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Carling Cup S/F Leg 2
White Hart Lane

Tottenham H.
5

Jenas 3, Bendtner 27 (og), Keane 48, Lennon 60, Malbranque 93


Arsenal
1

Adebayor 70



Arsenal’s cherished and historic unbeaten run against Tottenham has come to an end.

Arsène Wenger suffered his first defeat against the old enemy in 21 games as his young side were beaten 5-1 at White Hart Lane in the Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg on Tuesday night.



Tottenham had dominated the opening rubber but the tie was delicately poised at 1-1 when the first whistle blew tonight. However, just three minutes later, Jermaine Jenas danced through and rolled home a long-range shot in off the base of the post.

Arsenal were playing a more experienced side than in the first leg but, in the 27th minute, Tottenham doubled their advantage when Nicklas Bendtner nodded a Jenas free-kick past his own keeper. Robbie Keane rifled home a third three minutes after the break and Aaron Lennon added a fourth on the hour. That effectively ended this North London argument.

Five minutes after coming off the bench, Emmanuel Adebayor gave the scoreline a little respectability on the night with a fierce drive. Arsenal pressed until the end but Steed Malbranque added a fifth in injury time to put the seal on a painful night.

Undoubtably this was a disappointing, even dispiriting, defeat for Arsenal. Their players left the pitch head-bowed at full time as their Tottenham counterparts did a lap of honour.

The home fans received them with an adoration that will last a good while but those who leaf through the record books in the years to come will see Arsenal’s defeat tonight was preceded by eight seasons of joy.

That should not be forgotten either.

Before kick-off, Wenger had suggested he’d play as many of the more established youngsters as he could — then pack the side with first-teamers. That is what he did.

Lukasz Fabianski, Denilson, Bendtner, Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte all started. We knew William Gallas would be employed at centre back — Wenger was without four players in that position. Bacary Sagna came in at right back while Abou Diaby and Alex Hleb flanked Gilberto and Denilson in midfield.

The big guns were reserved for the bench. Cesc Fabregas, Eduardo, Mathieu Flamini and Adebayor all had ‘just-in-case’ roles this evening.

White Hart Lane was packed and passionate tonight. The home side were hardly playing down the game. In the build-up Dimitar Berbatov had called it ‘Tottenham’s game of the year’. The roar at first whistle suggested the crowd concurred.

That noise had barely subsided when Tottenham took the lead. Berbatov tapped a pass to Jenas in midfield and he was allowed to advance to the edge of the area and plant a trickling shot into the net off the far post.

You sensed it could be hammer blow in the tie. Certainly it buoyed the home team and Arsenal had to cope with an inquisition in the minutes that followed.

The pressure was eased in the 11th minute when Hleb and Bendtner combined for the Dane to rifle a shot a few feet over the bar.

But, on the quarter-hour, Keane pestered his way past Gallas on the byline and Hoyte hurriedly hacked his dangerous cross out of the six-yard area.

By this time Denilson had already needed treatment for a leg injury. In the 18th minute he was forced to retire and Fabregas came off the bench. The Spaniard’s appearance was déjà vu from last year when he had orchestrated Arsenal’s recovery from two goals down.

And, with bitter irony, that was just about to become a reality again. Jenas floated a free-kick into the area from the left and Bendtner rose high above Dawson. However, his touch inadvertently took the ball past Fabianski.

It might have been 3-0 in the 29th minute when Berbatov sprung the offside trap and raced through. He had plenty of time to steady himself but the Bulgarian’s shot hit the outside of the far post.

To this point, Arsenal had not really troubled Cerny. But the Tottenham keeper was called into action shortly afterwards when Sagna flicked on a Fabregas corner.

The home side cruised into half time sated with their lead. However Arsenal responded after the restart with vigour.

Yet, as in the first half, they conceded easily and early. Lennon’s long ball sent Keane clear in the left-hand channel with Hoyte and Sagna in pursuit.

The Irishman did well to wrap his foot around the ball. Fabianski got a touch but it still found its way into the corner of the net.

Arsenal might have responded immediately. Walcott darted to the byline and chipped a cross to the far post. Bendtner’s header crashed down off the bar and Fabregas’ follow-up was cleared.

The visitors were now pressing forward and they were wide open to the counter-attack. Malbranque raced through and his shot squirmed through Fabianksi’s grasp initially but the Pole recovered.

But there was little the keeper could do about the fourth in the 59th minute. It was another breakaway. This time it was Lennon who emerged in space on the right of the area. The former Leeds midfielder drilled his shot low through the legs of the keeper.

It was now looking beyond a merely forlorn hope.

Wenger played his last hand with 25 minutes left when Adebayor and Eduardo replaced Traore and Walcott.

Within five minutes the Togolese frontman had wriggled through a couple of challenges on the edge of the area and thumped a rising shot past Cerny.

Such was Adebayor’s urgency to get his side back into the game he earned a booking and then a last warning from referee Howard Webb, who officiated calmly and sensibly on the night.

In injury time Malbranque turned in a low cross from close range to complete the visitors’ agony.

When Webb blew the whistle at full time, White Hart Lane erupted. Arsenal’s proud record was over.

However Wenger’s men will have ample opportunity to create their own glory later on this season.

'The score doesn't reflect what happened on the pitch'

Carling Cup
Tottenham H. 5-1 Arsenal


On the way the game went...
"Of course it is disappointing because we lost. I feel that everything went against us. We were always in the situation where we were chasing the score. We were open to counterattacking and we were not mature enough to stop the counterattacking."

