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Almunia, Van Persie, Denilson miss Liege trip


Vito Mannone or Wojciech Szczesny will make their Champions League debut on Wednesday night after Manuel Almunia was ruled out of Arsenal's clash with Standard Liege.

The Spanish goalkeeper is suffering from a chest infection and has not travelled to Belgium. Neither have Robin van Persie and Denilson, both of whom sustained injuries during Saturday's 4-2 defeat at Manchester City. However they have a chance of returning for this weekend's Premier League clash with Wigan.

"Manuel Almunia is sick so he will not be with us," revealed Wenger before flying out with his 18-man squad.

"From Saturday we lost Robin van Persie with a knee problem but it is a question of days for him [until he is fit]. As for Denilson, I took him off on Saturday for a back problem. It is a question of days again for him."

Theo Walcott will not return for the group stage opener but Sanchez Watt has been named in the squad. The 18-year-old forward impressed at the Emirates Cup in August and could make his competitive debut on Wednesday.

Arsenal are still without Samir Nasri (leg), Andrey Arshavin (groin), Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou (both knee) and Carlos Vela (ankle).

Arsenal squad:

Vito Mannone
Wojciech Szczesny
Bacary Sagna
Gael Clichy
William Gallas
Thomas Vermaelen
Mikael Silvestre
Kieran Gibbs
Emmanuel Eboue
Alex Song
Cesc Fabregas
Abou Diaby
Aaron Ramsey
Tomas Rosicky
Jack Wilshere
Nicklas Bendtner
Eduardo
Sanchez Watt

Quelle: arsenal.com

'Arsenal has been great for Adebayor'


Arsène Wenger believes that Emmanuel Adebayor will eventually look back fondly on his Arsenal career.

The Togo striker was on the fringe of the Monaco side when he joined Arsenal in January 2006. He broke into Wenger's first-team when Thierry Henry departed a year later but left Emirates Stadium for Manchester City during the summer.

Adebayor hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when his new club beat Arsenal at Eastlands on Saturday. He scored in City's 4-2 win but was hit with a double FA charge, one for sprinting the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Arsenal's travelling supporters and another for an alleged stamp on Robin van Persie.

Wenger backed the FA charges and admitted that he was surprised at Adebayor's "animosity" towards his former club. The Frenchman predicted that the 25-year-old would one day see his spell in North London in a better light.

"My thought is that Emmanuel Adebayor deserves to be charged for what he did," said Wenger.

"I was surprised that there was such animosity in his attitude towards Arsenal because in a few years he will realise that Arsenal has been great for him. That’s why I was deeply surprised and shocked.

"Only he can say if he will regret leaving. All I can say is that is life and professional football players move on.

"In life, the goal is to be objective enough to see who helped you and who didn’t help you, who had a positive influence on you or not. You can sometimes in a short-term be disappointed. But still I believe that when you take distance with the events, you always get to the right judgement.

"I think the longer distance will make Adebayor realise that Arsenal was a very positive influence in his life."

Quelle: arsenal.com

Standard Liege 2-3 Arsenal

UEFA Champions League, Maurice Dufrasne Stadium

Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 19:45



* Mangala 2,
* Jovanovic 5 (pen)

* Bendtner 45,
* Vermaelen 77,
* Eduardo 81

Arsenal started their Champions League Group H campaign with a bang by producing a stunning second-half comeback at Standard Liege on Wednesday.

Arsène Wenger's side were 2-0 down after a crazy first five minutes. Eliaquim Mangala was given room to fire home a shot from just outside the area then William Gallas clipped Milan Jovanovic, who picked himself up and scored from the penalty spot.

The Arsenal ship listed for a while but, on his 100th Arsenal appearance, Nicklas Bendtner scored on the half-time whistle to anchor them once more.

The visitors dominated the second half and took their opportunities when Liege tired. Thomas Vermaelen forced the ball home from close range in the 79th minute, though replays suggested Alex Song may have been offside in the build-up. Eduardo twisted the knife two minutes later by nudging home a Cesc Fabregas corner with his knee.

It was sweet ending to a bitter saga for the Croatian. He was only playing in this game because his European ban for "deceiving the referee" in Arsenal's last Champions League game had been annulled on Monday.

This game was typical of Arsenal's season so far. Frenetic pace, loads of incident and netfuls of goals.
But after that terrible start they were just grateful to be leaving with maximum points..

Even though Wenger was without nine players for Arsenal's first game in Belgium since 1993, the manager still decided to rest a 10th. Bacary Sagna was left on bench so Emmanuel Eboue operated at right back.

The players left at home were: Manuel Almunia (chest infection), Theo Walcott, Denilson (both back), Robin van Persie (knee), Samir Nasri (leg), Andrey Arshavin (groin), Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou (both knee) and Carlos Vela (ankle).

Those absences meant keeper Vito Mannone came in for only his second appearance for Arsenal and only his sixth match as a professional. As expected, Tomas Rosicky made his first Arsenal start since January 2008. However it was somewhat surprising to see the Czech international employed on the right wing rather than the left. Eduardo took that role while Bendtner the central spearhead.

What the Stade Maurice Dufrasne lacked in size and grace, it more than made up for in passion and intensity. This was industrial Belgium and the locals had a devotion to their side akin to Northern England. Before kick-off, the fans made Arsenal well aware they were on hostile territory.

However they probably did not realise just how much until exactly four minutes, four seconds had elapsed.
That was the time on the Liege scoreboard when Jovanovic stroked home from the spot to put the home side 2-0 up. What had transpired before that has been bewildering an excruciating in equal measure.

Liege took the lead in the second minute with, from Arsenal's perspective, an entirely avoidable goal.

Miscommunication between Mannone and Alex Song saw the defender give away a corner under little real pressure. Arsenal got away the initial ball but could not clear their lines. Mangala pounced and was afforded ample room to squeeze his shot between Mannone and the near post from just outside the area.

Even Liege themselves seemed stunned at the early strike. But elation turned to ecstasy shortly afterwards when Gallas swept away the legs of Jovanovic just inside the area.

The Serb kept his cool to stroke home from the spot. It is fair that the home crowd didn't in celebrating the goal!

Arsenal were shell-shocked but, over the course of the next half-hour, gradually got some sort of game together. Eduardo had an effort blocked on the quarter-hour and Bendtner sent over a couple of dangerous low balls from the left. However Sinan Bolat was more caretaker than keeper.

Yet, as half time approached, there was more incisiveness in their work. Eventually the reward came. In the final minute of normal time Diaby powered forward, shrugged off his assailant and slipped a pass into the path of Bendtner. The Dane slid his shot through the legs of Bolat and into the far corner.

A bitter start, a better end. As the teams went off at the break, Arsenal had a lifeline and, just as importantly, some impetus.

The second half could have seen two goals in less time than it had taken in the first.

Dieudonne Mbokani found himself in space on the edge of the area in the opening seconds but his shot was blocked by Gael Clichy. Rosicky pinged a pin-point pass up the other end and only a perfectly-timed challenge from Mangala stopped Bendtner grabbing an equaliser.

Arsenal were much better this half and sending their hosts into retreat but Liege were still threatening on the break. In the 57th minute, Wilfried Dalmat stormed down the right and, under pressure, Eboue hacked his low cross away from under his own bar.

