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Champions LeaguePreview: AC Milan -Manchester United

2010-02-16T11:00:00.001-08:00

Teams
Man Utd.
Milan
Kick-Off: Tuesday,
February 16, 2010,
20:45 CET.
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza,
Milan.Champions League
Salvation
Before their game
against Udinese on
Friday, Milan hadn't won
a game in any
competition since their
defeat to Inter in the
Derby della Madonnina.
But the 3-2 win against
the Bianconeri has put
the Rossoneri back on
track.
At the moment Milan
are third in the Serie A
table and at this stage,
all they can aspire to
accomplish in the
domestic arena this
campaign is to finish
second. Leonardo's side
are out of the Coppa
Italia and the Champions
League is the only way
that they can gain
salvation.
Playing Manchester
United at home in the
first-leg of the Round
of 16 wouldn't
necessarily be an easy
task and perhaps
Leonardo would have
liked the first-leg to
have been at Old
Trafford. However, the
last time the two
giants of European
football clashed was in
the 2006-2007
Champions League semi-
finals, which Milan won
5-3 on aggregate.
Moreover, Milan
defeated Real Madrid
3-2 at the Bernabeu in
the group stages and
held the neo-Galacticos
to a 1-1 draw at home,
so they wouldn't be
intimidated by the Red
Devils, who do not have
a superstar in his prime
except Wayne Rooney.
Sheen Lost But
Spirit Retained
After Manchester United
lost Cristiano Ronaldo to
Real Madrid in the
summer, many thought
that this season the
reigning English
champions would
struggle. Which they did
initially and on
occasions, but at the
moment United are
second in the Premier
League table, just a
solitary point behind
leaders Chelsea.
Moreover, they won
their group in the
Champions League quite
comfortably.
Don't Miss...
"Ignacio Abate - the
Ringo Starr of San Siro"
You can find all our
Man Utd-Milan
editorial content
here
However, United have
yet to come up against
any big teams in the
Champions League this
season and Milan would
be their toughest test
yet. But playing the
first-leg away from
home would be a good
thing for the Red Devils
as they would know
that even a defeat
wouldn't be bad.
It would be interesting
to see how the
traveling United fans
take to the fact that
their former idol and
icon David Beckham
would be playing against
them for the first time
since he left Old
Trafford in 2003.
Beckham has already
remarked that he
wouldn't celebrate if he
scores against his old
side but was quick to
point out that it
wouldn't matter if he
doesn't feature on
Tuesday night as long
as Milan garner a
victory.
Another point of
interest is that the
Rossoneri have never
failed to progress when
they have faced the
English giants in a two-
legged tie.
FORM GUIDE
Milan
February 12 v Udinese
(H) - WON 3-2 (Serie A)
February 7 v Bologna
(A) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)
January 31 v Livorno
(H) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)
January 27 v Udinese
(H) - LOST 1-0 (Coppa
Italia)
January 25 v Inter (A) -
LOST 2-0 (Serie A)
Manchester United
February 10 v Aston
Villa (A) - DREW 1-1
(Premier League)
February 6 v
Portsmouth (H) - WON
5-0 (Premier League)
January 31 v Arsenal
(A) - WON 3-1 (Premier
League)
January 27 v
Manchester City (H) -
WON 3-1 (League Cup)
January 23 v Hull City
(H) - WON 4-0 (Premier
League)
TEAM NEWS
Milan
Marco Borriello is out
with injury but
Alexandre Pato is back.
David Beckham might be
given the nod ahead of
Gennaro Gattuso in the
midfield but coach
Leonardo might like to
go with the Italian
given that Beckham
could probably struggle
against a workman-like
United midfield.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Dida, Abate, Nesta,
Thiago Silva, Favalli;
Gattuso, Ambrosini, Pirlo;
Pato, Huntelaar,
Ronaldinho
Manchester United
Nemanja Vidic, Ryan
Giggs and Anderson
have been left behind in
Manchester as they all
are suffering from
injury. Rio Ferdinand and
Nani are available as
their suspensions cover
only domestic matches.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1):
Van der Sar, Rafael,
Brown, Ferdinand, Evra;
Fletcher, Scholes, Nani,
Carrick, Valencia;
Rooney
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ronaldinho (Milan)
Ronaldinho has been on
fire for Milan this
season and has
undergone an almost
radical rejuvenation. He
has impressive
statistics with nine
goals and nine assists in
22 matches in Serie A.
The former Barcelona
playmaker was in great
form on Friday too
when Milan edged past
Udinese 3-2 to remain
third in the Serie A
table. Ronnie would be
Milan's main playmaker
on Tuesday night and
he would be trying to
expose the lack of
quality that United
have on the wings.
Darren Fletcher
(Manchester United)
Detractors would
suggest that Darren
Fletcher doesn't have
much talent and they
are right too, but the
fact cannot be denied
that he has been the
best player for
Manchester United this
campaign. Fletcher had
started to show his
quality last season and
this term he has been
brilliant with three goals
and three assists in 21
league matches. Against
a rather slow Milan
midfield that relies
heavily on passes and
individual tricks,
Fletcher's commitment
and hard work would be
assets for the Red
Devils.
PREDICTION
It wouldn't be easy for
Milan especially as
Manchester United
would be happy with a
draw or a 2-1 defeat.
However, Milan do have
more quality upfront
and with Alexandro
Pato retuning from
injury against Udinese in
fine form, it would be
difficult for the United
defence not to concede
at least two goals.
Milan 3-1 Manchester
United

Champions LeaguePreview: AC Milan -Manchester United

2010-02-16T10:59:00.001-08:00

AC Milan's ClarenceSeedorf:Manchester UnitedAre In TransitionAnd ChampionsLeague Outsiders

2010-02-16T10:28:00.001-08:00

AC Milan midfielder
Clarence Seedorf
believes that
Manchester United are
not one of the clubs
that can go on and win
the Champions League
this year.
Speaking to Sky Sports
ahead of Tuesday's
mega-clash at San Siro,
Seedorf also tipped
Chelsea and Barcelona
ahead of the English
champions for European
glory this season.
He said: "I think that
Manchester [United] is
also an outsider this
year because I think
that Chelsea and
Barcelona are the two
teams that are actually
the favourites.
"I'm saying this because
Manchester went
through a transition
period, losing their main
player [Cristiano]
Ronaldo. They are doing
well but it is a different
team from last year."
Seedorf also gave his
opinion on coach
Leonardo, who finally
seems to be getting
the best out of the
Rossoneri after a shaky
start in charge saw him
draw criticism from the
Italian media.
He said: "He [Leonardo]
has been a player for
15 years. A long career,
so we are all used to
that; people catching
you.
"So I don't think that is
a big issue. There is
pressure, but I think
that Leonardo needs to
be complemented for
what he has done until
now."
Touching on the John
Terry captaincy saga
and the decision to
award the England
armband to Rio
Ferdinand, Seedorf says
that the decision did
not surprise him.
However, he added that
Wayne Rooney could
also have been an
option for manager
Fabio Capello.
"I'm not suprised, but I
would have thought of
some other players too
[for the captaincy]. I
was thinking about
[Wayne] Rooney.
Especially Rooney
actually. And I was
thinking about [Rio]
Ferdinand.
"Those two players
have what they show
on the pitch, at least
the personality and the
technical importance for
the team to be a
captain."

BREAKING NEWS:Daniele Bonera ToStart For MilanAgainst ManchesterUnited

2010-02-16T10:10:00.001-08:00

defender Daniele Bonera
will be handed a
starting berth in his
side's crucial first-leg
Champions League round
of 16 encounter against
Manchester United later
on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old has
only featured four
times for the Rossoneri
in 2009-10, but will
take the place of
Ignazio Abate at right-
back as Leonardo opts
for a more defensive
approach, perhaps wary
of the capabilities of
opponents Nani or
Antonio Valencia on the
flank.
Abate was recently
exposed in the Milan
derby against Inter,
when Diego Milito took
advantage of his error
to score the first goal
of the match.
It had been suggested
that Bonera would step
in alongside Alessandro
Nesta for centre-back
Thiago Silva due to
injury, but the Brazilian
is now expected to
play. Thus the backline
will consist of Bonera,
Nesta, Thiago Silva, and
likely Luca Antonini on
the left.
Bonera joined Milan in
2006 after successful
spells with Brescia and
Parma, but has failed to
become a regular at
San Siro due to injury,
form, and tactical
choices, often finding
himself low in the
pecking order.

Chelsea’s Obi Mikel:Ancelotti went mad,crazy in Italian andEnglish!

2010-02-14T23:37:00.003-08:00

Porto’s Bruno Alves:We have to negateCesc Fabregas

2010-02-14T23:27:00.001-08:00

Porto are already thinking
about next Wednesday ’s game
against Arsenal and one of their
plans is to make sure not to
give any space to captain Cesc
Fabregas.
Speaking to the News of the
World, midfielder Bruno Alves
was full of praise for the
Spaniard, declaring how he
stands out for his quality,
reason why he should be given
no room to dictate his game.
Alves said:
It’s Cesc Fabregas who stands
out for his quality, his attacking
play, the way he imposes his
tempo.
He is, without doubt, Arsenal’s
most valuable player. So we
have to negate him.

Chelsea fans losingconfidence in JoeCole

2010-02-14T23:20:00.003-08:00

Robin van Persie:Arsenal is in aplayer ’s heart, it’snot easy to leave

2010-02-14T23:14:00.003-08:00

Arsenal coughing up£16M for free transfer Chamakh

2010-02-14T22:59:00.001-08:00

Arsenal are shelling out £16
million for their 'free' transfer
Marouane Chamakh.
The Sunday Express says
Arsenal have beaten Liverpool in
the battle for Bordeaux striker
Chamakh – but the 'free'
transfer will cost the Gunners
at least £16million.
Chamakh, 26, is set to sign in
the summer and will get
£2.5million a year.
That will be topped up by a
further £1m-a-season signing-
on fee for four seasons, plus
add-ons.

2010-02-14T22:53:00.001-08:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
made a deadline day bid for
Everton striker Louis Saha, it
has been revealed.
The People says while the
Gunners boss has been widely
criticised for failing to bolster
his squad in the January
transfer window, People Sport
can reveal that the Frenchman
was busting a gut to capture
Everton striker Saha.
Wenger is a long-term admirer
of his fellow countryman and
admits he looked into signing
the forward as a youngster,
before he joined Fulham in 2000.
The deal to sign Saha, 31, was
said to have been close to
completion two weeks ago but
the player backed out.
He has since agreed a new
two-year deal with Everton,
with terms believed to be
preferable to those on offer at
the Emirates - where Wenger
has always been reluctant to
recommend long-term contracts
to players over 30.

2010-02-14T22:24:00.001-08:00

football rumours: transfer news

2009-10-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

football rumours
Man utd transfer new Man utd will sign following this player Ronaldinho Maicon D.costa Alex Terixria(spelling) David Silva Essies Defour Gourcuff Pjanic

football rumours
Man utd transfer new Man utd will sign following this player Ronaldinho Maicon D.costa Alex Terixria(spelling) David Silva Essies Defour Gourcuff Pjanic

football rumours
Sir alex Ferguson will sign 4big player F.Torres/Aguero M.Essies Maicon Silva

football rumours
With the current financial state of hearts and with their boss saying he may have to sell players in Jan he has had enough and will quit around xmas.My uncle is raith rovers season ticket holder and has told me that Mglynn(raith manager) will return to Hearts as their new boss.

Sir alex Ferguson will sign 4big player F.Torres/Aguero M.Essies Maicon Silva

football rumours
With the current financial state of hearts and with their boss saying he may have to sell players in Jan he has had enough and will quit around xmas.My uncle is raith rovers season ticket holder and has told me that Mglynn(raith manager) will return to Hearts as their new boss.

football rumours
Newcastle Utd want to sign David Bentley from Tottenham.

football rumours
Sam Allardyce Blackburn gaffer is the top Prem boss 4 Liverpool will target working alongside Dalglish if RAFA leaves.

Posted yesterday about torres and rafa falling out. Heard today that torres is again fit for tomorrow but has been told to tell press he is unfit. Apparently there is major problems between him and rafa and torres believes his time at anfield is ending with rafa keen on a torres transfer in january to give him money to reinforce. Torres will only stay if rafa is sacked and major transfers in happen. This is from a source inside anfield. Jay

football rumours
" AYR UTD " Strong rumours a scottish businessman from ayrshire is interested in building a new ground and investing in the playing staff, he hopes to takeover the club by the end of this season and try to get into the premier league next season. Hes looking to bring jimmy calderwood to somerset park and establish ayr united as a top 6 scottish club, look out for this story breaking in the next few days. And the man is sir tom hunter!.

football rumours
I too heard of the "bust up" at Celtic park on Saturday. Boruc and McDonald had to be separated after Boruc critiscised McDonald for his unbelievable miss. McDonald responded by pointing out Boruc's recent positional howlers against Rapid and Rangers. Boruc announced that he was off in January and Brown supposedly told him "bye bye". Mowbray told the players that he had money to replace some of the team in January, with McGeady getting upset as Mowbray was looking at him at the time. Things need sorted NOW or January will be too late. Too many of us have failed to notice that despite their weakened financial position Rangers have only lost once in the SPL in 2009 (Against INVERNESS!!!!). Mowbray needs it sorted now, or get out NOW! Super JoBo

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will not be given the sack. Liverpool have been in contact will possible replacements but all have declined to take the manager role. Benitez though will be told by the owners to get rid of the average players such as Lucas and replace them with better squad players. Players who will come for free are Pandev, Nilton, Lavezzi (he will buy out his contract) Jadson and Fernandinho.

Hello, me again. any birmingham city transfer rumours please? many thanks for any info carl sumner

Gold and sullivan to buy Crystal Palace for 10m

Man United to sign young goalkeeper Ochoa to replace Van Der Sar when he retires. Rio will retire soon as he is really struggling with his back injury and he doesn't see the point in playing football for much longer as his back will always let him down. Replacement for him will be Evans... He will be starting alot more games for United after christmas. Man United will try for Frank Ribery again in January offering a Nani plus cash deal to them. Yoann Gourcuff will sign for United as a Paul Scholes replacement for when he retires. Many think that United will be dominant again if this player really does sign for them. Some will arrive in January and some will arrive next summer. Total to be spent by United on these replacements will be around £65 million and some players will also be sold... These will be decided as the league goes on.

