soccer mania

Cesc: Wenger lowered asking price

2011-09-08T01:17:00.001-07:00

By ESPN staff

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has continued his impassioned defence of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, insisting the Frenchman is the only reason he is now playing for his boyhood club.

GettyImagesCesc Fabregas has much respect for his former boss Arsene Wenger

• Barcelona: Fabregas worth £53m

Fabregas, who has made a flying start to his second stint with the Catalan giants, had to bide his time before being granted a move back to Barcelona, after the two parties took over a year to reach an agreement over his eventual £25 million initial transfer fee.

Wenger is still widely criticised among the Spanish club's fanbase for 'abducting' Fabregas as a youth player, but the 24-year-old insists that is an unfair assessment - revealing that it was actually Wenger who played a crucial role in forcing down Arsenal's asking price so he could leave.

"That is the wrong picture of him, had it not been for him, I would not now be a Barca player," Fabregas told El Pais. "Without him I would not have made my debut by 16, played in the final of the Champions League at 18 and been team captain by 20.

"Without him I would not be a Barca player now, he convinced the owners of Arsenal, who would not sell under any circumstances, to lower the price."

Returning to Barcelona having come up through their fabled La Masia academy before heading for London, Fabregas admits that he still has some work to do to get up to speed with his team-mates, both tactically and technically.

"I feel I still have much to learn, this team is highly mechanised and there are things I have to catch up on particularly in defence," he said. "I have never seen a team that is so focused on the attack-defend transition - playing against Barcelona is very complicated but playing at the club is not so easy and that is the challenge.

"I honestly feel that at times I may hinder them, but they are good at fixing it and hiding it, I must adapt to them and learn.

"It is the most beautiful thing I have seen in my life, all you hear is the ball going - tap, tap, tap - I have never seen so much training at this level."

Observers had initially suggested that, with the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi already in the squad, Fabregas would have to bide his time and wait for first-team opportunities. So far that has not proven to be the case, with Fabregas slotting in at a number of positions in most games, but he is willing to make way if any of the three start to get frustrated with being asked to make way.

"It is clear that only players like Xavi, Iniesta and Messi could complain about a lack of playing time, and if they did complain I would respect that, so I will play when I play," he said.

arsenal leyton orient

2011-03-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

Arsenal

5 : 0

Kick Off:

19:45:00

Half-Time:

3 : 0

Full-Time:

5 : 0

Date:

03/02/2011

Leyton Orient

Gunnerz5 - Funny bloopers R us

Henry: I want to come 'home' to Arsenal

2011-03-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has revealed his intention to return to the club, saying: "If, one day, they want me, I will come back. When, I don't know, I just want to be back."

GettyImagesThierry Henry became Arsenal's all-time leading scorer before joining Barcelona in 2007

Henry, 33, scored 226 goals and earned the adoration of the Gunners' faithful during a successful eight-year spell with the club, before moving on to Barcelona in 2007.

The striker had some success at the Camp Nou but his time there was ultimately frustrating as he struggled to make as significant an impact on the Barca side, and in 2010 he moved on to MLS team New York Red Bulls.

Henry is contracted to the Red Bulls until 2014, but after having a taste of life back at Arsenal in January, when he trained with Arsene Wenger's side to mainatin his fitness during the MLS off-season, the former Gunner is happy to entertain talk about a possible return.

"I love the club," Henry said. "Unfortunately we know I had to leave but although I left Arsenal you never really leave. Whenever I go back I feel like I have gone home.

"It goes without saying I would love to go back there. I hope one day I can go back. I love that club and I just want to give as much as possible to them, after what they gave me."

Whether Wenger would ever welcome Henry back as a player remains uncertain, as it would be at odds with his policy of nurturing the club's young talent - though Wenger did sign veteran Sol Campbell for a second time last season.

A coaching role would appear a more likely route should Henry return to the Gunners, and he even suggested he would be willing to put himself forward as a candidate to replace Wenger when he eventually leaves the club.

"I know the day Arsene leaves is going to be a difficult one and I don't know who can replace him," Henry said. "That is going to be hard but if, one day, they want me I will come back. When, I don't know, I just want to be back."

Wenger - Wilshere can handle the fame

2011-02-26T19:33:00.000-08:00

By Chris Harris

Jack Wilshere can avoid the traps of the old English culture, according to Arsène Wenger.

When the Frenchman arrived in north London in 1996, drinking was a popular pastime within Premier League squads. The introduction of better diets and advanced training methods have changed that but, as you'd expect with wealthy young men, there is still temptation.

The media coverage of football and footballers amplifies everything - on and off the pitch - but Wenger believes that Wilshere can avoid the excesses of some of his predecessors in the English game.

"The future will decide that," said the manager. "One of the things you need to handle in England is the media projection, the fame, money. Everything excessively in an excessive way.

"If you make a mistake in your off-the-field life it's in excess in the papers. If you play well it's in excess in the papers. If you don't play well it's in excess as well so you have to be able to handle the passion of English football.

"He looks to have his feet on the ground and still lives with his family who will help him to deal with that. It's not easy and I'm not sure that I would be able to handle that at 19. Until now Jack has and I'm confident he will have a great career."

Wilshere was just four years old when Wenger took over at Arsenal. And according to the manager, English culture has changed a great deal since the mid-1990s.

"When I arrived here in October 1996 you would look around at the players during breakfast and you look around today and it has completely changed. The drinking culture still exists for some people when they are young but in France that exists also," he said.

"You can open any paper today and you will see a different diet in there and that has an influence on people.

"The whole culture has changed in England. People are more health conscious now. People like Lee Dixon and Steve Bould could see with the influx of foreign players that things should change. Every year gained was vital for them."

Arshavin: Barca goal a career-defining moment

2011-02-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

By Giuseppe Muro

Andrey Arshavin says his goal against Barcelona was a "crucial moment" in his career.

Never one to shy away on the big stage, the Russian curled home Samir Nasri's cut-back with seven minutes remaining to give Arsenal a 2-1 victory over the Spanish champions and spark pandemonium inside Emirates Stadium last Wednesday night.

The goal gave Arshavin's side a crucial first-leg lead in the Champions League last-16 tie and he knows his strike, and the celebration that followed, will live long in the memory.

"To score against Barcelona for any player is a very crucial moment, maybe in your career," said Arshavin. "It doesn't happen a lot, especially [because] it brought a win.

"When I came on I didn't feel special, I was just calm and when I had a chance I scored the goal. I did not change the game, I just took my chance. If I changed the game I would say.

"When I was sitting on the bench it looked very tough for us because Barcelona always have a lot of possession, that is why you must be patient.

"After the game I was very excited but now it is in the past and we have to be focused on the next game."

Van Persie and Koscielny out of Stoke game

2011-02-22T20:37:00.000-08:00

By Richard Clarke

Robin van Persie and Laurent Koscielny will miss the crucial Premier League game with Stoke on Wednesday night.

The Dutch striker has a hamstring problem while the French defender is suffering from a back complaint. However both injuries are short-term and the pair may recover in time for the Carling Cup Final on Sunday.

Abou Diaby (calf) is injured but he is still suspended anyway.

“We don’t have Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny available,” Wenger told TV Online on Tuesday. “Everybody else is fit.

“Diaby is suspended. Van Persie has a hamstring problem and Koscielny a back problem. Both are short term and they have a chance for the game on Sunday.

‘Any team that beat Barca become favourites’

2011-02-13T18:35:00.001-08:00

By Giuseppe Muro

Arsène Wenger thinks any team that beats Barcelona will immediately become favourites to win the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s side are understandably fancied to conquer Europe this season having remained unbeaten in the Group Stage, won 16 successive La Liga matches and provided the final trio listed for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award.

Arsenal have been drawn against Barca in the last 16 and Wenger says the Gunners will be installed as front-runners if they defy expectations and go through. With that in mind, he says his players go into the tie with nothing to lose.

“Anybody who beats Barcelona and knocks them out is straight away favourites for the competition,” insisted the manager.

“It would be a fantastic boost [to beat them], that tells you how big this game is.

“We are not favourites so it takes a little bit the pressure off our shoulders. On the other hand we are very ambitious and we want to show that we can knock them out.”

TV Online: Fabregas - No fear for Barca tie

2011-02-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

Cesc Fabregas is looking forward to a pivotal week.

It began with the 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday and continues on Wednesday when Barcelona visit Emirates Stadium.

After the weekend game, the Arsenal captain spoke exclusively to TV Online about the Champions League and Premier League games.

He discussed:

what his side learnt from last season’s tie against Barca
what Arsenal did wrong
the strength of the Spanish champions
the win over Wolves on Saturday
the title contenders now

Loan Watch: Miyaichi scores for Feyenoord

2011-02-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

LOAN WATCH

Ryo Miyaichi... on loan at Feyenoord

Every season a number of Arsenal players go out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience.

The 2010/11 campaign is no different and eighteen young Gunners have already linked up with their loan clubs.

Arsenal.com will be tracking their progress throughout the season. Our 'Arsenal's Loanees' page provides an overview of all the relevant players and below is the latest instalment of our regular 'Loan Watch' feature, which brings you brief reports from their latest fixtures.

Ryo Miyaichi completes move to Arsenal

2011-01-31T22:52:00.000-08:00

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that young Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract.

18 year-old Miyaichi has just completed taking part in the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament in his home country, where he represented Chukyodai Chukyo High School.

In order to gain valuable experience, Miyaichi has joined Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord on loan for the remainder of the 2010/11 season to further develop his game.

Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We’re delighted that Ryo Miyaichi has joined us. He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world. We wish him luck in Rotterdam with Feyenoord and we look forward to helping him with his continued progression when he returns to Arsenal.”

Everyone at the Club welcomes Ryo to Arsenal and wish him the best of luck during his time with Feyenoord.

FA Cup: Arsenal v Huddersfield Town - Preview Wenger: 'We have a good confidence level and a good attitude'

2011-01-29T03:51:00.000-08:00

By Richard Clarke

“We can call him a ‘super pioneer’ because he really turned this Club into one that was ready for the modern era. He was ahead of his time and he was certainly the most influential manager.”

Surprisingly those words were spoken by, not about, Arsène Wenger this week.

The Arsenal manager was actually referring to Herbert Chapman, a man who brought the first real success to the newly-installed North London side when he arrived from Huddersfield in the summer of 1925.

The Yorkshireman won four League titles – two with each team – and two FA Cups, the second of which, in 1930, was Arsenal’s first major honour.

The side they beat in that final was Huddersfield Town so the Terriers’ visit to Emirates Stadium on Sunday for a Fourth Round tie in the same competition is heavy with history.

“It is a big tradition,” admitted Wenger at his press conference on Friday. “We even went to play a friendly with them in pre-season [in 2008] on the demand of our chairman because there is a long traditional link between Huddersfield and Arsenal.

“We are a modern club but have as well a big respect for tradition. It has a special meaning because Chapman was the most influential manager at this Club. So we have of course big respect for that.”

The current Huddersfield side are third in League One and gunning for promotion under Lee Clark. They have lost only once in their last seven games and beat Cambridge, Macclesfield and Dover to reach the Fourth Round. Arsenal’s 17-year-old striker Benik Afobe is about to start another loan spell at the Galpharm Stadium but is ineligible for this game because, unlike Sanchez Watt in the last round against Leeds, his deal was not for a full season.

Arsenal have had trouble negotiating Championship sides recently but they have not lost to a side outside the top two tiers since Wrexham in 1992 – which was historic for entirely different reasons.

Wenger’s side is likely to be much-changed from one that beat Ipswich to reach the Carling Cup Final on Tuesday. After that game, the manager said he would like to play one side against Huddersfield and an entirely different one against Everton in the Premier League 48 hours later.

He is a few players short of being able to do that but the return of Tomas Rosicky (sickness), Abou Diaby (calf), Manuel Almunia (ankle) and Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring) means he has more options at his disposal.

The Spaniard’s comeback after fourth months out is particularly intriguing given that, on Friday, Wenger said Wojciech Szczesny was the current No 1 and the gloves were his to lose. A decision on Sunday’s custodian will be made on the morning of the match.

This will be the ninth game of a massive January for Wenger’s side in every sense. In their 124 years, Arsenal have never played so many matches in the first month of the year. And, apart from a goalless draw with Manchester City in which they dominated, Wenger’s men have a 100 per cent record. Remember they may have lost to Ipswich and drawn with Leeds in individual games but the won both ties.

In those eight games they have conceded just three times (all in cup competitions) and have scored 16 goals – including three in each of their last four games.

“That's a consequence of our style which is always trying and go forward and score goals,” said Wenger. “Some periods we are a bit less successful at doing it. But not now.”

It may be ‘only’ the Carling Cup to some but Arsenal’s players have had a sense of euphoria all this week. How can you dismiss a trophy you have never won? Or, for many of them, how can you dismiss a trophy when you have never won one at all?

But one thing is certain - Arsenal’s season will not be judged on the Carling Cup alone when they are Manchester United’s closest rivals in the Premier League and the Champions League is in the Knockout Stage. That does leave two questions of course. Where does the FA Cup fit in? And can Arsenal realistically go for all four trophies?

“Well quadruple is not a bad word,” said Wenger, answering the second part. “It is a very good word but, of course, we are far from that.

“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 happy because we won our last game. 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 this is what we want to do.

“Of course if we are involved in the four competitions we need a super-realistic approach, focus on the next game and just try to win it.

“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's important to keep our feet on the ground and to show we have learned from Leeds and Ipswich how difficult these games can be.

“But the FA Cup is very important for us. Did you see the team we played at Leeds? That just means it has an importance, we could have gone to Leeds and said ‘OK, we go with a reserve team’.

“But we went with a first team squad and we had everybody fired up and playing. We had to fight to qualify and so we focus on Huddersfield right now.”

Of course, those were Wenger’s words but they could have easily come from Chapman.

It seems the ‘super-pioneer’s' legacy is in good hands.

Denilson - We must all take responsibility

2011-01-23T04:14:00.001-08:00

Denilson has called for every Arsenal player "to take responsibility" as they chase silverware on four fronts this season.

The midfielder has been in the news this week after telling Brazilian TV that Cesc Fabregas was "not a leader". Speaking to the Official Arsenal Programme, Denilson clarified his comments in that interview and urged his team-mates to work together in the months to come.

"I want to tell everyone that I never said that Cesc Fabregas is a bad captain," said Denilson. "I never spoke about him [like that] because I like him and respect him, as I do all of the players.

"Sometimes the papers change a conversation and you never know whether it’s true. I am honest though, and when I came to the training ground on Wednesday, before going to Leeds on the train, I spoke to Cesc about it. He understood and was fine.

"I basically said that we have 25 players who should all take responsibility - I never talked about Cesc as captain. Unfortunately the papers like to change things. More important than that is to be together as a club. I respect Cesc, all the players and the staff too because we are all working for the same thing.

“This is a very young team, but we have quality, and we are in a very good position. Look at Chelsea – they have many experienced players but they are below us in the table. Cesc is the captain, and I respect him, but I think every single player needs to take responsibility on the pitch too.

“Me personally, I need to continue to work to improve as well. If we want to win this is what we have to do."

Wenger: 'We feel stronger in every game'

2011-01-23T04:11:00.000-08:00

On Robin van Persie's form...
He is back in form. He was already fit and sharp last week and overall we had a good team performance so he could finish a hat-trick.

On not taking first-half chances...
The players were a bit frustrated because we did not take our chances but I felt in the first half we played outstanding football. We feel stronger and stronger in every single game. It is interesting the chance we have in front of us because we have an interesting game, the way we play is for me fantastic to watch. Let's just keep going.

On his attacking options...
Of course it is important to have Robin at this level but we have plenty of offensive players. First of all let's hope we can keep him fit until the end of the season. It is down to us to use him in the right proportion of the games we play.

On rotating the squad for Ipswich...
We will rotate, we have no choice. We play nine games in January, it's the most we have ever played. When you look at the fixtures we had in December it means we need to rotate from game to game. But we have fantastic players on the bench and it is very important because we cannot always play with the same XI.

On telling Van Persie when he will be rested...
He handles it alright. He is intelligent but of course he wants to play. He was at Leeds on the bench, he came on and scored.

On his penalty takers...
[Van Persie has] always [been the No 1 penalty taker]. What happened today will not change my mind. I find it's difficult to approve when the ball goes into the stand on the penalty, no matter how tolerant you are! I would have loved the ball to go in the net.

On keeping so many clean sheets...
We look more and more stable and defensively we were questioned a lot on that front. Maybe the fact you [reporters] ask me in every press conference 'do I buy a defender?' it keeps our defenders on their toes.

On the prospect of buying a defender...
I am open-minded on it and if the right opportunity turns up we will take it. We are not desperate, we have Vermaelen who can still play a big part in the end of the season and we have Squillaci who comes back maybe next Sunday. Song can play at the back too.

On finding the right player...
It is not two weeks to make your mind up, it is two weeks to find the right players. It is not just because you want to buy that you find exactly what you need. I think that if you look at the defenders who play the moment - we have Djourou and Koscielny, and Vermaelen who played before - we have always found the right players. Trust us - if the opportunity is there we will take it, if it's not we will play with the players we have, and I will not use that as an excuse if we don't win trophies.

On whether it is worth spending extra this time...
The question makes sense but practically it doesn't work like that. It is not because you have money available that you just find the player available, no? We have the needed money to spend if we want but the players you would want are not necessarily available. At the moment I feel that, unless we have a big problem at the centre back, we can deal with the situation.

On Cesc Fabregas' performance...
I think he was outstanding. At the end of the game he was frustrated because he didn't score but for me the ball he gave for the second goal was absolutely amazing. The second goal I could watch that and watch it and watch it again because it's just pure class from the pass to the finish.

2011-01-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

Wenger - Ramsey progress is encouraging

By Chris Harris

Aaron Ramsey is closing on a first-team comeback but Arsène Wenger will not take any chances with the Wales midfielder's fitness following his long lay-off.

The 20-year-old was sidelined for eight months after breaking his leg at Stoke City last February but has made steady progress since returning in a Reserve League match in mid-November.

Ramsey went on loan to Nottingham Forest and, though frustrated by three postponements, completed 90 minutes for the Championship side on January 3. Five days later he was back in Wenger's squad for the FA Cup tie with Leeds but is still waiting to step onto the pitch in an Arsenal shirt.

"[He will play] when he is match fit," Wenger told Arsenal.com.

"He is getting better and better every day so we have to be a bit patient. And worst, he will have to be a bit patient. He has been out for nine months, the most important thing now is not to have any new injuries or setbacks while he is recovering.

“His progress is encouraging but it’s very difficult to say when I will play him.

"He had a setback because he did not have the number of games we expected him to get at Nottingham Forest. It was a very troubled period with a lot of snow and missing games and training. Now he looks better and better every day."

Wenger: 'At least we are still in the Cup'

2011-01-09T02:59:00.000-08:00

On a tough FA Cup tie...
I must say at first that it was a very difficult game because it was a real Cup game and Leeds were up for it, they played well. It was the kind of game where you felt that it was important not to go 1-0 down. When we were 1-0 down I felt that Wojciech kept us in the game with a good save on the header [from Becchio]. We looked like we would come back but we were short of time and it was important to keep the momentum and not to go out today because that would have been a shocker.

On nearly scoring a winner...
Even when we equalised we still had three chances at 1-1 but we couldn't take them. At least we are still in the Cup and hopefully we can do it at Leeds.

On the inconvenience of a replay...
It was not exactly the wish I had before the game but it was the second worst wish. The worst would have been to go out. We go to Ipswich on Wednesday, we play West Ham on Saturday and then the replay of the FA Cup is after that.

On facing Schmeichel and Bruce...
Name-wise yes [I felt some deja vu]. I see today that Schmeichel and Bruce had a fantastic games, both Leeds centre backs did. Maybe these two names want to make my life difficult forever!

On how the draw might affect his preparation...
It is a good warning that we got today. But we knew before the game that Leeds went to Old Trafford last year and won, and they had a draw at Tottenham. Overall this team have belief in that competition, from last year certainly. They did very well, were very aggressive but in a good way, not a negative way, they closed us down everywhere and we had problems to pass through their lines. They were dangerous as well and it was important for us not to give a goal away, but we did.

On whether Leeds were more positive than Manchester City...
I don't know what I want to say there. They were positive, they played longer balls but on the second ball they were well-organised, they were quickly on us and maybe our game was not quick enough to get out of their pressure.

On his disappointment at the penalty conceded...
Yes [I was disappointed]. He is a right-footed player, very sharp and we knew that. We should not have dived in. We knew it would be difficult to go a goal down.

