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Walcott and Eduardo could return for FA Cup


Theo Walcott and Eduardo look set to return to the Arsenal squad for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Burnley.

Walcott has not played since dislocating his shoulder while on international duty in November while Eduardo suffered a hamstring injury after scoring two goals in his comeback match against Cardiff last month.

Arsène Wenger hopes both will be involved at Emirates Stadium this weekend but the Arsenal manager will be without Kolo Toure, who limped out of the Hawthorns with a calf problem on Tuesday night. William Gallas could step in after shrugging off an ankle problem but Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) is still sidelined.

“I will see how they [Walcott and Eduardo] look tomorrow and Saturday but they will certainly be in the squad, especially Theo,” Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. “We have to wait and see how Eduardo reacts and responds to his injury.

“We are quite optimistic about Kolo but we have to assess the situation today completely. I don't think I will involve him on Sunday. But Gallas should be back for Sunday and it looks to be like Kolo will be back for next week [against Roma].

“Adebayor is definitely out for Sunday and for Roma too.”

Wenger will rotate his squad for the FA Cup with Lukasz Fabianski replacing Manuel Almunia in goal. Next week’s Champions League tie at Roma looms large but the Frenchman is putting Europe to the back of his mind for now.

“Sunday is a big game for us and rotation will be there for some players who have played full games,” said Wenger. “Fabianski will continue in goal and we will try to have a good balance, a good quality.

“The most important thing for us is not to think about Roma, but to focus on this game and qualify. The best way to deal with the next game is to win this one.”

Wenger - It is ‘great’ to have Walcott back



Arsène Wenger admits it is “great” to have Theo Walcott back.

The 19-year-old has not played since dislocating his shoulder while on international duty in November but he resumed full training this week and could return to action when Arsenal host Burnley in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Walcott was a revelation in the opening months of the season, nailing down a first-team spot at Emirates Stadium and announcing his arrival on the international scene with a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifier in Croatia.

Arsenal have missed their flying winger but, with a top-four place and two trophies still up for grabs, Walcott’s return could be highly significant. Wenger can’t wait to see him back in action.

“He can be very good for us,” said the Frenchman.

“It’s very important to see how he will respond with his shoulder and I think he looks to be nearly there. To have him back is great.

“The difference between training and competition is different.

“He is very fit but after that you have to get used to tackles and go into the challenges. You have to use your arms and shoulders to resist.”

Arsenal 3-0 Burnley

The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON, Emirates Stadium

Sunday, March 08, 2009, 13:30



* Vela 24,
* Eduardo 51,
* Eboue 84

Arsenal started a massive week with a near-perfect victory against Burnley on Sunday.

Arsène Wenger’s side cruised into the FA Cup Quarter-Finals with exquisite goals from Carlos Vela and Eduardo plus a confidence-boosting strike from Emmanuel Eboue six minutes from full time.

Arsenal have now gone 17 games without defeat and it showed quite clearly this afternoon. Burnley are one of the best sides in the Championship but they were utterly outclassed in this entertaining tie.

A goal of genius by Eduardo suggested that the Croatian has lost nothing of his poaching precision. Wenger was also boosted by the return of Theo Walcott after four months out with a shoulder injury.

It was wonderful preparation for the crucial Champions League tie at Roma on Wednesday.

Arsenal now face Hull in the last eight of the FA Cup on March 17/18.

Wenger retained only five players from the midweek win at West Brom – Bacary Sagna, Alex Song, Johan Djourou, Andrey Arshavin and Emmanuel Eboue.

Eduardo returned as captain for only his second game in over a year. He had hurt his hamstring making that remarkable goal-scoring comeback in the last round against Cardiff on February 16. Vela was brought in to partner the 25-year-old this afternoon with Arshavin stationed wide on the left.

The other four recruits into the side were a mixture of experience and the youth Wenger has consistently fielded in the FA Cup this year – Lukas Fabianski, Kieran Gibbs, Abou Diaby and William Gallas. The last of those was returning after an ankle injury.

However Walcott was forced to wait a little longer for his comeback after a shoulder problem. The England midfielder was on the bench.

The 19-year-old’s last appearance for Arsenal had been the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on November 15. That had been a low point of the season. But you felt that the return of Eduardo and Walcott, plus the impending comebacks of Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky, would make Arsenal a stronger proposition as the end of the season approached.

Not that Wenger could look that far ahead this afternoon. Roared on by 5,000 ebullient fans, Burnley were always going to be a difficult proposition at the start of this game.

They had form on Arsenal of course. Owen Coyle’s doughty side had seen off Wenger’s youngsters in the Carling Cup Quarter-Finals.

But, in the end, it was the home side who would make the most of the opening 15 minutes. Eboue had a glimpse of an opening on the left of the area before being dispossessed by a thunderous challenge from Steven Caldwell. Then a cross-cum-shot by Sagna had Jensen scrambling back only to see the ball drift over the bar. And finally Gibbs hammered a low shot just wide.

However Burnley were far from overawed and, in Chris Eagles, they had a tricky dribbler capable of causing problems down either flank.

But you sensed Arsenal were biding their time and waiting for opportunity to knock.

They got the call in the 25th minute.

Arshavin won the ball on the left and tapped an angled pass to Vela just inside the Burnley half. The Mexican allowed the ball to run across his body, nutmegged Clarke Carlisle and, despite Joey Gudjonsson tugging at his shirt, managed to sprint clear before clipping the ball over Jensen.

It was a class finish – a mixture of vision, tenacity, speed and skill. It was also his fifth goal of the season – already a decent return for a rookie striker who has been in and out of the side.

The goal – and a deluge of rain – dampened Burnley’s spirits. Arsenal were now in their pomp, playing with the self-assurance of a side who seemed to be putting some of their troubles behind them.

They peppered the Burnley area with demanding crosses as half time approached. However it was the visitors who nearly profited from a ball into the box when Diaby diverted Robbie Blake’s corner away from the leaping Fabianski.

Seconds later, Eduardo’s backheel put Eboue clear but the Ivorian’s low shot was turned aside by Jensen.
If Arsenal had been cruising before half time their second goal in the 51st minute merely plumped their cushion of confidence.