The visitors' pressure was not being translated into chances and, as the half wore on, this in itself gave Liege a little more confidence.

Wenger replaced Rosicky with Aaron Ramsey and the Welshman immediately tested Bolat. The manager was just about to make another change when Arsenal drew level.

In the 79th minute, Fabregas sent over a free-kick from the left. Eduardo flicked it on to Song at the far post. He nudged the ball back into the six-yard box where Vermaelen scrambled it home from close range. Replays suggested the Cameroonian was offside when Eduardo had nodded the ball on.

Suddenly Liege were all at sea themselves.

Eduardo might have grabbed a third almost immediately but Bolat made his first real save of the night. From the corner, Vermaelen's drive was booted off the line with the keeper stranded.

The third came in the 81st minute. Fabregas fired in a corner from the left and Eduardo muscled in front his marker to turn the ball home from five yards with his knee.

The 26-year-old kissed his knee by way of celebration.

Eduardo was clearly relieved to have put a tough week behind him while his team had left with a win that had seemed light years away after that sloppy, sloppy start.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Robin van Persie could return for Saturday's Premier League clash with Wigan but Denilson's injury will sideline him for "a few weeks".

Both players missed the Champions League win at Standard Liege after picking up knocks during last weekend's defeat at Manchester City. Van Persie's knee problem has almost cleared up but Denilson's back will take longer to heal.

"Robin van Persie is the most likely to come back [for Saturday]," explained Arsène Wenger in an exclusive interview with Arsenal TV Online. "Denilson looks to be out for a few weeks with a back problem."

Manuel Almunia is still troubled by the chest infection which ruled him out of Wednesday night's game in Belgium, so Vito Mannone will continue in goal against Wigan.

Arsenal are still without Theo Walcott (back), Samir Nasri (leg), Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou (both knee) and Carlos Vela (ankle) but Andrey Arshavin (groin) has an outside chance of making the squad for Saturday.

"There is a 10 per cent chance for Arshavin," confirmed Wenger.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal name 18-man squad for Carling Cup



Arsenal have announced the following squad for the Carling Cup tie with West Brom this evening at Emirates Stadium:

Wojciech Szczesny
James Shea
Philippe Senderos
Mikael Silvestre
Kieran Gibbs
Armand Traore
Kerrea Gilbert
Kyle Bartley
Mark Randall
Francis Coquelin
Craig Eastmond
Emmanuel Frimpong
Nacer Barazite
Aaron Ramsey
Gilles Sunu
Jack Wilshere
Carlos Vela
Sanchez Watt

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal 2-0 W.B.A.

Carling Cup, Emirates Stadium

Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 19:45



* Watt 68,
* Vela 75


The Arsenal youngsters are on the march once again in the Carling Cup.

Arsène Wenger's fledgling side have a proud record in this competition and produced another effervescent display to see off Championship leaders West Brom at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

The visitors edged a pacy, action-packed first half-hour but their challenge foundered after ex-Arsenal winger Jerome Thomas was sent off seven minutes before the break for pushing Jack Wilshere.

After that, the home side had the advantage but they needed the introduction of Carlos Vela to make it tell. In the 68th minute, West Brom keeper Dean Kiely palmed out the Mexican's fierce shot to Sanchez Watt, who marked his debut with a simple finish at the far post.

Fifteen minutes from full time, Mark Randall's sumptuous chip came back off the bar and Vela poached a goal from close-range.

Watt and Wojciech Szczesny gave positive first impressions of their abilities. It was also heartening to see Philippe Senderos so assured in his first Arsenal appearance since May 2008.

West Brom were not at full strength themselves but this was still a notable scalp. The draw for the Fourth Round takes place on Saturday lunchtime (UK time) and once again no-one will want to be pitched against Arsenal.

We now fully know what to expect from Wenger's Carling Cup side. It was a mixture of first-team squad members who need a game (Senderos, Mikael Silvestre, Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey), another look at emerging talent (Kerrea Gilbert and Armand Traore) plus a few debutants (Gilles Sunu, Watt, Szczesny and Frances Coquelin).

West Brom came into this tie top of the Championship but, understandably, Roberto Di Matteo made a slew of changes for tonight's game.

Emirates Stadium was not quite at capacity but, as ever, the crowd had all the youth exuberance of the side they were watching. And the first 37 minutes would be a treat.

Senderos nearly made a dream return when, unmarked at the near post, he powered over a header. Two minutes later he did precisely the same thing, only on this occasion, his contact was not as solid and the ball flew past the far post.

But it was clear early on that Arsenal were not going to repeat the 6-0 drubbing of Sheffield United at this stage of the competition 12 months ago.

In fact it would be wonderfully open game until the sending off just before the break.

On the quarter-hour Robert Koren's high, hanging ball was chested back to the edge of the area by Filipe Teixeira and Gonzalo Jara swerved a low shot inches wide.

Arsenal immediately went down the other end and hit the post. Watt flicked the ball towards Wilshere on the right of the area. He returned the ball to the striker, who sent a stumbling shot towards goal. It trickled back off the post and into the arms of the grateful Dean Kiely.

But Arsenal were not dominating and, in fact, Szczesny's goal would come under fire. The Pole saved satisfactorily from Simon Cox and brilliantly from Koren. A corner came from the latter of those efforts, Szczesny missed his punch and Gilbert booted the ball off the line after Cox had bundled it towards goal at the far post. It was becoming stirring end-to-end stuff. More FA Cup Third Round than Carling Cup Third Round.

Wilshere arrowed a shot just past the West Brom upright. In the 33rd minute, Graham Dorrans sent a free-kick over from the left, the ball was bundled out of Szczesny's hands by Leon Barrett and fell loose. Surprisingly, referee Lee Mason did not blow up and Gibbs was somewhat fortunate to see his headed clearance deflect behind.

Until now we had seen little of Thomas. That would change. On 36 minutes he nearly created the opener by storming down the left and Szczesny had to be alert to cut out his inquisitive low cross.

Seconds later he tangled with Wilshere and pushed the Arsenal youngster to the floor just as he was sitting up. If raising your hands is a red card then the decision was obvious.

It was not only sad to see Thomas mark his return to his mother club in this way. But it was sad for the game. The Emirates crowd had been treated to an even, attacking game thus far. You sensed the sending off would change the game.

On the evidence of the first 15 minutes of the second half, it did. Arsenal were territorially on top and West Brom naturally more inhibited. However, on the hour, they proved they could still make chances.

Gianni Zuiverloon curled a cross to the far post but unmarked Cox could only scuff a header over the bar. Arguably the clearest opportunity of the night so far.

After that Wenger made changes. Vela came on for his first game of the season following ankle trouble while Mark Randall slotted into midfield. Sunu and Coquelin made way.

The introduction of the Mexican lifted the crowd and the team alike. It was akin to throwing a fox into a chicken coop.

It took 10 minutes for Vela to make the difference. Ramsey hoisted a pass to him on the edge of the area, he darted inside his marker and unleashed a thunderous shot. Kiely blocked well but the rebound fell to Watt, who slotted home at the far post.

With West Brom down to 10 men and tiring, it was a huge moment. Arsenal started to make hay.

Kiely saved a deflected shot from Ramsey then, 15 minutes from time, Randall would prise open the visitors' defence with a Bergkampesque piece of skill.

