Arsenal FC

Carling Cup: Arshavin leads Arsenal to victory over Bolton Wanderers

2011-10-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

The 2011/2012 Carling Cup is the perfect scenario to see the best Arsenal after Fabregas' departure. In fact, this 2-1 win over Bolton is the seventh victory in eight games, which means the team is gaining confidence and offensive power.

This win was not so easy to achieve, and only the talent of Arshavin allowed the Gunners defeat their rival. The russian footballer netted the equalizer in the second half, after Bolton's Fabrice Muamba scored the opener. Korean midfielder Park Chu-Young scored the final goal two minutes later.

This is a great result to boost the team's morale and to help Wenger explore options for the first team.

Short victory over Sunderland

2011-10-17T23:53:00.000-07:00

Robin Van Persie was the hero at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The duel between Arsenal and Sunderland finished with a 2-1 triumph for the Gunners, but their poor performance keeps supporters unhappy.

The Dutch footballer proved to be extremely important for Wenger. Van Persie scored a double, while Sebastian Larsson netted the only goal for the visitors.

Arsenal is having one of their worst seasons so far, and this win barely helps them to get away from the descending zone.

Manchester United's Ferguson: Wenger's work at Arsenal is the best in the club's history

2011-08-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson backs Arsene Wenger and defends him from criticism. Arsenal can't win any title in the last six years, and both supporters and journalism has spoken about resignation.

But Manchester United's manager is convinced that Wenger should stay at the London club. "We all have seen the work Wenger has done for 15 years at Arsenal. It is the best in the club's history. Yes, he has not won any title for almost six seasons, but what does that mean? His team is still one of the best squads in the world."

This words are a significant gesture from Ferguson, specially one day before the clash between Arsenal and Manchester United in the Premier League.

Bolton: Arsenal's offer for Cahill not big enough

2011-08-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

Arsenal are looking forward to enhance their squad after the departure of their most valuable footballers - yes, we are talking about Cesc and Nasri - but money might be a problem.

As we heard during the last weeks, the Gunners are interested in English defender Gary Cahill and the official bid was placed at the Bolton offices yesterday, but the club rejected it.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle admitted that there were "conversations" between both clubs, but there is no agreement yet. In the other hand, Arsenal boss Wenger denied that they talked about a certain number.

Apparently, we will have to wait to see the end of this story.

Surprising Bolton crushed Arsenal hopes

2011-04-25T03:03:00.000-07:00

Bolton defeated Arsenal 2-1 and frustrated the Gunners' dreams of a title for this season. Wenger's squad completed their third game without a victory, and now they have no chance to reach leaders Manchester United.

Tamir Cohen scored a dramatic goal in the last minutes of the match, and that was the end of the story for Arsenal this season. Chelsea's win over West Ham helped Ancelotti's team reach the second place of the table.

It's fair to mention that the result could have been even more tragic for Arsenal, since Bolton's striker Kevin Davies missed a penalty shoot.

"I am the one to blame" said Wenger after the game. "Our team didn't have the experience to react at the most important moments, and that's entirely my fault."

Dramatic 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool

2011-04-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Arsenal could not defeat Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium and got a useless 1-1 draw. Robin van Persie scored the opener for the Gunners and Dirk Kuyt netted the equalizer in the very last second of the game.

As dramatic as it sounds, Wenger's men were victorius until minut 101, but a penalty shoot converted by Kuyt crashed Arsenal's hopes. The real winner of this game was Manchester United, absolute leader of the Premier League.

We must mention that Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher left the pitch unconscious after recieving a hard hit in the head. Fortunately, doctors say his condition is stable.

Wenger backs the team's performance this season

2011-04-10T01:39:00.000-07:00

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger said that the second place in the Premier League is a success, and according to him, the team did a great effort to win as many games as they could this season.

This comes after being target of criticism, especially for not winning a title since 2005. The current season was promising, but losses to Birmingham in the FA Cup and to Barcelona in the Champions League were just too much for the fans.

"You must know that in times like these you have to trust these players and show strength. I won't pay attention to some people who have not worked half a day in football," Wenger blasted. "Those critics cannot imagine how much work is behind our strong squad, so I prefer not to listen to them."

Gabriel Milito could be playing at Arsenal next season

2011-04-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

The argentinian defender of Barcelona has not been starting the games with Guardiola, and Wenger believes he could be really useful in Arsenal.

Gabriel Milito, who is already 30 years old, is only the second option in Barcelona, where Puyol and Piqué are the lords of the defensive line. And that could be a great opportunity for Arsenal, where they need a leader in that zone of the field.

Arsene Wenger: We can win four titles this season

2011-02-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

The victory over Barcelona was just two days ago and Arsenal coach Wenger is already thinking in the FA Cup - they play against Leyton on Sunday -, and right after that game, the Premier League will require a new effort, this time against Stoke City.

And in the top of everything, they will face Birmingham in the Carling Cup final.

Despite the tough schedule, Arsenal is advancing in every competition with great success. Something that had not happened in a long time ago.

"My team is eager to win titles" said the French coach. "I gol for every single tournament to the end".

Arsenal vs. Barcelona: Arshavin lead Gunners' win in Champions League

2011-02-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

Russian star Andrey Arshavin came from the bench to score the winner over Barcelona for the Champions League Round of 16. Lionel Messi could not lead his team to victory, and they are now forced to win in the second leg.

Spanish striker David Villa score the opener but Arsenal achieved an amazing comeback: Robin van Persie netted the equalizer and Arshavin sealed the 2-1.

Wenger is confident to beat the catalan team and advance to the quarterfinals.

Champions League: Lionel Messi crushed Gunners' dreams

2010-04-06T14:32:00.001-07:00

Barcelona beat Arsenal with a stunning 4-1 score (agg. 6-3) basically because of a player from another planet, even another dimension: Lionel Messi. The game took place at the Camp Nou, where the South American striker took his team stright to the semifinals.

Arsenal netted the opener with Bendtner but the Argentinian genious was the man of the match scoring all four goals of his team.

Barcelona advanced to the semifinal stage of the Champions League, where Inter Milan wait to prove they have enough talent to stop the Messi-mania.

As for Arsenal, the Gunners now have to think in the Premier League, a competition where the leaders are Chelsea and Manchester United.

Tickets for Champions League clash Barcelona-Arsenal cost up to 300 Euros

2010-04-06T09:07:00.001-07:00

Many Arsenal fans who arrived at Barcelona without tickets are desperately looking for some to see the match. The port of Barcelona is the spot for English supporters gathering.

Even though many days before it was announced that the tickets were sold out, the truth is that scalpers are all around the stadium. Prices are between 250 and 300 euros a seat.

There are huge security measures for this game, but scalpers manage to sell as much as they can. And the British fans pay for them, because they have no choice.

Arsenal to face Messi's Barcelona in Champions League

2010-03-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Arsenal was not lucky at the Champions League quarterfinals draw: the Gunners will face the powerfull Barcelona, Lionel Messi included. Today's Champions Leageu draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland.

Arsene Wenger expressed his thoughts about this match: "I think my team will not be favourite but for me it will be a 50-50 match. That's how we have to take it. When you get to the quarter-finals of the Champions League you play extremely good clubs and Barcelona has a fantastic team indeed."

In another fascinating leg, Manchester United will face Bayern Munich. And lets mention that Lyon will play French rival Bordeaux and Inter Milan faces CSKA Moscow in the other quarterfinals of the Champions League.

These encounters will take place on March 30 and 31 and April 6 and 7 with Arsenal, Lyon, Bayern, and Inter hosting the first matches.

Eduardo Da Silva set for his return: Taylor feels a little better now

2009-02-18T21:45:00.000-08:00

Birmingham City’s Martin Taylor has spoken of his relief at Eduardo’s return to fitness, and hopes his own ordeal over the broken leg incident is now at an end.

Indeed, the controversial Taylor received death threats after his tackle Eduardo in last February’s Premier League game left Eduardo with horrific injuries. He has always maintained that the tackle was not malicious, and says he has received plenty of support over the last year.

“I must admit that it’s a relief to see him back playing,” expressed Taylor.

“But there is nothing like that first proper game because you are never quite sure whether you have recovered or not. I had a feeling he would be okay because he’d played for Croatia last week. I think it lifted Arsenal on Monday night and I can understand why.

“To recover both mentally and physically — to get through that training and to get back to that standard — he has done really, really well. We must consider that you have to be exceptional to reach that level in the first place. It is one thing to come back and play at all. It is another to play for Arsenal.”

Speaking about the tackle, for which Taylor was dismissed, the former Blackburn footballer expressed: “‘I know in my heart of hearts that it was an accident. A horrible accident. So I wanted to see him playing again. You can never be sure. I was hopeful because of the updates I received from the Gunners. I kept my fingers crossed when he was playing in the reserves.

It’s amazing to notice that in the immediate aftermath of that tumultuous 2-2 draw at St Andrews, Arsene Wenger called for Taylor to be banned from football for life, comments the Frenchman later retracted.

However, the immediate aftermath of the incident proved incredibly difficult for Taylor and his family.

“I had death threats,” he expressed. “No one would sit here and say that was enjoyable. When I received them, I wasn’t too sure with some of them. A couple were written in crayon, some were more sinister. and in despite of that, generally, I didn’t take them too seriously.

“Ninety per cent of the correspondence I had, though, was encouraging. We must consider that the other 10 per cent wasn’t.”

Asked whether Eduardo would shake Taylor’s hand should the pair meet again, he expressed: “I wouldn’t expect him to. Maybe, I don’t know. It’s up to him.”

Arsenal boss considers impossible to hunt Manchester United

2009-02-18T21:40:00.000-08:00

The French coach Wenger has conceded for the first time that Arsenal have no hope of title in the Premier League this season, as he declared the current leaders Manchester United just untouchable for them.

We must consider that Arsenal sit in fifth place, 15 points behind the reigning champions, after United victory over Fulham, a victory that takes Sir Alex Ferguson’s side five points clear of second-placed Liverpool.

All the top five sides will have 13 clashes left to play after tonight, with Arsenal still to visit United, giving them a small chance of reducing the points difference. However, Wenger sees United as being in such amazing form that even an Arsenal victory at Old Trafford would not halt Ferguson’s men on their way to a third successive Premier League title.

In any case, Wenger’s side visit Old Trafford on the penultimate weekend of the season, when a victory might come too late to make any difference. Wenger cannot see United also losing four other games to give Arsenal a chance of the title.

The manager expressed: “We promised ourselves to give everything until the very last day of the season. At the moment Man United look untouchable, they beat Fulham tonight. United’s results are really consistent. They victory 1-0, and in despite of that, you always think during the match they will drop a point tonight, or drop maybe more than two points, and in despite of that, no, they always manage to find, somewhere, the resources to victory the game.

“That means if they victory their game in hand they are 15 points in front of us. That means they need to lose five games for us to catch up. Let’s say they lose one against us, that leaves four. They still need to lose four other games, which they haven’t done yet this season. and in despite of that, we promised ourselves. We are very consistent. We are on a very strong run. We just missed the goals recently we know we are capable of scoring.”

It’s amazing to notice that Wenger saw his side cruise into the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday night, defeating Cardiff City in their replay 4-0, and they now have a relatively straightforward path through to the semi-finals. They next play Burnley, at the Emirates, and if they victory that they will play either Sheffield United or Hull City in the quarter-finals, again at the Emirates.

However, Wenger has downplayed the importance of the Cup, insisting that it is more important to finish in the top four of the Premier League, thus qualifying for the Champions League preliminary stages.

Wenger, whose last trophy was the FA Cup in 2005, responded, when asked about the Cup being his best chance of silverware: “I believe our basic target is to get in the Champions League. Therefore the championship remains our priority.”

The Gunners’ hopes of overhauling Chelsea or Aston Villa to finish fourth were lifted with the return to first-team action of Eduardo on Monday night. Their Croatia international forward played his first encounter for Arsenal since breaking his left leg and dislocating his ankle against Birmingham City 51 weeks ago.

Eduardo scored twice, with a header and a penalty, and looked lively throughout his 67 minutes on the pitch, before he was taken off as a precautionary measure, due to a tight hamstring.

Wenger expressed Eduardo, 26 next week, had shown that, “mentally, he is as strong as a mountain” in coming back from such a serious injury.

We must consider that the Brazil-born Eduardo wants to carry on where he left off last season, when his goals looked like they might take Arsenal to the league title. Now he has his eyes on European and FA Cup success.

He expressed: “We have three months until the end of the championship. I am here to help Arsenal to be on top of the Premier League or in the first three. Now we are in the FA Cup, I want to get to the final and in the Champions League we want to go far. I feel I can play again like before.”

Arshavin words after latest Arsenal transfer

2009-02-06T00:21:00.000-08:00

As we know, for most soccer players now, the tag 'a dream move' is increasingly becoming a cliche; a statement made just to endear themselves with fans at their new clubs.

However, as far as Andrei Arshavin is concerned, his deadline-busting transfer from Zenit St Petersburg to Arsenal is indeed beyond his wildest dreams.

Indeed, so much so that the Russian star did everything he could to make sure the deal remained a possibility.

Case in point: at the time severe snow threatened to cripple the London transport system on transfer deadline day, he jetted into London first thing in the morning on a private plane and camped himself in a Hertfordshire hotel, just a stone's throw away from Arsenal's London Colney training ground.

And at the time the reported £15 million ($31.5m) deal was on the brink of collapse after an impasse over financial terms, Arshavin offered to take a pay-cut to ease through the deal.

What's more: he also reportedly agreed to pay 'compensation' to Zenit for leaving the Russian champions.

As you can tell, the talented 27-year-old really wanted to join Arsenal. Desperate even.

'Arsenal are one of the leading football clubs in the world, with a group of fantastic young players and a great manager,' declared Arshavin after his move was confirmed by the Premier League on Tuesday - almost 24 hours after the transfer deadline.

'I am looking forward to making the Arsenal supporters happy and helping this great club victory trophies.

'I am so happy to be an Arsenal player, it was my dream.'

One suspects that he really means it. Arsenal supporters will be heartened by Arshavin's show of determination, commitment and sincerity throughout this protracted transfer sage.

No fan likes it better at the time a soccer player appears to be devoting his life to the club.

All Arshavin needs to do is to replicate these qualities on the pitch, and he'll do alright.

Chances are he will. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his admiration of the Russian playmaker.

The feeling is mutual, it seems.

Arshavin, one of the leading stars at Euro08, revealed the prospect of playing under Wenger played a big part in his decision to move to Arsenal.

'I moved because I like the Arsenal style, Arsene Wenger as a manager and I like some of their players,' Arshavin said.

'Every time I talked to Arsene, he said: 'I want you to come to Arsenal'. He had confidence in me.'

But it wasn't Arsenal who made the first move, though.

After his personal success at Euro08, Arshavin - who has 15 goals from 41 caps for Russia - was flooded with enquiries from major European clubs.

Barcelona came calling, but the Spanish champions' 15 million euros ($30m) bid was turned down by Zenit.

Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham, too, made a bid worth £16m.

It was again rejected by Zenit, prompting Arshavin to blast his club for pricing him out of the market with an exorbitant £22m price-tag.

When Arsenal started their pursuit at the start of the year, their advances were thwarted at every turn by Zenit.

Barbaric

Incensed, Arshavin described Zenit as 'barbaric' and vowed never to play for them again.

Negotiations went back and forth over the course of January and finally, the drawn-out deal was done.

It was tough work, admitted Arshavin, but it was worth it.

'It was a very tough time for me, but now it doesn't matter because I am a Gunner. It is great,' said the 2006 Russian soccer player of the Year.