Arsenal Rumours; IN; Subotic––––––––––12m Melberg––––––––––3m Mascherano/Inler–20m Out; Silvestre––––––––free Senderos–––––––––5m

""""BREAKING NEWS: Benitez to be fired after this week's Champions League game. This will pave the way for F6 to takeover as they do not want Benitez as manager of the club. The Summer will consist of LFC ridding themselves of the dead weight that Benitez has accumulated over the last 5 years which will be a major financial hit to the club in next year's transfer market. This will trigger the transfer of Torres to balance the books. Nobody is bigger than the club. Everyone at LFC understands that except for Benitez. """" Torres will not leave LFC. Stop the bad rumours. When Benitez is sacked, I expect the players to go will be : Lucas 7.25m (with Rafa to Madrid) Voronin 3m (Anywhere) Babel (loan) Itandje 500k(Valenciennes) Kyrgiakos 3m(AEK) Degen 5m(Sunderland) Dossena 8m (Sampdoria or Roma) El Zhar 4m (Championship or Bham/Wolves/Burnley/Stoke/Hull) ANY IDEAS WHO THE NEW MANAGER WILL BE? Keegan? Klinnsman? Mourinho? Dalglish? Hodgson? Zico?

"Rafa Benitez will be sacked at new year if Liverpool are 6 or more points behind 1st placed in the league. Defeat against Man Utd on Wednesday would just be another nail in his coffin." This is correct although my Anfield source claims that the nail in the coffin will be defeat to Lyons on Sunday." Firstly, since when are Champions League games played on Sundays and Premier League games are played on the Wednesday. Liverpool play Lyon, Man Utd, Lyon. If Rafa Benitez doesn't have at least 4 points from Lyon and doesn't beat Man Utd, he will be given one more game to save his job. Failure to win and he's gone.

"Rafa Benitez will be sacked at new year if Liverpool are 6 or more points behind 1st placed in the league. Defeat against Man Utd on Wednesday would just be another nail in his coffin." This is correct although my Anfield source claims that the nail in the coffin will be defeat to Lyons on Sunday.

My sources close to hull city say they will target 3 players in january a midfielder and two strikers. the midfielder being don cowie of watford, a recent scotland cap. however watford will look for atleist 700, 000 and the two clubs are close to an agreement. the strikers are michael chopra and georgios samaras who would both cost a combined 7 million. very likely to be done by january.

Bayern Munich to sign 3 players from the premiership in january. They are struggling defensively and need some strong leaders to sort this out. A goalkeeper, left back, centre back and defensive midfielder(from abroad league) will all be bought with £25million to spend. The names are all familiar, Chris Kirland will be signed for £8million as goalie, left back will be matthew taylor for £9million and he will operate at left back and cover left mid, and finally £8million signing jermaine jenas will sign from tottenham if he can not become first choice

Birmingham... Blues to have a new manager by xmas, and, he'll have a million few yen to spend.... :) noice!! the new owners are very concerned and so are the players at the total lack of coaching and tactical ability at the club....

Celtic – After yet another poor display the Celtic dressing room was a war of words last night. Unable to beat Motherwell it was not only the manager who let rip!! This story comes from a steward within the main stand who is also responsible for escorting players down the tunnel at full–time. Although he was outside he could hear nearly all that was said....Artur Boruc was the most outspoken player, insisting that unless changes were made he would be off in January, he laid the blame firmly at the feet of Scott Brown, Gary Caldwell, Stephen McManus, Scott McDonald and Giorgios Samaras – he basically insisted they were not good enough, a statement that Mowbray himself agreed with in part, he cited Caldwell, McManus, McDonald and Samaras and gave Brown some benefit of the doubt due to his niggling injury. HOWEVER...Mowbray, who did want 3 "good" players in January now realises that at least 6 are required and he only hopes that the league is not gone by then. He is happy with goalkeepers (boruc and zaluska/rb's (hinkel wilson and caddis/lb's (fox and naylor)/wide players (mcgeady maloney, mcginn and mccourt) and the returning Barry Robson and Zheng Zhi....EVERYONE else needs to prove themselves before Jan 1 or they will be out/replaced. The only saving grace in all of this is that Rangers also have their weakest team in years, and that is a blessing. Never give up, but time is of the essence for Mowbray now. Roy Keane has been mentioned before, but not now...IF Celtic (and rfc) want to go to england or atlantic league then they need players who will compete and a manager who can instill belief/passion/skill.

Hicks Holding has called an emergency meeting for Wednesday of this week in their Dallas offices to discuss Benitez's firing now vs. the compensation and release of him in December (which was agreed to earlier this month). Additionally, they are troubled by the team selection this weekend against Sunderland. As a story of Benitez's team selections will be published in the coming days how Torres and Gerrard were more than fit for the game this weekend. Benitez had them qualified as injured: 1) He knew he would lose at Sunderland regardless of there inclusion and 2) This would allow Benitez to make an excuse for the loss. 3)People/ press would talk more about their absence vs. his poor managing and transfers. This type of strategy allowed Benitez to save his job for another couple days until Gillet and Hicks pull the trigger on his departure – most likely after the Champions League game this week. G & H know they still have massive home and aways against the top 5 this year, which means another 4–5 loses. Looking like mid–table for Liverpool – the 90's are back at Anfield. In the Know.

I heard all the ManU fans are buying up beach balls so they can throw them onto the field when Owen and Berbatov playing...as they see this as the only way they'll find the net.

((( AFC Bulletin ))) Udinese player Gokhan Inler might sign 4 AFC come Jan , his agent Dino Lamberti has aid so . Possable move by AW 4 Bayer Laverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling , the 25 year old has scored 6 goals in 8 games and is thought 2 be on AW wish list . ST. Etienne player Blaise Matuidi is unlikley 2 move AFC or any where else as he's 2 sign a contract extension with ST. Etienne . . Troare is unlikley 2 leave AFC as AW has said so, he might replace Silvestre . It's heard AW is intereted in Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross and may sign him 2 replace Senderos .

Rafa Benitez will be sacked at new year if Liverpool are 6 or more points behind 1st placed in the league. Defeat against Man Utd on Wednesday would just be another nail in his coffin.

WHUFC NEWS= Christmas is to come early for the hammers. Jim Bowe to take over the club by the end of November. He will pay of the £100m debt and will give Gianfranco Zola a massive £40m to spend in January, and about the same amount in the Summer. Even if we are still struggling come January Zola will not be sacked, but Scott Duxbury and Gianluca Nani will all be sent packing. Zola still however wants a technical director, but someone who he knows and trust. I expect someone like Gus Poyet as the favourite for the job. New long term contracts will be offered to both Robert Green, Matthew Upson plus all the other promising young players coming through. Robert Green is likely to stay but it is belived Upson still wants to join Man City plus Micah Richards in exchange. January Ins= Marouane Chamakh – Bordeaux – 5m, Carlos Vela – Arsenal – 5m, Micah Richards – Man City – FREE, Steven Taylor – Newcastle – 4m + Gabbidon, Victor Moses – Crystal Palace – 4m, David Wheater – Middlesbrough – 5m, Joe Ledley – Cardiff – 5m, Jonjo Shelvey – Charlton – 3.5m. January Outs= Matthew Upson – Manchester City – 18m + Richards, Mark Noble – Arsenal – 15m, Danny Gabbidon – Newcastle – FREE, Kieron Dyer – Stoke – 3m, Jonathan Spector – Burnley – 2m, Dean Ashton – Retire – 7m Compensation.

Ipswich/Hibernian NEWS Roy Keane will be sacked this week after a very abysmal start to the season & Ipswich chairman Marcus Evans has set his sights on Hibernian manager John Hughes, Evans and his board have been very impressed with what Hughes has done so far at Hibs and i have heard that he will get

football rumours: arsenal news

2009-10-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

rumours football
Arsenal news: 2 CB to sign for the club, one in Jan, one in Summer. Senderos to leave in Jan (5m), Djourou long term injured, Silvestre to leave for free in summer. Mamadou Sakho almost certain to come in for around 12m, other defender to be either Subotic, Upson or Puyol. Traore may also leave for 4m in summer. he is premier league standard, but will not displace Clichy or Gibbs. Gallas to leave for free back to France. Rosicky has not yet been offered a new contract. if he leaves, expect young Eden Hazard to come in for 7m. Need for competition for Song is important, as Denilson and Diaby are not defensive enough. Expect Arsene to come back for Matuidi, as contract talks with St Ettiene will break down for sure. Alternative is Gokhan Inler of Udinese. Up front, talk of Vela being sacrificed for an incoming striker are rubbish. He is class. we have the best set of offensive players in the league in RVP, Eduardo, Bendtner, Vela, Walcott, Nasri, Fabregas, Rosicky, Diaby and Arshavin. Out of these, only Diaby may leave. if so, he will not be replaced as it will give Wilshere and Ramsey a chance to grow. Merida will leave for Atletico for 4m in summer. Chamakh will not be coming unless a striker leaves. no point buying s/b just because they r free. 1 GK to arrive in the summer. its a straight choice between Green, Neuer and Akinfeev in my opinion. Fabianksi does not have it, Mannone needs time (tho has great potential) and Almunia is not getting any younger. players being looked at by Wenger: Akinfeev, Neuer, Green, Subotic, Upson, Sakho, Zapata, Cahill, Matuidi, Inler, de Rossi, vdVaart, Hazard, Chamakh, Arteta, Agbonlahor, A Young, Gago and Yaya Toure. Arsenal for the top

arsenal fc rumours

football rumours:Chelsea appeal transfer ban

2009-10-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

chelsea fc football rumours

Chelsea have today confirmed that they have appealed the transfer ban imposed by FIFA with the submission made last Friday afternoon. This puts FIFA in an unusual and, for them, concerning position. They are aware that no the appeal process has started the ban is frozen – and a fast track hearing can be completed before the end of the year if both parties agree. Chelsea have said that they are confident that they can have the ban lifted completely, so are keen to fast track the appeal. Fifa do not want to risk either the ban being overturned completely but are particularly concerned about the appeal dragging on in to the New year. FIFA's fear is that Chelsea will conduct a years worth of transfers in the January window creating artificially high fees for players. They know that Chelsea will be able to buy players in January and delay the arrival of those players until the summer by loaning them back to their clubs. This process will work regardless of whether a ban is in place in the summer or not – as the players joining will be returning from loan. FIFA it seems are now hatching a plan that will see a proposal put to Chelsea to drop their appeal, accept a reduced one window transfer ban to be served in January and an immediate, without prejudice, lifting of the four month suspension on Gaël Kakuta. I have no feeling as to whether or not Chelsea would accept such a proposition.
rumours football

football rumours:Benitez not going anywhere

2009-10-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

Lverpool Fc football rumour
Benitez will not be sacked from Liverpool FC – period. If the American owners wanted to sack him then why would they have offered him improved control over club transfers, the academy, new backroom staff and of course the demise of Rick Parry. The truth is that the owners are desperate to sell and Rafa has been 'gagged' to stop him talking to the press/media. George Gillett Jr has had numerous advanced talks with two interested parties – the F6 group from Saudi and of course the old suitors, DIC. Gillett is trying to get the best deal for himself which is why the sale of his share has been prolonged. Tom Hicks wants to relinquish some of his share in the club but still have an active involvement, DIC want full control.
rumours football

football rumours: breaaking news

2009-10-20T04:04:00.001-07:00

BREAKING NEWS: Benitez to be fired after this week's Champions League game. This will pave the way for F6 to takeover as they do not want Benitez as manager of the club. The Summer will consist of LFC ridding themselves of the dead weight that Benitez has accumulated over the last 5 years which will be a major financial hit to the club in next year's transfer market. This will trigger the transfer of Torres to balance the books. Nobody is bigger than the club. Everyone at LFC understands that except for Benitez.

Arsenal news:Arsenal boss Wenger happy with Mannone despite error

2009-10-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Arsenal boss Wenger happy with Mannone despite error

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger isn't concerned after a gaffe from Vito Mannone against Birmingham City.

The young Italian goalkeeper was at fault for Lee Bowyer's goal in the 3-1 win, but Wenger told the club's website: "He's a young goalkeeper. You have to accept that no matter the age of a goalkeeper that can happen.

"In the Premier League you are always challenged and he should have certainly fisted the ball out.

"The good sign was in the second half it didn't affect him. He came out for crosses, he saved a good cross and that could have been an equaliser, so it didn't affect him mentally. That's very good."

Arsenal news:Arsenal skipper Cesc: Wenger never lets you rest

2009-10-19T08:02:00.001-07:00

News Arsenal

Arsenal skipper Cesc: Wenger never lets you rest

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas says the constant nagging of Arsene Wenger has turned him into a world star.

Cesc has been with the Gunners since he was 16 and said: "He is never completely happy with what we do.

"If he sees you thinking that you are at the top level he'll always come to see you, show you a video and point out something you have done wrong. He always tells me I have to improve my defensive game."

Football Rumours

2009-10-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

rumours football

Football Rumours
Just heard rangers to sign chevaton from man utd in january till end of may on loan . rangers to call back andy webster in december from loan at dundee utd as they need cover for bougherra who will be at africa nations cup rangers have sounded out a £5million pound investment from wwe (yes the wrestling) for advertisement during the home games for 3 years . that cash will go towards new deals for walter+backroom, kris boyd, nacho, kevin thomson, broadfoot. rangers will try and sign players for free in jan on pre contracts ( i would like them to go for rosicky of arsenal sure hes a bit old but still a very good player ) but wages could prove stumbling block i can see rangers buying 1 or 2 players most likely defenders with davie weir (hopefuly) retiring and bougherra (players says this his last year at club)leaving in the summer after world cup when his price multiplies . rangers may also sign alan hutton back from spurs with alan mcgregor going the opposite way .

Football Rumours
Is it just me or is Petr Cech looking more and more like a donkey? THis could be Man U title again as every other team seems to be imploding around them!! Chelsea couldnt defend a corner against a pub team and goodness only knows what happening at Anfield. What a farce. The most two man team i have ever seen!! What was the point in Aquilani also. poor business. Sell your best midfielder and sign someone who doesn't seem as if he is ever going ot be fit! Unfortunatley united are the only club who are allowed and/or can afford to sig in Jan if necessary. Can see them clinching another one at this rate. rumours: Zola out defour and Silva to Man u. Nani out LFC need to sign but who? they can't aafford anyone Man City oh who knows probably somebody aoutrageously over–valued!! Stuey

Football Rumours
Gokhan Inler could sign for Arsenal soon, aswell as Neven Subotic and possibly Stefan Kiessling

Football Rumours
Al–Waleed bin Talal will buy Liverpool for 375m in December

Football Rumours
Hicks and Gillett have approached Valery Gazzaev about taking over until the end of the season. GarethLively

Football Rumours
Darren Barr to Cardiff City eh? Not saying it won't happen, but is he good enough for the Bluebirds? That said, my Granny could do better than Hudson and she's been dead 40 years, so would gladly have Barr instead of Hudson. But, have heard that Gabbidon is heading back to Cardiff City in January and he plays same positions as Barr so looks like it'll be big Danny G who fills in when Hudson goes! Goughy – often imitated never bettered :)

Football Rumours
I was told by a solicitor in my local pub today that liverpool can/should sue the Premier League and the referees association because their Ref Mike Jones is not qualified to referee if he doesn't know the rules of the game.

