his time and he was certainly the most influential manager."

what players are saying around the world

2011-02-01T14:08:00.001-08:00

"Entertaining Deadline day !!! Pleased to have signed Andy C + Suarez !!!"

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson is happy to have signed the two strikers. (http://twitter.com/glen_johnson)

"In Bursa now. Time to work! Very excited."

Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore seems to be keen on performing well at Bursaspor.(http://twitter.com/JozyAltidore17)

"Happy for my brother @JozyAltidore17! Great move and he will ball out!"

Charlie Davies seems happy for Altidore. (http://twitter.com/CharlieDavies9)

"Lil men dropped to school....game head on now! Big game tonight, let's av iiiiiiiit"

Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand is excited at the big game. (http://twitter.com/rioferdy5)

"Together with the team for tomorrow's game. Hala Madrid!"

Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo is eager for tomorrow's match against Sevilla. (http://twitter.com/cristiano)

"Big game. Need the fans support tonight! See u at emirates"

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere wants the fans to support them against Everton. (http://twitter.com/jack_wilshere)

"Just sorted @EuanHolden's birthday gift for tomorrow! Don't forget to wish my big little bro a happy bday! 23, catchin me quick!!"

It seems that Stuart Holden is gearing up for a party. (http://twitter.com/stuholden)

"Andy Carroll to Liverpool for 40m euros and Charlie Adam for 14m...is Alessio Secco & JC Blanc in charge of Liverpool transfers?"

Goal.com's Carlo Garganese takes a dig at both Juventus and Liverpool. (http://twitter.com/carlogarganese)

"Andy Carroll is actually only 13th most expensive player ever when using real currency (€/$) Well, I say 'only'..." (http://twitter.com/krisvoakes)

arsenal 2 everton 1

2011-02-01T14:07:00.003-08:00

Arsenal came from behind to further prove their title credentials in a hard-fought clash at the Emirates.

Everton controversially went ahead when Seamus Coleman's through-ball found Louis Saha, who seemed to be two yards offside, but he fired into the corner.

Substitute Andrey Arshavin levelled when he volleyed Cesc Fabregas' chipped pass in from close range.

Arsenal's superior possession was rewarded when Robin van Persie's corner was headed in by Laurent Koscielny.

GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT)

2011-02-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

2156: FULL-TIME West Brom 2-2 Wigan

2155: For the first time in the match, we've hit a lull at the Hawthorns. It's been a terrific advert for Premier League football, mind.

Football League Danny: "Full-time - QPR 2-0 Portsmouth. The leaders still lead."

2152: How has that not gone in? Another scramble inside the Wigan box from a corner ends with Marc Antoine Fortune forcing forward from six yards, Latics keeper Ali Al Habsi using his feet to keep the effort from creeping in.

2151: We will have five minutes of added time at the Hawthorns.

Full time
2150: FULL-TIME Man Utd 3-1 Aston Villa

BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at The Valley: "So it is two in two for Chris Powell as Charlton boss but this match will be remembered for the antics and the no goal, goal, no goal drama of referee Darren Sheldrake."

Football League Danny: "Massive Championship night. Some highlights. Bristol City 0-2 Swanse. Norwich 2-1 Millwall. Coventry 1-2 Nottingham Forest. Hull 2-2 Leeds. Cardiff 2-2 Reading - two injury-time goals there, one for each team. And with 10 minutes or so to go, it's QPR 2-0 Portsmouth. Context to follow..."

2148: West Brom still knocking on the door at the Hawthorns, Roberto di Matteo's men pushing Wigan all the way for a winner, but the Latics are just about hanging on.

2145: Terrific effort from Wayne Rooney from outside the box at Old Trafford, powering a shot at goal, Brad Friedel palming away what would have been the England frontman's hat-trick strike.

Football League Danny: "More last-gaspers. Cardiff 2-2 Reading, Craig Bellamy. Peterborough 5-3 Sheffield Wednesday."

2142: It's turning into a veritable thriller in the midlands, Baggies defender Jonas Olsson getting on the end of a Chris Brunt corner to power a header goalwards - Ali Al Habsi palming it over on the stretch.

BBC Sport's David Dulin at Ashton Gate: "Darren Pratley's brace takes Swansea City up to third with a well deserved 2-0 win while struggling Bristol City are booed off after failing to scoring for the fifth successive game."

Football League Danny: "Norwich 2-1 Millwall - absolutely last-gasp drama winner for the Canaries."

Full time
2141: FULL-TIME Sunderland 2-4 Chelsea

2141: We've got 10 minutes left at the Hawthorns.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
West Brom goal: We're back level in a barn-stormer at the Hawthorns, Marc Antoine Fortune nodding in from Jerome Thomas's cross unmarked from eight yards out. That puts wigan back in the bottom three.

2140: GOALFLASH West Brom 2-2 Wigan (Fortune)

Full time
2138: FULL-TIME Arsenal 2-1 Everton

Football League Danny: "Rickie Lambert at the double. Exeter 1-2 Southampton. Last-minute drama."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Chelsea goal: The goal his performance deserves for Nicolas Anelka and Sunderland are finally put to bed by Chelsea, the Frenchman nudging in with the outside of his boot from Florent Malouda's cross.

2136: GOALFLASH Sunderland 2-4 Chelsea (Anelka)

Football League Danny: "Told you Burton were going places (see 1921). They've gone to Shrewsbury tonight. And lost 3-0. Taxi for, er, me."

Someone has struck the woodwork
2135: And now it's Chris Brunt's turn to slap an effort against the upright, his left-foot curler beating the keeper and then the post and flying away. Wigan riding their luck in a big way at the Hawthorns.

Someone has struck the woodwork
2134: West Brom have been very flat so far in this second half at the Hawthorns but Marc Antoine Fortune is within a lick of paint or two to an equaliser, twisting his way around a couple of defenders before lashing a stinging effort against the post.

Football League Danny: "Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. Big name, big moment. He's scored in the 84th minute to put Peterborough 4-3 up against Sheffield Wednesday."

BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at The Valley: ""Bradley Wright-Phillips scores on his Charlton debut, converting a cross from Scott Wagstaff with a neat finish to further improve the mood of the already incensed Colchester supporters. Not."

2129: A matter of minutes left in the games at the Stadium of Light and the Emirates - can Chelsea and Arsenal hold on to what would surely be invaluable wins?

Someone has struck the woodwork
2127: Villa so close to getting back into it again, Ashley Young curling a wicked effort on to the crossbar from range with Edwin van der Sar beaten.

Handbags
2126: Handbags!! Kieran Richardson and Branislav Ivanovic cause your typical football melee - in other words, everyone's involved but no-one really wants to fight - and Mark Halsey is forced to calm it down with a word. It's over before it's begun.

Football League Danny: "Goals. So many goals. Norwich 1-1 Millwall. Boro 2-0 Scunthorpe. Northampton 6-1 Crewe."

2124: A couple of you asking after Stephane Sessegnon on his Sunderland debut - well let me tell you that he has started to fade after a bright start, though I think we can put that down to fitness more than anything perhaps?

BBC Sport's David Dulin at Ashton Gate: "Bristol City fans will be hoping the fog descends very quickly here as Swansea have gone 2-0 up. Darren Pratley's bagged his second with a finish from close range. It could've been so different though as moments earlier, Swans keeper Dorus de Vries made a brilliant one-handed save to deny Brett Pitman's deflected shot."

Football League Danny: "Huge. QPR 1-0 Portsmouth - it's that man Adel Taarabt. Promotion-winning, that boy. Elsewhere - Watford 1-1 Crystal Palace. Bournemouth 3-2 Swindon. Exeter 1-1 Southampton. Dagenham & Redbridge 4-0 Brentford."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Man Utd goal: Just as Aston Villa look to be working up a head of steam Nemanja Vidic stops the visitors in their tracks, blasting an unstoppable shot into the top corner from Wayne Rooney's lay-off inside the area.

2120: GOALFLASH Man Utd 3-1 Aston Villa (Vidic)

2119: Carlos Vela is subsituted less than an hour into his West Brom debut. He's struggled tonight to be fair.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Arsenal goal: Two goals in six minutes and Arsenal lead - the fighting qualities of champions perhaps? Robin van Persie is the creator, his corner met by the unmarked Laurent Koscielny to head in from close range.

2118: GOALFLASH Arsenal 2-1 Everton (Koscielny)

Football League Danny: "The King of Baked Beans texts me (wow, the actual King, I'm honoured) asking for an update on Middlesbrough v Scunthorpe. Boro still lead 1-0. If the Prince of Tinned Ravioli wants to join in, I'm on 81111. Elsewhere, it's Derby 1-2 Ipswich."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Aston Villa goal: Is the comeback on for Villa? Darren Bent scored for Sunderland in a 2-2 draw with Man Utd last season and he's bagged again, tapping in from Stewart Downing's slide-rule pass on the counter attack.

2114: GOALFLASH Man Utd 2-1 Aston Villa (Bent)

BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at The Valley: "High face at The Valley. Steven Gillespie puts the ball in the net. The referee blows, no goal. Colchester protest - after all, there was no offside flag. Goal given. Charlton protest, especially to the fourth official. The referee talks to the fourth official. Goal ruled out. Colchester's turn to go crazy. Drop-ball given. The referee's name? Darren Sheldrake."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Arsenal goal: It looked for so long like it was going to be one of those nights for Arsenal, but substitute Andrey Arshavin has made the crucial breakthrough, finishing well from the angle after Cesc Fabregas's ball over the top had been inadvertantly flicked on by Jack Rodwell.

2112: GOALFLASH Arsenal 1-1 Everton (Arshavin)

Someone has struck the woodwork
2110: Double-poster at Sunderland! Chelsea surge forward once again and Nicolas Anelka, who has been outstanding tonight with Fernando Torres now waiting in the wings, feeds Salomon Kalou whose shot beats Craig Gordon but not the post - either of 'em - the ball striking the near post, flying across goal, hitting the far post and then bouncing away. He couldn't do that again if he tried the Ivorian. Not that he'd want to.

2108: There's no let-up from Chelsea at Sunderland, where Craig Gordon has had to save from Frank Lampard and then Michael Essien in successive attacks from the visitors.

2106: Back under way at the Hawthorns, West Brom 1-2 Wigan.

Football League Danny: "Here's to you Mr Robinson. Theo Robinson that is - he's put Millwall 1-0 up at promotion-hunting Norwich. And... SWINDON HAVE SCORED - AGAIN. They're now 2-2 at Bournemouth. Fans of the scoreline 2-2 will also enjoy the drama at Hull, where Davide Somma has levelled for the visitors. Hull 2-2 Leeds."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Chelsea goal: I'd say it has been coming... but then you know that. They're looking ominously like the Chelsea of old going forward tonight, and John Terry rewards their endeavours with a bounce-finish on the follow-up after Craig Gordon can only parry Frank Lampard's swerving shot.

2103: GOALFLASH Sunderland 2-3 Chelsea (Terry)

2102: It's wave after wave of Chelsea attacks in Sunderland, Frank Lampard this time just failing to get enough power behind his shot from Jose Bosingwa's cross, allowing Craig Gordon to get down and save again.

2101: The second half gets started at Old Trafford, where it's Man Utd 2-0 Aston Villa.

2058: Arsenal enjoying plenty of possession as they push for an equaliser at the Emirates but, strangely, the game is being played at walking pace at the moment and the Gunners are not really threatening Tim Howard.

BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at The Valley: "Into the second half and the wait goes on for an opening goal in the match between Charlton and Colchester. Quite how that remains the case I am not sure as Charlton have had two excellent chances through Scott Wagstaff and Johnnie Jackson - both from eight yards, one missed, one saved."

2056: Now it's Craig Gordon's turn to frustrate Chelsea as the Scottish keeper gets down to beat away Frank Lampard's side-footed effort from 16 yards. The Blues well on top in this second 45.

Football League Danny: "Northampton are going goal mungous against Crewe. Two in the first three minutes of the second half have put them 5-1 up against Crewe - 40 minutes still to go. Meanwhile, it's Cardiff 1-1 Reading, Jay Bothroyd with the equaliser for the Bluebirds."

BBC Sport's David Dulin at Ashton Gate: "Second half just underway and Bristol City have rung the changes at the break with Jamie McAllister and Kalifa Cisse on for Damion Stewart and Jamal Campbell-Ryce, and gone 4-3-3. They needed to do something as despite only being 1-0 down, they were very much second-best to Swansea in the first half."

2053: It's as you were in the incident-packed match at the Stadium of Light, with Nedum Onuoha pulling of a terrific block to clear Frank Lampard's shot from 12 yards out and the Steed Malbranque - possibly with his hand - blocking Salomon Kalou's close-range effort from Branislav Ivanovic's flick-on. No rest for the wicked there...

2051: HALF-TIME West Brom 1-2 Wigan
Mark Ashenden reports: "A half of two halves. West Brom look lively for 15 minutes. And then a double wallop with two free-kicks for Wigan. Charles N'Zogbia causing all the danger for the visitors. Is Baggies debutant Carlos Vela playing tonight? Quiet. The hosts now have the worst defensive record in the top flight. Leaky."

Football League Danny: "Fog update. The League Two match, Aldershot v Barnet, has been abandoned at half-time because of a real pea-souper. It was 1-1. And Damien texts in from Ashton Gate to suggest things are getting a bit dicey in the Bristol City v Swansea match, although he admits it may be wishful thinking - Swansea still lead 1-0."

Half time
2050: HALF-TIME Man Utd 2-0 Aston Villa
Mandeep Sanghera's HT snap-shot: "Worried about Wayne Rooney's lack of goals? Worry no more. A fabulous early strike and another on the stroke of half-time puts United on their way."

2049: Unsurprisingly, the half-time scores from Sunderland and Arsenal draw manic cheers from the Old Trafford crowd. How Chelsea and the Gunners could do with turning their matches around, huh?

2048: And as Sunderland 2-2 Chelsea gets back up and running, it's half-time now at Old Trafford and the Hawthorns.

2047: Back under way at the Emirates where it's Arsenal 0-1 Everton.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Man Utd goal: Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't often get it wrong - and his decision to start Wayne Rooney ahead of Javier Hernandez is paying dividends, the England frontman getting on the end of a superb Nani cross to tap home his second of the night from eight yards.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Wigan goal: Another set-piece, another goal - could Wigan be on course for only a second league win since November? Ben Watson is the goalscorer this time, his whipped free-kick from the left curling over everyone's heads and creeping in the far corner.

2045: GOALFLASH Man Utd 2-0 Aston Villa (Rooney)

2044: GOALFLASH West Brom 1-2 Wigan (Watson)

Football League Danny: "(See 2033) Acronym fans are suggesting that Transfer Window Madness ought to be TWM rather than TRM - but that takes too long to write, so TRM it is. Elsehwere in tonight's only 2000 GMT kick-off in the Football League, it's Championship leaders QPR 0-0 Portsmouth. Half-time fast approachin

2042: The game at the Hawthorns has all got a bit scrappy with some late lunging tackles flying in. For all those wanting an update on West Brom debutant Carlos Vela, I can report he's looking busy but his only moment of magic so far has been a limp 20-yard shot that rolled along the ground into the arms of Ali Al Habsi. A "pea-roller" it used to be called.

Football League Danny: "(See 2017) 'Eric Nixon hasn't scored against Bradford, Southampton, Man City, Wolves, Wigan, Stockport, Kidderminster, Tranmere, Carlisle, Blackpool, and the other three former clubs I can't remember'. That's from anonymous via text - although with that level of detail, surely it's Eric Nixon via text?"

2039: And now Dimitar Berbatov heads over at the far post from Nani's cross when he might have done a little better from six yards. Villa hanging on a touch.

2037: Aston Villa might be a little grateful to get to half-time just a goal down the way it's going at Old Trafford, Patrice Evra the latest United player to sting Brad Friedel's palms with a shot from the angle after being set clear on the left by a doozy of a pass from the evergreen Ryan Giggs.

Half time
2035: HALF-TIME Bristol City 0-1 Swansea City
David Dulin's HT snap-shot: "Swansea deserve their lead at the break from Darren Pratley's volley, but this game is still open and you feel they need another goal to see off Bristol City who haven't offered much so far"

Half time
2034: HALF-TIME Arsenal 0-1 Everton
Chief football writer Phil McNulty at the Emirates: "Everton will be well pleased with their first half's work - although we may not have heard the last about Louis Saha's goal if David Moyes' side hang on. The Emirates is frustrated. Well... furious actually."

Football League Danny: "Some belting matches going on tonight. It's a bit like we can all focus on footy again after Transfer Window Madness (or TRM for short). Hull lead Leeds 2-1 and Northampton lead Crewe 3-1."

Half time
2033: HALF-TIME Sunderland 2-2 Chelsea
Saj Chowdhury's HT snap-shot: "It has been quite an extraordinary half of football, played at a pace somewhere close to the speed of light. I'm only guessing that the players are still buzzing from the excitement of transfer deadline day or something."

2032: The half-time whistle blows at the Stadium of Light... and soon after at the Emirates, where boos ring down from the stands for referee Lee Mason. Uncomfortable exit for the officials, there...

2029: Good reactions from Villa veteran Brad Friedel at Old Trafford, the American getting down well to his right to hold on to Ryan Giggs's snap-shot from inside the area.