On the impact of Cesc Fabregas...
Straight away he gives us something in the speed of the passing that makes our game much quicker and more dangerous. It shows you how important it is to pass and see quickly in midfield.

On more speculation over Cesc's future...
I have a good sense of humour but I don't understand this one. I cannot see how people can say things like that without us knowing it. We have the contract of the player and we would inform you if we would sell the player. We sell nobody.

On leadership...
Fabregas does it. I felt today our game was a bit slow in our passing, we were not sharp in our decision-making, the rest is the credit to Leeds. They stopped us from playing more than [us lacking] leadership. When Cesc comes on he has that vision so even if he is closed down he doesn't have to run too much to make the game quicker.

On the penalty Arsenal didn't get...
I will be faithful to my reputation - I did not see the first one! The second one looked to be a penalty because he pulled Theo back, the first one was impossible to see from the bench.

On Roy Hodgson's departure...
I am shocked because I rate Roy Hodgson as a great manager. It puts our job into perspective because he was Manager of the Year in July. It shows you how quickly we lose our qualities because he had to go six months later. Of course it is a shock and I feel our job suffers today.

Wenger softens Taylor stance

2008-02-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

Wenger softens Taylor stance

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has retracted comments calling for Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor to be banned for life following his horror tackle on Eduardo on Saturday.

Taylor was shown a red card in the opening moments of the 2-2 draw at StAndrews after he caught the Gunners striker, who apparently suffered a badly broken leg.

Immediately after the game, in which James McFadden equalised in injury-time, a furious Wenger said: 'This guy should never play football again. What is he doing on the football pitch?'

Blues boss Alex McLeish and former manager Steve Bruce jumped to the defence of the player, who was described as 'distraught', and Wenger has now softened his stance.

'It was a highly emotional afternoon and we were all shocked by the injury to Eduardo,' said Wenger, who expects the Croatian to miss this summer's European Championships.

'On reflection, I feel that my comments about Martin Taylor were excessive. I said what I did immediately after the game in the heat of the moment.'

Arsenal confirmed this evening that Eduardo had undergone surgery on a broken leg.

Taylor denies intent over Eduardo injury

2008-02-23T22:48:00.001-08:00

Taylor denies intent over Eduardo injury

Birmingham City central defender Martin Taylor has insisted there was 'no malicious intent' in his tackle which has left Arsenal striker Eduardo with a suspected broken leg.

Click here
Eduardo, who will be 25 on Monday, was stretchered off after Taylor's third-minute challenge in the 2-2 draw at St Andrews and was immediately taken to hospital.

Taylor was given a straight red card and now faces an automatic three-match suspension.

But Gunners manager Arsene Wenger claimed the former Blackburn player 'should not be allowed to play again' in a blistering attack on the player.

Birmingham have responded this evening by issuing a three paragraph statement in defence of Taylor who was left 'distraught' by the extent of Eduardo's injury according to manager Alex McLeish.

The statement reads: 'The club are saddened that such a fantastic game of football has been marred by a serious injury sustained to Arsenal player Eduardo.

'But Martin Taylor is adamant there was no malicious intent in the tackle and he is deeply upset by the extent of Eduardo's injury.

'Having reviewed the incident, this (no malicious intent) is clearly the case. The club and Martin Taylor would like to send their very best wishes to the player for a speedy recovery.'

Wenger claimed: 'The tackle was horrendous and this guy (Taylor) should never play football again. It goes along with this idea that to stop Arsenal you have to kick Arsenal.

'That kind of thing was waiting to happen because many people got away with too many bad tackles. We escaped a few times but it's just not acceptable. If that is football, we are better to stop it.

'I am hugely disappointed and you cannot accept that on a football pitch.'

Portsmouth 0-0 Arsenal

2007-12-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth 0-0 Arsenal

Portsmouth refused to allow Arsenal to climb back to the summit of the Premier League by holding them to a deserved 0-0 draw at Fratton Park.

The Gunners, who had not been beaten by Pompey since 1958, now find themselves playing catch-up with Manchester United, who are a point clear following their demolition of Sunderland.

Arsene Wenger's side spurned late chances to take the three points they required to go back top but were disappointing overall and a Pompey back line marshalled ably by ex-Gunner Sol Campbell refused to be breached.

• Campbell hails defensive effortIt was the fifth game in a row that Harry Redknapp's side had failed to give the fans a goal at home but the result could prove significant as the race for the title enters a significant phase.

Arsenal began strongly with Emmanuel Eboue causing trouble down the right flank. His first-minute cross just eluded the head of Cesc Fabregas right in front of goal but a one-two with Emmanuel Adebayor saw the Frenchman fire wildly over.

His next effort, from the edge of the box, was much better but home goalkeeper David James was able to get behind his low drive.

Pompey were guilty of playing too many nervous long balls in the opening exchanges but they soon calmed down once the recalled Kanu and top scorer Benjani began to link up regularly.

Benjani, who was required to operate as a right-sided midfielder when Arsenal were in possession, won a free-kick on the right when Gael Clichy was adjudged to have used an arm in the 18th minute.

The resulting free-kick, although initially botched by Sulley Muntari, led to the best chance of the first half. Muntari's second attempt at delivering the ball into a crowded box was brought down by Papa Bouba Diop, who lost no time in firing in a powerful drive that Manuel Almunia did well to divert round his right-hand post.

The Spaniard will soon qualify for England through residency rules and the away fans rewarded him with a chant of ``England's Number One''.

James still covets that accolade despite his advancing years and a period under Steve McClaren when he was ignored for international duties.

But the veteran showed he was still capable of a good-looking save when he threw himself skywards to stop Tomas Rosicky's curled effort from reaching the top corner in the 37th minute.

Niko Kranjcar had already fired an effort just wide at the other end having neatly turned Bacary Sagna to tee up his favoured left foot but the Croatian was involved in an incident just before the break that left Arsenal skipper William Gallas hurt. First Kanu and then Kranjcar challenged the Frenchman, who hobbled off with an ankle problem.

Gallas was able to continue wearing the armband for the second half and there was a nervous moment for the home fans when Hermann Hreidarsson made a full-blooded challenge on Kolo Toure in the Portsmouth area.

There was no margin for error but although the Arsenal man went down, the Iceland international had made enough contact with the ball for the liking of referee Steve Bennett, who then booked Lauren - another of Pompey's ex-Arsenal men - for tugging Rosicky back by the shirt.

Eboue was next in the book for a foul on Diop and, after Kanu had fired wildly off target on the turn, Arsenal swapped Eboue for Abou Diaby with 25 minutes still on the clock.

Almunia was required to get behind efforts from Benjani and then Kranjcar as the home side continued to believe the evening could yet be settled in their favour.

Indeed, Benjani, with eight goals to his name already this season, almost made it happen in the 75th minute when Kanu's superb through-ball put him clear of the Arsenal back line.

Almunia came out to meet him and succeeded in slowing down his path forwards as the man from Zimbabwe had to veer off at an angle.

And that was enough for Clichy, who used his prodigious pace to intercept and the chance evaporated as soon as it was clear that referee Bennett regarded the challenge as legal.

Benjani was replaced by John Utaka after Diop had been booked for a foul on Alex Hleb, who was swapped for Nicklas Bendtner, the goal hero of Saturday's 2-1 derby win over Spurs.

Gallas has also been a source of late goals and might have won it for the Gunners with three minutes remaining after he controlled a Fabregas shot and fired goalwards on the turn from six yards.

The ball flew just over and Portsmouth were fortunate referee Bennett did not penalise Campbell for has late challenge on the Frenchman.

Four minutes of added time followed but the game was destined to remain scoreless when Rosicky scuffed a great final chance wide.

# Campbell hails defensive effort

Sol Campbell savoured Portsmouth's hard-earned clean sheet against free-scoring Arsenal at Fratton Park tonight.

Arsenal needed a win to climb back above Manchester United to the top of the Premier League but could not find a way past a Pompey defence well marshalled by former Gunner Campbell.

'We had to battle hard because Arsenal are a great side,' England defender Campbell told Sky Sports 1.

'They had a couple of chances at the end but it was a great shift by the lads,' said Campbell.

'We wanted to get in their faces, put them under pressure and not let them settle on the ball. If you let them pass they will pass you to death.'

'We had a couple of chances of our own but it was not to be. Benjani had a chance but their `keeper came out quickly. It was a shame but that is the way it goes sometimes.'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted his side had been frustrated by Portsmouth's defensive approach but had no complaints.

Wenger told Sky Sports: 'They defended very well, they were organised not to concede.

'It was a very good defensive performance, their minds were completely on defending. We were not at our best today but gave absolutely everything.

'Credit to Portsmouth, they made it difficult for us. They played in one half of the pitch. I don't think offensively they had a special performance, they played with 10 players at the back and in the end they got the maximum they could from this kind of game.'

Wenger was disappointed to have lost top spot but was not overly concerned.

He added: 'We would prefer to be at the top but it is very tight - only one point.'

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was delighted that his side had managed to blunt the Gunners and claim a point.

'A clean sheet against Arsenal is excellent. We worked our socks off. We worked hard and closed them down,' he said.

'We played the same system - one up front and others looking to join in - and I thought we had the best chance of the match when `Benji' went through.'

Redknapp bristled when told that Wenger had been surprised by Pompey's approach to the match and their reliance on solid defending.

'When you haven't got the ball you have to defend,' replied Redknapp. 'There is not a team in the country that is harder to get the ball off than Arsenal. You have to be disciplined and maintain your positions or you get ripped to pieces. Were we supposed to lie down and get ripped to pieces?'

Asked if Pompey's point had cheered him up after the defeats against Tottenham and Liverpool, Redknapp replied tongue-in-cheek: 'Yes, we've been on a real bad run at Portsmouth........11 games unbeaten (before the Spurs match). It was a great point for us today. Thoroughly deserved.'

Middlesbrough 2-1 Arsenal: Unbeaten record smashed

2007-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Middlesbrough 2-1 Arsenal: Unbeaten record smashed

Middlesbrough blew the title race wide open with a 2-1 win as Arsenal crashed to their first Barclays Premier League defeat of the season.

The Gunners, who went into the game boasting their best ever start to the competition, remain just a point clear of champions Manchester United as Boro ended their 11-match winless run.

It also lifted them out of the bottom three and eased the pressure on manager Gareth Southgate.

The home side were rewarded for their incredible work rate with an early Stewart Downing penalty and a second-half strike from Tuncay Sanli, who may finally be the solution to the club's goalscoring problems.

• Southgate thrilled with confidence boost

Tomas Rosicky maintained Arsenal's record of scoring in every Premier League game this season with a stoppage-time consolation but it was more than they deserved.

The result capped a miserable two trips to the north-east in five days for the Gunners, for whom the absence of talismanic midfielder Cesc Fabregas and other key players is beginning to tell.

Although under almost incessant pressure, they were uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and will surely need their better players available for sterner tests to come.

The Boro game looked a formality on paper, against a side they had beaten nine times in the last 12 meetings, losing only once.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger arguably did his best to soften up opposite number Southgate earlier in the week by including the Boro boss among his list of potential new England managers.

The tactic failed as Southgate's men began determined to emulate the high-intensity game that saw north-east neighbours Newcastle snatch a draw against the same opponents in midweek.

It paid off as early as the third minute when the recalled Gary O'Neil's ball sent Jeremie Aliadiere into the area and Kolo Toure clumsily brought down his former team-mate, who was going away from goal.

Referee Howard Webb rightly pointed to the spot and Downing applied just enough pace on his penalty to beat Manuel Almunia low to his left.

Arsenal were rattled but could have levelled when top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor was just beaten to Bacary Sagna's cross by the fist of rookie goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who continued to deputise for the injured Mark Schwarzer.

Boro were pressing from front to back and it was hard to see how they could maintain such a frenetic pace.

They could have had a freakish second when William Gallas' attempted clearance cannoned off Aliadiere but straight to Almunia, while Fabio Rochemback fired over from long range.

Arsenal took until the 22nd minute to have a serious shot at goal, Rosicky scuffing wide from 18 yards.

The Gunners were being knocked off stride, demonstrated when Emmanuel Eboue looked set to free Adebayor in behind but the through ball hit the striker's heels.

Toure saw a free-kick blocked as he tried to make amends for the penalty, before Rochemback - who was popping up all over the place - volleyed over at the other end.

Adebayor then headed a flighted Eboue free-kick inches wide, which Turnbull seemed to have covered.

Downing's free-kick effort posed no threat to Almunia, who had to be more alert to clutch a fizzing cross from Tuncay.

The Turkish striker, rewarded for his first Boro goal last week with a start against Arsenal, then fluffed his lines looking to curl a left-footed shot into the far corner.

Boro, whose intensity had dipped a little, found a second wind to finish the half ahead.

Wenger wasted no time shaking up his misfiring Gunners, bringing on Nicklas Bendtner for the disappointing Eduardo da Silva.

Arsenal had scored in every Premier League game this season, so it was not quite panic stations from the manager.

But it might have been five minutes after the restart when Rochemback capped a thrilling run with the perfect through ball to Tuncay.

With only Almunia to beat, the Turk's cross-shot screwed agonisingly wide of the far post.

Gael Clichy was booked for a late tackle on O'Neil before David Wheater saw a vicious goal-bound volley blocked.

Arsenal were conceding too many free-kicks and becoming frustrated with their inability to dictate the play.

Indeed, Boro were even beginning to out-pass them, the move of the match seeing Tuncay release Downing.

His cross was met first time by George Boateng 20 yards out but the captain's well-struck finish was just wide.

Wenger had seen enough, throwing on Denilson for Lassana Diarra and Theo Walcott for Eboue.

With the visitors committing more men forward, Bendtner mishit one over the bar and Adebayor got in behind only to see his cutback intercepted.

The danger for Arsenal was leaving themselves exposed at the back and almost as soon as Robert Huth was brought on for Jonathan Woodgate 17 minutes from time, Boro scored again.

A corner was not cleared properly and O'Neil's first-time shot was too hot for Almunia, whose parry was powered into the roof of the net by Tuncay, via a slight nick off Gallas.

Boro had the points in the bag long before Rosicky turned in Clichy's cross deep into stoppage-time.

• Southgate thrilled with confidence boost

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate believes their 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal will show to his players what they are capable of.

Stewart Downing put the hosts in front with a fourth-minute penalty after Kolo Toure fouled former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere, and Turkish forward Tuncay Sanli added another in the second half.

Tomas Rosicky pulled one back in the dying seconds for Arsenal but Boro secured victory after 11 games without a win - and in the process ended Arsenal's unbeaten league run at 22 games.

Southgate told Setanta: 'Our approach to (the game) was fantastic. I felt Arsenal having three games in a week was a tall order for them and thought it might be a good day to get them.

'We worked and scrapped and gave a really good account of ourselves.'

Asked whether it was Boro's best display of the season, Southgate added: 'No question. We played very well here against Birmingham but the quality of Arsenal's team is there for all to see. Hopefully the players can see what they are capable of now.

'It's been quite depressing at times but we've tried to stay positive and one or two are starting to score goals now. But it's one afternoon and we have to be more consistent.'

Goalscorer Downing added: 'It's a massive win, and even better that it's come against one of the top teams in the league.

'The penalty was a bit nerve-racking - there were a lot of Arsenal fans around the goal but I picked my spot and luckily it went in.

'(Arsenal) let you play a lot so we moved the ball quite well. We seem to play well against the top teams. We need to get the consistency in our game and get up that league.'

Aliadiere said: 'I was very motivated and we needed those three points today.

'It's a good start, we have picked up a few points in the last few games. We wanted to work really hard and get three points and this builds confidence for the team.'

In-form Fabregas rules out return to Spain

2007-11-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

In-form Fabregas rules out return to Spain

Cesc Fabregas maintains he has everything he wants at Arsenal and is not considering a move back to Spain.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been in superb form this season, scoring 11 goals to help the Gunners storm to the top of the Barclays Premier League and into the last 16 of the Champions League.

Fabregas came through the youth ranks at Barcelona before heading to Arsenal in September 2003.

Since then, the combative Spaniard has gone on to become an integral part of Arsene Wenger's side and is now rated as one of the best in his position.

However, Fabregas continues to be linked with a big-money move back to his homeland.

The midfielder is currently away on international duty ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifiers with Sweden and Northern Ireland, but declared his intention to rebuff any interest which may come his way from the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid.

'I am not even thinking about returning to Spain,' Fabregas said.

'I do not even listen to the offers that come in for me because I do not need anything that I haven't already got at Arsenal.

'And it's nothing to do with money - if it was I would have gone to Real Madrid last summer.

'I am not moved by money, I am moved by football.'

Fabregas added: 'I am playing and I am happy. Being a Gunner is very special, something that I am proud of.

'This is a small club on the inside, like a family, but it's huge on the outside.'

Fabregas will miss Arsenal's next match after collecting his fifth caution during the win at Reading on Monday night.

The midfielder believes a new 'relaxed' approach to the game has helped him focus this season.

'I think I'm playing the same as ever but the ball is going in for me, which makes it look like I am playing better,' Fabregas explained.

'I was getting in front of goal and being hasty - but one day Mr Wenger told me to relax and now I take my time.'

Fabregas is one of several youngsters to have emerged from the shadow of talisman Thierry Henry this season, the former Gunners captain having left for the Nou Camp during the summer.

The midfielder accepts the brilliant Frenchman was a tough act to follow.

'Thierry Henry is the best player in Arsenal's history and that's why people panicked when he left. It was like having to mature all of a sudden, a wake-up call,' Fabregas said.

'He was like an umbrella that we hid beneath and when he went, we were forced to step forward and take responsibility.'

Adebayor: I turned down move to Man United

2007-11-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

Adebayor: I turned down move to Man United

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor claims he rejected the advances of Manchester United in the summer.

The Togo international signed a new deal with the Gunners but ahead of the meeting between the two sides tomorrow, claims he held talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger before deciding to stay in north London.

'When I got that approach from United, I was like `OK, it's a good team, one of the biggest teams in the world - why not?'

'It was very flattering for me and gave me confidence that I am a good footballer because, if a team like Manchester want to get me, it proves I'm doing things right.

'But don't forget I am already at a massive club and we have a fantastic team.

'I had a good discussion with the boss Arsene Wenger, we finally sorted everything out and I was very happy.'

Wenger confident ahead of United showdown

LONDON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday he was not surprised by their outstanding start to the season and believes his Premier League leaders have what it takes to beat champions Manchester United on Saturday.

Arsenal go into the game at the Emirates Stadium with the narrowest of leads over United after rattling up 26 points from their opening 10 matches.

United have 26 points from 11 matches, both have goal differences of plus 15, but Arsenal are top having scored 22 goals to United's 19.

'I am not surprised because I said to the players at the beginning of the season, I wanted to be up there, and wanted to be fighting for the title because I felt we had the belief and the quality,' Wenger said.

Arsenal are unbeaten in all their 17 league and cup matches so far, while United, after a relatively slow start, have won their last eight league matches - and scored 16 goals in their last four league and cup games.

Wenger's team did the double over United last season, but still finished fourth, 21 points behind Alex Ferguson's men.

'I think we have improved since last season,' Wenger told a news conference at the club's training ground at London Colney.

'In the last two years we dropped our level and we were too far behind the top teams. This season we are back fighting for the championship.

'We have different characteristics to Manchester United, but I believe the collective pressure we put on them will be good enough, despite the fact they have very strong players.'

He also expects Saturday's game to be more of a technical affair rather than some of the blood-and-guts encounters of previous years.

'The game has a lot of special importance, a lot of tradition and over the last 10 years there have been some very good, competitive games.

'The characteristics of the two teams might have been more physical in the past, now today they are more technical, which will come out in the game tomorrow.'

The Frenchman said he knew nothing about a claim by his Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor that he was approached by Manchester United last season, nor about stories linking his former skipper Gilberto Silva with a move to Italy.

'I don't know anything about that at all,' he said. 'The players are under contract and if anyone wants to speak to them they have to speak to me first - and no-one has.'

He also said it was far too early to compare his current team with the 'Invincibles' who went unbeaten in the league in the 2003-04 season.

'We are consistent, we are a very young side, and it's difficult to be consistent with a young side. There is room to improve, there is more to come from this team.

'Tomorrow we play at home, everyone will be looking at us, and we have to relax and enjoy it and not think too much about being invincible.'

Man City's Schmeichel completes Cardiff switch

2007-10-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Man City's Schmeichel completes Cardiff switch

Cardiff have signed Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on a month's loan.

Schmeichel goes straight into the squad for the visit of Scunthorpe on Saturday after a proposed move to Coca-Cola Championship rivals Coventry collapsed earlier this week.

The 20-year-old started the campaign as Sven-Goran Eriksson's first choice at Eastlands but has lost his place to fellow youngster Joe Hart in recent weeks.