The English produced a gorgeous chip over the stationary Kiely and down off the crossbar. Barnett could have cleared up but instead decided to try and chest the loose ball back to his keeper.

Vela stole in and gleefully converted the second goal from inches out.

Substitute Chris Wood should have put West Brom back in the game with 10 minutes left but he slashed wide when he really should have hit the target.

Gilbert might have added a third in injury time but slid his shot wide.

By that time Arsenal were already putting on their party pieces.
They had done their job like experienced professionals.

Arshavin set to return for Fulham encounter



By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger is expecting to welcome back Andrey Arshavin for the trip to Fulham at the weekend.

The Russian has missed the last couple of games with a groin problem but should be available for the Craven Cottage clash.

Manuel Almunia is still out with a chest infection so Vito Mannone or Wojciech Szczesny will take the gloves. Robin van Persie faces a late fitness test but should be OK.

“We have had Arshavin out [since the international break] and we had a problem with Van Persie during the week,” said Wenger. “But Arshavin should be back and Van Persie should be all right too. We have a test tomorrow with him.

“Almunia is still short, still a week away. Normally Mannone [would deputise] but we are 48 hours away from the game.”

Quelle: arsenal.com

Walcott available again after back problem





Theo Walcott is back in training and back in the first-team frame – but he may not be risked this weekend.

The England star has been conspicuous by his absence this season after hurting his back during Arsenal’s pre-season friendly at Valencia on August 8.

Walcott managed just 45 minutes in that game – his only club action all summer – and has not played since. But the 20-year-old appears to have turned the corner and could even feature at Fulham this weekend.

“Walcott is now back in normal training,” revealed Arsène Wenger at his pre-match press conference.

“He has only played 45 minutes since June so he lacks a little bit of competition. He was short for the West Brom game [on Tuesday] but he's available again. He needs match practice.

“I don't know [if he could figure this weekend] He is still a bit short because it's the week he's back to full, normal training. But the good news is that he's available again.”

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal will face Liverpool in Carling Cup



Arsenal will face Liverpool in the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup.

Arsène Wenger's young Gunners were handed a mouthwatering challenge on Saturday afternoon and will welcome Rafa Benitez's team to Emirates Stadium on October 27 or 28.

Arsenal eased into the Fourth Round with a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.

Blackburn Rovers v Peterborough United
Manchester City v Scunthorpe United
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
Barnsley v Manchester United
Chelsea v Bolton Wanderers
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Liverpool
Portsmouth v Stoke City

Quelle: arsenal.com

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Barclays Premier League, Craven Cottage

Saturday, September 26, 2009, 17:30

Van Persie 52

Rookie keeper Vito Mannone pulled off a string of stunning saves as Arsenal snatched a 1-0 win at Fulham on Saturday evening.

The only goal came from Robin van Persie seven minutes after half-time. It was a wonderful strike fashioned by Cesc Fabregas and finished stylishly by the Dutchman.

That would probably be the abiding memory of any average game but it won't be today. Instead the image of Mannone's blocks will linger longest.

The 21-year-old made acrobatic stops from Andrew Johnson headers in each half. He also thwarted the former Palace frontman with a sprawling effort in front of his near post and tipped Zoltan Gera's shot wide. However surely Mannone's best moment was the reflex save from Bobby Zamora's thunderous header nine minutes from time.

Remember the former Atalanta player is Arsenal's third-choice keeper and this was only his ninth game in any form of first-team football.

Fulham will feel hard done at this result. But, for once, Arsène Wenger's side were the more clinical.

With Chelsea surprisingly losing at Wigan, Arsenal caught up a little ground today - thanks mainly to Mannone.

Wenger made two changes as his side got back to Premier League action after their midweek Carling Cup sojourn.

Nicklas Bendtner and a fit-again Andrey Arshavin replaced Emmanuel Eboue and Eduardo. Theo Walcott has recovered from his back problem but was not risked this afternoon.

The early stages saw more injuries than chances. Damian Duff had to go off after eight minutes so Gera came on. Shortly afterwards, Mannone confidently claimed a right-wing cross but clattered William Gallas in the process. The Frenchman needed treatment but carried on.

Although Arsenal had started nicely, Fulham soon barged their way into the game. Hodgson's side attacked well down the flanks and Dempsey examined Mannone early on with a low shot.

In the 14th minute, the Italian would be tested much more sternly.

Gera curled in a cross from the right and Johnson got across his marker to steer an excellent header towards the far post. Mannone threw himself to his right and thrust out a hand to block. It was an excellent save but the ball fell to Dempsey. He tried to turn the ball back towards goal but his effort deflected off Gallas and hit Mannone in the face before bouncing wide. The Italian keeper had earned his luck for the quality of the initial stop.

Fabregas fired over the bar almost immediately and, in the 21st minute, the Spaniard set up Arshavin, who lofted a wasteful effort over the bar. Replays proved that, apart from the attentions of Aaron Hughes, the Russian had missed because the ball had taken a nasty leap at the crucial moment.

Arsenal's response did not last. Fulham squeezed their opponents once again and, in the 36th minute, again it was only Mannone who stopped them taking the lead. Johnson's flick sent Gera clear in the right-hand channel. The Hungarian speared a low shot towards the far post but the Italian fingertipped the ball past the post.

Wenger lead his side back to the dressing room with much talking to do.

Zamora went close with a couple of efforts - a long-range drive and a blocked curling shot - in the opening stages of the second half.

But Arsenal seemed a little brighter themselves - and in the 52nd minute they proved it. Song intercepted a pass from Paul Konchesky and Bendtner fed Fabregas in midfield. He clipped a ball forward to Van Persie who controlled the ball in mid-stride with his left foot and fired into the far corner of the net with his right. A superb technical goal.

Fulham could feel a little hard done by and Bendtner nearly rubbed salt into the wound a minute later but his low angled shot was wonderfully turned away by Mark Schwarzer.

However Fulham were still a threat and, in the 55th minute, Mannone was again Arsenal's savour. Johnson met Zamora's cross with a firm header towards the far post. The keeper dived full length to tip the ball away and Dempsey could only fire the rebound wastefully across goal.

Although, Arsenal were looking quite comfortable in patches they sometimes relied on desperate defending at the back. Sagna diverted Dempsey's shot on the post then Gallas, who was having a commanding game, slid in to smother Zamora's shot.

Thirteen minutes from time, Johnson fired low through a forest of players and Mannone pulled off sprawling save.

However the best was yet to come four minutes later. Fulham won a free-kick on the right, Konchesky hoisted it into the area and Zamora climbed highest to send in a towering header. It seemed a certain goal but Mannone pushed the ball aside. A brilliant block.

Fulham were now attacking with little restraint and Arsenal nearly took advantage. Substitute Eboue danced round the last defender only to see his shot blocedk then, on full time, Bendtner blazed over when well-placed.

At the final whistle, the Arsenal players all hugged Mannone. They knew this was his day.

The three points he helped preserve could prove vital at the end of the season.

Quelle: arsenal.com

'Mannone's performance was 10 out of 10'


On a tough match at Fulham...
"The three points are the most important thing because we played against a very good Fulham side today. I believe we had problems in the first half, especially to find our game. They stopped us from playing, they played a very good game today - committed, aggressive, well organised. You needed to be special to come out with three points.