Arshavin will be cup-tied for the Champions League, but his goals and creative play will be needed to propel Arsenal beyond fourth place in the Premiership to secure automatic Champions League qualification next season.

Even though Arsenal's title bid is all but decimated and the League Cup exit still smarting, the new Arsenal No. 23 has his eyes set on silverware this season.

The FA Cup - with a replay against Cardiff coming up on 16 Feb - is very much a possibility.

The EPL title? Mission Impossible, isn't it?

But Arshavin is not about to give up, just like how he refused to give up fighting for his dream move.

'Trust in me and Arsenal,' he assured. If your deliver your promise, Arshavin, all will.

Wenger reasons to leave Van Persie on the bech

2009-02-06T00:19:00.000-08:00

The Gunners were held to a goalless draw at the Emirates, which meant they were unable to make up ground on fourth-placed Aston Villa, who also drew at home.

Despite having around 70% of the possession, Arsenal Football Club rarely threatened the Hammer goal.

And although Wenger sent on van Persie with 15 minutes to go, there was to be no late goal as if often the Arsenal style.

In fact, when asked whether he regretted the decision to leave the Dutchman out of his starting line-up, Wenger insisted: "No.

"When sides defend like West Ham did you normally expect to score a goal in the last 15 minutes or so and van Persie was on for the last 15 minutes.

"It was done not to get him injured.

"We have to be cautious with him and he had played every minute against Cardiff and also Everton.

"We have bad experiences at the time we pushed him to play lots of encounters."

The Dutch marksman, who is the Gunners' leading scorer with nine Premier League goals, currently has 18 months remaining on his Emirates deal.

Both parties sat down to open negotiations two months ago, but they were postponed as the club underwent a boardroom reshuffle.

Although Arsenal are reportedly just shy of matching Van Persie's £80,000-a-week demands, Wenger is confident an agreement can be reached.

"He knows how much it means to me and we will try to sort him out," said Wenger. "I'm convinced it means a lot to Robin to stay here.

"I've invested a lot of time in them (Van Persie and Theo Walcott) because I feel it is important to them and it means something to them to be at this club.

"He wants to be part of the club and, of course, we have to satisfy his demands as well. I don't think that we're far away."

Van Persie's blistering form has coincided with an injury-free spell and Wenger's main concern is not trying to rely on the 25-year-old services too heavily.

"I believe him being fit has helped him greatly. He is a player who has made an extreme improvement," he continued.

"When you consider the player who arrived here, and who he is today, it's absolutely fantastic. He has ingredients which are very important - talent and motivation.

"The danger is to overplay him at the moment because we still have to be a bit cautious with him."

Wenger names Cesc Fabregas as Arsenal Captain

2008-11-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

French coach Arsène Wenger has appointed spanihs star Cesc Fábregas as his permanent Arsenal captain but will welcome the deposed leader, William Gallas, back to his line-up against Dynamo Kiev tonight, confident that the centre-half remains fully committed to the club and will become "stronger as a player" now that he is back among the ranks.

Indeed, Gallas trained with his team-mates, whose spirit and bravery he had questioned publicly last week both in an interview conducted in France and in his autobiography, at London Colney yesterday ahead of a recall for the Champions League group game against the Ukrainians.

We must say that his recall comes after he was dropped from the squad on disciplinary grounds for the weekend defeat at Manchester City. Wenger insisted this was "a new start" for the 31-year-old, but will also hope that Fábregas' appointment will help deflect longstanding interest from Barcelona in re-signing the Spanish midfielder at the end of the season.

The Arsenal boss has attempted to draw a line under a demoralising week at the club, with successive Premier League defeats having left them 10 points adrift of the leaders and Gallas' outburst adding to the sense of chaos. Asked whether he regretted retaining his compatriot as captain in the summer, particularly after his infamous show of petulance at Birmingham City in February, Wenger replied: "I really don't know. I feel the media was out for Gallas and it became increasingly difficult. This season, at the moment, the results are not as good as we expected and the pressure on him was always bigger.

"I must say that William is a player I rate and a man I rate as well. I have a big respect for him and I like him personally. He was working as a captain under big pressure and, at some stage, you do not want this high pressure to affect him or the team.

"He is a player who is committed to the club. He can be stronger as a player. In fact, he took to heart all the problems of the team, so this can be a new start for him and he can be stronger as a player. I believe his team-mates are behind him. He's a fantastic player and I just felt the pressure on him was big and not justified."

Fábregas will relish that pressure, claiming his appointment was "a great honour", with Wenger insistent the 21-year-old boasts "all the qualities of a leader". Yet, while the Spain international attempts to revive Arsenal's season, Gallas must seek to regain the faith of his team-mates.

The Frenchman has not formally apologised to the team for his criticisms - particularly of Robin van Persie - but is understood to regret the disruption his outburst caused. The centre-back jogged with his club-mates in their warm-up yesterday, exchanging the occasional word with Alex Song. "We all respect him," said Gaël Clichy. "He's been sensational for us in the last few years." Yet it remains to be seen how the crowd at the Emirates Stadium receive the centre-half this evening.

Indeed, a victory against Dynamo Kiev, against whom Gallas scored a late equaliser in Ukraine in the opening fixture in Group G, would secure passage into the knockout phase and go some way towards replenishing confidence ahead of Sunday's daunting trip to Chelsea. The manager, who has lost Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby to swell his ranks of walking wounded to nine first-choice players, described the past week as having been "interesting, not more than that" but insisted his squad's spirit had not been wrecked by cliques or the disaffection exposed by their former captain.

"The frustration kicks in when the team don't win and, frankly, I'm not happy when we don't win games," said Wenger. "We are very frustrated and very disappointed, but I don't feel morale is a basic problem in our team. You have to consider the big picture. This team has pushed into the 21st century with a training ground, a stadium and a very young, promising team. We are in a very healthy financial situation contrary to many teams we fight against every week. We are in a global situation which is very, very positive.

"We know, that in terms of points, the situation is not ideal. The most important thing is to win against Kiev, but we go towards a world where our healthy financial situation, a new team and our new stadium will be much more important than anything else. People don't realise that at the moment. They still live in dreamland and are spending more money, but you don't know what kind of world we'll be facing in the next 12 or 16 months. These days you go from catastrophe to fantastic, but real life is in between. It is not all doom and gloom" he concluded.

Samuel Eto'o: Emmanuel Adebayor is the best African Player

2008-11-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

According to the press, some top strikers are voting for the African award, but none are without their baggage. The popular Samuel Eto'o has been frequently linked with a Camp Nou exit, Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba has become all-too-familiar with the Stamford Bridge treatment room and Emmanuel Adebayor has fought tooth-and-nail with the Fédération Togolaise de Football over unpaid bonus monies.

However, Eto'o believes that Ade has done enough - emerging from the shadow of the departed Thierry Henry for the Gunners - to deserve the continent's top individual honour.

Eto'o expressed: "I would have loved to win this award again, but this year has been Adebayor's year. His performances for Arsenal FC and Togo throughout the year have been outstanding. He should win ahead of Drogba and I."

"Honestly, Drogba and I have been afflicted with injuries for some part of the season and it was Adebayor who was flying the African flag."

We must say that Eto'o's backing will be music to Ade's ears as he recovers from an ankle injury.

William Gallas will not leave the Gunners

2008-11-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Under-fire French defender William Gallas is not looking to leave Arsenal, the player's agent confirmed on Tuesday.

Indeed, Gallas has been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy after publicly making critical remarks about the team and questioning their fighting spirit and has since been linked with a move away from north London, with Paris St Germain one possible destination.

"I can say that William doesn't express himself and the English media take advantage of that," his agent Etienne Mendy told French paper Aujourd'hui Sport. "They haven't missed a chance to do that ever since his bad-mood gesture last year at Birmingham, and they envisage him leaving Arsenal. That is wrong."

As we know, Gallas was dropped from Arsenal's first team for last Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City but will be recalled to the starting XI for Tuesday night's Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev.

And Mendy predicted Gallas will come back better then ever: "He has taken the criticism and has already moved on," he added. "Anyway, William is never better than when he has his back to the wall."

Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London

2008-11-20T13:22:00.001-08:00

The magnificent Emirates Stadium is a football field with a capacity for 60,355 spectators, and it is located in Holloway in the London Borough of Islington

The amazing construction is the home field of Arsenal Football Club since it opened in July 2006. It's important to say that it is the fifth-largest football stadium in the United Kingdom, and the third-largest stadium of any kind in London, after Wembley and Twickenham. Indeed, during the planning and construction stages, it was known as Ashburton Grove, after the road it was located on, before a naming rights deal with the airline Emirates was struck in October 2004. The construction stadium project cost £430 million, but this includes the cost of the associated infrastructure as well as the stadium itself.

It is a wonderful gem that every visitor must see in London. It has alos hosted some very important football games for the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal 2008/2009 Jersey

2008-11-20T13:19:00.001-08:00

One of the most important things for a real fan is the jersey that our team wears. So, this is the current uniform kit of Arsenal first team. As usual, it is powered by Nike:

Premier League Fixture - 2008/2009 Season

2008-11-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 22 November 2008
Aston Villa vs. Man Utd, 17:30
Chelsea vs. Newcastle, 15:00
Liverpool vs. Fulham, 15:00
Man City vs. Arsenal, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Bolton, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. Hull, 15:00
Stoke vs. West Brom, 15:00

Sunday, 23 November 2008
Sunderland vs. West Ham, 16:00
Tottenham vs. Blackburn, 13:30

Monday, 24 November 2008
Wigan vs. Everton, 20:00

Saturday, 29 November 2008
Aston Villa vs. Fulham, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Newcastle, 15:00
Stoke vs. Hull, 15:00
Sunderland vs. Bolton, 15:00
Wigan vs. West Brom, 15:00

Sunday, 30 November 2008
Chelsea vs. Arsenal, 16:00
Man City vs. Man Utd, 13:30
Portsmouth vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Tottenham vs. Everton, 15:00

Monday, 1 December 2008
Liverpool vs. West Ham, 20:00

Saturday, 6 December 2008
Arsenal vs. Wigan, 15:00
Blackburn vs. Liverpool, 15:00
Bolton vs. Chelsea, 15:00
Fulham vs. Man City, 12:45
Hull vs. Middlesbrough, 15:00
Man Utd vs. Sunderland, 17:30
Newcastle vs. Stoke, 15:00

Sunday, 7 December 2008
Everton vs. Aston Villa, 16:00
West Brom vs. Portsmouth, 15:00

Monday, 8 December 2008
West Ham vs. Tottenham, 20:00

Saturday, 13 December 2008
Aston Villa vs. Bolton, 15:00
Liverpool vs. Hull, 15:00
Man City vs. Everton, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Arsenal, 12:45
Stoke vs. Fulham, 15:00
Sunderland vs. West Brom, 15:00
Tottenham vs. Man Utd, 17:30
Wigan vs. Blackburn, 15:00

Sunday, 14 December 2008
Chelsea vs. West Ham, 16:00
Portsmouth vs. Newcastle, 13:30

Saturday, 20 December 2008
Blackburn vs. Stoke, 15:00
Bolton vs. Portsmouth, 15:00
Fulham vs. Middlesbrough, 15:00
Hull vs. Sunderland, 15:00
Man Utd OFF Wigan, 15:00
West Ham vs. Aston Villa, 17:30

Sunday, 21 December 2008
Arsenal vs. Liverpool, 16:00
Newcastle vs. Tottenham, 15:00
West Brom vs. Man City, 13:30

Monday, 22 December 2008
Everton vs. Chelsea, 20:00

Friday, 26 December 2008
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal, 17:15
Chelsea vs. West Brom, 13:00
Liverpool vs. Bolton, 15:00
Man City vs. Hull, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Everton, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. West Ham, 13:00
Stoke vs. Man Utd, 12:45
Sunderland vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Tottenham vs. Fulham, 13:00
Wigan vs. Newcastle, 15:00

Sunday, 28 December 2008
Arsenal vs. Portsmouth, 14:00
Blackburn vs. Man City, 16:15
Bolton vs. Wigan, 14:00
Everton vs. Sunderland, 14:00
Fulham vs. Chelsea, 14:00
Newcastle vs. Liverpool, 12:00
West Brom vs. Tottenham, 14:00
West Ham vs. Stoke, 14:00

Monday, 29 December 2008
Man Utd vs. Middlesbrough, 20:00

Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Hull vs. Aston Villa, 20:00

Saturday, 10 January 2009
Arsenal vs. Bolton, 15:00
Aston Villa vs. West Brom, 12:45
Everton vs. Hull, 15:00
Fulham vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Sunderland, 15:00
Newcastle vs. West Ham, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. Man City, 15:00
Stoke vs. Liverpool, 17:30

Sunday, 11 January 2009
Man Utd vs. Chelsea, 16:00
Wigan vs. Tottenham, 13:30

Saturday, 17 January 2009
Blackburn vs. Newcastle, 15:00
Bolton vs. Man Utd, 15:00
Chelsea vs. Stoke, 15:00
Hull vs. Arsenal, 17:30
Man City vs. Wigan, 15:00
Sunderland vs. Aston Villa, 15:00
West Brom vs. Middlesbrough, 15:00

Sunday, 18 January 2009
Tottenham vs. Portsmouth, 16:00
West Ham vs. Fulham, 13:30

Monday, 19 January 2009
Liverpool vs. Everton, 20:00

Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Portsmouth vs. Aston Villa, 20:00
Sunderland vs. Fulham, 19:45
Tottenham vs. Stoke, 20:00
West Brom vs. Man Utd, 19:45
Wigan vs. Liverpool, 19:45

Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Blackburn vs. Bolton, 20:00
Chelsea vs. Middlesbrough, 19:45
Everton vs. Arsenal, 20:00
Man City vs. Newcastle, 19:45
West Ham vs. Hull, 20:00

Saturday, 31 January 2009
Arsenal vs. West Ham, 15:00
Aston Villa vs. Wigan, 15:00
Bolton vs. Tottenham, 15:00
Fulham vs. Portsmouth, 15:00
Hull vs. West Brom, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Stoke vs. Man City, 12:45

Sunday, 1 February 2009
Liverpool vs. Chelsea, 16:00
Newcastle vs. Sunderland, 13:30
Monday, 2 February 2009
Man Utd vs. Everton, 20:00

Saturday, 7 February 2009
Blackburn vs. Aston Villa, 15:00
Chelsea vs. Hull, 15:00
Everton vs. Bolton, 15:00
Man City vs. Middlesbrough, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. Liverpool, 15:00
Sunderland vs. Stoke, 15:00
Tottenham vs. Arsenal, 15:00
West Brom vs. Newcastle, 15:00
West Ham vs. Man Utd, 15:00
Wigan vs. Fulham, 15:00

Saturday, 21 February 2009
Arsenal vs. Sunderland, 15:00
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea, 15:00
Bolton vs. West Ham, 15:00
Fulham vs. West Brom, 15:00
Hull vs. Tottenham, 15:00
Liverpool vs. Man City, 15:00
Man Utd vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Wigan, 15:00
Newcastle vs. Everton, 15:00
Stoke vs. Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 28 February 2009
Arsenal vs. Fulham, 15:00
Aston Villa vs. Stoke, 15:00
Bolton vs. Newcastle, 15:00
Chelsea vs. Wigan, 15:00
Everton vs. West Brom, 15:00
Hull vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Man Utd vs. Portsmouth, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Liverpool, 15:00
Sunderland vs. Tottenham, 15:00
West Ham vs. Man City, 15:00

Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Portsmouth vs. Chelsea, 19:45
Stoke vs. Bolton, 19:45
Tottenham vs. Middlesbrough, 20:00
West Brom vs. Arsenal, 19:45
Wigan vs. West Ham, 19:45

Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Blackburn vs. Everton, 20:00
Fulham vs. Hull, 20:00
Liverpool vs. Sunderland, 20:00
Man City vs. Aston Villa, 19:45
Newcastle vs. Man Utd, 19:45

Saturday, 14 March 2009
Arsenal vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Aston Villa vs. Tottenham, 15:00
Bolton vs. Fulham, 15:00
Chelsea vs. Man City, 15:00
Everton vs. Stoke, 15:00
Hull vs. Newcastle, 15:00
Man Utd vs. Liverpool, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Portsmouth, 15:00
Sunderland vs. Wigan, 15:00
West Ham vs. West Brom, 15:00

Saturday, 21 March 2009
Blackburn vs. West Ham, 15:00
Fulham vs. Man Utd, 15:00
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa, 15:00
Man City vs. Sunderland, 15:00
Newcastle vs. Arsenal, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. Everton, 15:00
Stoke vs. Middlesbrough, 15:00
Tottenham vs. Chelsea, 15:00
West Brom vs. Bolton, 15:00
Wigan vs. Hull, 15:00

Saturday, 4 April 2009
Arsenal vs. Man City, 15:00
Blackburn vs. Tottenham, 15:00
Bolton vs. Middlesbrough, 15:00
Fulham vs. Liverpool, 15:00
Hull vs. Portsmouth, 15:00
Man Utd vs. Aston Villa, 15:00
Newcastle vs. Chelsea, 15:00
West Brom vs. Stoke, 15:00
West Ham vs. Sunderland, 15:00

Sunday, 5 April 2009
Everton vs. Wigan, 15:00

Saturday, 11 April 2009
Aston Villa vs. Everton, 15:00
Chelsea vs. Bolton, 15:00
Liverpool vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Man City vs. Fulham, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Hull, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. West Brom, 15:00
Stoke vs. Newcastle, 15:00
Sunderland vs. Man Utd, 15:00
Tottenham vs. West Ham, 15:00
Wigan vs. Arsenal, 15:00

Saturday, 18 April 2009
Aston Villa vs. West Ham, 15:00
Chelsea vs. Everton, 15:00
Liverpool vs. Arsenal, 15:00
Man City vs. West Brom, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Fulham, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. Bolton, 15:00
Stoke vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Sunderland vs. Hull, 15:00
Tottenham vs. Newcastle, 15:00
Wigan vs. Man Utd, 15:00

Saturday, 25 April 2009
Arsenal vs. Middlesbrough, 15:00
Blackburn vs. Wigan, 15:00
Bolton vs. Aston Villa, 15:00
Everton vs. Man City, 15:00
Fulham vs. Stoke, 15:00
Hull vs. Liverpool, 15:00
Man Utd vs. Tottenham, 15:00
Newcastle vs. Portsmouth, 15:00
West Brom vs. Sunderland, 15:00
West Ham vs. Chelsea, 15:00

Saturday, 2 May 2009
Aston Villa vs. Hull, 15:00
Chelsea vs. Fulham, 15:00
Liverpool vs. Newcastle, 15:00
Man City vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Man Utd, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. Arsenal, 15:00
Stoke vs. West Ham, 15:00
Sunderland vs. Everton, 15:00
Tottenham vs. West Brom, 15:00
Wigan vs. Bolton, 15:00

Saturday, 9 May 2009
Arsenal vs. Chelsea, 15:00
Blackburn vs. Portsmouth, 15:00
Bolton vs. Sunderland, 15:00
Everton vs. Tottenham, 15:00
Fulham vs. Aston Villa, 15:00
Hull vs. Stoke, 15:00
Man Utd vs. Man City, 15:00
Newcastle vs. Middlesbrough, 15:00
West Brom vs. Wigan, 15:00
West Ham vs. Liverpool, 15:00

Saturday, 16 May 2009
Bolton vs. Hull, 15:00
Chelsea vs. Blackburn, 15:00
Everton vs. West Ham, 15:00
Man Utd vs. Arsenal, 15:00
Middlesbrough vs. Aston Villa, 15:00
Newcastle vs. Fulham, 15:00
Portsmouth vs. Sunderland, 15:00
Stoke vs. Wigan, 15:00
Tottenham vs. Man City, 15:00
West Brom vs. Liverpool, 15:00

Sunday, 24 May 2009
Arsenal vs. Stoke, 16:00
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle, 16:00
Blackburn vs. West Brom, 16:00
Fulham vs. Everton, 16:00
Hull vs. Man Utd, 16:00
Liverpool vs. Tottenham, 16:00
Man City vs. Bolton, 16:00
Sunderland vs. Chelsea, 16:00
West Ham vs. Middlesbrough, 16:00
Wigan vs. Portsmouth, 16:00

Arsenal 2008/2009 Squad

2008-11-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

1 GK Manuel Almunia (2nd vice-captain)
2 MF Abou Diaby
3 DF Bacary Sagna
4 MF Cesc Fàbregas
5 DF Kolo Touré (vice-captain)
7 MF Tomáš Rosický
8 MF Samir Nasri
9 FW Eduardo
10 DF William Gallas (captain)
11 FW Robin van Persie
12 FW Carlos Vela
14 FW Theo Walcott
15 MF Denílson
16 MF Aaron Ramsey
17 MF Alexandre Song
18 DF Mikaël Silvestre
19 MF Jack Wilshere
20 DF Johan Djourou
21 GK Łukasz Fabiański
22 DF Gaël Clichy
24 GK Vito Mannone
25 FW Emmanuel Adebayor
26 FW Nicklas Bendtner
27 DF Emmanuel Eboué
28 MF Amaury Bischoff
35 MF Francis Coquelin
38 DF Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
39 FW Rui Fonte
40 MF Kieran Gibbs
41 DF Gavin Hoyte
42 MF Henri Lansbury
43 MF Fran Mérida
45 DF Håvard Nordtveit
47 MF Mark Randall
50 FW Jay Simpson
56 MF Emmanuel Frimpong

Adebayor likes it red and black

2008-06-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

We have some information about Arsenal selling Emmanuel Adebayor for €31.5m, but the striker has told the club he only wants a move to AC Milan, and will not join Barcelona.

Milan have stated on numerous occasions that they would like to sign a top class centre forward ahead of next season, and it was widely accepted that Adebayor, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba were the three main targets.

The African striker has been the player that they have been pursuing the most, and it has even been claimed that the Togolese hitman has already agreed personal terms with the San Siro outfit.

Barcelona have also been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old, and there have been reports in some papers this week that he was on the verge of signing for them.

But Adebayor has notified the Gunners that he has no intention of joining Barca, and will only accept a move to Milan.

Adebayor’s €100,00-a-week wage demands have left the GunnersArsenal with no other choice but to sell the striker, and the North London outfit will let him go if their asking price of €31.5m is met.

Barcelona director Marc Ingla flew into London on Friday to make a €28m bid, and although this falls just short of what Arsenal are asking for, they would prefer to sell to the Spaniards rather than Milan, who angered them when snapping up Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer.

However, Adebayor is said to have sent an email to Arsene Wenger demanding a face-to-face meeting with his manager, and forwarded a copy of this to Arsenal managing director Ken Friar and Ac Milan general manager Adriano Galliani, but not to any one from spanish FC Barcelona.

Wenger mad at the defensive men

2008-04-18T23:43:00.000-07:00

Gunners' boss, Arsene Wenger, says that de defenders bad performance is the critical factor in Arsenal's lack of success in the Champions League and Premier League.

"It is the lowest week I have had here in all this time," Wenger admitted. "We have lost the 100 metres on a photo-finish. That's what happened. It's tough to swallow because you have still made a good race and you finish empty-handed. It hurts bad, really bad. Maybe for me more as I really believed that we could do it.

"We were leading against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, and at home against them. So we can score goals. What we could not stop is conceding goals in big games. Nine times out of 10 the guy who wins a big game is the guy who scores first, and we lost all these games after being in front. So I think we suffered more as a team defensively than offensively."

The french coach, who has set a deadline of the end of this month to settle negotiations with the midfielder Matthieu Flamini, said: "My first target is to keep the team together. If you ask me how many players I want to buy, it's not a question of numbers, it's a question of one or two quality footballers."

He ruled out signing the Valencia forward David Villa, who expressed a willingness to move to the Emirates Stadium this week. "No," he claims. "I feel up front I need to give time to [Nicklas] Bendtner and Theo Walcott because they have made big improvements. Walcott is now coming on and I have to give him an opportunity at some stage."

Furthermore, Wenger had words about Philippe Senderos: "He's in the squad. But I feel sometimes you have to give the time to refresh mentally. He is so intense, Philippe. He is genuine and dedicated and he's disappointed by his performance at Liverpool but only time can get you over that."

Wenger assured that defeat in the Champions League was worse than losing to Barcelona in the 2006 final. "Against Barcelona we played with 10 men for 70 minutes. The first time you play in a final it can happen that you lose. But to go out to Liverpool after the two games we played was very, very disappointing."

Almunia's injury could bring Lehmann back to the team

2008-04-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

Manuel Almunia is the first goalkeeper at Arsenal, but now he is a major doubt for the home game with Reading. That could mean the experienced Lehmann might have a chance to return to the first team.

In fact, further complications to the Spaniard’s wrist complaint, which kept him out of the defeat at Manchester United last weekend, could open the door for Lehmann’s farewell match at the Emirates Stadium since his departure in the summer is almost a fore-gone conclusion after being benched for most of the season.

"Maybe Manuel Almunia will be available, I just don't know," Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger stated. "I will make a decision on Friday morning. He got injured in training on the Friday before Manchester United. It's important to say that we sent him for a scan and there was an inflammation so he could not take part of the game."

Rosicky can't wait for his come back

2008-03-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

Tomas Rosicky, the talented Czech Republic player, has been out of action since January with a knee problem, and when asked about how long he will remain sidelined for, he admitted he has no idea.

"In fact, it is still the same, there is no prospect, I don't know for the present,” said Rosicky. “I have missed football badly. I have never had such a long break. Not even when I broke my arm as I could take part of the game afterwards with a bandage.

"I take it as this simply is a part of this sport, and strong individuals must cope with it. And I will cope with it. It will not stop me nor break me down. However, I have realised how much I love football" he concluded.

Arsenal fall to second place as they tie with Middlesbrough

2008-03-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

Wenger team dropped into second place in the English Premier League after struggling to a 1-1 draw at home to FC Middlesbrough, while the rivals Manchester United managed a 1-0 triumph over cellar-dwellers Derby to take the first position of the tournament.

In fact, former Arsenal player Jeremie Aliadiere opened the scoring for Middlesbrough after 26 minutes with a tap-in from six yards, despite claims of off-side by Arsenal defenders.

The London squad then pressed for much of the match only to be repeatedly thwarted by Middlesbrough’s Australian keeper Mark Shwarzer, before Kolo Toure powered home a header three minutes from fulltime.

The gunners coach Arsene Wenger was unhappy to let more precious points slip away but insisted his side could break its four-year run without a title.

“It is really disappointing but I feel we didn't get the result we deserved. The team gave absolutely everything but it doesn't go for us at the moment,” Wenger admitted. “We have to keep our spirit. We could now earned eight points more and hopefully we won't regret that at the end of the season.”

With Manchester United victory, now Ferguson's team lead Arsenal on goal difference and have a game in hand, with both sides sitting on 67 points. Chelsea, also with a match up its sleeve, is three points back on 64 going into the season’s home stretch.

Arsenal's Photo Gallery: Emmanuel Adebayor

2008-03-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

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2008-03-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

Be a real Gunner by adding one of this buttons to your own site or blog. Choose your style and copy the code:

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Theo Walcott injured in friendly game against a MSL team

2008-03-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

Arsenal young frontman Theo Walcott was injured Thursday during a friendly game against the MSL Colorado Rapids. Walcott hurt a thigh muscle in a 2-1 victory by the Arsenal reserves.

Indeed, Walcott will not accompany the Arsenal first team as it travels for a Sunday Premiership fixture against Wigan.

In fact, Arsene Wenger confirmed Walcott's injury: "Today we also lost Theo Walcott. He played against Colorado Rapids, and he got a little thigh problem."

According to reports, Robin van Persie played an hour against the Rapids and is expected to join Arsenal's full squad against Wigan.

In the loss, the Rapids' first of the preseason, forward Tom McManus played a ball through to Colin Clark in the 87th minute. And Clark struck it past keeper Lukasz Fabianski for the Rapids' only goal.

As we know, the Rapids had trailed only 1-0 at the half, and the Rapids came out the gates quickly with midfielder Terry Cooke and McManus playing some beautiful one-touch passes that only a diving Fabianski could stop from tying the score in the 48th minute.

The Gunners, however, scored in the 66th minute for a 2-0 lead.

Rapids keeper Justin Hughes kept the Rapids close the entire game with key saves, including one on a breakaway in the 12th minute. But the London team scored on the ensuing corner kick.

Arsenal Eduardo Da Silva Wallpaper

2008-03-05T00:46:00.001-08:00

Enjoy this amazing wallpaper dedicated to our talented and brave striker Eduardo. Click on the image to expand the wallpaper, the right click on it to save it.

1024 x 768

Eduardo Da Silva : "The doctor saved my career"

2008-03-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

The talented Eduardo Da Silva said the quick work of physio Gary Lewin after he had broken his leg against Birmingham City last week could have saved his career.

As we know, Eduardo suffered a terrible fractured left fibula and an open dislocation of his ankle joint after a tackle by Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor.

The Croatian player is likely to be out for nine months but Arsenal expect him to make a full recovery. "The injury was so grave I could have lost my foot," he expressed. "So I will always be grateful to Gary for what he did in lowering the risk to my leg. That was decisive. I do not remember too much about the blow."

"In fact, I just remember the pain, seeing that my foot had rotated, but I only recaptured my senses in hospital."

According to the media, Eduardo was visited in hospital by Taylor and has accepted his apologies for the tackle which has ruled him out of the Euro 2008 tournament in June.

"And all I could do was look at his face I was totally pre-occupied," said Eduardo.
"I wanted to believe what Taylor said and to think that what happened was just an unfortunate accident."

"I really had to look at him. I could not understand how anyone could make a tackle like that in only the third minute of a match. But in the end I believed that Taylor was being honest and I accepted his excuses."

The young player said not being able to represent Croatia in Euro 2008 was "the worst blow" but he was heartened by the many messages of support from his club and international team mates.

"I will miss Arsenal's race for the title and the Champions League campaign but, most of all, my first European Championship with Croatia. That is the worst blow," he expressed. "That was a big dream for me. To qualify was one of the best moments in my life but I am only 25 and I can play in other Euros. That's what is in my head" he concluded.

Arsenal want to defeat Spurs for a Merry Christmas

2007-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Due to their excellent game, Arsenal FC can celebrate Christmas at the top of the standings with a victory over north London rival Tottenham on Saturday (7:45 a.m. ET).

Indeed, the Gunners only have a one-point lead over Manchester United, which hosts Everton on Sunday (6 a.m. ET). But it beat Spurs 3-1 at White Hart Lane in the league in September and hasn't lost to them in eight years.

Last season, the two teams played four times - Arsenal won one of their Premier League games with the other a draw, and the Gunners eliminated Spurs after a two-legged semifinal in the League Cup.

Actually, that semifinal game will be repeated this season after both clubs won their quarter-finals this week while ending their games with 10 men.