On the scoreline...
"The score is very high and very brutal but I think it does not reflect what happened on the pitch. The first shot on goal was a goal, the second goal was an own goal, the third was straight after half time. After that, the game was over. It had no real meaning after that. They could concentrate on defending and catching us on the break. I don't give a big meaning to the importance of the score. It can be explained by the way the game went."

On regrets...
"My only regret is playing [some of] the players who played. We go into the season with many targets and every season we go in with that priority in this competition. It is good to see that some players have potential and some are not completely ready yet."

On the Carling Cup being a priority ...
"Not at all frankly."

On the second half scoring...
"That was dictated by the game. They defended like mad and they caught us on the break. We were 2-0 down, they only have 45 minutes to last. I don't see where you can be surprised."

On the education of the Carling Cup...
"It is part of the learning process. When you are a footballer you have to deal with disappointments. That is part of it all. You have to take that on board. When you a footballer you lose games, it is how you respond and deal with that."

On the reaction to this defeat...
"We in a world where the last game is always a definitive conclusion. But it is not as simple as that. To educate young players great patience is needed aswell as a comprehensive attitude and tolerance. That is my problem not yours."

Arsenal history: On this day... January 28

1928
Joe Hulme was on target twice as Herbert Chapman's team prevailed by the odd goal in seven in an FA Cup Fourth-Round thriller at Highbury

1931
David Jack netted four goals and Jack Lambert plundered a hat-trick in Arsenal's 9-1 annihilation of Grimsby Town at Highbury - the Gunners' biggest ever First Division win



1959
David Herd scored twice as the Gunners triumphed 4-0 at home to Colchester United in the FA Cup Fourth-Round replay

1978
Strikes by Alan Sunderland and Malcolm Macdonald clinched a 2-1 FA Cup Fourth-Round win over Wolverhampton Wanderers

1998
Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the Coca-Cola Cup Semi-Final First Leg with goals from Marc Overmars and Stephen Hughes. Chelsea won the Second Leg 3-1

Match Report

Arsenal 3
Adebayor 50, 84, Butt 88 (og)


Newcastle United 0

While this straightforward victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup Fourth Round may not obliterate the memory of that 5-1 beating at Tottenham in midweek, it will at least help Arsène Wenger's side settle into their old and familiar winning groove.

Kevin Keegan's side arrived at Emirates Stadium with ambition, determined to take advantage of any Carling Cup hangover. Their industrious game-plan worked to an extent and this lively tie was well-balanced until Emmanuel Adebayor rifled home the opening goal five minutes into the second period.



But, after that, Arsenal took over and the Togolese frontman secured a berth in the Fifth Round with a second seven minutes from time. Then, just before the end, Nicky Butt touched Cesc Fabregas' free-kick into his own net.

The scoreline was harsh on Newcastle who played a full part in proceedings. But, at full time, the home side's now traditional huddle was back in evidence - as was Arsenal's efficiency.

Wenger's men move onwards and upwards - not only in the FA Cup but from Tuesday night.

The manager retained four players from midweek - Abou Diaby, Justin Hoyte, Theo Walcott and Willaim Gallas. Philippe Senderos returned at centre back, Mathieu Flamini and Fabregas were restored to central midfield with Tomas Rosicky on the left while Emmanuel Adebayor was back up front. Jens Lehmann took over the No 1 spot at the expense of Lukasz Fabianski.

Well that is the way Arsenal started anyway. Within 10 minutes Rosicky was forced off with an injury and Eduardo came on. The Croatian joined Adebayor up front and Walcott dropped to the right flank.

It was a not massive change. The game had barely settled down. Newcastle had caused slight consternation from a corner and the stretching Fabregas had nearly touched Gael Clichy's chipped through-ball past Shay Given. But that was about it. Still, there was drive and ambition in abundance from both sides.

Keegan's return had hardly been triumphant last weekend against Bolton. Gary Megson's underrated outfit had held them to drab goalless draw at St James' Park. Today they were much more vibrant.

In the 14th minute, Charles N'Zogbia's run won a corner. He took it himself and Alan Smith's first-time shot was headed off the line by Gael Clichy. A couple of minutes later Stephen Carr and Smith combined on the right only for the resulting cross to flash across the area with Michael Owen in close attendance.

The game was starting to sparkle. Clichy's shot was batted away by Given and then Diaby cracked an effort well wide.

In the 23rd minute, Diaby's attempted pass was half-blocked. A steepling bounce fooled Steven Taylor and Eduardo pounced to lash a shot goalwards. Given saved spectacularly. In the minutes that followed the Irishman made a more mundane stop and an unmarked Eduardo miscued his header at the near post.

Arsenal's response had been heartening and it was shaping up to be a wonderful FA Cup tie. While Havant & Waterlooville were doing their best to play out the classic David and Goliath scenario this was more like Clash of the Titans.

On the half-hour, Fabregas cleverly sent Walcott through on the right of the area but the winger's teasing cross trickled unconverted across the face of goal.

Duff's tenacity won a corner at the other end as Newcastle threatened once more but Arsenal's response saw Adebayor nudge a header just wide. It was end-to-end stuff.

However as the game neared half time, the visitors' end came under more pressure. Fabregas fired an angled shot wide and, on the whistle, Given tipped over from Diaby's piledriver.

The interval had come at the wrong time for Arsenal. They were just building up a head of steam and, if anything, Newcastle had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges when the home side took the lead in the 51st minute.

Eduardo received the ball in space on the edge of the area and cleverly opened up his body to curl an effort against the base of the post. The ball rebounded to Adebayor who cut inside his marker and rifled a shot into the far corner of the net.