'The Bluebirds confirm the signing of Kasper Schmeichel from Manchester City initially on a month's loan,' read a Cardiff statement.

'The keeper will link up with the squad and will take the number one shirt vacated by Ross Turnbull, who has returned to Middlesbrough.'

'This does not mean Kasper has no future here, he just needs to get some games,' said City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Schmeichel had been due to join Coventry but that deal collapsed earlier this week amid the midlands outfit's current financial problems.

The 20-year-old started the campaign as Eriksson's first choice, appearing in the opening seven games of their impressive start to the Premier League campaign.

However, Schmeichel, son of Manchester United legend Peter, lost his place to Joe Hart for the home win over Newcastle earlier this month and has been frozen out ever since.

McClaren's luck to mirror Napoleon's?

2007-10-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

European Championship Qualifying: Scores | Fixtures | Tables | Stats | News Archive
Updated: Oct. 15, 2007
McClaren's luck to mirror Napoleon's?
Richard Jolly
Archive

As England head to Russia for their crucial Euro2008 qualifier they could do worse than take heed of former manager Graham Taylor's interest in the fortunes of a previous visitor to Moscow.

Empics
Moment of truth in Moscow: Steve McClaren facing vital showdown with Guus Hiddink

Taylor, a hugely unfortunate, though not particularly good England boss, is fond of quoting Napoleon Bonaparte, who himself preferred lucky generals to good ones; but Napoloeon's luck famously ran out in Moscow with the onset of the Russian winter. The question here is will Steve McClaren's?

England's recent sequence of 3-0 wins has been notable as much for its good fortune as it's compliant opposition; the majority of injuries have had their upsides, either by sparing McClaren a difficult decision or in allowing an opportunity to a player who has grasped it.

Yet defeat on the Luzhniki Stadium's plastic pitch would represent a change of fortune that could ultimately result in the end of McClaren's tenure without leading England to a major international tournament.

Caretakers excepted, Don Revie is his only predecessor with such an unwanted distinction.

Standing in McClaren's way is Guus Hiddink, the man many believe should have been appointed instead of him and with an unrivalled record of overachievement with different countries in international football.

Yet, aided by having a superior set of players at his disposal, the Yorkshireman bested the Dutchman at Wembley last month. To do so again would confound most expectations of him.

Expectations of Hiddink are regularly confounded. In his team selection and his tactics, he can be a gambler, unafraid to sideline his biggest names and willing to back his own hunches. Two decades at the summit of management shows he is often right and his reputation can survive the few occasions when he is not.

McClaren's cannot. If no previous England manager has attracted such vitriolic criticism so quickly, it is because none have had the fundamental disadvantage of being Steve McClaren. But after six weeks of surprisingly successful decision-making, two more matches of correct choices will take England to Euro 2008.

Yet if it really is a masterplan then McClaren's talents extend to deception. The reality is that things have fallen into place. His assertions that Gareth Barry, for instance, has always been a fine player, while true, carry less credibility after ignoring the Aston Villa captain for almost a year.

Having rediscovered his faith in David Beckham, injury spared him from further subservience to the former captain. And after Emile Heskey defied predictions on his recall, his limitations, especially in front of goal, should preclude regular selection. His metatarsal injury spared McClaren a difficult decision against Estonia on Saturday.

However, decision-making cannot be dodged on Wednesday.

With Barry's presence a certainty now, Frank Lampard remains an issue. So, too, do England's tactics. McClaren has recognised that 4-4-2 has its failings, yet his principal attempts to implement another system - in Croatia last year - yielded far worse results.

Should England, as they did in Zagreb, alter formation in a quest to retain possession? It would enable the manager to reinstate Lampard, though it is only those in the England clique who fail to understand why he has been booed after two years of mediocrity in the colours of his country.

Empics
Barry: Indispensable or expandable?

More pertinently to the team's fortunes, Russia, like most Hiddink sides, are likely to have three players in the centre of midfield and England risk being outnumbered.

Yet the inability of some players to function in formations other than 4-4-2 may mean that the safest approach is to persevere with the same system.

Replacing the injured Ashley Cole with Barry at left-back would permit a way back for Lampard and thereby ease the mind of a manager who is always reluctant to offend his supposed star players.

However, that would bring a return of the malfunctioning Steven Gerrard-Lampard axis in the centre of midfield. Accommodating the Chelsea and Liverpool men as well as Barry in the same 4-4-2 shape requires the omission of either Joe Cole, whose flair is vital, or Shaun Wright-Phillips, whose pace could be invaluable on the counter-attack, with either Barry or Gerrard adopting a wider role.

In this argument Wright-Phillips is the more likely to be sacrificed, with solidity required and Gerrard a more dependable option.

Then there is another uneasy alliance in attack. Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen hardly conform to each other's concept of an ideal partner. The former rarely reproduces his Manchester United form for England, while the latter is either a scorer or anonymous, yet it is inconceivable McClaren will sideline either. Even Paul Robinson, his confidence seemingly at an all-time low, is in the rank of the 'undroppables'.

So, if England are to keep the clean sheet that will make thoughts of a summer trip to Switzerland and Austria more realistic, much depends upon Sol Campbell.

With Jamie Carragher alienated and John Terry unlikely to be fit, Campbell's international exile has been ended. Should his alliance with Rio Ferdinand prove as effective as it did during the 2002 World Cup, it could enable England to display the sort of resilience they demonstrated a decade ago in Rome, when a goalless draw sufficed.

The consequence, however, would be that McClaren would face a dilemma when his captain returned. That's a problem for another day, for now he has enough on his plate: whether to persevere with Robinson, whether to recall Lampard, whether Rooney and Owen are compatible, how to cover for the missing Cole and which formation to favour.

Decisions, decisions. This represents the ultimate proof of if McClaren is the man to make them.

Henry predicts Double joy for Gunners

2007-10-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Henry predicts Double joy for Gunners

Thierry Henry believes Arsenal can win the Champions League as well as becoming domes

Thierry Henry believes Arsenal can win the Champions League as well as becoming domestic champions this season.

Henry left the north London club this summer in a £16.1million switch to Barcelona after eight highly-successful years which saw him become the Gunners' all-time top scorer.

The 30-year-old never won a European trophy with the club although he was part of the side that reached the 2006 Champions League final before losing 2-1 to Barca.

This year, the Gunners have made a flying start to their European campaign and top Group H after victories over Sevilla and Steaua Bucharest.

They also lead the Barclays Premier League having dropped just two points all season to confound critics who predicted a tough season following Henry's departure.

Now the Frenchman has predicted double success for Arsene Wenger's young team, telling the Evening Standard: 'I have been watching Arsenal and see that they are playing entertaining football and winning every game home and away.

'I know the young players there very well and they can definitely win the Premier League and Champions League this season. I watched how they beat Sevilla in the Champions League and I think they sent out a big message to the rest of Europe. Sevilla is not an easy team to play, but Arsenal played a great game.'

The Gunners experienced a period of unrest in the summer with the shock exit of former vice-chairman David Dein and Henry's departure followed by uncertainty over Wenger's future until the manager agreed a new contract at the Emirates.

Henry revealed he has maintained his relationship with his fellow Frenchman, with whom he started his career at Monaco more than 10 years ago.

'Me and Arsene have been in contact a few times since I left. I always talk to him because even with the difference of age, the bond and respect is there,' Henry said.

'It is tremendous that he has signed a new contract. He has great eyes and just has a talent for spotting young talent. He is a great human being as well and that's what makes the difference. He makes players feel comfortable and always gets the best out of them.'

Henry wishes to say a final farewell to the Gunners fans, many of whom were distraught at his exit.

'I think I will try and do it in December because we have a winter break in Spain and I will have the time,' Henry added.

'I would rather go back in a non-playing situation and be able to enjoy it. I don't want to get drawn against Arsenal in the Champions League this season. That would not be a proper way to say goodbye to the fans.

'When I go, I will probably just sit in the stands. I won't walk out on the pitch or anything like that.

'The focus should be on the team and I don't want to draw any attention away from them and what they're doing. They will be playing a game and I want to respect that.'

The former Juventus player has experienced a frustrating start to his career at Barca after being ruled out through injury but he now feels he has overcome his problems.

He said: 'I played eight seasons without missing anything. It was a shock to the system to not play for six months and coming back has not been easy, but I am starting to feel better.

'The pain is going away and I felt sharper for the first time against Real Zaragoza a couple of weeks ago. It's been a long time since I felt like that.

'The atmosphere is good at Barcelona. It is like a family and reminds me of Arsenal.'

Henry, though, is less than optimistic about France's chances for Euro 2008, with Les Bleus third behind Scotland and Italy in Group B.

He said: 'We are not even talking about whether we can win Euro 2008 because we are fighting to qualify right now - I don't know if we will. There is a possibility that we will be at home watching it.'

Richards hopes for Arsenal move... one day

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has revealed he hopes to play for his boyhood heroes Arsenal one day.

The 19-year-old centre-half has been superb for City in their flying start to life under Sven-Goran Eriksson and he has also performed well at right-back for England.

Richards was born in Birmingham and grew up in Leeds but the north London side were his favourites as a child and his long-term goal is to be a Gunner.

'I was a big Ian Wright fan when I was younger, so I supported Arsenal,' he told Nuts magazine.

'Wright and Patrick Vieira were my idols so yeah, if the opportunity came to play for them one day I'd take it.

'But right now I'm concentrating on trying to keep City in the top half, and we've got the players to do it.'

Arsenal v Derby: Preview

2007-09-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

Arsenal v Derby: Preview

After almost quitting Arsenal during the summer, midfielder Mathieu Flamini intends to make the most of his chance this season.

The 23-year-old had become frustrated by a lack of first-team football last season and was ready to further his career away from Emirates Stadium.

Despite being linked with a move to several other Barclays Premier League clubs as well as the likes of Inter Milan, the Frenchman decided to stay at the Gunners following a heart-to-heart with manager Arsene Wenger.

He said: 'It is true I was close to leaving because I did not play enough, so I spoke to the coach and we had a good discussion.

'Now I am here and am very happy to be here.

'The manager told me he had confidence in me and I said, 'All right I am going to stay and I will prove that I can play'.

'Sometimes I have to move, like last time when I play right-back. I like to play midfield because it is my natural position. One game by one game and I will see.'

Arsenal will be expected to chalk up another comprehensive win against the newly-promoted Rams, who may have beaten Newcastle on Monday night to move off the bottom, but have yet to score a goal away from home and have shipped 11.

Derby manager Billy Davies is preparing his side to face a player he believes is potentially the best midfielder in the world - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

The Rams are buoyant after earning their first win of the season on Monday night against Newcastle - a result which saw them move off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League - but Davies insists there are even stiffer challenges around the corner.

He takes his side to the Emirates Stadium and Fabregas, in commanding form this season with three league goals and two Champions League strikes to his name already, is the man Davies fears most.

And although he thinks the Spaniard is among the finest players on the planet at present, the Scot concedes that the Gunners have so many possible match-winners they cannot get them all into one team.

He said: 'Fabregas is one of the best, if not the best, midfield player in the world.

'He is a top, top player on great form.

'But they have so many good players. Look at their bench, they have top, top players on the bench. Look at the stand even, they have top quality players sitting in the seats of their stand.'

Regardless of their quality, Davies insists his side must try and repeat the success they enjoyed against Newcastle, where some full-blooded defence and a stunning 30-yard goal from debutant Kenny Miller earned them a deserved win.

'I've said all along that only with time will this team improve and individuals will improve.

'Our first seven games (including Arsenal) were always going to be very difficult matches. We've played sides over the last few weeks who should finish in the top six - the Liverpools, the Newcastles, the Tottenhams.

'But Monday night was much more like it for us.

'You go to do your best and we'll try and get our players playing at their maximum on Saturday. We go down there to compete and to try and carry on from where we left off against another expensive unit in Newcastle.

'We are finding our feet but we know that doesn't guarantee us victories.'

Wenger has plenty of injury concerns.

Captain William Gallas (groin), keeper Jens Lehmann (elbow) and Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) have been joined on the sidelines by midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).

Defender Philippe Senderos (hip) and winger Alexander Hleb (knee) are also both now doubtful.

Davies though, could select the same XI who secured the club's first win of the season when they visit Arsenal on Saturday.

Scotland striker Miller has suffered no recurrence of the hamstring strain which delayed his first appearance and will lead the line again.

Veteran defender Darren Moore is back in training after a knee injury and is close to becoming available but Davies could opt to stick with a back four who kept a clean sheet last time out.

Teenage midfielder Giles Barnes has also been in full training for a week following a foot injury sustained in the play-off final last season but will not be considered until next weekend at the earliest.

Arsenal 5-0 Derby: Hat-trick hero Adebayor
PA

Arsenal remain top of the Premier League after their five-star performance destroyed dire Derby 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Empics
Diaby: The young midfielder puts Arsenal ahead.

A hat-trick from Emmanuel Adebayor and goals from Abou Diaby and Cesc Fabregas swept clueless County aside in emphatic style.

• Wenger: We are the real deal

The Londoners are clearly not missing the departed Thierry Henry as this latest victory preserved their 100% home record and left them undefeated so far this season.

Arsenal should have taken the lead in the fourth minute of the game after a superb run down the left flank from Gael Clichy.

The left-back's low cross found Adebayor unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box, but the tall striker failed to direct his effort on target.

However, the Gunners took the lead in the 10th minute when Diaby side-stepped two challenges on the edge of the penalty area before firing an unstoppable rising drive into the top corner of the net.

He almost repeated the feat moments later, but this time his low drive from a similar position was pushed to safety by Stephen Bywater.

Arsenal's free-flowing football was a joy to watch and Derby were finding it difficult to hold the hosts at bay.

Derby offered little in the way of an attacking threat under Arsenal's domination of the game.

In the 23rd minute Arsenal almost opened up the Rams for a second time when Adebayor got on the end of a long ball from Kolo Toure.

But again the tall striker could not get a firm strike on the ball and it was collected easily by Bywater.

The home side looked dangerous with every attack and the Premier League newcomers struggled to cope with the pace of the game.

Adebayor made it two to Arsenal in the 25th minute when he latched onto a pass from Fabregas and ran clear of the Derby defence. The Arsenal striker then rounded Bywater and slotted the ball home.

Derby, hammered 6-0 by Liverpool earlier this month, were seemingly out of their depth yet again.

Adebayor was a constant threat and in the 35th minute he almost turned provider for Eduardo.

This time his cross was just too far for the Arsenal striker to control and the chance went begging.

Moments later Theo Walcott tried his luck from 20 yards, but his accuracy and power did not match that of team-mate Diaby and the ball went wide of the target by some margin.

Fabregas was controlling the midfield and in the 32nd minute he put Walcott through on goal, but the England youngster fired straight at Bywater, who managed to grab the ball at the second attempt.

Derby's attempts to get back into the game were hampered by their own inability to pass the ball to their own players.

Their sloppy play allowed Arsenal to quickly regain possession and cause County further problems.

In the 44th minute Eduardo's header from a corner by Fabregas was brilliantly saved by Bywater.

The half-time whistle gave the visitors some much-needed relief after a first half dominated by Wenger's team.

Derby's plight worsened four minutes after the re-start when County captain Matt Oakley was punished for pulling back Eduardo inside the penalty area by referee Martin Atkinson.

Adebayor stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake for his second goal of the game.

In the 56th minute a surging run by Toure almost brought him a goal. The Arsenal captain started the move with a clever pass to Fabregas and when the midfielder crossed the ball into the middle, it was headed just wide by the advancing Toure.

Derby had their first real effort of the game on the hour when a shot from centre-forward Steve Howard whistled past the post.

Walcott almost created a goal out of nothing when he beat two Derby players during a mazy run into the penalty area, but his final shot was blocked.

In the 68th minute another fine Arsenal move ended with Adebayor heading over the crossbar after Sagna's cross had found him on the edge of the six-yard box.

With 20 minutes remaining Fabregas scored Arsenal's fourth with a crisp right-foot drive from 20 yards - it was just reward for a tremendous midfield performance.

But the rout was not over and Adebayor made sure of his treble in the 80th minute. The tall striker chested down a long ball and kept his composure before sidefooting home from eight yards to cap a glorious afternoon for Wenger's men.

# Wenger: We are the real deal

Wenger said: 'This team means business. We are not there to show off. We want to achieve something together.

'We kept a good concentration on the quality of our game. It was really enjoyable to watch.

'Adebayor looks stronger physically and you see that in many challenges. There is a huge force coming out of him. He had that already but he looks calmer in his finishing.'

Some of Arsenal's football was a sheer joy to watch - the kind of football Chelsea's Roman Abramovich wants his side to play over at Stamford Bridge.

But Wenger was not interested in what Abramovich wants in west London, adding that he was only too happy to stay true to his idea of how the game should be played.

Wenger added: 'We try to play football we love here and that is not linked with the Chelsea situation, it is linked to what we aspire to do. When we don't win we are criticised, when we win people love us. But above all we are faithful to the idea we have of the game.'

Fabregas was sensational in midfield and took his tally to seven for the season with a stunning 20-yard drive for Arsenal's fourth. It was his last kick of the game as Wenger replaced him immediately.

Fabregas is now beginning to earn the same kind of plaudits that made Thierry Henry such a star at the Emirates but Wenger does not believe he will get carried away with his own success.

Wenger explained: 'I wanted to take him off because he had a little calf problem at half-time but he took advantage of that by scoring a goal. He scored a great goal again.

'Cesc is naturally very hard on himself. That struck me even when he was 16. He is very demanding of himself. He has his feet on the ground and I think he will deal well with that situation.

'We have played six games, four times at home, so we are conscious next week at West Ham will be another test. We won in a convincing way at Tottenham, we could have won at Blackburn so let us keep it going.

'There is still room for improvement and the target is to get better and better and hopefully peak in April and May.'

Arsenal can look forward to a season of success but clueless County are set for a long hard slog.

They were simply outclassed by Arsenal as they had been at Tottenham and Liverpool but boss Billy Davies says the learning curve and the experience will help his side as they prepare for a crucial run of games.

Davies declared: 'Ultimately the early goal cost us dearly, it was poor defending even if it was a top-class finish.

'We were playing against Adebayor, without doubt one of the top strikers in the world, and Fabregas - one of the best midfield players.

'They have quality running through the side - they are a top side. They play with a huge amount of confidence.

'The learning curve and experience is crucial. It looked as though we were moving the ball around with a bit more confidence at time. But we still stood off when we should have been in people's faces.

'Sevilla came here - a top European side and lost 3-0 - so there is no embarrassment to come here and get a lesson off them.

'We are now going into a run of games against Bolton, Reading, Wigan and Everton and we've got to look to these and know they are the ones we have to compete and pick up points in.

'We are not despondent at all, we feel we are getting better and we will continue to work very hard.'

Sevilla need to nullify Fabregas, says Kanoute

2007-09-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Sevilla need to nullify Fabregas, says Kanoute

Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute returns to north London this week confident of putting one over his old adversaries Arsenal in the Champions League.

Kanoute played for both West Ham and the Gunners' arch-rivals Tottenham during a five-year stint in England before joining Sevilla in 2005, and the Mali international is hoping for a happy trip back to England.

Sevilla open their Champions League group stage at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, and Kanoute sees no reason why the back-to-back UEFA Cup winners cannot begin with a victory over Arsenal.

'I believe that we can win, I have faith that we can go far in the competition but we will have to see after each game,' said Kanoute, who scored twice on Sunday as Sevilla downed Recreativo Huelva 4-1 in La Liga.

'We are going to have matches in the Champions League that are much more difficult than in the UEFA Cup, but the team is prepared and ready for this competition.

'We have a better squad than last year, with more experience, and more players. For every position there are two or three players.'

Sevilla's victory over Recreativo was their second successive 4-1 win of the Spanish season, and they are currently second in the table with six points from two games - three points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Arsenal are also flying high in the Premier League, with Saturday's 3-1 derby win over Spurs lifting them to the top of the table.

Kanoute knows it is not going to be easy for his side on Wednesday, saying: 'Arsenal are a team who play very fast going forward, and who are very attacking.

'We can win, I know their team and if we can nullify their key player, Cesc (Fabregas), and we start quickly as always, I believe we can achieve the win.'

Confident though he is of a good result in north London, Kanoute still believes Arsenal are the slight favourites to progress from a Champions League group that also includes Steaua Bucharest and Slavia Prague.

'Arsenal are bigger favourites than us because they have more experience in this competition,' said the 30-year-old.

Burying the ghost of Henry

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 3 Arsenal
There were those who believed the departure of Thierry Henry would signal the beginning of the end of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal's dynasty, yet the truth seems to be far more encouraging than the theory.

