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Alex Song signs new long-term contract



As confirmed on Tuesday night in Arsène Wenger’s post-match press conference, Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Alex Song has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.

Song (22), who joined Arsenal from French side Bastia in July 2006, is now a first team regular in the heart of the Club’s midfield, after enjoying his most productive and eye-catching season last campaign – playing 48 times in all competitions during 2008/09.

Alex (full name Alexandre Song Billong), who has also played often at centre-half for the Club, has now made a total of 96 appearances for Arsenal. Song is also an established Cameroon International, making a total of 15 appearances for his country, helping them qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, and next summer’s World Cup.

Song was named in the Africa Cup of Nations All Star Squad in 2008, when he helped Cameroon to the tournament’s final. He was also Arsenal’s only player at the 2008 Beijing Olympics Football Tournament.

Alex joins Eduardo and Sanchez Watt, who have both also signed long-term contract extensions with the Club in the past week.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is looking forward to Alex’s continued contribution in the forthcoming years.

arsemal.com

Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Sunday, November 29, 2009, 16:00



* Drogba 41, 86,
* Vermaelen 45 (og)


Arsenal now have it all to do in the title race.

Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at Emirates Stadium leaves Arsène Wenger’s side 11 points adrift of the Premier League leaders.

It is still only November of course and Arsenal have a game in hand but they have to claw back ground quickly if they are to stay in touch with top two.

This game was an indication of the task they face. The home side had the majority of possession and were on the foot front for most of the 90 minutes but they were picked off twice just before half-time and then finished off just before full-time. It was a lesson in taking your chances.

The first two goals were provided from the left by Ashley Cole. In the 41st minute, his cross was turned home expertly by Didier Drogba. On the whistle, Thomas Vermaelen miscued an attempted clearance into his own net.

Arsenal tried their best to respond in the second half but any lingering hopes were extinguished four minutes from time when Drogba thumped home a free-kick.

It was a sobering afternoon for Wenger’s side, who now drop to fourth. Key injuries had undoubtedly hampered them but Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League crown will now be long and difficult.

At the moment, their hopes of silverware appear to lie elsewhere.

Rain had hammered down in North London all day. It seemed that the Gods were doing their best to dampen the atmosphere for this utterly crucial game.

They need not have bothered.

The feverish press room flurry that met the publication of the team-sheets was as good an indication of this game’s importance as anyone might need. Defeat for either side would peg back their respective title ambitions while a draw would let in Manchester United.

Both managers had key players with injury doubts but, in the end, they all played. The swelling on William Gallas’ eye had gone down sufficiently for him to start. Wenger also recalled Armand Traore at left back – his problem position – and Bacary Sagna on the opposite flank. Eduardo returned to spearhead the attack. As a result, Emmanuel Eboue and Carlos Vela dropped to the bench while the injured Kieran Gibbs was, of course, sidelined.

For their part Chelsea welcomed back Frank Lampard to their midfield following a thigh injury. With Drogba having returned in midweek, the Stamford Bridge outfit were at the peak of their considerable powers.

As Wenger had said in his pre-match press conference, this was the acid test for Arsenal.

The ever-confident Frenchman had also stated that “this was the time” for his side. And in the early stages, they proved him right.

The opening quarter of an hour belonged to Arsenal. Cesc Fabregas had a shot blocked and Eduardo nearly wriggled through the centre of the Chelsea defence only to have the ball pinched from his toes.

Although opportunities were rare, the home side were having all the possession and territory. But, in fact, the visitors would carve out the first real chance of the game – and it had a whiff of controversy.

Nicolas Anelka chased Lampard’s ball down the left-hand channel and went momentarily clear inside the area. Sagna was in close pursuit and the full back’s right arm appeared to knock his compatriot off his stride. The tumbling Anelka slipped over as he miscued his effort at Almunia then Lampard’s follow up went wide. Referee Andre Marriner waved play on and the majority of Emirates Stadium breathed a sigh of relief.

The opportunity seemed to pull Chelsea from their shell. Midway through the first half, Drogba nodded straight at Almunia when he should have done better and five minutes before the break he headed over.

Arsenal still had an ample amount of the ball but they were creating only quarter-chances - little that would trouble Petr Cech.

Chelsea would make them pay.

Twice.