And, while Vela’s goal had been excellent, the effort summoned up by Eduardo managed to eclipse it. Gibbs fed Song on the left and he floated a cross towards the Croatian at the far post. The 25-year-old ghosted away from his marker effectively but the ball was slightly behind him. However, with brilliant improvisation, he flicked the ball into the top corner with the outside of his foot.

It was the work of a master craftsman.

Wenger clearly thought the goal had beaten Burnley. Immediately, Vela made way for Robin van Persie. Soon afterwards, Aaron Ramsey and Walcott come on for Diaby and Eduardo.

In between those substitutions, Blake nearly put in substitute Wade Elliot. It was Burnley’s last throw of the dice.

Walcott almost squeezed a shot past Jensen with 13 minutes left as the home started to profit on the break. The 19-year-old then crossed high for Van Persie but the Dutchman miscued his volley.

The pair did combine to put the ball in the net with eight minutes left but were pulled back for offside. Wrongly replays suggested.

The respite was brief.

In the 84th minute, Song’s backheel sent Eboue through in the right-hand channel and he smashed home a low shot into the far corner. The pair celebrated with an impromptu dance next to the nearest corner flag.

Yes, Caldwell hit the bar at the death and Burnley had claims for a penalty.

But, after performance like this, most of the Arsenal fans will have left Emirates this afternoon with a similar spring in their step.

'We did our job in a conscientious way'



On the performance…
“We did the job in a serious way. In the first half they made the job very difficult for us because they marked us tightly. We kept good defensive tightness and we scored a goal. In the second half we scored brilliant goals. We could have had a few more but overall we did the job in a conscientious and serious way. Before going to Roma it is good that we didn’t concede and we scored.”

On going to Roma off the back of this victory…
“We are going into the game with belief and extreme desire to qualify. The positive is we didn’t concede and we go there knowing that, not only can we go there and defend, but we want to go forward and attack at every opportunity.”

On Eduardo’s goal of the season contender…
“It looked a little bit like a beach goal; with the outside of his left foot into the top corner. It is surprising that he sliced the ball as well. He is a surprising finisher and a very intelligent player.

“He has short back-lift and he makes quick decision on what to do. He makes decisions very quickly. When you look at the goalscorers they move in the box while everyone else is standing and watching – he has that. Those people always score goals.”

On the contribution of Alex Song…
“He did well. He is growing in stature. He has good balance, reads the game well and wins the ball then uses it well. He is a real holding player naturally. He is also a good central defender.”

On Emmanuel Eboue’s late strike…
“Usually when he gets in front of goal he loses his composure. I believe he needed that. Some people convince themselves that they cannot score but then when they do they realise it is not as difficult as they imagined.”

On the season’s positive turnaround…
“We have many targets in front of us it now depends on how well we do until the rest of the season. We know every game demands a big performance now because we cannot afford to slip up. It is exciting because this group is extremely determined and it has been a pleasure to work with them. They have not always been rewarded and I want them to. We now go into the time where it matters.

“Is it possible to win two trophies? Yes because we are in there. After that it is important to give everything we can to make it happen. Many big competitors are in there so let’s see how well it goes on Wednesday night and then see.

“We are going into the final sprint and for us it’s important to keep all our targets alive. Slowly we have players coming back and that can of course be decisive.”

Wenger - Returning pair could travel to Rome



Eduardo and Theo have a “good chance” of making Wednesday’s Roma squad.

The former started Sunday’s consummate victory over Burnley and the latter, making his first appearance since November 15, replaced him after 71 minutes.

After the game, Arsène Wenger said that no decision has been made about the travelling squad yet, but both returning players are in contention. Kolo Toure remains a doubt for the trip.

“I haven’t picked the squad yet but Theo and Eduardo have a good chance to make the squad for certain,” said the manager. “[Selection] headache is a big word but I haven’t picked the first XI yet.

“Toure will be assessed on Monday morning and we’ll make a decision on him then.”

While Arsenal warmed up for Wednesday’s vital clash with that outstanding performance against the Clarets, Roma had an altogether tougher time in their Serie A fixture against Udinese on Saturday.

The Giallorossi went behind after 54 minutes and had second-half substitute Mirko Vucinic to thank when he equalised seven minutes later. However, Wenger will not be reading too much into that result.

“I had a report from their game,” he said. “I know that they protected a few players; they kept Francesco Totti and Vucinic out.

“They will play with a different spirit on Wednesday, I am not concerned about that.”

Wenger - Eduardo’s form is a surprise



Arsène Wenger admits that he did not expect Eduardo to hit top gear so soon.

The Croatian scored probably his best goal for Arsenal, volleying home after 51 minutes of their 3-0 victory over Burnley on Sunday.

Of course that strike came after Eduardo notched a fine brace in his comeback match against Cardiff last month. Both performances prove that he is nearing his best already, according to Wenger.

“I didn’t expect him to [come back so quickly] because he was out for so long,” said the manager in Sunday’s post-match press conference. “His finishing today was exceptional.”

“You can understand now why he kissed the fitness coach [Tony Colbert] for two reasons. One, to thank him for working hard and two, because he doesn’t see him anymore.

“That goal shows that finishing is instinct. In a fraction of a second you consider the right surface, the flight of the ball and his position.”

Eduardo’s spectacular volley was likened to famous strikes by the likes of Johann Cruyff and Dennis Bergkamp. However, the manager thinks that his 12-month lay-off makes it too early in his Arsenal career for comparisons.

“In fairness, we have not seen enough of him to really judge who he will be,” Wenger said.

“Last year it took him a few months to get in there. Then he scored goals but got quickly injured. He looks more mature than when he arrived in his game.”

Returning stars give Wenger confidence


Arsène Wenger believes Arsenal will come on strong in the Champions League if they can get past Roma.

The Frenchman flew out to Italy on Tuesday protecting a narrow 1-0 advantage from the Knockout Round first leg tie at Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago.

Since then Eduardo and Theo Walcott have returned from injury to bolster his squad. The likes of Cesc Fabregas (knee), Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) are not far away either. So, by the time the Quarter or Semi-Finals come along, Wenger may be able to pick from a fully-fit squad for the first time this season.

It is a heartening thought of course but one that will mean little should Arsenal fail at the Stadio Olimpico.

"It's a big hurdle,” admitted Wenger, “especially with players coming back now we feel we can be strong in this competition. But we have to go through first.