As Arsenal swept to a hugely impressive victory at the home of their nearest rivals, Wenger had every right to feel a glow of satisfaction as the master plan he has been working on for the last three seasons seems to be coming together in glorious fashion.

Oozing with class and threatening to show the cutting edge they so often lacked when they were dependent on Henry, Arsenal are the emerging as the title contenders no-one picked and Wenger can take most of the credit for their evolution.

The Frenchman has long been eulogising about the potential of the young players he has put his faith in this season, but it now seems as if he, and not the doubters who wrote him off not so long ago, will be proved right. Whisper it quietly, but Arsenal without Henry may even be a little better than the Gunners side that went so close to Champions League glory with their legendary talisman leading the line.

Led by the mercurial Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal's youngsters are now coming into their own in all areas and their refusal to shy away from a silky passing style that has long been viewed as both their greatest asset and primary problem, is charming and refreshing in equal measure.

Manchester United may have come close to matching Arsenal for entertainment value last season, but there can be little doubt that Wenger's team boast a style that leaves many neutrals hoping they succeed. All too often, brawn has beaten their brains when it has mattered most in the last couple of years, but Wenger has always stayed loyal in his conviction of how his side will play.

So even after Gareth Bale fired Tottenham into a 14th minute lead with a well placed free-kick on a beautiful autumn day in North London, Arsenal refused to panic and they should have been on level terms long before the break if they had taken the chances the created by carving their opponents open time and again.

Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Adebayor wasted clear-cut chances either side of half-time and had Dimitar Berbatov and Tom Huddlestone not spurned glorious chances to double that lead in what developed into a thrilling derby battle, Arsenal may have been making the short journey home nursing some wounds.

Instead, they proved themselves to be up to the challenge of bouncing back and as Emmanuel Adebayor rose highest in the box to head Arsenal level after 65 minutes, this game seemed to swing in the direction of the resident North London superpowers.

Even though Robbie Keane wasted a clear chance to restore Tottenham's lead, the pressure Arsenal put on defences with their quick and incisive play was beginning to tell and after Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas went close to firing the Gunners ahead, a fearful hush descended on White Hart Lane.

The game so nearly took an unexpected twist as Berbatov saw his header scrambled off the line 12 minutes from time, but then Fabregas struck his power-packed goal and with that, Tottenham boss Martin Jol knew he was in for more intense speculation about his future. England keeper Paul Robinson would have been disappointed as he was beaten with a long range shot once again.

Such issues are of little concern to Wenger, who will believes his side are proving them have discovered the way to add a winning touch to their creative brilliance. 'We scored the difficult chances and missed the easy ones in this game, but the result shows that the side is growing and maturing as I had hoped,' said a jubilant Wenger. 'It was important that we started the season well after losing Thierry Henry in the summer and while a player like that will never be forgotten, we are moving on now.

'We are playing in a very pleasing way. That is always going to be the case so long as I am the manger here, but the goals we scored in this game were very special and I have a great faith in these players to produce such moments. Even when we went in a half-time a goal behind, I just told the players to keep passing the ball and doing what they are good at. I knew it would turn in our favour and even though there were a few scares along the way, we got there in the end. This was probably our best performance of the season.

'It is nice to look at a league table and see Arsenal right at the top again and I couldn't fault the consistency of the team in this game. Even when we went behind, we showed the spirit you need to come back.'

It was easy to have some sympathy with Tottenham boss Martin Jol as the press room was quickly filled with rumours that his tenure as Tottenham boss would soon come to an end, but he remained defiant as he faced the media. 'The chairman says he is behind me, but this situation is not just about me as I have a great life whatever happens,' said a resigned Jol. 'I cannot fault my players for the commitment they showed in this game, but Arsenal were just a bit luckier than us and took more of their chances.

'I've been under press from day one, so I'm not worried because the press tell me I'm in trouble now. I will keep fighting and I'm sure this team will start winning soon.'

How Jol must wish he had the scouting network Wenger has been working with for the last ten years as the kids he has at his disposal have the potential to follow in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson's crop of the mid-1990s that went on to achieve so much.

In Fabregas, he has a true master of the modern game, while the likes of Gael Clichy, Abou Diaby and Denilson play with the sort of style and grace that only great players possess. In Kolo Toure, he has an unsung hero of real quality and while they have yet to square off against a top four rival this season, they have every right to feel optimistic.

'Maybe we are already back at the top of this league and I don't just mean for a few days in September,' added Wenger. 'I have total faith in these players and I think the performances are backing up what I felt was possible for us this season. We have a great start and I'm convinced we can carry it on.'

The contrast of emotions could not have been bigger between the Tottenham and Arsenal camps after this latest instalment of North London's oldest rivalry. While you wonder whether Martin Jol will get another chance to manage in this famous old fixture, Arsene Wenger must have been tempted to mutter 'I told you so' to his detractors.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Cesc Fabregas

The little Spanish magician took time to find his feet in a crowded midfield, but he began to assert his influence after the break and scored a brilliant winner.

FACE IN THE CROWD: Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles may not be one of Europe's sexiest men, but he was attending this game with a girl whose good looks would be welcomed on a catwalk. Clearly she sees the inner spirit in a man.

FOOD WATCH: A beef and ale pie made this a traditional North London pre-match lunch on offer in the Spurs press room and the half-time meat pie also went down well.

INSIDER QUESTION: Do any players opt for the traditional black boots in the Premier League? Pascal Chimbonda's glaring yellow footwear was a sight to behold, while Emmanuel Adebayor's shocking red matched his Arsenal kit.

ARSENAL VERDICT: Wenger's kids may well have been overawed by the presence of Thierry Henry in his final two years at the club as they are now playing with a freedom that was absent when all the focus was on the legendary No.14. This team are title contenders who will get better as the season moves on.

Usmanov buys second largest stake in Arsenal

2007-09-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Usmanov buys second largest stake in Arsenal

Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov has increased his shareholding in Arsenal after his investment company Red and White Holdings Limited raised their stake in the club to 21%.

ARSENAL SHARHOLDINGS

DIRECTORS (Total 45.45%)

Daniel Fiszman 24.11%
Lady Bracewell-Smith 15.9%
Richard Carr 4.4%
Peter Hill-Wood (Chair) 0.8%
Lord Harris of Peckham 0.09%
Ken Friar 0.07%
Sir Chips Keswick 0.06%
Keith Edelman (MD) 0.04%

MAIN INDIVIDUALS (33.19%)

Red & White Holdings 21%
Stan Kroenke 12.19%

The purchase, which was announced on Tuesday morning to the Stock Exchange, makes Usmanov's company the club's second-highest shareholder behind Danny Fiszman, who has 24%.

Usmanov, who formed the company alongside fellow investor Farhad Moshiri specifically to hold equity in the north London club, first bought into Arsenal when he paid former vice-chairman David Dein around £75million for his 14.65% holding in August.

Dein left the club in April over differences with the board over investment possibilities - with American businessman Stan Kroenke's potential involvement thought to be the main sticking point.

But Dein is the chairman of Red and White Holdings Ltd and looks certain to remain a key figure as the debate over the Gunners' future continues.

The club release their financial results on Monday, with the move to the Emirates Stadium expected to have helped them cut the gap between themselves and the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

When Usmanov first emerged as an investor, he announced his intention to continue a process of accumulating shares - something he now appears to be making good on.

He said at the time: 'Arsenal as a business is undervalued. My aim is to steadily increase my package because I think the value of it will grow and will soon reach a higher level. The club has everything to achieve it.'

And while there is sure to be speculation about the Uzbekistan launching a full-scale takeover bid, the club's current board are already on record as being opposed to such a move.

Managing director Keith Edelman insists the club are not in need of investment and that manager Arsene Wenger has ample funds to spend.

Meanwhile Fiszman, who is seen as the key to any takeover bid, has also given assurances to the Arsenal Supporters' Trust that he has not intention of selling his shares.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal

2007-09-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
PA

Stunning goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor earned Arsenal a 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane and piled on the misery for Tottenham manager Martin Jol.

Empics
Gareth Bale celebrates in sliding fashion at White Hart Lane.

Spurs had been ahead in the 15th minute through Gareth Bale's free-kick and had chances to add to their lead before Adebayor levelled.

Fabregas' strike came with 10 minutes remaining, and Adebayor also found the top corner in stoppage time, leaving Spurs with still one Premier League victory this season.

It was a cruel blow for Jol, who has appeared undermined by his board this season after their infamous meeting with Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.

Spurs had not beaten Arsenal since 1999, during George Graham's reign, and there is a perception Jol struggles against the ``big four''.

It looked like business as usual when Paul Robinson was required to tip over Adebayor's volley from 25 yards in the early stages.

But Dimitar Berbatov was offering a threat for the hosts and he looped a header over the crossbar before getting fouled in the lead up to Bale's opener.

Bale's free-kicks at the start of last season helped him establish himself as one of the brightest talents around and his set-piece in the 15th minute was an example of his accuracy.

He curled the effort behind Arsenal's wall and inside Manuel Almunia's near post, leaving the peroxide Spaniard fuming with himself.

The 18-year-old, with two goals in his first three Spurs matches, was playing on the left of midfield to give Jol's side balance - but he was also needed to defend as Arsenal attempted to drag themselves level.

Adebayor immediately threatened at the other end after the opener, with Robinson required to turn his volley around the post.

The England goalkeeper was needed again in the 25th minute when Fabregas broke from the centre of midfield, with Alexander Hleb eventually having the shot and Robin van Persie firing the rebound across the face of goal.

Abou Diaby then had an effort from long distance on the half-hour mark and got even closer two minutes later when Hleb found him free overlapping. Diaby beat Robinson with his powerful effort, but it smacked off the crossbar to safety.

With both sides attacking, possession switched frequently and tackles flew in, Jermaine Jenas picking up a yellow card for one of them on Van Persie.

Pascal Chimbonda was fouled in stoppage time but was booked himself for urging referee Mark Clattenburg to show his opponent a yellow card.

As expected, Spurs were forced to defend early in the second half, although Berbatov should have added a second goal in the 51st minute.

Steed Malbranque slipped the Bulgaria striker through and he rounded Almunia but could not do the same to Kolo Toure, who was the last defender.

Adebayor fired over the crossbar in Arsenal's next move after Bacary Sagna raced down the right and cut the ball back. The Togo striker then tried to take it around Robinson, but the goalkeeper timed his dive to perfection.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger brought Tomas Rosicky on for Diaby to give his side another attacking dimension.

Yet Spurs were still threatening a second goal, with Younes Kaboul heading over and Tom Huddlestone cracking a trademark volley wide from Chimbonda's cross.

The England Under-21 midfielder had angered Sagna in that move and the Arsenal defender tripped him after 62 minutes to earn a booking.

Jol has been frustrated with Spurs' defending from set-pieces this season and a free-kick was their undoing again, with Arsenal levelling in the 65th minute.

Adebayor nipped ahead of Robinson to meet Fabregas' free-kick after Malbranque had fouled Mathieu Flamini.

Spurs' response was to bring on Aaron Lennon for his first appearance since knee surgery in the summer.

Robbie Keane raced through and had an effort saved by Almunia, although the linesman had initially flagged before play was allowed to continue.

Berbatov had two bites at Jenas' corner, but Gael Clichy cleared off the line.

Fabregas then got his stunning goal, receiving the pass from Rosicky before taking aim from 30 yards and bending into the top corner with the outside of his boot.

Darren Bent came on and was sent through, but the striker missed his kick.

Adebayor made him pay with a volleyed goal in stoppage time to add to Spurs' misery.

Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn

2007-09-16T00:25:00.000-07:00

Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn
PA

Chelsea were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Blackburn after a second-half `goal' was controversially ruled out by referee Howard Webb.

Andriy Shevchenko is denied by Brad Friedel at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea looked to have sealed all three points when Salomon Kalou converted a cross from Julian Belletti, but Webb disallowed the goal for offside.

Chelsea had squandered a host of first-half chances, but Blackburn could have stolen the points themselves if Petr Cech had not tipped Robbie Savage's late effort over the crossbar.

• Mourinho rages at disallowed goal

However, Blackburn's point was overshadowed by a serious head injury to defender Christopher Samba.

The opening 15 minutes failed to produce clear-cut opening, although Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel was called on to hold a tame header from Chelsea skipper John Terry.

Blackburn, one of the teams identified by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, as adding strength to the Barclays Premier League, proved they were worthy of his praise with some clever attacking play.

However, Rovers were thwarted on numerous occasions by the last-ditch efforts of Terry and Ashley Cole as the goalscoring threat from Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz threatened to puncture the home defence.

Chelsea were bidding to take their unbeaten home run in the top flight to 66 games, but without the driving force of the injured Frank Lampard in midfield and the strength of Didier Drogba in attack, the Blues struggled to gain control of the game.

Drogba's absence was underlined in the 22nd minute when Juliano Belletti broke free down the right flank.

But his perfectly-flighted cross was headed over the bar by the unmarked Andriy Shevchenko - making his first start of the season in Mourinho's side.

It was a poor effort from the Ukrainian striker who should have at least hit the target from eight yards.

In the 27th minute Chelsea were prevented from taking the lead by a superb acrobatic save from Friedel.

Joe Cole's mazy run ended with his attempted pass to Salomon Kalou falling at the feet of Michael Essien on the edge of the penalty area.

The Ghanaian midfielder sent a powerful half-volley towards the top corner, only to see the American keeper fly to his left to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Two minutes later the foraging Belletti burst into the penalty area and send a right-foot shot into the arms of Friedel as Chelsea increased the pace of their game.

Shevchenko's touch let him down when Essien put him through on goal moments later. The Ukrainian failed to control the pass adequately enough and that allowed Friedel to gain the advantage he needed as Shevchenko failed to lift the ball over his advancing frame.

Shaun Wright-Phillips was the next Chelsea player to try his luck, but he too failed to find the target with a 20-yard low drive.

Joe Cole was unlucky with a curling shot in 35th minute, but Friedel had already spotted the danger and moved swiftly to clutch the ball to his chest.

Morten Gamst Pedersen wasted a good chance for Blackburn three minutes before the break when he fired into the side netting at the far post.

A sign of Mourinho's displeasure with his team's failure to break down Rovers saw him make a double substitution in the 54th minute - Florent Malouda replacing Wright-Phillips and Mikel John Obi taking over from Steve Sidwell.

The change almost brought instant results when Belletti's cross was turned in by Kalou but was controversially ruled out by referee Howard Webb for offside.

The decision sparked uproar on the bench, with Mourinho and assistant Steve Clarke berating the fourth official Peter Walton and remonstrating with him to look at the touchline TV screen.

It ended with Webb having to ask Mourinho to calm down, but TV replays suggested the Chelsea manager had a good case for the goal looked to be perfectly legal.

The controversial moment brought the game to life, with Chelsea fans making clear their dislike of Webb's decision with constant abuse and barracking.

Savage took advantage of some sloppy Chelsea defending to force Cech into a fine one-handed save in the 76th minute, but moments later Kalou sent a shot inches wide of the target at the opposite end.

Then, six minutes from time, a Shevchenko header from a cross by Malouda was brilliantly saved by Friedel. However, the Ukrainian striker's boot met the head of Samba as he tried to control the rebound and the Rovers player was stretchered off with a serious injury.

Shevchenko's effort was to be Chelsea's last real effort of the game as stubborn Rovers held on for a point.

• Mourinho rages at disallowed goal

Jose Mourinho insisted his side were robbed of three points by referee's assistant Peter Kirkup in the 0-0 draw at home to Blackburn.

Kirkup flagged Salomon Kalou's second half `goal' offside to the fury of Mourinho who says he will be waiting for the linesman to call him and apologise for his decision tomorrow morning.

Chelsea had failed to break down a stubborn Rovers side until Juliano Belletti's cross was turned home by the Ivorian striker.

But referee Howard Webb, acting on Kirkup's flag, disallowed the goal - a decision which sparked anger on the touchline with Mourinho berating the fourth official Peter Walton and urging him to look at TV replays.

Mourinho appeared to have a case as Kalou looked behind the line of the ball as Belletti drilled his low cross into the six-yard box.

A fuming Mourinho said: 'We scored a great goal. Only the linesman can tell us why he disallowed the goal.

'It was so obvious but I cannot understand it. If the linesman wants to explain, then maybe it would be a good thing.

'I told the linesman I would be waiting for his phone call to apologise.

'The game is over and we lost two points. I have only good things to say about my players. A team without big ammunition, without the two target strikers, Didier Drogba and Claudio Pizarro.

'A team without a top scorer like Frank Lampard and without that kind of ammunition, the team still played well against a team that fought a lot to keep a clean sheet and go home with a point.

'Blackburn are a team I respect because they fought a lot. But Chelsea were the best team, my players were brave and we scored a great goal.

'Blackburn started the game very well but Chelsea pushed them back. In the last 20 minutes, our attacking was massive.'

Chelsea have failed to score in their last two games and while Mourinho admits it is not good enough, he still claimed the goal against Rovers should have stood.

'We have scored one goal in the last two matches,' he maintained.

'One goal. For a team that has dominated possession in those two games, it is not enough, I agree. But both Villa and Blackburn defended very well.

'Brad Friedel made two fantastic saves today but we played well enough with a great spirit and attitude and I am sure the goals will come.'

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes was delighted with a point but admitted their success was overshadowed by a serious head injury to defender Christopher Samba.

He was accidentally kicked in the head by Andriy Shevchenko late in the game and after a lengthy delay, was taken to hospital where he later regained consciousness and had planned to travel back on the plane with the first team squad.

Understandably, Hughes did not share Mourinho's version of events where Kalou's `goal' was concerned.

Hughes said: 'The goal was offside. He was only about half a yard or so, but he was offside.

'From our point of view we are happy that it was offside. It would have been difficult for us to come back into the game if we had conceded at that point. But the assistant referee immediately put his flag up and that usually means he is pretty certain himself.

'Obviously Chelsea won't be too happy with that but if you watch it again, I think you will see it is offside.

'I thought we showed some great qualities in the second half. I have sensed a different mentality in the dressing room and the qualities the group are showing at the moment enable us to come to places like Stamford Bridge and get something from a game many people would not expect you to.

'We are absolutely delighted but the one negative thing from our point of view is the injury to Chris Samba.

'We hope it is not going to be too serious. I don't know if he had come round in the dressing room but was on his way to hospital. He got a kick on the back of the head but we hope he is going to be okay.'

A Chelsea spokesman later confirmed: 'Chris Samba has come round at the hospital and is talking.

'It is hoped he will be well enough to travel home with the rest of the squad on the plane on Saturday evening.'

England 3-0 Israel: First Wembley win

2007-09-08T23:34:00.000-07:00

England 3-0 Israel: First Wembley win

Steve McClaren's England finally flexed their muscles as they overwhelmed Israel to breathe fresh life into their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
AdamDavy/Empics
Shaun Wright-Phillips fires in the opening goal

Shaun Wright-Phillips' first competitive goal for the Three Lions put them on the road to a convincing win before half-time, with Michael Owen and Micah Richards completing a one-sided triumph after the break.

Yet, it was not just the scoreline that afforded McClaren a satisfied smile at the final whistle, more the thrilling manner of victory.

Certainly all those who called for the England coach's head during a turbulent spring campaign which included a disappointing draw against these same opponents in Tel Aviv may now need to pause for thought, even if their opinions will not be changed completely until a place in next summer's Finals is assured.

It now appears a double-header with Russia, the first encounter of which takes place at Wembley on Wednesday, holds the key to a trip to Austria and Switzerland.

No side coached by Guus Hiddink can be taken lightly but in this mood, England must fancy their chances.

There were heroes all over the field. Richards again betraying his tender years with another mature performance which nudges him closer to ousting Gary Neville as McClaren's first-choice right-back.

Man of the match Wright-Phillips has emerged from the wilderness at Chelsea and is now regularly embarking on those dangerous mazy runs which persuaded Jose Mourinho to pay £21million for him. On the other flank, Joe Cole begged the question why Mourinho is ignoring him.

And then there was Emile Heskey, another media whipping boy, exiting to a standing ovation from an upbeat, enthusiastic and delighted crowd who have become so accustomed to jeering their team in recent times.

The change of atmosphere and mood - with the notable exception of a sustained negative reaction for debutant David Bentley, who snubbed England's Under-21 side this summer - are manna from heaven for McClaren, who wants to turn Wembley into a fortress and as he strode into the home dressing room to deliver his half-time verdict, he could have had only one complaint, namely, why was the game not wrapped up?

Having seen his team perform so well in the opening 45 minutes and watched his gamble in selecting Heskey pay off handsomely, it must have been slightly frustrating the interval advantage was a single goal.