The Togolese striker has had a tough week and his sliding knee celebration had all the hallmarks of a relieved man.

It was also Arsenal's 100th goal at Emirates Stadium.

Adebayor nearly added another second soon afterwards but, after collecting Diaby's pass in the area, he was dispossessed at the vital second.

The goal had seemingly dented Newcastle's self-belief and they spent the next 10 minutes on the back foot. Once they had gathered themselves Damian Duff continued to menace the Arsenal defence. However there was now an ominous air about the home side.

In the 69th minute Fabregas touched on a Clichy cross and the swivelling Eduardo had a goalbound shot blocked. Newcastle were now spent force. They had played their part in a lively tie but the latter stages of the game were dictated by Arsenal's pursuit of a second goal.

It arrived six minutes from time when Adebayor skipped past a couple of Newcastle defenders and drilled a low shot past Given.

As full time approached, Nicky Butt nodded a Fabregas free-kick past his own keeper.

That was harsh on the Keegan's side. But, as Tuesday night had proved, the scoreline does not always entirely reflect the nature of the game.

Wenger: 'The second goal killed Newcastle'
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United
FA Cup Round 4


on a win that Arsenal needed ...
"I need always to win because I want to win, but this team has done extremely well since the start of the season and I was quite confident - I was not worried at all before the game, I must tell you. We played against a good Newcastle side who started strong and they created some chances at the start and slowly took control of the game. In the second half it was completely controlled by us and we won in the end - I felt the second goal killed Newcastle. Overall it was a difficult game. "

on the importance of the first goal...
"Well it was a game where the first goal had a big impact on the result. We scored when we were in control of the game, and that of course was mentally difficult to solve by Newcastle because they knew then it would be difficult. If they had scored in the first half, that certainly would have given them more belief. We scored when we were already in control of the game."

on sticking with Walcott...
"Yes of course because I feel at the moment he needs that. You see as well, for example, Theo Walcott, the way he started the game and the way he finished the game, that he grew in the game. He slowly found confidence. Sometimes when a player feels he had not a good game, when you can, you can give him another game to show him as well that you believe in him."

on further talk of Adebayor's incident with Bendtner...
"Frankly, he has played football, they have all played football. In what team does that kind of incident not happen? You are surprised that a country with such a history in the game makes so much of that, but I can understand it as well because maybe it is something to talk about. But it has happened, in every team it happens that there are disagreements."

Adebayor - That Spurs incident is behind us
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United
FA Cup Round 4


Emmanuel Adebayor has dismissed his disagreement with Nicklas Bendtner at Tottenham as “a little thing” that has already “finished”.

The spectre of that 5-1 defeat at White Hart Lane was hanging over Arsenal ahead of their FA Cup tie with Newcastle on Saturday. It did not seem to worry Adebayor however he as hit two goals in a 3-0 win.

Afterwards, the Togolese striker spoke for the first time about an issue that had dominated the back pages for a number of days.

“It was just a little thing,” he said. “I tried to motivate him and he took it in the wrong way. Then I did a little bit and I have to work at that as well. But that is football. What happened is already behind us. It is finished.

“I do not want to look what happened yesterday. I want to look at tomorrow. We are all passionate about this Club, we want to win something together as team-mates and as friends. We are all here working in the same way. On Tuesday, things went wrong and that is it.

“We are big guys, so we talk about it. It is behind us already. I am No 25, and he is No 26, so in the dressing room we sit very close. Sometimes it does happen. A child can fight with his father, and they are still friends again.

“We have to take it in a positive way. We have our spirit and are together again as a family. We just want to achieve something together.”

Wenger - I am not after Jonathan Woodgate


Arsène Wenger has denied any interest in signing Jonathan Woodgate.

The Middlesbrough centre back is in the process of a move away from the Riverside Stadium after Tottenham and Newcastle agreed a fee with the North-East club.



On Monday morning, it was reported that a third team had matched that valuation and speculation centred on Arsenal.

Speaking to the Matchday Programme ahead of the game with Newcastle, Wenger laid the rumour to rest.

“I do not know where that story came from,” he said. “There is no truth in it at all. We have never been in touch with Middlesbrough about Jonathan Woodgate.”

'I do think the scoreline flattered Arsenal'
Arsenal v Newcastle United


Newcastle's fans will have clocked up well over 1,000 miles by the time they complete their second round-trip from St James' Park to Emirates Stadium. At the halfway point, they are still waiting for a goal to celebrate.

Kevin Keegan's side came close to breaking the deadlock in Saturday's FA Cup tie but some wayward finishing and Gael Clichy's goal-line clearance kept the visitors at bay. Arsenal stepped up the pace after the break and romped to victory.

There was some solace for the away fans with two centre forwards and two wingers in Newcastle's starting line-up - a sure sign that Keegan is still a man who sends his players out to attack. But the new man in charge will be hoping to shore up Newcastle's leaky defence before the January transfer window closes this week.

We spoke to Lee Ryder of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle ahead of Tuesday night's game. Read on for his thoughts on Saturday's game, Keegan's tactics, strengthening the squad and Newcastle's misfortune with Cup draws this season.


Lee, what are your thoughts on Saturday's Cup tie?

I thought in the first half we played really well. It was the best brand of football we've seen for a long time at Newcastle. Sam Allardyce was very successful at Bolton but the style of play he used at Newcastle didn't really work and didn't capture the imagination of the fans. The fans like attacking football and we saw that in the first half on Saturday. In the second half Arsenal's class really shone through and Adebayor's two goals were really good. The own goal by Nicky Butt wrapped it up and the way it ended was disappointing because I do think the scoreline flattered Arsenal. I've had a look at a few Arsenal fansites and they pretty much say the same. But when you're on a high like Arsenal are, eventually you get those results if the opposition fail to take their chances.