"This is a cup game for us and the cup competitions for us now are very important.

“We will be strong in Europe when we have everyone to choose from and I have a feeling that we can do well in this competition. But the championship is very important for us too because we want to come back into a better position in the table.”

Wenger - Unbeaten run will make or break us



The longevity of Arsenal’s unbeaten run will make or break their season, according to Arsène Wenger.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have gone 17 games without defeat – a sequence that has seen them regain confidence and rekindle hopes of finishing in the top four.

That run will come under perhaps its greatest scrutiny on Wednesday night when Arsenal visit Roma in the Champions League Knockout Round second leg. Ironically, Wenger’s last defeat came in their previous European away fixture – a 2-0 reverse at Porto on December 10.

If they score, Arsenal can afford to lose by the odd goal at the Stadio Olimpico and still go through. But, speaking before the game, you sensed the manager was placing great value on this three-month spell without defeat.

"The most important thing is that we are on a good run and we must keep that run going,” he said. “We must not look too much at what competition we're in but just to win the next game and show that we can win every single game we play.

"That will make our season for me. We cannot afford to say 'we can afford to lose this game’. We have to win every game in the championship, Europe and FA Cup. We're in a position where we just want to win every single game now."

Wenger - We will need more than one leader



Leadership has been a major theme of Arsenal’s season.

William Gallas started the campaign with the armband then Cesc Fabregas took it over only to suffer a long-term injury shortly afterwards. Since mid-December, Wenger has spread the captaincy around the side and it has brought results - Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 17 games.

With that in mind, it was no surprise to hear the manager extolling the virtues of his communal policy ahead of one of its biggest tests – the Champions League Knockout Round second leg at Roma.

"It's a night for the team to stand up, more than any individual,” he said.

"I believe in a shared leadership and we have many leaders. I have given the captaincy to eight or nine players because I believe in that more than in one leader sorting everything out.

"The most important thing for me always is team spirit. This side has developed together and gelled well in the last three months. Under extreme pressure, we have resisted very well and have grown slowly from strength to strength. That makes me more positive.

"At the start of this season, the hangover from last season was still there but since November things have changed. We can grind out results more and this game is a good opportunity to show that.

"What will be important from now until the end of the season is the size of the desire to achieve something. I feel that is there in this team. Adding more quality with the players coming back will give us more chance but the core of the strength is to have that team spirit and the extreme desire to show we have quality.”

AS Roma v Arsenal

UEFA Champions League, Stadio Olimpico

Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 19:45

All roads lead to Rome in the Champions League this season.

Arsenal’s ultimate aim is a return to the Stadio Olimpico for the Final on May 27. But first they must not fluff their lines in what Arsène Wenger hopes will be a dress rehearsal.

The Frenchman takes his side to AS Roma for the Knockout Round second leg with a small but valuable 1-0 lead. Arsenal have avoided defeat in the last 17 games, that is all they have to do on Wednesday night and they will reach the last eight for the third time in four seasons.

If Arsenal can grab an away goal they can actually afford to lose. Should that happen Roma would have to score three times – as many goals as Wenger’s men have conceded in the last nine weeks.

When you angle it that way – then add in a sterling recent record away in Europe and Roma’s important absences – the visitors would seem clear favourites.

But Luciano Spalletti's side hammered Chelsea 3-1 in the Group Stage and have been climbing the Serie A table in recent months after a dreadful start to the season.

That is why Wenger will give his side the license to attack on the night. Their lead to too small and too fragile to protect.

"I will try to convince the players we want a positive attitude and not just sit back,” he said. "As a team we are strong going forward. If we only defend we put ourselves in trouble.

"If we score we have a very, very strong chance to go through. So we will go into the game wanting to win it.

“You need to play good football and be strong in your recovery of the ball away from home. That's our first task but the second one is that, after we have recovered the ball, we must go forward.

“We have the experience of playing in places like Madrid and Milan and we never hid then. That should convince us the way to approach the game is to be positive. That's our style of play and our culture.”

There were no surprises in Wenger’s 19-man squad. Kolo Toure is back after his calf problem while Denilson and Samir Nasri are included after missing the win over Burnley at the weekend.

That 3-0 victory saw Eduardo re-affirm the belief that his 11-month absence has done nothing to diminish his powers while Theo Walcott got his first run-out after four months out. The addition of those two suddenly gives Arsenal much more gravitas and versatility in attack.

"We certainly have pace in the team now,” admitted Wenger. “And it’s fantastic the way Eduardo has played. We were very concerned when we saw his injury but, when you see what he is doing now, it’s nearly a miracle.”

Roma, on the other hand, could do with a miracle cure. They will be without Cicinho for six months after he ruptured knee ligaments in Sunday’s draw with Udinese. The Brazilian joins Simone Perrotta (knee), Marco Cassetti and highly-rated midfield enforcer Daniele De Rossi (suspension) on the sidelines. Francesco Totti, David Pizarro, Doni, Philippe Mexes and Alberto Aquilani all have question marks against them going into the game. But Spalletti does have bullish Brazilian midfielder Julio Baptista, who is back to his best after an indifferent season at Emirates Stadium in 2007-08.

Undoubtedly, this tie is firmly in Arsenal’s hands. They have history at Roma – a thumping 3-1 win in November 2002 – and their task in the Eternal City on Wednesday is strikingly similar to the three-card trick Wenger pulled off en route to the Final in 2006. In each of the Knockout Rounds against Juventus, Real Madrid and Villarreal, Arsenal got a narrow first leg lead and kept a scoreless second game. That was a patched-up, out-of-position defence that just so happened to set a Champions League record for clean sheets. This looks better on paper and has seemed pretty assured on grass in recent months. But the manager is not prepared to rely solely on his backline.

“We are quite solid defensively,” said Wenger. “But I believe in this game it’s down to achieving a good balance between attack and defence. We always have an offensive attitude and sometimes that’s the best way so you don’t come under pressure defensively.

“We can score and be dangerous. That’s what we want to do in this game. They will certainly play differently than the first leg. I expect that Roma will be at their best and so it’s a challenge for us to be at our best too.”

In the latter stages of the Champions League nothing else is ever good enough.