"In the second half we had plenty of opportunities but we took one of them very well after a very good pass from Cesc Fabregas to Robin Van Persie. After that we had many opportunities to score a second goal. We were more dominant in the second half but Fulham always looked dangerous on set pieces, on the counter attack and they did try down to the last second."

On Vito Mannone...
"I believe we will give him 10 out of 10 because everything he did was right. For a goalkeeper that is most important. He stopped everything he had to stop, didn't make any wrong decisions and overall he has shown he has the potential to be a very good goalkeeper.

"He is goalkeeper No 3 but goalkeeper No 4 is exceptional as well. I believe Wojciech is quality and he has shown that against West Brom and I gave Mannone the advantage because he's three or four years older and has more experience.

"Until the next game he is No 1. In this job you have to go from game to game. He has played a fantastic game today and the consistency is the first sign of quality.

"He kept us in the game in some unbelievable situations. You say that keeper sometimes look unbeatable. Today he looked like he could make the save needed every time."

On his character....

"He comes from Italy that means he is a lover of the game. He is a quiet boy but he has outstanding physical qualities and fantastic reflexes. You saw that today. He deeply wants to improve every day. He is passionate about the game."

On the fitness of the other keepers...
"Almunia will not be fit for Tuesday. Fabianski will not be fit until October 17 at the earliest."

On the Carling Cup draw...
"It doesn't change my approach. I always try and play a team who has a good chance of winning. We are happy to be playing at home, of course, today I is very difficult to predict who we will play because next week is an international break and the Carling Cup game is between two Champions League games. We will have to see who is available."

On ‘winning ugly'
"It is good for us to know that you can win that way. People always want us to play well and dominate but when we do not win they are not happy too. Today I am happy. We had a difficult first half and we only found our game in the second. But I give a lot of credit to Fulham they played very well."

On Fulham...
"Fulham always play a fantastic game against us from first minute to last. You could not see one player who did not tackle and fight. They tried everything. We would not have gone away with three points if we had not shown attitude and spirit."

On the future...
"I am very optimistic about the team. From what I have seen there is something about the team that shows we can go from strength to strength."

Quelle: arsenal.com

Bendtner ruled out of Olympiacos game


Nicklas Bendtner will miss Tuesday's Champions League match against Olympiacos after sustaining minor injuries in a car accident.

Theo Walcott will also miss the game due to a lack of match fitness. Both should be available for Sunday's Premier League fixture against Blackburn Rovers, Arsène Wenger confirmed.

Bendtner missed training on Monday following the crash and will not be risked against the Greek outfit.

"Nicklas Bendtner didn’t participate [in training] because he had a car accident on Sunday,” said Wenger. "Fortunately he did no long-term damage but he was bruised and we thought it was best for him not to train. He should be back for Sunday.

"Eduardo will be back in the squad for Olympiacos, but Walcott will not. He is available but he's short of competitive action at the moment - he needs a game, and we'll organise one for him. He should be back to normal again from Sunday onwards."

Quelle: arsenal.com

'Chelsea loss shows League is unpredictable'



Arsène Wenger believes Chelsea's defeat at Wigan goes to show how unpredictable the Premier League will be this season.

Arsenal defeated the Latics 4-0 last weekend, but Carlo Ancelloti's Blues lost 3-1 at the DW Stadium on Saturday. According to Wenger, it’s a result that proves this season will be an interesting one.

"It shows you it's unpredictable this season and that everybody can beat everybody else," said the Arsenal manager.

"It makes the championship interesting because Wigan created a big surprise on Saturday because we had beaten them quite well the week before."

The Frenchman also told the press the result is positive for Arsenal as it edges the Gunners closer to their Premier League rivals.

"I believe you want to reduce the gap between the top teams. We have played six times, four away, and if we win our game in hand, we are in a very strong position."

Quelle: arsenal.com

Wenger - Don't condemn candid Van Persie



Arsène Wenger has defended Robin van Persie following his candid comments about 'exaggerating' to win free-kicks and penalties.

The Dutchman made his opposition to 'diving' patently clear when he spoke to the media last week but went on to argue that players were within their rights to demonstrate to referees when they were genuinely fouled on the football pitch.

Van Persie admitted that he had exaggerated fouls to ensure justice was done on the field of play but his honesty was misread as cynicism in some quarters. Wenger sought to put the record straight when the issue cropped up again at his pre-match press conference on Monday.

"I did not understand what some people made of that," said Wenger. "Sometimes when a striker is fouled, he wants to make sure the referee sees that, which is what basically Robin was talking about. He wanted to show there is a difference between what people call diving and being fouled.

"In fact, the television showed a great example of it when at Manchester United a penalty was not given when [Patrice] Evra fouled Van Persie 100 per cent. He had to go down, but when you go down, you make sure the referee notices you have been fouled."

English football has a long-standing reputation for tolerating 'hard but fair' tackling - certainly more than the other leading European leagues - but Wenger believes that the balance is being redressed on the continent.

"There is a trend all over Europe to give less fouls and less penalties than before," he said.

"In Italy there was a stage when they gave a penalty every time somebody collapsed. Now, I think they have rectified that well, they let the flow of the game go and it is very important because when you do not have that, the games are not interesting.

"The referees have a big responsibility because they are always on the fringe of letting the game go, or not letting it go too far. If they do not let the game go, the game becomes boring."

Quelle: arsenal.com

Back injury sidelines Denilson for two months


Denilson will be out for another two months.

The Brazilian midfielder’s last appearance in an Arsenal shirt came at Eastlands back on September 12. He was substituted eight minutes after half-time because of a back problem and has not been seen since. The initial prognosis for the injury was a few weeks.

Speaking ahead of the game with Olympiacos, Arsène Wenger revealed it would be actually much longer.

“Denilson has a small fracture in his back,” said the manager. “He will be out for two months.”

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

UEFA Champions League, Emirates Stadium

Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 19:45



* Van Persie 78,
* Arshavin 86

Late goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin saw Arsenal beat Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday but it was so nearly a night of frustration for Arsène Wenger's side.

The Greek champions kept their hosts at bay for 78 maddening minutes. Arsenal were always on top but a mixture of visiting keeper Antonis Nikopolidis and some profligate finishing maintained the stalemate.

Frustration was just taking over when the deadlock was broken. The excellent Cesc Fabregas fed Eduardo on the left and Van Persie converted from close range. With four minutes remaining, Arshavin completed the scoring with a cheeky backheel from the Spaniard's pass.

All in all, it was a pleasing night for Wenger's men. They now have six points from two games and are in control of Group H.

But this had been a game of patience.

Wenger made two changes from Saturday. As against Standard Liege on Matchday One, Emmanuel Eboue came in for Bacary Sagna at right back.

Meanwhile Tomas Rosicky replaced Nicklas Bendtner on the right. The Danish striker was feeling the effects of a minor car crash over the weekend.

Olympiacos had Olof Mellberg, Emirates Stadium's first goal-scorer, in their line-up and Zico as manager. Of course, the Brazilian had a super-stellar playing career, far outstripping his opposite number tonight. But, on the strength of this evening's one-way affair, Wenger was in charge of the better team.

There were scares for both keepers in the first 15 minutes. Olympiacos striker Vassilis Torosidis nearly caught out Vito Mannone with an impudent chip from the right flank. Fortunately for the Italian the effort drifted wide.