2027: It's resembling a tennis match still on Wearside, Sunderland pressing forward this time and Kieran Richardson forcing a smart stop from Chelsea keeper Petr Cech from the edge of the area.

Football League Danny: "Thanks, texters (see 2017). Turns out there are about 800 footballers who haven't scored against their former clubs - with goalkeepers faring particularly badly. Elsewhere, it's now Coventry 1-2 Nottingham Forest thanks to Rob Earnshaw. Quick turnaround. And goal fans will enjoy Peterborough 2-3 Sheffield Wednesday and Macclesfield 2-3 Bury. Excitement."

2023: Man Utd continuing to press against Villa, this time the ball breaking for Nani just outside the Villa box and he unleashes a left-foot shot which keeper Brad Friedel does well to palm wide.

Someone has struck the woodwork
2022: It's a ridiculously good game at Sunderland. Michael Essien smashes in a fantastic shot from 25 yards that Craig Gordon somehow manages to push away down to his left. From the resulting corner, the ball eventually lands at the feet of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic whose shot from eight yards rattles the crossbar.

Football League Danny: "Quick update. Nottingham Forest have equalised almost immediately at Coventry. 1-1."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Wigan goal: He was the subject of a late bid last night from Newcastle - and this is why Wigan turned it down. Charles N'Zogbia earns a free-kick on the edge of the area and then picks himself up to stroke it home for the equaliser via a deflection off Youssuf Mulumbu.

2020: GOALFLASH West Brom 1-1 Wigan (N'Zogbia)

2018: Penalty shout at Old Trafford as Nani goes down under Richard Dunne's clumsy challenge inside the Villa box, but referee Chris Foy waves away the appeals. The challenge reminded me a lot of the one that wasn't given when Rafael da Silva felled Luke Varney at Blackpool last week... and I thought that was a penalty, too.

BBC Sport's David Dulin at Ashton Gate: "Swansea still lead 1-0, and that goal was the Welsh side's first at Ashton Gate since August 2003. Luke Moore has had chances to put them further ahead, while at the other end debutant Andy Keogh saw a great header saved. Really open game here."

Football League Danny: "Is there any professional footballer who hasn't scored against his former club? Text me if you are one. Someone who won't be texting is Marlon King, although that's largely because he's actually playing - and he's scored for Coventry against (his former club) Nottingham Forest. It's 1-0 to the Sky Blues, a blow for Premier League-hunting Forest?"

2017: Arsenal close to an equaliser... Johan Djourou flicking Robin van Persie's corner on and Laurent Koscielny just failing to nod into an empty net at the far post with the keeper beaten.

Chief football writer Phil McNulty at the Emirates: "Pandemonium at The Emirates and understandably so. Everton take the lead through Louis Saha but the striker was yards offside. The crowd's reaction prompted consultation between the officials but the goal stands. Everton must beware here because Arsenal's fans - understandably angry - are now applying pressure over every decision."

2015: A real meeting of minds going on at Old Trafford, where England manager Fabio Capello is sat next to Wolves boss Mick McCarthy. Man Utd still on top in that one.

Football League Danny: "Apologies to Seagulls fans (see 2008). It is of course Brighton who are top of League One, not Bournemouth (I got my south coast 'B' seaside towns mixed up - but I can confirm they're both delightful). Also, apologies to Swindon fans - Bournemouth have scored again - they're 2-1 up. But they're not top of League One, oh no. But they are second. In other goalfest news - Peterborough 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Sunderland goal: What a match at the Stadium of Lights. Ahmed Elmohamady is fouled by John Obi Mikel on the edge of the area and, from the resulting free-kick, Kieran Richardson fires in low from 20 yards past a rooted Petr Cech. We're back level.

2012: GOALFLASH Sunderland 2-2 Chelsea (Richardson)

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Everton goal: It's a shocker, an absolute shocker. Everton lead, but Louis Saha is a good yard offside when Seamus Coleman puts him through to flash home a fine finish into the corner. Referee Lee Mason gives the goal, consults his assistant Stephen Child, and stands by his decision. Arsenal are livid.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Chelsea goal: Turnaround. Nicolas Anelka's pass sets Salomon Kalou through on goal - but Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon makes it all too easy for him with an unnecessary rush out of goal, allowing the Ivorian to slide home a simple finish.

2009: GOALFLASH Arsenal 0-1 Everton (Saha)

2008: GOALFLASH Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea (Kalou)

Football League Danny: "Fans of last week's Football League Danny updates will get this - SWINDON HAVE SCORED! AT THE LEAGUE LEADERS! It's Bournemouth 1-1 Swindon with Paul Caddis netting for the Robins."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
West Brom goal: How big a goal might that be in the battle against the drop? It's against the early run of play, but West Brom lead - Peter Odemwingie dashing on to Jerome Thomas's through-ball and clipping past Ali Al Habsi in the Wigan goal for his ninth of the season.

2005: GOALFLASH West Brom 1-0 Wigan (Odemwingie)

BBC Sport's David Dulin at Ashton Gate: "Swansea City have started brightly and taken an early lead. Luke Moore skipped into the box and was challenged by Damion Stewart, but the Bristol City defender's tackle sent the ball into the path of Darren Pratley who claimed his eighth goal of the season with a volley."

Football League Danny: "Fancy a goalfest? Cobblers. No, what I mean is that Northampton are 2-1 up on Crewe after just 14 minutes. If it carries on like this, it'll finish Northampton 12-6 Crewe."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Man Utd goal: It's only his second goal from open play this season and it's taken all of 50 seconds in this match for him to bag it. It's route one stuff as Edwin van der Sar's long goal-kick is beautifully controlled by Wayne Rooney, who then slams a dipping shot high into the net from 20 yards. Flying start.

2001: GOALFLASH Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa (Rooney)

2001: Up and running in the Man Utd-Aston Villa and West Brom-Wigan games.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Chelsea goal: It's a bit of a soft penalty but no less than Chelsea deserve for their response to Sunderland's opener. Ahmed El Mohamady is deemed to have climbed over Ashley Cole in the box, Mark Halsey gives the spot-kick, and Frank Lampard makes no mistake from 12 yards.

2000: GOALFLASH Sunderland 1-1 Chelsea (Lampard pen)

1959: PENALTY TO CHELSEA

1957: It's end-to-end stuff at the Stadium of Light now, and Chelsea are biting back. Salomon Kalou speeds down the right and cuts the ball back for Didier Drogba, who then finds Nicolas Anelka inside the area, but his attempted shot is blocked by Titus Bramble. Moments later, a clearance from the edge of the area ricochets off Drogba and arrives at the feet of Frank Lampard whose angled shot fizzes past the Sunderland left-hand upright.

Shotton7 on Twitter: "Breaking News: Chelsea to bid £51m for Phil Bardsley."

Football League Danny: "What a minute for Sheffield Wednesday. First Andy King scores for Leicester and they lead 1-0 at Sheffield United (Wednesday's rivals, geography fans). Then Jermaine Johnson nets at London Road and the Owls are 1-0 up at Peterborough."

1952: All a bit scrappy at the Emirates... but my match reporter is intrigued by the battle of Fabregas and Arteta and Wilshere and Rodwell in the centre of midfield. Spanish artists against England's future midfield pairing?

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Sunderland goal: It's not even Stevens anymore. They put three past them at Stamford Bridge - and Sunderland lead Chelsea again, Phil Bardsley cutting in from the left and drifting a dipping shot past a wrong-footed Petr Cech from 20 yards.

1949: GOALFLASH Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea (Bardsley)

1948: Chelsea, looking to make it six wins on the spin at Sunderland, have settled on the ball fairly well early in the north... but it's pretty even Stevens there and at the Emirates.

1945: Everton kick us off at the Emirates... and under way at the Stadium of Light now too.

1944: That's the preliminaries done, then... who's up for some actual action?

BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at the Valley: "It is eighth against ninth as Charlton take on Colchester in a League One fixture that sees two teams with serious promotion aspirations lock horns. Chris Powell is in charge of Charlton for the second time since his appointment as manager, while Bradley Wright-Phillips and Federico Bessone make their debuts for the Addicks. It was 3-3 at Colchester earlier in the season. More of the same please."

1942: MAN UTD v ASTON VILLA
Mandeep Sanghera reports: "Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand returns after a three-game absence as manager Sir Alex Ferguson brings his main men back after the FA Cup win at Southampton. Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney spearhead the attack as Javier Hernandez, with two goals in as many games, has to make do with a place on the bench. Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is in his side's starting line-up after missing the FA Cup win over Blackburn as several first-teamers who also missed that game also return. Keeper Brad Friedel starts and becomes the oldest player in Villa's history at 39 years and 259 days."

1941: WEST BROM v WIGAN
Mark Ashenden reports: "Striker Carlos Vela makes the starting line-up and will wear the West Brom shirt for the first time, while fit-again midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu also gets the nod. Big changes for Wigan as they start with on-loan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, striker Hugo Rodallega and midfielder Charles N'Zogbia who were all rested for the FA Cup draw with Bolton. I've been lambasted for using the phrase "six-pointer" before. These boys are scrapping over at least 14 points tonight. Have some of that folks."

Rob 'Seal' Newton via text: "Drogba and Anelka to step up their game tonight as neither want to give way to Torres. Chelsea to take the game to Sunderland."

Adam9309 on Twitter: "What's more valuable, a team built together in the summer, or constant investment in January to tick the right boxes?"

Royce84 on 606: "I assume that Manchester United will be facing a £25k fine for making 10 changes then?"
And Arsenal too, I suppose...?

1937: ARSENAL v EVERTON
Chief football writer Phil McNulty at the Emirates: "Arsenal are without Samir Nasri, who suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup win against Huddersfield, is out but Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are in the line-up. Everton are unchanged from the side that drew 1-1 with Chelsea in the FA Cup, with Louis Saha operating as a lone forward."

1936: SUNDERLAND v CHELSEA
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Sunderland's new signing Stephane Sessegnon slots into a five-man midfield, replacing Bolo Zenden who is out with a knee injury. Chelsea's big-money signings Fernando Torres and David Luiz are ineligible, while Salomon Kalou and John Mikel Obi replace Florent Malouda and Ramires in midfield."

BBC Sport's David Dulin reports: "Some news from Cardiff City's game against Reading that will also interest Arsenal fans. Aaron Ramsey starts for the Bluebirds as he continues his recovery from that horrific leg-break. The Wales international is on a month's loan at his former club and will no doubt receive a warm reception on his second debut."

Mondraker275 on 606: "I want to give a shout to Ali Al Habsi, as the under-rated keeper of the season. He has been unbelievable this for Wigan."

keeezaa on Twitter: "Why o why isn't Javier Hernandez starting for Man Utd?"

1931: WEST BROM v WIGAN
Mark Ashenden reports: "Massive. Must-win. Huge. All words used by both teams ahead of the Hawthorns clash tonight. The league stats aint pretty. West Brom - lost six in seven, three points above the dropzone and hoping new boy Carlos Vela will bag a goal. Wigan - won once since November and IN the zone. Forget the top teams, the action is at the bottom of the table. I guarantee the two Roberto bosses will provide tension and drama by the bucketload."

1930: MAN UTD v ASTON VILLA
Mandeep Sanghera reports: "It's 'they're not playing that well but are still top of the Premier League' Manchester United aiming to extend their unbeaten top-flight run to 29 games against an improving Aston Villa tonight. United have won 11 of their 12 league matches at Old Trafford this season but face a Villa side who beat them 1-0 on their home patch last season. The Midlanders almost beat United in the reverse 2-2 fixture in November and are unbeaten in their last five outings."

Football League Danny: "Championship: Could there be a fuller programme in the Championship tonight? No. No there couldn't. There are - quite literally - 12 matches. Leaders QPR could theoretically go eight points clear with a win at home against Portsmouth. But the chasing pack all face teams further down the table. Norwich host Millwall, Cardiff are at home against Reading, Swansea travel to Bristol City, Nottingham Forest take a trip to Coventry and Leeds go to Hull - it could be a pivotal night in the promotion mix-up."

1929: If you refresh this page, Midweek Final Score will magically* appear at the top there in the form of a video for your perusal if you're in the UK. Nice.
* Not actually magic

1927: WEST BOM v WIGAN
West Brom: Myhill, Jara, Scharner, Olsson, Cech, Mulumbu, Brunt, Cox, Vela, Thomas, Odemwingie. Subs: Carson, Tchoyi, Pablo, Morrison, Reid, Shorey, Fortune.
Wigan: Al Habsi, Boyce, Gohouri, Gary Caldwell, Figueroa, McCarthy, Watson, Diame, N'Zogbia, Rodallega, Di Santo. Subs: Pollitt, Thomas, Moses, Steven Caldwell, Gomez, McArthur, Stam.
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)

1925: MAN UTD v ASTON VILLA
Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Berbatov, Rooney. Subs: Lindegaard, Owen, Anderson, Smalling, Hernandez, Scholes, Fabio Da Silva.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Walker, Collins, Dunne, Clark, Albrighton, Makoun, Petrov, Downing, Ashley Young, Bent. Subs: Marshall, Pires, Agbonlahor, Delfouneso, Heskey, Reo-Coker, Cuellar.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

Football League Danny: "League One: Leaders Brighton take a trip to FA Cup heroes Leyton Orient tonight. The Seagulls could go six points clear with a win, but the chasing pack will hope to stay in touch as Bournemouth host struggling Swindon and Huddersfield take on mid-table Carlisle. It's right royal tear-up in terms of play-off ambitions. Just six points separate Southampton in fourth from Exeter in 13th, so there are big possibilities for any team hitting some February form."

BBC Sport's David Dulin at Ashton Gate: "Swansea City will be looking to bounce back from their shock FA Cup defeat to Leyton Orient at the weekend against a Bristol City side who have failed to win in their last five league and cup outings. Leon Britton is set make his first start since returning to the Swans, while Andy Keogh will make his debut up front for the Robins."

rrengland3 on Twitter: "Can't help but feel if Everton beat Arsenal today, their title hope is over."

Football League Danny: "League Two: Fans of bottom clubs hosting the league leaders want to have a butchers at League Two. Football League proppers Stockport host table toppers Chesterfield, separated by 29 points and a goal difference, er, difference of 58. In the automatic promotion v play-off mixer, there's a tidy match between Port Vale (sixth) and Rotherham (third). Meanwhile, Football League Danny's ones to watch are Burton - yes they're 21st but they have SIX games in hand on some - win the lot and they're top-seven bound. They're at Shrewsbury tonight."

PromotionalPortsmouth on 606: "Everton worry me tonight. Fellaini will either score or break one of our own players, a dangerous man."

1921: ARSENAL v EVERTON
Chief football writer Phil McNulty at the Emirates: "The Emirates plays host to two clubs that steered well clear of the January transfer window - Arsenal because Arsene Wenger is satisfied with his squad and Everton because David Moyes is once again starved of cash. Arsenal hope to keep the pressure up on leaders Manchester United while Everton need to lift an air of despondency. Wenger's record against Everton? Played 31 lost 4."

1919: SUNDERLAND v CHELSEA
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Aren't these scene-setters more exciting when the scene has immeasurably changed during the past 24 hours. That's right, I'm talking about Sulley Muntari taking the number 11 shirt from the departed Darren Bent - incredible eh?! I jest, of course. Big spending Chelsea may well be brought back down to earth at Sunderland, who are looking to do the double and close the gap on their fourth-placed rivals. Defeat tonight could spell the end of the Blues' title hopes or, depending how you view things, make Sunderland title rivals."

1918: TEAM NEWS SNAP
Carlos Vela will make his debut for West Brom against Wigan tonight following his arrival on loan from Arsenal.

1917: SUNDERLAND v CHELSEA
Sunderland: Gordon, Onuoha, Bramble, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Elmohamady, Henderson, Sessegnon, Malbranque, Richardson, Gyan. Subs: Mignolet, Angeleri, Riveros, Mensah, Colback, Reed, Cook.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Lampard, Mikel, Essien, Anelka, Drogba, Kalou. Subs: Turnbull, Ramires, Malouda, Ferreira, Bruma, McEachran, Sala.
Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

Football League Danny: "The question 'If Andy Carroll is worth £35m, what are you worth?' has elicited the following responses from the people sat around me: "£10.20", "£100,000", "£70m" and "A packet of Smarties". I reckon that at least all four of them have self-esteem issues."

1915: TEAM NEWS SNAP
Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov all start for Man Utd against Aston Villa, who do not hand an immediate debut to new boy Michael Bradley.

1914: Back, for a moment, on the issue of transfers (come on, we'll be talking about yesterday for a while yet won't we?), here's what AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani had to say on the matter: "Everyone's talking about balancing the books but then they [English clubs] spend like crazy people. (Chelsea) strengthened in an amazing way spending 80 million euros, I just don't know where financial sense will end up."

Jose Manuel Reina Paez on 606: "Home wins all round tonight."

1911: ARSENAL v EVERTON
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Walcott, Fabregas, Rosicky, van Persie. Subs: Almunia, Diaby, Arshavin, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh, Bendtner.
Everton: Howard, Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Arteta, Rodwell, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov, Saha. Subs: Mucha, Jagielka, Beckford, Gueye, Osman, Anichebe, Baxter.
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)

1909: A point of fact about tonight, by my calculations only Aston Villa new-boy Michael Bradley of yesterday's signings is eligible to play tonight, meaning the likes of Fernando Torres and David Luiz must stand by...