Heskey was one of the obvious culprits, blazing an early opportunity over before nodding Steven Gerrard's far-post corner wide.

Yet criticism of the Wigan man would be harsh in the extreme.

Heskey may have his faults but it was obvious for all to see why McClaren wanted turned to him once Frank Lampard had been ruled out.

His sheer physical presence was enough to unnerve an Israel defence which, occupied by trying to keep his mountainous frame at bay, opened up like a paper bag for England's nippier attacking talents.

Owen would have profited had he not crashed a volley straight into the face of Israeli keeper Dudu Aouate, who also saved well from impressive full-back Richards and Ashley Cole.

At the other end, Paul Robinson was a virtual spectator, given no chance at all to prove McClaren made the correct decision to stick with him.

Yet, for all the hosts' dominance, all they had to show for their efforts was Wright-Phillips' wonderfully crafted effort.

Joe Cole was the architect, showing the tigerish quality normally associated with his captain John Terry, to win possession close to the Israel box.

He then stepped onto his favoured right foot before picking out Wright-Phillips with a superb angled ball which dropped beyond the visitors defence.

Wright-Phillips' finish was executed to perfection and though Israel were convinced the Chelsea man was offside, TV replays proved he had timed his run just right.

McClaren's half-time mantra must surely have been for his team to kill the game off quickly. If so, the response was immediate as Owen proved 18 months of injury hell have done nothing to dim his predatory powers.

Gareth Barry, another effective performer after being handed the midfield spot Owen Hargreaves' thigh injury prevented him from occupying, created the opportunity with rolled pass into Owen's feet.

Stood on the edge of the box with his back to goal, Owen still had plenty to do. Yet, with an inspired first touch, the Newcastle forward gave himself the chance to turn and smashed his 38th England goal into the top corner.

If Owen is accustomed to finding the net, the most notable goal of Richards' fledgling career prior to this evening came accompanied by a never-to-be-forgotten four-letter reaction on live TV.

The Manchester City teenager will surely get many chances to atone for that mistake judging by the way he rose to power home Gerrard's corner.

Sweden 0-0 Denmark: Scandinavian stalemate

STOCKHOLM, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Sweden drew 0-0 with Denmark on Saturday to remain top of Euro 2008 Group F qualifying.

The home team had a handful of opportunities to score, most of them in the first half, but Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen denied striker Johan Elmander and midfielders Christian Wilhelmsson and Kennedy Bakircioglu.

'With the chances we had we deserved to win,' Sweden coach Lars Lagerback told reporters. 'Sorensen made a couple of unbelievable saves.

'We're in a good position (to qualify). It would be a lie to say anything else.'

The draw gave Sweden 19 points from eight matches. Denmark have 11 points from seven.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was in sparkling form, also went close for Sweden with a low shot that went narrowly wide in the 42nd minute.

Ibrahimovic was booked for punching Denmark winger Jesper Gronkjaer in the back in the second half. The yellow card means the Inter Milan striker will be suspended for the next qualifier against Liechtenstein.

'That's unfortunate,' Lagerback said.

Wenger teases fans with new contract hint

2007-09-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Wenger teases fans with new contract hint

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects there will be a development in his contract negotiations on Thursday or Friday this week.

Click here
The Frenchman's current deal expires at the end of this season and there had been speculation that close ally David Dein's departure from the board last season might make him think twice before agreeing new terms.

But Wenger, who has been with Arsenal since 1996, says he feels a 'responsibility' to the young side he is building at the Emirates Stadium and now looks almost certain to stay on.

'Am I still motivated to go on at Arsenal? Yes absolutely. I am very motivated,' Wenger told RMC radio.

'With all the young players I signed, I feel a kind of responsibility.

'I am in talks with Arsenal. I can't see any drawback to extend. There will be some news on Thursday or Friday.'

Wenger believes some of the up-and-coming stars have stepped up their game since the departure of talisman striker Thierry Henry to Barcelona this summer.

'We had a nice start to the season. We still have our technical game, and we have a young team that has got a little more experience,' Wenger said.

'We lost the star of our club, Thierry Henry, so it has changed something indeed.

'But you know maybe it has pushed the youngsters to take on more responsibilities.

'It is a little early to take stock after three matches at home. Our real challenges will be away from home against the big teams.'

Redknapp tips Gunners for championship tilt

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp backed Arsenal to challenge for the Premier League title after his side were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates.

And Redknapp understands Arsene Wenger's reluctance to spend big on transfers after watching the young Gunners, assembled for under £30million, cruise to a dazzling victory.

Emmanuel Adebayor rifled home the opener from the spot after David James had brought down Robin van Persie and the impressive Cesc Fabregas added the second from close range.

A quick free-kick from Fabregas then enabled Tomas Rosicky to score before a 62nd-minute strike from Kanu gave Pompey some reward for an afternoon of toil.

Only the 50th-minute dismissal of Philippe Senderos darkened Arsenal's day, with the Swiss defender shown a straight red for blocking Kanu.

Former Gunners vice chairman David Dein had declared the club needs a 'huge injection of cash' if they are to avoid getting left behind by their bigger spending-rivals.

But Redknapp believes the current squad is capable of dethroning champions Manchester United.

He said: 'I don't know if Arsene has to spend money. He's got talented young players here. They bring these kids in from everywhere.

'I don't think he needs to spend massive money. Van Persie and Adebayor are two fantastic players. They are a threat to anybody. Then there are also people like Fabregas. Their side is full of quality.

'When they move the ball and pass it, there is no-one better than Arsenal. They will be right there in the title race. They will be pushing all the way.

'The two wide players Rosicky and Alexander Hleb are fantastic and their quality on the ball is incredible.'

Wenger revealed Arsenal's third league victory of the season, which lifts them to second in the table, was a joy to watch.

'We are super ambitious and of course that creates a pressure but we can live with that,' he said. 'This team has been built to have an offensive personality. That means it is very important they express themselves.

'When you watch a game, you see that. We always try to go forward, even with 10 men and two minutes to go. I personally enjoy watching my team play like that. You don't cheat people.

'They feel the vibes coming out of the team when they sit in the stands. They sense when there is something positive coming out of the team.'

Blackburn 1-1 Arsenal

2007-08-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Blackburn 1-1 Arsenal
PA

Arsenal were left to rue a moment of carelessness by goalkeeper Jens Lehmann which gifted Blackburn a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.

GettyImages
Blackburn 'keeper Brad Friedal keeps Eduardo Da Silva away from goal.

He allowed Blackburn to secure a point when he flapped at a shot from David Dunn and watched in disbelief as it nestled in the net.

It was the second time this season the German has been punished for a lack of concentration. On the opening day of the season he allowed Fulham's David Healy to score from close range.

Arsenal went on to secure a victory against their London neighbours but were not so fortunate in Lancashire after Robin van Persie had given them the lead.

• Wenger fury at Blackburn 'violence'

The only sour note for Blackburn was the dismissal of skipper Ryan Nelsen for two yellow cards.

Arsenal took the lead in the 18th minute when Van Persie took advantage of some sloppy defending to score.

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel failed to deal with Eduardo Da Silva's shot after Theo Walcott had headed the ball on.

Nelsen and David Dunn both had chances to clear but failed to do so and Van Persie took advantage his second goal of the season

It was just the start Arsenal wanted after their Champions League victory against Sparta Prague in midweek.

However manager Arsene Wenger was forced to make a change in the 25th minute with William Gallas limping off and replaced by Philippe Senderos.

Blackburn almost drew level in the 34th minute following a free-kick from David Bentley.

He picked out Christopher Samba at the back post and the towering defender headed the ball back across the area.

Nelsen was the first to react and powered the ball forward only to see his effort come back off the post.

Blackburn, though, were still looking vulnerable at the back and a mistake by Stephen Warnock let in Walcott with Nelsen dragged out of position.

Walcott was in two minds whether to shoot or cross and failed to trouble Friedel in the home goal.

The Arsenal youngster sent a harmless ball across the face of the area and Van Persie was unable to get a touch.

Then Senderos delivered a goal-bound header a minute before the break only to see Samba make the clearance.

Bentley then tried to curl a free-kick beyond Lehmann in the 53rd minute but his effort fail to trouble the goalkeeper.

This was a good spell by Blackburn and Roque Santa Cruz sent a header narrowly wide of the post in the 57th minute following a free-kick from Bentley.

Derbyshire then almost equalised three minutes later when he got on the end of a cross from Bentley but Toure made a vital interception.

There was controversy in the 62nd minute when Cesc Fabregas handled Samba's effort on the line but referee Alan Wiley awarded Arsenal a free-kick for an infringement.

Lehmann had to look lively in the 66th minute to push away an inswinging free-kick driven at pace from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Then came his howler which allowed Dunn to score his first goal in his second spell for the club.

Blackburn were growing in confidence and Pedersen made space down the left only to find the side-netting with his shot.

However they were reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute when Nelsen picked up his second yellow card of the game for a challenge on Van Persie.

Blackburn, though, kept their shape to take a point and continue their good start to the season.

• Wenger fury at Blackburn 'violence'

Arsene Wenger accused Blackburn of waging 'violence' against his Arsenal side at Ewood Park.

It was a charge dismissed by his managerial counterpart Mark Hughes after a feisty 1-1 draw.

Wenger said: 'I felt there was a desire for violence more than commitment in some of the challenges.

'We were very resilient against a team that was over-physical. We dealt well with the problem we had.

'My team showed the correct attitude and we are frustrated because we should be going home with the three points.

'We did well and had some good chances to score a second goal here.'

Skipper Ryan Nelsen was sent off after picking up two yellow cards but Hughes retorted: 'That attitude (by Wenger) surprises me. The worst challenge was by Van Persie on Stephen Warnock.'

Van Persie opened the scoring with his second goal in two league games when he took advantage of some sloppy defending after Brad Friedel failed to take the ball cleanly.

But Blackburn earned a point when goalkeeper Jens Lehmann spilled a shot from David Dunn and enabled the midfielder to score his first goal in his second spell for the club.

It is the second time this season the German has been punished for a lapse in concentration.

On the opening day he gifted a goal to Fulham's David Healy but Arsenal recovered and went on to secure a victory.

They were not so fortunate in Lancashire but Wenger, who saw defender William Gallas suffer a groin injury, refused to condemn his goalkeeper.

He said: 'Jens is really unhappy and really down in the dressing room.

'I do not need to tell him, though, he has made a mistake. We do not want to blame him. We want to keep the positives.

'While we conceded a bad goal overall we dealt well with set pieces and long balls.

'Blackburn is a difficult place to come and it is not a bad result for us.'

Hughes was delighted at the way Blackburn went about their business and refused to grumble about failing to get what appeared to be a clear penalty.

Cesc Fabregas handled a shot from Christopher Samba on the line but referee Alan Wiley awarded a free-kick to Arsenal for a mysterious infringement.

Wiley seemed to struggle with the physical nature of the game and dished out eight yellow cards as well as the red to Nelsen.

Hughes said: 'It was very competitive and I thought we dominated the game. We were the better side.

'Arsenal's key personnel did not cause us problems and we could have snatched a victory.

'We showed great character and equipped ourselves well against a top side. It sets down a marker as far as I am concerned.

'I am really delighted by the manner of our performance as we played the better football.'<

Match Stats
Blackburn Arsenal
Shots (on Goal) 10(4) 11(3)
Fouls 19 15
Corner Kicks 5 4
Offsides 5 2
Time of Possession 49% 51%
Yellow Cards 4 4
Red Cards 1 0
Saves 3 8

Teams
Blackburn Arsenal
1 Brad Friedel Jens Lehmann 1
6 Ryan Nelsen Gael Clichy 22
4 Christopher Samba William Gallas 10
3 Stephen Warnock Bacary Sagna 3
11 David Bentley Kolo Toure 5
19 David Dunn Francesc Fabregas 4
7 Brett Emerton Mathieu Flamini 16
12 Morten Gamst Pedersen Alexander Hleb 13
8 Robbie Savage Da Silva Eduardo 9
27 Matt Derbyshire Robin Van Persie 11
9 Roque Santa Cruz Theo Walcott 32
Substitutes
32 Jason Brown Manuel Almunia 24
2 Andre Ooijer Philippe Senderos 6
5 Tugay Kerimoglu Neves Denilson 15
10 Benedict McCarthy Alexandre Song Billong 17
30 Jason Roberts Nicklas Bendtner 26
Substitutions
A Ooijer for M Derbyshire (85)
P Senderos for W Gallas (24)
B McCarthy for R Santa Cruz (88)
N Denilson for D Eduardo (65)
N Bendtner for T Walcott (73)
Yellow Cards
David Bentley (24)
Mathieu Flamini (29)
Christopher Samba (30)
Da Silva Eduardo (65)
Robbie Savage (45)
Gael Clichy (66)
Ryan Nelsen (60)
Robin Van Persie (74)
Red Cards
Ryan Nelsen (84)

· Club Squads: Blackburn | Arsenal

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

2007-08-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
PA

Liverpool and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw which suggested the Barclays Premier League season could be a war of attrition right to the end.

Empics
Fernando Torres slips the ball past Petr Cech for the first goal.

The two clubs have played each other 16 times in three seasons and familiarity clearly breeds contempt with nine bookings and Hampshire referee Rob Styles coming in for flak from both sets of players as he fought to maintain order.

Fernando Torres' excellent first goal for Liverpool was all but forgotten as the yellow cards were waved, five for Chelsea and four for Liverpool. Captains Steven Gerrard and John Terry were among the bookings.

• Benitez laments 'unbelievable' decision

Chelsea battled away after going behind and were rewarded with a controversial penalty that Frank Lampard drove past Jose Reina.

Steve Finnan was adjudged to have brought down Florent Malouda, but the incident looked more like the Frenchman jumping between Finnan and Jamie Carragher before crashing to the ground.

The incident set the tone for the rest of a fractious match in which Styles almost lost control. In the latter stages he appeared to book Michael Essien for a second time without sending off the Ghanaian only for the fourth official reveal the booking had been issued to Terry.

Broken toe or not, Gerrard was there to skipper Liverpool against a Chelsea side who had their own captain Terry back from injury.

It was never a cordial meeting between international skipper and his deputy, the pair involved in frequent verbal exchanges during an increasingly feisty clash.

Chelsea included Essien in their defence, who was pressed into service despite a groin injury because Jose Mourinho was without defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira.

Chelsea used Essien at right-back and John Obi Mikel as a holding midfielder, with Salomon Kalou trying to push on from midfield to aid Didier Drogba.

Malouda, who chose Chelsea ahead of Liverpool when he moved from Lyon in the summer, and Shaun Wright-Phillips were also quick to attack in a brave Mourinho system.

Liverpool went for a straight-forward 4-4-2 with Riise keen to exploit any unfamiliarity to right-back from Essien.

And the threat was demonstrated when Riise appeared in yards of space to take a Steve Finnan cross-field ball only for Petr Cech to come flying off his line to avert the danger.

Essien was booked for sending Alvaro Arbeloa flying on the touchline, then Chelsea's vulnerability on their right flank saw them a goal behind on 16 minutes.

Gerrard played the ball with the outside of his right foot, finding Torres heading into the area.

The Spain international took on Tal Ben-Haim, leaving the ex-Bolton man in just a couple of yards before squeezing a clever side-foot shot just inside Cech's far post.

Anfield went wild and the £20million man was an instant hero as he was mobbed by his delirious colleagues.

Chelsea responded with a Drogba free-kick that was deflected wide and Kalou saw a six-yard box chance disappear as he failed to shoot quickly.

Gerrard mopped up with a ferocious challenge on Drogba to clear.

The match got more heated and Dirk Kuyt was booked for a trip on Lampard.

The atmosphere deteriorated further after Chelsea complaints to referee Rob Styles over challenges on Malouda and Terry, the latter involved in an exchange of words with the perpetrator, Torres.

Pennant was then booked for dissent after being penalised for a foul.

Gerrard was next into the book for a foul on Mikel, the half ending with Torres limping away after a heavy challenge and plenty of exchanges between England colleagues on both sides.

Chelsea brought on Claudio Pizarro for Kalou at the break, to provide better support for Drogba. And the Peruvian made an instant impact.

First he nodded on a Lampard corner for Terry to head just over, and then he stretched at the far post to head wide himself.

Much of Liverpool's play in the opening half was geared to containment, but they were more adventurous attacking the Kop end and Gerrard and Xabi Alonso both saw chances go wide while a Riise free-kick was charged down.

But on 61 minutes, Chelsea were level from the penalty spot. It was a controversial decision by referee Styles to penalise Steve Finnan for a challenge on Malouda.

It looked as if Malouda had jumped between Finnan and Carragher before tumbling and Carragher was booked for arguing before Lampard drove the spot-kick home.

The bookings continued and Ben-Haim's for dissent soon after was the third caution in four minutes.

On 67 minutes, Ryan Babel replaced Pennant, who had just set up Riise for a power drive just wide.

Lampard was soon booked for dissent, with Terry following, Chelsea fuming at what they perceived as a Torres dive looking for a free-kick.

There was more argument involving Essien before the free-kick went Liverpool's way. The Ghanian appeared to be booked for a second time but Styles later confirmed that only Terry had been yellow-carded.

What was certain was that the game had deteriorated into a nasty, spiteful battle.

Cech did well to keep out a close-range Riise effort as Liverpool pressed again. Crouch taking over from Riise with seven minutes left.

Kuyt's flicked header just cleared the bar before Alex came on for his Chelsea debut in place of Malouda.

Chelsea were now intent on the point, which they achieved after Babel skimmed a late effort inches wide.

• Benitez laments 'unbelievable' decision

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard accused referee Rob Styles of cracking under pressure from Chelsea players when he awarded a highly-controversial penalty which saw the visitors earn a draw at Anfield.

Fernando Torres netted with a fine side-footed effort after just 16 minutes, and Liverpool looked to be on course to repeat last season's league victory over the then-champions at Anfield.

But in the second period Frank Lampard belted home a penalty, controversially given for a challenge by Steve Finnan on Florent Malouda.

Asked if his side deserved to win, Gerrard said: 'I think so. I think a very, very unfair decision has got Chelsea a point today. But I think we proved today we are capable of challenging.

'I felt the referee didn't play well today. There was a lot of pressure from the Chelsea players and I thought he eventually cracked.'

Asked about his slim chances of overcoming a broken toe to play in England's friendly against Germany on Wednesday, Gerrard said: 'I looked fit today because I had a painkilling injection to play. I need to rest to be ready for the England qualifiers.

'I've spoken to Steve McClaren a couple of times and I'll speak to him tomorrow I suppose.

'The sensible thing is to make sure you are ready for big games.

'If the x-ray tomorrow shows the crack has healed, I'll be playing for England. But I can't see it because three days ago I had an x-ray and I'd broken a toe.'An irate Rafael Benitez described Styles' decision as 'unbelievable'. 'I think it was a mistake.

'Unbelievable. How can you change a game like this?'

Asked if he challenged Styles about the decision after the match, the Spaniard said: 'No. It is clear, he can watch the video. He may understand why we are so disappointed. Unbelievable.'

Benitez took positives from his side's performance, however.

'We had some chances against a very good team. The game was under control but this kind of decision, you cannot explain.

'Maybe he was under pressure all the time. I prefer not to say too much.'

Benitez's Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho insisted Styles had 'a positive game'.

However, the Portuguese reserved judgement on the penalty decision in his side's favour. He said: 'I don't know. But so many times you are unfortunate, especially in this stadium with referees' decisions, I don't know. I think it is a difficult game for referees.

'Not every player on the pitch was trying to help the referee. A couple of them, maybe because of their different culture, didn't help the referee. But two big teams at Anfield is not easy.

'Overall Mr Styles had a positive game.'

Mourinho talked of his adventurous team selection and formation but admitted he was happy to play for a point in the last five minutes.

'I think it is difficult to play here because they are a good team and it is a positive result for us, especially because we were losing.'