In the 41st minute, John Terry slipped a pass down the left-hand channel to Ashley Cole. The former Arsenal full back was allowed to put the ball on his favoured left foot and, when he whipped in a low cross, Drogba steered home a shot at the near post. The ball juddered between the angle of post and bar before deciding to go in, nonetheless it was ruthless football.

You could argue that Arsenal did not deserve to be behind. But they definitely did not merit the second goal on the stroke of half-time. Again Ashley Cole was the supplier but this time his low cross hit the knee of Vermaelen and went in the top corner off the woodwork once again.

Arsenal had to find a response and, at the break, Wenger did his best to provide it.

He withdrew Alex Song for Theo Walcott. The Englishman slotted in on the left-hand side pushing Nasri just behind Eduardo.

It made a difference.

Again Arsenal pegged back Chelsea in the early stages. They did get the ball into the net but by the time Arshavin had slammed home the referee has long since blown for a foul by Eduardo on Cech.

It was the Croatian’s last meaningful act. The 26-year-old was replaced by Vela.

By now, Arsenal were pressing and persistent. However they just could not penetrate the meanest defence in the Premier League. In the first half, Chelsea had sat back, soaked up Arsenal’s pressure and then picked their pocket.

They so nearly stole a third goal just before the hour. Drogba tried his luck from the left of the area and the ball hit Gallas then Lampard before trickling to the right of the wrong-footed Almunia. The keeper recovered to make a brilliant save.

In the 66th minute, Wenger threw on Tomas Rosicky, his last substitute, in place of Nasri. Still Arsenal had the play but Chelsea had the chances. Five minutes later, Drogba shrugged off Traore before whipping a cross that was just over Anelka’s head.

As the game neared its conclusion, Arsenal's challenge faded. Drogba had been Arsenal's main agitator this afternoon and, just to prove the point, with four minutes to go Fabregas brought down Michael Essien and the Ivorian rifled the free-kick beyond Almunia.

Having lost their top-scorer to a long-term injury on Saturday, Arsenal lost to one of their biggest title rivals the next day.

It has been a tough, tough weekend at Emirates Stadium.

arsenal.com

'Score was an unfair reflection of the game'


On the score as a reflection of the game…

“The score is a very unfair reflection of the game, but it is the score and we cannot change it now. I believe that Chelsea had absolutely everything for them today and we can only deal with that now and respond in our next game. Because first shot on goal, they scored. Second cross, they score. And after it was difficult. After, it was a turning point by the referee that I personally believe is not a serious decision. Very unfair. How can he see Eduardo kicking Cech when it was a Chelsea player who stops him from controlling the ball? The 2-1 was a very important goal in this kind of game, and that was a big mistake by the referee.”

On the opinions of the TV specialists…

“I am used to definite conclusions from people who see the score and have great knowledge. But I believe, let people talk and let’s play tomorrow and go back to training and practice. And that’s always what you get in an excessive world. I personally believe from what I’ve seen, that was not the case. I never had the impression that we could not win this game we were quite on top for a lot of the game.”

On Chelsea’s physical strength…

“They are strong players, yes, physically strong players. But that is an impression as well. When a team is 2-0 up and just defending their half and play is on the break, it’s too easy to have that impression. I don’t share that point of view. I think they lost many balls today, where we couldn’t take advantage and made many technical mistakes where we couldn’t take advantage, and that has nothing to do with the physical impact of the game.”

On Chelsea’s title chances…

“I believe at the moment they are in a very strong position, but this team, for me, they can drop points. I’m convinced of that. That’s an impression I have.”

On Chelsea’s 11-point lead over Arsenal…

“Yeah, we are 11 points behind Chelsea. At the moment our title chase has gotten a big blow. Before we speak about ‘title’, we have to win games and you could see that the damage done at Sunderland was deeper, confidence-wise, than it should have been.”

On his impressions of how Arsenal played…

“If you come on Tuesday, I will give you an analysis of the game, physically, technically, and you will be surprised. But I cannot stop you from having your own conclusions. Because when Drogba pushes one away or Ivanovic makes three fouls and pushes people away against Villa, he looks much stronger. But you would be surprised if you see the final analysis of the game, they have an advantage in the impact, but that didn’t make them win the game today. In the play today, you will see them 60 percent behind the ball, and that has nothing to do with physical impact.”