Alex the Villan via text: "I fancy Darren Bent to score tonight against Man United. Proven Premier League striker is a bargain at £24m these days!!"

Updesh on Twitter: "Top Team Tuesday and Who's Left? Wednesday."

1905: TEAM NEWS SNAP
Stephane Sessegnon makes his debut for Sunderland against Chelsea.

1904: So here's our schedule of events in the top flight tonight...
Arsenal v Everton (1945)
Man Utd v Aston Villa (2000)
Sunderland v Chelsea (1945)
West Brom v Wigan (2000)
While we've also got more matches in the Championship and Lower Leagues than you could shake a fat cat's cheque book at, too. Football League Danny is your man for all that chat.

1902: TEAM NEWS SNAP
Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas start for Arsenal against Everton, for whom Victor Anichebe starts on the bench after a groin strain.

1901: I should have known... for those asking, Arsenal signed Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi on a long-term contract, while, for Man Utd, Anders Lindegaard arrived earlier this month.

hazza55555 on Twitter: "Titan Tuesdays? Followed by Wicked Wednesdays?"

1858: That's your starter for 10 people. And here's how you get in touch. You can Tweet the commentary via the hashtag #BBCFootball or ask me a question direct @sampatricklyon, chat over on 606 or text me via 81111 (UK). It really is that easy.

1854: So forget Transfer Deadline Day, welcome one and all to Title-Race Tuesday. You know, because Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd are all in action this evening. Oh, with a bit of the Battle of the Ws (West Brom-Wigan) thrown in. Ahem. I probably need to work on my monikers. Anyone got an idea for a 'branding' we could use tonight?

1851: And now we get to return to the nuts and bolts of what makes football great. Not record transfer fees, not players posing with the shirt, not meetings between agents, money men and managers... the skill, the intrigue, the sheer beauty that is football played out in stadia up and down the country. Don't you just love it?

1848: By golly yesterday was a monster wasn't it? By 2300 GMT last night, every Premier League club had made at least one signing in the January transfer window, between them shelling out a grand total of well over £200m. And in a recession too, would you believe. Leading the way yesterday were the bumper moves involving Fernando Torres, Andy Carroll, David Luiz and Luis Suarez, of course, all of which contributed to a remarkable, staggering, record-breaking day. Not that I'm complaining of course - hell no. And to think some people want the transfer window scrapped... what other reason would we all have to skive off work every August/January 31st?

1845: So... caught your breath yet, folks?

English Analysis: Arsenal Must Spend On Deadline Day Or Face The Consequences With Nasri And Vermaelen Out Injured Frenchman hints at recalling on-loan players in a bid to boost tiring squad.

2011-02-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Arsenal kept their four-pronged assault for silverware this season on course with a hard fought win over Huddersfield in the FA Cup, but the 2-1 victory came at a huge cost to Arsene Wenger's side.

It was the sight all Arsenal fans feared on 31 minutes as Samir Nasri pulled up sharply clutching his left hamstring after chasing Manuel Almunia's long punt.

Everyone knew the in-form Frenchman was in trouble and he was substituted immediately, heading straight for the dressing-room.

After the game Wenger confirmed the extent of Nasri's problem: "He has a serious hamstring injury and that is usually three weeks," he said. "But we will have to see first. If it is a Grade One it could only be two weeks."

With Sebastien Squillaci being shown a straight red card, questions will now be asked about the Arsenal squad's ability to cope with fighting on four fronts.

Some will be ready to write the epitaph to Arsenal's season along with the blow of losing Nasri to injury, but Wenger has the options to cope in attack. There is no shortage of attacking talent at the Emirates with Walcott, Arshavin, Rosicky, Wilshere, Fabregas, Van Persie, Bendtner and Chamakh at his disposal.

That is not to say the loss of the Frenchman is not a huge blow, and while he cannot be replaced directly, his absence can be covered. But it is in defence where the north London club look increasingly short.

The problem position seems to be at center-back, where Thomas Vermaelen is still injured and now Squillaci faces a three-match ban. Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou have formed an impressive partnership at the heart of Arsenal's defense over the past few weeks, but if anything were to happen to either of them the Gunners would be short.

At the moment Alex Song is the only cover in this area of the field and produced a good display when pressed into action against Huddersfield, but if he has to play there regularly, Arsenal would lose a huge cog in the wheel in midfield.

But Wenger seems reluctant to use the last few days of the transfer window wisely and has once again stated that he is not interested in signing anyone, but with the games coming thick and fast the manager did hint at the possibility of recalling some of his younger players out on loan to boost the squad.

He said: "I will look at the option of recalling some loan players. People like Jay Emanuel-Thomas, Kyle Bartley and Henri Lansbury could come back. Bartley has never played in the Premier League so it could be difficult but the other two are options."

But while these youngsters are all good players with big potential, are they actually capable of helping Arsenal maintain an assault on the quadruple?

The answer is emphatically, no.

Many of these players have not even experienced the demands of Premier League football and it would be a highly risky strategy from a club who do not lack the financial resources to boost their squad.

The likes of Lansbury, Emmanuel-Thomas, Bartley and Craig Eastmond will play a big part in the future of the club but Arsenal fans will be worried if Wenger yet again places his trust in this batch of youngsters should injuries take their toll.

Two players who could boost Arsenal during the run-in could be Aaron Ramsey and Carlos Vela. Both players have gone out on loan to get games under their belts and if they manage to get regular match time they could find themselves making an impact at the Emirates.

Ramsey is only on a one-month loan deal at Cardiff, and provided he gets back to match fitness he could be a vital addition to the squad come March.

Vela's deal keeps him at West Bromwich Albion until the end of the season but should Arsenal be short of strikers the Mexican international could find himself back in Wenger's plans.

But it is the next month or so which will be crucial. The Gunners face a vital period of games starting against Everton on Tuesday, taking in Newcastle away, Wolves at home, Barcelona and a League Cup final.

If the squad can come through these games with most players intact they could be a force to be reckoned with but as the Nasri injury has hit home, the Gunners are only a couple of injuries away from a real crisis. That is why having only two fit center-backs is a huge gamble - but one Wenger seems happy to take.

Wenger openly admitted in his press conference that their recent schedule had taken its toll, but if the Gunners have serious ambitions to continue fighting on four fronts and ending their six-year trophy drought they will surely need at least one defensive addition to the squad.

The Arsenal boss sees it differently, claiming the depth of the current squad is 'the best he has ever had during his time at the club.'

Only time will tell if Wenger is right and the fans will be hoping the lack of transfer activity, in particular at center-half, does not come back to haunt them at the business end of the season.

But If Wenger surprises everyone and dips into the market for a last minute addition there is no reason why this Arsenal side could not finish the campaign with the silverware and success they crave.

Fernando Torres Ineligible For Chelsea Debut Against Sunderland

2011-02-01T13:56:00.002-08:00

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres will have to wait a little longer before making his debut for the east London outfit as he is not eligible to take to the pitch against Sunderland in the Premier League tonight.

The 26-year-old Spain international joined the Blues on a five-year-deal for a transfer fee worth €58.5 million on Monday but the contract wasn't officially recognized 24 hours before the game tonight against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Torres will now have to wait until Sunday to make his debut for Chelsea against his old side Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

ESPNSoccernet further reports that Torres worked out on his own at Chelsea's Cobham training ground on Tuesday and quotes him as saying, "If I have the chance to play [against Liverpool], I will do my best for Chelsea and hopefully I can score.''

English Comment: Roman's Second Coming - How Fernando Torres And David Luiz Herald The Start Of A New Era For Chelsea

2011-02-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

Chelsea were not expected to have a busy January transfer window, but on deadline day the Premier League champions shelled out £50 million for Liverpool's star striker Fernando Torres, while a deal worth over £21m was finally agreed with Benfica to sign defender David Luiz.

Such spending is a statement of intent from cowner Roman Abramovich - he is not prepared to allow his club to lose touch with their title rivals and he is ready for a new generation of stars to spearhead the resurgence.

It had been largely acknowledged that a reining in of spending was on the cards in the coming years for the Blues, who signed only Ramires and Yossi Benayoun prior to the start of the new season, and just Daniel Sturridge, Yuri Zhirkov and Ross Turnbull in the previous summer.

But with Chelsea in fourth place in the table, 10 points behind unbeaten league leaders Manchester United and four behind big spenders Manchester City in third, Abramovich's hand has been forced into the market in a big way.

His last minute outlay of £71m, which accounts for a healthy chunk of the total £225m spent by Premier League clubs during January on the same day a loss of over £68m was announced by the club, recalls the sort of money he made readily availailable at the beginning of his reign as Chelsea owner.

By April 2005, the Russian billionaire, who took over in the summer of 2003, had spent an unprecedented £213.3m on players, including Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho, Claude Makelele and Arjen Robben, as Jose Mourinho built a squad capable of delivering Premier League titles and domestic cup success.

But such spending could not deliver the Champions League, which has always been known to be Abramovich's most coveted piece of silverware, while many of those big money signings have moved on or are approaching the twilight of their careers.

Carvalho has reunited with Mourinho at Real Madrid – a move Robben had previously made before becoming a dominant force for Bayern Munich – and Makelele has returned to his native France as he approaches retirement.

The likes of Drogba and Anelka remain, but at 32 and 31 respectively, their time at the club could be on the wane - the latter was even rumoured to be a makeweight in an earlier offer for Torres, while it has been suggested that the former could return to Marseille before the end of his career.

Little wonder then that Abramovich has allowed Carlo Ancelotti to move to secure one of the Premier League's most established and gifted goalscorers in Torres, while shoring up his defence by bringing in Luiz, whose introduction allows Ivanovic to move to right-back in place of the unconvincing Jose Bosingwa and the ageing Paulo Ferreira.

While Torres has looked out of sorts for the majority of the first half of the season and his performances for World Cup winners Spain at South Africa 2010 fell short of expectations, there is no doubting his credentials as a world-class Premier League striker - his seven goals against Chelsea over the years he had been at Liverpool are more than enough evidence of his ability.

In spite of his poor form and a spell blighted by injury, Torres has still hit the target nine times this season in a Liverpool side that was ailing under previous manager Roy Hodgson - the same amount of goals scored by Chelsea's top marksmen Drogba and Florent Malouda.

Luiz, meanwhile, has been considered hot property across Europe since establishing himself in the Benfica starting XI after joining the club in 2007, and could be set to cement himself a place in the Brazil national team setup for years to come.

With Torres aged 26, and Luiz younger still at 23, Abramovich has invested heavily in players of the highest calibre who can usher in a new generation of success for Chelsea and in the short-term can give the club's title charge and Champions League ambitions a much-needed resurgence.

If more signings of a similar ilk are to follow in the summer, who knows the level of success Chelsea can achieve in years to come.

Official: Chelsea Snap Up Liverpool Ace Fernando Torres In €58.5m Deal

2011-02-01T13:54:00.001-08:00

Chelsea have officially completed the sensational £50 million signing of Spain star Fernando Torres from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The 26-year-old World Cup winner was the subject of rumours and speculation throughout transfer deadline day, but has now put pen to paper on a five-year-deal at Stamford Bridge.

The transfer saga began in earnest last week when the Reds declined an offer from Chelsea and then rejected a transfer request from Torres, insisting the player would be required to honour his long-term contract at the club.

Despite this, negotiations between the clubs continued and a conclusion was reached on Monday, allowing the forward to undergo a medical and agree personal terms with the reigning league champions.

A statement on Torres' official website said: "Spain international Fernando Torres will defend the Blue shirt of Chelsea after joining the London club on the January transfer deadline.

"The striker has signed for the reigning Premier League and FA Cup champions for five and a half seasons.

"After Liverpool and Chelsea had reached an agreement, the player travelled down to London where he successfully passed his medical before agreeing personal terms. Fernando Torres then put pen to paper on a deal that will see the forward remain at Chelsea until June 2016."

Torres had joined Liverpool from boyhood club Atletico Madrid for a fee of around £25m in July 2007 and bagged 33 goals in all competitions during a stunning debut campaign.

The striker went on to play a total of 142 times and score 81 goals in three-and-a-half successful personal seasons on Merseyside.

Despite enjoying a close relationship with the club’s fans, a lack of trophies and the Reds’ inability to challenge for major honours haunted the player, who has long been linked with an Anfield exit to various destinations around Europe.

The fact he has joined another English club will be a bitter pill for Liverpool fans to swallow in a deal comprehensively becomes a new British transfer record.

Torres, who is yet to win a major honour in club football, has already amassed 82 caps for Spain, scoring 26 times.

Andy Carroll 'weeks away' from Liverpool debut

2011-02-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

Liverpool forward Andy Carroll, who signed from Newcastle on Monday, is unlikely to play for several weeks because of an existing thigh injury.

The 22-year-old has been sidelined since the Magpies' 2-0 defeat by Tottenham on 28 December.

"He's got a bit of a knock and is probably a few weeks away," said Reds boss Kenny Dalglish.

He also admitted that Carroll, who cost £35m, had found it "a wrench" to leave his hometown club.

Newcastle had sent Carroll to Dubai in the hope of accelerating his recovery with a warm weather break, and the forward had been due to visit a tendon repair specialist in Sweden.

The Gateshead-born attacker, who impressed on his one and only international appearance against France in November, had failed to return to light training as soon as the Tynesiders had hoped.

His injury, combined with the departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50m, is likely to give Liverpool's second deadline-day signing, striker Luis Suarez, the chance to impress his new fans.

But Dalglish remained philosophical over the wait for Carroll's debut.

"The signing wasn't made to cover a few weeks,"

"He signed for five and a half years and there's a lot of weeks in that time when he'll be fit and playing for us."

Carroll has suggested that he did not want to move, but was told by Newcastle that they would prefer to cash in.

Like Carroll, Dalglish left his hometown club to join the Reds in a record-breaking move when he signed from Celtic as a replacement for the Hamburg-bound Kevin Keegan in 1977.

He went on to eclipse Keegan in Liverpool's fans affections with 339 goals in 515 appearances and he backed Carroll to overcome any doubts about leaving his native north east.

"A very important factor for us is that both players wanted to come here," he said of Suarez and Carroll's signings.

"Leaving Newcastle was a wrench for Andy as a local boy, but if he was going to go anywhere there was only one club he'd want to come to," he stated.

Dalglish insisted that his purchases would help the club consign the prolific Torres to history.

"The football club will appreciate people that have been here and had a go for the club, but it won't dwell on the past," he concluded.

"We'll look forward and look upwards, hopefully. There is no-one, anywhere in the world, at any stage, who is any bigger or any better than this football club."

Despite his current injury, Carroll vowed to start repaying Liverpool's faith in him as soon as possible.

"Goals have always been in my game, so I'm very confident I can score for Liverpool," he said.

"I'll bring as much as I can to the team - I'll score goals, create chances, hold up the ball and just try my best, really.

"What I did at Newcastle has got me here and now I have to carry it on with Liverpool. I want to win trophies with this club and help push us forward."

Arsene Wenger Concedes Samir Nasri A Doubt For Clash With Barcelona After Picking Up FA Cup Injury

2011-02-01T13:50:00.000-08:00

Samir Nasri limped out of Arsenal's FA Cup fourth round tie against Huddersfield Town after just 31 minutes and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed the problem is a "serious hamstring injury".

The France international was chasing a loose ball when he suddenly pulled up and signaled to the bench that he could not continue.

Discussing the injury to Nasri after the Gunners' narrow 2-1 victory over Huddersfield, Wenger admitted: "He has a serious hamstring injury and that is usually three weeks.

"But we will have to see first. If it is a 'Grade One' it could only be two weeks. I have regrets about playing him now. The plan was to play [Tomas] Rosicky but he was not strong enough after illness.

"If I hadn't played him he could have come on and it could have happened. Add three weeks on to now and it means he is a doubt for the Barcelona game."

Chelsea's Fernando Torres wants goal against Liverpool

2011-02-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

Chelsea's new £50m signing Fernando Torres has said it would be "destiny" to score against former club Liverpool when the teams meet on Sunday.

By coincidence, the Spaniard could make his debut for the Blues against the side he left on Monday.

The 26-year-old striker has not asked to be left out of the Premier League clash and stated: "It is like destiny."

He admitted: "It is not perfect but if I have the chance to play, I will do my best and hopefully I can score."

Torres' departure from Anfield, where he spent the best part of four years, was greeted with anger by many fans, some of whom burnt replica shirts bearing their former hero's name.

But the player stressed: "I only have good words about Liverpool. They made me a top player and gave me the chance to play at the top level.

"I will never say anything bad about Liverpool. I have been very happy there but now the history is different and I am playing for Chelsea."

Torres, who scored 81 goals during his spell on Merseyside, risked further annoying fans of his former club when he told Chelsea TV: "I am joining a team that is at the top level. There is not another level after Chelsea.

"I am joining with big names like [John] Terry, [Frank] Lampard, [Didier] Drogba and [Nicolas] Anelka and I can be part of this great team."

Torres admitted he had not yet met up with the Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti but said: "I wanted to join because Chelsea always have shown a big respect for me.

"They really want me and it is important when you have the support of the people in the club, and the support of the fans who always showed respect to me when I came to Stamford Bridge and at Anfield.

"Now I am very happy to be a Chelsea player."