Keegan's policy was clear with two wingers, two strikers and just one holding midfielder in his line-up.

It is an exciting time. We haven't so far been successful in the transfer window, the loss of a manager in the middle of the month is the main reason for that. But Kevin Keegan has inherited a good team, we've got some good wingers at the club. Charles N'Zogbia switched to the centre but out wide you had Damien Duff and James Milner. Having watched the Keegan team from all those years ago with Keith Gillespie and David Ginola, those type of players will excel under Keegan. We need the centre forwards to start scoring but they will get more service now so Michael Owen and Alan Smith could be a big threat on Tuesday night.

Duff looking a bit more like the player he was at Blackburn and Chelsea isn't he?

Yes, I know his confidence is quite high at the moment. It's not that long ago - against Arsenal in the League game at St. James' - that he made his comeback from a very bad foot injury he sustained at Portsmouth last April. December time was a fresh start for Damien and we should see the best of him now he's got his freshness back.

Newcastle's defensive deficiencies were clear in the second half. Is Keegan any nearer to signing a new centre back?

At the moment the clock is ticking towards January 31. We know Keegan has got a wish-list of players but whether time will beat him remains to be seen. We know we got Giuseppe Rossi and Antoine Sibierski on the last day of a previous transfer window, it all went through late on, so a lot can happen in the last few hours. I know Keegan is working hard to bring in new bodies - he certainly said he was looking for two or three new faces.

Will he make any changes for Tuesday night?

The manager hinted that Mark Viduka might be near a comeback so perhaps he'll be on the bench or he might even start. You have to remember Keegan is still experimenting really, it's only his third game in charge. He needs to see what the players can do, try different combinations and see what works for him. So there could be one or two changes but I think the bulk of the team will be the same. We know Emre won't be playing because he's suspended.

I suppose Keegan could have done without two trips to the Emirates in his first three games.

He certainly could. From Newcastle's point of view to draw Arsenal away once in the Carling Cup is unlucky enough but to draw them away in the FA Cup too is very unfortunate. That said, had we beaten Arsenal we'd have got Manchester United away! For Kevin it would have been nice to have a few home games against lesser opposition but at the end of the day we could have had a better start against Bolton but they held us. Every game between now and the end of the season is a big game and we just hope to see a bit of exciting football to go into the summer on a high.

Wenger - Rosicky, Toure injuries not serious
Arsenal v Newcastle United


Arsène Wenger had three reasons to be relatively cheerful when he revealed his team news ahead of the Premier League game with Newcastle at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Firstly, the hamstring injury that forced off Tomas Rosicky in the FA Cup tie between the two sides at the weekend will clear up in “days not weeks”.

Secondly the groin problem Kolo Toure picked up on international duty had been scanned by Arsenal staff in Paris and would sideline him for only “eight to 10 days”.

Thirdly Robin van Persie is expected back in training on Tuesday as he bids to return from a thigh injury.

Meanwhile Manuel Almunia and Bacary Sagna are back in the Arsenal squad for the return of Kevin Keegan’s side. Rosicky will be absent but only in the short-term, something that looked doubtful when he trudged off after just nine minutes on Saturday.

“There is no deep problem with Tomas,” said Wenger. “He has a problem with his hamstring but it is not torn. He got a kick at Fulham and the inflammation around his tendon provokes some pain but we feel it's a question of days, not weeks."

The same can be said of Toure. And that can be classed as a relief after he went off during the first half of Ivory Coast’s game with Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday. Since then the centre back has flown to Paris, been assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff and returned to the tournament in Ghana.

"He has a Grade One groin problem,” said Wenger. “It will keep him out for eight to 10 days. But he will stay with the Ivory Coast squad for the rest of the tournament."

Wenger added Van Persie would return to training on Tuesday but the striker will not be available again for another two or three weeks.

Lehmann - I think I have a chance to win things
Arsenal v Newcastle United


Jens Lehmann believes he has every chance of winning trophies with Arsenal.

The German stopper's future has been subject to much press speculation in recent months, but as the end of the transfer window draws closer it appears the 38-year-old will stay at the Club for the remainder of the current season.



Lehmann cites many reasons for his decision to stay in London. Ultimately though, he is happy in the capital.

"First of all, I like it here," he said. "I like the Club, I like the fans, I like the team and the way we are playing football. And I think that I still have a chance to win things here — I wouldn’t have had this chance somewhere else.

"It’s true that I had to consider my family situation — my boys like going to school here and they have a lot of activities ahead of them before the end of the academic year.

"Then there’s the fact that I am a competitor. If I still see a chance to get in the team, why should I give up? The pressure comes into play from this point in the season, and I know that experience can be very valuable, we all have a role to play.

"Those are the reasons why I decided to stay here.

Lehmann also revealed that his 'special' relationship with the supporters was a big factor.

"Yes, they [the fans] played a big role in my decision. I’ve had a fantastic time here — soon after I arrived we went unbeaten for 49 games so I was lucky to build up a special relationship with the supporters.

"The next year we won the FA Cup, the third year we unfortunately didn’t win the Champions League but it was very close. I’ve always liked playing here and it’s not something I could just give away through not playing a few games — things can all change very quickly in football.

"I believe in this team’s ability to win things and I believe in my ability to be a part of that, so I can’t give it up that quickly."

Arsenal face Manchester United in FA Cup

Arsenal will face Manchester United in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup.