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos said the 2-0 win over Manchester City on Tuesday was the best display he'd seen since taking charge on Oct. 29, particularly after it lost Didier Zakora, with a red card after 21 minutes.

"I think it's a positive result and sets us up for the rest of the season," Ramos said. "We had to work extra hard after being down to 10 men to make up for having that inferior number."

We must consider that Tottenham last beat Arsenal in November 1999 when it won 2-1 in the league.

Both teams also won tough Premier League matches last weekend - Spurs ended Portsmouth's unbeaten home record and 11-match undefeated streak with a 1-0 win and Arsenal downed Chelsea by the same margin.

Saturday's encounters mark a busy period for the Premier League, with clubs playing three games within eight days by the end of 2007.

On saturday, we will see these games: Aston Villa versus Manchester City; Fulham versus Wigan; Middlesbrough versus West Ham; Liverpool versus Portsmouth; Bolton versus Birmingham; and Reading versus Sunderland.

And on Sunday, we will enjoy Chelsea game at Blackburn and Newcastle clash with Derby.

It's good to say that Arsenal leads the standings with 40 points, followed by Manchester United with 39, Chelsea with 34, Manchester City with 33 and Liverpool, Everton and Portsmouth with 30.

Arsenal open season with a tough victory over Fulham

2007-08-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Just ten minutes from the kickoff, and the supporters were already screaming for a little less conversation, a little more action. In the end, Arsenal got a thrilling comeback victory over Fulham, and the fans left the Emirates Stadium with the sense of a team that didn't change from the last season.

Indeed, they stared down the barrel at a deflating defeat. Jens Lehmann gifted Fulham a first-minute goal with a comical howler, and there were less than 10 minutes remaining before a deserved equaliser arrived from a controversial penalty. The bonus of Alexander Hleb's winner came with just 12 seconds remaining. No wonder there are reports of Arsene Wenger feeling the strain.

The Arsenal coach talked of the win as "the kind of result that can change a season for a squad". His players gathered in a public post-match huddle to embrace the significance of this win. They fell behind in half of last season's home matches, but lost only one.

A setback in the opening game of the new campaign would have sorely tested their resilience and raised all kinds of uncomfortable questions about the departures of the most important star, Thierry Henry, and David Dein.

Keeper Lehmann tried to be too clever by half when Gael Clichy offered him a settling touch in the opening minute. He screwed an attempted return pass against his own knee, and the ball bounced invitingly to David Healy, who couldn't miss. and Fulham lost their goalkeeper, Antti Niemi, to a pre-match wrist injury. The local goalkeeper's embarrassment was compounded as Niemi's deputy, Tony Warner, emerged as the man of the match.

We must consider that Eduardo da Silva and Emmanuel Adebayor are both injured, and manager Wenger deployed Robin van Persie at the point of a fluid attack which searched vainly for its due rewards until Fulham tired in the closing stages.

Maybe that's why Fulham carved out their own opportunities to double the lead in the second part: Steven Davis volleyed straight at Lehmann, Carlos Bocanegra took a fresh-air shot at a close-range chance, then Clint Dempsey jabbed wide after being put clear. However, the Gunners survived their sleepy moments in defence to push home their overall superiority, and spare Lehmann's blushes.

Finally, there was a last throw of the dice feeling about the bold run from Kolo Toure that forced the equalising penalty. He beat two men in stirring fashion before being checked on the edge of the box by Bocanegra. Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot despite the furious Fulham protests. Toure had looked poised to score, Van Persie duly did, crashing the penalty into the roof of the net.

The fans will have a lot to think about, but they also know there is still hope, with some new players that are proving to be good enough to change Arsenal's destiny this season.

Where are you going?

2007-03-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger assures that brazilian midfielder Gilberto is not going anywhere.

As we know, the Arsenal player was quoted in the Italian press earlier this week revealing his fondness of Juventus and that he would consider a move to Turin.

But the Gunners' coach has moved to rubbish talk that Gilberto could be on the move.

"I can say that Gilberto is under contract, we have had no offer so the subject is closed," he made clear.

"In the Italian media they talk about him, the German newspapers talk about Jens Lehmann, the Spanish newspapers talk about striker Baptista and the Swedish papers talk about Ljungberg. I simply can not control all that" he concluded.

Arsenal and Chelsea fined for the Carling Cup incident

2007-03-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but finally Arsenal people learned the FA decision. The Gunners were fined £100,000 for their part in the Carling Cup final pitch brawl. Chelsea Football Club were also fined the same amount by the English Organism.

In fact, the controversial fight involved players and officials from both clubs and led to three red cards.

And the FA's disciplinary commission described the incident as "serious, unacceptable and damaging to the image of the game".

Where the FA implied that Wenger's players were mostly responsible for the brawl, the report also indicated that Chelsea had been warned in the past to their on-pitch behaviour, and that has been reflected in the fine imposed on the London club.

Both clubs admitted the charge of failing to ensure their footballer and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and / or refrained from provocative and/or violent behaviour. And the imposed punishments follow an FA disciplinary commission hearing.

Arsenal and MLS Colorado Rapids create a partnership

2007-02-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

The American soccer getting closer and closer to the Premier League teams. This time, Arsenal Football Club have announced a new business partnership with MLS club Colorado Rapids.

Indeed, this agreement is designed to build Arsenal's brand in the United States, while also helping to develop the MLS club.

"I can assure that this is a really important step for Arsenal as this becomes our first venture into the US marketplace," said managing director Keith Edelman.

Furthermore, Colorado Rapids are owned by American billionaire Stan Kroenke's company Kroenke Sports Enterprises. In fact, Arsenal already have a similar tie-up with Belgian team called Beveren as well as an academy in the Ivory Coast.

This deal between the two popular football clubs includes the development of a Centre of Excellence in Colorado, the transfer of coaching ideas and the launch of the Arsenal Cup, a club tournament open to squads from all over the US. What's more, the deal comes just days after Liverpool's takeover by American tycoons George Gillet and Tom Hicks.

"Unless I'm completely naive it's not a takeover," Wenger stated. "I've never heard about a possible takeover and I really don't think that is at all behind our partnership."

"It's just that we develop a few partnerships sometimes with football schools and sometimes with clubs. Indeed, we're trying to extend our brand and we're are also trying to extend our technical cooperation because the Americans might produce some players at some stage and that's why we're doing it".

It's important to mention that the Colorado Rapids will come to London to use Arsenal's facilities for six days while they continue their preseason ahead of the MLS season which starts in three months.

Young Gunners beat Spurs to reach Carling Cup Final

2007-01-31T21:13:00.000-08:00

Arsenal Football Club got a great 3-1 victory over Tottenham on Wednesday to edge past its north London rival and set a Carling Cup final against Chelsea.

Indeed, Jeremie Aliadiere and Tomas Rosicky scored in extra time to give Arsenal a 5-3 aggregate win in the semifinal, Rosicky's shot going in off Spurs player Pascal Chimbonda.

The match had finished 1-1 in regular time after Tottenham substitute Ahmed Mido scored in the 85th minute following striker Emmanuel Adebeyor's 77th-minute opener.

In fact, the Gunnersgot a goal in each period of extra time to keep alive its seven-year unbeaten streak in all competitions against its fiercest rival.

"I think that we were a little bit wobbling when it went to 1-1 and we needed extra time and then it was all us," Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said. "I did not feel any threat any more."

Having drawn last week's first leg 2-2 at Tottenham Hotspurs after trailing 2-0, Arsenal will meet Carling title defender Chelsea in the Feb. 25 final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Arsene Wenger again picked young, mostly second-string players for the tournament, while Tottenham was hit by the loss to injury of striker Dimitar Berbatov and the withdrawal through illness of winger Aaron Lennon.

"What is fantastic is to see that at such a young age players can cope with pressure," Wenger praised. "You do not always know when a player is 18, 19 if he is ready to dig deep and suffer."

Amazingly, Wenger admitted that he planned to field his young players in the final, meaning players such as Thierry Henry would again sit out the game.c

After an even first half when the Gunners midfielder Denilson had the best chance but saw goalkeeper Paul Robinson push away his shot and Toure put the rebound wide, the second period opened with a flurry of corners and tough challenges from both sides.

The Derby emotions roused the home fans - who had been taunted by their Tottenham rivals for their earlier silence with chants of: "It's just like a library" - and they saw Theo Walcott chip over from the edge of the area as play switched from end to end.

In response to a reduced amount of possession, Arsenal used Rosicky to replace Walcott in the 64th, followed by another first-team regular, Gael Clichy. The substitutions led to greater possession for the Gunners and they eventually scored.

Midfielder Rosicky had a shot parried by goalkeeper Paul Robinson and, from the rebound, set up Adebeyor to score with a left-foot shot from about 10 yards (meters). It was his eighth goal of the season.

The Spurs counter attacked with the introduction of Mido and midfielder Tom Huddlestone and equalized soon after. Jermaine Jenas curled in a right-footed free kick from the left and Mido leapt above the Arsenal defence to head in over goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

However, Arsenal continued to press in extra time and scored again at the end of the first 15-minute period.

The teams switched ends for the second period and Rosicky slalomed through before shooting past Robinson off a deflection by Chimbonda.

We must remember that the last time the north London rivals met in a Carling Cup semifinal, in 1987, a third game was needed to separate the teams and Arsenal got a 2-1 triumph.

Arsenal 4 - Charlton 0: Henry is back

2007-01-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

When Thierry Henry takes part of Arsenal team, everything is different in the whole world. That's why the London team easely beat Charlton 4-0.

Charlton had Darren Bent injured and Marcus Bent was there to replace him and play the lone striker role. Sadly for the visitors, Marcus just isn`t good enough alone.

In fact, Osei Sankofa was sent off for fouling Van Persie inside the box, replays later showed that referee Mike Riley got it all wrong. Van Persie was apparently offside and active prior to the incident.

Thierry Henry slotted home the opener from the penalty spot and then became creator for defender Hoyte to slot past Scott Carson.

After the break Scott Carson had a good performance and made some world class saves. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the premiership already and even at his young age could easily be England's first choice. One good thing that Dowie did do while at Charlton was to sign this lad.

What's more, Diawara tugged Henry`s shirt inside the box and another penalty was given. Van Persie just smashed it home, after Carson had gone the right way. It was to finish 4-0 with the Dutchman neatly chipping the oncoming Carson in the last minutes.

Robin van Persie gave Arsenal a triumph over Watford

2006-12-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Wenger's team completed back-to-back league wins for the first time since the autumn to hold to the third position in the Premiership, but for Watford it was another episode in a seemingly ever lengthening list of hard luck stories.

Indeed, only the most fervent of Arsenal fans would have denied the Hornets' claim on the point that would have lifted them off the bottom of the table after a display that combined their battling qualities with some speedy and attractive attacking play, particularly in the first part of the clash.

It's fair to say that the visitors had had their chances to wrap up the points before the decisive moment, but a combination of poor finishing and some excellent stops from Ben Foster looked like it would see Watford earn their deserved rewards.

Despite that effort, we must notice that substitute Theo Walcott fed Robin van Persie with a fine pass down the right and the striker pulled Jay DeMerit out of the middle before checking back inside the American and curling home an excellent finish reminiscent of another Dutchman from the Gunners.

We must say that it was tough on Aidy Boothroyd's men who had played their part in a thoroughly entertaining encounter - the tone for which was set by the end-to-end opening exchanges.

In fact, the excellent Hameur Bouazza warmed Jens Lehmann's palms with a low drive before DeMerit's timely intervention prevented Cesc Fabregas having a clear shooting chance in the penalty area.

And England goalkeeper Foster was called into action for the first time to keep out van Persie's angled effort following a thrusting Tomas Rosicky run into the left side of the penalty area.

Foster had to be alert again to thwart Fabregas from close distance but moments later the on loan Manchester United keeper could just stand and watch as van Persie dragged the shot wide of him and narrowly past the far post after more good play from Rosicky.

However, this game changed thanks to a decisive double intervention from Arsenal skipper Gilberto Silva.

With Ashley Young set to pull the trigger, he made a superb potential goalsaving tackle before, within a minute, appearing unmarked at the far post to head home his third goal in as many encounters after Kolo Toure had flicked on a Rosicky corner.

It's important to consider that Watford may have only had one previous top-flight win to their name but had proved time and again they are no soft touches and within four minutes were level.

The equaliser stemmed from a storming run down the left from Bouazza who left Toure trailing in his wake before his low cross deflected off Justin Hoyte towards the near post which Tommy Smith attacked and calmly steered a left-footed finish low to Lehmann's right.

In the end, Arsene Wenger expressed: "It was very hard. There was fantastic commitment from Watford and we needed to be patient and resilient.

"I claimed that we have improved (when playing against physical sides) and you could see that. In the air we were strong and in the second half we were not troubled physically at the back."

In fact, Wenger also likened match-winner Robin van Persie to Gunners legend Dennis Bergkamp.

Goals: Gilberto (19) 0-1; Smith (23) 1-1; Van Persie (83) 1-2.

Watford: Foster; Mariappa, DeMerit, Shittu (Priskin, 90), Stewart; Smith, Mahon, Bangura, McNamee (Henderson, 77); Bouazza (Francis, 69), Young. Substitutes not used: Lee (gk), Doyley.

Arsenal: Lehmann; Hoyte, Touré, Djourou (Senderos, h-t), Clichy; Hleb (Walcott, 71), Gilberto, Fabregas, Rosicky (Baptista, 79); Van Persie, Adebayor. Substitutes not used: Almunia (gk), Flamini.

Chelsea fought hard to tie with Arsenal

2006-12-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

Chelsea FC dropped two points at home Sunday, needing an 84th-minute equalizer from Michael Essien to just get a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League.

Mathieu Flamini put the Gunners ahead in the 78th, scoring after receiving a pass from Alexander Hleb. Essien then leveled with an incredible long-range shot that went in off the inside of the post at Stamford Bridge Stadium.

"I think the goal was tremendous, unbelievable,"Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted.

It's fair to say that Essien and Frank Lampard nearly gave Chelsea the win in injury time. Essien hit the crossbar from right in front of goal, and Lampard then hit the post.

Actually, this draw gives Manchester United an eight-point lead at the top of the standings, but with one more game played than Chelsea. Man United has 44 points, followed by Chelsea with 36. Arsenal only reach 26 points.

We msut mention that Mourinho was confident that his team would cut the gap to five after Wednesday's match against Newcastle, and he warned Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson not to celebrate his side's lead too much.

"I'm convinced that he must be happy now because we can say we dropped two points, but if he thinks it's over, he is in trouble,"Mourinho said. "Chelsea are ready. We were losing at home with five minutes to go but we had an incredible reaction and should have won the match.

Arsenal to face Porto without Henry

2006-12-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

In a really important game, Porto and Arsenal can guarantee a place in the Champions League knockout stage with a draw. The Group G match will take place at the Dragao Stadium.

But it's important to consider that a victory for one of them could eliminate the other if CSKA Moscow beat Hamburg SV, who have lost all five games, in the other match in the group.

In fact, if Porto draw with Arsenal and CSKA win, all three teams will have 11 points and the Russians will be eliminated by virtue of a worst goal difference in games among the three.

The Gunners will be without their talismanic striker and captain Thierry Henry. The Frenchman, suspended after picking up his third yellow card of the tournament against Hamburg two weeks ago, would not have played anyway as he is nursing a neck injury which has led to sciatic nerve problems which are likely to sideline him for at least 30 days.

Arsenal will also be without midfielder Tomas Rosicky after the Czech midfielder was injured in Saturday's 3-0 win over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, which boosted morale in the squad after two successive away defeats in the Premier League.