Fans of the Stamford Bridge outfit will be relieved not to have Torres lining up against them for once, after he proved to be a thorn in their side with seven goals against them while playing for Liverpool.

The striker added: "I have good memories and bad memories of games against Chelsea. All the goals are good memories because all of them are special.

"If they are happy as well because I am not going to score any more against them then it is good."

Arsene Wenger Bemoans Lack Of Spark After Arsenal Defeat To Ipswich In League Cup Semi-Final

2011-01-13T04:30:00.000-08:00

Boss still confident of progression in second leg.
Arsene Wenger bemoaned his side’s lack of sharpness as he saw his Arsenal side go down 1-0 to Championship side Ipswich in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final.

During the course of the game Arsenal managed just three shots on target as they often opted for the pass rather than the shot in an all-too-similar scenario.

Meanwhile, Ipswich defending resolutely and waited for chances on the counter attack, and finally hit the winner, after a fair few missed chances of their own, in the 78th minute when Tamas Priskin held off Johann Djourou to slot home.

“We had a lot of the ball but didn’t create many chances, Ipswich defended very well and we were caught on the counter attack they were looking for,” Wenger told Sky Sports.

“Because we’ve played so many games we had no spark, Ipswich were sharper than us, at the end of the day we made a defensive mistake and they took advantage.”

Despite his disappointment, Wenger remained positive as he looks towards the second leg to right Wednesday night’s wrongs.

“We had a number of chances," he added. "We were certainly not sharp enough to win the game tonight, the good thing is that we play at home in the second leg and with that we can make a difference.

“I still feel confident of course and we won’t be lacking the creativity as we were tonight."

Arsenal Debate: Who Could Make And Break Gunners' Champions League Chances?

2010-02-17T10:59:00.001-08:00

Some might say that Arsenal don't have the squad to win the Premier League. If given a choice, most Gooners would lean towards the other major trophy on offer - the one less reliant on a big squad - the Champions League.

Arsenal's history does not yet include a triumph in Europe's premier club competition - the closest they have come was as runners-up to a brilliant Barcelona in 2006 - but have Arsene Wenger's men progressed enough since then to go one step further?

The debate is wide open. It's a squad of outstanding technical ability and room to improve, but not one with too many world-beaters or physically imposing players.

The cliches have been screamed all season long. We're now in February - the official 'business end' of the season has begun - and there can be no better time to assess the best and worst of what Wenger has to offer at the highest level.

So, we bring you, in order, the three most likely to propel Arsenal to (admittedly improbable) glory, as well as those who are could cost them. Porto will provide the first hurdle this evening, but even if Arsenal do get past this relatively kind draw, who of their key men could make or break their chances of any degree of Champions League success?

Makers:
1. Cesc Fabregas
Star Qualities:

* Even more scintillating as a liberated attacking midfielder in 4-3-3

* Averages a goal or an assist every 84 minutes so far this season

* Proven in big CL clashes against Milan, Juventus, Madrid

Potential Weakness: During the challenging domestic four-game run against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, his body language appeared - at times - dejected. When his side are swimming against the tide, as captain, he needs to lead and inspire.

2. William Gallas
Star Qualities:

* Has proved impressive in tandem with new signing Thomas Vermaelen

* Since losing captaincy, has shown his true leadership credentials

* Uncanny ability to score crucial late goals

Potential Weakness: His tackle on Bolton Wanderers' Mark Davies attracted negative press in Britain. Arsenal need to toughen up, but the balance is always key - particularly with European referees in continental competition. Rash challenges will not be tolerated.

3. Alexandre Song
Star Qualities:

* Has developed more strength on the ball

* Has trust of Fabregas, which frees the captain offensively

* Brings ball out from back and is key in Arsenal maintaining possession

Potential Weakness: He has been cited as a passenger for some of Arsenal's key concessions in the year's big games and occasionally goes missing as the screener/guardian of the back four when Arsenal are hit on the break.

Breakers

1. Manuel Almunia

Weaknesses:

* Losing trust of his defense results in many nervy moments

* Lacks command of area and has exhibited some shaky shot-stopping

* Vs Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea, he received 14 shots, conceded nine goals

Saving Grace: It can't get any worse for Almunia. The only way is up and he could yet rediscover his form - especially if he has to fight for his place.

2. Nicklas Bendtner

Weaknesses:

* Expectation to fill Robin van Persie's boots as main striker may be too much

* Doesn't have full trust of Wenger and is often deployed out wide

* Has struggled to perform in big games as a starter

Saving Grace: His height and physicality could prove pivotal in bringing his team-mates into play. During his absence, Andrey Arshavin led the line yet scored just once in a dozen appearances. Bendtner could prove an asset on the right of Arsene Wenger's three-pronged attack, where he would win aerial battles against shorter defenders.

3. Gael Clichy

Weaknesses:

* Positioning and decision-making abilities seem in considerable decline

* Has come up short in most big-game encounters of the season

* Isn't yet looking likely to finish season without another injury lay-off

Saving Grace: Unlike Almunia, Clichy is not suffering from a lack of confidence. He has not lost the crowd. In recent interviews he has spoken of his delight at playing for both the Arsenal, and the fans, and a return to the form that helped elevate his status could only be around the corner.

I expect English sides to progress

2010-02-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Arsène Wenger expects all three English sides to advance to the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League, though he warns that progression is far from guaranteed.

Arsenal are in Porto for the first leg of their Round of 16 clash this evening, while Chelsea take on Inter Milan in the San Siro next week.

Manchester United defeated AC Milan 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League clash last night, and Arsenal manger Wenger believes the English trio will all be in the draw for the next round.

"I expect the three English teams to go through, yes, but I'm not a fool. I know that it will be difficult for all the three teams," he said.

"Maybe Man United have a small advantage over Milan, but in the other two games it will be very tight."

However, the Frenchman has warned English clubs against complacency, pointing out that other teams in Europe are constantly improving.

"It is normal that people become a little bit complacent," he said. "You are so used to going through: if it is not Arsenal it's Chelsea, you don't care because you travel anyway.

"But I mean you are used to having the teams in the latter stages, so you can be demanding. I don't have a problem with that. But, if you look across Europe, the other teams invest as well. More sometimes. So it's not guaranteed that you have success."a

Talented Fabianski 'only needs experience

2010-02-17T10:50:00.001-08:00

Arsène Wenger has faith in Lukasz Fabianski.

A finger injury to Manuel Almunia means Arsenal must rely on the young Polish keeper in Porto on Wednesday night.

The Champions League Knockout Round first leg tie will be just the fourth European appearance the 22-year-old has made for the Club and only his 30th start overall. Wenger admits that Fabianski still needs experience on the biggest stage but, in terms of ability, he lacks for nothing.

“I have complete faith in Fabianski,” said the manager. “He has shown that he has talent.

“In some games he has shown that he lacks a little bit of experience as well. For example against Chelsea [in the FA Cup Semi-Final]. But that day he did not make a typical goalkeeper’s mistake. It was more about deep balls played through that he was keen to come for. And we encouraged him to do that because he has always had a good reading of the game.

“So overall, for me, he is a very talented goalkeeper. Don’t forget that one of the greatest keepers ever seen in England was David Seaman. If you watched him at 22 or 23 then he would make some mistakes. It is part of the learning process. I believe Lukasz is a very intelligent goalkeeper so he will have learned from those mistakes.”

Sol was signed for this situation

2010-02-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

Sol Campbell was brought back to Arsenal for pressure situations like the game at Porto on Wednesday night, according to Arsène Wenger.

The England international was the Club's only acquisition in the January transfer window. It was considered to be a gamble given Campbell’s only game of the season had been at Morecambe in September during a brief, ill-fated spell with Division Two side Notts County.

However the beauty of bringing in the experienced 35-year-old is that Wenger does not have to worry about his temperament in difficult, hostile occasions such as Wednesday’s encounter at the Estadio do Dragio.

William Gallas has been left behind with a calf complaint and could be missing for ten days. If Campbell gets the nod over Mikael Silvestre in Portugal then he could be set for a little run in the side. His manager knows it will not faze him.

“Sol has experience,” said Wenger at Tuesday’s press conference. “That was one of the key reasons why we re-signed him.

“I thought that, if he needs to come in, he can give that to us. He has done well already and coped well with situations.

“We have Silvestre too who can come in, too, but the difference is that if Silvestre plays then we have two left-footed players at centre half. We’ll see tomorrow.”

If he features, the Porto game will be Campbell’s first Champions League tie since he so nearly won the trophy with Arsenal in 2006. His first-half header put Wenger’s side ahead despite being down to ten men. However Barcelona bit back with two goals in the final 13 minutes.

“A lot has happened since then,” admitted Wenger. “Certainly, he didn’t think that, when he signed for Notts County six months ago, he would be involved in a Champions League game now. But that’s football. Six months ago he was playing at Morecambe. However when you have quality you can always come back.”

'It will be a hostile place for Arsenal'

2010-02-17T10:46:00.001-08:00

A goalless draw with Leixoes on Saturday saw Porto extend their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions.

However, they remain nine points off leaders Benfica in the Portuguese Liga and their domestic struggles mean they are putting even more emphasis on the Champions League this season.

Ahead of Arsenal's trip to Porto we spoke to Matilde Dias from Correio da Manha, Portugal's biggest-selling daily newspaper. She explained just how desperate the Portuguese champions are to overcome the Gunners.

FOCUS - CUP FEVERCHAMPIONS LEAGUE FEVER
"They are not doing so well in the Portuguese Liga, so for them the Champions League is a priority. They will give everything they have got against Arsenal. All their motivation will be for this game. They will give everything."

FOCUS - IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENALIMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"For them Arsenal are a strong team, they respect the players. They really rate them highly and respect the playing style of Arsène Wenger, he is one of the most romantic coaches in Europe. I don't think they are thinking too much about previous games against Arsenal. They are focused on what they can do this season and for them this is a vital game, they just have to win, especially in the first leg because they know how strong Arsenal are at Emirates Stadium."

FOCUS - REASONS TO BE CHEERFULREASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
"The stadium will be full. They always like to see English teams because it is exciting football. The stadium is always a difficult place [for visiting teams]. Porto are very strong at home. When the stadium is full the supporters provide a good atmosphere, it will be a hostile place for Arsenal."

FOCUS - MAN OF THE MOMENTMAN OF THE MOMENT - STRIKER FALCAO
"For Porto it is a priority to reach the Quarter-Finals because they are not going well domestically. This is their big fight. Striker Falcao will be a big problem for Arsenal. His partnership with Hulk will be the biggest danger for the Gunners."

FOCUS - THE ONE TO WATCHTHE ONE TO WATCH
"Hulk will also be a problem for Arsenal. He has not been playing due to a domestic suspension but he is coming back for this game and he is willing to show his importance to the team. He will come back and I believe he will boost the team's confidence going forward. When he plays Porto are a different team, they are more dynamic."

'Almunia has been playing through pain'

2010-02-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

Manuel Almunia has been playing through the pain barrier for the past few weeks.

The Arsenal keeper has not travelled to Porto for this evening’s Champions League tie after suffering a second injury to his hand. The problem is likely to keep him out for the weekend game against Sunderland too and, in his pre-match press conference, Arsène Wenger also revealed that, but for pain-killing injections, the Spaniard would have missed most of this month.

“At first he twisted the top of his finger [above the joint],” said the manager.

“But then he did the other, lower part of the finger in training three or four days ago.

“He had an injection to play against Manchester United, and played through the pain against Chelsea and Liverpool.

“I don’t think the injury hampered him. As long as it’s only the top part of the finger, you can use the finger. But when it’s the lower joint, you can’t play with that.

“He himself wanted to play in this game. He was keen. But the ball flies so much, particularly the Champions League ball, you need that flexibility in the finger to parry it.”

Bendtner can repay my faith in him

2010-02-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

Arsène Wenger believes Nicklas Bendtner can repay his manager's faith in him and deliver on the big stage tonight.

The Danish striker missed 18 games after hobbling out of the North London derby on October 31 with a groin problem but is easing his way back to full fitness and is expected to start the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie in Porto.

Wenger spent much of Bendtner's lay-off extolling his player's virtues, insisting that the 22-year-old could fill the void left by the injured Robin Van Persie when he returned from his own spell on the sidelines.

Now he's back, Wenger wants Bendtner to show what he can do.

"He can prove me right!" declared the Frenchman.

"I believe he is a boy who has a big potential. He arrived at the age of 15 and we work very hard with these players to get them to a level where they are today.

"Of course, we do not believe in a player for four or five years and then suddenly stop because people say you should buy a striker. We have a line of conduct and we keep believing in what we have done up until now and we hope they pay us back."

Wenger knows a thing or two about world-class strikers after transforming Thierry Henry into exactly that after taking the French star to Highbury in 1999. Bendtner has a very long way to go to emulate Henry but his manager believes he has time on his side.

"I would remind you that Thierry Henry arrived at Arsenal at 23 years old and he made a massive career. So Nicklas is still young," said Wenger.

"But I think we will see the best of him now. He was born in 1988 so he is getting to the best age for a striker now. Of course, he will still improve and learn a lot but at 22, you have to start to play at the top level."

Amodu fails to show up for work

2010-02-17T04:55:00.001-08:00

Shuaibu Amodu failed to report for duty at the NFF, despite being scheduled to resume work last Monday.
Amodu was last week demoted from his position as coach of the Super Eagles and assigned to train the CHAN team comprising exclusively of domestic league players.

The team were directed to move into camp immediately under the direction of Amodu and his assistants. But the coach failed to report to the Glass House all of last week, and the NFF were forced to release a list of 34 players without the coach.

NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire said that the action was taken because the NFF were unsure whether or not Amodu would take up his new assignment.

“We don’t know if he will take the job or not, and we cannot hold up our preparations while we wait for him,” Olajire said. “The interim coaches, led by Erasmus Onuh, will train the team for now.”

Sources close to the coach, however, said that he is yet to receive a formal letter from the NFF notifying him of his redeployment.

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp clears path for Gunners return after earning coaching badges

2010-02-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

Dennis Bergkamp has taken a step towards returning to Arsenal by gaining his coaching badges in Holland.

The former hot shot, who spent 11 glorious years in north London after signing from Inter Milan in 1995, has made no secret of his desire to train the Gunners' strikers.

And Arsene Wenger left the door open for a future link-up recently when he tipped Bergkamp to be a 'very good coach'.

Bergkamp completed his course with the Dutch FA alongside former international team-mates Phillip Cocu, Patrick Kluivert and Michael Reiziger.

'I wouldn't rule out (working for Arsenal),' the 40-year-old said last year. 'I really love this club and the country and I love working here.

'I would advise everyone to work in England, as a player or a coach, it just breathes football. It is fantastic for the game.

'I want to work and train a team in England. Not as a head coach but instead as a member of staff, where I could work specifically with the strikers.

'Being a coach means you have to work 24 hours a day and that does not suit me. You have to watch matches at home, travel to see other teams, prepare training - it is something that I am not ready to do.'

Wrighty: I still love Palace

2010-02-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

The Eagles gave Wright his big break when they plucked him from non-league Greenwich Borough in 1985.

He went on to fire the club to the FA Cup final in 1990 before joining Arsenal for £2.5million.

And Wrighty admits he would be tempted by a coaching role if former Palace owner Ron Noades rescues the cash-strapped Championship outfit.
The former England striker said: "I hear Ron is thinking about getting involved again and so is Steve Coppell.

"What Palace need is people who love the club and people the fans can trust.

"The fans have been left in the wilderness by the people who are running Palace — and now look where they are.

"I don't think the supporters realise how much Ron has done for the club, or how much he loves it.

"The fact he wants to go back in again to help out in some capacity with Steve is good news, very good news.

"I do love Palace, it's the place where it happened for me.

"I still look up to Ron a lot and if I was going to go there under his leadership, with Steve there as well, then yeah, I'd consider doing something."

Palace are currently just a point off the Championship drop zone after being slapped with a 10-point deduction for slipping into administration.

Former owner Simon Jordan had been trying to offload the club before the administrators moved in and not even the sale of talented youngster Victor Moses to Wigan last month was enough to keep them afloat.

Egypt FA want to clarify Nigeria interest in Shehata

2010-02-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

The Egypt Football Association (EFA) would like to clarify the Nigeria interest in their coach Hassan Shehata.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) need a coach to lead their side at June's World Cup after demoting Shaibu Amodu.

Shehata is one of several candidates on the NFF's preferred list.

The EFA President Samir Zaher will now approach his counterpart at the NFF Sani Lulu to find what sort of a deal they are proposing.

Shehata has declared an interest in coaching Nigeria, but only if the NFF could secure permission from his employers.

It is something of a turn around for the EFA who had said last week they would not let Shehata consider another role at the moment.

The 60-year-old led Egypt to their third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations trophy in January.

AC Milan not scared of in-form Wayne Rooney - Flamini

2010-02-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

AC Milan star Mathieu Flamini says his side will not make special plans for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in Tuesday's Champions League tie.

Rooney has been in inspired form this season but former Arsenal midfielder Flamini said Milan can cope with him.

"Fear is not the word. Of course we have to be careful because we know he is a great player who can score at any time," Flamini told BBC Sport.

"There are no special plans for Rooney, just to concentrate and be strong."