Arsene Wenger's side were drawn against their Premier League title rivals when the draw was made at FA headquarters in Soho Square on Monday afternoon.

Arsenal eased into the last 16 with a 3-0 victory against Newcastle at Emirates Stadium. United beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Fifth-Round ties will be played over the weekend of February 16 and 17.

Stay close to Arsenal.com for reaction to the FA Cup draw.

FA Cup Fifth-Round draw

Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston North End v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town

Alex Song on Cameroon and uncle Rigobert

Alex Song is currently in Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations. The defender made his debut for Cameroon in their 5-1 win over Zambia on Saturday and will be looking to keep his place for the crucial game against Sudan on Wednesday. Late last year Song looked ahead to the tournament with Arsenal TV Online. He talked about:

* Cameroon's chances of victory
* the banter between the African players at Arsenal
* the state of African football
* playing with Rogobert Song, his uncle
* why he calls his uncle twice a week



Subscribers can now watch this exclusive video interview. If you don't subscribe to TV Online, click on the red button on the gold Arsenal TV Online panel.

Wenger - You can't discount Chelsea in title race


Even though Arsenal could go seven points clear of Chelsea this evening, the Stamford Bridge side are still title contenders according to Arsène Wenger.

For much of the current campaign, the race for the Premier League crown has had two front-runners. Arsenal had their noses ahead from mid-September until Boxing Day. Since then they have been playing leapfrog with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Currently Manchester United are top on goal difference.

Victory this evening against Newcastle will see Arsenal return to the summit — for 24 hours at least. And Wenger is not fooled by the sizeable gap a win would create over Chelsea.

“I believe that it will be tight until the end of the season,” said the Frenchman. “I watched Chelsea the other night. They had 11 players out and it was still very strong. What was on the pitch was very experienced. So you can't discount Chelsea.”

Adebayor - I've found the goalscoring secret



Emmanuel Adebayor believes he may have found the secret of finishing.

The tall Togolese striker has hit eight goals in his last six games for Arsenal, including a brace against tonight’s opponents Newcastle in an FA Cup Fourth Round tie at the weekend.

With Robin van Persie injured plus Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner still adapting to top-flight English football, the 24-year-old has done as much as anyone to haul Arsène Wenger’s side into title contention during the first half of the season.

However he shuns comparisons to Europe’s top strikers — Didier Drogba and Filippo Inzaghe — arguing his improvement is down to simple hard work plus a regular run in the side.

“This year I've had a chance to start all the games and just try to make goals,” said Adebayor. “At the moment, everything is going into the net. Everything is going the right way for me and the fans are singing my name. I am just enjoying myself.

“Since the beginning of the season I have been working and working, and you can see what's happened. Now I have the secret, and just want to carry on working to the end of the season and the end of my career.


“I have had a chance to talk with a lot of people. They have all told me I have good qualities, I can jump high, am strong and can run fast. I just have to work hard a bit more than before, and it will pay off.

“The most important thing is to keep my head on my shoulders and my feet on the ground, keep on doing what I can to work hard for the team.

“I am not here to say whether I am as good as Drogba, as good as Inzaghi. The most important thing for me is doing my job. People will always compare you to people they want to. It is for others to say that.

"The most important thing for me is to keep on getting goals and playing my part on the pitch.”

Match Report
Barclays Premier League



Arsenal
3

Adebayor 40, Flamini 73, Fabregas 80


Newcastle United
0


Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a handsome 3-0 win over Newcastle on Tuesday night.

Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsène Wenger's side a first-half lead with his ninth goal in his last seven games. As they had in Saturday's FA Cup tie, Kevin Keegan's men made Arsenal work hard but Mathieu Flamini ended the argument with a 30-yard thunderbolt 19 minutes from time. Cesc Fabregas completed the scoring soon afterwards with his 12th goal of the season.

So, after that sorry defeat six days ago at White Hart Lane, a pair of 3-0 wins over Newcastle have put Arsenal back on their feet.



And those victories have now shifted the focus squarely on Old Trafford. Saturday's gave Arsenal an FA Cup Fifth Round tie at Manchester United and, on Wednesday night, Sir Alex Ferguson's side entertain a Portsmouth side who have been productive travellers this season.

It is now their turn to play catch-up.

Wenger made four changes from the weekend game. The rested Manuel Almunia and Bacary Sagna came back for Jens Lehmann and Justin Hoyte. Theo Walcott dropped to the bench while Eduardo stepped up. Tomas Rosicky, who had hobbled off after nine minutes at the weekend, was replaced by Alex Hleb.

There was almost another early casualty this evening. Gael Clichy went thundering forward only to be brought upended by Steven Taylor. The move broke down and eventually Abou Diaby was clattered by James Milner. The Frenchman was stretchered off and needed a treatment for a couple of minutes. Fortunately he was able to continue.

In the 17th minute Diaby was in the wars again. This time while stooping to nod Hleb's cross over the bar, he got a blameless boot from Nicky Butt on the top of the head.

The intervening minutes had belonged to Arsenal albeit without the incisiveness we had seen in the second half on Saturday.

Eduardo and Adebayor had both seen glimpses of goal but nothing more. It appeared that Newcastle were going to be less expansive than they had in the cup game.

In fact the closest Arsenal came in the first half-hour was when Adebayor chased down Taylor's backpass and Shay Given, standing virtually on the goal-line, casually back-heeled the ball out for a corner!

However, in the 31st minute, the home side created a genuine chance. Sagna got to the byline and cut back a wonderful low cross that was cleared away milliseconds before the sliding Eduardo could make contact inches from goal.