AS Roma 1-0 Arsenal

UEFA Champions League, Stadio Olimpico

Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 19:45



* Juan 10

Arsenal are into the Champions League Quarter-Finals after an incredible night of drama at the Stadio Olimipcio.

Juan’s early goal cancelled out the advantage Arsène Wenger’s side had gained in the first leg. The rest of normal time and extra time remained goalless so this nervous but entertaining tie went to penalties.

Eduardo missed the first of the shoot-out but later on Manuel Almunia saved from Mario Vucinic to level up the scores. The crucial miss at 7-6 in sudden death came when Max Tonetto blazed high over the bar.

Arsenal march on. And hopefully their smattering of good fortune tonight will help them return to Rome for the Champions League Final in May.

At his press conference on Tuesday morning, Wenger said he had a decision to make over a couple of positions. In the end, he stuck with side that had won 1-0 in the first leg at fortnight ago. It was 4-2-3-1, now the standard in Europe it seems, with Van Persie supported by a triumvirate of Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Eboue and Nicklas Bendtner. Behind them, Abou Diaby and Denilson protected a back four that was reinforced by the return of Kolo Toure after a calf injury.

There had been rumours abound over Roma’s absences. Cicinho (knee), Daniele de Rossi (suspension) and Marco Cassetti were certainly out. There were suggestions that Francesco Totti, David Pizarro, Doni, Philippe Mexes and Alberto Aquilani and Mirko Vucinic were all struggling.

In the end only Mexes missed the game.

The Stadio Olimpico was everything you would expect at kick-off. Loud, colourful, intimidating. Arsenal had history on this ground – a superb 3-1 win against Roma in 2002 and a highly-creditable 1-1 draw with Lazio in 2000. But that would be worth nothing this evening.

It was as if the home fans were trying to prove definitively that the concept of the ‘12th man’ is true. The pre-mach perception was that the injury-hit home side would need the help. However it did not turn out that way.

Roma were the better side in the first 20 minutes. They were crisp and persistent in their tackling. They closed down the Arsenal defenders and forced them into nervous mistakes.

John-Arne Riise’s blocked shot was Roma’s first sight of goal. In the ninth minute they would score and it was a horrible goal for Arsenal to concede.

Francesco Totti’s low cross in from the right bobbled between Toure and Gallas, through the legs of Rodrigo Taddei to Juan at the far post. If the Brazilian was surprised to get the ball it did not show. He kept his cool as the Arsenal defence scrambled back and slammed home from close range.

It was the lead on the night and leveller in the tie. Roma players and fans celebrated accordingly.

At the same time, the goal was a pin in the bubble of self-belief Arsenal had built up in their 17-game unbeaten run. Now they had to guard against deflation.

Gallas did loop a header into Doni’s hands but the home side now saw their chance.

In the 22nd minute Motta drove forward in the right-hand channel and forced a strong-handed block by Almunia at the near post. The Italian raced to the byline and scooped the ball back into the centre of the goal just before it crossed the line. It came out to Taddei, whose low cross-shot was tipped around the far post by Almunia. The keeper had recovered his ground with alacrity.

Around the half-hour, Arsenal did start to find their feet. And they came closest to scoring when Gael Clichy swirling left-wing cross found Diaby’s head. The Frenchman’s effort had power but was directed straight at Doni, who gathered with relative ease.

Van Persie nodded over and Eboue hacked horribly wide. Neither chance was ever going in but it was testament to the fact that Arsenal were on the offensive.

However, a minute before the break, came a crucial moment. Gallas lost the ball venturing too far forward and Totti’s chip sent Motta sprinting clear on the right with Clichy in pursuit. The two defenders ended up a heap in the area and Roma seemed convinced it was a penalty. Referee Manuel Gonzalez waved play on.

The Spanish official was given the benefit of the home fans’ opinion as he walked off Arsenal needed half-time. They had been second-best and wise words for Wenger were required.

Although Roma started the second period quickly with substitute Julio Baptista nodding wide and Riise firing in a free-kick, the visitors were making matters more even.

Toure’s drive was deflected wide and, from the corner, Bacary Sagna powered a header straight at Doni.

Diaby and Eboue were inches away from providing defence-splitting passes to Van Persie and Bendtner respectively.

But, at the other end, Totti was starting to do what Totti does. He found intelligent space just outside the area and went close with a couple of drives from distance – one flew wide of Almunia’s post, the other into his chest.

The game was a real cup-tie now. There was little containment in midfield as both sides went for the crucial next goal.

In the 64th minute, Nasri’s corner was punched clear to Diaby who weaved himself some space on the edge of the area and poked an effort just wide.

However Arsenal could not maintain their momentum and, as a result, Wenger withdrew Eboue for Walcott 10 minutes later. It added pace and urgency to Arsenal but it was Roma who would forge the real tie-killing chance before the end.

In the 79th minute, Taddei stormed down the right and Totti touched his low cross to the unmarked Baptista 10 yards out. All the sliding Brazilian had to do was guide the ball home but it hit the outside of his foot and flew wide.

A massive let-off for Arsenal.

Extra-time was now looming and so Wenger made another change – Eduardo for Bendtner. The Croatian was quickly involved and helped the visitors create a couple of decent chances just before the end of normal time.

First Van Persie bobbled a deflected shot just wide from the edge of the box. The corner found Walcott on the left, his deep cross was nodded back into the six-yard box by Van Persie and Toure heaved a header over the bar from a few feet out.

The Ivorian lay disappointed on the grass for a few seconds then sprang up, dusted himself down and raced back to his position.

He had 30 more minutes of work to do.

Extra-time is often a disappointment these days. By this point, both sides are all too aware of what they have to lose.

That seemed the mentality this evening. Roma had pressure in the first period of extra-time but the best chance came in the 100th minute when Denilson bustled through on the right of the area and Van Persie hoiked the Brazilian’s cross over the bar.

Walcott tested Doni early in the second period but, in the 114th minute, it took a superbly timed challenge from Toure to dispossess Baptista as he bore down on goal.

However the side could not be divided in three and an half hours of football. So the tie would be decided from 12 yards.

Eduardo took the first for Arsenal and Doni saved low to his right. Pizarro then scored to give Roma the advantage. Van Persie’s coolly converted then Almunia saved easily from Mario Vucinic’s cheeky effort to level matters at 2-2. Walcott just managed to squirm his shot through Doni’s fingers and Baptista blasted a thunderbolt into the top of the net.