On the potential penalty for Carlos Vela…

“I don’t know. On the penalty I think it was at least a foul on the edge of the box. If he gives a foul to Drogba when he scored, he cannot say it was not a foul on Vela. I just think that on the goal, he made a massive mistake, because you cannot say that one of our players kicked the ball out the hands of Cech. That means he has seen it, or he has not seen it. He can’t be wrong on the foul, but you cannot say to me that he saw Eduardo kicking the ball out of Cech when it’s not true. You see in the replay that Eduardo doesn’t even intervene. [The referee said] dangerous play, Eduardo kicked the ball out of Cech’s hand. ”

On the referee’s match experience…

“I do not want to talk too much about the referee. I think we make mistakes, and I just think the referee got the turning point of a game wrong. When you start a game in the second half and you are 2-1 instead of 2-0, it’s psychologically different. And he got that decision wrong. That does not mean that we don’t need to look at ourselves and ask why we conceded the goals.”

On possibly buying players in January…

“I believe I would rather have all of our players back. I am not in a mood tonight to say straight away after the game that I would buy players. We have to deal with the disappointment, and respond to that massive disappointment we had today and try to win our next game. It’s as simple as that.”

On Didier Drogba’s performances against Arsenal…

“He’s a good player. It’s funny because he doesn’t do a lot, but he’s efficient in what he does. You would be surprised by the number of balls he touched today. Jimmy Greaves was a great player, you still remember him. And Drogba is a great player, nobody can deny that. He’s very efficient. I think as well, at the moment he’s in a period where he kicks the ball and it goes in because you cannot tell me he wanted to kick the ball where he kicked the ball on the cross. He’s a good free-kick taker, but on the first goal, at the moment he has complete confidence and he doesn’t wonder ‘will I score or not?’. He just goes for it and he did very well. It’s a great goal, the first one, but it’s a goal of a striker in complete confidence.”

On Chelsea taking three points at Emirates Stadium…

“I feel today that the initiative they had to go home with 3-0… it’s well paid.”

On the idea that the title race is over…

“I do not think it’s over. I think we are fighters and we have to show that in the next game. The problem we have at the moment that we face is that people will not believe in us, so we have to make sure that lack of belief does not diminish our belief. And that’s where we have to be mentally stronger than we were until now. Because until now, we had some credit that we earned at the start of the season from the specialists, and then we a lose a game. And now it will be harder.”

arsenal.com

Fixture changes - Liverpool (h), Chelsea (a)



The Club have today received confirmation from the Premier League that the following games involving Arsenal have been rescheduled as a result of TV selections:

Chelsea v Arsenal
Sunday 7th February 2010
4.00pm
SKY TV


Arsenal v Liverpool
Wednesday 10th February 2010
7.45pm
SKY TV

Nasri - I feel great being at this Club



Samir Nasri reached a small but significant milestone on Sunday.

The French international made his 50th appearance for Arsenal in that disappointing defeat against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium and, according to the man himself, he is just getting started.

Still only 22, the midfielder made a belated entrance this season after breaking his leg on the opening morning of the training camp in Austria in July. But Nasri is finally into his stride and, having chalked up 50 appearances in a little over a year in English football, he has set his sights on a triple century and more.

"I'm very happy, I'm delighted to be here and to have played so many games," Nasri told Arsenal TV Online.

"It's really important for me as I hope to do as much as possible, get to 300 or 400 games and something which makes me very happy. I feel great being at this Club, in this city and I want to keep going and going and going."

While Nasri was recuperating from his broken leg, Arsène Wenger was moulding his first-team players into a 4-3-3 formation. The switch in tactics seems to suit the versatile Nasri perfectly - you can envisage him doing a job anywhere across the midfield or in a more advanced wide role. And the 22-year-old believes the new approach has served Arsenal well.

"I think that the 4-3-3 has worked because of the quality here," he said.

"It enables not just me but everyone to express themselves. I think that at the end of last season we adopted this style against Chelsea and some of the others, but it suits me as I can play on the left, on the right or in the middle and is something I'm well suited to.

"I don't mind where I play, I don't mind. On the right I can go forward more. I played in the middle at Marseille and I enjoy playing in the middle, but I'm not bothered as I'll play anywhere for the team.

"Yes [I like the defensive midfield role] but I think I'll leave the more defensive role to those who enjoy defending. I'm capable of carrying it out, but I think that Denilson can do a job there as well as Alex Song."