Arsenal were improving. Eight minutes from the break, Flamini found space close to the right-hand byline. His measured chip across goal was met with a thunderous volley from Adebayor. It whistled inches over the bar.

That turned out to be a 'dry-run' for the opening goal. Four minutes later one-touch football from Hleb and Fabregas sent Flamini to virtually the same spot. This time his cross was flatter and met by Adebayor's downward header.

And the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Newcastle were now reeling. Before half time, Hleb tried to dance around Given and then dithered when he should have let fly.

However Milner did send a deflected shot into the netting at the other end. It was a close as Newcastle got all half.

And they were to have another decent effort after the restart when Alan Smith got a glimpse of goal when Arsenal failed to clear their lines. However his shot was weak.

Their small spell of pressure did not last. Diaby created some space then cracked an effort wide and, as on Saturday, Adebayor began to make his muscular presence felt.

In the 63rd minute he chested down Sagna's cross for Flamini but the Frenchman's shot was smothered. The Togolese striker then set up the same player for a low drive.

Flamini had been enjoying one of his best games in recent months. But, although the 23-year-old's work-rate is something to admire, it is rare for him to fire a 30-yard piledriver into the top corner of the net. But that is what he did tonight after collecting Fabregas' pass 19 minutes from time. An incredible strike.

The Spaniard completed the scoring eight minutes later. Substitute Nicklas Bendtner controlled a long punt forward inside the area and found Fabregas with the simplest of passes. His finish was clinical.

Again Newcastle had played a full part in the game but were on the end of a sound beating. Three minutes from time they won a free-kick on the edge of the area, Butt took it but his effort bounced back off the bar and Sagna cleared.

That, and Shola Ameobi's injury-time trickler into the arms of Almunia, summed up their night.

Arsenal, however, are back on form and back on top.

Wenger: 'I liked the signs we have shown tonight'

Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United



on another 3-0 win...
"I felt it was a little bit a repetition of the first game, maybe less sharpness physically on both sides a little bit, more jaded physically. But overall we controlled well the game. I liked the signs of maturity we have shown tonight. We knew when to control the game, too keep the ball and when to accelerate. Of course we scored three great goals. It was a little bit similar to the first game, they started very strong. We scored a goal just before half-time, and in the second half we controlled the game and scored two great goals. We could have maybe added one or two more but overall... Newcastle worked very hard and as long as it was 1-0 it was important for us not to make a defensive mistake."

on the role of Flamini...
"I feel we have a few who have improved but he is one of them. His work-rate is tremendous, his run on the first goal was great, the timings of his runs are good and his composure with the final ball is great. That was not the case in the years before. On top of that he scored a great goal tonight. We are talking [about a contract]. I'm hoping to finalise it, he wants to stay, I want him to stay, so we should find an agreement. I'm not especially concerned because I believe what he tells me."

on Adebayor scoring goals for Arsenal rather than Togo...
"Well, they cannot qualify now anymore - that is the good news! He has many assets for a striker because he is mobile, he's tall and he has quick feet, you know? So he can score with his feet, he can score in the air, he can score on crosses with headers and he's a generous type of player. He works for the team so he's a striker you dream to have."

on the title race...
"Well for us it's good to win tonight and see what they will do tomorrow, of course we always enjoy that but it's too far to go now to just consider everything a result. What's very important is for us to get ourselves in a position in April where we are head-to-head with Man United, or with Chelsea, and therefore for that we need now to be consistent and to win our games."

on a growing side...
"They can dig in, yes, and I feel we are much more mature. What I liked tonight is the signs of maturity we have shown in our game. That means 'OK, let's wait, let's be patient, let's move the ball, OK we'll get our chance and then take it', and we'll not make a mistake defensively. Before, you could see one year ago we were not capable of doing that."

Arsenal verpflichtet 15-jähriges Stürmertalent

Der englische Traditionsclub Arsenal hat erneut in die Zukunft investiert. Die Londoner gaben am Mittwoch die Verpflichtung des 15-jährigen Engländers Luke Freeman bekannt.

Der Stürmer kommt vom Drittligisten Gillingham, für den er im November zum jüngsten Spieler in der mehr als 100-jährigen Geschichte des FA-Cups avanciert war. "Er ist ein großes Versprechen für die Zukunft", streute Arsenal-Trainer Arsene Wenger Rosen.

Walcott - There's no reason to go on loan


Theo Walcott believes he can make more progress by staying at Arsenal instead of going out on loan.

The Arsenal youngster was linked with a temporary move away from Emirates Stadium earlier this month but Arsène Wenger insisted that loan deals were not on the agenda despite the Club's exit from the Carling Cup.

Speaking exclusively to the Arsenal matchday programme, Walcott explained why he would prefer to stay put.



"I don’t think there’s a reason for me to go on loan," he said.

"I want to push myself every day here at Arsenal and try and get in the first-team as often as I can and play well when I’m in the team.

"And with respect to other clubs, I train here with some of the best players in the world and that’s not going to happen at other places.

"My game is obviously going to benefit the most from being around these players. And Arsenal is such a fantastic Club anyway, I just want to show people what I can do here."

Key Battles: The players to watch on Saturday

When Arsenal last played Manchester City, the Citizens were at the summit of the Premier League and Arsène Wenger’s men were seventh. A late Cesc Fabregas pile-driver on that day ensured three points for the Gunners and, while City have yet to find consistency, Arsenal are mounting a serious title bid. At home though, Sven Goran Eriksson’s men are yet to lose in the Premier League. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying the key battles for each Premier League game and bringing you all the statistics and information a fan could need. Swot up now and come Sunday you'll be impressing anyone who'll listen with your new-found knowledge.