Shortly afterwards Arshavin tried to find Rosicky at the back post and Antonis Nikopolidis, rather cackhandedly, palmed the ball away.

It was the start of a busy night for the grey-haired keeper.

On the quarter-hour, Fabregas thumped a cross-field ball to Clichy, whose instant control allowed him to breeze past his marker and reach the byline. The Frenchman cut the ball back and Arshavin's low first-time shot was saved by the stretching Nikopolidis

Then, in the 17th minute, Fabregas conjured the ball between his feet and juddered the bar with a shot from the edge of the area. Van Persie collected the rebound and set-up Rosicky who forced a full-length save from Nikopolidis.

A couple of minutes later, some trademark Arshavin trickery allowed him to prod a shot towards goal. Nikopolidis turned the ball aside.

Midway through the half, Fabregas was again denied by Nikopolidis. This time he shovelled his shot away.

It started to look like the Euro 2004 winner was the only thing standing between Olympiacos and a drubbing. The Greek champions were now looking devoid of attacking intent.

In the 32nd minute, Van Persie threaded a corner through the penalty area and Thomas Vermaelen timed his run, escaped his marker then somehow failed to convert. A head-in-hands moment for the free-scoring Belgian defender.

A header from Torosidis reminded the Arsenal defence that he was still around but Van Persie ran straight up the other end fired a rising shot over the bar.

Five minutes before the break, the Dutchman, rather aptly, Cryuff-turned his marker one way then the other before seeing his shot saved at the near post by Nikopolidis.

As the whistle approached, the keeper tipped a free-kick away from Vermaelen and Diaby nudged a header past the far post. It had been all Arsenal for the last half-hour.

Olympiacos needed an overhaul at the break. Zico settled for one change - Ieroklis Stoltidis for Jaouad Zaïri. It seemed to help.

In the opening minutes the visitors fashioned their first real chance.

Dudu swung over a corner from the left, Mellberg won a header on the edge of the six-yard box and Mannone palmed the ball off the toes of Torosidis.

It would have been much more than a sucker-punch had it gone in and Arsenal retorted.

In the 52nd minute, Fabregas won the ball in midfield and Eboue fed Van Persie on the edge of the area. Nikopolidis spilled his initial shot and, as Michal Zewiakow mopped up the rebound, the Dutchman slid in. He earned a booking for his trouble.

Arsenal continued to attack. Diaby's cut back just failed to find Arshavin then Arsenal had claims for a penalty when Dudu appeared the bat the ball down. However frustration was starting to rise.

Wenger brought on Eduardo for Rosicky after 66 minutes as Arsenal re-doubled their efforts.

It was a scene that had been played out so many times in the first season at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal - on top, in control and slightly desperate - chasing a goal when they should be way in front.

In the 73rd minute, Van Persie was again denied by Nikopolidis and Gallas was flagged offside as he attempted to turn in the rebound.

Just before Wenger threw on another striker, Diaby was denied twice - once when Nikopolidis diverted his shot around the post and then, from the corner, when his shot was blocked from close-range.

The Frenchman then made way for Carlos Vela. The Mexican's entrance was followed closely by the opener but he had nothing to do with it.

Fabregas threaded a ball to Eduardo in the left channel. He waited for his moment then weighted his pass into the area. Van Persie arrived on cue to sweep the ball home from close range.

Olympiacos physically slumped. They raised themselves for a final rally but were finally sunk by Arsenal's second four minutes from the end.

Fabregas sent over a low ball from the right and Arshavin clipped a backheel past the keeper.

It was a happy end to a game that, for long periods, had Arsenal fans tearing their hair out.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn Rovers

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Sunday, October 04, 2009, 13:30



* Vermaelen 17,
* Van Persie 33,
* Arshavin 37,
* Fabregas 57,
* Walcott 75,
* Bendtner 89

* Nzonzi 3,
* Dunn 31

Arsenal twice came from behind to beat Blackburn 6-2 in an incredible game at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Steven Nzonzi nodded the visitors in front after just four minutes but top-scorer Thomas Vermaelen levelled just past the quarter-hour with a thumping effort from distance.

When David Dunn saw a shot deflected home after 30 minutes you might have thought this would not be Arsenal's day. But with Cesc Fabregas running matters in midfield, Arsène Wenger's side stormed back. The Spaniard set up goals for Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin before half-time then grabbed one himself on the hour.

Substitute Theo Walcott slammed home a fifth after coming off the bench for his first game of the season. Two minutes from time, another replacement, Nicklas Bendtner, hammered home number six.

Those last two goals will give much-needed confidence to their scorer, while the manner of this victory will do likewise for the team.

Arsenal were unlucky today and still came back to crush the opposition.

Wenger has long talked about the character of his young side. On the strength of this performance you can only believe him.

Clearly, this game was an opportunity for Arsenal. Manchester United had dropped two points on Saturday while one, or both, of Liverpool and Chelsea would do the same when they met at Stamford Bridge later today.

Pre-match, Wenger had been saying home form would define his side's season so this was a chance to push ahead.

The manager made just one change from the side that had eventually beaten Olympiacos on Tuesday. Emmanuel Eboue dropped to the bench and Bacary Sagna came in at right back. Walcott was included in the squad after recovering from a back injury. However the England international only made the bench.

Blackburn had not won at Arsenal in seven years and had suffered defeat in both of their games on the road this season. Meanwhile Wenger's side had not conceded a goal since Milan Jovanovic had tucked away that early penalty at Standard Liege - almost seven and a half hours of football ago.

It is fair to say, therefore, that Blackburn fourth-minute opener goal was a shock.

Keeper Paul Robinson hacked a free-kick from his own half into the heart of the Arsenal area. Nzonzi leapt above Vermaelen to send a backheader towards goal. It drifted over Vito Mannone and kissed the crossbar as it dropped into the net.

It was a stultifying start for Arsenal but they quickly recovered.

In the 10th minute, Arshavin crossed from the right, the stretching Fabregas spiralled a header on to the top of the bar and Pascal Chimbonda booted the loose ball away from danger. Seconds later, Arshavin fired a probing ball across the face of the Blackburn goal.

Arsenal were banging on Blackburn's back door and the visitors were worried. Keith Andrews accidentally nodded a Fabregas corner just beyond the far post then, after 17 minutes, came the equaliser.

The Premier League is starting to know all about Vermaelen's scoring prowess. He came into this game with four goals - the most of any Arsenal player. However only his second strike against Wigan had been anything but ‘a defender's goal' - i.e. a header or a scrambled effort from close-range. Against the Latics he had thumped a shot into the top corner from the edge of the area. His effort this afternoon was even better.

Collecting the ball fully 30 yards out, he crashed a low shot beyond Robinson and into the bottom left-hand corner.

Even the watching Thierry Henry clapped that one and he knows a thing or two about the goal-scorer's art.

Arsenal now had their hand on the tiller and set about steering a course to victory. They seemed determined to test Robinson from distance. Fabregas tried his luck from 25 yards and, after getting a hand to the initial effort, the keeper recovered to foil Van Persie as the Dutchman attempted to follow up.

The former England No 1 was starting to become over-worked. Diaby flicked Fabregas free in the left-hand channel but Robinson pawed away his curler towards the far post.