Nasri’s effort was placed to the keeper’s left and Vincenzo Montella almost skipped his effort in to the corner for 3-3.

It was now effectively sudden death. Denilson rattled his penalty straight down the middle and it was left to Totti to complete the first five apiece. He did so with aplomb.

Toure took a long run up and then sidefooted home Aquilani response was impish and accurate – 5-5.

Sagna opted for a short run and stroked the ball in the corner. Riise just squeezed his left-foot drive past Almunia’s outstretched left-hand - 6-6.

Diaby scored with nonchalance and it was Tonetto who fired over the bar.

Wenger’s men had kept their nerve with an excellent set of penalties. It had been two well-matched sides in an incredibly tense tie but Arsenal were through.

'This kind of result can increase the belief'



On finding it hard to break Roma down…
"We had problems to create clear cut chances, and that was down to the quality of their defending and resilience. I was apprehensive because you knew that with the final played here on their home ground, that Roma would give everything. I also must congratulate Roma. They played very well tonight and made it very difficult."

On showing mental strength…
"I am proud of the mental strength because that is something which has been questioned a lot in our team. You could see that we have improved tremendously on that front. After conceding a first early goal on a missed cross and missing the first penalty after 120 minutes, you need something special, mental strength to come back and win it."

On the importance of getting through…
"I was very concerned if we were the only [English] team to go out tonight, that it would have been detrimental to the progress of the team, so it will certainly help us to improve our confidence. The team has swum a lot against the stream. I believe this kind of result can increase the belief and the self confidence which can help us for the rest of the season.

"But let's keep our feet on the ground and first win against Blackburn on Saturday."

On the lottery of penalties…
"I did not think at all it would go to penalties. Sometimes we do in training, but not the day before. I had my mind made up in the second period of extra time who would take the penalties, and Diaby was one of the players to step up on the pitch."

On Roma's penalty claim before half-time…
"It was a very close call. I would like to see it again on the replay. It could have been. Did Gael touch Motta or not? I was worried about that."

On all four English teams progressing…
"England can be very proud to have four teams in the quarter-finals for the second year, but we have not to be fooled. The games with the three Italian teams - Juventus, Inter and Roma - were very close and it looks like Italy is coming back."

Walcott - How I learned to score penalties



Theo Walcott took inspiration from an unlikely source as Arsenal emerged triumphant from a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Rome.

The 19-year-old converted the third of his team's eight spot-kicks before Roma's Max Tonetto fired over the crossbar to seal a 7-6 sudden-death victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

Like many of his team-mates, last night was Walcott's first experience of a shoot-out at the top level but the wise words of a former Southampton team-mate carried him through.

"I had a dry throat going towards the goal but I didn't look at the goalkeeper once," explained Walcott after the game. "I learned that from James Beattie.

"He's probably one of the best penalty takers I have seen. I have watched him over the years and mine wasn't as good a penalty as his but they all count.

"I didn't want the goalkeeper to make eye contact with me because sometimes they might put you off a little bit. Plus he was a big lad. It's all about positive thinking and it counted in the end.

"To be fair, it was a really good experience for me. It was the first penalty shoot-out I have ever done."

Walcott admitted that Arsenal had not made a point of practising penalties ahead of the second leg. Instead, they relied on character to haul themselves back into contention after Doni had pushed aside Eduardo's spot-kick at the start of the shoot-out.

"To do it on penalties for such a young team who haven't experienced that, it just shows the character we have got in the whole side," he said.

"I didn't expect to take the third penalty but the boss has faith in all of us. That definitely showed in the penalty takers tonight. He told me I was third and I am not going to say no. I just wanted to get up there and see what would happen.

"We didn't practice them at all - we thought we could get the result. But it doesn't matter how they go in and it was like we had just won the World Cup Final in the dressing room after the game.

"The atmosphere was brilliant. Even though there are all sorts of nationalities in there, we all get along and we are like a family in there. It's just a brilliant bunch of lads to play with."

Almunia so 'proud' after epic penalty triumph


Manuel Almunia admits he was running on empty by the time Arsenal's epic Champions League tie with Roma reached its late-night conclusion.

The Spanish goalkeeper made a vital stop from Mirko Vucinic to cancel out Eduardo's opening spot-kick miss in the penalty shoot-out at the Stadio Olimpico. Almunia could not repeat the trick but did not need to as Max Tonetto fired over the crossbar to seal a 7-6 sudden-death win for the Gunners.

Almunia kicked off the celebrations a split-second later and reflected on a hard night's work when he spoke to reporters after the game.

"My heart was nearly out," admitted the keeper.

"I'm sorry I couldn't have saved more than one. In the end it was enough and I am so happy to go through to the next round.

"Roma took some good penalties. It was difficult to save them as they have so much quality.

"I'm just so happy for my team-mates because they kept their nerve and showed their maturity in the penalty shoot-out. I'm proud."

Eduardo pays the penalty after groin injury



Eduardo will miss the visit of Blackburn on Saturday.

The Croatian striker picked up a groin injury in the first half of extra time at Roma and, according to Arsène Wenger, it may have hampered him in the penalty shoot-out at the Stadio Olimipico. Eduardo missed the first spot-kick but Arsenal recovered to win 7-6 and progress to the Champions League Quarter-Finals.

This is the second injury the 25-year-old has picked up since making his comeback after 11 months out against Cardiff on February 16. Luckily the problem is not serious.

“Unfortunately we have lost Eduardo with a groin problem,” Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday. “He got it in the first half of extra time and I wonder if that stopped him from taking his penalty that well.

“It shows you that no matter what you do in training when you go to the uncontrolled movements of top, top level competition your body needs time to adjust. It is only a short-term injury but he is out for Saturday.”

Otherwise Wenger has a clean bill of health from the Roma game. Andrey Arshavin is available after being cup-tied in the Champions League. Mikael Silvestre is fit but lacks match practice.

“He has not played a game in a long time so I am not sure that I will use him but he is available if needed,” said the manager.