Football Rumours
Rafa's time at Anfield is up. Word in the City (London) is that Gillett and Hicks have had enough and will accept a £300m bid from a consortium involving Philippe Stern by December 2009. Stern, 69, is the CEO of Patek Philipe and is a billionaire – exactly who Hicks and Gillett need. The consortium of foreign businessmen want Rafa out and 'The Special One' in....welcome back Mr. Mourinho?

Football Rumours
With the shocking start atletico madrid have made to the season and the fact they are over £200m in debt it looks like they will have to sell some of there star players , forlan maxi simao camacho aguero.

Football Rumours
Heard from a very reliable source fernando told rafa he was fit to play but rafa said he was on bench leading to a major argument between the two. My source told me that this would lead to the departure of one or the other at christmas.

Football Rumours
Leeds may accept 3.5mil for striker Jermaine Beckford in January from Newcastle (although I have heard that Ashley has cut transfer funding) despite him only having half a year remaining on his current deal. Unlike the Delph profits, this money should be committed to finding a replacement, and the two names I'm hearing cropping up are Gillingham's Simeon Jackson at 1.5mil and Southend's Lee Barnard at about the same. Pricey, but both quality players, who I would love to see in a white shirt. Rather them than Beckford anyway, who is taking his reputation for granted now, with some sloppy, non–committal performances, namely against Charlton, and it's time he moved on. Newcastle as good a move as any, but will they stump up? Malcolm Shaffer

Football Rumours
Leeds to sign either sam vokes on loan or dj campbell from leicster with a view to a possible 1 million transfer and in january leeds will sign cris talyor from oldham for money plus alan sheehan

Football Rumours
Breakin news sir alex red nose is tryin 2 sign the beachball/balloon . as it is out of contract n is seen as the ideal replacement 4 micheal owen :D da rebel

Football Rumours
Following the defeat from stoke city today, i fear that gianfranco zola could be on his way out of west ham :(

Football Rumours
Emergency meeting at Melwood tonight. Telephone conference between George Gillett, Tom Hicks, Christian Purslow and Rafael Benitez. Something's in the mix following the defeat, people want answers, and heads will roll if Liverpool do not get 6 points from Lyon for the group stage and Man Utd in the league.

Football Rumours
Aston Villa midfielder– Nigel Reo Coker to Join– Wolves in January. 100% True.

Football Rumours
When Liverpool get the new investment of Prince Faisal don't expect too many signings. Elia, Silva, Dzeko and Pato will all join though.

Football Rumours
To the guy who said United to buy 3 young Under 20 Brazilian players –– i have heard this one too...i can confirm that United have scouted Alex Teixerra, Douglas Costa and Renan and United scouts are believed to have been impressed...so expect bids for them... Another player that will be subject of number of bids in the summer is Adiyah of Ghana who has won both the golden ball and the bootexpect bids from Juventus, Lyon, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester United for the next Drogba(or even better).. widowmaker

Football Rumours
Arsenal: Wenger, Fabregas, Arshavin, RVP, Clichy, Merida going NOWHERE. extremely bored of such "rumours". new deal for Eboue, he's happy he's getting more games. newdeal also for Merida. Rosicky contract will not be renewed. Wenger was irritated by his recovery time, and at 29 sees him as an injury liability. Gallas contract status is in the balance, he maychoose to end his career in his native france. senderos, traore and silvestre to leave. a new GK, 2xCB and DCM to come in by next summer. replacement for will be one Eden Hazard. OUT: Senderos 5m, Silvestre free, Rosicky free, traore 4m, maybe Gallas free, Gilbert1m, fabianski loan. In: GK (Neuer or Green) upto 8m, Sakho 10m, Richards 7m, Matuidi 8m, Hazard 7m. PROMOTED: Lansbury, G Hoyte, E–Thomas Arsenal to finish top 3, semi–finals of UCL, finally win CC.

Football Rumours
Liverpool Rumors (Just Rumors) Ins (If we get the Money from new investment) Mata Silva Villa Augero Noble Joe Cole Carlton Cole Ashley Young Aaron Lennon Hamisk Javi Martinez Inesta Nalton Lavezzi (Highly Unlikey) Outs Voronin Lucas Babel (If he doesn't Improve) Mascherano (Maybe, still unclear) Loans Plessis Spearing (maybe unless he is Promoted to 1st Team) El Zhar Ngog (maybe) If we don't get an investment this Jan then expect maybe one squad player, some youngsters or Freebies. Apart from that expect the unexpected from Rafa, you can never know with him.

Football Rumours
Some man utd nutcase has wrote the man utd team from jan onwards, it inckudes pique and rossi they are gone ages ago and won't be back lol some fan he is, really no, s his stuff ! Pandev and nilton to liverpool

Football Rumours
Hot of thepress we are gutted there needs to be no debt if so administration liverpool will be bailed out by arabs cherlsea by the russian man utd must sell who though rooney to barca and rio to real saf has faith in youngsters but are we sure

Football Rumours
MAN UTD NEWS this january david silva for 25 mil. manuel neuer the gk from schalke for 12 mil. alex teixeira from vasco de game for 8 mil. eden dzeko for 22 mil. gibson will go out on loan. welbeck will go out on loan. macheda will go out on loan.

Football Rumours
LFC investment latest! George Gillett is in Saudi Arabia looking at the training facilities built by the Sheik. Once again Liverpool is gossiping about DIC hijacking the bid and buying the club from under the Saudi's nose. I believe that F6 will have full control of us by the end of the season. Scouse Pride

Football Rumours
To Davey from Bootle. Lad, do you not get how amusing it is to hear you, a Liverpool supporter, chuck the 'history' and 'jealousy' cards out as soon as you're backed into a corner? History is precisely that, history. It doesn't matter if you've won the league 100 times and have won every single European Cup up until now. The fact is, you're a shte team with a shte manager. You're not even part of the so–called Big 4 anymore. So please explain what people to be jealous about? When is the penny going to drop with some of you guys? Benitez is a conman, a liar and ill–equipped to lead the self–proclaimed largest club in the land. If you and others are foolish to buy into his bullshte, you will continue to slide. At the moment, you're clinging on. Minus Gerrard (he's knocking on now) and Torres, you're mid–table. For the amount of cash Benitez has squandered, you should be conducting a Newcastle–style witch hunt, and hounding the sap out of Anfield and straight down to the Championship, where he belongs. You've been conned, lad. COYB!!

Football Rumours
With just 9 games gone, one contributor is looking at the games the top teams have to play and using that as a reason (sorry, it's an excuse) to back Rafa – loyal, but ultimately stupid. If we now have a BIG 7, including Spurs, Villa and Tottenham, then Liverpool's record to date is the worst: Played Spurs away – LOST Played Villa home – LOST Played Chelsea away – LOST (0 from 9 pts) Chelsea so far Tottenham home – WON Liverpool home – WON Villa away – LOST (6 from 9 pts) Utd's record so far: Arsenal home – WON (lucky) Tottenham away – WON Man City home – WON (9 from 9 pts) Arsenal so far: Man City away – LOST Man Utd away – LOST (0 from 6 pts) Man City so far: Arsenal home – WON Man Utd away – LOST (3 from 6 pts) Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd have all played 3 of the other top 6 but Liverpool's record is by far the worst. Let's face it, this LFC squad is the weakest since Rafa joined. Whether it's Rafa's or the owners' fault is difficult to apportion. Nevertheless, they have lost 4 games including 3 Big 7 games. 8th is not a false or distorted position, it's about right for the performances we've seen this season. RAFA MUST STAY.

Football Rumours
I believe you, its typical of him was a always too stubborn for his own good, [lasted a few months at pamplona] its the kudos of having a cl winner on his c.v. that's got him making these decisions, most if not all european managers are the same cl first championship second..i could'nt understand it when xabi went to madrid that the money was spent on johnson/aquilani..when sneider and robben could have been part of the deal..torres in between them 2 not a bad forward line, plus v d vaart. and mascherano could have been swapped for toure and money left for the likes of.cattermole, front 6 of toure, gerrard, cattermole, robben, torres, sneider, and only costing 2 disgruntled players..alonso

Football Rumours
IN RAFA WE TRUST. RAFA MUST STAY. RAFA AT LIVERPOOL FOR LIVE. LETS JUST LET GILLETTE AND HICKS GET ON WITH THE GREAT JOB THEY ARE DOING. RAINFISHTROMBONE(Loving the pantomime)

I have been a daily reader of this site for roughly 7 months now. I religiously check it 3–4 times a day whilst at work and also once a day on weekends. But unfortunately it has turned in to a 3 man band driffle site with the usual suspects such as COYB, RAINFISHTROMBONE & Irish Rover. The 3 stooges are ruining this site awhich in turn has put me of it quite a lot. The same old rubbish every day in this tit for tat childish manure. Please post more of other readers stuff and stop posting every little pointless statements these three amigos say. Or is it maybe because of these 3 numptys that this site has no option but to post there stuff as they are driving others away from the site. Peoples opinions on this site are welcomed greatly, if they post this that is, they might protect the 3 stooges but we'll see. Scott

77, 78, 81, 84, 2005. I rest my case... Davey, Bootle.

Right some truth about a few teams!– Man U – Looking a tad weaker than season, The winker is a big loss, however, still showing everyone how to win when playing bad....(all season). luck will run out!, but will get more than their share than most teams..as always....Highest position top, lowest second! Chelsea – 2 consecutive away defeats with a win against a below average Liverpool team may have alarm bells ringing but still looking strong. loosing players in Jan to African Nations may cost them a few points. Highest position top, lowest third. Liverpool – Well a lot to be said of these, simply gone backwards, even a non football fan could tell you they needed a striker in the summer. They didn't add to the squad, only replaced 3 main players with 3 average, well johnson not bad, the greek a carthorse and the italian, well he's a crock! Too many poor squad players, made a big mistake letting Hyypia go, still their best centre half they've had since Hansen. Highest position third, lowest sixth. Arsenal – Still inconsistent, however still the best footballing team in the league, Vermaalen a great addition, have to say once again letting big name gobby players go has not affected them at all. 2 defeats both in Manchester, one was on the cards at city, at Old Trafford they were very unlucky. I can see Arsenal going very close. Highest position top, lowest fourth. Man City – Hmm not sure about these, a good squad, but i think Hughes will struggle to keep them all happy especially the brazilain moaner! Highest position third, lowest sixth. Spurs – started on fire, had a blip now doing ok.

Rumour has it that a few clubs are looking to buy some history. Reports have emerged that certain clubs are eager to 'purchase' an extention to their small trophy cabinets. Reports also suggest that all clubs have approached Liverpool FC requesting a 'trophy–sharing' option and possible loans of all silverware. A spokesman for Liverpool states, "why the fk would we want to do that lad? We realise that certain clubs envy our success but they're all arrrr's!! We appreciate that certain teams may be bitter about our success but we're not prepared to let any go, well, maybe an odd European cup maybe but just on loan as the others will look out of place. Oh, by the way, you can tell them to do one about that ground–share too!!!". Davey, Bootle.

After Liverpool's poor performance last weekend, Benitez has finally convinced the Yanks to dip into their pockets and purchase a new stiker in the new year. The choice is an interesting one. Apparently Benitez was impressed by the performance of Beach Ball after he completely bamboozled Reina in front of goal. Sunderland are reluctant to sell their prized striker, which has left Beach Ball feeling a tad deflated. Never the less it will be difficult to stop the player from leaving who is said to be on a roll. Ferguson was also said to be interested, but believes the player's inflated ego would compete with his own.

Mr editor, , if you are correct about torres/gerrard being rested against us on saturday, then rafa mus'nt have seen what happened when saf played a weakened team in the 2–2 draw..the premiership this season is not the private boys club that the big 4 have enjoyed for years, they are all slightly weaker than last year for various reasons, players leaving, lack of funds, managerial ineptitude.and others are stronger, city's money, spurs/villa stronger squads.there's no easy 3 points.stoke, blackburn, bolton can upset teams geting draws in awkward games..p.s. steve bruce has fined BEACHY a weeks wages he was seen in chinawhites with jodie marsh celebrating on sunday night..alonso {editor's note – trust me alonso his decision was slated before the game by those that knew the truth .... it was a very expected result on saturday!}

Reference my grumpy and intolerant 'adults' post: Just spotted 'Kevin' posting here...."Will people lay off benitez! yes hes has made at times poor transfers but how can you sign top quality players when you are not given the funds??"

THEN HOW DID HE MANAGE TO SPEND £249 MILLION SINCE HE JOINED?

"he didn't want to sign keane and wanted barry instead! he wanted to keep crouchy. we havent got anyone that can come off the bench and make a diffrece like giggs, nani, owen for man u or joe cole, kalou, malouda for chelsea!"

THEN WHY DID HE SIGN KEANE, LET CROUCHY GO, MISS OUT ON BARRY AND SCREW UP WITH ALONSO AND NOT HAVE HOME GROWN OR FREE PLAYERS ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

"if benitez was allowed to sign the players he wanted we wouldn't be in this mess!"

I'M TALKING TO YOUR TEACHERS TOMORROW, WTF ARE THEY DOING? DID THEY TELL YOU IT WAS THE TOOTH FAIRY OR SANTA THAT MAKES TRANSFER DECISIONS AT LFC?

I rest my case. MikeG

Why is it that questions about age keep appearing here... "how old are you?" followed by something mildly abusive. It's like a lazy parent says to adolescent kids when the so called grown up can't be arsed to argue, explain or justify a point, and expects to receive deferential respect. I know, 'cos I've done it myself! That's when a slap comes in handy. Here it's a written from of verbal abuse. Impatience can be a virtue though, especially when there's no hope that 'Kevin' has more than one brain cell. Balanced debate be f*D, let's just get the little f***S, especially the ones that keep refusing to go to their bedroom and disagree with everything we tell them. So anyone disagreeing with the following statement go to your bedroom NOW! Spurs will finish higher than Liverpool in this years EPL because Spurs have a better in depth squad and because Redknapp is a better manager than Benitez. Don't ask me why, I'm 153 and know everything! MikeG

""Heard from a very reliable source fernando told rafa he was fit to play but rafa said he was on bench leading to a major argument between the two. My source told me that this would lead to the departure of one or the other at christmas."" – no source, but common sense tells me you're a Man–U supporting tosser – LIVERPRES

"2 man team. enough said RAINFISHTROMBONE" dear mr rainfishtrombone ngiak agrees with you that liverpool relies a lot on "those 2" but please give credit where its due. sunderland played out of their skins are a real force to be reckoned with this season. (as people on this site have alluded to earlier) and watch out for wigan and villa as well. it will be a tough year for ALL the big 4 and at least 2 of them may be knocked off their perch. ngiak has a niggling fear that a wounded pool will always do well against man u.... anyone knows if the deadly duo are playing against man u next wkend gan {editor's note – I know as a fact that both were fit to face Sunderland but Rafa chose to save them for Europe ..... understandable in Gerrard's case as he deserved to be dropped on his performances so far this season!}

""Oh dear, are all the Liverpool fans a bit quiet tonight? I wonder why? What could have happened? Hahaha. COYB!!"" – and how did EFC go? Drew with Wolves at home? Hahaha. FOYB!! – LIVERPRES

Rafa to be sacked?Come on guys 5 months back they where beggin him to stay.It is too early to judge him. . .plus we lost to good teams, MAN UTD will still have to face CHELSEA, ASTON VILLA AND LIVERPOOL(Possible 3 loses)Chelsea to face–Arsenal, Manchester City and united(possible 3 loses)Arsenal to face–Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston villa, Tottenham, Stoke city(possible 4 loses and a draw).What i am trying to say is that its too early to judge him. . .Chelsea will be a flop with the African Cup of Nations coming up anything can happen.Liverpool to play Man utd, City and Arsenal(tough).Gerrard will be back in the middle to patner Mascherano seeing Aquilani partnering h Torres up front

Lol at all the Manu fans coming on with the RB getting sacked rumours lol wishful thinking me thinks!! If and it is a big IF F6 do invest they will not be as bothered as the UAE big money spenders about spending more....they will want to invest and invest in something that will bring value....not just buy for the sake of buying because they spent more than their pal next door! The stadium is key for the future and they know the return in value will be huge...so yes investment will come but not like Man cite etc!