Arsenal seemed set to kick-on and perhaps it was their eagerness that gave Blackburn room for the second. But there was still a hefty slice of luck involved. The visitors broke quickly and Dunn found himself with the ball at his feet on the left of the area. With Gallas covering there seemed little way through but the Englishman had a go. The ball brushed the Frenchman's thigh and wrong-footed Mannone at the near post.

Blackburn seemed to have 11 players and fate on their side this afternoon. But Arsenal were the superior operation so they could fight back even though they were outnumbered.

It took them two minutes to get on level terms. Fabregas threaded a ball between centre back and full back for Van Persie to fire home.

Eight minutes from the break, Arsenal finally took the lead with a similar goal. Again the supplier was Fabregas and again the goal was scored from the left-hand channel. Only this time it was converted by Arshavin.

On the stroke of half-time, Robinson defied Fabregas at the far post. It had been a mad first half and frankly a defender's nightmare.

Often this sort of game calms down after the break - this one did not.

Blackburn claimed a penalty in the opening minutes when Dunn danced through and fell under a challenge from Vermaelen.

In the 49th minute, Arsenal half-cleared a free-kick and Martin Olsson, up from left back, crashed a volley towards the top right-hand corner of the net. Mannone leapt to his left to beat the ball away.

It would have been the highlight of many a game - but it was well down the pecking order in this one.

Van Persie nearly scrambled home a goal from close-range then, Fabregas, who had done everything but score this afternoon, managed to register himself.

The captain's attempted pass came back to him so he looked up, saw an opportunity and then grabbed it. From just outside the area, he lifted a shot over the Blackburn defence and past the statuesque Robinson.

Finally Arsenal had breathing space. Rosicky rocketed a shot past the angle of post and bar then, after Walcott had come on, Abou Diaby scuttled an effort beyond the far post.

In-between those chances Blackburn might have got back into the game when substitute David Hoilett hooked an effort against the post with Mannone beaten.

Blackburn were pushing forward and, perversely, it helped Arsenal get their fifth in the 75th minute. Clichy won the ball on his own byline and Fabregas stabbed the ball to Arshavin on the left. The Russian ran half the length of the pitch before returning the favour to his captain. Fabregas swept the ball on to Walcott, who buried a low cross-shot.

With Blackburn finally beaten, Wenger took off Fabregas and Arshavin. But the chances still came.

One of the replacements, Bendtner, had a point-blank effort blocked by Robinson. Then Walcott prodded a shot past the keeper but Chimbonda roared back to boot the ball off the line.

In the 89th minute, Bendtner arrowed home an effort from outside the area. It was only the Dane's second goal of the season and his celebration suggested it meant a lot.

This was a pretty much perfect day for Arsenal with players coming back from injury and others registering important goals.

It was also a significant mental test for Wenger's men and they passed with flying colours.

Everything that happened today augurs well for the season to come.

Quelle: arsenal.com

'We scored six and their keeper was great'



On Cesc Fabregas' performance...
"I felt he had already given a good performance on Tuesday night too. He started a little less sharp physically but in the last two or three games he has become stronger and stronger. We know that in every game he creates chances. What is important for him - what he misses - is to score goals and today he scored as well so that's a relief for him certainly. I have seen him play a few good games. When we go forward as a whole team we always look like we could score and when you look he is always in the middle of it, at the start or at the end. A team goes always naturally through its strong points, the way of the game. So it goes, therefore, through Fabregas."

On people who say Cesc wants to leave...
"The best answer is to play well on the football pitch and to show that you are happy to be where you are. The best way to show that you are happy is to be happy to play football with your partners. And with this team there is something in the side that is light-hearted and enjoyable to watch. Why? Because you feel they enjoy what they do and they enjoy to play together. That is, for me, the most important thing."

On Thierry Henry watching from the stands...
"Thierry inspired today our goalscoring because they wanted certainly to show Thierry they can score goals and they are good followers of him. It is good to see him back here although I believe he belongs more to Highbury than to Emirates because certainly, coming back to Highbury, would have more memories than here but we are happy to have him with us. He would have scored today certainly."

On the fifth goal...
"It was a fantastic goal. When we are confident we have a flow that looks like the goals could come at any moment from anywhere. There are some strengths coming out of this team and we have to add some discipline defensively because we struggled a little bit defensively today. We looked always like we know we will score goals."

On being strong going forward and in defence...
"It's difficult to have so many people going forward and to have everybody straight away defending well. It's a consequence of our philosophy a little bit."

On the Premier League table...
"We are in a strong position. Despite the fact that we have lost two games, if you look at the away games we had they are in places where other teams can drop points. We have four away games to Manchester [United and City], Everton and Fulham. We got six points but we had the impression we should have won the two games in Manchester and that made out resolve even stronger."

On the number of shots on target Arsenal had...
"Today we scored six and their keeper had a great game."

On Manchester United's picking up late points...
"I think that it's not only a look at Man United because we have also Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City maybe."

Quelle: arsenal.com

'Lack of trophies not linked to Vieira sale'



Arsène Wenger has described former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira as an "amazing" player but he insists that the midfielder's departure in 2005 is not responsible for the Gunners' recent lack of silverware.

Vieira was Wenger's first major signing as Arsenal boss in 1996 and the powerful midfielder eventually spent nine years at the Club, winning 11 trophies and captaining the team to an unbeaten title season in 2003/04.

The final kick of Vieira's Arsenal career secured the 2005 FA Cup after a penalty shoot-out against Manchester United but the Gunners have not lifted a trophy since the Frenchman left for Juventus.

Some might suggest that there is a connection between Vieira's absence and Arsenal's trophy drought but Wenger disagrees.

"Patrick was an amazing, fantastic player," said Wenger, speaking last week. "But I believe we were very close to winning [silverware] since [he left].

"But of course, if you don't win people will say 'you did not win'. But people forget that in 2006 we played a Champions League Final with 10 men and nearly won it.

"He [Vieira] is perfect for every [style of] football," added Wenger. "But he will not play forever and I believe we have created a young team and to win with a young team is very difficult.

"We are at a stage where people want us to win trophies, and we know that."

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Saturday, October 17, 2009, 15:00



* Van Persie 16,
* Diaby 18,
* Arshavin 85

* Bowyer 38

Until today, Arsenal had been running like a well-oiled machine at home in the Premier League. They had registered three straight wins, scoring 14 goals; it was the backbone of their early season optimism.

This afternoon, they rattled up win No 4, however the only lubricant was elbow grease.

The Arsenal engine was purring perfectly early on. After 16 minutes, Robin van Persie celebrated the birth of his daughter this week with his fifth goal of the season. Then Abou Diaby grabbed another almost immediately.

However Lee Bowyer plundered a goal seven minutes before the break despite Arsenal claiming a foul on Vito Mannone in the build-up.

After that, the home side remained in the ascendency but they had to thank the Italian for a crucial save late on and could only breathe easily after Andrey Arshavin curled home a low shot from the edge of the area with five minutes remaining.

Still, it seems Arsenal are doing something seriously right at home at the moment. It takes all sorts of games to make a season and all sorts of victories to win a title.