Arsenal TV Online subscribers can see the full video interview with Arsène Wenger on Friday morning. In it he talks about: the dramatic penalty shoot-out against Roma, choosing the takers, confidence in Almunia, the concept of penalties, drawing English teams in the Quarter-Finals, England’s strength in Europe, reeling in Villa for fourth spot, Blackburn’s resurgence under Sam Allardyce, the power of Jason Roberts and the Man United v Liverpool clash

Almunia - Roma win is 'two years' experience'



Manuel Almunia believes Wednesday night’s Champions League victory over Roma was worth two years of experience to Arsenal’s young side.

The Italian team scored in the ninth minute to level up the Knockout Round second leg tie. They would also spurn a couple of fine chances to take the lead and have a strong shout for a penalty with Gael Clichy appearing to catch Marco Motta just before half-time.

Arsenal responded well after the interval but neither side could break the deadlock. Eduardo missed the first penalty of the shoot-out but then Almunia saved from Marko Vucinic and the visitors secured their passage to the last eight when Max Tonetto blazed his effort over the bar.

It was an incredible saga. One that Almunia feels will fast-track his young team-mates.

"I think this kind of game can give you two years of maturity in one evening,” said the keeper. “I think some players gained a lot of experience from it.

"From now I think they will realise they can be big players and we can face any team in Europe.

"We believe we can win the trophy and the young players will have taken a lot of belief from this.

"We have a lot of talented players but you also need confidence, belief and the right mental attitude.

"We have been questioned this season over our mental attitude because we haven't shown enough character or mental strength but we have young players and they can give more and they have given more now.

"I think we are getting stronger, players are coming back at the right time and I think we can give the fans what they deserve this season.

"They deserve a trophy and we want to give them something back this season. Arsenal is a great club and we believe we can do something great this season.”

Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn Rovers

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Saturday, March 14, 2009, 15:00



* Ooijer 2 (og),
* Arshavin 65,
* Eboue 88, 90 (pen)


Andrey Arshavin opened his Arsenal account in a wonderful fashion as Arsenal beat Blackburn 4-0 and moved into fourth place in the Premier League.

The little Russian was credited with the opening goal after just 80 seconds. But replays proved that Theo Walcott’s low cross went in off Andre Ooijer’s back.

Arsenal dominated after that. However they were in danger of fluffing their lines once more. They created a host chances and missed them all, with Nicklas Bendtner particularly profligate.

But Arshavin dribbled past Danny Simpson to steer home a super solo goal in the 65th minute. The 25-year-old then set up Emmanuel Eboue for a tap-in two minutes from time.

The Ivorian only spent seven minutes on the pitch and would have an incident-packed cameo. In injury time, Carlos Vela was felled in the area and Eboue tucked away an excellent penalty.

Arsenal’s elevation into the top four may last less than 24 hours. But it places a little extra pressure on Aston Villa, who entertain Tottenham on Sunday.

But whatever the result, the Midlanders will be well aware that Wenger’s side are starting to get back to their regal best.

And Arshavin is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown.

This was the second of the three games in three different competitions over the course of six days. Therefore changes were expected in the Arsenal side.

In all there were four. William Gallas, Abou Diaby, Robin van Persie and Eboue dropped out. Johan Djourou, Alex Song, Arshavin and, making his first start in four months, Walcott came in.

While Arsenal had been winning at Roma on Wednesday, Blackburn had gone a long way to securing their Premier League survival with a 2-1 comeback victory at Fulham.

Despite that, their team selection suggested they would be delighted with a point at Emirates this afternoon. Jason Roberts was employed as sole striker ahead of a five-man midfield. Arsenal would need to use craft AND graft today.

There was a good feeling swilling around Emirates Stadium before kick-off. It was not just the success in Italy in the week it was Liverpool’s crushing win at Manchester United an hour or so before kick-off. Not that the result had a major effect on Arsenal, whose sole Premier League aim was a top four spot.

With that in mind, victory was essential today. Previous home draws had not been punished because Aston Villa were wobbling themselves. But, with games running out, Arsenal had to stake their claim.

The time was now and, for once, they would get a little help.

Having gone goalless in the last three Premier League games at Emirates Stadium, you sort of suspected an early goal might come this afternoon. It took just 80 seconds.

Bendtner showed excellent feet in midfield to send Walcott haring down the right-hand channel. The England winger cut the ball back into a ruck of players at the near post. Arshavin was prominent and was credited with the goal initially. However he ran off wagging his finger in denial, replays proved the final touch had come off the sliding Ooijer.

It was the just the boost Arsenal required. As at the Stadio Olimpico, fortunate things were coming on the back of hard work and quality. They looked to profit immediately.

Bendtner shot straight at Paul Robinson and then Arsenal had a shout for a penalty when Stephen Warnock barged over Walcott as he went through.

It was all Arsenal with Bendtner the lynch-pin.

But after El-Hadji Diouf was booked for a nasty looking challenge on Almunia, the visitors started to develop their game. And, in the 25th minute, Morten Gamst Pedersen climbed above Sagna to meet Djourou’s attempted clearance. His header forced Almunia into a desperate, backtracking tip over the bar.

However Blackburn’s rally would be brief. Sagna’s swirling, curling cross was nodded across goal by Bendtner. Then, nine minutes before the break, Nasri planted a 25-yard free-kick against the bar. The ball was hacked clear by the Blackburn defence and Bendtner’s touch allowed Nasri to fire goalward from 12 yards. Robinson’s block was enough to turn the ball behind but it was hardly convincing.

It was hard to think this Arsenal side had been scoreless at both ends for so long. While Wenger’s side were impish and inventive going forward they were hardly watertight in defence. Five minutes from half time an unmarked Aaron Mokoena swept the ball just over the bar from Pedersen’s corner.

Blackburn pushed forward in the dying seconds but their attack this afternoon was more cudgel than rapier. The nearest they came to breaching the Arsenal defence came in injury time when Almunia had to rush out and deny Pedersen.

The home side could have banished any such nervousness in the opening minutes of the second half if they had converted a couple of straightforward chances.

First Bendtner fed Walcott but the midfielder, 20 on Monday, dragged his effort wide. He returned the favour for an even simpler chance seconds later but the Dane sidefooted wide.

Before five minutes were up Robinson had saved well from Walcott and Denilson had seen a ferocious drive blocked by Ooijer.