Match Stats
Liverpool Chelsea
Shots (on Goal) 19(8) 8(2)
Fouls 11 16
Corner Kicks 5 2
Offsides 3 1
Time of Possession 56% 44%
Yellow Cards 4 5
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 0 5

Teams
Liverpool Chelsea
25 Jose Reina Petr Cech 1
5 Daniel Agger Tal Ben-Haim 22
17 Alvaro Arbeloa Ashley Cole 3
23 Jamie Carragher John Terry 26
3 Steve Finnan Michael Essien 5
14 Xabi Alonso Frank Lampard 8
8 Steven Gerrard Florent Malouda 15
16 Jermaine Pennant Mikel John Obi 12
6 John Arne Riise Shaun Wright-Phillips 24
18 Dirk Kuyt Didier Drogba 11
9 Fernando Torres Salomon Kalou 21
Substitutes
30 Charles Itandje Carlo Cudicini 23
4 Sami Hyypia Alex 33
20 Javier Mascherano Joe Cole 10
19 Ryan Babel Claude Makelele 4
15 Peter Crouch Claudio Pizarro 14
Substitutions
R Babel for J Pennant (68)
C Pizarro for S Kalou (46)
P Crouch for J Riise (83)
J Cole for S Wright-Phillips (77)
Alex for F Malouda (85)
Yellow Cards
Dirk Kuyt (30)
Michael Essien (12)
Jermaine Pennant (40)
Ashley Cole (59)
Steven Gerrard (43)
Tal Ben-Haim (63)
Jamie Carragher (61)
Frank Lampard (70)
John Terry (74)
· Club Squads: Liverpool | Chelsea

Gilberto shocked not to get Gunners captaincy & Blackburn v Arsenal: Preview

2007-08-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Gilberto shocked not to get Gunners captaincy

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has admitted he was 'surprised' to be overlooked for the Gunners captaincy this season.

The 30-year-old led Arsene Wenger's side for much of last season in the absence of the injured Thierry Henry, who has since left the club.

And the Brazilian has revealed his shock when he found out Wenger had opted to give the armband to defender William Gallas - via the internet.

'Of course I was surprised because I was captain all last season when Henry didn't play, and after his move to Barcelona I naturally thought I would be this time,' he told the Daily Star.

'Arsene is the manager and it is his decision and I have to accept that. Life goes on and I will get on with my job like I always have.

'But I was surprised he didn't speak to me about his decision. He had the time to do it because I was at the training ground before it was made public.

'He didn't say anything to me and I just found out about it that evening when I saw it on the Arsenal website.

'I wasn't upset about not being captain, but I was about the way I learnt about it.'

He added: 'I will give the same commitment to the club that I always have. This is an important season.'

Blackburn v Arsenal: Preview
PA

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes insists there is no longer any bad blood between his side and Arsenal.

The Gunners travel to Ewood Park with memories of last season's bitter FA Cup defeat at the hands of Rovers still fresh in their minds.

After a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium, Cesc Fabregas made insulting remarks to Hughes' face and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was also uncomplimentary about Blackburn following their 1-0 win in the replay.

Hughes claims, however, that those events are in the past.

He said: 'We won through last season in the cup after a great strike from Benni McCarthy.

'People seem to forget a few weeks before that we had been beaten by six goals at the Emirates. We went back there with a gameplan, got the job done, Benni was available for the replay and he made the difference.'

Asked about the responses of Fabregas and Wenger, the Rovers boss added: 'In fairness to the young man he apologised afterwards in the dressing room and that was the end of it as far as I am concerned.

'When managers get beat they tend to look at the game from their point of view and I'm guilty of that as well. After you have had a painful defeat it can be difficult to give credit to the opposing team and you have to recognise that.'

Blackburn will give McCarthy a full check-up to ensure he has recovered from concussion before including him in the squad.

The South African striker suffered a head injury at Middlesbrough last weekend and was taken to hospital following the game.

If he is passed fit, Hughes may select him to partner Roque Santa Cruz for the first time.

Hughes said: 'All my strikers can play together in different combinations and Roque and Benni certainly have that capacity.

'Benni likes to come off and get involved in the build-up and Roque goes long and gives us an aerial threat.'

Wenger hopes Arsenal can build up some early-season momentum with another victory - but knows there is still plenty of football to be played in the race for the Barclays Premier League title.

The Gunners were in European action earlier this week and so have now played a league match less than rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.

With Liverpool - also entered in the Champions League qualifiers - hosting the Blues on Sunday and United looking for their first win of the campaign in the Manchester derby at Eastlands, it could be just the opportunity for Wenger's men to strike an early psychological blow.

The Arsenal manager, however, knows there is a long road ahead between now and May next year.

'We will try - but you will have to play Chelsea and Liverpool as well at some stage,' he said. 'We want to have a good run and get good momentum.

'We had a good tournament at the Emirates and in Ajax, a good start against Fulham and it is a big relief to have got the result in the Champions League.

'We are not in yet, but we have made a good first step.'

Wenger rejected suggestions defending champions United were now lagging behind in this season's race for top spot.

'I do not think you can read much into that already,' he said.

'Manchester United had a difficult start against Reading, but 1-1 at Portsmouth is not a bad performance. Everybody can drop points at Portsmouth.'

Wenger accepts the pundits have given his young side little chance to regain the title last won in such style four seasons ago.

However, the French coach is confident they can prove the doubters wrong.

'Everybody has written us off before the championship started and we want to show everybody we have a good chance to do it - but we have only played one game. We will learn more in 20 games,' the Arsenal boss said.

'I believe we are mature enough to be title winners, but the competition is very high.'

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor could return to the squad in time for the visit of Manchester City next weekend.

Summer signing Eduardo da Silva could make his debut at Ewood Park if the Croatian shakes off his ankle problem and passes a fitness test.

Wenger said: 'I am not sure if he will start. At the moment I am tempted to say no, but he will be in the squad.

'If he is okay physically that means there's no big pain in his ankle, but I will see. He is a brave player.'

Wenger - Sparta will be stronger this time around

2007-08-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Wenger - Sparta will be stronger this time around
By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger believes Sparta Prague will be a stronger proposition in the Champions League this year than when Arsenal played them in 2005/06.

This morning’s draw for the Third Qualification Round threw up a repeat of the group games from two years ago. Back then, Arsenal won easily on both occasions and, famously, the away tie saw Thierry Henry break Ian Wright’s goal-scoring record for the Club.

However, speaking exclusively to Arsenal TV Online in Amsterdam this afternoon, Wenger argued it will be a tougher task this time around.

“I feel they will be different,” said the Frenchman. “They have rebuilt their squad now and they seem to be stronger.

“I watched the draw live on television and you could see every tie is difficult now. But I feel Sparta Prague has two advantages for us. Firstly it is not too far. Secondly we are likely to play [the first leg] on the Wednesday and it could have caught us to play on the Tuesday.

“Overall we know that the rest is just about putting in a good performance. Sparta have a good knowledge of the competition. When there is an experience in the opposition club it is always a difficult game but we still feel we have enough quality to have a good chance to go through.

Arsenal TV Online subscribers can hear the full audio interview now where Arsène Wenger talks about his side’s chances in the Champions League this season, comparisons between the 2006 qualification and his recollections of Henry’s night in Prague back in 2005.

Wenger - Eduardo relieved to get work permit

By Richard Clarke

If you look in the record books it will say Eduardo started his Arsenal career on July 3, 2007. In fact it began yesterday.

Arsène Wenger was at Soho Square in the afternoon putting forward the Croatian’s case over his work permit application. The Arsenal manager then flew to the Netherlands to guide his team through their opening game of the Amsterdam Tournament.

An hour or so before kick-off news filtered through that Eduardo had been granted his papers. An hour or so after kick-off the 24-year-old nodded home his first strike for his new club.

“Yes, Eduardo got his work permit today and celebrated with his first goal,” said Wenger after the 2-1 win over Lazio.

“When we got the news you could see it was important to him because there was relief on his face.

“He could have scored two or three in the game tonight. He is good in the air for a small guy and could have got another header too.

“I am pleased because it is always good that this period [without a goal] does not last too long. Otherwise people start to question your capability to score.”

Bendtner fires Arsenal to Emirates Cup win

2007-07-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

Bendtner fires Arsenal to Emirates Cup win

Arsenal 2-1 Paris St Germain
Arsene Wenger's current Arsenal side are very much still a work in progress but there were a few glimpses against Paris St Germain on Saturday afternoon that life without Thierry Henry may not just be so bad.

MikeHewitt/GettyImages
Nicklas Bendtner shoots at goal against PSG

The Emirates Cup - which opened with a 2-1 win for the hosts - at least gives the Gunners boss further chance to tinker as he fine tunes preparations for the battles ahead over the coming nine months.

Goals from Mathieu Flamini and Niklas Bendtner were enough for the Gunners before Peguy Luyindula pulled a goal back.

Arsenal were outplayed for large spells at times during the first half, before snatching the lead in stoppage time through Flamini.

However, this was a team missing summer signing Eduardo da Silva, the Brazilian-born Croatian international awaiting the outcome of next week's appeal to the Home Office for a work permit.

• Wenger still wants new recruits

Neither Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky nor Theo Walcott featured against the French side - all of whom are set to play an integral part next season and should return for the Amsterdam Tournament in a week's time.

Gilberto, meanwhile, has been given extra time off after Brazil's Copa America triumph this summer and is another of Wenger's key men ready to step back into the breach.

Of those who did turn out this afternoon, Bendtner, the young Danish striker, certainly caught the eye.

A season on loan at Birmingham in the Championship was certainly time well spent.

Bendtner, 19, showed he has plenty of hunger, strength and enough raw talent to be more than just a bit-part player next season, his chest down setting up the opening goal before he doubled Arsenal's lead from close range with 20 minutes left.

However, the 19-year-old knows he must do better when presented with one-on-one chances like he was during the second half - and certainly from the penalty spot after a weak kick was easily saved late on.

Full-back Bacary Sagna, meanwhile, produced a solid display for a home debut even if he was somewhat reluctant to get forward as much as his half-time replacement Emmanuel Eboue.

Cesc Fabregas - whose name seems to have replaced Henry's on the back of the majority of the Arsenal shirts in the stands - was, however, somewhat subdued during his brief first half appearance.

By the time the visit of Fulham comes around for the Barclays Premier League opener on August 12, though, Wenger knows all of his men must be at their very best if they are to reach the only 'acceptable' target of again mounting a sustained title challenge over the entire campaign.

Despite the absence of Eduardo - who has a hearing on August 2 at which Wenger is 'optimistic' they will be granted clearance - Arsenal were at least able to field fit-again Robin van Persie, who had been sidelined since January.

Kolo Toure took the captain's armband, with fellow leader-in-waiting William Gallas starting on the bench.

It was PSG - managed by former Rangers boss Paul Le Guen - who created the first good opening after 10 minutes.

Luyindula got clear on the left and sent over a low cross, which Pierre-Alain Frau drilled just wide.

Luyindula then somehow contrived to miss the target from 10 yards having weaved his way into the Arsenal penalty area.

That let off seemed to spark the hosts into life as Van Persie was tripped on the edge of the area following a powerful run.

The Dutchman took the resulting free-kick himself but blasted over.

As the interval approached, Toure made a hash of an attempted clearance on the edge of the Arsenal area - kicking the ball up over his head and straight to Pauleta.

The PSG captain tried to lob Almunia but the Spanish keeper pulled off an acrobatic one-handed save.

In first-half injury-time, Arsenal snatched the lead from a corner which was not cleared properly.

When the ball was swept back into the box Bendtner showed great strength to chest it down into the path of Flamini, who stretched to volley into the bottom right corner off the post.

As predicted, Wenger made sweeping changes for the start of the second half - replacing Fabregas as well as goalscorer Flamini, who could have left the club in the summer.

As the hour-mark passed Clichy's through-ball released Bendtner but, after holding off his marker, the Dane spurned the one-on-one with the keeper as he opened his body and put the ball wide.

However, after 70 minutes he made no mistake, stabbing in from two yards after keeper Mickael Landreau had failed to hold onto his knockdown from a corner.

A near-post finish from Luyindula pulled one back for PSG, and there was still time for Bendtner to miss a late penalty after Alexander Hleb was fouled.

Clearly much hard work now lies ahead for Wenger and his men, who face Inter Milan here on Sunday afternoon - but on today's evidence, it may well provide some just rewards.

# Wenger still wants new recruits

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remains hopeful of bringing in a couple more fresh faces before the new campaign kicks off.

The Gunners continued their pre-season schedule with the Emirates Cup this afternoon, where they beat Paris St Germain 2-1 with goals from Mathieu Flamini and Nicklas Bendtner.

Following the departure of talismanic captain Thierry Henry to Barcelona and veteran midfielder Freddie Ljungberg to West Ham, there have been suggestions Wenger's squad is light on experience.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Chelsea's Lassana Diarra, while the future of winger Jose Antonio Reyes has to be sorted out, with Real Madrid understood to be close to a deal for the player they had on loan last season.

Although Wenger refused to be drawn on specifics when quizzed by reporters this afternoon, the Arsenal manager maintained he was still active in the transfer market.

'We have the potential to do it,' he said of the Gunners' chances of recruiting further.

'If I find the right player, I will take him. If I find two, I will do it.

'But it is not compulsory. If we do not get them, we do not get them. We have enough quality.

'That will not be an excuse if I do not get a player, not to compete.'

Wenger, though, maintains he is not about to move for ex-Gunner Nicolas Anelka, who is known to be keen on a return to the club at which he made his name should the chance arise.

Anelka - now 28 and with Bolton - enjoyed a successful spell with Arsenal and helped fire them to the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998 before joining Real Madrid for £22million a year later.

Wenger has no doubts about the qualities of the French striker, but feels he has enough other attacking options within the squad.

'At the moment I have not made any offer for Anelka,' the Arsenal manager said.

'I felt we had the strikers we needed, and also I wanted a player like Eduardo, who can play on the flanks and with (Emmanuel) Adebayor, or with (Robin) van Persie.

'That is why we have gone for Eduardo, and it was more a question of choice rather than the quality of Anelka, because I rate him very highly.

'It was just we have others who play in the same position.'

Wenger added: 'I can bring in who I want and the board do not interfere in that, unless there is a compulsory financial situation that we cannot afford.'

Wenger's major summer signing was striker Eduardo.

The Brazilian-born Croatia international will not feature this weekend, however, as the club are still awaiting a work permit from the Home Office after an initial application was refused.

Wenger is 'confident' ahead of the appeal on August 2, and revealed the striker would most likely play in the Amsterdam Tournament next weekend, as that is not governed by United Kingdom rules.

'We sign our contracts subject to work permits, so we have not been negligent,' insisted Wenger.

'If the work permit does not happen, we are not in a position where we are obliged to keep the player.'

Wenger will now prepare his side to face Inter Milan on Sunday.

The Arsenal boss was impressed how the squad - missing the likes of Togo striker Adebayor, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott and Gilberto - adapted against a side who begin their domestic season next weekend.

'We had many players out today, and I also left some on the bench,' said Wenger.

'Overall, against a very good Paris team, it was a good, hardworking performance.

'We took control in the second half and won the game normally.'

Wenger added: 'You can learn the different associations you can make in your team, risk things you cannot do in normal championship games.

'You can also discover how close the young players are to competing at the top level, and also see where you stand physically.'

PSG coach Paul Le Guen, meanwhile, feels Arsenal can compete for top honours next season.

The former Rangers boss said: 'I think they will be in a position to play for one of the top places.

'When they are complete and have players like Adebayor up front, they will be very strong.

'Their young players, like [Cesc] Fabregas will also have one more year experience.

'I think Arsenal will be very hard to play and can challenge Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.'

Freddie: Henry leaving helped decision to quit

2007-07-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Freddie: Henry leaving helped decision to quit

West Ham have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.

The Sweden international, 30, had been the Gunners' longest serving player after costing Arsene Wenger's side £3million in 1998 from Halmstads.

Ljungberg joins long time team-mate and star striker Thierry Henry, who signed for Barcelona in June, in leaving the club this summer.

The midfielder played 325 times for Arsenal, scoring 72 goals, but lost his grip on a starting spot last season.

He now joins Julien Faubert, Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy and Richard Wright in moving to Upton Park since the Hammers' dramatic last-day survival last season.

Ljungberg said he left Arsenal because he felt like 'it was the end' for the club as he knew it following Henry's move.

'Two years ago when I signed my last contract we talked a lot about the future and about bringing great players to the club. Despite building the new stadium we wanted to stay top in England and do well in Europe.

'For me that didn't really happen.

'I stayed because I wanted to stay loyal to Arsenal. But when Henry left this summer it felt like the end for me unfortunately.

'I felt like all the unbeaten players (from Arsenal's `invincibles' of 2003/04) had left. I wanted to be loyal but I felt like it was the right time.

But Ljungberg also insisted there were positive reasons behind his decision and insisted he shared owner Eggert Magnusson's vision.

'I'm coming here because I want to build a great team.

'And why I want to join is because of Magnusson. He wants to bring them forward to be top of the country.

'He's willing to go to the transfer market to buy top players and mix them with youth players. West Ham have a great academy.

'He wants to help take the club up and take them to the top in England. It's a big challenge for me.'

Ljungberg claimed it had been a real wrench to leave Arsenal and that manager Arsene Wenger had tried to convince him to stay.

'I've been there for nine years, almost 10 years,' he said.

'It's a big thing for and I feel it in my heart a little bit.

'When I spoke to the boss, he wanted me to stay.

'But at the same time, I feel it had to be something very, very special for me to leave.

'I want to go forward and, with the people I have around me, I think it's going to be really good.'

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley believes Ljungberg was lured after seeing the other moves the club have made in the transfer market this summer.

'We spoke to Freddie over the last week and we tried to sell him the club and what we're about,' Curbishley said.

'He's seen players come in a and push us forward.'

As for Ljungberg's own qualities, Curbishley added: 'He brings a few things, Champions League experience, captain of Sweden, he's versatile.

'There's a hunger there. He wants to come and push West Ham on and be partly responsible for that.

'He's joining another terrific club and that's the way he's got to see it.

'He understands the passion of the club and the passion of the fans and I'm sure he'll be a big hit here.'

Ecclestone not ruling out Arsenal involvement

NUERBURGRING, Germany, July 21 (Reuters) - Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone denied talks with Arsenal about a possible takeover bid on Saturday but said he was always open to offers.

'I don't know too much about that, actually,' the billionaire told Reuters at the European Grand Prix when asked about a report in the Mirror newspaper suggesting he could be interested in the Premier League club.

'It's good if somebody is saying that, because maybe I will be approached and maybe it will be cheap,' added the 76-year-old, who considered buying into Chelsea before the arrival of Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

'I'll buy anything if it's cheap enough,' he said.

'If somebody offers me something that I think is good value, I'll have a go.' Ecclestone confirmed that his daughter Tamara was dating the son of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, who left the club in April.

Dein, close to manager Arsene Wenger, was the man credited with much of the North London club's success over the past decade and knows Ecclestone socially.

'I talked to David obviously when they chucked him out, which I thought was a bit unnecessary,' said Ecclestone when asked about any discussions with Dein about Arsenal.

Ecclestone, who frequently attends matches at Chelsea, said involvement in Arsenal could be embarrassing.

'Look at what a problem I'd be in with Chelsea if I bought Arsenal,' he said.

Reports in the British media on Friday suggested that American tycoon Stan Kroenke, who owns 12.2 percent of the club, was preparing to launch a takeover bid for Arsenal.

The club's refusal to welcome Kroenke's overtures in April prompted the departure of Dein, who was sympathetic to the sale. Dein still has a 14.5 percent stake in the club.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said at the time that he would be 'horrified if the club were to go across the Atlantic.'

Saturday's Mirror suggested that an Ecclestone bid would be more acceptable by keeping the club in British hands.

Fabregas eyes skipper armband at Arsenal

2007-07-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

Fabregas eyes skipper armband at Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas has underlined his commitment to Arsenal by stating his willingness to skipper the club.

The 20-year-old Spain midfielder has chosen to stay at the Emirates Stadium despite interest from Real Madrid, and he feels the club has a chance for success this season despite the loss of Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

Gilberto Silva is the current captain following Henry's departure but Fabregas admits he would eventually like the armband.

'Everybody wants this kind of responsibility and 100% me as well,' he said. 'It's something that I have liked ever since I have been young and it would be no problem for me to be captain of this club.'

Fabregas is confident Henry's departure will not be affected next season, although he admits the France forward will be missed.

'Thierry has been really, really important to this club over the past eight years,' he said on arsenal.com. 'We have scored a lot of goals because of him but now he is gone and we have to move on. We wish him all the best at Barcelona.

'The future is looking good. We have very good young players and most of them are teenagers. We are all ready to fight for the League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Carling Cup, for everything.

'We must fight for everything that is in front of us. We must prove we are not just young but that we are winners.'

Wenger wants Arsenal to have ruthless streak

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to see his side develop a ruthless streak against weaker opposition to give themselves a chance in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners took points off the other teams in the top four last season and did the double over winners Manchester United but still finished 21 points off the pace.

'If you make a table of the results against the other teams in the top four, then we were top,' Wenger said. 'Then if you make a table against the teams in the top half, Manchester United have 43 points, we have 40, so do Chelsea, and Liverpool have 33.

'That shows that we lost the championship against teams in the bottom half of the table.