Wenger turns to youth for Man City tie



Arsène Wenger will keep faith with his tried and tested Carling Cup formula for the Quarter-Final at Manchester City on Wednesday night.

Traditionally in this competition, the Frenchman has fielded the cream of his up-and-coming talent plus a dash of experience.

So far this season, you could argue that Wenger has been able to put out slightly older teams than usual in the Carling Cup but, with injuries biting, the Arsenal manager is sticking with youth for the game at the City of Manchester Stadium.

“It will be a team that has a chance to win,” he told Arsenal TV Online on Tuesday. “But as well, I want to give a fair chance to those [young] players who have waited for this game.

“I believe we have a good mixture of experienced players and young players but we will play young players that is for sure. It will be a typical Carling Cup side. For example, you will see players like Craig Eastmond and Jack Wilshere.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal picked up one injury from the side beaten 3-0 by Chelsea. However that should not affect the squad for Saturday’s clash with Stoke City.

“From Sunday we lost Sagna,” he revealed. “It is an ankle problem but he should be OK for Saturday.”

Arsenal.com will publish the full squad for the Manchester City game on Wednesday morning.

arsenal.com

‘We didn't get truth about Van Persie'



Arsène Wenger has accused the Dutch Football Federation of not telling him the truth about Robin Van Persie's ankle injury.

The striker was initially advised he would be out for six weeks but much more extensive damage was found and Van Persie required surgery to reconstruct his ankle ligaments.

The 26-year-old is now expected to be out for between four and five months.

The news was a huge blow to Van Persie, who had scored eight goals in 15 appearances while spearheading the Gunners' attack before his injury.

The Dutch FA's initial six-week diagnosis has infuriated Wenger, who believes he was not told the truth about the injury.

"I think we have not been told the truth by the Dutch Football Federation which is a real regret," said Wenger.

Before learning the extent of the damage, Van Persie visited a doctor in Serbia who tried to cure the problem by administering placenta to his ankle. Wenger says that would never have happened had the Dutchman known how bad the injury was.

"I think as well if they had not made a mistake in his diagnosis he would not have gone to Serbia to get that kind of treatment.

"If we had found out the damage of his ankle he would never have been cured anyway."

arsenal.com

'Change rules over injured internationals'



Arsène Wenger has called for an overhaul in the rules that govern how injured players are treated during international breaks.

The Arsenal manager has a long record of losing players to injuries while they have been on duty for their countries but the recent round of international fixtures was especially harsh on the Frenchman.

Robin Van Persie will be out for up to five months after suffering ankle ligament damage during Holland's friendly against Italy while Abou Diaby returned to England with a calf injury despite playing no part in France's World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland. The midfielder is still not back in full training.

Wenger acknowledges that injuries are part and parcel of international football but what bothers him is what happens directly after. At present national federations decide whether to keep an injured player with his national squad instead of sending him back to his club and their medical staff.

The Arsenal manager believes that rule has to change for the good of the players and the good of the clubs who pay them.

"We will [take further action], of course," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"We will not accept that situation to go on like that. Our players go away, they are injured, a player like Diaby goes away and is injured and you cannot even get him back because they decided to keep him. It is disrespectful to the clubs. The players come back, they are injured, they are not properly treated, it is not acceptable for the clubs.

"We pay the wages. The players are injured. For political reasons they keep the players in the squad and we have not a say, how can that work? And three days later you have to play a game and you have to win it. They don't care. And you pay the players. Something has to change in there.

"In every other sport it is the club who decides if the player stays in the national team when he is injured. Only in our sport it is the federation who decides to keep the player if they want to keep the player. Why? That means they decide they are in a better situation to treat the player than you. Then they have to pay the player at the end of the month. Then they can decide, that would be logical."

Wenger would like to take action but he admits that there is little he can do while the rules remain as they are.

"You can do nothing because they have the rule in their favour," he said.

"The French Federation decided to keep Diaby for political reasons. They knew from the first day on that he would never play for them but they didn't want to call another player up. So they decided to keep him and make everybody think he would play. The result? He comes back; the next day he tries to have a little run and gets a setback and we have to deal with the consequences."

arsenal.com

Wenger - We'll be active in transfer window



Arsène Wenger will definitely be on the hunt for players in the transfer market during January.

A few weeks ago, the Arsenal manager said that he was unlikely to spend in the window because he was happy with this squad. However that was before the long-term injury to Robin Van Persie.