Hallelujah for the deluded! Matthew Upson off to Man City for £18m and as a gesture of goodwill, the Blues will throw in Micah Richards as well... Have you been smoking banana leaves at Upton Park again? Face facts boys – you're skint, you're in the bottom three and even if you do find a sugar Daddy before the year is out, you'll be so deep in the mire that no amount of cash will buy your way out! Chamakh? You've got no chance! Steven Taylor from Newcastle? Hardly, I doubt he'll fancy a second season in the Championship, Carlos Vela? You really think Arsenal would sell a player with his potential for £5m? Jog on!

Liverpool, in an increasingly desperate attempt to revive their flagging season, have signed the beachball whose skilfull deflection was their downfall yesterday. The beachball, who was on loan from the Spanish side Real Costa del Sol, will partner Torres up front as Liverpool seek to gain ground on the main teams above them. Benitez, a liverpool fc waiter, said at a hastily arranged press conference this morning 'we need someone of the beachball's quality up front. He is an all round player and his instincts infront of goal is something are lacking right now.' Liverpool paid £30 million for the beachball, though many suggest that this is inflated. LOL you just couldnt dream it this good hey ? Blue4eva

LOL Another defeat in the non champions league for the shte and it really is season over by november !! Well almost, you still have your favourite trophy to give your all in when everything else goes " arse over tit " which it normally effing does. I heard that the shte are looking at moving to the liverpool empire as the venue usually plays a comedy sketch once, maybe twice a week....LOL Minus your bar–room brawler and the gay icon, your nothing more than a top 10 team. LOL Did you see fat rafa's belly dance at brucie ? hahahaha brucie must of forgotten to tip the fat waiter after his halftime snack ! Your club really is SHTE blue4eva

As a Liverpool fan I have to say that we are awful! This season we have gone backwards. I watched all of the pre season games and not one performance inspired me to say this will be our year! I may get some stick from fellow red fans here but i am going to be honest, I posted on here a few weeks ago saying that I used to get the coach from Flintshire for buttons and pay 4 quid to stand on the kop, only for it to be souness era when we was shte! Anyway, here we go, lets face it saturday summed it up, we are nothing without Gerrard and Torres. Yes last year we won games without them but at least we had Alonso who could make things happen, in my opinion Alonso is a bigger loss than Mascherano would be. Clearly he wanted to go in the summer so he should have!!! Yes Alonso wanted go too and he did, doesn't mean we should have stopped a player who wants out go! we could have got at least 25million for Mascherano and gone out and got Cattermole for a lot cheaper!! Then got a back up striker. No top team loses 3 on the bounce without even scoring!! Look at united they have been awful this season, yet they are nicking points here and there, you may they have had luck, but that evens out at the end of the season, they'll get some bad luck as the season goes on, but

ABOUT LFC: Wake up and smell the coffee! If it was okay at Anfield none of this stuff about Benitez would be appearing. You'd all be crowing about your team and not speculating about when Benitez will leave and how much it would cost. FFS, can't you see that an argument about how much it would cost is tantamount to an acceptance that it needs to be done but the yanks can't afford it! And do you really think there's a snowball in hell's chance that either H or G would be trying to raise cash and at the same time tell an investor there needs to be a change of manager because performance is falling, and with it future income and status?

SVEN, it's not pleasant when things go tits up ( I know, I'm a Spurs fan) and don't underestimate the influence of Steven Gerrard. When your skipper says "we need to get confidence and belief back" what do you (and other regulars here) think he's saying? Erm, could it be that he thinks that confidence and self belief are lacking? and that it's also a direct challenge to Benitez's management. Of course it is and the sooner you start trusting Gerrard and back his instinct for what it means to be Liverpool, the better you'll sleep at night. MikeG

Arsenal Transfer

2009-10-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Arsenal Transfer:Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he told Bordeaux star Marouane Chamakh: We have enough strikers and we don't need you

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he told Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh that he wasn't needed at Arsenal because the club already had enough attacking players.

The north London giants were strongly linked with the highly-rated Moroccan throughout the summer.

But Wenger has explained he didn't need the player, and also took a swipe at the way Bordeaux behaved during communications.
Marouane Chamakh

Not needed: Marouane Chamakh in action for Bordeaux against Auxerre on Saturday

He said: 'He’s a player I like, but I have too many attackers.

'Frankly, Bordeaux were not very classy towards me, they asked for too much money and I would not pay a lot.'

Speaking to L’Equipe magazine, Wenger added: 'I even called Chamakh to tell him: "listen, Eduardo has just come back and I don’t want to buy you and play you on the bench."'
Arsene Wenger

Pointing the way forward: Arsene Wenger watched his side beat Birmingham on Saturday

Wenger's side resume their Champions League campaign in Holland against AZ Alkmaar on Tuesday night.

Theo Walcott is extremely doubtful for the match after picking up a knee injury during Saturday's Premier League clash with Birmingham.

Latest Arsenal news: Fabregas – Vermaelen is strong and a leader

2009-10-16T02:30:00.000-07:00

The Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was full of praise for Thomas Vermaelen, as the Belgian defender became the first ever new signing to win the Arsenal Player-of-the-Month award twice, in his first two months at the club.

I’m a big fan of him. He’s been doing so well,” Fabregas said on the official Arsenal website

“It’s difficult in this position, especially from centre back because you will always be compared to some other players, or if you know that your defence is one of your weaknesses then you have to do even better to be loved by the people, and I think the fans clicked straight away with him since his first game.

“He scored a goal [in his first game at Everton], played amazing, his confidence is high at the moment. And with the ball he’s really good. He’s like one more midfielder.

“These days, to have a centre back that can play, you know, these balls on the ground, between the lines, and past players, for players like me in midfield it’s really good because it gives you so much time and so much space on the ball. It’s really good.

“The way he is playing I don’t think he needs any advice. I am sure he is a very strong guy with a strong mentality. You can see he has been a captain before because he is strong and he knows how to lead a team.”

I think he likes him!

source justarsenal.com

daily Football rumours

2009-10-16T01:49:00.000-07:00

Football rumours from today's newspapers

* Manchester City will resist any attempt by Barcelona to sign forward Robinho in the transfer window. "Robinho remains an integral part of our squad," said a City source. "Any notion of a loan deal or a permanent deal is totally without foundation. We have had no contact from Barcelona and nor would we encourage it." (Manchester Evening News)

* European champions Barcelona will test Manchester City's resolve to keep Brazilian forward Robinho by offering to take the player on a six-month loan should the Blues reject a £32.5m bid. (Daily Mirror)

* Alternatively, Barca will offer City French striker Thierry Henry in exchange for Robinho. (Daily Star)

* Hull City boss Phil Brown is tracking Aarhus' Danish international midfielder Jakob Poulsen ahead of a transfer window move. (Daily Mirror )

* Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari has insisted he will not be leaving Italy to join Tottenham this summer. (The Sun)

* Atletico Madrid have reiterated their desire to sign Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Eboue, a move which could embroil them in a "tapping-up" row. (Daily Mirror )

* The Gunners also face a fight to keep hold of young Spanish midfielder Fran Merida who is wanted by Sevilla. (Daily Mirror )

* Chelsea will attempt to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson next summer if their appeal against their transfer ban, imposed for tapping up, is successful. (The Times)

* Leeds are set to sign Wolves striker Sam Vokes on loan until January. (Daily Mail)

* Stoke want defender Ryan Shawcross to sign a new four-year deal to ward off interest from Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton, who are all considering January bids for the player. (The Sun)

* Portsmouth are hoping to sign on-loan Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara on a permanent basis. The 22-year-old's temporary deal at Fratton Park expires in January. (The Sun)

* Sheffield United are weighing up a £2m bid for Blackburn's third-choice keeper Mark Bunn. (The Sun)

* Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon is being tracked by Bolton, Wigan and Burnley after contract talks between him and the Blades broke down. (Daily Mail )

OTHER GOSSIP

* LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham has played his way into Fabio Capello's squad for next year's World Cup, as has Tottenham striker Peter Crouch. (The Sun)

* New Birmingham owner Carson Yeung has promised to go on an £80m spending spree next year with half available to manager Alex McLeish in January and half the following summer. (The Sun)

* Newcastle caretaker boss Chris Hughton has admitted he wants to take the reins at St James' Park on a permanent basis. (Daily Mirror)

* Alan Leighton, the representative of referee's union Prospect, says that Sir Alex Ferguson's apology to referee Alan Wiley for labelling him "unfit" shows that managers can no longer get away with abusing officials. (Daily Mirror)

* Bolton have complained to referee's chief Keith Hackett that striker Kevin Davies is being victimised by officials because of his previous poor disciplinary record. (Daily Mirror)

* Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has warned his national coach Diego Maradona has got eight months to save the country from World Cup humiliation. Argentina scraped through to the 2010 finals in South Africa via a nervy 1-0 win over Uruguay last weekend. (Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY...

* Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has joked that his controversial decision to pick David Beckham as man-of-the-match for Wednesday's England match against Belarus was because two-goal striker Peter Crouch rejected a summer move to the Stadium of Light. (Daily Mirror )

* Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios is set to miss Spurs' game at Portsmouth on Saturday after Interim Honduras President Roberto Micheletti told the national team's players, including Palacios, to stay in the country and party following their qualification for the 2010 World Cup. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal transfer news :Arsenal risk losing Merida over new contract dithering

2009-10-16T01:43:00.000-07:00

Arsenal face a battle to keep hold of midfielder Fran Merida.

The Daily Mail says Sevilla are the latest Primera Liga club to be linked with a move for Arsenal midfielder Merida.

Atletico Madrid have made no secret of their desire to take the teenager back to Spain but they are likely to face stiff competition in January.

Sevilla, sitting third in the table behind Barcelona and Real Madrid, were impressed by Merida's performances at the Under 20 World Cup and hope to land the 19-year-old on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Merida is out of contract at the end of the campaign but Arsenal hope to tie him down to a long-term deal.

source tribalfootball.com

Arsenal:Was Wright a better striker than Henry?

2009-10-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

by “BGf60″

There’s very little positive that can be done during the international breaks but for gooner addicts it does allow an uninterrupted chance to revisit some of the old tapes/dvds.

Amazing how the heartache can return as well as the joy.

But amidst all this history/euphoria/sadness a disturbing thought came to mind. Was Ian Wright a more natural striker than Thierry? It seems almost heresy to ask but watching replays of all their goals via the “Legend” series, a few things stand out that lead me to think that Wrighty was better. Not as an all round player. Purely as a striker.

Admittedly his 128 goals in 221 league appearances do not compare with Thierry’s 174 in 254 (All games 185 in 288 appearances vs 226 in 369 for Thierry) and for sure, he never made nearly as many goals as TH.

So why the thought?

Simple really. He mainly played for us when we had a good defence, not a bad set of forwards (Merse, Rocky, Anders) and a midfield of baggage men. Think back to the Jensens, Hilliers, Schwartzs, Sellys and Morrows…really without a creative brain in their collective heads. Even The Romford Pele was very young and still with so much to learn.

Thus if Wrighty was playing, the one thought that seemed to pervade Arsenal’s play was “Bang it somewhere near Wrighty and he’ll do the rest.” And did he ever do it. Now try to imagine Thierry in those circumstances…. ‘Le Pout’ might have been double the size.

Thierry’s silky skills aided and abetted by the Vieiras, Pires and Bergkamps made scoring a great deal easier for Thierry. Wright really had to work at it.

Which leads me to comparing techniques. To my mind Wrighty’s directness leaves the feeling that purely as a striker, he shades it. There’s the ball. There’s the goal. To hell with any defenders. There’s a gap. Shoot. More often than not, a first time shot out of the blue at that. 1-0 to the Arsenal.

The first time shot was far less common with Thierry. His pace and ball control skills allowed him to set himself up more often than not…though who could decry Wright’s ball control when scoring against Everton? Certainly as good as Bobby Pires lobbing Schmeikel in the Villa game.

Be interesting to hear other views. For sure I think we might just find a place for either of them at their peak even now when the whole side wants to score!

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world: Arsenal vs Birmingham Evil

2009-10-16T01:30:00.001-07:00

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world: Arsenal vs Birmingham Evil

I can’t tell you how brilliant the correspondents of this site are. The other night “LRV” summed up the forthcoming Arsenal/Evil Empire game from this saturday with a perfect quote from Yeats: “Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.” How good is that?

And would you know it, while we were discussing the appalling nature of Birmingham City and their vile attack on Eduardo, and the disgraceful defence of this action by the Birmingham City management, not to mention the terrifying beauty of Yeats poetry, the FA were announcing that Karen Brady, who at the time of the criminal assault of Eduardo was MD of the Evil Empire, is to be made a director of the England World Cup bid.

Birmingham City must surely represent the ultimate depth of football in England. And now we learn that not satisfied with being eternally known as the club that assaulted Eduardo, we also find they have joined Leeds and Notts C as being a club with an unknown owner.

I remember the last time they “played” (I use the word lightly) at the Ems, we watched their “manager” waving at players to go down and stay down to break up play and get the game stopped. So daft (or so corrupt) was the ref that he fell for it every time.

Then we had those arrests of Birmingham City directors, one after another after another, for financial and other matters. No charges of course. Just arrests.

Now the Evil Empire has a new owner – although we have no idea who he is or where he resides. The front man (Yeung) who only owns around 12% has given £40m to make the empire grow and grow by endlessly exporting its evil. Where he got the money, we don’t know.