With Wenger's side also playing Chelsea next Sunday, manager Arsene Wenger has described this as the most important week of their season and Brazilian midfielder Gilberto, who scored two penalties against Spurs, says the squad are ready to respond.

"We know that this week is decisive for our future in the Premier League and the Champions League. We did our job against Spurs, but need to continue with Wednesday's very difficult game against Porto. We must come back with a result."

We must remember that Arsenal beat Porto 2-0 in London in September and would become the first English side to beat the 2004 European champions away if they win.

Anelka's goals beat Arsenal

2006-11-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

The Gunners faced this game with high expectations, but Nicolas Anelka surprised everybody with two goals against his former side. In the end, Bolton Wanderers beat Arsenal 3-1 on Saturday to move up to third in the English Premier Laegue.

The French striker's goals and the opening goal from Abdoulaye Faye was too much for Arsenal, for which Gilberto Silva's strike in the end proved to be a mere consolation.

We must keep in mind that Arsenal was without the injured Thierry Henry. Faye put the home side ahead on nine minutes and Anelka opened his account on the stroke of half-time, smashing the ball into the net from around 25 yards.

Brazilian midfielder Gilberto gave Arsene Wenger's side hope within seconds of Anelka's goal as he pulled one back with a header. But though the Londoners hit the woodwork three times in the second half, it was the home side who scored again as Anelka outpaced the defence to net the third 14 minutes from time.

Arsenal will face Newcastle without two players

2006-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

Wenger team will be without vital midfielders Gilberto and Freddie Ljungberg for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Newcastle United.

As we said in a previous article, the 30-year-old Gilberto returned to Brazil to deal with a family matter, and is not expected back until Sunday.

“I had him on the phone last night, and he is there for sickness reasons,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted.

“In fact, the situation looks quite good now, and hopefully he will be in on Monday morning, so we will see him for the Champions League clash.”

Ljungberg will also be rested again tomorrow after several weeks out with a calf injury.

“I nearly wanted to pick him, but it is down to the fact that for five weeks he has not played one minute at a competitive level,” Wenger expressed.

Brazilian striker Julio Baptista, however, is available, along with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who has recovered from the heavy cold which saw him miss the win over Liverpool and Germany’s midweek Euro 2008 qualifier in Cyprus.

What's more, midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) is still a week or so away from fitness, while Abou Diaby (ankle) and Lauren (knee) are long-term absentees.

This will be the team to face Newcastle: Lehmann, Hoyte, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Fabregas, Hleb, Henry, van Persie, Baptista, Almunia, Djourou, Senderos, Eboue, Song, Flamini, Walcott, Aliadiere, Adebayor.

Gilberto to miss game against Newcastle

2006-11-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder Gilberto is likely to be missing from their home derby against relegation – strugglers Newcastle United on Saturday in the Premiership.

In fact, Gilberto, the thirty year old Brazilian, has had to return home to attend to a family matter that appeared to have been a matter of some urgency.

ACcording to close sources, it is not clear what the problem back in Brazil appears to be, but it is unlikely that he will have returned in time for the game at The Emirates Stadium.

We must consider that Gilberto also pulled out of Brazil’s international friendly against Switzerland during the week. The game was won 2 – 1 by Brazil.

Arsenal got a 0-0 draw with CSKA

2006-11-03T02:19:00.000-08:00

Arsenal got an amazing 0-0 draw with CSKA Moscow. And it is amazing because they had 24 attempts on goal at the Emirates Stadium, but failed to find a way past Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev, and are now under threat of not qualifying for the next round of the Champions League.

Arsenal team is still a point behind the unbeaten Russians, and Porto have now drawn level with Arsenal on seven points after their 3-1 triumph in Hamburg on the same night.

However, Wenger was adamant that his side had played superbly, only to lack the killer touch that would have brought the all-important win.

"It was the best Champions League match we've played since I've been here," said Wenger afterwards.

"Of course it is frustrating with the result. The normal score in this game is 7-0. Or maybe 7-1 because they had a chance as well. But I feel that there's a lot of positives for my team.

"In fact, I don't think tonight we are guilty of wanting to score the perfect goal. We created clear-cut chances and we didn't take them - it happens in the game.

It's important to notice that Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky both missed open goals in the first half of Wednesday night's game, while Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie also missed several gilt edged chances apiece as Arsenal could just not find the vital breakthrough.

And they almost fell for the sucker punch when Vagner Love broke clear for CSKA in the second half, only for goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to deny the Brazilian striker with a fine double save.

Arsenal's next match is another home clash, this time with group whipping boys Hamburg on November 21.

Because of the situation, even a victory will not gaurantee them progress ahead of the final game at Porto on December 6 where, in all likelihood, Wenger's side will need to secure at least a draw to qualify.

"The group is really close," admitted Wenger. "And that decision in Moscow to cancel our good goal (Henry's strike disallowed for handball) looks costly at the moment.

"However, I think we are strong enough to deal with that. The team is at a crucial moment, because this team can really explode and be sensational if we deal well with what we are facing, because there is so much potential in the squad."

Wenger angry with the "negative football"

2006-10-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

Arsenal boss man Arsene Wenger is fed up of the negative tactics rivals are using against his team.

Indeed, their last Premiership game saw them working hard for a 1-1 draw against Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday after falling behind to an early Tim Cahill goal.

Dutch striker Robin van Persie's 71st-minute free-kick rescued a point for Arsenal, but Wenger felt Everton's approach ruined the clash as a spectacle.

The Frenchman claims: "Every game we don't win is a massive disappointment.

"I have to say that it was very frustrating against a team with zero shots on or off target and when you have 70 per cent of the ball.

"We all saw that from the first minute to the last the goalkeeper was placing goal-kicks from the left and then moving them to the right.

"They were standing in front of the ball at free-kicks. It was negative but that's the way the match is going at the moment.

"It's like a film you have seen ten times. It is becoming really boring.

However, the coach said a final phrase that suggest many things: "In fact, I have nothing against negative football if it is played with the right spirit."

Ljungberg will be out for another month

2006-10-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

It is sad to know that Arsenal squad could be without the talented Freddie Ljungberg for around another month because of his calf injury. Emmanuel Eboue and Julio Baptista also remain unavailable for Sunday's Premiership clash at Reading, but otherwise there are no new injury concerns following the midweek Champions League loss in Moscow.

In fact, coach Arsene Wenger admitted: "Freddie had a setback, and will be out for two or three more weeks."

In another information, defender Philippe Senderos and midfielder Mathieu Flamini return to the squad after working on their fitness with the reserves and left-back Gael Clichy is in contention for a start. However, Lauren (knee) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are some way from a return.

This will be Arsenal's list for the match against Reading: Lehmann, Almunia, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Toure, Senderos, Hoyte, Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Flamini, Song, van Persie, Walcott, Henry, Adebayor.

Baptista is confident about making a great season with Arsenal

2006-09-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

The new striker at Arsenal, Julio Baptista, has claimed he will be "a big addition" to the Gunners' squad and is confident the team can repeat last season's achievement of reaching the Champions League final.

The powerful striker, who has joined the Gunners on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, is likely to be given a frostier reception at White Hart Lane than he was at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. There he came off the bench to play the last 18 minutes of Brazil's 3-0 win over Argentina and got a huge reception from the home support.

"I was really happy to be so welcomed in my home ground," he said. "I hope to get as big a welcome in the league. I am very confident I can be a big addition for the squad. It's a traditional club which is very well known. They reached the Champions League final last season and I hope this year we can continue and reach the Champions League final again."

In bringing Baptista to the institution, coach Arsène Wenger has secured a player he has long coveted and was close to signing last summer. "I am very humbled that Arsène Wenger is so interested in me. I would be very happy to stay here," Baptista said.

Brazil coach Dunga has backed the versatile player to make a big impact in the Premiership. "Technically, he brings the quality of a Brazilian footballer but he also brings his personality: he is very strong, very strong-willed. He is a winner," Dunga said. "He can defend, he can attack and he can score goals and this is really important."

Arsenal is after Carlos Tevez

2006-08-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

According to the British media, Arsenal are ready to table a £17 million bid for Corinthians star Carlos Tevez.

Arsenal hope to invoke a get-out clause in midfielder Tevez's deal with his Brazilian team Corinthians. They originally claimed his contract said he could quit for $ 30m - but Tevez's agent revealed it actually says 30 million dollars.

We must remember that Tevez is lined up to play for Argentina in a friendly against Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

According to the newspaper, the ideal plan is to unveil Tevez as a Gunners player before kick-off.

We must mention that Manchester United had been leading the race for Tevez, who made a huge impact at Germany 2006.

However, they could only move if they failed to lure Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich.

In fact, United cannot afford both and boss Alex Ferguson has kept England midfielder Hargreaves top of his summer shopping list.

Important win to reach the Champions League

2006-08-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

In a very emotional game, Arsenal edged Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 on Wednesday to assure their participation in the Champions League group stages.

In fact, the visitors went ahead when Eduardo reduced Dinamo's deficit to 3-1 when he fired in in the 12th minute after Kolo Toure's attempted clearance fell into his path.

Midfielder Robin van Persie almost ended Dinamo's feint hopes only to see a shot steered on to the woodwork and to safety.

However, swedish player Freddie Ljungberg's late header and Mathieu Flamini's tap-in saw Arsenal to triumph and a place in Thursday's draw.

There was an air of co-ordinated adventure about Dinamo's play early on as they looked to engineer an unlikely comeback in the second leg of the third round qualifier.

Eduardo thrust in from the left and played the ball wide to Etto before continuing his run into the Arsenal box.

Etto slipped the ball back to his fellow Brazilian and, after Toure could only steer his clearance into the run of Eduardo, the Dinamo frontman pounced to slot in an angled shot.

The Gunners heeded the warning and exerted some pressure to go along with their superior possession and they were only denied by the frame of the goal.

Ljungberg had an excellent chance after Adebayor's knockdown but placed his effort too close to the legs of grateful keeper Turina.

Still, Dinamo remained a threat and Luca Modric went close with a shot across goal and a deflected Etto strike just before half-time.

Arsenal forward Emanuel Adebayor should have put the home side beyond reach after 53 minutes but blazed high from 12 yards.

The match started to open up as the Croatian side became stretched in their attempts to score again and send a ripple of anxiety around the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger's team could not take advantage of the extra space in attack and the manager introduced star striker Thierry Henry.

In fact, Henry's arrival gave his side more of a threat up front and Ljungberg headed in a Van Persie cross in the 77th minute to mark his first game as captain with a goal.

And in the injury time, Theo Walcott then set up his second goal in as many games as he crossed for Flamini to give the Gunners a win in their first European encounter at their new stadium.

Wenger talks about Gallas interest

2006-08-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Gunners' manager, Arsene Wenger, thinks William Gallas would fit right in at Arsenal - and accepts his squad will seem "a bit light" should Ashley Cole leave and nobody replace the England player when the transfer window shuts.

As we know, the future of Ashley Cole remains uncertain despite his clear desire to leave and Wenger's willingness to let the 25-year-old go.

In fact, conversations between Arsenal and Chelsea have seemingly hit an impasse over the size of the transfer fee.

And while Wenger remains confident of strengthening his squad ahead of the end of the month, he would allow Cole to leave even if he were unable to bring in a replacement.

But with a firm offer put into the Premiership champions for versatile French defender Gallas, 29, the possibility remains it could just yet turn into a busy few days of negotiations between the two London rivals.

Wenger admitted that he likes his football: "I like the fact he (Gallas) is a good defender. He can play right-back, left-back, centre-back. And we want the player because we made an offer for him. That is clear. But we have not spoken to the player yet.

"You need to agree personal terms. We have a salary cap here and he comes from a club with no salary cap. I do not know if it is possible to agree personal terms and agree with Chelsea."

"If he comes here, frankly, he will have to come for less money."

"Sure we can make one exception (Thierry Henry) - but we cannot make five or six."

Wenger would not be drawn into whether he would be open to any swap deal involving the pair - and insisted: "William Gallas is not the only player we have a chance of getting.

"There is always a lot happening in the last few days - but he is a player we have a chance to get.

"I think he wants to leave Chelsea, Ashley Cole wants to leave us."

Wenger accepts the situation is far from ideal as he prepares for what is set to be another hectic domestic and European campaign, with the second leg of Arsenal's Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow night.

He expressed: "It does not affect me because I am used to that, but I feel at some stage, you want to sort things out so your team focuses completely on what you want to achieve."

Wenger reflected: "If Cole was completely focused, and ready to go with us or if someone else with experience comes in, I feel we are strong enough and experienced enough."

He added: "We lost a lot of experienced players over the summer. The weight on the experienced players like Henry, Gilberto and Lehmann is stronger this year.

"So, they have a little bit more to carry. Last year, it was a bit more shared because when somebody had a little doubt they could speak with Pires or Bergkamp or with Campbell.

"In the end, we had a bit more weight in the dressing room. And of course, the responsibility of our experienced players is bigger than ever."

Arsenal only got a 1-1 draw in Premier League opener

2006-08-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

It was not a good game for the Gunners. A late equaliser by Gilberto gave Arsenal a 1-1 draw with a surprising Aston Villa in the first ever game at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Olof Mellberg gave Villa the lead on 53 minutes, but incessant pressure and a first-team debut by Theo Walcott saw Gilberto level with four minutes remaining.

Since it was not a good result, Wenger blamed it on a lack of sharpness at the start of a new season, saying "the players were not completely ready physically, added to the fact that many of them played 90 minutes in midweek."

In fact, Arsenal kept the ball and created chances, but there was always a Villa player ready and willing to block anything Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and the impressive Emanuel Eboue threw at them.

When Thomas Sorensen was called into action early on he was similarly effective, saving well at the near post from Eboue - acting like a winger for much of the game - while a well-positioned J'Lloyd Samuel turned the ball off the line when Emanuel Adebayor had done everything right with his downward header into the bottom corner.

Villa had to be content hitting Arsenal on the break, which was threat enough with the pace and directness of Juan Pablo Angel and Luke Moore and Gabriel Agbonlahor supporting from the flanks.

It's important to say that Arsenal made all the chances though, slick one-touch play unfortunately unmatched by anything approaching top-class finishing. Adebayor only impressive in fits and starts with Henry drifting wide and deep for much of the encounter.

It actually took Villa's opener to spark Arsenal into life, Mellberg rising above Jens Lehmann to head home a corner on 53 minutes, one of their few clear-cut opportunities in this game.

Arsenal became truly threatening after the introduction of Theo Walcott for his first-team debut, the expected debut for the last 20 minutes and tearing holes into Aaron Hughes with his pace and touch.

His presence also allowed French star Henry to move inside, the usual support in width absent on account of Juan Antonio Reyes protracted on-off move to Real Madrid.

It's fair to mention that Walcott had a key role in the equaliser, turning Hughes inside and out before chipping a delicate cross to Robin van Persie, whose glancing header fell to Gilberto, the Brazilian lashing a half-volley into the roof of the net on 84 minutes.

Even though they kept on attacking, The Gunners were unable to find another goal and start the 2006/7 season and life at their new stadium without a victory.

Arsenal win in friendly match

2006-08-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

Arsenal is preparing for their Champions League qualifying match against Dinamo Zagreb next week and defeated AZ Alkmaar with a 3-0 win on Friday.

The goals came from Gilberto, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie saw Arsene Wenger's team complete their pre-season in style.

This match officially opened AZ's new DSB Stadion.

It's important to know that neither Thierry Henry nor Jens Lehmann lined up for the Gunners on Friday.