It was confirmed at the weekend that the Dutch striker is now out for four to five months with an ankle problem. Speaking to Arsenal TV Online on Tuesday, Wenger admitted that had changed his thinking.

"It has to," he said. "I didn't feel we were in the need to buy anybody but we will be out on the market that is for sure now. However we will only make a decision if it suits us."

arsenal.com

Arsenal announce 18-man squad for City game



Arsenal Football Club have today announced the following 18-man squad for the Carling Cup Quarter-Final against Manchester City.

Tomas Rosicky
Carlos Vela
Aaron Ramsey
Alex Song
Mikael Silvestre
Jack Wilshere
Lukasz Fabianski (GK)
Vito Mannone (GK)
Emmanuel Eboue
Armand Traore
Fran Merida
Kyle Bartley
Francis Coquelin
Craig Eastmond
Emmanuel Frimpong
Kerrea Gilbert
Mark Randall
Sanchez Watt

Eboue out for Sunday's trip to Anfield



Arsenal will be without Emmanuel Eboue for the trip to Liverpool on Sunday but Arsène Wenger hopes to welcome back Eduardo and Abou Diaby for the Anfield clash.

Eboue is the second confirmed casualty from the 2-0 victory over Stoke last weekend. The Ivorian picked up a hamstring problem while Tomas Rosicky has already been ruled out a few weeks with a groin injury.

Speaking exclusively to TV Online on Thursday afternoon, Arsène Wenger added that William Gallas, Armand Traore, Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin all suffered "knocks and bruises" but were expected to recover.

"We have problems with many players," he said. "If you look at the players who started the game Stoke certainly Eboue and Rosicky will miss this game. Everybody else should make it.

"There are little knocks and bruises here and there. Who could come back? Eduardo and Diaby maybe could make the squad. That is the news we have at the moment.

"Gallas, Traore are still doubts but I think they will make it. Fabregas has a back problem and Arshavin has got a bruised foot too but I think they will make it too."

However, Wenger has ruled out Nicklas Bendtner until 2010. The Dane has been sidelined with a groin problem since the Tottenham game on October 31 and had been close a return.

"Let's say the New Year [for him]," said the Frenchman. "It is quite disappointing because he looked quite sharp and he was short from coming back into the squad."



Was für eine Verletztenliste!

Walcott - I will play my heart out at Anfield



Theo Walcott believes Anfield will be the perfect stage to ignite his season.

The Arsenal forward has barely featured this term thanks to a back injury, knee ligament damage and then a tweak to his hamstring. However he made his second start of the season and completed a full 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat at Olympiacos on Wednesday night.

That leaves Walcott in contention for a place in the team to face Liverpool and the 20-year-old has fond memories of Anfield after his stunning run and assist in last year's Champions League Quarter-Final. Walcott would love the chance to do more damage on Sunday and bolster Arsenal's title bid.

"Hopefully if I get a start I will play my heart out," said Walcott.

"I was a Liverpool fan when I was younger and I have always played very well there. It always brings back happy memories, so if I am called on from the bench hopefully I'll do a job.

"There are a few teams involved in the title race and we are definitely one of them. We are strong candidates.

"With Chelsea losing we and other clubs can catch them up now and Liverpool are always in the top four and these are the games we need to win, especially away from home. So we are going to go right at it. All the first-team players have had a good rest, so hopefully they should be right at it."

Walcott was not at his sharpest in Athens and admitted after the game that he needs more time to rediscover his best form after those injuries. But the England international has not let his spell on the sidelines get him down.

"You have just got to keep your head up," said Walcott. "Tomas Rosicky was out for a very long time, and he is out again, but he used to come into the training ground smiling and that is what kept me going.

"The funny thing is the injuries are no fault of my own. It has been very bad luck. I am not an injury-prone player, so hopefully I have a long career ahead of me.

"Lately people may have thought I have been injury-prone but I just need to play more games and the more I play the better I'll get. The goals will come when the performances come."

Walcott - I'll be fit for Liverpool clash


Theo Walcott says he will be fit for Sunday's trip to Liverpool despite receiving a knock to his foot in stoppage time of the defeat to Olympiacos.

The striker has suffered from a string of injury problems this season, restricting him to just two starts and four substitute appearances for the Gunners.

Walcott needed medical treatment at the end of the Champions League match in Athens on Wednesday night but has eased fans' fears ahead of the trip to Merseyside on Sunday.