The FA has done nothing – just as they have done nothing to force Notts County or Leeds U into revealing ownership. Just as they have done nothing about Ken Bates stating that when he said he owned Leeds it was “a mistake”. The contempt with which the FA treats Eduardo, Arsenal and all football fans is there for all to see.

It is of course not just the sheer horror of the tackle that crippled Eduardo, nor the way that the Birmingham City club tossed aside any responsibility, it was also the way that immediately the three match ban was over they brought the offending player back into their reserve team.

I have heard Birmingham City supporters say, “what else did you expect us to do?” The answer clearly is “show some morality”. Paul Davis was suspended for 9 matches for a punch thrown in a football match. The player he hit was back playing long before he was.

Even though the bent and corrupt FA and EPL would take no action, Birmingham, had the club had a single ounce of decency, it would have “rested” the player for a longer period.

As it was the most disgraceful team in the EPL, fell from their midtable position under the Curse of Arsenal, and were relegated. The directors were charged with an ever increasing number of offences. But then none of these matters were ever brought to trial, and charges were dropped, and Brady was invited onto the London World Cup bid committee.

Seemingly, it is now possible to buy the Evil Empire without anyone knowing who you are, while David Sullivan and David Gold and Karen Brady, the group who made the Evil Empire, have gone.

“I crave blood, I eat flesh, I am Anarchy personified. I am the Devil, I am Evil, I am the Destroyer of Souls,” said the spokesbeing for new owner. “We need new players for this club to devour, to turn into monsters, to embody the entire and total spirit of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.” Actually I may have lost something in translation from the Chinese, but you know what I mean.

The Guardian said, “McLeish has been dogged by many injury problems with his squad since taking Birmingham back into the Prem League, but has been adept at destroying the career of others through their disgraceful tactics.” (Again I may have got a part of this slightly wrong.)

“I will be eating the manager,” Yeung said (ditto about translation). “Our aim is to kill, destroy, maim and secure our position in the Premier League, not only for this year but for many years to come.” (possible error caused by Google auto translation programming).

“Birmingham can become as big as possible. We are competitors for Aston Villa,” (that’s the club that invented the “Hold Your Head” technique for players who are tackled. You go down, see if the opposition are attacking, and if so hold your head. The ref stops the game, and then you go off and have treatment for an ankle injury”). ” We can eat and devour and spit out the entire world. Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.” (Actually that last bit was some poet fella.)

Yeung also said: “I will be here three or four times a month and I will try and kill every living creature. The EPL is soft – in no other league in the world can you walk in without revealing who owns the club. I am here to laugh at you all.” (Actually I am sure he didn’t say that. I must get this computer fixed).

Anyway, it is Arsenal vs The Evil Empire at the Ems on saturday. And as the Saxons used to say when fighting the Danes under the leadership of the good, pious, refined and revered not to say godly King Alfred the Great, “Kill them all.”

Next week: West Iceland United vs Arsenal in the style of William Wordsworth

Meanwhile, back on planet earth…

100 years ago we played Sunderland. For details of that game (which involved very little slaughter) take a look at MAKING THE ARSENAL. www.blog.woolwicharsenal.co.uk The book will be out in a another couple of weeks. Birmingham City and the heart of all evil do not figure in it.

(c) Tony Attwood 2009

Arsenal:The New Improved Arsenal

2009-10-14T03:52:00.001-07:00

The New Improved Arsenal

Three important incidents in the game against Blackburn Rovers revealed the small characteristics of Arsenal today that are contributing to what might be a positive season.

Thomas Vermaelen was fouled, fell to the floor and got up again without moaning at the referee. He didn't get up and cover his defensive position given that he was by now almost in the opposition third. He got up and stormed forward to add a 5th offensive player and then made it one-nil. Not long after, Francesc Fabregas was fouled in almost the same spot and before the referee had time to point a free kick, Cesc was up and played a quick free-kick and the second goal came in.

These are the type of fouls that not only used to deflate the team but would get them moaning and playing straight into the hands of the opponents. Arsène Wenger would be complaining to the fourth official. This time before Wenger could make it to the fourth official, he was forced to cut his journey short and start celebrating.

Third important event was Vermaelen's all important first goal. Arsenal are so dependent on their first goal. When it comes with plenty of game left to play, they nearly always win. Right now, Vermaelen is proving a very important first goal getter. It settles the team down. Since Vieira, Arsenal has not had a mean player. Flamini was nearly there but now we have Vermaelen and he makes a huge difference.

Learning is very difficult when you don't get reward for the things you are required to learn to fix. Arsenal getting up from challenges and getting on with it is being rewarded with goals. That's a very powerful positive feedback and that should ensure that the team keeps it up.

To be honest, Blackburn barely had a team but these games are potential banana skins because such teams usually defend better in numbers and can nick goals – they managed two at the emirates. In addition, you need these games for bonding – to execute more easily the things that you do in training on match days that confirm to the players that it is possible on the pitch. Winning is good for winning the next game.

Last season, Arsenal had a dream fixture list for the first 10 games but they lost the championship in those games. Without being able to excel in those "easy" games, the team carried low self-esteem into games with more difficult teams and were easily beaten out of the race. I'd rather we drew against Manchester United and beat Fulham and Aston Villa than the other way round.

source arsenal mania

Finest arsenal quotes

2009-10-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

Finest Arsenal Quotes

Not an article so much as a compendium. With international football proving inadequate methadone as ever, there really is very little to write about, talk about or even do. So I've compiled some of my favourite ever quotes from Arsenal's greatest custodians and bunged them in a piece for you to onjoy. Feel free to add your own on the forum.

'I realised when I joined Arsenal that the back four were all University Graduates in the art of defending and Tony Adams was the Doctor of defence.' Arsene Wenger waxes lyrical about that defence.

'First man in a tackle never got hurt.' 1930s hardman Wilf Copping outlines his edict.

'When I first came back to Highbury as a Newcastle player, it was in the title run in 1989. I had a perfectly good goal disallowed in the last minute that would have made it 1-1. Had that goal stood, Anfield 89 would never have happened. That's the sweetest injustice I ever suffered as a player.' Kenny Samson on his emotional comeback to Highbury.

'A team can attack for too long. The most opportune time for scoring is immediately after repelling an attack, because opponents are then strung out in the wrong half of the field. All the men are expected to play to plan, but not so as to stifle individuality.' The legendary Herbert Chapman invents counter attacking football. The Invincibles owe him a great debt!

'They were at their most dangerous when they didn't have the ball!' Kenny Dalglish in April 1998, after seeing his Newcastle side succumb to a 3-1 defeat at Highbury. Chapman's influence echoes through the ages.

'Arsenal Football Club is open to receive applications for the position of TEAM MANAGER. He must be experienced and possess the highest qualifications for the post, both as to ability and personal character. Gentlemen whose sole ability to build up a good side depends on the payment of heavy and exhorbitant [sic] transfer fees need not apply.' Henry Norris' job advertisement that roused the interest of Mr. Chapman. Ironically, Chapman's first act would be to break the British transfer record for the purchase of Charlie Buchan.

'I was a scorer of great goals. Great own goals.' Steve Bould. If thousands of your own supporters are going to serenade you about your baldness for over ten years, I guess you have to develop a sense of humour.

'We arrived at the hotel half-an-hour early. Chapman immediately went into the lounge bar. He called the waiter, placed two pound notes in his hand and said: 'George, this is Mr Wall, my assistant. He will drink whisky and dry ginger. I will drink gin and tonic. We shall be joined by guests. They will drink whatever they like. See that our guests are given double of everything, but Mr Wall's whisky and dry ginger will contain no whisky, and my gin and tonic will contain no gin.' Chapman's assistant Bob Wall reveals how the legendary Arsenal manager negotiated the transfer of Bolton's David Jack for a curious knockdown price.

'It's 1-0 to the Arsenal and that's just the way we like it.' Chapman's successor George Allison gives the Pet Shop Boys and idea for a song.

'Everyone thinks he is a nice guy, but he is a son of a bitch.' Patrick Vieira comes over all diplomatic about Arsenal nemesis Ruud van Nistelrooy.

'I always wanted to play in English football and Arsenal and Highbury IS English football to me.' Dennis Bergkamp. Arsenal IS Dennis Bergkamp to many people too I dare say.

'My father always felt he should have been Prime Minister.' Peter Hill Wood reveals how highly his father Denis thought of Herbert Chapman.

'I ran home immediately to my wife in excitement and said, 'I've seen the nearest thing to a Brazilian footballer you'll ever see in our Academy…..and he's from Lewisham!' David Dein on Rocky Rocastle.

'If you were constructing a team of nice people, David Rocastle would be captain.' Record appearance holder David O'Leary on his ex team mate.

'Once an Arsenal man, always an Arsenal man.' And Bob Wilson would know.

'Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home.' Arsene Wenger's legendary response to Alex Ferguson's 2002 assertion that his United side played better football than champions Arsenal.

'It sticks in the craw because nobody likes the Arsenal, but you simply can't help but enjoy watching the football they play.' Brian Clough after seeing Arsenal break his Forest side's record of 42 games unbeaten. Clough would pass away three weeks later.

'If even a little part of you doesn't enjoy a goal like that, you shouldn't be in football.' Kevin Keegan after watching his Manchester City side undone by a 30 yard Thierry Henry thunderbolt.

'I think we can go a whole season unbeaten.' Arsene Wenger's Mohammed Ali moment in 2002. How he was ridiculed.

'They (the press) are loving it because not much comes out of Highbury. But keep your self respect and remember who you play for and what that represents.' George Graham addresses his Arsenal team after they are docked two points by the F.A. for a bout of handbags at Old Trafford.

'I recall meeting him at a club magazine function some time ago and he came up to me and asked if I had seen the game last night. He was talking about Gillingham v Nottingham Forest in the Auto Windscreens Shield.' Arsenal Magazine Editor Andy Uxley reveals Thierry Henry's unrivalled passion for the game.

'I am Gooner.' Andrey Arshavin announces himself and spawns a million tee shirts.

'There is no chance of Sol leaving for Arsenal. He is a Spurs fan and there is not a hope in hell of him playing in an Arsenal shirt.' How did that turn out David Buchler?

'Highbury is like my garden. There's just something about Highbury that is difficult to describe. When you first arrive, you hardly see the stadium and wonder where it is but then you find it between two blocks of flats.' Thierry Henry looking for properties in Avenell Road?

'We do not buy superstars, we make them.' Arsene Wenger writes his own epitaphs.

'I was once fined £5,000 for calling Coventry fans wankers. Best £5,000 I ever spent.' The ever diplomatic Ian Wright.

'Arsenal and its neighbourhood was for me much more exotic than anything I would ever see around the King`s Road, which was full of an old-hat ho-hum glitz; football had gripped me because of its otherness. All those quiet terraced streets around Highbury and Finsbury Park, all those embittered but still peculiarly loyal used-car salesmen … now that was real exoticism.' Nick Hornby knows what romance is. LD.

source arsenal .vitalfootball.com

Gunners transfer news:Merida agent wants Arsenal talks

2009-10-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

The agent of Fran Merida says Arsenal will get first option on the midfielder.

Atletico Madrid are chasing the Spain U20 star, who comes off contract at the end of the season.

Merida has welcomed their interest, but his agent, Joseba Diaz, said: "Many clubs have contacted me about him, but we want to talk to Arsenal and then decide."

Arsenal:Arsenal skipper Cesc happy great friend Rosicky again playing

2009-10-14T03:01:00.001-07:00

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas admits he's thrilled to see Tomas Rosicky fit and playing again.

The Czech's mental fortitude during his 18-month spell on the sidelines helped Fabregas through his own four-month lay-off last term and brought the Arsenal squad closer together.

"Tomas Rosicky is probably one of the best friends I have, and he’s been injured for nearly two years," Fabregas told arsenal.com.

"It's great to have him back and I'm really happy for him. I have learned a lot from him as well - to be strong and keep believing. He believed in himself, that he could play football and it is great to see him play.

"I was with him every day, I went to his house - it’s like that. And I think team mates, we have to be like that as well. It was nice when they were coming to me [when I was injured]; it’s nice now that I go to them.

"The important thing is you don’t do it because you have to; you do it because you really want to do it. And I think that [at] Arsenal, there’s this feeling with everyone. It’s really good."

Arsenal transfer news:Arsenal star Arshavin back on Barcelona radar

2009-10-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

Barcelona have considered reviving their interest in Arsenal star Andrey Arshavin.

Barca made a move to Arshavin last January before he agreed a transfer to the Gunners and remain keen on the Russia international.

Sport says Arshavin is on Barca's agenda should they fail to prise Robinho away from Manchester City in the New Year.

Arsenal:ARSENAL PLAYERS IN THE BEST PREMIERSHIP TEAM

2009-10-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

A few years ago (circa 1998-99), you would have taken a select Premiership team, and it probably would have consisted of Arsenal and Manchester United players. The players and team being the likes of Vieira, Petit, Anelka, Beckham, Keane, Stam, etc..

Those were the good old days.

Nowadays, the likes of money-bags Chelsea and Manchester City have appeared on the scene, and Liverpool have become stronger and stronger over the past 10 years or so.

With this in mind, how many Arsenal players would walk into a Premiership XI, and what would the team be? I would say Arshavin and Fabregas would walk into the team, and possibly Nasri at a push. With that in mind, this is my Premiership XI:

Petr Cech

G. Johnson Vidic Ferdidnand Evra

Essien

Fabregas Gerrard Arshavin

Drogba Torres

3 from Liverpool, 3 from Man United, 3 from Chelsea, and 2 from Arsenal. Does that sound reasonable?

Please send in your comments, and your thoughts about your top Premiership team.

Take care now, bye-bye then.

Arsenal injury news:Arsenal defender Gallas suffers smashed teeth

2009-10-14T02:42:00.003-07:00

Arsenal defender William Gallas has suffered an injury setback while on international duty.

The Sun says Gallas suffered two smashed teeth during France's 5-0 win over the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

The centre-back is a doubt for the clash with Austria tonight.

arsenal:Arsenal immortal

2009-10-14T02:38:00.000-07:00

I closed yesterday's blog talking about how anyone paying a visit to the Grove of late will have seen that Mr Gazidis is most definitely not all mouth and no trousers. The more astute amongst you may have noticed that I couldn't quite work out how to finish yesterday's blog and it just kind of ended, but that's not important right now.

When you go to the Grove on Saturday- I'm not, but I will be there for the Carling Cup game in two weeks- you will see a brand new mural embracing the stadium.

As you can see, Dennis Bergkamp, Bob Wilson, Eddie Hapgood and Charlie George have joined Adams, Brady, Bastin and Henry in footballing, well Arsenal Stadium, immortality.