Rooney has scored 24 goals for club and country this season, turning in a series of superb performances along the way as United battle to hold on to their Premier League crown and reach a third consecutive Champions League final.

However, Flamini, who played against Rooney several times during his time in England's top flight with the Gunners, said Milan coach Leonardo would not make the mistake of underestimating United's other attacking talents.
"We have to focus on him but also on the rest of the team because Manchester United attack with many players," he added.

But United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could not speak highly enough of Rooney's contribution this season and believes the England striker is in the best form of his already impressive career.

"We build up heroes very quickly," stated Ferguson.

"We are peculiar because the players, like David Beckham, who come through the ranks are always viewed as better than those you buy.

"But Rooney is also regarded as that kind of player. Although he came from Everton, the fans will always look at him as one of the players who has grown up with us.

"He has been fantastic this season and, without doubt, his form this season has brought him to the high point of his career.

For The First Time Ever I Want Manchester United To Lose

2010-02-16T09:28:00.000-08:00

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham is relishing the chance to meet his former club Manchester United in the Champions League this week, and admits that wanting Sir Alex Ferguson's team to lose is unusual for him.

Beckham made his name with the Red Devils before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003 and admitted he remains a supporter of the club, meaning Tuesday night's clash will be an occasion to tug at the heartstrings.

"It is going to be an emotional game, but as a Manchester United fan, it's the first time I am going to want United to lose," he told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

"As an AC Milan player I want to beat Manchester United and to say that as a Man Utd fan is quite difficult."

Despite the personal resonance of the match for him, the England midfielder also insisted that his professional focus was very much on beating United and progressing the Champions League.

"As much as it is emotional for me personally, it is important that we win the game," he added.

"I am a Milan player and I want us to play well in the game and progress to the next stage."

Wenger - Why I'm against play-off proposal

2010-02-16T09:25:00.001-08:00

Arsène Wenger has serious doubts over proposals to introduce a play-off for England's fourth Champions League place.

At present, the top four finishers in the Premier League enter Europe's premier competition. However, if 14 of England's 20 top-flight clubs can reach a consensus, the teams who finish from fourth to seventh could compete for the final berth via a mini-tournament.

Any change would not come into force for three years as the next TV rights deal is already in place, but Wenger would rather the idea never saw the light of day. He explained why before heading to Porto for the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie.

"It's an idea, I don't know who brought that up, but I think when you are fourth in the League after 38 games, you do not want necessarily to battle with the team that finished 10 points behind you," he said.

"That's why the table is there - to justify why teams qualify and why they don't qualify. I am not a big fan of the idea but I do not make the decisions in the Premier League."

The play-off system is already used in the Championship with the top two winning automatic promotion to the Premier League while the next four teams battle it out for the final place. However, Wenger believes that a similar format in the top flight could damage the integrity of the Premier League.

"In the Championship it is to get up to the Premier League and I believe as well that it is a completely different problem," said the Arsenal manager.

"Imagine if the team is qualified already for example for the play-offs with five or seven games to go, they could completely disrupt the Premier League and influence the teams who qualify for the Europa League and the teams who go down.

"They know if they are fourth they cannot be eighth anymore and with five or six games to go they can rest all their players and disrupt the Premier League. I believe the League has to be organised in the way that everybody fights until the last game of the season."

Arsenal hit by injuries ahead of Porto trip

2010-02-16T09:23:00.001-08:00

Arsenal must negotiate a tough Champions League trip to Porto without a number of first-team regulars.

Andrey Arshavin and Alex Song picked up injuries during last week's win over Liverpool and they have not recovered in time for the first leg against the Portuguese champions. What's more, they have been joined on the sidelines by William Gallas and Manuel Almunia. Meanwhile Eduardo, tipped for a return on Wednesday night, is still unavailable.

Arsène Wenger ran through his list of walking wounded before his 18-man squad boarded their flight to Portugal on Tuesday afternoon.

"William Gallas has a calf injury. Alex Song has a knee injury. Andrey Arshavin has a hamstring injury," said Wenger.

"Manuel Almunia has a finger injury, and the hand is quite useful for goalkeepers. He had already a twisted finger and he made it worse and I didn’t want to take a gamble on it. Eduardo has a recurrence of his hamstring injury."

Long-term absentees Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou are also absent but Carlos Vela returns from a knee injury.

Arsenal squad:

Lukasz Fabianski
Vito Mannone
Nicklas Bendtner
Carlos Vela
Theo Walcott
Samir Nasri
Denilson
Aaron Ramsey
Tomas Rosicky
Abou Diaby
Cesc Fabregas
Gael Clichy
Thomas Vermaelen
Emmanuel Eboue
Mikael Silvestre
Sol Campbell
Armand Traore
Bacary Sagna

I Don't Care Who My Chelsea Players Sleep With

2010-02-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has brushed off the latest tabloid rumours surrounding one of his players and insisted that his players' personal lives are none of his business.

Blues skipper John Terry has been the subject of intense media focus in the last few weeks after revelations of an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's girlfriend surfaced.

Ashley Cole has also been in the tabloid spotlight this week after allegations of marital infidelity and 'sex texting' were published.

But the Chelsea manager will not be taking any action against his players as long as they continue to perform on the pitch.

"I don't care who my captain or troops go to bed with, but what ideas they wake up with in the morning," Ancelotti told La Stampa.

Meanwhile, the Blues face Inter and Jose Mourinho in the Champions League. Ancelotti had a long-running feud with the 'Special One' whilst he was manager at Inter's neighbours Milan prior to becoming Chelsea boss.

He is looking forward to renewing acquaintance with his old rival when the west Londoners lock horns with the Italian giants.

"We're level. In the derby last year, we won 1-0 in the first leg and it was 2-1 to him in the return," Ancelotti quipped.

"Jose is a great coach who I respect a lot. I know what he has given to Inter and I know what he left Chelsea: even the coat that is in the club's museum.

"But the match won't be about us. It will be about the players."

Winning The Champions League Will Be Hard

2010-02-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has said winning the Champions League becomes more difficult each year because teams are becoming increasingly competitive.

Ancelotti has won the trophy twice as a coach with Milan in 2003 and 2007. But, with increasing competitiveness, winning has become more difficult than ever before.

"We are in the phase of the Champions League which gives you the most adrenalin. Before the Champions League used to be easier to win, but now there is more competition," he told La Stampa.

Ancelotti takes his Chelsea team to the San Siro next week to face Inter, and former Blues boss Jose Mourinho. Ancelotti recognises that the smallest of factors can decide a team's fate.

"Mourinho is right when he said it's a tournament of details. Many things depend on luck and certain episodes.

"But, we start on an equal terms [against Inter] just like the [Milan] derbies last season."

The Italian coach agrees with Mourinho, who said Chelsea were his own.

"He is right to say that some of this Chelsea was his team as many of the players he had are still here.

"I don't think the battle will be between me and Mourinho, but between the players," he concluded.

Beckham: Rooney Is As Good As Ronaldinho

2010-02-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

AC Milan star David Beckham says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is as good as two-time World Player of the Year Ronaldinho.

Beckham and Rooney will line up in opposition when Milan face United in the Champions League last-16 on Tuesday, and the former England captain told BBC Sport the 24-year-old is now "without a doubt" on a par with the Brazilian ace, who was named the best player in the world in 2004 and 2005.

"I've always said Wayne is one of the best goalscorers in football," said Beckham, who will face his old side for the first time since his acrimonious departure in 2003.

"He is at a great club like Manchester United and he's doing what he does best - scoring goals."

Rooney has enjoyed his finest goalscoring season to date, netting 23 times in 32 appearances for United this term, and Beckham believes his England colleague's form will make it difficult for Milan when the two sides meet at San Siro.

"It's one of the biggest games for me personally. But the most important thing is the team going through and beating United which I hope we do," he said.

"United are on fire, they're playing well. Wayne is scoring goals like he can. It's going to be a tough game."

Andrey Arshavin Wants Cesc Fabregas To Stay At Arsenal

2010-02-16T09:17:00.001-08:00

Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin understands that Cesc Fabregas must make a tough decision regarding his future soon but wants the club captain ti stay at the club.

The Russian insists that it is essential for the Gunners' hopes of future success that his team-mate shuns the offers from Barcelona that are reportedly set to come his way soon.

"If he goes to Barcelona, I will understand his choice. But as an Arsenal player, I really don't want this to happen," Arshavin told Russian newspaper Sport Express.

"I remember when there were rumors of his departure last summer, he said half-jokingly, half seriously: 'I'll stay at least a year or two, I want to play with you.'"We joke about this topic again now. But Cesc is a grown man and only he can decide."

Meanwhile, Arshavin is also unhappy about being deployed as an emergency target man in recent weeks after the Gunners' well-documented injury problems.

The Russian highlighted his dissatisfaction with the situation in public recently, something that many observers perceived as inappropriate.

The player himself feels that the problem is so obvious though that there can be no issue with him pointing it out.
"What is there to hide if everyone can see that this is the case?" he asserted.

"It is clear that putting me in the centre forward position makes life difficult. In particular, we are deprived of the option of playing long balls.

"A big striker can receive a long ball, but for me it is vitually impossible against powerful defenders.

"This gives the team fewer options, not only because of my size, but also because I don't have the skills to play in this position."

Arshavin also insists that the Gunners will keep fighting until the end in the title race, though he feels that Chelsea have a better chance of claiming the Premier League crown than Manchester United.

"Experience tells me we should not go crazy (over recent defeats)," he said.

"We have to train, to give 100 per cent in matches, then success is sure to follow.

"Manchester United outplayed us in midfield, controlling the ball and not allowing us to attack, but Chelsea were a more experienced and more powerful team, compared to who we were physically inferior.

"If you choose only between those two, then Chelsea will be champions."

Chelsea Have 'Suffered' Since I Left Stamford Bridge-Jose

2010-02-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

Inter coach Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at his former employers Chelsea, claiming that the road has only been downhill for the west London club since he headed out of Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have won only an FA Cup since the 'Special One' left England. Now plying his trade with the Serie A giants, the Portuguese manager maintains that his former employers have sorely missed his presence.

"Chelsea have suffered in the last two years, and it's no coincidence that their decline happened after I left," Mourinho said, according to The Mirror.

"We had a unique relationship as a manager, players and fans, and when you break that, it's not easy to fix. They've had a lot of coaches since and maybe some didn't have the mentality for the club. Maybe they tried to change too much of what we put in place.

"I knew there was no time for a long-term plan with the owner they have at Stamford Bridge. You must win the title in your first season or say bye-bye. I gave them what they needed but I always knew it wasn't a job that would last forever. Maybe they would've been better off sticking with me than changing manager when they did."

Of the three managers before Carlo Ancelotti to take the reins of the club following the departure of the former Porto boss, only Guus Hiddink managed to guide the club to silverware in the form of an FA Cup triumph last season.

Mourinho also told Nuts magazine: "Inter have asked me to try to win the Champions League for them, and I'll attempt to give them this – so they're stuck with me for a little while yet! Now we have to play an important couple of matches against Chelsea and this is obviously a very special game for me."

And concerning the Blues' Italian manager - with whom he shared a frosty relationship during Carletto's Serie A days - Mourinho couldn't resist adding: "But I'm a part of Chelsea's history forever and they'll always be a big part of me. Let's see if Ancelotti can finish his time at Chelsea with a record as good as mine!"

Inter host Chelsea at the San Siro on Wednesday, 24 February, in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Guus Hiddink To Sign Turkey Deal On Friday

2010-02-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

According to several reports from Turkey, Dutch coach Guus Hiddink is on the verge of signing a contract with the Turkish Football Association. The 63-year-old is expected to travel to Turkey on Friday in order to sign a contract.

The former Chelsea manager announced on Saturday that he will not extend his expiring contract with the Russian Football Association and has since been linked with several clubs and national teams.

North Korea and Nigeria were already among the candidates to make a move for Hiddink, whilst Ivory Coast joined the race for the Dutchman's signature on Monday.

However, it appears as if Hiddink has now made his decision. The reports suggest that the former PSV chief will stay with Russia until the end of his contract on June 30 before signing a deal with Turkey running until after Euro 2012.

Why Trapattoni would suit Nigeria

2010-02-12T04:20:00.000-08:00

Of all the candidates on Nigeria's wish-list to lead the Super Eagles to the World Cup, one of the names that stands out is that of the vastly experienced Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

The current Republic of Ireland manager is contracted to remain with the Irish until 2012, and would already be heading for South Africa, were it not for the infamous events in Paris in November surrounding Thierry Henry's handball, which saw France qualify at Ireland's expense.

While it would further break Irish hearts to see a man they have adopted as one of their own swap Dublin for Abuja, Trapattoni may see this as possibly his last tilt at a World Cup.

And while the 70-year-old has said that he would ideally like to end his long and chequered career by leading the "boys in green" to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he may yet decide that a more immediate challenge with the other men in green may be an opportunity worth grasping now.
The former Italian national coach must feel on a personal level that he still has some unfinished business of his own on the world stage, after the Azzurri were controversially knocked out of the World Cup in 2002 by co-hosts South Korea, after seeing a late goal dubiously disallowed.

That decision cost 'Trap' and his men a place in the quarter-finals of that tournament, which was seen as something of a blot on the Italian's CV.

But there is no doubting what he has achieved with an Irish team that, like Nigeria, were extremely short on confidence and a tactical game-plan when he took them over in 2008.

Trapattoni replaced Steve Staunton as Ireland boss, after the former Irish captain had overseen a disastrous period that would make Shaibu Amodu's reign and treatment by the Nigerian media seem favourable by comparison.

The former Juventus and Bayern Munich boss immediately turned around the fortunes of a team that only months previously had been slumping to results such as a 5-2 battering by Cyprus, and transformed them into an organised tactical outfit that quickly learned how to win again.

Recognising he had a fairly limited group of players at his disposal, with the exception of a handful of talented names such as Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Shay Given, Trapattoni executed a well-organised game-plan that would see the Irish progress as the only unbeaten team in the World Cup play-off draw.

What followed in Paris is history, but for the fans who watched Ireland dominate the former World Cup winners on their own turf, Trapattoni would remind many that night that he can turn any side into an organised and at times thrilling attacking outfit.

NFF chief explains Amodu sacking

2010-02-12T04:13:00.001-08:00

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said coach Shaibu Amodu was sacked because of public pressure for a foreign manager.

He was ditched despite the team qualifying for the World Cup and making the semi-finals of the Nations Cup.

Several big names from overseas, including Guus Hiddink and Hassan Shehata have been linked with the job.

"We are sensitive to the demands of passionate Nigerians," Sani Lulu Abdullahi told BBC Sport.

"They have called for the appointment of a manager who will drive the team to play professionally and with discipline as the World Cup finals approach."

It is the second time Amodu has been axed from his position as national coach after leading the team to World Cup qualification.

His tactics and leadership were severely criticised in Nigeria during the recent Nations Cup in Angola and he has paid the price for that pressure.

"I must admit that the leadership of the football federation is open to constructive analyses of our football, I really do," Lulu said.

"Football is the pride of the nation, we just hope the fans and everyone concerned will give the team and officials the needed support.

"Importantly, the technical committee now have a short-list of coaches not only capable but [who will] hopefully turn things around for the team."

Bayern Munich coach Louis Van Gaal has already ruled himself out of the job but Guus Hiddink, Bruno Metsu, Hassan Shehata, Peter Taylor and Ratomir Dujkovic are all on the NFF's wishlist.

Nigeria are in Group B at South Africa 2010, alongside Argentina, Greece and South Korea.

Nigerian : The Bizarre Search For A Foreign Coach

2010-02-12T03:50:00.003-08:00

Like a stack of domino tiles falling on each other, the NFF (Nigerian Football Federation) just cannot stop its descent into oblivion, even when it seems harder to fall. The much delayed search for a world class coach to tutor the Nigerian soccer team to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa has yet again exposed the pervasive incompetence that litters Football House.

While many soccer pundits had called for the removal of Shuaibu Amodu as head coach of the team a long time ago, the administrators at the glass house insisted on “swimming and sinking” with the technically bereft gaffer.

With the larger chunk of soccer loving Nigerians now in unison as to the inability of Amodu to credibly discharge his duties without making a mockery of the Nigerian national team, the NFF finally decided to jump from the “sinking” ship they had hitherto promised to go down with! A laughable set of demagogues doing just what they know best.

The timing of the eventual sacking of Amodu portends dangerous consequences for the national team’s chances at the summer tournament in South Africa.

The technical department of the NFF had been hoping against hope itself, believing that Amodu would suddenly transform into a knowledgeable tactician overnight, even though the facts of the matter were constantly sprawled on the pitch of play for all to see; they were wishing for a pig to fly! Had the NFF taken the needed step when it ought to have, we would have had a team gearing up for the 2010 World Cup by now.

Sadly we have been thrown into further disarray by a set of befuddled football administrators who still cannot distinguish between a world class coach and a foreign coach.

Head of the technical committee of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and the spokesman for Football House, Ademola Olajire recently revealed that the board had shortlisted six “foreign” coaches for the vacant position hitherto held by Amodu, even though the list has insidiously expanded to 10 over the past two days.

This is an act of flippancy at the very least, and without shame we are exposing our retrogressive nature to the world. By publicly shortlisting different coaches with different coaching styles, technical abilities and varied nationalities, the NFF technical team has clearly stated that it lacks understanding of what needs to be done to get the Eagles on their feet.