"I am fine," he said. "I just took a whack and the boots are so thin these days you can feel it.

"I slowed down so I could get some treatment, but I will be fine for the weekend."

The 20-year-old was delighted to play 90 minutes for the first time this season but says he still needs to find his form.

"It was good for me to get a start and blow the cobwebs away and hopefully build up for the weekend," said the England international.

"It has been a long time since I had 90 minutes.

"The main thing was to battle through and be all right for the weekend and hopefully play some part in helping the team get a result.

"[Form] doesn't come back straight away. I think a couple of games and I will be there.

"Fitness-wise I feel fine. It is just getting my touch back. In the final third I don't think it has been right."

Carlos Vela signs new long-term contract

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Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Mexico international striker Carlos Vela has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.

Twenty-year-old Vela made his long-awaited Arsenal debut last season, and burst onto the scene with a fantastic Carling Cup hat-trick against Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium in September 2008.

The Mexican forward signed for Arsenal in January 2007, but then spent the next 18 months on loan in Spain gaining precious first team experience, before coming back to London permanently for the beginning of the 2008/09 season.

Carlos, who has made eight first-team appearances this season, is a regular for Mexico and has already made 19 appearances for his country, scoring six goals during this time.

Vela made his senior debut for Mexico in September 2007, aged just 18, scoring his first senior international goal just one month later. He also played an integral part in Mexico winning the 2005 FIFA Under-17 World Championships, scoring five times to take the Golden Boot, and was also a member of the Mexico squad for the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

The skilful left-footed striker began his career with Deportivo Guadalajara in Mexico, before moving to Celta Vigo in Spain, from where he joined the Gunners. Vela has now made a total of 38 Arsenal first-team appearances, scoring seven goals.

Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We’re delighted that Carlos Vela has signed a new long-term contract with the Club. Carlos is a fantastic talent and we have already seen glimpses of this during his performances.

"Let’s remember, he is still only 20 years-old, so there is still a huge amount to come from this boy. We have invested a lot of time in Carlos, as we put him in Spain for two years to get some good experience. Now he’s back with us, we’re working hard with him every day and he is a very exciting player. We’re looking forward to seeing Carlos score many goals in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come.”

Carlos Vela said: “I’m very happy to sign a new contract and I’m very excited to be spending more years with Arsenal Football Club. I just want to work hard and help this great Club win trophies. I want to stay here for a long time and it’s a great responsibility. I will keep working hard to show the Boss and all the fans why I’m here.”

Vela is the 11th first-team player who has committed his long-term future to Arsenal since the end of last season. Vela, Eduardo, Sanchez Watt, Alex Song, Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson, Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, have all recently signed new long-term extensions with the Club.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is looking forward to Carlos’ continued contribution in the forthcoming years.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal

Barclays Premier League, Anfield

Sunday, December 13, 2009, 16:00



* Kuyt 41

* Johnson 50 (og),
* Arshavin 58


Once again Andrey Arshavin was Liverpool's chief tormentor as Arsenal barged their way back into the thick of the title race with a 2-1 comeback win at Anfield on Sunday.

The little Russian striker scored four times in this fixture last season but it brought the visitors only one point.

This afternoon, Arshavin struck once, albeit it a cracker in to the top corner, to complete a barnstorming Arsenal victory.

Dirk Kuyt had deservedly put the home side in front five minutes before the break after Manuel Almunia had palmed out a free-kick from Fabio Aurelio.

Arsenal's equaliser - an own goal from Glen Johnson - was full of good fortune. But their winner was 100 per cent class.

With Manchester United and Tottenham losing three points at the weekend plus Manchester City and Chelsea letting slip two apiece, this was always going to be a massive chance for Wenger's men.

They are now third, three points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's side with a game in hand.

If Arsenal beat their next five opponents - winnable trips to Burnley and Portsmouth then Hull, Villa and Bolton at home - they can expect to be Chelsea's nearest challengers by January 6.

A fortnight ago, when the Stamford Bridge side won 3-0 at Emirates Stadium, that looked miles away.

But now Arsenal are looking credible title winners. They are six points off Chelsea with that spare fixture in their back pocket.

The race is on again.

Continuing injury problems left Wenger with few options in his team selection before the game. In the end he left his two returning players - Abou Diaby (calf) and Eduardo (thigh) - on the bench.