'So that is where we will have to be much more efficient this season. We have to be consistent in our mental preparation, in our ruthlessness as well.'

Defender Kolo Toure agrees with his manager, and added: 'We showed we can make it. If you can beat Manchester United you can beat any team in the league.

'Maybe sometimes what we missed was being focused on the game through the whole season. To be the champions you need to concentrate for all the games.'

Meanwhile, Wenger is likely to wait until the season starts before appointing a director of football at the Emirates Stadium.

He has been looking for a new man to work with since the departure of David Dein as vice-chairman in April but is willing to wait in an attempt to keep a settled atmosphere over the summer.

Club scout Gilles Grimandi is considered the front-runner for the new post, with Reading's Nicky Hammond also suggested as a suitable candidate. In the meantime, long-serving Arsenal director Ken Friar has been working with Wenger.

'I wanted to do it before the end of the season when I started buying and selling,' said Wenger on the club's official website.

'But then I thought that now is the worst time because I have no time to tell someone how I want to do things.

'I did not want to unsettle the team before the end of the transfer market. So at the moment I work with Ken Friar and it is working well for us.'

Wenger has brought Lukasz Fabianski, Eduardo Da Silva, Havard Nordtveit and Bacary Sagna to the club this summer as Arsenal plan for the post-Thierry Henry era, although the most important signing would be for the manager to agree a new contract.

The Frenchman's current deal expires at the end of the coming season, with negotiations under way.

'For me, I think he will stay,' said Toure on Arsenal TV Online. 'Mr Wenger brings something special to this club and to keep him would be a great thing.

'We need to win some trophies and I'm sure Mr Wenger will bring lots of trophies to the club.'

Fergie: Arsenal better off without Henry

2007-07-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

Fergie: Arsenal better off without Henry

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Arsenal to be a better team next season without talisman Thierry Henry.

Click here
Henry's departure to Barcelona has led to predictions of Arsene Wenger's side struggling for inspiration, but Ferguson feels it could have the opposite effect.

Arsenal have not finished outside the top four of the Premier League since Wenger was appointed in 1996 and Ferguson believes they will be in the top four along with United.

'They'll be in the top four,' said Ferguson on Sky Sports News. 'I'm more convinced they will be in the top four without Thierry Henry.

'I just thought it was time for him to go. Arsene Wenger knew that, and I think they'll do better.'

Wenger is continuing preparations for the post-Henry era by fielding a strong line-up against Barnet in a friendly at the weekend.

'It could be a very strong team at Barnet,' Wenger told www.Arsenal.com.

'Basically the players that are back in training are available, so you could see Kolo Toure, Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini, Denilson, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor.

'They are all likely to be included so it should be a very familiar side.'

Wenger has just completed the signing of France Under-21 defender Bacary Sagna from Auxerre, his fourth signing of the summer.

'We've been very impressed by him,' said club scout Gilles Grimandi.

'We've watched him both playing for Auxerre and the under-21 team and scouted him over more than 40 games.'

Reyes desperate to secure Arsenal exit

Jose Antonio Reyes is hopeful Real Madrid will soon reach an agreement with Arsenal for his permanent transfer to the Bernabeu.

Having spent last season on loan with the Spanish champions, the Arsenal forward is keen to remain in Madrid.

Reyes travelled to London last week in the hope of negotiating his permanent move to Madrid, but he remains an Arsenal player.

'No agreement has been reached so far,' admitted Reyes. 'But I hope the situation will be resolved as soon as possible for my benefit.

'Next season I hope to win everything - and if it's with Real Madrid even better.'

The 23-year-old moved to Arsenal from Sevilla in January 2004, but struggled to adapt to English life.

'The rain was one of the main reasons why I didn't adapt well to that country,' said the Seville-born player.

Madrid begin their pre-season training on July 21.

Fabregas snubs Real and stays a Gunner

Cesc Fabregas has snubbed a move to Real Madrid and pledged his future to Arsenal.

The midfielder, arguably the Gunners' prize asset following the departure of Thierry Henry, revealed he had held talks with the Spanish giants.

The 20-year-old, one of Arsene Wenger's best signings when he arrived for nothing from Barcelona four years ago, was flattered by Real's interest.

He said in The Sun: 'I'm very grateful to Real and it is an honour that such a great club is interested in me.

'But after the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona I couldn't leave Arsenal in the lurch.

'I spoke to Real's president Ramon Calderon and sport director Predrag Mijatovic and they are spectacular people.

'It was very satisfying to listen to them as Real Madrid is a great club but I have decided to stay at Arsenal.

'I had a long talk with Wenger. He is someone I can talk to about anything.'

Henry claims he decided to leave Arsenal because Wenger had not committed his future to the club beyond next summer, when his contract expires.

But Fabregas said: 'I have total confidence in the boss that he will sign a new deal.

'Wenger believes in this team and has a lot of confidence in the squad.

'I am only 20 and all I have to do is enjoy my football and improve - and I want to do that with this team. I will try to win titles with Arsenal and give my all to Arsene Wenger.

'I will always be grateful to him for giving me my chance.'

Now Fabregas is hoping Arsenal continue to spend this summer to help make up for the loss of Henry, and he believes the striker's new team-mate Samuel Eto'o would be the perfect replacement.

'I would try to sign Eto'o - he would be the ideal replacement for Henry,' Fabregas said.

'I know it's difficult, maybe impossible, but it would be the perfect solution.'

Arsenal deny Madrid nonsense - Arsecast 35 out now!

2007-07-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

Arsenal deny Madrid nonsense - Arsecast 35 out now!

6
Jul
2007

A fairly slow one this morning with the main story centering around Arsene Wenger and Real Madrid. Shit stirring Real President Ramon Calderon threw AW’s name into conversation saying that they had had talks with him about replacing Fabio Capello (the coach who won them the league and got sacked). Arsenal were very quick to rubbish the story, releasing a statement saying:

It is completely untrue. Arsene Wenger has not had talks with Real Madrid and is committed to Arsenal Football Club.

Now, he might well have been talking to Real Madrid but it was probably about José Antonio Reyes, not the manager’s job. Still, Calderon has to make it look as if he’s tried everything before giving the job to someone else. Honestly, it’s such a poisoned chalice at that club. Vincente del Bosque did great things and won the Champions League the season he was sacked. Capello won the league and got sacked. Just make sure you don’t raise the expecation levels too high, Ramon. As well as that he’s currently under investigation due to the scandal over the postal votes which were not counted when the Presidential election took place last year. A key witness said he saw postal votes being tampered with. That key witness is now on the board of Real Madrid. Classic.

AS report that Reyes is in London trying to sort out his future with Arsenal. Real Madrid and Sevilla are said to be interested and they say Arsenal would accept €10m for him despite looking for €14m not so long ago. Real only want to spend €7m and will do everything in their sneaky, tricky power to lower the price with Calderon giving fresh hope to the player saying he could be an important part of Real’s future. José is in Arsene’s office, going:

“Por Favooooooooooooooooooooooor” and Arsene Wenger is all like “Whatever” and he’s like “Mister, pooooooor favooooooooooorrrrrrrr” and the boss is like “Don’t be up in my grill, bitch”.

Sevilla should have plenty of money to buy him after their sales in recent years, their European exploits and the fact they’ll have Champions League football. We’ll just take Dani Alves as part of the deal. Lovely. Nice doing business with you.

Carlos Tevez and Man United? Well, Tevez would be nice and the idea of him going to United is a bit scary but his ownership situation is complicated to say the least. Reports this morning say that United will pay Kia Jorbachian £6m to ‘loan’ Tevez to them for the season. They then have to pay Tevez £100,000 per week which, for one season, works out at over £10m for a player you don’t own and can’t sell. The Premier League are saying that West Ham must be the ones to receive a transfer fee but I doubt, if the deal goes through, they’ll see a penny of it.

Plus I think we might be in the market for a striker still. It’s just a feeling but I’m wondering if Arsene doesn’t see Eduardo da Silva as more of a replacement for Pires, to provide the goals from midfield we missed so much, while still bringing in a striker like Anelka or Martins. Anyway, thoughts on that in the Arsecast.

Arsecasts

In this week’s Arsecast, brought to you by OleOle.com who have great coverage of the Copa America at the moment, you’ll find me waffling, the Man in the Bar with his guff, more from David O’Leary and that’s about it. No blogchat this week so it’s a slightly shorter ‘cast.

To subscribe to the arsecast in iTunes - click here. To download this week’s arsecast directly - click here (11.5mb MP3). You can find the arsecast archives here. And you can listen directly below without leaving this very page.

da silva

2007-07-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Arsenal out for Silva-ware

3
Jul
2007

How very Arsenal. One moment nothing, the next we’ve signed a player and a player that not one Arsenal website, not one tabloid, not one reader of Arsenal websites and tabloids had predicted for a second. Classic Arsene.

Shot at 2007-07-03

Eduardo da Silva joins on the usual terms, a long term contract for an undisclosed fee. Despite reports suggesting the fee might be the whole £16m we got for Thierry Henry I’m told it’s closer to £7.8m which is still a fair chunk of money.

Eduardo da Silva joins ArsenalSo, what do we know about him?

1. His goalscoring record is very good. 83 goals in 119 first team games in his career
2. He’s got 7 goals in 12 internationals from Croatia
3. He is nicknamed ‘Dudu’ which is scatalogically amusing
4. He was born in Brazil but moved to Croatia at age 15. Already he has been labelled ‘Crozillian’ which sounds awesome.
5. He is left footed
6. He likes toasted cheese sandwiches from Breville sandwich makers

Well, we don’t really know that last one but who doesn’t like toasted cheese sandwiches from a Breville sandwich maker? Only those in league with Satan, that’s who.

Here’s a YouTube link to his 34 goals in 32 games last season for Dinamo Zagreb and his finishing and arriving into the box late puts me in mind of Robert Pires (not that I’m trying to raise people’s expectations here but it does). And here’s an article from last month in the Guardian about him.

The player says:

I am excited and happy at the same time, also very proud that I am going to play in such a big club. Every football player wants to play for Barcelona, Real, Manchester United or Arsenal one day and so do I.

Excellent, just what you’d expect him to say. Personally I think this could be a very good signing indeed. The reaction yesterday was quite amusing, I thought. Reading around the blogs once people had got over the excitement of us actually making a signing then people’s opinions were quite mixed. Yes, it’s a big step up in quality from the Croatian league to the Premiership but he’s already been called ’special’, and not in a window licking way, by Croatia coach Slaven Bilic who was fullsome in his praise of our new boy.

However, his goalscoring record and the way he scores his goals is very promising indeed. The idea that Arsenal NEED a big money signing to make some kind of statement or to keep certain sections of fans happy is just ridiculous. What we need are players who can come in and do a job straight away whether they cost £1m or £20m and despite all the evidence to the contrary there are still people who think that big money transfer = big success.

It just shows that even though some people are accusing the club of doing nothing there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we don’t know about. Here’s hoping there’s more going on we don’t know about. More stuff like this. Anyway, the proof is in the pudding so we shall have to wait to see him in an Arsenal shirt before we make our first real judgement of the player so until then let’s just welcome him to the best football club in the galaxy and hope that Arsene has unearthed another gem. He’s due one, in fairness.

The Chairman, PH-on the down low-Wicky, wicky, wild wild West, spoke about the transfer and hinted there might be further purchases, saying:

As always with Arsene there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

More good news yesterday came from Cesc’s agent who dismissed the interest of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the player and said he was looking forward to the new season. He also hinted at more transfer activity, saying:

Arsenal are going to buy a lot of good players and they are going to be a major team both in the Premier League and Champions League. Without Thierry, Cesc is one of the best players at Arsenal and this is fine for him, he is happy with the responsibility.

Splendid. More players. More Cescy goodness. What a morning.

Various reports in the broadsheets suggest Arsene Wenger is set to sign Bakary Sagna, the right back we don’t need, so we’ll either sign someone else entirely or there’s a plan about where to play this lad. As well as that some papers are saying that doesn’t signal the end of our attacking purchases with Martins and Anelka still on the radar but we shall have to wait and see what happens there.

So, the curious way of the Arsenal strikes again. Never one to do things the conventional way I expect our next signing to be announced by Arsene Wenger wearing comedy Groucho Marx glasses and ‘tache from an Italian restaurant with red and white checked tablecloths and drinking a carafe of house red.

Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Brazilians Prove to be Brilliant

2007-06-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Brazilians Prove to be Brilliant in an Important Win for the Gunners

by Joel Martin

We needed a win and we got a win, it was as simple as that.

The first half looked like more of the same. We played extremely well, dominated play and created chances but could not finish. Both Baptista and Fabregas could have scored more than once before the whistle, but we still went in to the break 0-0.

It took a moment of absolute brilliance from Gael Clichy, of all people, to get us our first goal. The left back took off and beat Andre Bikey (who had a mile of a head start on him) to a ball and tore into the box. Bikey fouled and Gilberto converted the penalty. Just after that, we broke out on a counter-attack off a corner. Denilson found his Brazilian compatriot, Julio Baptista, who beat Murty and slotted the ball in Hahneman’s near post. It was a good goal, and I hope Baptista can score more.

That being said, his touch and his tempo needs to improve. He looks like he is not on the same wavelength as the rest of the team, and he slows us down when he plays. I still do not see him staying, even though he scored a goal.

Walcott looked alright up top, it was a very encouraging game for him. Denilson was great, Fabregas could have used that goal for his own confidence’s sake, we need him to add a couple goals for us from the midfield. Hleb was good, and Ljungberg was frustrating. He just can not beat anyone anymore, its almost sad. He’ll have to change his game to have any chance at playing first team football for us in the future. Diaby subbed in and did well, Aliadiere subbed in and proved yet again that although he tries harder than anyone on the team, he’s not quite a player of Arsenal-caliber. He’ll be gone soon.

The back four played well. The Reading goal from the corner kick at the end really only happened because Senderos did not quite reach his marker before the kick was taken. He was only just subbing in and never got a chance to front his man before the corner was taken. And although the ball eventually did deflect of Senderos and then Fabregas into the goal, the only reason it took the deflection was Senderos’ original position in the first place.

Anyway, in the end the game was not the rout I would have liked to see going in to our showdown with PSV Wednesday, but a win is a win. Hopefully Henry can play, but the return of Adebayor, Toure, and Eboue will be very nice. We need all three, especially Adebayor, to create more chances, we’ll need all we can get with Rosicky, Van Persie and possibly Henry gone. Their return will also provide solidity in the back, and could be the key to our survival in the Champions League—if we can pull it off.

Posted by Joel at 06:45 0 comments Links to this post

Labels: Match Reviews

Why the Gunners are destined for a Fabulous future

2007-06-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Why the Gunners are destined for a Fabulous future

By Adam Clark

It seems fitting that in the week Arsenal have lost their talisman, we are celebrating the merits of the heir apparent.

Thierry Henry’s move from the Gunners to Barcelona may be the most high-profile transfer of the summer so far but it’s the previous piece of business between the two clubs which may prove to be more significant to the future of Arsenal. Namely Cesc Fabregas’s move in the opposite direction.

Arsenal are losing Henry at a time when they have already enjoyed many of the best years of his career. But for 20-year-old Fabregas, who swapped the Catalan club’s youth system for Arsène Wenger’s in July 2003, the path ahead remains long.

Despite his youth Fabregas has become such a vital feature of the Arsenal side that the Spaniard scooped over 60 per cent of the votes cast in our official Player of the Season poll.

Only Jens Lehmann saw more minutes of Premiership action last season as Cesc was left to run the show during the prolonged absences of Henry, Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky.

In that time he attempted a staggering 414 passes, finding his intended target 56 per cent of the time. Brazilian midfielder Gilberto, Arsenal’s second most productive distributor, made 96 passes fewer than the Spaniard.

One area in which Cesc himself has admitted he needs to contribute more is in front of goal. The diminutive midfielder began the season with a brace in a Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Zagreb but added to that tally only twice more. His lack of goals was not for the want of trying however. The youngster racked up 92 attempts on goal in the Premiership and hit the target 49 per cent of the time. In addition he saw 17 goal-bound shots blocked and three strike the woodwork.

While Fabregas may not have been finding the net regularly himself, he was resplendent in midfield - and others reaped the rewards. The Spanish international was comfortably Arsenal’s top assist maker, playing the final pass for 13 of their 63 Premiership goals. To put that contribution in to perspective, his midfield colleagues Alexander Hleb, Freddie Ljungberg, Gilberto and Rosicky made eight assists between them.

And yet the statistics suggest there are many more layers to Fabregas’ game. Defensively he excelled, winning 44 of the 72 challenges he made. A return of 26 clearances, 13 interceptions and three blocks makes for further impressive reading. In terms of dribbling he produced an end product on 26 of the 39 occasions he surged forward. Then there are the 65 crosses he attempted - 42 more than any other midfielder.

The above haul of statistics would be an impressive return for a seasoned international, and yet Cesc has only 153 club appearances and eight Spanish caps to his name. In a side lacking neither prodigious young talent nor experienced stars it was Fabregas who shone brightest.

henry at barcelona....

2007-06-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

henry at barcelona....

Henry says sorry

Henry passes medical at Barcelona

Thierry Henry

Henry moved a step closer to securing his Barca move
Thierry Henry is in Spain to put the finishing touches on his move from Arsenal to Barcelona.

Barcelona team doctor Ricard Pruna said Henry, who is set to be unveiled at 1700 BST, had passed his medical.

Barcelona, who have agreed a four-year deal with the 29-year-old, are thought to be paying about £16m for the player.

"It is incredible. I am looking forward to playing in the Camp Nou and helping the team in every way I can," Henry told the Barcelona website.

"The most important thing that made me come [here] is the way Barca plays, the fans and the support they give. Without good fans it is difficult to have a good team and vice versa."

Henry suffered foot, back, stomach and groin injuries last season and a sciatic nerve proved to be a long-standing problem that forced Arsenal to rule their captain out of the campaign from March.

"We paid particular attention to the groin area because we are aware of the problems he has had there," said Pruna. "We believe it is due to an imbalance in the muscle groups in the area.

"He will undergo a special programme in Paris to redress the imbalance in the area so that he can join up with the rest of the team on 21 July.

"In theory, given what we have seen today, and if he completes the programme properly and continues it when he comes to club, there should be no problems."

Barca vice-president Ferran Soriano insisted the Spanish club waited for the green light from Arsenal before making a move for a player he says had shown an interest in the Spanish club.

"This extraordinary player has expressed that he liked our club for months," Soriano told BBC Five Live.

"The actual deal was discussed on Friday and over the weekend. He landed here on Sunday and we are going to be finishing up everything on Monday."

Henry said his decision to leave Arsenal was due to the shock departure of Gunners vice-chairman David Dein and continuing doubts over the future of manager Arsene Wenger.

"Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," Henry wrote in the Sun newspaper.

"Unfortunately and understandably, he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal, which finishes at the end of the coming season.

"I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein."

Henry, who has also been linked with European champions AC Milan, also revealed why he decided to move to the Nou Camp.

"Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there," he continued.

"But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin.

"They will always be in my heart, as will all the fans who make the game here so special. I will always have a special bond with Arsenal Football Club."

Arsenal's 1971 League and FA Cup winning captain Frank McLintock was surprised Henry cited former vice-chairman Dein as a reason for leaving.

He said: "I can't see the relevance of David Dein's departure. I don't know how a player can get caught up with a director's departure and that making a difference to a player's performance.

"I'm sure he was a great ally to Arsene Wenger but I don't see how a player comes into contact with a director day after day.

"I've never heard such talk in my life before."

The Scot, however, was lavish in his praise of Henry's performances throughout his Arsenal career.

He added: "He's probably been the finest player Arsenal have ever had so you can't dismiss five or six great seasons that he gave us.

"I think the fans should leave with a warm feeling for Thierry Henry. He deserves it - he has been magnificent."

Henry began his career as a winger with Monaco in 1994 - under the supervision of current Arsenal boss Wenger.

He was in France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad and went on to join Juventus the following season.

But his time in Turin was a largely unsuccessful one and the player was soon heading to north London, with Wenger keen to get the best out of the prodigious talent.

The France international has since blossomed into one of the greatest talents in world football.

He helped Arsenal to two league titles and three FA Cups and led the Gunners to the finals of the 2000 Uefa Cup and 2006 Champions League.

In February 2006, he became the first Arsenal player to score over 200 goals for the club, with a strike against Birmingham, and has bagged a club record 226 goals in 364 appearances for the Gunners.

His consistency in front of goal ensured he finished as the Premier League's top scorer on four occasions.

He has won the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year title on two occasions and the football writers' player of the year three times. He has also twice finished runner-up in the Fifa world player of the year.