This is a clear indictment on the NFF and its technical committee, and it shows just how much they really understand football administration.

Prior to the hiring of the last foreign technical adviser of the team, Berti Vogts, the NFF technical committee had gone on a spendthrift sojourn to Europe without the littlest idea of what they wanted. They eventually ended up with the German tactician, whose style and brand of football was not in tandem with the available qualities of players in the team, and gave him a contract that saw him spend more time with his family in Germany than with the national team.

Eventually they had to unceremoniously sack the former German national coach after the Eagles laboured to the quarter-final stage of the 2008 edition of the African Nations Cup.

The NFF are once again ambling along that path and it would appear that we will end up in the same sad state we were in after the 2008 Nations Cup. Giovanni Trapattoni, Guus Hiddink, Loius Van Gaal, Bruno Metsu, Ratomir Djukovic, Hassan Shehata, Peter Taylor, Claude Leroy, Herve Renard, Sven Goran Ericson, Bonfere Jo etc.

The list keeps populating and the confusion grows thicker! Who do we really need to fully explore the potentials of the Nigerian team?

The NFF has also decided to hire a coach on a short-term basis, just for the World Cup. How well can we develop as a nation with these short-term and myopic strategies that will eventually boomerang in our faces. After every disastrous outing of the team since 1998, the NFF informs us that it will return to the proverbial “drawing board” to make changes and long term plans, yet we keep spiraling down and down the drain.

The few coaches that have succeeded in Nigeria have worked with the team for at least three years. Westerhoff, Bonfere Jo and even Samson Siasia have had a relatively lengthy period to study the teams they have had to work with. They had ample time to monitor several players that could fit into their game plan, and one noticeable feature was that at every point they had at least two players for every position - very much unlike Amodu who could not do without his trusted “injured” players.

If the NFF insists on hiring a “foreign” coach on a short-term basis, then soccer loving Nigerians should be ready for further heartbreak and soccer disaster.

The probable candidates and their pros and cons

Giovanni Trapattoni: Too old to handle the shenanigans of the Nigerian football administrators, his success lies in club football not with national team sides. He has very little to show for his stints with Italy and Ireland. He is a “world class” coach undoubtedly, but not the sort of coach that can effectively manage a complicated country like Nigeria. Rating: **

Hassan Shehata: The record-breaking coach of the Pharaohs of Egypt extended his contract with the Egyptian FA last week, so he may not be coming to Nigeria after all. His preferred style of football, which makes use of quick counter-attacks and a winged attacking formation would adapt quite well with the Nigerian team. I am, however, skeptical of his ability to adapt properly to the politics and tactics of soccer in sub-Saharan Africa, as he has spent his entire managerial career in the northern part of Africa and Oman. Rating:**

Louis van Gaal: The Dutchman at present appears too committed to Bayern Munich to want to leave. He would also not be able to understand the devious politics of the Nigerian Football Federation. Van Gaal has not succeeded with any national team before, despite his many successes at club level, and even failed to qualify the Netherlands to the 2002 World Cup. He has absolutely no experience in handling an African side! He would always be attracted to European club football and as such would not stay to build a team after the World Cup. Not a good choice. Rating:*

Guus Hiddink: Hiddink is undoubtedly one of the top choices for the position, as his pedigree needs no further repetition. His name speaks for itself, his experiences at the World Cup make him a top candidate for the position. However he has little understanding of the African soccer terrain. He would find the NFF an impossible organization to work with.

The Dutch tactician may however flee a few weeks before the tourney kicks off. His penchant for discipline would put him at constant loggerheads with the Nigerian FA. He is currently still under contract with the Russian FA, he might not be allowed to leave by the European side, and even at that he would definitely not be available to build the Nigerian team after the World Cup ends. Tough call! Rating:**

Bruno Metsu: Sojourned too far away from African football, but his tactical strength is indisputable. Many Africans have not heard of the Kenny G lookalike since his exploits with Senegal at the 2002 World Cup. His ability to read games deeply is what would probably be his strongest point in getting called to the position.

His successes with Al Ain FC (United Arab Emirates) and Al Gharafa (Qatar) were quite legendary. He currently coaches the Qatari national team. Metsu would be a good candidate for the position, having coached Guinea and Senegal, giving him some considerable exposure to the arduous politics prevalent in the continent’s soccer administration. Rating:***

Bonfere Jo: Yes, he understands the Nigerian FA politics, but does he still have the technical prowess to handle a psychologically demoralised team? I think not. Rating:*

Sven Goran Eriksson: Only learned a few hours ago that he dropped in his resume with the NFF. I really don’t think he qualifies as a “world class” coach. A foreign coach? Yes! But definitely not a “world class” coach. He did not have a particularly successful time with the English national team, and his time with Mexico was woeful! His best periods are well behind him, during his time at Italian giants Lazio. His current “charity work” with Notts County, an English League 2 club, best describes the level of demand placed on him. Rating:*

Ratomir Dujkovic: His ability to navigate “harsh” terrains would no doubt count well for the Serbian tactician. He has been in Venezuela and Myanmar achieving modest success before coming into Rwanda and giving the country a name on the African soccer scene. He qualified the Wasps to their first African Nations Cup in 2004, knocking out Ghana from the qualifying race. His team performed well at the tourney held in Tunisia, where they almost made it through to the quarter-final stage.

He moved to Ghana that same year, where he helped the team qualify for the 2006 World Cup. But the Serbian has a game plan that would not appeal well to Nigerians. His formation takes on a sedentary form, always waiting to absorb pressure from the opponents and hitting them on the break. Nigerians do not want another Amodu, so they might not like the Serbian. However, Dujkovic knows how to play the politics of African soccer federations and he would really appeal to the NFF. Bad for Nigerian football if you ask me! Rating:****

Peter Taylor: Are you kidding me? Rating: No way!

Nigerian : The Bizarre Search For A Foreign Coach

2010-02-12T03:50:00.001-08:00

Almunia - We came back with character

2010-02-12T03:42:00.000-08:00

Manuel Almunia has praised Arsenal's strength of character after their 1-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday night.

The Spanish keeper says the team accepted the criticism that came their way after recent defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea, and believes that negative analysis of recent performances can be good for the side.

The Gunners' togetherness was evident in the way they celebrated Abou Diaby's 72nd-minute winner against the Liverpool and Almunia says that ahead of the game the team had pulled together in their determination to show resolve.

"We were talking about our last two games," he explained. "We said to each other that it is not possible not to show character on the pitch. It is not possible for a team who want to be top of the table.

"From the dressing room before the game, everyone was switched on to the game and personally I am happy with the character of the team.

"We accept all the critics. Arsenal is a big club and we deserve to be criticised because we have been playing for many years without fighting for the title.

"Critics are good sometimes and we accept them. The team is growing up and everybody accepts it because we cannot say anything when we don't play well. We just go home and wait for the next game so we can win."

The Spaniard understands why Arsenal came in for the criticism and knows where the team must improve. However, having seen Manchester United and Chelsea drop points on Wednesday night, the 32-year-old says every team will be in that position at some point this season.

"Against United we were not on our game at any time," he admitted. "Against Chelsea we played well I thought but as soon as we switched off a bit, we lost. There are small points we need to improve, not technically or tactically but personally - little things that we have to show more.

"Every team will complain after they lost. Manchester and Chelsea will be not happy and in a few games they will come back. They will say they can win their next game and we top of the table.

"Every team has to improve. After the Manchester and Chelsea games, they showed they were better than us, but when they play against Everton and Aston Villa they were at the same level. We have to believe it."

Why Wenger won't rely on strikers for goals

2010-01-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Arsène Wenger has been in an unusual position during this transfer window.

Although he admits his side lack a striker, they are not in need of goals.

Consistency has been the key. While Chelsea may have smashed seven past Sunderland at the weekend and Spurs thumped nine against Wigan late last year, the Emirates Stadium side have been top of the scoring charts ever since they hit Everton for six on the opening day of the campaign.

Only Sunderland and Chelsea can truly claim to have shut-out a full-strength Arsenal this season. In the Premier League, Wenger’s men have 55 goals in 21 games via 16 different scorers.

You can attribute well over half to central midfield (Cesc Fabregas 10, Abou Diaby 5, Aaron Ramsey 3, Denilson 3, Alex Song 1) and the centre backs (Thomas Vermaelen 4, William Gallas 3).

Of course, this could be explained way with injuries – Robin Van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and, to a lesser extent, Eduardo have all spent significant time on the treatment table. However Wenger feels there could be something more going on. The Frenchman suggests the relationship between the forward line and particularly the midfield may have changed in recent years.

It is no wonder that UEFA’s technical report into last season’s Champions League had chapter called ‘The Disappearing Striker’. It seems the days are gone when a No 9 and No 10 speadheaded a static 4-4-2 and scored 50 per cent of their team’s goals.

“It is a possible idea,” admitted Wenger. “But it depends on the personality and the quality of your midfielders. If you have many players who can score that is OK but overall I still believe that strikers are very, very important.

“Still we used to say the midfielders are the guys who bring the strikers alive but what is happening now is the strikers are the guys who can bring your midfielders alive. They come to score from deeper positions and you can really do that with one-man up front."

Wenger admits that, to him, a striker’s assists tally is now as important as his goals ratio.

“It is basically the efficiency of the team and the number of goals the team scores [that is important],” he said. “I believe if the whole side scores goals then, for me, the striker is good.

“[For example] Robin Van Persie, when he played we always scored three or four goals. He didn’t score too many [himself] but he made a lot. Not only with passing, but with movement and the quality of that movement. Strikers open walls for the deeper players. That is a big part in the modern game.”

Arshavin central role not a long-term option

2010-01-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

Arsène Wenger will move Andrey Arshavin back to the flanks when he can.

The Russian has been operating as the pivotal striker in Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation since the start of December after the Emirates Stadium side suffered a number of injuries up front.

Arshavin’s centralisation has had a major part in his team’s rise up the table. The 28-year-old has even played through the pain-barrier in recent weeks as Arsenal have closed the gap on the leaders.

They could reach the summit on Wednesday with a two-goal win over Bolton. However, despite his ability to prise openings in tight situations, Wenger will not persist with the ploy when he has more established strikers back.

“Andrey’s movement around the box is intelligent and, at the end of the day, how our strikers do that makes a difference for teams like us,” said the manager speaking before the weekend fixtures.

“In every game we have the ball 60 per cent of the time and when we do have it we play against 10 players in their own half. So what makes the difference is intelligence and movement around the box in the final third and [Andrey] is very good in the short space.

“He started very well up front but in the last few games he had a few more difficulties. He had a foot injury and could kick the ball properly. He is now coming back.

“But I do not deny as well that our plan in the future is to put him back where he was - playing on the left."

'Imagine where we would be without injuries'

2010-01-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

Arsène Wenger can only imagine how much better Arsenal would be doing this season had they not suffered so badly with injuries.

A number of key players have been forced into long-term absences this season and Wenger currently has eight of his first-teamers unavailable.

Despite this the Gunners have an opportunity to go top of the Premier League on Wednesday evening and fans can only dream about where Arsenal could have been had they been hit by injuries.

"You can imagine but you can never prove," agreed Wenger. "But it gives a lot of credit to the players that despite all that has happened we are still there.

"That, when you are such a young team, is something very interesting for our Club to have."

In spite of Arsenal's current League position Wenger is not getting ahead of himself, pointing out that there is still almost half of the season remaining. However, he is confident that his side has what it takes to bring silverware to Emirates Stadium this season.

"We have won nothing yet," he warned. "But we have won some credibility. However, that is not enough.

"We want more but at least we are in a position to fight for it and have a go.

"I have the confidence that my team will give absolutely everything.

"I trust their hunger, I trust their appetite and I trust their spirit, knowing of course that there is a long way to go."

Wenger - Recovering players can give us boost

2010-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

The prospect of new players may be a hot topic among Arsenal fans but the Arsenal manager is more concerned about getting his current players fit and available.

Arsène Wenger remains on the look-out for potential recruits while the January transfer window is open but, with the games coming thick and fast in the weeks to come, he is focused on trimming Arsenal's lengthy injury list.

Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs, Johan Djourou, Nicklas Bendtner, Aaron Ramsey, Fran Merida, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere are all sidelined, leaving Wenger to juggle his remaining options against Bolton on Wednesday, at Stoke on Sunday, at Aston Villa next week and beyond.

And the Frenchman admits that transfer activity is taking a back seat while he works out who will return from injury - and when.

"We are not close to signing anybody at the moment and we are so focused on the game that we forget a little bit to speak about transfers," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"The other thing I must say is we have so many players out that our talks are more focused on 'when is he back, when he is back?' and it looks like any player we can get back is like a transfer because we have not seen some players this season, like Walcott, like Bendtner.

"One of them has played three games, the other five games. But they can be fresh for the second part of the season and they can give us a big push."

Nigeria U-17s Due Home Friday From Qatar Training Stint

2009-10-15T14:21:00.001-07:00

The hosts and defending champions are bullish ahead of the Under-17 World Cup...

The host team for this year's FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Nigeria's Golden Eaglets are expected to be back in the country on Friday brimming with confidence after undergoing a two-week training stint in Qatar ahead of the tournament.

Top team official, Garba Lawal, informed Goal.com that the team are rearing to go and are very confident they will successfully defend the World Cup they won two years ago in South Korea.

"The boys have really shown great improvement and commitment in the past few weeks, and with some luck, they will be world champions again," declared the former international.

The Eaglets will face Germany, Argentina and Honduras in the first round of the U-17 World Cup.

Stanley Okoro scored a brace in their third match in Qatar as they won 3-0 to further boost their confidence leading to their opening match on October 24 against Germany at the Abuja National Stadium.

Officials disclosed they play their final match in Qatar on Thursday before heading back to Nigeria the following day.

Casillas: No Time For Kaka & Ronaldo To Gel

2009-09-28T15:34:00.007-07:00

Iker Casillas believes that the demands at Real Madrid are so high that there is not time for the team and new players to gel without being criticised.

The Spain international goalkeeper admits that he and other stars are still learning about Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, and how best to play with them.

It is a steep learning curve that the team has to climb, and despite a winning start, they have already been slated for not being entertaining.

"The team is in the gelling stage, but there is never time at Real Madrid and every day there is an aspect that receives criticism," Casillas was quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"The players must get to know one another. Kaka and Cristiano are good, but we need to figure out how they want the ball, how they pass it.

"It happens to me, too. I have to know if I need to be fast in giving it to a player, if it needs to be a short or long pass... It all comes together as we play more matches."

Casillas: No Time For Kaka & Ronaldo To Gel

2009-09-28T15:34:00.005-07:00

Casillas: No Time For Kaka & Ronaldo To Gel

2009-09-28T15:34:00.003-07:00

Torres Looking To Chelsea Clash Following Hull City Hat-Trick

2009-09-28T15:29:00.005-07:00

Fernando Torres' de-clawing of Hull City's Tigers is not a feat dwelled upon by the player himself, who instead will be turning his attention to the top of the table clash with Chelsea despite his hat-trick - his fourth in Liverpool colours - at the weekend.

The Reds and the Blues have built up quite a rivalry within the second half of the current decade, which has only been accelerated by the seemingly constant pairing of the two sides in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

For the opening six games of the season, Chelsea led the Premier League charts, but have since dropped down to shoulder level following their weekend loss to unfancied Wigan Athletic.

Liverpool, meanwhile, propelled themselves up to third, and could usurp the Stamford Bridge side with a win on Sunday due to their superior goal difference.

Torres told the club's official website: "When you score a hat-trick it is always an amazing day. The team scored six, we won the game and it is fantastic for us because we have a lot of confidence now. It was important for me and for my team-mates.

"After starting the season with two early defeats we knew we needed to improve. We are now winning games at home against sides in the middle or near the bottom of the table and it has given us more confidence.

"As a team we are now in a good moment. We must keep trying to improve.

"We have a difficult game next weekend at Chelsea and we will be on the same points as them if we win the game, so we are looking forward to it."

Prior to the clash of the top four titans stands a European tie. Liverpool travel to Fiorentina on Tuesday, while Chelsea have a trip to Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.

Torres Looking To Chelsea Clash Following Hull City Hat-Trick

2009-09-28T15:29:00.003-07:00

Torres Looking To Chelsea Clash Following Hull City Hat-Trick

2009-09-28T15:29:00.001-07:00

Jermaine Pennant Calls Ashley Cole 'A Little Rat

2009-09-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Real Zaragoza's free summer signing Jermaine Pennant has lauded the ability of former Arsenal team-mate Ashley Cole, claiming the England international is the best full-back he has come up against.

After an extended settling-in period at Chelsea, last season Cole began to display the imperious overlapping form he showed at the Gunners, and was duly awarded the fans' Player of the Year. He has begun this campaign in an equally eyebrow-raising fashion, by contributing to the Blues' attacking play as well as keeping things tight at the back.

Pennant has praised his compatriot, although the former Liverpool winger - who played a starring role in the 2007 Champions League final against AC Milan - bizarrely compared Cole's playing style to that of a "rat".

"Ashley is probably the best left-back I have played against," the 26-year-old proclaimed to the People. "He is so annoying - like a little rat.

"You think you have got past him and there he is in front of you again. As soon as me and him cross the white line we lose that friendship, but it would be great to be back in a squad with him," said Pennant.