Arshavin retained his role up front after an impressive display against Stoke last weekend. Alex Song was back from suspension.

Liverpool were at full strength. The only doubt was the level of fitness that Fernando Torres had retained during his six-week absence with a hernia injury. Steven Gerrard, their pivotal player, had returned in midweek against Fiorentina.

Saturday's results had opened up an opportunity for both of these sides and they started like they knew this was a massive moment in their respective seasons.

The early pace was breathtaking, full of snapping challenges and earnest endeavour. However chances were few and, when they did come, they went Liverpool's way.

In the 12th minute, Gerrard broke clear on the right with Torres in space to the left of him. The Englishman's pass was straight to the feet of the Spaniard who had the very definition of a one-on-one with Almunia. The striker seemed certain to score but he sidefooted limply into the arms of his compatriot. You have to a think a less rusty Torres would have put Liverpool in front.

A couple of minutes later, the home side had confident claims for a penalty when Gallas felled Gerrard. However Referee Howard Webb played on.

The Liverpool captain had lost the ball before he went down. That is probably the only thing that saved Arsenal.

Almost immediately Aurelio clipped Sagna on the right and Thomas Vermaelen nodded over from Cesc Fabregas' free-kick.

It would be their best chance of the half. The visitors attacked with ingenuity but would only have sporadic success. Arshavin was closely shackled by Daniel Agger while Aurelio stalked Walcott with a dogged determination.

By the time, the first half had reached halfway, Liverpool were taking control. Almunia was under pressure from a number of free-kicks and corners while Glen Johnson was an increasing influence.

The England right back made his way into the Arsenal area on a number of occasions but the most eye-catching opportunities saw William Gallas make a timely interception then Gerrard had his shot blocked by Song.

Five minutes from half-time, the opening goal arrived. Denilson fouled Gerrard 30 yards out and Aurelio floated in the free-kick. Alumina could only bat the ball out to Kuyt and the Dutchman chested the ball down before threading shot into the net through a crowded area.

At the break, Arsenal might have been feeling a little sorry for themselves but their response was positive.

In the opening stages they sustained pressure for perhaps the first time in the game - and that pressure would tell.

Arshavin nodded wide and then Fabregas fired low at Pepe Reina.

Then, five minutes in, Arsenal got lucky.

Nasri raced onto Fabregas' ball on the right-hand side. His cross deflected off the tumbling Jamie Carragher, hit Johnson and then trickled in.

It was fortunate but Arsenal had grafted for their luck. As the team ran back to their own half, Arshavin spoke to Gallas, Fabregas and Song in the strongest terms. The Russian clearly fancied a comeback.

Eight minutes later, we found out just how much.

Fabregas fed Arshavin on the corner of the area, the Russian tricked an inch of space from his marker Johnson and fired a rocket of a shot high into the net off inside of Reina's right-hand post. It was trademark Arshavin, there was immense power but little backlift. It was as good as any of his four last season - and just as important.

Liverpool responded as you might expect. Pressure and urgency. But there was a suddenly tension in their play and in the stands.

Wenger replaced Walcott with Diaby to stiffen his side in the tackle. It helped Arsenal cope but Liverpool's storm quickly blew itself out.

To be honest, Almunia was a caretaker as much as a goalkeeper in the final stages.

Arsenal held on with relative ease and there were few real alarms. At full time, the visiting fans were in full voice.

Their songs lasted long after the teams had left the pitch.

Their side had offered the right response this afternoon and, just maybe, paved the way for a proper assault on the title in the New Year.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Burnley 1-1 Arsenal

Barclays Premier League, Turf Moor

Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 19:45



* Alexander 28 (pen)

* Fabregas 7

“If you want to win the League we must go to Burnley and win.”

Arsène Wenger’s pre-match words were unequivocal but his players could not follow his orders and lost ground in the title race on Wednesday night.

Cesc Fabregas capitalised on Andre Bikey’s defensive dawdling to fire Arsenal into an early lead and the visitors could have scored two or three more in the opening 15 minutes.

But they didn’t, and Burnley hit back. Just before the half-hour, Thomas Vermaelen clipped Bikey and Graham Alexander’s penalty gave Manuel Almunia no chance.

Vermaelen, Andrey Arshavin and Fabregas all went close in an open encounter but Arsenal lost their captain to injury just before the break and could not find a winner against a spirited Burnley outfit.