Martin Petrov v Bacary Sagna
Of all those who arrived alongside Sven Goran Eriksson at the City of Manchester Stadium in the summer, Martin Petrov has arguably been the most successful. While others lit up the early part of the season with a sprinkling of fine performances, the Bulgarian international has been consistently top-class. Registering eight assists, his direct approach and blistering pace strikes fear into opposing defenders and with seemingly scalpel-sharp accuracy when crossing, Petrov will need to be kept on a tight rein. The 29-year old can often neglect his defensive duties, a fact shown by the fact he has made just five clearances and just 13 tackles. Another new face to the Premier League, Bacary Sagna, has taken to the domestic scene like a duck to water. A tough but always well-timed approach to tackling, the Frenchman can often neuter the threat of a winger early in the game. He has made 21 tackles and averted danger an equally impressive 34 times. In the modern mould of a right-back, Sagna instantly tuned into the free-flowing Arsenal style and can help unhinge any defence. Stopped just four times when running with the ball, the 24-year-old has also registered three assists this term.

Key Battle

Richard Dunne v Eduardo
An explosive end to 2007 cast aside any lingering doubts over Eduardo’s ability to settle in north London. A stunning, match-changing brace against Everton is arguably the highlight so far, and although the goals have not come in recent weeks his impact has been considerable. Showing both slight of foot and power to boot, the Croatian international has played the decisive pass to a teammate four times, but his strength on the ball means he has only failed to complete a dribble on three occasions. Signed as a proven scorer, the Brazilian-born striker’s keen eye for goal has been underlined by 15 shots at goal with six on target. Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne has enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent seasons. Disciplinary issues in 2003 led to a club suspension but after an intensive fitness program he returned to the side and has not looked back, winning Player of the Year three consecutive times. Alongside Micah Richards this season, the 28-year-old has been imperious - 39 clearances and just eight tackles lost demonstrates his commendable attitude. Putting his body on the line 18 times simply reinforces that point. Although yet to score, the former Everton man is a danger from set plays.

Key Battle

Joe Hart v Manuel Almunia
Joe Hart has been a revelation for City this season. The young stopper spent the tail-end of last season on loan at Blackpool and was used sparingly in the first few weeks of the season. However he was called upon against Newcastle in late September and has retained his spot ever since. An England Under-21 player, Hart was touted as "one of the biggest talents in this country as a goalkeeper" by Eriksson. He has kept an impressive five clean sheets since becoming a first-team regular and made a staggering 82 saves. His distribution is fairly direct too — he has found a City player 90 times out of 141. Manuel Almunia’s growth shows no signs of slowing; in 2008 he has conceded just one goal. The Spaniard’s status as a top goalkeeper is all but assured after a run in the side that stretches back to early September. In 22 appearances he has been beaten just 15 times, keeping 10 shut-outs. Quick and dynamic, Almunia’s sharpness when rushing out means he rarely gets it wrong when confronting opponents. Just 73 of his 230 kicks have failed to find a fellow Gunner.

Flamini - Youth not an obstacle on title quest




Two accusations were levelled at Arsenal at the start of the season: they would struggle without Thierry Henry and they were too young to challenge for the title.

The rise of Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and company quickly addressed that first concern. In Mathieu Flamini's opinion, Arsenal's durability in the heat of the title battle shows that youth will not be an obstacle to success either.

"We are definitely not too young," said Flamini, speaking after the 3-0 win against Newcastle. "A lot of people said that at the start of the season but we are almost in February and we are still top of the league. We are playing well and I think we have a good chance of winning this title.



"We are very confident. Game after game you see we play fantastic football, like [against Newcastle]. The first half was difficult because they were all defending and the most important thing was to score, which we did before half time.

"Our confidence is very high and we will do everything to win the title."

Flamini was a bit-part player this time last year but has emerged as a vital cog in the Arsenal machine. If anyone doubted the midfielder's importance, they just had to witness his virtuoso display on Tuesday night, capped by an assist for Adebayor and a thunderous long-range strike.

The camaraderie in the Arsenal squad has been a feature of their season, from joyous goal celebrations to that now familiar post-match huddle. Flamini believes that the team spirit at Emirates Stadium can propel Arsène Wenger's side to the Premier League title.

"The team spirit is fantastic," he said. "At key moments this season it is always helping us and making the difference. I think it is the most important thing and at the end of the season it will make the difference for us."

Cesc - We'll be disappointed if we don’t win title


When Cesc Fabregas was asked if he would be disappointed if his Arsenal side did not go on to win the title, he replied with two words - "definitely, definitely".

The Spaniard was speaking just after Arsène Wenger's team had marched three points clear of Manchester United with a handsome 3-0 win over Newcastle. Sir Alex Ferguson's outfit returned top on Wednesday night with an equally comfortable win over Portsmouth. So, as it stands, the dividing factor between the sides is merely a couple of goals.

However many observers believe it will not stay like that and the experience of Manchester United will prove decisive down the stretch. Fabregas feels they are not looking at the facts.

"Even though we are young now we have shown everyone what we can do," said the 20-year-old. "If we do not win it of course we will be disappointed. Definitely, definitely."



Chelsea are just beyond touching distance in third place but Liverpool's challenge is surely over after their defeat at West Ham. Even ahead of that game the former Barcelona midfielder believed it was now a three-horse race.

"Both of them are our main rivals," he said. "I wouldn't just say Man United. Chelsea, I can tell you, are in a good position because nobody speaks about them but they are playing and winning. We will see what happens but I'm sure they will be up there up until the end.