Arsenal were stoking up the heat on Blackburn with all the chances seemingly falling to Bendtner. He nodded over just before the hour, fired wide just after and then, most profligate of all, dallied when sent clear by Walcott allowing Robinson to save.

Frustration was starting to simmer but Arshavin’s smashing strike relieved all the pressure. When he received the ball on the left in the 65th minute there was little on but he skipped past Danny Simpson on the byline and then, from the tightest of angles, lifted the ball over Robinson and into the far corner.

This one was definitely his.

Djourou nodded over from Nasri’s right-wing free-kick as Arsenal looked for a killer third. At the other end, Almunia clutched a low free-kick from Pedersen. The Spaniard’s handling has been immaculate since the turn of the year.

Bendtner’s work was nearly done but, just before he was substituted in the 80th minute, the Dane ended a trademark Arsenal break by thumping a shot high over the bar.

It had been a tough afternoon for the 21-year-old. He worked wonderfully hard for the cause but had missed a host of chances. Emirates was rightly generous in its support as he went off.

With seven minutes left Wenger brought on Eboue for Nasri. It would turn out to be an influential move. The Ivorian touched home in the 88th minute after Arshavin’ shot was parried by Robinson. Then, in injury time, Vela was clipped by Martin Olsson and Eboue scored confidently from the spot.

It was perhaps apt that Arsenal should end this game by converting a penalty.

Reaching the last eight in Europe is season's one ambition achieved. If they can stay in the top four, that will be another.

Arsenal’s season is ending on a high.

'We know that every game is a challenge now'



On the emphatic performance…
“We have been waiting for goals for a long time and I believe that maybe the pressure came off the team a bit after the Roma game so we played with more freedom. I believe we have more creative talent and the game is more fluid. Our football is coming back which I think is down to psychological reasons.

“The team were always highly focused and they always want to do well. We are on a long and consistent run now and that’s why I believe we can go from strength to strength from now until the end of the season.”

On Andrey Arshavin’s contribution…
“He has intelligence, vision and talent to pass one against one. His second goal was an example of that. I changed him at half time and put him on the left but he can play right, central or left. You ask any good football player where he wants to play he will say central.

“He had four stitches in his foot at half time, it is cut along the outside completely and the doctor had to make four stitches at the break. We delayed kick off a bit because of that.“

On taking momentum from Wednesday’s Roma match…
“If we had gone out in midweek, would we have gone out and produced the performance today? I don’t know because the win lifts the spirit. You can see signs of our game coming back against Burnley and we scored three at West Brom then four today. It looks like it is not a problem anymore and we play with more freedom.”

On Liverpool’s early victory opening up the title again…
“It is [open] yes. I think Man United have played many games since January and today they looked a little bit jaded. You could see that Liverpool didn’t play in the FA Cup last week and they had a good opportunity to refresh before playing Real Madrid and Man United. Plus they had one more day than Man United did. You could see when the experienced United players make mistakes it is down to fatigue.”

On the chances of Arsenal finishing in the top three…
“We know that every game is a challenge. Before we start to dream we play every three days and we can rotate a bit at the moment. We have a challenge in every single game from now until the end of the season and we cannot drop off one or two per cent in our performances. I feel in the dressing room that the team are really up for it.”

On challenging on three fronts for the rest of the season…
“I just rotate a little bit. I know that the players can’t always play. For example I didn’t play Kolo in the cup game but he played on Wednesday and today. I decided to rest Gallas because we knew we would face a lot of high balls today.

“I put four fresh players in today and we have Eduardo injured but Fabregas and Adebayor coming back in two weeks. I rested Van Persie today as well. It looks today that we can do it.”

On the performance of Nicklas Bendtner…
“I am pleased with his overall contribution. He didn’t finish well but he played well. I think after he missed the first chance he took too long on the second one. Then it becomes a problem for you. What is most important is that he creates the chances because once he scores one he will score three or four. He is always in the situation and his first touch was much better today and his movement was good. The rest will come along.

“He likes to play as the lead striker and he has power and pace. He understands the game and he’s only 20 years old, people forget that. I think it completely wrong to boo him. The fans clapped him when he moved off the pitch. They were not happy when he missed the chance but overall I feel the fans are behind him.”

Rosicky’s return delayed by two weeks


Tomas Rosicky has suffered a minor set-back in his rehabilitation.

The Czech midfielder has not played since January 26, 2008 because of a troublesome injury to his hamstring tendon.

It has been a rollercoaster ride of recuperation but he was closing in on a long-awaited return. The 28-year-old has been in light training for some time and was due to join the main first-team group soon. A Reserve team fixture was even being talked about. However all that is on hold for now.

“Tomas has had a little set-back of one week so he will be out for two weeks again,” Wenger told journalists at the weekend. “We have to be a bit more patient than in the start.

“I told you two weeks ago that he would be back in full training but he will not. He’ll be back in full training in two weeks time now.”

Wenger - Arshavin is talented and tenacious


Often, star quality does not go with toughness and work-rate. It seems that talent frequently has to be indulged, with less-gifted players over-compensating for their artistic team-mate’s lack of effort.

Andrey Arshavin, however, is different.

The industrious little Russian inspired Arsenal to a comfortable and most welcome 4-0 victory over Blackburn at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. He provided assists for two of the goals and scored another all by himself.

That strike proved his ‘bottle’. After weaving past Danny Simpson and planting the ball past Paul Robinson from the acutest of angles in the 65th minute, the 27-year-old celebrated by running straight to bench and embracing Gary O’Driscoll.

It was revealed later that the newly-appointed Club doctor had put four stitches in Arshavin’s foot at half-time.

“There was no question about him playing in the second half,” said Wenger. “He is not a soft boy at all. He is never in the medical room, he is not that type. He is tough.

“He works hard too. In fact I am quite surprised how hard he works. I think he is a man of challenges. To leave St Petersburg - where he was the star - and go to England at the age of 27, saying ‘I want to start it all again’ you need to have character and like challenges. And he does it in a very focused way I must say.”

Undoubtedly, Arshavin has given Arsenal something extra since arriving in the January transfer window. In every game, he has shown some sort of quality however, with his fitness levels developing, the Euro 2008 star is contributing more and more.

“He has had a real pre-season now,” said Wenger. “They had stopped in Russia so people saw a guy in the first game who had only had 10 days training.