And both players will be absent again next week through a lack of match fitness and suspension respectively.

However, Arsene Wenger's side made light of their absence as, having threatened for much of the first half, they took a deserved lead in the 35th minute.

Midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes was the provider, with a looping free-kick to the far post.

Later, Gilberto's downward header found its way over the line underneath keeper Joseph Didulica.

Just over five minutes into the second half, the Gunners doubled their lead.

Khalid Sinouh, on as a half-time substitute for AZ, could do no better than parry Gilberto's scuffed shot into the path of Emmanuel Adebayor.

And the Togolese forward slotted the ball into the unguarded net.

Three minutes later, Arsenal's Dutch winger Robin Van Persie came agonisingly close to making it 3-0 when his powerfully struck shot ricocheted off both posts, but failed to cross the line.

The third would indeed come for the Gunners, however, as with less than 20 minutes remaining, the hapless Sinouh was penalised for bringing down Van Persie in the area - though it must be said that the Dutch player made the most of any contact.

In fact, Van Persie stepped up himself, and coolly despatched the spot-kick to score the 3-0.

Reyes wants to go to Madrid

2006-08-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Arsenal talented player Jose Antonio Reyes said he is continuing to dream of a move to Real Madrid. However, compatriot Cesc Fabregas is set to be awarded a bumper pay day for his decision to stay with the Gunners.

Real Madrid were said to be interested in both of the Spanish starlets and Reyes, who has failed to adjust to life in England, has made no secret of his interest in the move.

However, young footballer Fabregas has settled in London and was impressive in the centre of the Gunners midfield throughout last season.

It's important to say that while his contract currently extends to 2011 it is believed his loyalty could be rewarded with a sizeable wage increase.

In fact, winger Reyes has urged Real to move to sign him before the Premiership club kick off their Champions League campaign next week.

In a report on a Spanish website, 22-year-old Spanish international Reyes made it clear he was desperate to make the switch.

Reyes noticed: "I don't know anything but the days are going by and I am not going to deny I am a little worried by those rumours.

"I know I am wanted here at Arsenal and that the fans are behind me but I am not adapting to this life.

"I am missing Spain and I have a unique opportunity to come back with Real Madrid. Everyone must understand I can't let this chance pass by. Madrid are unique."

New Stadium says good bye to Bergkamp

2006-07-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

One of Arsenal most popular players, Denis Bergkamp, bade farewell to Arsenal, Ajax and football on Saturday (22/07), when he played his last matche for the Gunners against the club that first made him at Arsenal's new 712-million dollars Emirates Stadium.

In a very touching moment, Bergkamp's testimonial against Dutch giants Ajax attracted a crowd of 54,000, thanking him for 11 years of service to the London team.

In fact, football stars of past and present also turned out to honour the 37 year-old striker, who made 423 appearances and scored 120 goals for Arsenal, and 122 goals in 239 appearances for Ajax.

It's important to say that Arsenal's Emirates stadium in Ashburton Grove finally opened its doors to the paying public on Saturday, two streets away from Highbury - their home of 93 years - and seven years and investment worth US dollars 712-million since the club decided to construct a bigger field.

And there was no better way to begin a new era at the club than to say goodbye to an old one then, as Denis Bergkamp, after 11 years of service to the London club, was granted a testimonial.

Arsenal took to the field against the squad of Bergkamp's youth, Ajax of Amsterdam, and the 37 year-old forward was determined to get on the scoresheet.

We can say that the closest he came in a first half that saw much of the new blood from both clubs though, was as a result of a pass from former Arsenal player Ray Parlour and an attempted chip sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

It was like Bergkamp was destined not to score the first goal at Arsenal's new stadium.

What's more, Ajax went against the script after Bergkamp went off for a breather and a pinpoint cross from Edgar Manucharyan was converted by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with a deft flick in the 40th minute.

The goal did little to dampen the carnival atmosphere though, and after former Arsenal favourites Ian Wright and Patrick Vieira had shared a joke on the touchline, the second half began with both sides fielding a 'Legends XI'.

Thierry Henry has the rare distinction of being a legend while still at the height of his powers and it took the French international just nine minutes to score his first goal at his new home.

And then right back Lee Dixon, another favourite at the old Highbury ground, provided the cross.

Ajax were determined to make a game of it though and Edgar Davids in particular was intent on making his mark.

The former Dutch player broke free and jinked past David Seaman in the Arsenal goal, but Gilles Grimandi was equally intent on stopping him.

According to experts, Grimandi's challenge would have earned him a red card under any other circumstances, but only a penalty was awarded.

His only excuse was that Davids had spent last season at Arsenal's arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

And another Dutch legend, Ronald de Boer stepped up but spooned the spot kick over the bar.

Wright came on for Arsenal to cheer the crowd even more, and a reverential hush fell over the ground when first Johann Cruyff entered the fray, recently voted the best European player of all time and the coach who gave Bergkamp his first chance at Ajax.

Then the current Dutch national coach, Marco van Basten, the player Bergkamp replaced at Ajax, showed a glimpse of his sublime talent - Austrian international Alex Manninger making a fine save.

Then with the clock running down, Nigerian striker Kanu tried his luck from distance, the ball deflected off Jaap Stam and beat Stanley Menzo at his near post to make it 2-0 in the 'legends' match, but even the best efforts of Henry couldn't set up Bergkamp for the coup de grace.

Menzo stood his ground and made a fine save and soon after it was all over.

And then it was over. Bergkamp's final game had gone in Arsenal's favour in the end and emotional day could draw to a close.

There's no doubt that Dennis Bergkamp is now a legend, in the Netherlands as in England.

Arsenal is not after Juventus' players

2006-07-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

English club Arsenal announced on Tuesday that they will not try to go sign the players leaving scandal-hit Juventus.

As we know, Juventus were relegated to Serie B, stripped of their two last two league titles and banned from the Champions League for their part in the Serie A game-fixing scandal.

Some star players such as Italy's World Cup winning defender Fabio Cannavaro and French midfielder Patrick Vieira have been linked with some other important European teams like Valencia, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.

However, the Gunners' coach Arsene Wenger told the club's website that they would not be tempted to spend big on the footballers.

"We know this situation is disturbing the market because you have a flow of players coming out," Wenger explained.

"But we must not forget that the players of Juventus are very well paid and not many teams in the world can afford to pay these kinds of wages. And we can not afford to do it. That is why we are not disturbed by the Juventus incidents."

Cygan stays at Arsenal

2006-07-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

Arsenal player Pascal Cygan has said that he will not leave the club to go to a team with "inferior conditions", stating that he still has one year left on his deal.

It was thought that Cygan would leave Arsenal in search of regular first squad action but the former Lille defender has said that he is happy to see out his contract at Arsenal.

As we know, Cygan expressed: "I still have one year remaining on my Arsenal contract. I am not in the streets. I know about interest from an English club or French outfits, but I will not leave for inferior conditions."

Wenger denies negotiations with Real Madrid

2006-06-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Despite all the rumours from Spain, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has not held talks with Real Madrid.

As we knmow from newspapers, presidential candidate Juan Miguel Villar Mir claimed to have discussed with the Frenchman the possibility of taking over at the Bernabeu, yet the Gunners boss insists this is not true.

"I do not know if someone has spoken with the club, but with me nothing has been agreed." Wenger assured to Spanish daily AS. "It is simply not true."

Furthermore, with the Londoners recently tying Thierry Henry to a new contract and a new stadium to be played in next season, it is highly unlikely Wenger would consider leaving the institution.

Pires leaves the Club

2006-05-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

After deciding to leave Arsenal, Robert Pires has revealed that he took the decision because he no longer felt a key component of Arsene Wenger's squad.

In fact, Pires agreed to move to Spanish club Villarreal next season on a free transfer after refusing a new one-year contract with Arsenal.

The Frenchman was looking for a two-year deal, something Villarreal were offering, but the main reason for his move was that he felt he had slipped down the pecking order under Wenger.

"I have to admit that it was not easy as I've had six fantastic seasons at Arsenal and we played the kind of football I love with pace and tempo," Pires expressed.

"However, I have to say I have had some disappointments this season as, for example, I was on the bench very often."

Pires and Jose Antonio Reyes had been struggling to earn a place in the left midfield all season and Reyes was often given the nod over Pires, especially in the second half of the season.

And even though Pires won the battle with Reyes to start the Champions League final in Paris, he was substituted after just 18 minutes when goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off.

The midfielder does not hold any ill-feelings towards Wenger for the move at the Stade de France but he admits that it represented a wider trend which he believed would curtail his chances at the north London club.

"It's obvious that the coach had to make a choice about who to bring off, but for me it was a terrible moment and also proof that the coach did not trust me like before," Pires finished.

Pires will officially go to Villarreal at the start of July.

Barcelona beat Arsenal 2-1 and win the Champions League

2006-05-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

A 10-man Arsenal was defeated 2-1 by Barcelona. The Spanish team won their second Champions League in history. Paris was the scenario of a spectacular final game.

Everything seemed like a glorious night for The Gunners, which played with 10 men from the 18th minute after goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was red-carded, when they took the lead in the 37th at Stade de France. Sol Campbell headed in the first goal.

However, Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o tied the game for Barcelona in the 76th minute, and Juliano Belletti scored the last goal in the 81st.

Henrik Larsson found Belletti on the run, and the Brazilian charged through the Arsenal defence and sent his angled shot off replacement keeper Manuel Almunia and into the net.

The English side was shocked and couldn't react. The game finished and the catalan party began. Now Arsenal will have to wait for the next season to try to get a title.

Arsenal is ready to win the Champions

2006-05-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger is very confident as the Final Game is closer. The coach has told fans to expect the unexpected in Wednesday's Champions League final against Barcelona.

Indeed, he added to the anticipation surrounding the final of European soccer's elite club competition by saying Arsenal would not man-mark Barcelona dangerman Ronaldinho Gaucho. He also predicted a thriller at the Stade de France.

"They are a squad that you admire, a team that always tries to play and never has a negative approach to the game," Wenger told the press.

"I like that so much and the fact that they have players who turn games round. We all love that in the game.

"It's a clash that should be exciting because on both sides we have players who can produce the unexpected."

It's good to understand that the showdown has been dubbed the dream final with Arsenal's outstanding French striker Thierry Henry vying with Brazilian world player of the year Ronaldinho for top billing.

"We will not man mark him," Wenger said of the Brazilian genius, adding that he did not want Arsenal to pin all their hopes on Henry either.

"I don't want too much pressure on Thierry, I just want us to play well as a team. If we play well as a team Thierry will be automatically good. If we don't, Thierry will suffer" he explained.

"Remember the games against Villarreal away when our team refused to play and we suffered offensively."

Wenger, whose team laboured to fourth place in the English Premier League this season, is happy to be bracketed with the Spanish champions, but says simply being in the final for the first time is not enough.

"Everybody said the dream final is Barcelona against Arsenal which means that somewhere it is acknowledged that Arsenal and Barcelona play great football," he said.

"But fans always want more. We want to be recognised as being a team who can win the biggest trophy.

"I'm here to win this final. We don't just want to be there in the final, but we want to win the trophy and I believe we can do it."

The last Game in Highbury

2006-05-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

Arsenal completed a good week after defeating Wigan with a 4-2 final score, but the feeling at the end of the game was not exactly happyness: Highbury closed forever and now it's part of history.

The Sunday's win over Wigan showed many emotional scenes among Gunner fans in the stadium and throughout the world as they watched the scenes on television.

So many big names will miss this stadium: Alex James, Cliff Bastin, Ted Drake, the Compton brothers Leslie and Denis, George Male, Eddie Hapgood, Wilf Copping, George Swindin, Jimmy Logie, Cliff Bastin and the recent vintage of Tony Adams, Liam Brady and Dennis Bergkamp, who won three League Championship and four FA Cup medals.

Neill, still highly regarded in the Arsenal corridors of power, said: "What struck me about Highbury when I went there was its ambience even though you had a nervous apprehension approaching the field. After all this was Highbury with its famous clock, those marble halls and, of course, the Chapman bust. Quite an awe-inspiring ordeal for a boy from Bangor.

"As a player my favourite memory was scoring a penalty against Pat Jennings in front of the North Stand and managerially it must be those four goals Malcolm Macdonald scored in the 5-3 win over Newcastle in 1976."

Also Jennings has played for both the major London clubs, and he recalls: "It was a January night, bitterly cold and it had taken us five matches to get past Third Division Sheffield Wednesday in an FA Cup game. In the first replay we were 60 seconds away from being eliminated when Liam Brady equalised to bring the old Twin Towers into focus."

Closer to Heaven

2006-04-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

In a glorious night, Arsenal got their best result in their history after. By eliminating Villarreal with a 0-0 draw in El Madrigal stadium, the Gunners reached the Final of the Champions League.

German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was the hero when he stopped Juan Roman Riquelme's 89th minute penalty as the Gunners hung on to progress 1-0 on aggregate and will now play in Paris on May 17th against either Barcelona or AC Milan.

Indeed, when Gaël Clichy was harshly judged to have knocked over José Mari — it was only a slight nudge from a featherweight full back — Riquelme stepped up to take the match into extra time. Instead, Lehmann bounced at least a yard off his line, diving to his left to send Arsenal to Paris and into ecstasy.

It's time to celebrate, but it's also time to analize the good and bad sides of the team, just like the coach did.

“You will see a different team at the Final in Paris,” Wenger said, not completely happy with the game of his team. “We will recover physically and we have everything to win. We will give it our best shot and I believe we will do it.”

We must understand that the same timid performance would bring only despair in Paris, whether it is Barcelona or AC Milan in opposition. Arsenal played poorly throughout, seemingly trying their hardest to live up to Riquelme’s disdainful description of Wenger’s cavaliers as “nine men behind the ball and Henry”.

They endured it, to leave Arsenal coach wondering if the Gunners’ name is on the cup but, if a wonderfully unexpected, uplifting story is to have a happy ending, they will first have to remember how to move the ball without inhibitions.

Great 1-0 Victory over Villarreal

2006-04-19T23:57:00.000-07:00

Kolo Touré surprised everyone scoring his first goal, and helping Arsenal FC beat Villarreal 1-0 at Highbury. Now the English team is very close to reach the Champions League Final in Paris.

In fact, Villarreal came into the match undefeated in five previous encounters with English opposition. However, were undone by Touré's close-range finish four minutes before half-time that settled a tense tie in Arsenal's favour. The Gunners managed to stop Juan Román Riquelme, for the majority of the encounter, and should they stretch their run without conceding to a tenth match, a spot in the final in Paris on 17 May beckons.

Arsenal manged to press all the game, but it took until four minutes before the break for them to go in front as Henry fed Hleb from a short corner and the Belarusian's cross was turned in from close range by Toure.

It's important to notice that the home team nearly threw their advantage away before the break though as Gilberto Silva tangled with striker Jose Mari and was fortunate not to give a penalty shot away.

We can say that despite their defensive frailties on the night, Arsenal FC did look confident going forward and Thierry Henry almost made it two but his shot was cleared off the line by Cesar Arzo.

Despite their confidence, they struggled to break the Spanish side down for the remainder of the half as both teams looked to stick with what they just had for the second-leg next Tuesday.

Bergkamp still in Arsenal hearts

2006-04-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

We can say that the game was what it was intended to be: Dennis Bergkamp’s Day. Coming on as a substitute in the 72nd minute, the illustrious Dutchman almost immediately saw West Bromwich Albion score a potentially devastating equaliser. Yet three minutes after that it was Bergkamp who hooked the ball back across the Albion goal, enabling Frenchman Robert Pires, to score.