MORATTI PONDERS INTER REACTION

2009-09-28T15:12:00.001-07:00

Rubin Kazan could face an Inter Milan backlash as the Italians head into Tuesday night's Champions League Group F match on the back of their first Serie A defeat of the season.

Inter, who played out a goalless draw in their first European fixture against Barcelona at the San Siro, failed to find the back of the net in their game at Sampdoria on Saturday.

A 1-0 defeat saw Jose Mourinho's side drop to third in Serie A.

"I couldn't say if it is better to arrive at a Champions League game on the back of a victory or a defeat," said Inter owner Massimo Moratti, when asked about the state of mind of his players.

"At times a defeat can stimulate the team."

Inter certainly need stimulating in front of goal when it comes to the Champions League.

The last time they scored in the competition was December 2008 in a 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the scorer of that goal and he now plays for Barcelona.

Moratti is keen to see an improvement on the weekend loss to Sampdoria.

"I did not see an ugly Inter in Genoa," Moratti said. "The team played well and we didn't make any mistakes with the exception of the goal given away.

"I am satisfied with the performance of the team. Of course, a certain bitterness remains considering that we lost despite playing good football."

One player who has scored a lot of goals over the years in Europe is Samuel Eto'o, the former Barca striker who joined Inter in the summer.

Eto'o, who is expected to start alongside Diego Milito, has found the net just once in his last four appearances.

Rubin Kazan lost 3-1 at Dynamo Kiev in their first Champions League match.

There has been intense interest in Tuesday's game at the Tsentralnyi stadium, not only because Inter are among the world's top clubs but also because Kazan are hosting a game in the competition for the first time.

Expectations are high for Kurban Berdyev's defending Russian champions, who lead the domestic Premier League with 47 points in 23 games.

Like Inter, though, they go into the game on the back of a defeat.

Kazan's eight-match unbeaten run, including six consecutive victories, was halted by last Friday's 2-1 home defeat to FK Amkar Perm.

Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic has warned his team-mates not to take Kazan lightly.

"Our Champions League group is not an easy one and we have to be ready to face a team that, even though they lost their last game, they can create many problems for us," he said.

The Italians will fancy their chances of taking a positive result home, for they have lost just once on their last six visits to Russia.

The visitors will be without Dutch winger Wesley Sneijder, who has failed to recover from a hip injury. Moreover, Thiago Motta and David Suazo have also stayed in Milan to recover from their respective knocks.

Kazan will be without midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, who serves his second of a three-match ban.

WENGER DEFENDS VAN PERSIE

2009-09-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger believes Robin van Persie is right to highlight when he has been unfairly challenged by defenders - but accepts it is increasingly hard to win penalties in Europe.

With striker Nicklas Bendtner set to sit out Tuesday's clash with Greek side Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium after suffering minor bruises when his car went off the road, Dutchman Van Persie will again be leading the Arsenal attack.

Van Persie's well-executed finish against Fulham proved enough to take all three points on Saturday, when the Gunners were up against it for long spells and had rookie goalkeeper Vito Mannone to thank for a man-of-the-match display.

The Holland international, 26, had also made the pre-match headlines when admitting he has exaggerated when he has been pushed by a defender.

By so doing, Van Persie weighed into the diving debate after team-mate Eduardo was banned by UEFA, a decision which was subsequently overturned, following an incident against Celtic in the Champions League qualifier.

Wenger, though, feels Van Persie has a point.

"Sometimes when a striker is fouled, he wants to make sure the referee sees that, which is what basically Robin was talking about," said the Arsenal manager.

"He wanted to show there is a difference between what people call diving and being fouled.

"In fact, the television showed a great example of it at Manchester United when a penalty was not given when [Patrice] Evra fouled Van Persie 100 per cent.

"He had to go down, but when you go down, you make sure the referee notices you have been fouled."

Wenger added: "There is a trend all over Europe to give less fouls and less penalties than before - at Italy there was a stage when they gave a penalty every time somebody collapsed."

Bendtner, meanwhile, is expected to return to the squad at the weekend.

The 21-year-old was driving along the A1 on Sunday morning towards South Mimms when his car left the road.

It is understood no other vehicle was involved in the incident.

"Fortunately there was no real long-term damage, but he was bruised and we thought it better he did not train," said Wenger.

"He should be back for Sunday's game [against Blackburn]."

Winger Theo Walcott may also be in line to feature at the weekend, having not played at all this season because of a back problem, which have hit his England chances.

Wenger said: "He is short of competitive action at the moment, he needs a game and we will organise a game for him."

Midfielder Denilson is, however, set for an extended spell on the sidelines because of a fracture to his back.

Wenger feels he has plenty of cover, with both Abou Diaby and Czech international Tomas Rosicky challenging for a starting place on Tuesday.

"We have plenty of options," said Wenger.

"We have a very big squad at the moment and there are opportunities there for anybody to take.

"Aaron Ramsey is not far away from the first team now and Jack Wilshere who can play when requested, so we have plenty of opportunities for young players to come in."

Arsenal have shrugged off the disappointment of their two away defeats to both Manchester clubs to record four successive victories.

"I believe we have played well since the start of the season and what's worse, but in a good way, is that in the games we have played the best we haven't won," said Wenger.

"But we showed that we can beat anybody since the start of the season and we have that belief in the squad."

SAGNA: WE CAN LEARN FROM HEARTACHE

2009-09-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Bacary Sagna admits the Arsenal players are still haunted by the manner of their Champions League semi-final exit to Manchester United last season - but feels the experience can help them go all the way in Europe this term.

The Gunners, who host Olympiacos in their second Group H match on Tuesday night, failed to perform during the first leg at Old Trafford, but escaped with only a 1-0 defeat.

But a slip by young defender Kieran Gibbs handed United an early away goal in the second leg which all but killed off the tie, United going on to win the game 3-1.

Full-back Sagna, 26, believes those "bad experiences" can only serve the squad well as they bid to reach the 2010 final in Madrid.

"We knew we had the quality to play the final last year, but we didn't play our own game," he said.

"Against Manchester United we have some regrets and this year we want to give everything and go until the end.

"After the game we were still thinking about what might have been.

"This year we have to think about last year to improve and go forward. We are all looking forward.

Sagna added: "Two years ago we played the quarter finals, this year the semi finals, so even with a young team we can go very far in this competition and we have the quality to play big teams."

Arsenal were caught cold in their Champions League Group H opener when Standard Liege raced into a 2-0 lead inside five minutes.

However, Arsene Wenger's men fought back in Belgium to secure a morale-boosting victory.

Sagna revealed the players are determined not to let the same slow start prove costly once again.

"I hope everyone is ready now to give 100 per cent on the pitch including the forwards because they are the first to defend," said Sagna.

"Everyone knows we have to be more powerful in defence to be good in attack.

"We have a good team and everyone is able to in this team to play good football and we show it."

SEVILLA PLAY DOWN FAVOURITES' TAG

2009-09-28T15:06:00.001-07:00

Didier Zokora and Fredi Kanoute insisted victory for Sevilla was far from a formality as they touched down in Glasgow ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Rangers.

Spanish side Sevilla are in red-hot form going into the Group G meeting at Ibrox having won their last five matches in all competitions.

But former Tottenham stars Zokora and Kanoute were not taking anything for granted.

Asked if Sevilla were favourites to win the match, striker Kanoute said: "No, no. I don't accept that."

Midfielder Zokora said: "I'm not sure because, in football, sometimes you play well, sometimes you play badly.

"I know the game is very difficult because Glasgow (Rangers) have a big stadium, a lot of fans. Glasgow are the best team in Scotland."

But he added: "I think Sevilla is better than Glasgow!"

Kanoute, whose goal saw Sevilla lift the UEFA Cup on their last visit to Glasgow two years ago, said: "It's going to be hard obviously, but we're quite confident. Hopefully, we're going to do something good."

Zokora was expecting a physical game.

"Of course, because I know the (English) Premier League, I know the Scottish league and it's very aggressive," said Zokora, who is looking forward to being reunited with another former Spurs team-mate.

"But there are a lot of good players like Pedro Mendes. I know him and he's a very good player."

Zokora feels Sevilla, who only trail Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Primera Liga, are good enough to win the Champions League.

"Why not?" he said. "This year is very important for the club."

CECH QUESTIONS LATICS DISMISSAL

2009-09-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech admits he was surprised to be sent off in his side's shock defeat to Wigan.

Cech was shown a straight red card by referee Phil Dowd for tripping Hugo Rodallega to concede a penalty early in the second half of the Blues' 3-1 defeat at the DW Stadium.

It was only Cech's second sending-off of his career and he felt the decision was harsh because Ashley Cole was getting back to try and tackle Rodallega.

"The penalty call was too strict," Cech told his personal website.

"It surprised me that I was sent off, because I was not the last player. Ashley Cole was running behind my back."

Cech had no excuses for Chelsea's performance as they slumped to their first defeat of the season.

"We played very badly," added Cech. "We were not going along with the tasks we had set before the match.

"In the second half our performance improved, we equalised but then the penalty came."

Cech, who will miss next weekend's clash with Liverpool through suspension, is confident Carlo Ancelotti's men can make amends for their poor showing at Wigan.

"The league is very long and there will be plenty of games in which we can undo this defeat," he concluded.

TOFFEES HOPEFUL OVER PIENAAR

2009-09-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Everton are hopeful that Steven Pienaar's injury is not as bad as first feared.

The South Africa international has been on crutches since hurting his knee against Portsmouth at the weekend.

The club have been assessing Pienaar's fitness over the last few days and head physio Mick Rathbone is hopeful the injury is not too serious.

"There's no timescale at the moment but hopefully it will only be something short term," he told Everton's official website.

"Steven took an almighty knock on the inside of the knee, so he is pretty sore.

"Me and the doctor had a good look at him after we flew back from the game at Portsmouth. Then we had another good look at him yesterday and again today. It has slightly improved but it is still very, very sore to touch.

"There's a lot of bruising and a lot of swelling around the area, so we've got him on crutches at the moment.

"It looks like it is just bruised but I am hesitating because it is so hard to examine the knee. We have looked at the film to see what happened and how it is today and we are pretty confident it is okay. But it is badly bruised and it's pretty sore, as you can imagine."

DUO RULED OUT FOR CHELSEA

2009-09-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

Chelsea have left Michael Ballack and John Mikel Obi behind as they travelled to Cyprus for their Champions League clash with APOEL Nicosia.

Mikel is struggling with an ankle problem while Germany captain Ballack misses out with a calf strain.

But Ashley Cole, forced out of their 3-1 defeat by Wigan on Saturday with an ankle injury, did make the flight as did Portugal midfielder Deco and England midfielder Joe Cole, who missed Saturday's match with a cold.

Meanwhile, striker Didier Drogba, who is suspended for Wednesday night's game in Group D, described their defeat at Wigan as the worst performance in his five years at the club.

And the Ivory Coast international told his team-mates they must improve if they are to win the Premier League title.

The defeat was Chelsea's first of the season and ended an unbeaten run stretching back over 23 games.

Drogba scored his 100th goal for the Blues when he levelled just after the break, but they fell apart when goalkeeper Petr Cech was red-carded for a professional foul.

It allowed Manchester United to reclaim top spot following their win over Stoke.

Cech complained bitterly that he should not have been shown the red card but Drogba said the incident had little bearing on the outcome.

"We didn't play very well," said Drogba. "We lost all the battles, all the duels. We didn't win anything, we were poor.

"This is the worst game I have played in since I have been at Chelsea. We need to think about it, correct what was wrong and try to go again.

"We equalised just after half-time and we were trying to improve our game but then there was the penalty and red card which I think was a bit harsh.

"Still with 10 players, we had the chance to make it 2-2, but we didn't do it. There was a lot of space and they used the pitch very well, they deserved to win."

WENGER FEELS FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

2009-09-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger maintains it is part of a manager's job to ensure the financial stability of their club.

Arsenal's parent holding company have revealed an increase in turnover to £313.3million and a record profit after tax of £35.2million from results for the year ending May 31.

However, with the cost of the £400million move to Emirates Stadium from Highbury continuing to tie up the long-term financial commitments of the Premier League club, there have been suggestions Wenger does not have the cash with which to strengthen his squad should he wish.

Indeed Manchester City, now bankrolled by the deep pockets of their new Arab owners, raided the Gunners for both striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure this summer, while Wenger opted to bring in just Belgium international defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax for £10m and tie up existing players such as Robin van Persie on new deals.

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood was, in his report to shareholders, quick to highlight the board's determination to help Wenger secure continued success on the field and a first trophy since 2005.

Wenger, though, insists keeping his employers on an even financial keel must remain high on the agenda.

"I am encouraged by the fact that the financial results are good because I try on my side to contribute to that as well," said Wenger, whose side take on Olympiakos in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

"You want to work in a company that is in a healthy financial situation.

"I am quite proud that I work in a company that is in a strong financial situation."

Wenger continued: "The sporting side is one side, that is the most important, so to be completely happy you have to do well on the sporting side.

"I have always worked in clubs who make money, and I would not feel that I do my job well if we lost money at the end of the season - never, no matter what happens on the sporting side - because you put the club in trouble and, in my opinion, that cannot be accepted from any manager."

Despite having to extend the terms of the loan which helped fund the Highbury Square development, the project itself remains robust despite the difficult financial climate and falling house prices.

Monday's figures included the completion of 208 private apartments to bring in some £88m, while since the end of the financial year, more units have been sold at the club's former ground, which they left in 2006.

Most of Arsenal's overall net debt, which has decreased to £297.7m from £318m, is tied into the 2006 move to the 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium, financed mainly by a long-term loan which is repaid at a fixed-term, much like a mortgage, at around £20m a year.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis feels the club is well set for the challenges ahead as they continue to move forwards on a self-sustaining basis without the need for any major outside investment.

He said: "The club has a philosophy of reinvesting all of the money it makes back into the club.

"Money is not taken out in the form of dividends to the shareholders, so it's very important to understand all of the money we're making, all of these financial results we're talking about benefit the club.

"We will only invest, and Arsene will only invest, if it's going to be for players who really add some value and quality to the squad.

"We are fortunate we've got a manager who thinks about his responsibility, thinks about the long-term implications and doesn't spend money because he's got it.

"He spends only if he believes we can add something of significance to our squad and we think he's proved that with [Andrey] Arshavin and Vermaelen."

BENDTNER BLOW FOR GUNNERS

2009-09-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner had a "very lucky escape" when he crashed his Aston Martin into a tree.

The 21-year-old Danish striker was driving along the A1 towards South Mimms when his car left the road and collided with the hard shoulder fence and a tree.

It is understood that no other vehicle was involved in the incident on Monday morning.

A Hertfordshire Police spokesman said: "We were called at 10.15am to a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision.

"A black Aston Martin vehicle had left the road. The driver was not seriously injured."

The East of England Ambulance Service said he had had a "very lucky escape", suffering a pain in his shoulder and grazes on one of his knees.

A spokesman said: "When the ambulance crews arrived at the scene they found a car which was badly damaged after it collided with the hard shoulder fence and a tree.

"A man who we believe to be 21 years old received minor injuries. Following a checkover by paramedics, he did not require to go to hospital."

Bendtner was believed to be on his way to Arsenal's training ground in Hertfordshire.

It is thought two members of training staff from the football club collected the player from the scene and took him to the ground, where he was checked over by a club medic.

The accident left him unable to train and he will be forced to miss Tuesday night's Champions League game against Olympiacos.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "Nicklas did not practise because he had a car accident yesterday.

"Fortunately there was no real long-term damage, but he was bruised and we thought it better he did not train.

"He should be back for Sunday's game (against Blackburn)."

CONSISTENCY COUNTS FOR ALLARDYCE

2009-09-27T05:42:00.005-07:00

David Dunn's nerveless 89th-minute penalty clinched a superb come-from-behind win for 10-man Blackburn at Ewood Park and boss Sam Allardyce insists consistency is the key to more success.

Dunn swept home past his former Rovers team-mate Brad Friedel after Richard Dunne handled in the box, earning the three points despite Vince Grella's 68th-minute red card for two bookable offences.

The manner of the win, with the home side clawing back from the shock of conceding a third minute opener to Gabriel Agbonlahor, convinced Allardyce his side has what it takes to climb the table.

"We've burst all the odds today and it shows the determination of our squad and the quality of our team," said a visibly delighted Allardyce. "Now what we have to do is hit those consistent performances.

"I'm delighted with the way we kicked on after going a goal down in the first few minutes. It really only knocked us back for a few minutes. We came storming back and we got what we deserved."

Agbonlahor's fourth league goal of the season, a simple rolled finish past Paul Robinson with plenty of space in the box, looked likely to help buoyant Villa maintain their 100% away league start.

Arriving at Ewood Park on the back of four straight wins after their opening day defeat at Wigan, Villa started with a swagger which looked set to leave Rovers looking clumsy and short on class.

Ultimately, however, Agbonlahor's continued form was to prove a solitary bright spot for a plainly dejected Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

He said: "He's been brilliant for us. But we were hoping to get something out of today."

After John Carew had missed an Ashley Young cross by inches in front of goal, that class was underlined by the unlikely figure of Rovers central defender Christopher Samba, who swept home well after a nod-down by Franco Di Santo.