It's curious, I don't think anyone can dispute Bob Wilson's commitment to the Arsenal cause, having had the pleasure of meeting Bob I can personally say that not only would he bleed the proverbial red and white, but he is also a top man. But should he be on that wall instead of David Seaman, who served Arsenal for so long and with such success? There again, Dennis didn't feature on the first mural, did he? So perhaps there's time for old "Safe Hands" to take his place in the pantheon.

Elsewhere, not to dwell on it, but perhaps I was a bit harsh on Barcelona yesterday. Reading what their club and those associated with it went through under Franco, it certainly seems to me that if they are indeed "mes que un club", it's only because the Spanish authorities treated them so. Us Gooners have a bit of a persecution complex when it comes to referees, right? Well Barcelona once lost a match to Real Madrid 11-1. It was a game they went into for fear of their very existences, harshly treated by referees, constantly barracked by a partisan crowd and so they gave up trying when Benito was sent off for nothing more than being a bit of a star.

Reading further, it pleased to me to note that they lost out on Alfredo Di Stefano by trying to "lowball" his club. Though the fact that they lost out to Real Madrid I like less. Negotiations went on for ages until Madrid stepped in and well... the rest is history. So, despite continued pressure, Barça were unable to land their man. This didn't, however, stop the local press jumping the gun in announcing Di Stefano as a done deal. Old habits die hard... So, where yesterday, I was quite accepting of Arsenal and indeed Cesc Fabregas' fate, it now seems to me that when he goes, it will be under the best possible circumstances for this football club.

And I wonder too, if Cesc might not fancy doing something to render himself an Arsenal immortal before he leaves? The man himself is doing his utmost to render such talk premature, as it undoubtedly is, whether that's through his actions on the football pitch or in his public declarations. In celebrating his great mate Rosicky's return to the first team, he- consciously or not- echoes his manager in talking up the team spirit and saying this,

"It's great to have him in the team; he's like a new signing."

Is that an early bid to be the man who replaces the boss when he eventually departs? Not likely, I think. I also think the boss has it spot on by saying he will not be the one to name his successor, but it's a measure of the influence Arsène has had at the club that such a story could even be considered as news. As he says himself, it's not his job - so why would he do it? There are those out there, no doubt, who feel the boss has had too much influence as it is. It seems to me that, as sad as the day will be when it comes, the best thing for everyone will be a clean break and a new start.

But we shouldn't have to think about that for a while yet and yes, I am assuming it's just a coincidence that this story, which prepares the psychological landscape for his eventual departure , comes justa day or two after Gazidis' "Second place is not good enough" rallying cry...

Hasta mañana (with apologies for the Barcelona diversion).

source arsenal mania

Arsenal:When will this torture end?

2009-10-14T02:31:00.003-07:00

Last night I had a dream about Arsenal. We we’re playing Chelsea and there were fans everywhere, I wasn’t at the game though. There we’re just loads and loads of Arsenal and Chelsea fans down in Poole, where I work. I realized the time and the game had started half an hour ago and I was running around everywhere dodging all these people trying to get to the pub. I got there and it was 1-0 to Chelsea at half time, but Alex Song scored two in the second half and we won…yay.

Don’t know why I’m telling you this but there you go.

alexandre song man united tevezAlex Song can be the new Peter Storey according to Frank McLintock. He’s had a good start to the season. He’s done his job well and been very efficient. Alex hasn’t made any headlines but then neither did Gilberto Silva, that’s just their style of play. He’s stamped his place in the first team in this early part of the season and he doesn’t really have anyone competing for it. It would be nice to have a bit of back up but he’s doing well there so lets hope he can continue.

There’s been some more ‘Arsenalization’ of the ground. It’s another player mural, this one featuring Dennis Bergkamp, Bob Wilson, Eddie Hapgood and Charlie George. I must admit I didn’t have a clue who Hapgood was… plastic fan I know, I know. He was a legendary left back who captained Arsenal and England in the 30’s. I feel a bit bad not knowing who he was but I do now so it’s all good…

Arsene Wenger’s been saying that he will not name the new Arsenal manager. I wouldn’t expect him too anyways. I think considering everything he’s done for the club we’d probably take his opinion on board but that would be it.

“If they consult me I will give an opinion but I certainly will not name the next manager because that’s not my job and I wouldn’t like to do anything other than my job.

When I leave this Club one day I would like to leave it in fantastic shape and give the [new] manager an opportunity to do better. [I want to] leave a team behind that has potential, not a team where nobody is there anymore.”

I don’t know how long Wenger’s going to stick around for to be honest. I think he would like to at least spend another two or three years bringing this current side through. There’s no indication yet of when he might call it a day, he’s just passed the 13 year mark but I don’t see him still being here on the 20th anniversary. I don’t know, we’ll see.

There’s really nothing else to talk about, it’s soooo boring around here. We have a game at the weekend but that just seems so long away. There’s another round of internationals this midweek so we won’t be able to start talking Premier League until about Thursday or Friday. It sucks.

I better go then. Thanks for reading.

source the canon

arsenal news:Wenger: Good Arsenal players make good international players

2009-10-14T02:26:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger believes consistency at club level will enable his international contingent to perform well at the World Cup.

The vast majority of the Gunners squad have been away with their respective countries around the globe during the international break.

"I am keen for them to qualify, hopefully as quickly as possible as group winners, because that would preclude them from having to play a decisive play-off game in November," Wenger said.

"I am convinced it is important for the players to go to the World Cup, but as well I know that those who have a good World Cup are those who win with their clubs during the season.

"We have seen that before here [with France], and so the most important thing is that they do well with the club and it puts you in a strong position confidence-wise for what follows."

arsenal news:Arsenal board make January cash available to Wenger

2009-10-14T02:21:00.000-07:00

The Arsenal board will make cash available for the January market.

The Daily Mail says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been assured that he will have the funds if he wants to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

Wenger, who celebrated 13 years in charge of the club last week, will have been largely encouraged by Arsenal's start to the season, and will be expecting victory against Birmingham on Saturday.

arsenal news:sene Wenger, “The partnership between Gallas and Vermaelen has gelled more quickly than I expected”

2009-10-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

Arsenal defender William Gallas is enjoying a very solid season with the Gunners despite having to quickly adapt to a new partner at the back, after the departure of Kolo Toure.

Speaking of the Frenchman, manager Arsene Wenger highlighted how well the 32-year old is performing and also revealed he never expected the former captain to click so quickly with his new colleague.

Wenger said:

William Gallas has had a fine start to the season, which is down to both his attitude and the quality of the player.

it can happen that any player has highs and lows in his career, but I must say his form now is a consequence of the way he behaves every day.

He behaves 100 per cent as a professional and is highly focused in training.

The partnership between William and Thomas Vermaelen has gelled more quickly than I expected. This is for two reasons, first of all, Vermaelen adapted faster, and secondly William fits more comfortably on the right side of a central defence than on the left.

source arsenal mania

arsenal news:Arsenal legend likens Song to Storey

2009-10-14T02:13:00.000-07:00

Arsenal Double-winning captain Frank McLintock has likened Alex Song to former teammate Peter Storey.

Song is now perceived as a vital member of Arsène Wenger's first-team, especially now the manager has adopted a 4-3-3 formation.

"When they have three in the centre of midfield and they leave Van Persie up front, it's making us stronger in midfield," McLintock told Arsenal.com.

"We always played 4-4-2 with Peter Storey as the anchor man in midfield and he was very protective of the back four. Song is one of those players who can do the same kind of job as Peter Storey. Peter ended up with about 20 caps."

Arsenal:How do we replace Song

2009-10-14T02:09:00.000-07:00

Only at Arsenal would you be wondering one season whether a kid of Alex Song's age should be on the pitch at all in such an important position, just to find yourself the next season wondering about who is going to replace a vital 22-year-old when he goes away for 6 weeks. So we look towards an even younger bench. Crazy isn't it?

Song has really grown so much. The little things have really made the difference with him. He knows on which side of a player to be in a defensive situation. That way he doesn't have to give away free-kicks and he will slow down the player even if he doesn't win the ball.

Small, but vital to killing the opposition fluency. 4-3-3 also gives Alex more options to pass the ball and space to recover in. In a crowded 4-4-2, he would run into his midfield partner. I remember we conceded a costly goal last season as Song and Abou Diaby ran into each other. Alex has his space and he has mastered that space.

The next improvement for Alex is to win and release in one move. Right now, he wins the ball, protects it and then looks to release. The improvement I have seen in him assures me that I only have to be patient and that too will come. Diaby, by the way, has the same problem. He needs to release quicker.

We have seen that Song can pass surprisingly accurate long and short. The importance of having Rosicky is that Arsenal now have Andrey Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky, Francesc Fabregas and sometimes Robin van Persie who can take the ball in a crowded place and still find an exit pass. That has improved Song's options and you can now see how he can make telling passes. However, it is also a HUGE shame that Song has no left foot because he cannot pass to Arshavin. That is a huge loss but you can't have everything.

So how will Arsenal replace Song when he goes to Africa?

Patrick Vieira has been mentioned. Vieira was a defensive midfielder when he played with Petit. Then Emmanuel Petit was sold and Vieira had a torrid time trying to hold midfield by himself. The blessing in that painful year was that Vieira learned how to play offensively. When Gilberto arrived, Vieira was an experienced offensive midfielder with massive defensive capabilities. Vieira cannot really be classed as a defensive midfielder so he is not ideal to replace Alex Song.

We also have to consider the mileage and the recovery speed that Song has to execute to cater for Arsenal playing in 4-3-3. That's no job for a 33-year-old. If Vieira comes in January, Wenger will have to use him on the bench and risk one of his kids or Diaby on 4-3-3. Afterall, Arsenal need to place their bets on their attack so there is more sense in keeping the system that is delivering goals.

If Arsenal are away from him or go into a second half needing to tighten up and nick a goal or protect a lead then Vieira can come in with a switch to 4-4-2. Vieira can contribute in 4-4-2. With Arshavin, Rosicky, Samir Nasri, van Persie, Eduardo, Theo Walcott, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner, Arsenal has limitless possibilities on how to balance the strike force in 4-4-2 for half a game.

Last season I would have been opposed to Vieira's return but now the team has its own life and its own structure and feeling so a big player like Vieira will not be able to upset it as easily. He will not be a leader – the team has their leaders and they have results that show they are good enough by themselves. But what he can do is contribute experience. In delicate games, he can help the talented squad do the right things at the right time. If Arsenal miss anything, it is the experience to do the right thing at the right time.

So I would welcome Vieira and he might be lucky enough to be the one Wenger player from the past that wins the Champions League with Arsenal. Thierry Henry would be jealous because I am sure Titi would have liked to win it at Arsenal instead of or in addition to winning it at Barcelona.

Written by Joel Che on Wednesday, October 14, 2009

source arsenal mania

Arsenal transfer news:Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiebling being watched by Arsenal

2009-10-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiebling is being watched by Arsenal.

Kiebling has been in superb form so far this season, and is the leading scorer in the Bundesliga.

His agent Ali Bulut said: "Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Milan are the clubs that have shown an interest.

"He wants to move to a big club."

Arsenal injury news:Arsenal's Nasri declares himself fit

2009-10-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

Samir Nasri has declared himself fit for Arsenal after returning to full-scale training this week.

The midfielder has been out since breaking his leg in pre-season but could be back in action this month.

He said: "I'm due to rejoin the Arsenal team this weekend, or at the start of next week.

"I think I will be back in action against West Ham on the 25th.

"The new style of play suits us. Cesc Fabregas has a bit more freedom in midfield, and the rest of us link up well with him."

Arsenal News:Why Arsenal should be lauded, not criticised

2009-10-13T06:09:00.001-07:00

Why Arsenal should be lauded, not criticised

As the world's financial markets finally begin to bottom out, what can be learned from the experience of football?

Before that question can be answered it is worth looking at the financial climate in football first. With this brings the question; has football at the top level known there's been a recession at all?

Aston Villa have found new wealth and been keen to spend it, not often a sign of a recession, nor is the spending of Manchester City; Mark Hughes is rapidly resembling a child let loose on Football Manager with the unlimited money cheat.

His work is put in the shade by Real Madrid, whose £200 million plus spending goes strangely unmentioned by Sepp Blatter. Interestingly, but hardly surprisingly their total debt has risen to £200 million in the last year alone.

The selling of Ronaldo apart, Manchester United continue to add to their squad, with 2 new Serbians, Antonio Valencia and Berbatov amongst the recent, expensively assembled additions.

Everton are a club that plead poverty, and their fans regularly ask for greater investment. Their spending over the last 18 months has climbed to over £30 million. Similarly their neighbours Liverpool have a manager who is keen to point to how well he is doing with such 'limited' resources. These limited resources have seen him spend an average net outlay of £11 million a season. Second only to Chelsea in the Abramovich era, and higher that Manchester United.

The £7 million spent for what was essentially a 6 month, 19 game loan for Robbie Keane was a highlight, and indeed Tottenham could take credit for such business, were it not conducted at the same time as they bought back Jermaine Defoe for a 300% mark up on what they sold him to Portsmouth for a year earlier.

Newcastle United, so routinely hammered by the media for their fiscal frivolities, seem too easy a target to point out. In short football at the top level acts as if the world is in a golden age, all whilst clubs at the bottom level are crippled by debt from lower attendances.

All this happens yet Arsenal are routinely chastised for not spending beyond their means. The world's crisis was caused by, amongst other things, short selling and people taking on credit they couldn't afford, something Arsenal have refused to do.

With footballer's as today's heroes and the clubs as modern churches is it not fair to expect them to deal as though they have some influence on those that follow them? Young people increasingly use football, not simply as an escape, but as something to look up to.

The message from football is clear; the only way to make it to the top and stay there is to gamble everything you've already achieved and earned and hope a few results go your way. The kind of thinking that got the world into this mess in the first place.

During all the chaos Arsenal continue to operate in a way that shows success is achievable through developing your resources, investing wisely and not spending beyond means, all whilst living an exciting and entertaining life.

Let's hope young people, and more importantly the banks, take note

Written by Lewis Wright on Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Arsenal transfer news:Arsenal can beat Chelsea for Anderlecht superkid Lukaka

2009-10-13T05:50:00.001-07:00

Arsenal can beat Chelsea for Anderlecht superkid Lukaka

13.10.09 tribalfootball.com

Arsenal are planning a move for Anderlecht's teenage sensation Romelu Lukaka.

Lukaka has been a long-term target for Chelsea and actually turned down a move to Stamford Bridge before turning pro with Anderlecht last year.

The People says with Chelsea now facing a FIFA transfer ban, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is set to steal a march on their London rivals for the exciting teenager.

Arsena transfer news:Wenger keen on keeping Merida at Arsenal

2009-10-13T05:27:00.001-07:00

Wenger keen on keeping Merida at Arsenal

13/10/2009 tribalfootball

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to keep young midfielder Fran Merida at the club.