And then Bergkamp scored. On 89 minutes, receiving from Emmanuel Eboue, Dennis calmly and irresistibly slammed a right-footed shot wide of Tomasz Kuszczak in the Albion goal to secure maximum points for the Gunners.

“I really think it was disrespectful,” declared his manager Arsène Wenger afterwards, “to say to Dennis, you came on because it was your day. I felt we needed his vision. We needed somebody because Van Persie looked tired and Hleb looked tired.”

It's important to mention that Bergkamp will retire this summer and Arsenal may find him irreplaceable. Time after time, whether playing up front, never his favourite role, or just behind the striker, he has shown himself, in the old Italian phrase, “capable of inventing the game”. And we know it.

Manchester United 2 - Arsenal 0

2006-04-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

It was obvious that Arsenal is focused on the Champions League. And it's also obvious that Manchester United still dreams of being Champions. It was so obvious that the final result was a 2-0 win for Manchester.

Wayne Rooney and Ji-Sung Park scored the winning goals, as Thierry Henry was sitting on the bench. Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie were the starter strikers of the Gunners.

In fact, the Gunners enjoyed the better of the first quarter, dominating possession on a slick Old Trafford surface, with Arsenal’s front two both failing to capitalise on nice chances.

However, United gradually began to force their way back into the game. Jens Lehmann, outstanding all match, was forced to make a series of good saves from close-range and long-distance shots from Rooney.

It's fair to say that United could have taken a lead before the break and were unfortunate not to be given a penalty. Amazingly, Rooney rounded Lehmann, who got a glove to the ball, bringing down Kolo Toure. The Ivory Coast international appeared to handle the ball as he tumbled and knocked the ball onto the post from Rooney’s shot.

Manchester United began to turn the screw in the second half and after an extended period of pressure in the Arsenal half, Rooney opened the scoring.

In a very classy move, Rooney controlled the ball expertly and shot fiercely past Lehmann.

Arsenal brought on Henry in an attempt to restore parity but the captain, receiving little possession from his team mates, made little impact on proceedings.

In the end, Ji-Sung Park made sure of the victory for United with a goal ten minutes from the whistle, his first in the Premier League.

Arsenal is in the Semi-Finals!

2006-04-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

This result means a lot to every Arsenal supporter and to the institution. The city of Turin saw the Gunners reach the semifinals of the Champions League for the first time, after getting a 0-0 tie against Juventus.

The London team got the pass because of the result of the first leg with the Italian squad. That match finished with a 2-0 victory for Wenger's side.

"We really did everything possible and played at a great level, but the 2-0 from the first leg was too difficult to recover," Juventus boss Fabio Capello said. "We could not have done any better at this stage of the season."

In fact, Arsenal had a pair of chances in the second half, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stopped shots from Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas - the scorers in the first leg. Juventus' Pavel Nedved was ejected in the 77th minute when he got his second yellow card for a rough foul on Emmanuel Eboue.

Now Thierry Henry and his teammates will face Villarreal in the semi-finals. After all, this may be the most important year in Arsenal's history.

Arsenal is closer to the Semifinals in the Champions League

2006-03-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

Arsenal FC beat Juventus 2-0 in the Champions League and their chances to be in the semifinals are bigger than ever. The Italian team ended with nine players.

Spanish Cesc Fabregas and French Thierry Henry scored for Arsenal, England's only remaining representative, which is aiming to reach the last four of Europe's elite club competition for the first time. The return game in Turin is April 5.

The Champions League is Arsenal's last opportunity for a trophy this campaign and it may need to win the competition to secure a spot next season. It stands sixth in England's Premier League, two places behind the qualifying positions.

Juventus of Turin finished with nine players today at Highbury, north London, after Mauro Camoranesi and Jonathan Zebina were dismissed in the final three minutes for receiving their second yellow cards. Both are now suspended for the second game, as well as the Italian team's former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira.

Sol Campbell will be back

2006-03-21T22:20:00.000-08:00

One of the most experienced players in the team, defender Sol Campbell is ready for a return to the Gunners first squad. He came through a second reserve match unscathed.

He suffered an important injury in February, but he managed to heal and now he played the full 90 minutes for a strong Arsenal reserve side in their 2-0 victory over Charlton.

In fact, it is the second time in the space of a week that the former Tottenham captain has managed to complete a reserve game and he is now in line to be involved in Saturday night's Premiership clash with Portsmouth.

However, fans think he must to prove he is both physically and mentally right after leaving Highbury at half-time of the Gunners' 3-2 defeat to West Ham last month after a disastrous first-half performance.

According to Arsenal reserve team coach Neil Banfield, however, the 31-year-old is getting back to near his best.

'Sol is smashing to have around,' Banfield said.

Arsenal fans will also be happy about the news that Robin Van Persie, who has also failed to start a first-team game since the West Ham game because of a broken toe, also played the full 90 minutes.

The player did come on for the closing stages of Arsenal's 3-0 Premiership win over Charlton last weekend, but will now be looking for a starting place on Saturday.

Former Southampton winger Theo Walcott scored on his home reserve side debut at Underhill last night, while Danish teenager Nicklas Bendtner wrapped up win for the Gunners second-string with a 74th minute strike.

Thierry Henry defined match against Liverpool

2006-03-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Arsenal defeated Liverpool by 2-1, with two goals scored by Thierry Henry. It's important to say that Liverpool had a contrasting week to the Gunners. Last year's Champions League winners were knocked out of the competition by Benfica while Arsenal progressed thanks to a Thierry Henry goal in the first-leg of our clash against Real Madrid.

As we were saying, the London team built on the delight from Wednesday night by handing Liverpool their second defeat of the week. They had the better of the first half and opened the scoring midway through the opening half when Cesc Fabregas sent a beautiful ball down the left flank for Thierry Henry, whose shot curved around the keeper and into net.

The Gunners deserved the lead and took it into the second half. Liverpool came back into the game in the second thanks to a goal from Luis Garcia who capitalised after Jens Lehmann failed to hold onto a Steven Gerrard long-range shot. Liverpool were reduced to ten men soon after and so was Arsenal.

Steven Gerrard's made a terrible mistake when ho shot a backpass in the last ten minutes. The past was taken by Henry who rounded the keeper and shot the ball into the then unguarded net.

Cole injuried in comeback game

2006-02-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

Arsenal and England defender Ashley Cole limped out of his latest comeback match after just four minutes last night.

In fact, Cole has been restricted to just an hour of competitive football since the start of October after suffering a fractured foot and a thigh muscle injury.

Is good to know that he was hoping to make a Premiership return at Fulham this weekend and a Champions League comeback against Real Madrid next week, but now his Arsenal and even World Cup plans could be in tatters.

Indeed, Cole limped out of a reserve team match with London rivals Tottenham following a firm but fair challenge by young Tottenham striker Andy Barcham.

Cole was seen nursing his left foot and left the action with the help of an Arsenal physio.

Team-mate Freddie Ljungberg is a major doubt for the Real Madrid game with a calf injury which has already ruled him out of Sweden's match with the Republic of Ireland tomorrow.

Arsenal gets epic victory over Madrid

2006-02-24T01:11:00.000-08:00

Thierry Henry made a fantastic goal in Arsenal's 1-0 upset victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League yesterday. At the same time, Italian AC Milan ended Bayern Munich's 15-clash winning streak at home with a 1-1 draw.

It's important to notice that it's the first time an English club has won at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu scenario.

"For a really long time, I didn't see an Arsenal squad like that," Henry noticed. "We were brilliant defensively, but more importantly we were not scared to play. You see that as soon as Arsenal is not scared to play, we can play good football."

In fact, Real Madrid manager Juan Ramon Lopez has praised Arsenal’s excellent 1-0 victory over his squad last night in a packed Bernabeu.

Arsenal can have won by more but their 1-0 away victory now gives them a great opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

"We were strong at the start of the match but they began to change that by stealing the ball and launching explosive counter attacks, although we still had c to score and win,” Lopez noticed.

Arsenal may use 16-year-old Walcott against Real Madrid

2006-02-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

Arsenal FC may give Theo Walcott - with only 16 years old - his debut as the injury-hit English team seeks an upset in today's Champions League game at Real Madrid, coach Arsene Wenger suggested.

In fact, Walcott, signed from Southampton for as much as 12 million pounds ($20.9 million) on Jan. 20, might come on as a substitute in the first leg of the round of 16 match, Wenger told a news conference in Madrid.

``He's doing good in training and if I think he can bring us something coming on I will do it,'' Wenger said.

Indeed, beating the record nine-time European champion over two legs without injured first-team regulars including Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell and Lauren would be ``one of the biggest achievements,'' according to Wenger.

``I'm confident we can make it,'' the Frenchman, whose team has never reached the Champions League semifinals, said. ``The players have not only quality but character. I believe my players don't get the credit they deserve.''

It's important to notice that it may be Arsenal and Real Madrid's best chance of success this season, with them lagging in their national leagues and out of domestic cup competitions. Madrid trails Spanish league leader Barcelona by seven points, while Arsenal is 25 points adrift of Chelsea.

Arsenal, facing its first trophy-less season since 2001, won four of 11 games this year, losing to Wigan, Everton, Bolton, West Ham and Liverpool. Madrid won 11 of 13 in 2006 under former reserve-team coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro.

``We're on form but statistics and the past don't count for anything,'' Lopez Caro told a news conference. ``Arsenal is one of the best teams in the universe.''

Arsenal 1 Bolton 1

2006-02-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Arsenal squad is discovering and learning paying a high price. Brazilian Gilberto Silva’s late equaliser gave Arsenal some relief on an afternoon when, despite having the overwhelming bulk of possession, Arsène Wenger’s boys were out- bullied by Sam Allardyce’s men in a titanic thriller that also featured two horrific tackles.

“A great performance but the wrong result,” Allardyce noticed. His team are now six matches unbeaten and two points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.

“It’s sad we didn’t win as we deserved, but it’s a sign of how far we’ve come that we’ve drawn at Highbury and it feels like we lost.”

Infact, New personnel and the youngest back four in their league history notwithstanding, the previous week’s victory at Birmingham appeared to herald a return to traditional, steel-tinged Arsenal values. What's more, Wenger neglected to change his starting line-up, leaving Fredrik Ljungberg, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires on the bench.

It's obvious that Bolton were a proposition fraught with the gravest of danger, for their forthright approach has traditionally troubled even Wenger’s finest Arsenal teams, let alone his present ragbag of kids and stragglers. So it proved.

It's good to notice that Bolton scored as early as the 12th minute. The only surprise was that it took them so long, for they created two terrific chances in the first five minutes.

First, Matt Jansen crossed from the left to find Kevin Nolan, unaccountably unnoticed by the nervy Sebastian Larsson, sliding in at the far post. Jens Lehmann pawed the shot aside.

Arsenal struggled to clear the subsequent corner, Joey O’Brien chanced a lob back into the melee, only to watch Bruno N’Gotty’s beautifully judged header drift past Lehmann and on to the bar. The best Arsenal had to show for a wretched opening spell was Jose Antonio Reyes’s ludicrous dive in the penalty area.

Keep in mind that Nolan’s goal was sweetness itself. Ricardo Gardner side-footed the ball through to Hidetoshi Nakata, whose poke looked too hard for Jansen before the forward’s tenacity and Philippe Senderos’s sluggishness combined to ensure the ball spun towards Nolan, again unnoticed by the hapless Larsson. Nolan’s perfect flick sailed over Lehmann and into the top corner.

For the top of the day, worse came for Arsenal when Abdoulaye Faye’s two-footed challenge took the ball but also caught Reyes, who spun in agony and crashed to the turf. Faye was shown the yellow card while the Spaniard was eventually carried off with a suspected broken leg.

Actually Allardyce countered: “So Arsenal don’t run the clock down if they’re winning 1-0 away from home with 10 minutes to go? He should stop whingeing about us and concentrate on his own team.”

With desperation increasing, the last 10 minutes were a siege. Francesc Fabregas forced Jaaskelainen into a fine close-range block from Bergkamp’s corner, while Nicky Hunt and Ben Haim combined to foil Adebayor’s dance through the penalty area, but, in general, Arsenal rarely looked convinced that parity would be theirs.

Then, with the five minutes of added time almost up. Arsenal managed one last heave. Nakata blinked a second allowing Fabregas to chip towards the redcurrant hoards. Hitherto invisible, Gilberto stole in ahead of Ben Haim to turn a deft equaliser past Jaaskelainen.

In the end, Arsenal had something to show for an afternoon of strife.

Walcott and Campbell to help Arsenal

2006-02-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Sol Campbell is "focused" and "determined" to win back his place in the squad, and that is very good for Arsenal. At the same time, 16-year-old wonderkid Theo Walcott scoring on his debut.

Engilsh defender Campbell, 31, returned to training on Monday, following his leave of absence, and Wenger went out of his way to praise his experience and strength.

At the same time, Wenger's assistant Pat Rice and youth academy coach Liam Brady were watching Walcott pull on an Arsenal jersey for the first time in a reserve team match at Portsmouth.

And the club's £12 million signing from Southampton, who was wearing the No 7 shirt, did not disappoint with a stunning half-volleyed goal from 12 yards out after 75 minutes which levelled the scores at 2-2.

Arsenal FC went on to lose 3-2 in front of a crowd of 619 at West Leigh Park, home of the non-League side Havant & Waterlooville, but Rice and Brady will still have gone home happy with their teenage striker, who does not turn 17 until the middle of next month.

Of more immediate concern to Wenger, who was speaking at a Nike launch in London, was the well-being of his England defender.

He said: "He is determined to help the team as well as he can," said the Arsenal manager. "We need Sol's experience, his desire and strength and he is all right. He is back and focused."

Wenger also indicated Campbell can rejoin his team-mates in action in the Premiership match against Bolton at Highbury next Saturday.

Hard time is not over: Arsenal out of FA Cup

2006-01-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

In a disappointing game, Arsenal FC suffered their second Cup exit in a week when they went down 1-0 at Bolton.

In other important matches, Manchester United eased into today's FA Cup fifth-round draw with a 3-0 win at Wolves.

Back to the Gunners, we can say that Stelios Giannakopoulos headed home a late winner for Bolton against Arsenal, who fielded an inexperienced side just days after crashing out of the Carling Cup against Wigan.

Wigan win over Arsenal in League Cup

2006-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Jason Roberts made a last minute of extra-time goal and sent Wigan Athletic into the English League Cup soccer final today after a 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

This result sent Wigan through on the away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline. Arsenal FC looked on course to advance after substitute Robin van Persie netted a spectacular free kick in the 18th minute of extra-time to make it 2-0 after Thierry Henry had headed them into a 1-0 lead in the 65th.

Juan Antonio Reyes had a penalty stopped by Mike Pollitt in the 22nd minute and the Wigan goalkeeper made several more great saves to keep Wigan in what was a pulsasting, action-packed second leg tie.

Roberts, who had earlier missed half a dozen opportunities, broke clear in the 119th minute, forced his way past two Arsenal defenders and kept his cool to tuck the ball home.

The other semifinal takes place on Wednesday when Manchester United face Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford, level at 1-1. The final is at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on February 26.

Arsenal crushed Middlesbrough 7-0

2006-01-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

Henry boosted his level to help Arsenal beat Middlesbrough 7-0 in a Premiership game at Highbury yesterday. Thierry Henry's brilliant hat-trick was followed by Robert Pires, Phillippe Senderos and Gilberto Silva goals.