"As for us we need to be consistent. Sometimes we won't play well. It has happened a few times this season but we still kept the points. It is very difficult.

“You can see Chelsea are playing maybe not as well as they used to do. They still win 1-0, 2-1 - that makes the difference at the end of the season.

"Man United are a very strong side. We know they will not lose so we have to be stay strong until the end.”

Internationals: Clichy earns first France call-up

Arsenal´s International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest news on how they all got on...
Gael Clichy
France

Gael Clichy, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, Mathieu Flamini
France v DR Congo, France v Spain
Gael Clichy has received his first call-up to the France squad. The Arsenal full back, regularly pre-selected for international duty, has been named in the final squad for next week's friendlies against DR Congo and Spain. Clichy is one of five Arsenal players in the France squad. William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby and Mathieu Flamini have also been called up, while former Arsenal captains Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have been included too.
Gilberto
Brazil

Gilberto
Republic of Ireland v Brazil, February 6
Gilberto has been selected for the Brazil squad that will face the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly on February 6. The match will be played in Dublin.
Nacer
Poland

Nacer Barazite
Scotland Under-19s v Holland Under-19s, February 6
Nacer Barazite has been selected for the Dutch Under-19 squad that will face Scotland in a friendly on February 6.
Lukasz
Poland

Lukasz Fabianski
Poland v Czech Republic, February 6
Lukasz Fabianski has been selected for the Polish squad that will face Czech Republic in an international friendly on February 6. The match will be played in Cyprus.
Tomas Rosicky
Czech Republic

Tomas Rosicky
Czech Republic v Poland, February 6
Tomas Rosicky has been selected for the Czech Republic squad that will face Poland in an international friendly on February 6. The match will be played in Cyprus.
Eduardo
Croatia

Eduardo
Croatia v Holland, February 6
Eduardo has been selected for the Croatia squad that will face Holland in an international friendly on February 6.

Wenger - Squad unchanged for trip to Manchester City

Manchester City v Arsenal


Arsène Wenger will select from an unchanged squad for the trip to Manchester City on Saturday.

Once again Arsenal will be without Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) though the Czech international is targeting a return at Blackburn on February 11. Johan Djourou (groin) is still three weeks away while Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure and Alex Song are at the African Nations Cup.

Robin van Persie returned to training earlier this week. There have been no problems but Wenger would not be drawn on a return date. He is taking a softly, softly approach with the Dutch striker.

"Rosicky will still be out for the weekend," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday. "We have set Blackburn as a target for him but Johan Djourou will be three more weeks. Otherwise all the players from Tuesday night should be available. It will be the same squad.

"As for Robin, it has all gone well. After last time we have decided not to push him and give him the needed time. I don't want to set any timescale because that means, if he is not ready by that date, I might feel I have to push him."

Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see the full video on Friday morning. In it, Wenger talks about:

* the wins over Newcastle
* Adebayor's superb form
* David Beckham's omission from the England squad
* his time training with Arsenal
* Ronaldo v Adebayor for the Golden Boot
* Liverpool's defeat at West Ham
* the chasing pack
* Manchester City's season and their home form
* Sven-Goran Eriksson's signings 'on video'

Wenger - How I avoided transfer temptation


Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal


Arsène Wenger has explained how he avoided the temptation of adding to his first-team squad during the January transfer window.

The window slammed shut on Thursday night, bringing to a close the usual frenzy of transfer activity and speculation. Wenger's only new recruit was Luke Freeman, a 15-year-old striker from Gillingham and, in the Frenchman's words, "one for the future".

Lassana Diarra's move to Portsmouth was the only notable transfer involving Arsenal's senior squad. At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Wenger revealed how close he came to making a major signing.

"I did flash on one player who was available," he admitted. "I got lots of calls because the agents are always [calling], especially in the final four or five days, but nothing hit me.

"In fairness as well, when the transfer market opens you think 'Oh, a lot will happen' but at the end of the day, look at what happens - not a lot.

"I never count how many calls I get, it depends on the days as well. You can get 10 to 20 to 30. When you are busy as well with one player, you can call the same agent 10 times in one day.

"I must say I have done less calls than ever this year, because I was really in a position where I knew I didn't want to buy, and I didn't really want to sell. The only problem we had was with Diarra and that was sorted out quite quickly."

Diarra's departure ensured that Arsenal made a net profit during the transfer window - not for the first time since Wenger has been manager. The Frenchman admitted that he gets extra satisfaction from balancing the books.

"I feel that your club being in a good financial situation is very important, for your stability, and you have a responsibility not to get the club bankrupt," said Wenger. "I would not like to come out here and say the club is absolutely on bare bones.

"[Being in credit] is down to the quality of work. I don't feel managers get enough credit for that."

Wenger - Golden Boot not linked to title glory


Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal


While Arsenal and Manchester United lead the race for the title, Emmanuel Adebayor and Cristiano Ronaldo are leading the race for the Golden Boot. So will the winner of the individual battle be holding the Premier League trophy in May? Arsène Wenger is not convinced.

The Frenchman is aware that the goals of Thierry Henry were vital to Arsenal's last two title successes while Ruud van Nistelrooy provided a cutting edge when United were top dogs in 2003. But as Wenger points out, that link does not always exist.



"The Golden Boot winner will not decide the title," he said.

"I’ve never found a correlation between the best goalscorer and the title. Sometimes I found a negative correlation. I can give you many examples of the guy who scores the most goals but his team doesn't necessarily win.

"When he starts to focus only on scoring goals, who pays the price? Most of all it’s the team. I can find plenty of examples of that."