The 19-year old Spaniard has been linked with a return to his homeland to join either Atletico Madrid or Sevilla but Wenger wants to sign him on a five-year deal.

Merida was sent out on loan to Real Sociedad in 2008 and has featured just three times in the Gunners’ first team since 2007 but Wenger sees him as a good long-term prospect.

Arsenal Transfer News:Arsenal kicked Chelsea into action over Kalou deal

2009-10-13T04:58:00.001-07:00

Arsenal kicked Chelsea into action over Kalou deal

13/10/2009

Chelsea chief Ron Gourlay oversaw Salomon Kalou's new contract yesterday.

The Independent says Kalou's contract was set to expire at the end of the season. This was the first deal renegotiation conducted by new chief executive Gourlay.

Chelsea are prevented from signing any new players for the next two transfer windows after being found guilty of inducing teenager Gael Kakuta to breach his contract with Lens two years ago.

The fact that Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger has been interested in taking the player in the past suggests that others might covet his services.

source Tribalfootball

Arsenal Football News:Juventus on Arsenal Defender Bacary Sagna

2009-10-13T02:55:00.001-07:00

Juventus on Arsenal Defender Bacary Sagna

Oct 13, 2009 9:22:18 AM

Juventus have laid eyes on Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna as they draw up plans for the right side of their defence.

According to Tuttosport, Sagna is on top of the hit-list at Vinovo and director Alessio Secco is reportedly very keen to land him.

The Gunners man has all the qualities Secco is looking for in Turin with his experience and defensive prowess, but he is unlikely to be cheap.

It is said that Arsene Wenger could consider a sale, but the price is likely to scare off the Bianconeri. With that in mind, Juve are also looking at alternatives.

Hamburg's Jerome Boateng, who is wanted by Jose Mourinho, and Hoffenheim's Andreas Beck have also been mooted in Turin.

Despite the report, Juventus have not confirmed their interest in any of the players.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

Arsenal Football News

2009-10-13T02:23:00.001-07:00

Clichy Focused On Arsenal Not Real Madrid

Talk of move to Bernabeu at back of defender's mind.

Oct 11, 2009 7:40:01 AM

Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy has insisted that he is fully focused on maintaining his form for club and country as rumours continue to link him with a move to Real Madrid.

The Frenchman inked a four-year contract in 2008, but reports surfaced again last week claiming that the Spanish giants were considering making a move for the 24-year-old at the end of the season.

Clichy though claims that he has not thought about the move and is concentrating instead on playing well for club and country.

"At the moment I am focused on Arsenal and France," he told the News of the World.

"This season could be very important to me and I desire to be focused in my work. The summer of 2010 is still very far away."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

Quetstion for the day

2009-09-30T04:51:00.000-07:00

Question for the day

The return of former player former player George Graham is former arsenal player elected as arsenal manager in 1986 brought a third period of glory. Arsenal won the League Cup in 1986–87, Graham's first season in charge. This was followed by a League title win in 1988–89, won with a last-minute goal in the final game of the season against fellow title challengers Liverpool. Graham's Arsenal won another title in 1990–91, losing only one match, the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1992–93 and a second European trophy, the Cup Winners' Cup, in 1993–94.

Question:

Graham was later sacked. What circumstances led to his sack?

Team of the week

2009-09-30T04:28:00.001-07:00

Hurray and welcome to this week it will be a wonderful week discussing Arsenal F.C. which won the club of the week nomination.

Arsenal F.C

Introduction:

Arsenal Full name is Arsenal Football Club.

Arsenal Nickname is The Gunners.

Arsenal F.C. Was Founded in 1886 as Dial Square.

Arsenal F.C. Home Ground is Emirates Stadium with Capacity: 60,355.

Arsenal F.C. Owner is Arsenal Holdings plc

Arsenal F.C. Chairman is Peter Hill-Wood

Arsenal F.C. current Manager is Arsène Wenger

Arsenal F.C. currently plays the Premier League

Arsenal F.C. league position for the 2008–09 Premier League, is 4th

Brief history of Arsenal F.C.

Arsenal Football Club (pronounced ɑrsənl) (often simply known as Arsenal or The Arsenal, or by Arsenal nickname The Gunners) are an English professional football club based in Holloway, North London. Arsenal play in the Premier League and are one of the most successful clubs in English football, having won thirteen First Division and Premier League titles and ten FA Cups. Arsenal hold the record for the longest uninterrupted period in the English top flight and are the only Premier League side to have completed a season unbeaten.
Arsenal were founded in 1886 and were the first Southern club to join the Football League, in 1893. Arsenal won Arsenal’s first major trophies in the 1930s, with five League Championship titles and two FA Cups. After a very long period during the post-war years Arsenal became the second club of the 20th century to win the League and FA Cup Double in 1970–71, and during the past twenty years have recorded a series of successes – in this time Arsenal have won a Cup Double, two further League and FA Cup Doubles, and became the first London club to reach the UEFA Champions League Final which Arsenal did in 2006 against Barcelona.
Arsenal F.C. traditional color has been red and white, which have evolved through history. Similarly, Arsenal F.C. have changed location over time; the team were initially founded in Woolwich, south-east London, and in 1913 Arsenal moved north across the city to Arsenal Stadium, Highbury. In 2006 Arsenal made a less drastic move to Arsenal current home, the Emirates Stadium in nearby Holloway.
Arsenal has a large fan base, who hold a string of long-standing rivalries with several other clubs; the most notable of these is with neighbors Tottenham Hotspur, with whom Arsenal regularly contest the North London derby. Arsenal are one of the richest clubs in English football (valued at over £600m as of 2008), and thanks to Arsenal stature, have regularly featured in portrayals of football in British culture. Arsenal Ladies are the most successful English club in women's football and are also affiliated with the club.

History of Arsenal F.C.

2009-09-30T04:16:00.001-07:00

History of Arsenal F.C.

Arsenal were founded as Dial Square in 1886 by workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, and were renamed Royal Arsenal shortly afterwards. Arsenal renamed themselves again to Woolwich Arsenal after turning professional in 1891. Arsenal joined the Football League in 1893, starting out in the Second Division, and won promotion to the First Division in 1904. Arsenal F.C. relative geographic isolation resulted in lower attendances than those of other clubs, which led to Arsenal becoming mired in financial problems and effectively bankrupt by 1910, when Arsenal was taken over by Henry Norris. Norris sought to move Arsenal elsewhere, and in 1913, soon after relegation back to the Second Division, Arsenal moved to the new Arsenal Stadium in Highbury, North London; Arsenal dropped "Woolwich" from their name the following year. Arsenal only finished in fifth place in 1919, but nevertheless Arsenal were elected to rejoin the First Division at the expense of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, by reportedly dubious means.

In 1925, Arsenal appointed Herbert Chapman as Arsenal manager. Chapman had already won the league twice with Huddersfield Town in 1923–24 and 1924–25, and he brought Arsenal their first period of major success. His revolutionary tactics and training, along with the signings of star players such as Alex James and Cliff Bastin, laid the foundations of Arsenal domination of English football in the 1930s. Under his guidance, Arsenal won their first major trophies – an FA Cup in 1929–30 and two League Championships, in 1930–31 and 1932–33. In addition, Chapman was behind the 1932 renaming of the local London Underground station from "Gillespie Road" to "Arsenal", making it the only Tube station to be named specifically after a football club.

Chapman died suddenly of pneumonia in early 1934, leaving Joe Shaw and George Allison to carry on his successful work. Under their guidance, Arsenal won three more titles (1933–34, 1934–35 and 1937–38) and an FA Cup (1935–36). As Arsenal key players retired, by the decade's end, Arsenal had started to fade, and then the intervention of World War II meant competitive professional football in England was suspended.

After the war, under Allison's successor Tom Whittaker, Arsenal enjoyed a second period of success, winning the league in 1947–48 and 1952–53, and the FA Cup in 1949–50. After that though, Arsenal fortunes waned; Arsenal was unable to attract players of the same calibre as they had in the 1930s, Arsenal spent most of the 1950s and 1960s in trophyless mediocrity. Even former England captain Billy Wright could not bring Arsenal any success as manager, in a stint between 1962 and 1966.

Arsenal began winning silverware again 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, Arsenal first European trophy, in 1969–70. This was followed by an even greater triumph: Arsenal first League and FA Cup double in 1970–71. This marked a premature high point of the decade; the Double-winning side was soon broken up and the following decade was characterized by a series of near misses. Arsenal finished as First Division runners-up in 1972–73, lost three FA Cup finals (1971–72, 1977–78 and 1979–80) and lost the 1979–80 Cup Winners' Cup final on penalties. Arsenal F.C. only success during this time was an FA Cup win in 1978–79, 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. Arsenal won the League Cup in 1986–87, Graham's first season in charge. This was followed by a League title win in 1988–89, won with a last-minute goal in the final game of the season against fellow title challengers Liverpool. Graham's Arsenal won another title in 1990–91, losing only one match, the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1992–93 and a second European trophy, the Cup Winners' Cup, in 1993–94. 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 Arsenal F.C. after a dispute with the board of directors.

Arsenal F.C. success in the late 1990s and 2000s owes a great deal to the appointment of manager Arsène Wenger in 1996. Wenger brought new tactics, a new training regime and several foreign players who complemented the existing English talent. Arsenal won a second league and cup double in 1997–98 and a third in 2001–02. In addition, Arsenal F.C. reached the final of the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup (losing on penalties to Galatasaray), were victorious in the 2002–03 and 2004–05 FA Cups, and won the Premier League in 2003–04 without losing a single match, which earned the side the nickname "The Invincibles"; in all, Arsenal F.C. went 49 league matches unbeaten, a national record.

Arsenal has finished in either first or second place in the league in eight of Wenger's eleven seasons at the club. They are one of only four teams (along with Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea) to have won the Premier League since its formation in 1992, although they have failed to retain the title each time they have been champions. Arsenal had never progressed beyond the Champions League quarter-finals until 2005–06; in that competition they reached the final, the first club from London to do so in the competition's fifty-year history, where they were beaten 2–1 by FC Barcelona. In July 2006, Arsenal moved into their current stadium, the Emirates Stadium, after 93 years at Highbury.

Arsenal Stadium

2009-09-30T04:10:00.001-07:00

Arsenal Stadiums

For the majority of Arsenal’s time in south-east London, Arsenal played at the Manor Ground in Arsenal Plumstead, a three-year period at the nearby Invicta Ground between 1890 and 1893 excepted. The Manor Ground was initially just a field, until Arsenal installed stands and terracing in time for their first Football League match in September 1893. Arsenal played their home games there for the next twenty years (with two exceptions in 1894–95), until the move to north London in 1913.

Arsenal Stadium, widely referred to as Highbury, was Arsenal's home from September 1913 until May 2006. The original stadium was designed by the renowned football architect Archibald Leitch, and had a design common to many football grounds in the UK at the time, with a single covered stand and three open-air banks of terracing. In the 1930s, the entire stadium was given a massive overhaul, with new Art Deco West and East stands constructed, opening in 1932 and 1936 respectively; in addition, the North Bank terrace had a roof added, which was later bombed during World War II and not restored until 1954.

At its peak, Highbury could hold over 60,000 spectators, and had a capacity of 57,000 until the early 1990s. The Taylor Report and Premier League regulations forced Arsenal to convert Highbury into an all-seater in time for the 1993–94 season, reducing the capacity to 38,419 seated spectators. This capacity had to be reduced further during Champions League matches to accommodate additional advertising hoardings, so much so that for two seasons (1998–99 and 1999–00) Arsenal played Champions League home matches at Wembley, which could house more than 70,000 spectators.

Arsenal’s Expansion of Highbury was restricted because the East Stand had been designated as a Grade II listed building and the other three stands were close to residential properties. These limitations prevented the club from maximising matchday revenue during the 1990s and early 2000s, leaving them in danger of being left behind in the football boom of that time. After considering various options, in 2000 Arsenal proposed building a new 60,355-capacity stadium at Ashburton Grove, since renamed the Emirates Stadium, about 500 metres south-west of Highbury. The project was initially delayed by red tape and rising costs, and construction was completed in July 2006, in time for the start of the 2006–07 season. The stadium is named after its sponsors, the airline company Emirates, with whom Arsenal signed the largest sponsorship deal in English football history, worth approximately £100 million; alternatively some fans refer to the ground as Ashburton Grove, or the Grove, as they do not agree with corporate sponsorship of stadium names. The stadium will be officially known as Emirates Stadium until at least 2012, and the airline will be Arsenal’s shirt sponsor until the end of the 2013–14 season.

Arsenal's training centre is in Shenley, Hertfordshire, at a purpose-built facility which opened in 2000. Before that Arsenal shared training facilities with University College London Student Union nearby, having trained at Highbury up until 1961. Arsenal's Academy teams play their home matches at Shenley, while Arsenal’s Reserves play their games at Underhill, home of Barnet FC.

Arsenal Crest

2009-09-30T04:05:00.001-07:00

Arsenal Crest

Royal Arsenal's first crest, unveiled in 1888, featured three cannons viewed from above, pointing northwards, similar to the coat of arms of the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich. These can sometimes be mistaken for chimneys, but the presence of a carved lion's head and a cascabel on each are clear indicators that they are cannons. This was dropped after the move to Highbury in 1913, only to be reinstated in 1922, when Arsenal adopted their first single-cannon crest, featuring an eastward-pointing cannon, with Arsenal nickname, The Gunners, inscribed alongside it; this crest only lasted until 1925, when the cannon was reversed to point westward and its barrel slimmed down. In 1949, Arsenal unveiled a modernised crest featuring the same style of cannon, Arsenal name set in blackletter above the cannon, the coat of arms of the Metropolitan Borough of Islington and a scroll inscribed with the club's newly adopted Latin motto, Victoria Concordia Crescit (meaning "victory comes from harmony"), coined by Harry Homer, Arsenal programme editor. For the first time, the crest was rendered in colour, which varied slightly over the crest's lifespan, finally becoming red, gold and green.

Because of the numerous revisions of the crest, Arsenal were unable to copyright it. Although Arsenal had managed to register the crest as a trademark, and had fought (and eventually won) a long legal battle with a local street trader who sold "unofficial" Arsenal merchandise, Arsenal eventually sought a more comprehensive legal protection. Therefore, in 2002 Arsenal introduced a new crest featuring more modern curved lines and a simplified style, which was copyrightable. The cannon once again faces east and the club's name is written in a sans-serif typeface above the cannon. Green was replaced by dark blue. The new crest received a critical response from some supporters; the Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association claimed that Arsenal had ignored much of Arsenal's history and tradition with such a radical modern design, and that fans had not been properly consulted on the issue.