The French striker started the scoring in the 20th minute with an amazing volley. Phillippe Senderos followed up almost immediately with a header that gave no chance to Jones in the Boro goal. Henry was in a killer mood on the night and broke clear in the 30th minute to slot home his second and Arsenal's third. It looked like a rout when Robert Pires tapped in the fourth goal on the 45th minute.

Things for Boro went even worse after the break when Doriva was sent off for a sent card offense in the 73 minute, but not before Gilberto Silva had tapped in the fifth goal in the 59th minute and Henry had completed his hat trick in the 68th minute. This goal was also Henry's 150th League score. The final flourish was courtesy Hleb, who was able to tuck in from a close range.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger praised his players for delivering a strong performance, "We played our game and the goals came as a consequence of the quality of our football. Of course, Thierry scored three - and everybody nearly scored!" he enthused.

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren thinks the game was a learning experience for his team, "This has been my toughest day as Middlesbrough manager without a shadow of a doubt. Down to 10 men with six teenagers on the park it was always going to be difficult. I've told the kids they're going to be good players in the future." he told us.

Great Goal: Henry stays Arsenal

2006-01-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

It is true that Arsenal FC supporters have had little to cheer about this season. Thierry Henry managed to turn things beautiful as he committed his future to the club. Such is the Frenchman’s importance that his signature is worth more than any trophy.

According to many speculations, Henry had been expected to join Barcelona in the summer, but has had a dramatic change of heart. The blaugrana team have been tracking him for some time, with Joan Laporta, the club’s president, recently revealing that they would do everything in their power to sign him, but his incessant phone calls to the player’s agent appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

Keep in mind that the Gunners are preparing to move into the new Emirates Stadium, and Thierry Henry’s renewed commitment will ensure that they approach the future with confidence. “The truth is I love this club and I’ve made my mind up to stay,” Henry says today. “I can say to all my fans and the people who care about me, I want to lead the team out in the new stadium.”

The Frenchman has only 1½ years left on his contract but will sit down with Arsenal’s board in the next few weeks to discuss a new deal. Peter Hill-Wood, the club’s chairman, has previously made clear that they are willing to make him the highest-paid player in their history and it should not take long to hammer out the details of a new £100,000-a-week contract.

Henry’s decision has been the talk of English football in recent weeks, with everybody seemingly chipping into the debate as to whether he must stay or go, and the dilemma has even affected his own form. The striker has been a shadow of his effervescent self in recent weeks, shrugging his shoulders with seeming indifference as his side have struggled, but revealed that the support of Arsenal fans had helped him to come through a hard time.

After reaching a career-defining choice, he can expect to hear even more from them in the coming days. “I’m still only 28, but when I see the fans and the way they talk to me it helped make my decision,” he admits. “They didn’t boo me or make life difficult for me on the pitch.

Arsenal beats Cardiff City: 2-1

2006-01-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

French player Robert Pires underlined his case for a new deal to stay in the club. At the same time, he scored two goals to guide Arsenal into the FA Cup quarter finals. Pires, whose future is still not clear, managed to strike twice in the first 18 minutes to seal victory.

Robert, whose contract expires this summer, is looking for a new two-year deal. However, the Gunners usually offer 12 months to any player over 30.

Arsenal FC rested not only Thierry Henry. Also Jens Lehmann, Sol Campbell and Cesc Fabregas were dismissed for this clash, and the inexperienced defence was made with youngsters Kerrea Gilbert and Johan Djourou, as well as the nervous Philippe Senderos.

Cardiff threatened after less than a minute: Neal Ardley clipped an excellent through ball over the head of Senderos. The Swiss international took time to turn, and that enabled Jerome to nip in ahead of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia only to lob his shot just over the bar.

The Gunners nevertheless steadied themselves and regrouped. Although their defence looked suspect, they were a completely different squad going forward, with experience and class in equal measure.

With just six minutes gone, Arsenal scored. Dennis Bergkamp picked out Jose Reyes and the Spaniard weighed up his options before clipping a superb pass into the path of Pires, who had beaten the offside trap.

He controlled the ball with his first touch before picking his spot and burying his shot inside the far post.

Senderos was still looking shaky and was fortunate not to be penalised when he accidentally tripped Jerome as they got to their feet together after a challenge.

The Swiss international got a booking soon afterwards for a clumsy late challenge on Joe Ledley, but Arsenal were in a class of their own going forward and went further ahead on 18 minutes.

This time van Persie was the architect of Cardiff's downfall, delivering an incisive pass to Bergkamp, who in turn picked out the run of Pires and the Frenchman's finishing was again exemplary.

After the mid time, they were still suspect and when Jerome powered forward onto a long ball, he picked out Kevin Cooper in space inside the penalty area only for his shot to be blocked.

Almunia, who was pushed by a fan who ran onto the pitch amid the amazing finale, clasped onto the ball amid one scramble in the Arsenal area but the home side held on for victory.

Pires: Arsenal is just an option

2006-01-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

French player Robert Pires says he is open to offers from another clubs. However, he wont rush a decision on whether his future lies at Highbury.

The midfielder has less than six months remaining on his Arsenal contract, and although he has been offered a new one-year one, beginning in the summer, Robert wants two years.

He is free to negotiate with other tems now, under terms of the Bosman ruling, but just after talks with coach Arsene Wenger will he be ready to declare whether this season is to be his last after six years at Arsenal. "I am now free to commit myself to another club," said Pires.

"I don't want to get worried with this for now. I will see what happens. I will meet with Arsene Wenger this month. I will see what he wants to do with me before making any decision about my future." Pires said.

Pires has been out of the French national team for the past year after a series of rows with manager Raymond Domenech, but he recently expressed his hope of winning back his place in time for the World Cup.

He told today's L'Equipe newspaper: "I think I can play at the highest level for another two seasons and I am open to any proposal.

"Everything will depend on the professional and financial terms. Mentally and physically I feel I am still at the top."

Arsenal 4 - Portsmouth 0

2005-12-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

Arsenal FC made four first-half goals to crush a weak Portsmouth squad 4-0 and notch up their only their vistory of December on Wednesday.

Frenchman Thierry Henry, who had not scored since the end of November, struck two just before the interval, including one with a penalty shot.

Dennis Bergkamp added another goal - his first in the Premiership this season - and Jose Antonio Reyes scored as well for the Gunners.

Portsmouth, however, never looked like scoring or ending a Highbury winless streak that now stretches to 50 years.

The only good thing was that Harry Redknapp's side started brightly and showed an impressive workrate for much of the first half.

But they failed to get a shot on target, unlike Arsenal who seemingly scored every time they ventured into Portsmouth's area.

By half-time they already had a 4-0, Bergkamp, who had been rested for the Boxing Day win over Charlton, opening the scoring in the seventh minute.

Mathieu Flamini broke through the centre and laid it off on the left flank to Reyes, who cut the ball across the Bergkamp to dab home.

Six minutes later, Reyes managed a goal of his own, skying it into the top right-hand corner of the goal after Henry had showed excellent control and skill in the box.

Henry, who had been in the midst of a five-match drought, rounded off the half in style with two further goals.

The Frenchman was just as nonchalant in the 42nd minute when he chipped in a penalty after Andy Griffin had pushed Robert Pires over in the box.

Sadly for the home crowd, half-time seemingly took the spark out of the Gunners' fireworks, with Pompey actually creating the better chances early in the second half.

Arsenal FC tried to recreate their earlier attacking chances but just Bergkamp managed to force a save out of Ashdown.

And the Dutchman and his team-mates happily saw out the remainder of the game amid a raft of substitutions from manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal beats Charlton 1-0

2005-12-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

Spanish player Jose Reyes scored the winner goal to help Arsenal snap a three-game losing streak in the English Premiership with a 1-0 win over an improved Charlton side on Monday.

Reyes slotted in from point-blank range at the time Thierry Henry's angled shot fell into his path off keeper Thomas Myhre.

The goalkeeper had earlier saved a Freddie Ljungberg strike and a header from Henry, while Charlton's Darren Bent was denied after a last-ditch Sol Campbell tackle.

Charlton had to handle then Danny Murphy's 72nd-minute dismissal. Their Coach Alan Curbishley had taken out his anger over his side's recent dip in form by making six changes - and the move seemed to have paid dividends early on.

The home club picked up the pace after a careful start to the game and midfield playmaker Murphy showed why he had survived the Addicks axe.

Central defender Sol Campbell was a commanding for Arsenal

In a five one-touch passes released Ljungberg only for the hesitant Swede to see his shot blocked by keeper Myhre when he had acres of space and plenty of time to pick his spot.

Arsenal were also denied when Myhre managed to get a hand to a glanced, first-time Henry header as the Frenchman raced on to Lauren's long ball.

Charlton's work ethic had earned them enough good fortune to stay on level terms - and they almost earned the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Darren Bent raced clear on to a Shaun Bartlett ball and was set to pull the trigger before a lunging, last-ditch tackle from Campbell denied him a shot.

Arsenal burst out of the blocks after the interval and their pressure was rewarded when Henry's angled shot was saved by Myhre only for the ball to fall into the path of Reyes, who slotted home from close range.

Charlton had little response to an improved Arsenal and their task was made even harder when Murphy was harshly sent off for two bookable offences after throwing the ball to the ground.

Reyes almost make another to the visitors' lead but the one goal was enough as Arsenal secured only a second away win in the Premiership this season.

Arsenal vs Charlton Preview

2005-12-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

Arsenal FC will face Charlton tomorrow and there is the possible return of three first-choice strikers.

Captain Thierry Henry and Dutch striker Robin van Persie face fitness tests tomorrow. The result will determinate their presence on the match

Arsenal have just scored two goals in their last five matches and worryingly not winning any of those games in normal time.

The possible participation of Henry, van Persie and also José Antonio Reyes will boost Arsenal's chances of defeating a Charlton team who are desperately in need of points as they plummet down the Premiership table.

Arsenal beats Doncaster and reach League Cup Semifinals

2005-12-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Arsenal FC reached the English League Cup semi-finals in a match that ended in a penalty shootout, since they drew 2-2 with third division Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday.

Doncaster squad seemed to continue their giant-killing run that eliminated Premier League Manchester City and Aston Villa, when they led 2-1 with 120 minutes on the clock.

However, Brazilian Gilberto Silva scored in extra-time injury time and Arsenal, fielding a largely second-string team, then comfortably won the shootout 3-1.

The win earned them a semi-final meeting with Wigan Athletic, who got their first major last four appearance by defeating Bolton Wanderers 2-0 on Tuesday.

In other quarter-final match Paul Dickov's 90th-minute goal earned Blackburn Rovers a 1-0 win at 2004 League Cup winners Middlesbrough.

In the semifinals they will play Manchester United, who won 3-1 at Birmingham City on Tuesday.

2006 Arsenal Squad

2005-12-20T22:35:00.000-08:00

1 Jens Lehmann (G)
3 Ashley Cole (D)
7 Robert Pires (M)
8 Fredrik Ljungberg (M)
9 Jose Antonio Reyes (S)
10 Dennis Bergkamp (S)
11 Robin van Persie (S)
12 Lauren (D)
13 Alexander Hleb (M)
14 Thierry Henry (S)
15 Francesc Fabregas (M)
16 Mathieu Flamini (M)
17 Alexandre Song (M)
18 Pascal Cygan (D)
19 Gilberto (M)
20 Philippe Senderos (D)
21 Mart Poom (G)
22 Gael Clichy (D)
23 Sol Campbell (D)
24 Manuel Almunia (G)
25 David Bentley (S)
26 Quincy Owusu Abeyie (S)
27 Emmanuel Eboue (D)
28 Kolo Toure (D)
29 Sebastian Larsson (M)
31 Justin Hoyte (D)
33 Nicklas Bendtner (F)
35 Patrick Cregg (M)
36 Johan Djourou (D)
38 Kerrea Gilbert (D)
41 Arturo Lupoli (F)
44 Fabrice Muamba (M)
45 Anthony Stokes (F)

Arsenal FC History

2005-12-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

In the beginning, Arsenal FC was founded as Dial Square in 1886 by workers at the Royal Arsenal FC in Woolwich. The club was then renamed to Royal Arsenal FC shortly afterwards. They renamed themselves again to Woolwich Arsenal FC after turning professional in 1891. The club was then known by fans as the Woolwich Reds, although they played their games in nearby Plumstead. Woolwich Arsenal entered the Football League in 1893, becoming the first southern squad to do it.

The Gunners started out in the Second Division, and won promotion to the First Division in 1904. But the club's geographic isolation, and the resulting low attendances, led to the club becoming mired in financial problems. In 1913, soon after relegation back to the Second Division, they moved across the Thames to the new Arsenal Stadium in Highbury, north London. They dropped "Woolwich" from their name the After year. Arsenal FC only finished in fifth place in 1919, but nevertheless were elected to rejoin the First Division at the expense of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, by reportedly dubious means.

In 1925, Arsenal appointed the highly successful Herbert Chapman as manager. Chapman had won the league with Huddersfield Town in 1924 and 1925, and he brought Arsenal FC their first period of major success. His new and effective tactics and training, along with star players such as Alex James and Cliff Bastin, laid the foundations of the club's domination of English football in the 1930s. Between 1930 and 1938, Arsenal FC won the First Division five times and the FA Cup twice, although Chapman did not live to look at all of these achievements, as he died of pneumonia in 1934. In addition, Chapman was reportedly behind the 1932 renaming of the local London Underground station from "Gillespie Road" to "Arsenal FC", making it the only Tube station to be named after a football club.

After the suspension of English professional football during World War II, Arsenal FC won the league in 1948 and 1953 and the FA Cup in 1950. However, their fortunes began to wane; unable to attract players of the same calibre as they had in the '30s, the club spent most of the 1950s and 1960s in trophyless mediocrity. Even former England captain Billy Wright could not bring the club any success as manager.

Arsenal FC's second successful era began with the surprise appointment of club physiotherapist Bertie Mee as manager in 1966. After losing two League Cup finals, they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, their first European trophy, in 1970. This was followed by an even greater triumph: their first League and FA Cup double in 1971. However, the After decade was characterised by a series of near misses. Arsenal FC finished as First Division runners-up in 1973, lost three FA Cup finals (1972, 1978 and 1980) and lost the 1980 Cup Winners' Cup final on penalties. The club's only success during this time was an FA Cup win in 1979, with a last-minute 3–2 victory over Manchester United that is widely regarded as a classic.

The return of former player George Graham as manager in 1986 brought a third period of glory. The team won the League Cup in 1987, Graham's first season in charge. This was followed by a League title win in 1989, won with a last-minute goal in the final game of the season against fellow title challengers Liverpool. Graham's Arsenal FC won another title in 1991, losing only one match, the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 and a second European trophy, the Cup Winners' Cup, in 1994. However, Graham's reputation was tarnished when it was revealed that he had taken kickbacks from agent Rune Hauge for signing certain players, and he was sacked in 1995. His replacement, Bruce Rioch, lasted for only one season, leaving the club after a dispute over transfer funds.

Arsenal's success in the late 1990s and 2000s owes a great deal to the appointment of coach Arsène Wenger in 1996. Wenger brought new tactics, a new training regime and several foreign players who complemented the existing English talent. Arsenal FC won a second league and cup double in 1998 and a third in 2002. What’s more, the club was victorious in the 2003 and 2005 FA Cups, and won the League in 2004 without losing a single match. Arsenal FC finished in either first or second place in the league in eight of Wenger's first nine seasons, and they are now considered to be one of the "big three" clubs in England along with Manchester United and Chelsea FC. However, they have been unable to replicate their domestic success in the Champions League, having never progressed beyond the quarter-finals.