Thierry Daniel Henry

2007-06-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Thierry Daniel Henry (IPA: [tjɛ'ʀi ɑ̃'ʀi]) (born 17 August 1977 in Paris, France) is a French football player. Renowned for his pace,[1][2] he plays as a striker for the France national team and FC Barcelona.

Henry grew up in the tough neighbourhood of Les Ulis, Essonne, where as a youngster he played for an array of local sides and showed great promise as a goal scorer. AS Monaco spotted him in 1990, and signed him up instantly.[2] Given his professional club début in 1994, he stayed at Monaco until 1998, where good form earned him an international call up. Henry then moved to Italian giants Juventus, but after a disappointing season playing on the wing,[3] he joined Arsenal for a fee of £10.5 million in 1999.[2]

After a slow start in the Premiership, Henry has since emerged as Arsenal's top goalscorer in almost every season since he joined the club. Long-time mentor and coach Arsene Wenger's conversion of him into a prolific striker has made Henry Arsenal's all-time leading scorer with over 200 goals; with Arsenal Henry has won two league titles and three FA Cups. With France, he has won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. In recognition of his abilities, Henry has been twice nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year,[4] and has twice received the Barclays Premiership player of the season award.[5][6] He is today regarded by many as one of the best footballers in the world.[3][7][8][9]

On 25 June 2007, it was confirmed that Henry had been transferred to FC Barcelona for a fee of £16.1 million.

Biography

Early career

Henry is of Antillean heritage; his father, Antoine, is from Guadeloupe, and his mother Maryse is from Martinique. He grew up in the heavily urbanised Les Ulis, a tough environment for the youngster.[2] Despite this, the town provided good facilities for footballers. In 1983, the six-year-old Henry showed great potential, something which prompted Claude Chezelle to recruit the youngster at the local club CO Les Ulis. Five years later, Henry played his first game for the club. Henry's father put a lot of pressure on him to attend training, although the youngster was not particularly drawn to football. Henry went on to join US Palaiseau in 1989, but after a year, his father fell out with the club. He then moved to Viry-Châtillon for two years. US Palaiseau coach Jean-Marie Panza followed Henry to Viry-Châtillon, something which would lead to Henry naming Panza as his mentor in the future.

In 1990, AS Monaco sent scout Arnold Catalano to watch the 13-year-old play. Henry scored all six goals as his side won 6-0. Catalano asked Henry to join Monaco, without even attending a trial first. Catalano requested that Henry complete a course at the elite academy Clairefontaine, but the director there was reluctant to accept Henry due to his poor school results. Despite this, Henry was allowed to complete the course, leading to him joining Arséne Wenger's AS Monaco as a youth player. Subsequently, Henry signed professional forms with AS Monaco, and was given his professional début in 1995. Wenger put Henry on the left wing because he believed that Henry's pace, natural ball control and skill would be more effective against full-backs than centre-backs. In his four seasons with Monaco, Henry scored 21 goals in 125 appearances, and helped the club win the Ligue 1 title in 1996-97.[11]

In June 1997, Henry's good form was rewarded with a call-up to the U-20 French national team, where he played in the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship alongside future team-mates William Gallas and David Trézéguet.[12] Within four months, France head coach Aimé Jacquet called Henry up to the senior team. The 20-year-old made his senior international début on October 11, 1997 in a 2-1 win against South Africa.[13] Jacquet was so impressed with Henry that he took him to the 1998 World Cup. Although Henry was a largely unknown quantity at international level, he ended the tournament as France's top scorer with three goals.[14] He was scheduled to appear in the final — where France beat Brazil 3-0 — as a substitute, but the sending off of Marcel Desailly forced a defensive change instead. On Bastille Day 1998, he was awarded France's highest decoration, the Légion d'Honneur.

Henry's good form for Monaco continued during the 1998-99 season, as he helped the club reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final.[15] Henry then left Monaco and moved to Italian Serie A club Juventus one year before his friend and team-mate David Trézéguet in January 1999 for £10.5 million. He played on the wing,[16] but was unable to cope with the Italian defensive discipline of the Serie A. Henry scored just three goals in 16 appearances.

Senior career

Unsettled in Italy, Henry transferred from Juventus in August 1999 to Arsenal for £10.5 million, reuniting with his former manager Arsène Wenger.[3] Brought in as a replacement for Nicolas Anelka, he was immediately moulded into a striker by Wenger, a move which would pay rich dividends in years to come. Initially, doubts were raised concerning Henry's adapting to the English game when he failed to score in his first ten games,[2] but he quickly discovered his scoring ability, and ended his first season at Arsenal with a goal tally of 26.

The following summer, Henry was a member of France's Euro 2000 championship squad, again scoring three goals and finishing as the country's top scorer, including the equalizer against Portugal in the semi-final.[19] France later won the game in extra time following a converted penalty kick by Zinedine Zidane. France went on to defeat Italy in extra-time in the final, and Henry earned his second major international medal.

Henry's second season with Arsenal proved to be a breakthrough as he became the club's top goalscorer. In the 2001-02 season, Henry netted 32 goals in all competitions as he led Arsenal to a double and his first silverware with the club.[3] However, the 2002 FIFA World Cup featured a stunning early exit for both Henry and France as the reigning champions were eliminated in the group stage after failing to score a goal in any contest.[21] After France lost their first match in group play, Henry was red carded for a sliding, studs-up challenge in their next match against Uruguay. France played to a 0-0 draw, but Henry was forced to miss the final match due to suspension; France lost 2-0 to Denmark.

Despite international disappointment, the 2002-03 proved to be another productive season for Henry, as he scored 42 goals in all competitions while contributing 23 assists, remarkable returns for a striker.[3] In so doing, he led Arsenal to another FA Cup triumph.[22] During the summer that followed, Henry returned to form for his country at the 2003 Confederations Cup. France, playing without team stalwarts Zidane and Patrick Vieira, won in large part to Henry's outstanding play for which he was named Man of the Match by FIFA's Technical Study Group in three of France's five matches.[23] In the final, he scored the golden goal in extra time to lift the host country over Cameroon 1-0.[23] Henry was awarded both the adidas Golden Ball as the outstanding player of the competition and the adidas Golden Shoe as the tournament's top goalscorer with four goals.[23]
Henry was made club skipper following the departure of fellow Frenchman Patrick Vieira to Juventus in 2005.
Henry was made club skipper following the departure of fellow Frenchman Patrick Vieira to Juventus in 2005.

Henry was again instrumental in Arsenal's successful 2003-04 season. Together with the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès, Henry ensured that the Gunners became the first team in more than a century to go through the entire domestic league campaign unbeaten as Henry collected his second Premiership medal. Yet, Arsenal again failed to secure back-to-back league titles when they lost out to Chelsea F.C. in the 2004-05 season. However, the club did win the FA Cup, and Henry managed 31 goals in 42 appearances. That summer, Henry also played in all of France's Euro 2004 matches. France beat England in the group stages but lost to the eventual winners Greece 1-0 in the quarter-finals.

The departure of compatriot Vieira in the summer of 2005 meant that Henry assumed club captaincy. Along with being chief goal scorer, he was responsible for leading a very young team. The 2005-06 season proved to be one of remarkable personal achievements for Henry but disappointment in the team silverware department. On 17 October 2005, Henry became the club's top goalscorer of all time;[28] two goals against Sparta Prague meant he broke Ian Wright's record of 185 goals.[29] On February 1, 2006, he scored a goal against West Ham, bringing his league goal tally up to 151 and thus breaking Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin's league goals record.[30] Henry also scored his 100th league goal at Highbury, a feat unparalleled in the history of the club, and a unique achievement in the Premier League.[31]

Nevertheless, Arsenal failed to win the league title again but some hope was preserved when Arsenal, who hitherto never enjoyed much success in Europe, reached the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final. The Gunners eventually lost 1-2 to FC Barcelona, and combined with Arsenal's inability to win the Premiership for two consecutive seasons and the relative inexperience of the Arsenal squad, there was much speculation that Henry would leave for another club. However, he declared his loyalty and love for the club and subsequently accepted a four-year contract. He reaffirmed this months later by saying "If an opportunity like Barcelona comes again, with all my respect for such a club, I will refuse" and that he will stay at Arsenal for life. Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein later claimed the club had turned down two bids of £50 million from Spanish clubs for Henry before the signing of the new contract. Had the transfer materialised, it would have surpassed the world record ₤47 million paid for Zinedine Zidane.

Amidst the summer speculation, Henry was one of the automatic starters in the France squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was played in the unfavoured lone striker role, but despite an indifferent start to the tournament, Henry became one of the top players of the World Cup. He scored three goals, including France's goal against returning champion and tournament favourite Brazil.[35] However, France subsequently lost to Italy on penalties (5-3) in the final.[36] Henry was one of 10 nominees for the Golden Ball award for Player of the Tournament,[37] an award which was ultimately presented to his teammate, Zidane. Henry was also named a starting striker on the 2006 FIFPro World XI team.[38]
With the retirement of Dennis Bergkamp, Henry regularly partnered Robin van Persie up front in the Arsenal attack during the 2006-07 season.
With the retirement of Dennis Bergkamp, Henry regularly partnered Robin van Persie up front in the Arsenal attack during the 2006-07 season.

Henry's 2006-07 season was largely marred by injury, something which was unprecedented in his entire tenure with the Gunners.[39] Although he managed 10 goals in 17 domestic appearances for Arsenal, including the winner against Manchester United on 21 January, Henry's domestic and international season was cut short on 7 March 2007. Having missed games due to hamstring, foot, and back problems, he was deemed fit enough to come on as a late substitute against PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League match,[40] but began limping shortly after coming on. After the match Wenger announced that Henry had suffered new injuries to his groin and stomach muscles. At first it was expected that Henry would miss "a few weeks," but scans the next day revealed that he would need at least three months to heal, thus missing the rest of the 2006-07 season.[41] Wenger attributed Henry's injuries to a protracted 2005-06 campaign, and also reiterated that Henry was keen on staying with the Gunners to rebuild for the 2007-08 season.[39]
Henry being presented to the Barcelona fans for the first time as a Barca player
Henry being presented to the Barcelona fans for the first time as a Barca player

.

It was reported in the Spanish media on June 22, 2007 that Henry was set to make a move to FC Barcelona, for a fee believed to be in the region of £16.5 million on a four-year deal. Henry later confirmed that he would take a medical on Monday 25 June 2007, telling the French sports daily L'Equipe that he had chosen Barcelona. [42] This was later confirmed by Henry himself who cited the inability of Arsene Wenger to commit to Arsenal past the expiration of his contract and the departure of David Dein as reasons.[43]

On June 23, 2007 Henry, in an open letter to The Sun declared that he had chosen to join Barça citing the departure of David Dein and continued uncertainty over Arsene Wenger's future as reasons for leaving.[44] [45] On 25 June 2007, Henry completed his medical with Barcelona, which was followed by a press conference confirming Henry as a Barcelona player. The club revealed that the contract includes a release clause of €125million.[46][47] He was given the squad number 14 which was formerly worn at the club by Johann Cruyff and which Henry also wore at Arsenal. Following the press conference, Henry will go back to Paris for treatment of his ongoing groin injury, believed to have been caused by an imbalance of muscle groups in the area, but he will return to Barcelona for pre-season training on 21 July.

Awards

Henry has received many plaudits and awards. He was runner-up for the 2003 and 2004 FIFA World Player of the Year award;[48] in those two seasons, he also won back-to-back PFA Players' Player of the Year titles.[49] Furthermore, Henry is the only player ever to have won the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year three times (2003, 2004, 2006),[32] and has emerged as the French Player of the Year on four occasions, which is an all-time record. Henry was voted into the Premier League Overseas Team of the Decade in the 10 Seasons Awards poll in 2003.[50] Additionally, in 2004, Henry was named by football legend Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers.[51]

In terms of goalscoring awards, Henry was the European Golden Boot winner in 2004 and 2005 (albeit sharing it with Villarreal's Diego Forlan in 2005), and is the first ever player to retain the award.[52] Henry has also been the top goalscorer in the Premiership for four seasons (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006).[11] In 2006, he became the first player to score more than 20 goals in the league for five consecutive seasons (2002–2006).[53] Henry is currently third in the list of all-time English Premiership goal scorers, behind Alan Shearer and Andy Cole. He is also France's second highest goalscorer of all time behind Michel Platini, with only one goal separating the two.

Style of play

Alhough Henry played up front during his youth,[2] he spent his time at Juventus playing on the wing. Upon joining Arsenal in 1999, Wenger immediately changed this, switching Henry to his childhood position.[16]

One of the reasons cited for Henry's impressive play up front is his ability to calmly score from one-on-ones.[54] This combined with his pace[1][2] means that he can get in behind defenders regularly enough to score. When up front, Henry is occasionally known to move out wide to the left wing position,[55][56] something which enables him to contribute heavily in assists: between 2002-03 and 2004-05, Henry managed almost 50 assists in total; his unselfish play and creativity helped in contributing the large amount of assists. [28] Henry is also the first-choice penalty and free kick taker for Arsenal, having scored many goals from those positions. Lastly, he is noted for his willingness to defend deep.

During the 2004-05 season, Wenger switched Arsenal's formation to 4-5-1 formation.[57] This change forced Henry to adapt again to fit in to the Arsenal team, as he played many games as a lone striker.

Off the pitch

Henry is married to English model Nicole Merry. The couple wed in July 2003.[2] On May 27, 2005, he celebrated the birth of his first child, a daughter named Tea Henry. He dedicated his first goal since Tea's birth to her by holding his fingers in a 'T' shape and kissing them after scoring against Newcastle United.[58] He lives with his family in Hampstead, North London.[2]

Henry is also a member of the UNICEF-FIFA squad, where together with other professional footballers, appeared in a series of TV spots seen by hundreds of millions of fans around the world during the 2002 and 2006 World Cups; in these spots, the players promote football as a game that must be played on behalf of children.[14]

In 2006, Henry was valued as the ninth most commercially marketable footballer in the world,[59] as well as being the eighth richest Premiership player, with £21 million.[60] In terms of past endorsements, Henry featured in the Renault Clio adverts during where he made popular the word va-va-voom meaning life or passion. The word was subsequently added to the Oxford Concise English Dictionary.[61] He was also a part of Nike's Joga Bonito campaign, Portuguese for "Play beautifully".[62] His deal with Nike ended after the 2006 World Cup, when he signed a deal with Reebok to appear in their "I Am What I Am" campaign.[63]

As an avid National Basketball Association fan, Henry is also often seen with his good friend Tony Parker at games when not playing football. Henry admires basketball as it is similar to football in pace and excitement.[64] Henry makes regular trips to the NBA Finals as they occur in the offseason of the Premiership. In 2007, he went to watch Parker and the Spurs;[65] in 2001, he went to Philadelphia to help with French television coverage of the Finals as well as to watch Allen Iverson whom he named as one of his favourite players.

Racism

Henry has been subject to several incidences of racism in the past. Most notably, during a training session with the Spanish national team in 2004,[67][68] a Spanish TV crew caught Aragonés motivating Henry's then Arsenal teammate José Antonio Reyes and referring to Henry as "black shit".[58] The incident caused an uproar in the British media with calls for Aragonés to be sacked.

Henry and Nike started the Stand Up Speak Up campaign against football racism as a result of the incident.

henry

2007-06-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

By rsydnos at 2007-06-27

It was the news that every Arsenal fan had been dreading for a year, talismanic captain Thierry Henry has agreed to join Barcelona. Yet it should come as little surprise to a club who have failed to match their captain's ambition. Barcelona were simply a more attractive prospect.

By rsydnos at 2007-06-27
GettyImages
Henry's departure could effect Arsenal's young players like Fabregas.

It has been the worst kept secret in football that the Catalan club were interested in the Frenchman, but even they would not have expected to get their man for only £16million.

A year ago, amid tabloid talk and transfer rumours, Henry's price tag was around £30million. For one of the world's best players this was appropriate; yet a season of injury, culminating in only 17 games last season, has seen his stock drop considerably. In comparison, Charlton's Darren Bent is valued at £17.5million by his Championship club.

While those in Spain consider £16million a bit pricey for a player dogged by injury last term, make no mistake, they have got themselves a bargain. The Catalans' only problem is where Henry will fit into the team, and with Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho competing for places, it is a good dilemma for manager Frank Rijkaard to have.

Henry was open about his reasons for leaving and few Arsenal fans can complain about the manner of his departure. As exclusively revealed in an ESPNsoccernet Press Pass interview, Henry claimed that he was unhappy about the departure of 'Mr Arsenal', David Dein, and that the situation had unsettled manager Arsene Wenger, whose contract runs out in summer 2008.

Understandably Henry has a strong connection with the manager who first gave him his chance at Monaco, before rescuing him from relative obscurity at Juventus; but his admiration for former director Dein ran even deeper.

Dein's acrimonious departure in April, regarding 'irreconcilable differences' with the Arsenal board over the takeover by American billionaire Stan Kroenke, laid the foundations for the current situation and led many to claim that Arsenal were in a 'crisis'.

Without the man who brought him to Highbury, Wenger was forced to consider his future; and without these two, who had sat beside Henry as he signed a new four-year contract in summer 2006, the French striker was unable to see a future at the club.

Few can blame Henry for focussing on himself. As a 29-year-old, Henry is approaching the summation of a colourful career and wants to secure his long-term future with the chance of winning the only prize he has not yet won, the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal's eagerness to add some experienced world-class players to a youthful Gunners squad was a transfer policy that frustrated Henry, especially after his friend and fellow countryman Franck Ribery signed for Bayern Munich for £17.5million.

Spending big bucks is not the Arsenal way though and, while they sorely need some investment in a big name player, Wenger was always going to rely on his youngsters. With a £262million debt hovering over the club after construction of their new Emirates Stadium, it is easy to see why the club are not keen to splash the cash, yet in reality, they are wealthier than ever.

The 50% increase in television revenue that has spread across the Premier League, added to at least £20million more income from the new stadium, has made Arsenal a rich club. They have never been short of money and Wenger has always been promised transfer funds if he wanted them, yet in an effort to break even, his only signing so far has been Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Letting go of long-term loanee Jeremie Aliadiere, on his way to Middlesbrough for around £2million, was a decision he should have taken a long time ago; yet ironically it comes at a time when Arsenal have only four strikers and two of those, Theo Walcott and young Danish international Nicklas Bendtner, are inexperienced.

A replacement is needed, and with Nicolas Anelka, Obafemi Martins and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar all linked with moves (at over £10million each), it won't come cheap.

While Bendtner may benefit from Henry's absence, in terms of playing time, England's young hope Walcott will feel his departure the hardest. Joining from Southampton, Walcott made it clear that training with Henry was one of the main reasons for choosing the club. Similar in style, the Englishman would have learned a lot from his team-mate and will be devastated that he was only able to spend one injury-hit season with his idol.

Other players, too, will be smarting from the news. Freddie Ljungberg, subject of discussions over his own future, now becomes the team's longest serving player having signed in 1998/99, and may choose to end his association with the club after watching most of his friends leave.

Henry's fellow countryman, William Gallas, will not take the news well either. Having already claimed that Arsenal need to be more competitive, losing a friend and a world-class player will not be the kind of change that he would have wanted. Real Madrid will be watching his situation with great interest.

Empics
The Arsenal manager will be crucial to the future of the club.

Madrid will also be monitoring Cesc Fabregas. His future though, lies in the hands of Arsene Wenger and while the Frenchman remains at the club, Fabregas will stay loyal. Having signed a long-term contract until 2014, he is tied down, yet he has also made it abundantly clear that he will consider his future should Wenger leave.

The problem with Henry's decision is that it sets a precedent. If the side are not ambitious enough for him, why should they be for Fabregas or Walcott, or even Wenger?

The manager's failure to sign a new deal was at the forefront of Henry's mind when he chose Barcelona. Yet you can bet that if Wenger had signed a new deal, bought a few new players and committed himself fully to the Arsenal cause, then Henry would have stayed.

The fact that he hasn't speaks volumes about the state of affairs at the club. A possible takeover that ultimately saw the departure of David Dein started things off, and now Arsenal are embroiled in a state of uncertainty that could see things go either way.

Facing the sale of their best players, the worst-case scenario could see Arsenal become the new Leeds (although they are far too well run to ever let that happen); while conversely, Henry's departure may re-invigorate the squad and give the likes of Walcott and Bendtner a chance to shine.

It is an interesting time for the club and as Henry prepares for life in Spain, all eyes are now on the future of the manager. Without a back-up plan for the departure of Wenger, Arsenal's 'team in transition' could find themselves having to re-build from scratch if the Frenchman decides to follow Henry out of the Emirates' door in the summer. And that really would constitute a crisis.