Samba's form at the back is a plus for Allardyce, who admitted: "His finish was excellent and he showed the forwards how to do it. Benni McCarthy couldn't have done it any better and he's our best goalscorer.

"In many ways I think Chris Samba was our saviour last season playing up front. He creates such a presence up there.

"But at the back we've limited a very, very talented Aston Villa front line to very few chances, which is very pleasing indeed."

In a lively end-to-end clash, Young flashed a shot across the face of goal before Friedel pulled off a stunning point-blank save to tip an overhead from Dunn over the bar.

With Dunn increasingly influential, Rovers began the second half in fine form, with Di Santo squirming a header wide before their impetus threatened to wane when Grella was dismissed for a clumsy challenge on James Milner.

Allardyce had no complaints about the sending-off nor the reaction of his side, who poured forward and had chances through Brett Emerton and Di Santo before Richard Dunne's handball presented Dunn with his spot-kick chance.

O'Neill, who had issues with the awarding of the penalty, added: "We tried to get a little bit of extra width in the side to try to break through but the sending-off may well have galvanised Blackburn.

"Perhaps we didn't create as many clear-cut chances in the second half as we might have done, but I felt we were worthy of a point.

"We were never out of the game and I'm naturally disappointed to have conceded so late on."

CONSISTENCY COUNTS FOR ALLARDYCE

2009-09-27T05:42:00.003-07:00

McCOURT SEES ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

2009-09-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

Paddy McCourt scored his second brilliant individual Celtic goal in four days in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League win at St Mirren but accepted the stinging criticism handed out to him and the rest of his team-mates by Tony Mowbray.

Wednesday saw the Irishman cap his first 90 minutes for the Hoops since signing from Derry City last summer with a fine solo strike in the Co-operative Insurance Cup win at Falkirk.

McCourt produced an even better effort at St Mirren Park on Saturday, weaving his way past five Paisley challenges before driving past Paul Gallacher - but even that failed to lift the spirits of manager Mowbray.

Celtic finished the day four points clear of Rangers at the top of the SPL but the Parkhead boss pilloried his players, describing their performances as unacceptable and offered begrudging praise to the Northern Ireland international.

Mowbray's criticism was perhaps aimed providing a psychological spur ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna at Parkhead but nevertheless it was accepted by McCourt.

"To be fair, the players know themselves," he said.

"You know when you come off if you have performed individually and as a team and if we are going to be honest, I don't think any of us could say we were really great.

"The manager is an honest fellow and he has told me that he wants me to play every week but said that there are some things that I have to add to my game.

"He is the first to praise us when we are doing well and when we are not really at our best, he won't be long in telling us."

McCourt played down his 27th-minute strike which had the travelling support in raptures and insists he is ready for the European challenge on Thursday.

"It was nice to get the goal but it was important that we got the three points," he said.

"When you get the ball you see how things open up and luckily enough I don't have to really think about it, it comes naturally and I was delighted that it ended up in the back of the net.

"I will be ready (for Rapid). If I do get the chance it will be up to myself to perform again but we will never know until I'm asked.

"But if I'm picked I will be doing my level best and hopefully it will be good enough."

St Mirren were left nursing a sense of grievance with regards Celtic's second goal 12 minutes from time, which ended any slim hopes of a comeback.

Shaun Maloney's curling shot took a touch off Scott McDonald - who appeared to have been in an offside position - and there was much moaning from the Buddies camp after the game.

However, the simple fact is that Gus MacPherson's side have now played 11 SPL games at home without a win since moving to their new ground in January.

Defender David Barron admits the only thing the Paisley side can do is try to end that hoodoo as soon as possible.

He said: "It goes on, eh? "But we can't let it affect us.

"We need to look towards the game next week against Hearts and try to get the three points."

ZOLA STOOD UP TO BELLAMY BOTHER

2009-09-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

Gianfranco Zola believes confronting the fire of former West Ham striker Craig Bellamy made him a better manager.

The Hammers boss must find a way to counter the pace of Bellamy on Monday night when his side meet Manchester City at Eastlands.

While Zola admits managing Bellamy was not the easiest task of his year-long career so far as a Premier League boss he admits grappling with the feisty personality of the controversial Welsh striker was a steep learning curve.

Zola said: "I loved working with him because he tested me a lot. He has such a fire inside and it can be hard, but if you approach him in the right way he can give you a lot of satisfaction.

"He is a person you have to listen to for the second thing he says, because the first thing sometimes can be hard.

"He is honest and is not worried about telling somebody they are doing something wrong. Even to the manager."

Zola admits they did have one altercation when they fronted up to each other following West Ham's defeat at Hull last season.

Zola learned that Bellamy had been harsh in his criticism of some of West Ham's players in the dressing room and warned him not to do so again.

"He said 'Are you threatening me?' recalls Zola. "And I said 'No I'm not threatening you.'

"From then it was the break point. After that we respected each other and everything went well. I always listened to his opinion and he always listened to my advice.

"Everybody knows Bellamy. We respect him for what he is and know not to take it in a bad way sometimes when he has a go at somebody.

"At the beginning you might not like it (his honesty). But if you know that person is doing it for the good of the team you take it and it can be helpful. Sometimes it can be worse if you don't say anything.

"Sometimes it is better if someone talks even if he is hard in what he says."

Bellamy, 30, joined the Manchester City revolution last January, signing for his former Welsh boss Mark Hughes.

Zola has struggled to replace his pace and verve and could hand 32-year-old Mexican striker Guillermo Franco his Hammers debut against City in a bid to kick-start a season which has struggled to ignite since they beat Wolves at Molineux on the first day of the season.

While West Ham have gleaned just four points from five matches and been knocked out of the Carling Cup by Bolton, Zola believes he is building a side capable of qualifying for a European place, saying: "I am getting close to getting the right combination."

If City do the same then Zola believes Hughes, his former Chelsea team-mate and training partner, can break the Barclays Premier League's top four cartel.

He said: "Player-wise Manchester City have everything to be up there with the top four teams.

"The question is how good as a team they will become. Having 11 wonderful individuals does not make a strong team. But I trust the manager, he is going to do a good job."

HUGHES: WE CAN'T RELY ON ADE

2009-09-27T05:28:00.000-07:00

Mark Hughes is not too worried about being without Emmanuel Adebayor against West Ham on Monday because his Manchester City players need to get used to it.

Adebayor will complete the final match of a three-match suspension picked up for his facial attack on Robin van Persie.

The disciplinary problems are not over for the £25million striker either given he is still to face an improper conduct charge brought by the FA following the former Arsenal man's controversial goal celebration against his old club.

Yet Hughes is looking much further forward, to the African Cup of Nations in January.

If Togo demand Adebayor's release as soon as FIFA statutes allow and then go on to be successful in the competition, which will be played in Angola, the 25-year-old could be missing for an entire month.

During that period, City's hopes of success on all three fronts might be put to the test.

Hughes realises there can be no slip ups. So, while he would have preferred Adebayor to be available at Eastlands, he does not view facing the Hammers without his number one striker as a major handicap.

"Ade has been a big part of the start that we have been able to achieve," said the City boss.

"But at times during the season, certainly when he is on international duty next year, we will have to go into games without him.

"We may as well get used to being without him and making sure we understand what we have to do when he is not around."

Hughes is delighted with the way his side have responded to being without Adebayor.

Five goals in two games so far is a pretty good return, even though three of them came in that amazing defeat at Old Trafford last weekend.

Still the loss of City's 100% record has not proved to be a complete disaster given Chelsea's shock defeat at Wigan yesterday.

It means that the six point gap between the Blues and leaders Manchester United can be eroded completely if they win their matches in hand, both of which are at home.

A new date is still to be found for the home encounter with Everton, which was postponed in August due to the Toffeemen's participation in the qualifying rounds of the new Europa League.

On Monday night though, they would appear to have the not-too-difficult task of overcoming a West Ham side that has slipped into the relegation zone on the back of three successive defeats.

Not that Hughes is taking anything for granted, which is why he is glad of the additional rest a Monday fixture has brought.

"The players were absolutely shattered after the Fulham game on Wednesday," he said.

"If we had been playing again yesterday we would have been looking to rest some of them."

Hughes is likely to have £17million summer arrival Roque Santa Cruz available for the first time, along with England Under-21 midfielder Michael Johnson, whose progress has been halted by an abdominal problem that has bothered him for two seasons.

Martin Petrov is also pushing for his first start, although Hughes might be tempted to leave things as they are, even if Micah Richards recovers from a shoulder problem that kept him out in midweek.

ANELKA: BLUES BUOYED BY ANCELOTTI

2009-09-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

Nicolas Anelka claims Carlo Ancelotti's impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge has given Chelsea the confidence to compete on all fronts this season.

The Blues will continue their Champions League campaign with a trip to Cyprus on Wednesday to face Apoel Nicosia, the minnows who will be hosting their first ever game in Europe's top club competition.

Chelsea have won six out of their opening seven Barclays Premier League games of the season, and also triumphed in their opening Champions League match against FC Porto - results Anelka claims are testament to their manager's ability to quickly adapt to life in England.

"I think he is very good, even though he is new to this country, he didn't know much about English football, but I think he is doing great," Anelka told the club's website.

"It is not easy for a new manager if you don't know about England, it was difficult for him to come in but he has won the games. And off the pitch he speaks a lot with the players, so it is good for us as well."

After a turbulent time at the Bridge last season, Ancelotti has managed to restore order and has hit the ground running.

While there are still significant off-the-field issues, not least the imposition of a transfer ban by FIFA, Chelsea are delivering where it matters most and have already built up significant momentum as the games start to come thick and fast.

"We won at lot of games in pre-season and in the beginning of the season we are winning the games, it is important we had got off to a good start," Anelka said.

"We are confident, we have a good team and players and we know what we want to do in the games and how to win them."

"We have the mentality, we are stronger in our heads because we are winning games and we know the coach has won a lot of trophies."

On paper, Wednesday's match should provide Chelsea with a straightforward opportunity to add to their list of victories this season, but they will have to be careful not to overlook Apoel.

The Cypriots collected a point from a creditable goalless draw at Atletico Madrid in the opening round - a result that is as much to do with their own performance as it is the Spaniards' poor start to the season.

With emotions likely to be running high for the first ever Champions League match at the Neo GSP Stadium, Chelsea will need to be wary of slipping on a banana skin.

VAN PERSIE WARY OF EURO RIVALS

2009-09-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

Robin van Persie has warned Arsenal must be on their guard in Europe this season - no matter what calibre of opposition they face.

The draw for the opening group stages of the Champions League was kind to the Gunners, who had to come through a two-leg qualifier against Celtic, throwing up clashes with Standard Liege, Dutch new comer AZ Alkmaar and Greek side Olympiakos, the visitors to Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Arsene Wenger's men, however, faced a tough opening Group H fixture at the compact Maurice Dufrasne Stadium, where a blistering start from the Belgians left Arsenal 2-0 down inside the first five minutes before battling back to win with a late goal from Eduardo.

Van Persie, 26, accepts Arsenal cannot afford to take any challenge lightly if they are to go one better than last season's semi-final appearance.

"It is a good draw for us name wise, but as a player you need to produce in every single game because our opponents look at it from a different point of view," Van Persie told the October edition of the official Arsenal magazine.

"They will give all they have against us. We need to be ready for that.

"I think we are, because we all know how football works when you do not give 100% - any team can beat you, even a Blue Square League team.

"When you do not do everything, you are gone.

"We will do that in this group and have a good chance of gong through."

Holland international Van Persie was Arsenal's leading scorer last season with 20 goals from 44 appearances.

During the summer there was speculation linking him with a move away from Emirates Stadium, perhaps even to rivals Manchester United, before Van Persie committed to the Arsenal cause by agreeing a new long-term deal reportedly worth around £80,000-a-week and so becoming one of the highest paid players at the club in the process.

Van Persie insists leaving was "not a serious issue" and has vowed to help Arsenal end their four-season trophy drought - a barren run which must have seemed inconceivable when the young Dutchman arrived five years ago at a club then sweeping all before them.

It is, though, not always just about silverware.

"I want to give what I hope are my best years to Arsenal, because I love the club and want to succeed here," Van Persie said.

"And it is not just about winning trophies - I can say that in the last five years I have won lots of trophies myself as a human, if you see what I mean, as well as footballing achievements.

"The steps I have made from day one to now are, I think, big.

"I am really just thankful for the chance to have done that - thankful to the fans, the boss, the players, to everyone who has a warm heart for Arsenal.

"So it is not simply about trophies, it is the whole story of Arsenal giving me lots of positive things.

"Of course the end result is trophies and I want that - but I am not closing my mind to what is happening day in and day out at this club."

CAMPBELL BLAMES BROKEN PROMISES

2009-09-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sol Campbell has claimed he quit Notts County after just one game because promises he was made about other big-name signings were not kept.

The former Arsenal and Tottenham defender walked out of Meadow Lane just 29 days into a five-year contract, worth a reported £40,000 a week, because he was the only major signing during the summer after his release by Portsmouth.

Campbell, who left by mutual consent just days after his debut in the 2-1 defeat at Morecambe in Coca-Cola League Two, had expected to see players like Brazilian Roberto Carlos joining him as part of ambitious plans at the club following the takeover by Munto Finance.

But after linking up with former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, the director of football at Meadow Lane, Campbell felt he had been let down.

Campbell told the News of the World: "I knew I would be the club's first big signing but was told I would be the first of many.

"Names like Roberto Carlos and Benjani were mentioned. But nothing materialised.

"And you know when people have money because things happen quickly.

"The only thing I'm guilty of is taking people at their word."

Campbell added: "So I'm not embarrassed, not hurt or humbled or anything like that - I am just disappointed.

"I bought into a dream and I wanted to make that dream a reality. But it took me less than a month to realise that it was all heading to a different conclusion.

"Let's leave it at that. I don't want to say too much. I'm going to remain dignified. I'm not interested in this becoming a slanging match.

"They can say what they want about me but I have got nothing against County."

County chief executive Peter Trembling refuted Campbell's claims on Sunday morning.

He said: "I'm a bit surprised by Sol's comments. Things have gone at an astronomical pace over the last few months.

"Signing nine players in three months is unheard of at our level and we've started work on a new training ground. We've been linked with about 88 players...

"But I've never talked about Benjani to anybody at all. Roberto Carlos - Sven, I understand, did talk about but it never went beyond a conversation.

"Sven talks every day about four or five players we might be looking at - but most are more aligned to League Two.

"We've said all along there may be three or four (stars) we may take as long-term prospects - if a star is defined by 70-80 international caps - and Sol was signed up to that term.

"Ade Akinbiyi will be joining us tomorrow, subject to a medical. That's the only signing we've got in mind at the moment."

Trembling refuted newspaper claims Eriksson is poised to replace Ian McParland as team manager.

He added on BBC Radio Five Live's 'Sportsweek' programme: "It's not true. Ian is doing a sterling job for us, as are his backroom staff.

"He's a good coach, he's got a good pedigree in that area. But like every manager he is judged by results over time.

"Sven does not want to be manager. I can categorically guarantee that."

Trembling does not know the identities of all the club's investors - but insists they have answered all the

Football League's questions.

He added: "The Football League are not holding an inquiry - there is no investigation.

"They've quite rightly asked more questions about the investors - an overseas private investment trust.

"We've no issues with that and have given them everything they need thus far.

"The League have a board meeting on October 8 and have said if they know anything they'll come back to us. We've answered everything we could have so far.

"It would help if one of the major shareholders would put their head above the parapet but we are being pilloried for putting money in oldest club in the world.

"We've increased the gates twofold but been put through the mire for that."

"As far as we are concerned we have nothing to fear. All we want to do is invest in this club and make it successful."

WENGER - NO MOVE FOR CHAMAKH

2009-09-25T19:20:00.001-07:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he will not renew his interest in Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh in January.

The Morocco striker, out of contract at the end of the season, was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium throughout the summer.

Arsenal had a bid turned down for Chamakh and Wenger had previously hinted he could make another offer during the winter transfer window.

But Wenger claims he's happy with his current squad and has backed the likes of Eduardo, Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie to bag the Gunners' goals this season.

"No, we don't go anywhere," said the Gunners' boss. "We have plenty of strikers. Eduardo has made a recovery and Nicklas Bendtner has extended his contract; that means we have strikers."

Meanwhile Wenger also revealed he did not reinvest his summer transfer profits because he believes he has the squad to compete with the best in the Premier League.

The Gunners boss sold Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Manchester City in the summer for an estimated total fee of £41million.

Thomas Vermaelen was the only arrival as Ajax received £10m, leaving an estimated profit of £31m in transfer income.

Wenger has been told by the Arsenal hierarchy that he has a set amount of money available, but the Frenchman does not feel it is neccesary to spend.

He told Arsenal's official website: "We sold Kolo and Adebayor but bought Vermaelen.

"That money is for me. I know how much I have and I am happy with it.

"But last week we played Wigan. We won 4-0 and on the bench I had (Nicklas) Bendtner. (Theo) Walcott, (Andrey) Arshavin, (Samir) Nasri, Denilson and (Johan) Djourou were not playing.

"Do we have the squad to compete with the other (Big) four? I say yes. We have an unbelievable squad. Where do you put all the talented players?

"I believe we can show that we are not in a position where we need to buy. For me, we are in a position where we want to transform our potential into being real Premier League contenders."