This was more graft than craft but they still banked three points and that will do for today.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in Wenger’s line-up was the change he did not make. Manuel Almunia had fully recovered from his chest infection but Mannone, the 21-year-old rookie who had been outstanding in recent weeks, kept his place in goal.

Kieran Gibbs replaced Gael Clichy (ankle), Emmanuel Eboue replaced Bacary Sagna and Theo Walcott, making his first start of the season, replaced Arshavin. Otherwise Arsenal were fielding the same side that had hammered Blackburn 6-2 on this ground a fortnight earlier.

Birmingham came here with the optimism of a new owner but, at the same time, were burdened with injuries. They had not won at Arsenal in over 50 years and it seemed early on that their poor run would continue.

This season at Emirates, Wenger’s side had been registering nothing but free-scoring wins and the first 38 minutes only suggested more of the same.

In the opening stages, Cesc Fabregas clipped a long pass forward towards Van Persie. Roger Johnson intervened but only succeeded in nodding the ball invitingly into the path of the onrushing Rosicky, who made a hash of his attempted volley.

Shortly afterwards, Liam Ridgewell clattered Walcott in midfield causing the England midfielder to require treatment. He came back on and, with his first touch, tricked the same defender, sprinted up the right wing and forced Joe Hart to tip over the bar with rasping, angled drive.

In between those efforts, Rosicky miscued from close range after Van Persie had headed the ball back into his path. A doppelganger of his opening chance.

Arsenal were starting to pin back Birmingham so the opening goal came as no surprise. In the 16th minute, Song prodded a ball into the left-hand channel, Van Persie dug it out from beneath his own feet before firing home his fourth goal in his last four games.

A couple of minutes later it was 2-0. An irresistible move ended with Rosicky cutting the ball back across the area from the right-hand side. It was too far behind Van Persie and too far in front of Walcott however Diaby collected then stroked home the second.

Birmingham were offering nothing in attack. The only chance of note had come on the half-hour when Mannone batted away a regulation free-kick from Seb Larsson.

However, that would change seven minutes before the break.

They worked a corner to Barry Ferguson, whose cross was nodded high into his own area by Abou Diaby. Larsson’s presence forced Mannone to spill his attempted catch and, with Arsenal awaiting the referee’s whistle, Bowyer hooked home from close range at the far post.

Just before the goal, Walcott had made way for Arshavin. The Englishman was clearly feeling the effects of that early challenge.

The substitute forced a fine low save from Hart at the near post as Arsenal tried to recoup their two-goal advantage. Seven minutes after the restart Arshavin swivelled a shot wide from six yards when he should have scored.

The opportunity helped Arsenal regain their composure because the opening stages of the second half had belonged to Birmingham. Though the most they made of it was mild consternation in the home penalty area.

And before long, Arsenal would do much more than that at the other end. On the hour, referee Lee Probert penalised Hart for picking up a backpass after Larsson had intercepted a Cesc Fabregas cross. After much deliberation, Van Persie grazed the bar with the free-kick.

After that, both sides went into their shells a little. Both had a position in the game they wanted to exploit, not let slip. Arsenal were still the superior but Birmingham were showing their stomach for the fight.

The home side came closest to putting the game to bed. Hart saved from Thomas Vermaelen’s header at the far post and Van Persie whipped a free-kick just wide.

However, Birmingham were having their moments. The most nerve-jangling, from a Arsenal perspective at least, came soon afterwards when Mannone made a terrific save from Ridgewell’s cross.

Five minutes from time, the game was finally safe. Fabregas led the breakaway and Arshavin teased his marker before steering home a low drive just inside the far post.

Hart made an excellent save from Diaby at the death but Arsenal already had everything they wanted.

This was a fortifying win in many, many ways.

Wenger - Mannone mistake didn’t affect him



Arsène Wenger accepts Vito Mannone could have done more to prevent Birmingham City's goal on Saturday but was impressed with how the Italian was able to overcome the mistake mentally.

With Arsenal 2-0 up in the game, Mannone attempted to catch a Barry Ferguson cross that had looped up off Abou Diaby's head.

The keeper spilt the ball under pressure from Sebastian Larsson and Lee Bowyer pounced to give Alex McLeish's side a lifeline seven minutes before half time.

Speaking after the 3-1 victory, Wenger acknowledged there was no foul in the build-up to the goal but refused to put the error down to Mannone's inexperience.

"He's a young goalkeeper," said the Arsenal manager. "You have to accept that no matter the age of a goalkeeper that can happen.

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

However, Wenger was pleased with how the 21-year-old reacted after conceding the goal.

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

Quelle: arsenal.com

Wenger - Six or seven sides can win the title



Arsène Wenger believes there are “six or seven” contenders for the Premier League title at the moment.

The Frenchman saw his side move into the top four at the weekend with a 3-1 win over Birmingham while two other members of the ‘Big Four’, Liverpool and Chelsea, were defeated.

With Sunderland and Tottenham joining the expected title challenge of Man City and Aston Villa, the Arsenal manager believes the English top flight is wide open right now.

“What is interesting in the League is it is much tighter than everybody predicted before the season,” said Wenger. “There are six or seven teams that have a chance at the moment.

"So we have all to be happy, take that potential in an intelligent way and think that when we are cruising we have to keep focussed and not lose it.

“Chelsea have lost against difficult but not unbeatable teams. For a while everybody thought Chelsea would be out of reach but that was certainly not the case this weekend and that gives everybody a possibility.

“Sometimes the fixtures [make a difference] as well. We were lucky to play at home this weekend but Liverpool played away. It’s difficult away from home. After the last international break we lost at Manchester City. If you look the two teams that lost at the weekend, Chelsea and Liverpool, played away.”

Quelle: arsenal.com

Clichy returns but Walcott, Rosicky ruled out


Gael Clichy is back for Arsenal's Champions League trip to Holland - but Theo Walcott has been ruled out.

The England international limped off during the first half of Saturday's 3-1 win over Birmingham after a heavy challenge from Liam Ridgewell and he has not recovered in time to face AZ Alkmaar.

Tomas Rosicky will also miss the Group H clash on Tuesday night while Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson, Eduardo, Lukasz Fabianski and Johan Djourou are still out.

Full details to follow.

Arsenal squad to face AZ Alkmaar:
Vito Mannone
Manuel Almunia
Carlos Vela
Robin van Persie
William Gallas
Bacary Sagna
Kieran Gibbs
Thomas Vermaelen
Mikael Silvestre
Gael Clichy
Andrey Arshavin
Fran Merida
Jack Wilshere
Aaron Ramsey
Cesc Fabregas
Emmanuel Eboue
Abou Diaby
Alex Song

Quelle: arsenal.com

AZ Alkmaar v Arsenal

UEFA Champions League, DSB Stadion

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 19:45

Arsenal's encouraging season owes a small debt to AZ Alkmaar manager Ronald Koeman.

Arsène Wenger takes his side to the DS Stadium tonight intent on a victory that would all but assure the visitors’ passage to the Knockout Round and all but prevent the hosts doing likewise.

Early qualification for the final 32 would serve to re-affirm the feeling that Arsenal are a stronger, meaner and more ruthless unit this season. And no-one personifies that change better than Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgian centre back was the only major addition to Wenger’s squad over the summer and has shown his quality in both the prevention and execution of goals this season.

However it was Koeman who first gave him his chance.