“You know how you can be after six weeks out. And, most of the time, when you are negotiating a contract you are not really focused on training.”

Those negotiations were long and difficult but, on recent form, definitely worth the effort.

“I like the players who can give you hope in the final third and create something you don’t expect,” said Wenger. “I felt we needed that with the players we have and the type of game we want to play.

“He has won things before. He has experience and we are very, very young. We lost Hleb and Tomas Rosicky hasn’t played for 14 months. They were in that age category between 27 and 30. We were a bit short in that area before Arshavin came.”

Wenger - Almunia stayed cool after clash



Arsène Wenger has praised Manuel Almunia’s focus after having his ankle sprained by El-Hadji Diouf.

In the 21st minute, Almunia was caught very late on the ankle by Diouf as the Spaniard cleared a back-pass. Shortly afterwards, the pair clashed again in the six-yard box while waiting for a corner.

After the game, Wenger decided to reserve judgement on the Senegalese’s challenge but praised his goalkeeper’s temperament after being injured.

“He realised at half time that he has to keep focused,” said the manager. “He did that well in the second half.

“I spoke to him about it at half time of course. I had some experience with Jens Lehmann before - I think he would’ve headbutted him [if he was on the end of that sort of tackle].

“I will have to see the tackle again but to me it didn’t look like he had any chance of playing the ball. Almunia looked to be well ahead of getting the ball but I want to see it again to see if he had a high foot or not.

“He had a sprained ankle, Almunia, so we will see how he responds tomorrow.”

Wenger - Walcott's incomparable to a year ago


The Theo Walcott who turns 20 today is incomparable with the player he was a year ago.

That's the verdict of Arsène Wenger, who watched the England star produce another dazzling display as Blackburn were dismantled at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Walcott created Arsenal's opener, could have scored a couple himself and generally gave the Rovers defence a torrid time.

It was further proof that Walcott is 'coming of age' as a footballer. He is stronger, he is more incisive in the final third and his searing pace is being channelled to great effect. Wenger is reaping the rewards of his considered approach to Walcott's development and he believes that the 'birthday boy' has been transformed over the past 12 months.

"Compared to one year ago there is no comparison," said the Frenchman.

"That is what people have problems to accept because at that age every three months you improve. You can never predict how much he will improve but there is still a lot more to come from Theo.

"He had a good start [against Blackburn] and he became stronger and stronger," continued Wenger. "He gives us something which is important as well when we play at home when he goes behind the defenders. He creates room and has a direct game. We need that.

"I don’t know [how big a player he will be in the rest of the season] but it’s important to have him back because he gives you something that can make a difference in any game."

Wenger - Bendtner can follow Eboue’s lead



Arsène Wenger believes Nicklas Bendtner should take inspiration from Emmanuel Eboue after missing a string of chances against Blackburn.

Bendtner turned in a typically bullish display on Saturday and provided a key pass in the build-up to Arsenal’s opener, but the Dane was guilty of squandering some gilt-edged opportunities himself. The 20-year-old failed to connect properly with a cross from Theo Walcott, hit another effort straight at goalkeeper Paul Robinson and then skied the best chance of all just before he was substituted.

In contrast, Eboue put his early-season troubles even further behind him by scoring twice in an explosive cameo appearance after replacing Samir Nasri seven minutes from time. The Ivorian now has three goals in two games at Emirates Stadium.

Although he insists he isn’t worried about Bendtner’s confidence, Wenger thinks that the Dane should look no further than Eboue for an example of how quickly disappointment can turn to joy.

“Of course Eboue’s an example [for Bendtner],” said the manager after the match.

“Bendtner will [turn it around] I am not worried about that, I was more worried about Eboue at one stage. Fans want performances and that is the only way we have to respond.

“I am pleased that Eboue starts to score because it looked to us that he could never score goals. It shows as well the importance of a psychological factor because he scored last week, again this week and could have scored another one. Before that he never looked like scoring so it’s more in their heads sometimes.

“If he had not scored his goal, and not scored last week, he would not have taken the penalty today and that tells you the importance of confidence.

“We have already tied up Eboue’s contract - that has been done for a long time.”

Arshavin 'desperate' to face Hull in FA Cup


Andrey Arshavin is ‘desperate’ to be fit for the FA Cup Quarter-Final with Hull City at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

The Russian international suffered a nasty gash to his right foot during the first half of the game against Blackburn on Saturday. He had eight stitches at half time but went on to score a wonder goal with the same foot just past the hour.

The 27-year-old has been receiving treatment ever since and, according to Arsène Wenger, he is determined to make it. Elsewhere, Lukasz Fabianski comes in for Manuel Almunia. This was planned but the Spaniard is out for the game anyway because of an ankle injury and is doubtful for the weekend trip to Newcastle. Kieran Gibbs will replace Gael Clichy, who is rested. Eduardo (groin) is still out and Aaron Ramsey will not be involved.

“Arshavin had eight stitches in his foot but he is still in the squad,” Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Monday afternoon. “We will make a decision tomorrow.

“He is desperate to be involved. He just wants to play. He couldn’t practice today but we’ll assess him tomorrow morning.

“Almunia is out – he would not have played anyway but he is a doubt for Saturday.

“Also Kieran Gibbs will play tomorrow night, Clichy is completely rested. Aaron Ramsey is not in the squad too. At the moment he is growing in stature and a bit tired so we will rest him. Apart from that everybody is in.”

Wenger - We had to adapt without Fabregas



Arsène Wenger can't wait to see Cesc Fabregas back in action - but he believes that Arsenal have learned how to play without their captain.

The Spanish star should make a welcome return after the forthcoming international break, a little over three months after suffering knee ligament damage against Liverpool.

It was an injury which threatened to derail Arsenal's season; after all, the 21-year-old is the fulcrum of the side and dictates so much of their play. Wenger knows that Fabregas provides a well-trodden path to goal but, in his absence, the Frenchman's team have found alternative routes to the back of the net.

"We have had to," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"I believe we will all be happy when Cesc comes back but we had to cope without him and of course, I believe it will be a big lift for everybody when he’s back. But we had to do without him.

"When he’s there, everything goes through him but when he’s not it can take a while to adapt because the game goes through different ways – it’s plural.

"When it’s Fabregas it is more one-way traffic at the start of the build-up."