Arsenal Colour

2009-09-30T03:58:00.001-07:00

Arsenal Colour

For much of Arsenal's history, Arsenal's home colours have been bright red shirts with white sleeves and white shorts, though this has not always been the case. The choice of red is in recognition of a charitable donation from Nottingham Forest, soon after Arsenal's foundation in 1886. Two of Dial Square's founding members, Fred Beardsley and Morris Bates, were former Forest players who had moved to Woolwich for work. As they put together the first team in the area, no kit could be found, so Beardsley and Bates wrote home for help and received a set of kit and a ball. The shirt was redcurrant, a dark shade of red, and was worn with white shorts and blue socks.

In 1933 Herbert Chapman, wanting his players to be more distinctly dressed, updated the kit, adding white sleeves and changing the shade to a brighter pillar box red. The origin of the white sleeves is not conclusively known, with two possible inspirations having been put forward. One story reports that Chapman noticed a supporter in the stands wearing a red sleeveless sweater over a white shirt; another was that he was inspired by a similar outfit worn by the cartoonist Tom Webster, with whom Chapman played golf. Regardless of which story is true, the red and white shirts have come to define Arsenal and Arsenal have worn the combination ever since, aside from two seasons. The first was 1966–67, when Arsenal wore all-red shirts; this proved unpopular and the white sleeves returned the following season. The second was 2005–06, the last season that Arsenal played at Highbury, when the team wore commemorative redcurrant shirts similar to those worn in 1913, Arsenal's first season in the stadium; the club reverted to their normal colours at the start of the 2006–07 season... Since the 2008–09 season, Arsenal has slightly altered the design of their traditional home shirts, replacing the all white sleeves with a thick white stripe. The remainder of the sleeves is red.

Arsenal's home colours have been the inspiration for at least three other clubs. In 1909, Sparta Prague adopted a dark red kit like the one Arsenal wore at the time; in 1938, Hibernian adopted the design of the Arsenal shirt sleeves in their own green and white strip. In the 1930s, Sporting Clube de Braga's coach returned from a game at Highbury and changed his team's green kit into a duplicate of Arsenal's red with white sleeves and shorts, giving rise to the team's nickname of Os Arsenalistas. These teams still wear these designs to this day.

Arsenal's away colours are traditionally yellow and blue, but there have been exceptions. Arsenal wore a green and navy away kit between 1982 and 1984, and since the early 1990s and the advent of the lucrative replica kit market, the away colours have been changed regularly. During this period the designs have been either two-tone blue designs, or variations on the traditional yellow and blue, such as the metallic gold and navy strip used in the 2001–02 season, and the yellow and dark grey used in 2005–06 and 2006–07. Currently the away kit is changed every season, with the outgoing away kit becoming the third choice kit if a new home kit is being introduced in the same year.

Arsenal's shirts have been made by a variety of manufacturers, including Umbro (from the 1970s until 1986), Adidas (1986–1994), and since 1994 they have been made by Nike. Like most other major football clubs, Arsenal have had shirt sponsorship since the 1980s, with sponsors including JVC (1982–1999), Sega (1999–2002), O2 (2002–2006) and current sponsors Emirates (from 2006).

Arsenal supporters

2009-09-30T03:52:00.001-07:00

Arsenal F.C. Supporters

Arsenal fans often refer to themselves as "Gooners", the name being derived from Arsenal 's nickname, "The Gunners". Arsenal have a large and generally loyal fanbase, with virtually all home matches selling out; in 2007–08 Arsenal had the second-highest average League attendance for an English club (60,070, which was 99.5% of available capacity), and as of 2006, Arsenal was the fourth-highest all-time average attendance. Arsenal ’s location, adjoining both wealthy areas such as Canonbury and Barnsbury, mixed areas such as Islington, Holloway and Highbury, and the adjacent London Borough of Camden, and largely working class areas such as Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington has meant that Arsenal 's supporters have come from across the usual class divides. In addition, Arsenal have the highest proportion (7.7%) of non-white attending supporters of any club in English football, according to a 2002 report.

Like all major English football clubs, Arsenal have a number of domestic supporters' clubs, including the Arsenal Football Supporters Club, which works closely with Arsenal , and the Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association, which maintains a more independent line. There is also the Arsenal Supporters' Trust, which promotes greater participation in ownership of the club by fans. Arsenal ’s supporters also publish fanzines such as The Gooner, Highbury High, Gunflash and the less cerebral Up The Arse!. In addition to the usual English football chants, Arsenal 's supporters sing "One-Nil to the Arsenal " (to the tune of "Go West") and "Boring, Boring Arsenal ", which used to be a common taunt from opposition fans but is now sung ironically by Arsenal supporters when Arsenal is playing well.

There have always been Arsenal supporters outside of London, and in recent times with the advent of satellite television, a supporter's attachment to a football club has become less dependent on geography. Consequently, Arsenal now have a significant number of fans from beyond London and all over the world; there are 24 UK, 37 Irish and 49 overseas supporters clubs affiliated with Arsenal , as of 2007. A 2005 report by Granada Ventures, which at the time owned a 9.9% stake in the club, estimated Arsenal 's global fanbase at 27 million, the third largest in the world.

longest-running and deepest rivalry is with nearest major neighbours, Tottenham Hotspur, with matches between the two being referred to as North London derbies. Other Arsenal rivalries within London include those with Chelsea, Fulham and West Ham United. In addition, Arsenal and Manchester United have had a strong on-pitch rivalry since the late 1980s, which has intensified in recent years when Arsenal and Manchester united have been competing for the Premier League title – so much so that in a 2003 online poll by the Football Fans Census listed Manchester United as Arsenal 's biggest rivals, followed by Tottenham and Chelsea. A 2008 poll lists the Tottenham rivalry as more important to Arsenal .

football

2009-08-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

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answer to the question of the day

2009-08-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

thanks for all your comments
the answer in
RYAN GIGGS
I5 MINUTES
Premier League, 18 November 1995
VS SOUTHAMPTON

Answer the second question
ARSENAL....

TEAM OF THE WEEK NOMINATION

2009-08-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

NOMINATE YOUR TEAM FOR THE WEEK
SIMPLY DROP A COMMENT
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QUESTION FOR THE DAY

2009-08-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

CHECK THIS OUT
Who scored the fastest goal in manchester united history?
within how many minutes?
and in which match and date?

THE QUESTION CONTINUES
WHICH FOOTBALL CLUB DOMINATED THE EUROPE THE THE 1930'S

DISCUSSION FOR THE WEEK

2009-08-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

Arsenal can still finish this season among the top 4 or even win the league.
what do you think about this.
your comments are welcomed.......

TEAM OF THE WEEK

2009-08-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

hurray !!!

Our team for this week is Manchester united.

in this community we all interactively select a team which we all will try to review throughout the week and ask questions about the team.

Manchester United Football Club is an English football club, based at Old Trafford in Trafford, Greater Manchester, and is one of the most popular football clubs in the world. The club was a founding member of the Premier League in 1992, and has played in the top division of English football since 1938, with the exception of the 1974–75 season. Average attendances at the club have been higher than any other team in English football for all but six seasons since 1964–65

The club was formed as Newton Heath L&YR F.C. in 1878 as the works team of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The club's shirts were green and gold halves. They played on a small, dilapidated field on North Road for fifteen years, before moving to BanK Street in the nearby town of Clayton in 1893. The club had entered The Football League the previous year and began to sever its links with the rail depot, becoming an independent company, appointing a club secretary and dropping the "L&YR" from their name to become simply Newton Heath F.C.. Not long afterwards, in 1902, the club neared bankruptcy, with debts of over £2,500. At one point, their Bank Street ground was even closed by the bailiffs.
Just before having to be shut down for good, the club received a sizeable investment from J. H. Davies, the managing director of Manchester Breweries. Legend goes that Harry Stafford, the club captain, was showing off his prized St. Bernard dog at a club fund-raiser, when Davies approached him to buy the dog. Stafford declined, but was able to persuade Davies to invest in the club and become club chairman. It was decided at one of the early board meetings that the club required a change of name to reflect the fresh start they had been afforded. Manchester Central and Manchester Celtic were among the names suggested, before Louis Rocca, a young immigrant from Italy, said "Gentlemen, why don't we call ourselves Manchester United?" The name stuck, and Manchester United officially came into existence on 26 April 1902. Davies also decided it would be appropriate to change the club's colours, abandoning the green and gold halves of Newton Heath, and picking red and white to be the colours of Manchester United.
Ernest Mangnall was appointed as club secretary after James West had resigned as manager on 28 September 1902. Mangnall was charged with trying to get the club into the First Division, and fell just short of that target at the first attempt, finishing in fifth in Division Two. Mangnall decided that it was necessary to bring in some fresh faces to the club, and signed players such as Harry Moger in goal, Dick Duckworth at half-back and Jack Picken upfront, but it was another new half-back by the name of Charlie Roberts who made the biggest impact. He cost the club a then-record £750 from Grimsby Town in April 1904, and helped them to a third place finish in the 1903–04 season, just a point short of the second promotion place.
It was not long, however, before the club was at last promoted to the First Division for the first time under their new name, finishing in second place in the 1905–06 Second Division. A season of consolidation followed, with the club finishing in eighth, before they finally won their first league title in 1908. Manchester City had recently been under investigation for paying some of their players a salary over the amount allowed by FA regulations. They were fined £250 and eighteen of their players were banned from playing for them ever again. United were quick to pounce on the situation, picking up Billy Meredith (the Welsh Wizard) and Sandy Turnbull, amongst others. The new boys from across town were ineligible to play until New Year's Day 1907, due to their suspension, so it was left until the 1907–08 season for them to make a proper impact on United's bid for the title. And that they did, getting the campaign off to a storming start, with a 2–1 victory over Sheffield United, beginning a run of ten consecutive victories. Despite a shaky end to the season, United managed to hang on and finished the season nine points ahead of their closest rivals, Aston Villa.
The following season began with United picking up another piece of silverware, the first ever Charity Shield, and ended with another, the club's first FA Cup title, sowing the seeds for what has become a record number of FA Cup titles. Just as they were in the club's first title-winning campaign, Turnbull and Meredith were instrumental in this season, Turnbull scoring the winner in the FA Cup Final. The club had to wait another two years before winning any more silverware, winning the First Division for the second time in the 1910–11 season. In the meantime, United moved to their new ground at Old Trafford. They played their first game there on 19 February 1910 against Liverpool, but lost 4–3 having thrown away a 3–0 lead. They then went trophyless again in the 1911–12 season, which not only proved to be the last with Mangnall in charge (he moved to Manchester City after ten years with United), but also the last time the club won the First Division for 41 years, the longest they have gone without winning the league in their history.
For the next ten years, the club went into a state of gradual decline before being relegated back down to Division Two in 1922. They were promoted again in 1925, but struggled to get into the top half of the table, and were relegated again in 1931. In the eight years leading up to the Second World War, the club became somewhat of a yo-yo club, reaching their all-time lowest position of 20th in Division Two in 1934. They were promoted and relegated once again before being promoted in the penultimate season before the Second World War. They guaranteed their place in the top flight for after the war by finishing in 14th in the 1938–39 season.
this continues tommorrow see yahh all.............
Honours
Manchester United's first trophy was the Manchester Cup, which they won as Newton Heath L&YR in 1886.Their first national senior honour came in 1908, when they won the 1907–08 Football League First Division title. The club also won the FA Cup for the first time the following year. In terms of the number of trophies won, the 1990s was Manchester United's most successful decade, during which time they won five league titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup, five Charity Shields (one shared,one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and one Intercontinental Cup.
The club currently holds the record for the most FA Cups, with 11, and the record for the most FA Cup Final appearances, with 18.They were also the first team to win the Premier League, as well as holding the record for the most Premier League titles (11), and became the first English team to win the European Cup when they won it in 1968. Their most recent trophy came in May 2009, when they won the Premier League. The only major honour that Manchester United F.C. has not yet won is the UEFA Cup.
Domestic
League
Premier League:11
1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09
First Division: 7
1907–08, 1910–11, 1951–52, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1966–67
Second Division: 2
1935–36,1974–75
Cups
FA Cup: 11
1909, 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
League Cup: 3
1992, 2006, 2009
FA Charity/Community Shield: 17 (13 outright, 4 shared)[A]
1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965 ( 1967( joint holders), 1977( joint holders), 1983, 1990(joint holders), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008 .
European
European Cup / UEFA Champions League: 3
1968, 1999, 2008
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1
1991
European Super Cup: 1
1991
Worldwide
Intercontinental Cup: 1
1999
FIFA Club World Cup: 1
2008
Players record

Appearances
Youngest first-team player: David Gaskell, 16 years 19 days (against Manchester City, Charity Shield, 24 October 1956)
Oldest first-team player: Billy Meredith, 46 years 281 days (against Derby County, First Division, 7 May 1921)
Oldest post-Second World War player: Raimond van der Gouw, 39 years 48 days (against Charlton Athletic, Premier League, 11 May 2002)
Most consecutive League appearances: 206 – Steve Coppell, 15 January 1977 – 7 November 1981
Shortest appearance: 80 seconds – Nick Culkin v Arsenal, Premier League, 22 August 1999

Goalscorers

Ruud van Nistelrooy (left) is Manchester United's eighth highest all-time goalscorer.
Most goals in a season in all competitions: 46 – Denis Law, 1963–64
Most League goals in a season: 32 – Dennis Viollet, Division 1, 1959–60
Most League goals in a 38-game season: 31 – Cristiano Ronaldo, Premier League, 2007–08
Top League scorer with fewest goals in a season: 6
Bobby Charlton, 1972–73
Sammy McIlroy, 1973–74
Most goals scored in a match: 6
Harold Halse v Swindon Town, 25 September 1911
George Best v Northampton Town, 7 February 1970
Goals in consecutive league matches: 10 consecutive matches – Ruud van Nistelrooy, 22 March 2003 to 23 August 2003
Fastest goal: 15 seconds – Ryan Giggs v Southampton, Premier League, 18 November 1995
Fastest hat-trick: 4 minutes – Ernie Goldthorpe v Notts County, Second Division, 10 February 1923
Fastest four goals: 13 minutes – Ole Gunnar Solskjær v Nottingham Forest, Premier League, 6 February 1999
Most hat-tricks: 18 – Denis Law (3 November 1962 – 17 April 1971)
Overall scorers
Competitive, professional matches only, appearances including substitutes appear in brackets.

Internationals
First international: Jack Powell and Tom Burke for Wales against England (26 February 1887)[3
All nine of Newton Heath's international players played for Wales. The first non-Welshman to be capped, and the first after the club's change of name to Manchester United, was Charlie Roberts, who was capped for England against Ireland on 25 February 1905.
Most international caps (total): 130 – Edwin van der Sar – Netherlands (24 while with the club)
Most international caps as a United player: 106 – Bobby Charlton – England

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The Sun says Gallas suffered two smashed teeth during France's 5-0 win over the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

The centre-back is a doubt for the clash with Austria tonight.