During his spell in charge at Ajax, the manager handed Vermaelen, then 19, his debut at Volendam on February 15, 2004. It is safe to say he has repaid that faith.

Despite setting records for early-season goal-scoring, Wenger is well aware that the defence is the difference this season. William Gallas has played a major part of course but Vermaelen’s contribution has been as big as it has been unexpected.

“If we score goals, it is because we have the ball,” said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Monday. “To have the ball, you need to defend.”

He went on: “The defence has done well because of the talent of Thomas Vermaelen, and also because Gallas prefers to play on the right. He hates to play on the left so it was welcome for Gallas to change position a bit.

“When results are good it is easier as well but you have to give a lot of credit to Vermaelen. He did not need an adaptation period. He just played.”

“Just playing” has seen Arsenal chalk up seven straight wins since those two defeats in Manchester and a group that, on paper, seemed straightforward is proving the same in reality.

Of course AZ are Dutch champions but they are down in sixth place in the Eredivise and owner Dirk Scheringa saw his DSB bank seized by the Dutch central bank on Monday because of a reported liquidity crisis. Those problems will not affect the team financially but Wenger argues it may alter the team in other ways.

“It is very difficult to predict what kind of affect it will have on the players,” he said. “It certainly will have an influence but it can be positive and negative. However in general, for the club as a whole, it is a big blow.

“Traditionally, they were in the shadow of Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord and suddenly they have grown as a club and dominated Dutch football. Now this period could be much more difficult. In the present it may not change a lot but in the future certainly it will change [things].

“Still in a big game like this, it will not influence the players at all. A Champions League game is in your head above anything else in your life.”

Gael Clichy is back in the squad after missing the win over Birmingham at the weekend because of an ankle injury. Theo Walcott will be out for three to four weeks after damaging knee ligaments in that game. Tomas Rosicky (knee) has also not travelled while Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Eduardo (thigh) are not yet ready to return.

Arsenal opened the DS Stadium back in August, 2006 with a 3-0 win in a pre-season friendly. However on their current ground and their previous stadium, the Alkmaarderhout, AZ have amassed an impressive record of just one defeat in 34 European matches.

A second one would give Arsenal nine points with three games left in Group H. Ten points is normally the target total and even Wenger, cautious and respectful as he is, said that “one win and we are 99 per cent there”. But at the end of his press conference on Monday, he was slightly more cautious.

“When you saw the draw, we were favourites,” he concluded. “But that does not mean you win the games. You saw that in Liege.

“Still the Champions League is about taking your chance when you get it. AZ have a little more balance than Liege. In general Dutch sides have more control of the ball.

“But you never beat a Dutch team easily in the Champions League. Away from home it is also always difficult however I am sure we can do that on Tuesday.”

AZ 1-1 Arsenal

UEFA Champions League, DSB Stadion

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 19:45

* Mendes da Silva 93

* Fabregas 36

An equaliser deep into injury time denied Arsenal all three points at AZ Alkmaar on Tuesday night but Arsène Wenger’s side still have control of Champions League Group H.

The visitors seemed in charge for much of this evening’s game. There was no sympathy for an AZ who had been stricken with financial problems in recent days.

Arsenal simply soaked up the passion exhibited by the home team and home crowd before exploiting the first real opening that came their way.

That came nine minutes before half-time when Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie set up Cesc Fabregas to slot home at the far post.

AZ kept battling but Arsenal seemed to have seen them off until the third minute of injury time when David Mendes da Silva volleyed home into the top corner after a ‘Hail Mary” free-kick was nodded down into his path.

It was a deep disappointment and ended Arsenal’s run of seven straight wins. They now only lead Group H by one point when, a couple of minutes earlier they seemed set to go five clear.

Still, despite what happened here, Wenger’s men are still heavy favourites to stay on top for the final three fixtures.

There were three changes from the side that had barged past Birmingham on Saturday. Having recovered from his ankle injury, Gael Clichy replaced Kieran Gibbs at left back.

Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky had both picked up knee problems in that game so Arshavin and Bacary Sagna came in with Emmanuel Eboue moving on to the right side of midfield to accommodate the French full back.

Yet again, Vito Mannone retained his place in goal while Manuel Almunia was on the bench.

A booming bassline from the PA did a great job of rousing the crowd before kick-off but, in truth, these are tough times for the Dutch champions. They had removed the logo of their sponsors, DSB Bank, for this game after they were declared bankrupt. It had been reported that founder Dirk Scheringa was going follow suit with DSB Beheer NV, the holding company which owns AZ. If that happened it was anticipated that the club could be put up for sale.

Banners proclaiming “We’ll never surrender”, “AZ forever”, “Resistance” and “Even without money Dirk is our hero” lined this compact, atmospheric stadium. If ever a set of supporters could win points for spirit, this was it.

However, on the pitch, it was much tougher. AZ were sixth in the Eredivisie and bottom of Group H. They needed an injection of points and money. The determination, it seemed, could look after itself.

The situation drove AZ forward in the opening stages. But, despite the roars of the crowd for even the most aimless ball forward, they produced nothing.

Arsenal had the strut of a side that had won its last seven games and were prepared to wait for their opportunity. One knocked in the eighth minute.

A flowing move saw Abou Diaby escape down the left and cross to the far post. Van Persie collected and slipped inside his marker to give himself time. In the end he may have had too much. When he eventually got his shot away it was straight at Sergio Romero and the keeper held on.

Until the 25th minute, AZ were smoke without fire. The first effort worthy of the name came when Mendes da Silva fed Mounir El Hamdaoui in the right-hand channel and the Moroccan striker fizzed a shot just over the bar.

However, almost immediately, Eboue stole the ball on the right and curled a cross to Arshavin at the far post. Typically he tried something ambitious and lifted his shot over the keeper towards the far corner from the acutest of angles. He so nearly pulled it off but the shot drifted on to the roof of the net.

The little Russian was at his impish best tonight and, almost inevitably, he created the opening goal. In the 36th minute, right back Niklas Moisander allowed a regulation square pass to bobble away from him midway inside the AZ half. Arshavin thieved the ball and released Van Persie, whose pass across the face of goal was tapped home at the far post by Fabregas.

The goal quietened the AZ crowd for the first time this evening. Van Persie nearly added another just before the interval when his vicious left-foot shot was deflected over the bar off the fists of keeper Romero.

The Dutchman seemed determined to punish his countrymen tonight. Nine minutes after half-time, Eboue won a free-kick 25 yards out and Van Persie’s left-footed curler brought a full-length save from Romero.

However, just when you thought AZ’s challenge was about to fade, they rallied. Clichy was booked for hauling down El Hamdaoui and then in the 71st minute an under-pressure Diaby nodded onto his own bar from a corner.

Yet, as the minutes ticked by, Arsenal re-asserted control once more and substitute Carlos Vela had claims for a penalty six minutes from time when he was brought down by Moussa Dembele.

Arshavin forced the best out of Romero at the death and, though AZ kept going, Arsenal looked to have held them at bay.

But then, in the 93rd minute, Arshavin fouled Moreno deep inside the AZ half. Stijn Schaars leathered the free-kick forward, Graziano Pelle nodded down and Mendes da Silva lashed home the volley.

This was a draw that felt like a defeat but fortunately it should not affect their chances of making the Knockout Stages.

Quelle: arsenal.com