A draw at Turf Moor is hardly terminal – the Clarets have only lost once at home this season – but, as Wenger pointed out, these are the kind of games champions win.

Despite a short recovery period since Sunday’s win at Liverpool, the Arsenal manager made just two changes to the side that started on Sunday – both enforced. Denilson (back) and Armand Traore (hamstring) joined a lengthy injury list so in came Abou Diaby and Mikael Silvestre. Emmanuel Eboue, back from a hamstring problem, took his place on the bench alongside a surprise inclusion – Youth Cup-winning captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

Burnley away may lack the glamour of that visit to Merseyside but, as far as Arsenal’s title pretensions were concerned, it was just as important. There is no point turning it on in the second half at Anfield simply to come a cropper elsewhere in the North-West three days later.

Relaxation was certainly not an option against a Burnley side who had lost just once at home all season and claimed the prize scalp of Manchester United here in August. And lest we forget, Burnley were the scourge of the big boys – Arsenal included – in the Carling Cup last term.

The snow which dusted large chunks of the south-east had not found this corner of Lancashire but, make no mistake, it was a chilly night at Turf Moor.

Hat, scarves and gloves were abundant in the stands. On the pitch, Arsenal shook off the cold and made a quick start.

Clarke Carlisle’s miskick and Tyrone Mears’ dawdling let Fabregas in before a minute was up but the former made amends with a sliding clearance. Then a lack of communication between Vermaelen and Almunia ended with the Belgian’s back-header looping over the Spaniard, who clambered back to paw the ball against the bar.

Arsenal learned their lesson; Burnley patently did not. In the seventh minute, Bikey read Fabregas’ pass to Abou Diaby and intercepted on the edge of the area. But instead of clearing, he dithered. Fabregas stole the ball back and rolled it into the bottom corner.

Arsenal’s captain continued to enjoy himself. Two minutes later he collected Diaby’s pass on the run, juggled it over a defender and lashed a left-foot shot into the side-netting. Then Samir Nasri charged through the centre only for a heavy touch to let him down at the crucial moment. And a purple patch for the visitors concluded when Nasri touched a crossfield pass to Arshavin and the Russian slammed a low shot against the post.

Arsenal could have been three up inside 15 minutes. In the event, they had to settle for one. Burnley sensed a way back into the game.

They found it just before the half-hour. Bikey was transformed from villain to hero when he beat Vermaelen to a 50:50 challenge inside the box. The Belgian caught the Cameroonian and Alexander smashed the penalty down the centre.

Arshavin almost provided an instant riposte. Fabregas skipped away from two challenges and slid the ball into the Russian’s path. Jensen was alert, narrowing the angle and then blocking the shot.

But Burnley were more than matching their guests. The impressive Steven Fletcher brought runners into the game and Arsenal’s defence was turned far too often for their liking. Only a vital interception from William Gallas denied the Scot a tap-in after Wade Elliott had escaped down the left and crossed low into the six-yard box.

Fabregas, the game’s most impressive performer, sadly did not last beyond the 42nd minute. He walked gingerly to the touchline and Aaron Ramsey entered the fray.

Despite losing their captain, Arsenal finished the half strongly only to see Jensen deny them twice in a minute. First the Dane blocked Arshavin’s close-range prod after Silvestre’s picked out the Russian’s run. Then Vermaelen powered a header towards goal only to see Jensen tip the ball over brilliantly.

The second half started in far more scrappy fashion with Gallas, Fletcher and Bikey lining up to fail from long distance. But slowly and surely, Arsenal’s passing found its zip and purpose.

As the hour approached, Alex Song picked out Nasri 30 yards out and he found Theo Walcott in acres of space. The England man, still lacking sharpness after his injury lay-off, fired high and wide.

Chris Eagles went much, much closer at the other end, bursting past Silvestre and Nasri on the right before hammering a shot against the near post. Then Fletcher span and shot just over.

The same man had the ball in the net with 20 minutes remaining but he was thwarted – incorrectly – by the linesman’s flag.

By now Eduardo had replaced Walcott and he almost latched onto Nasri’s through-ball with 13 minutes left. Once again the hulking frame of Jensen denied Arsenal. Moments later Nasri and Arshavin picked their way through the Burnley defence but the latter’s cut-back just evaded Eduardo.

You could make a case for either side taking the spoils as the clock ticked down.

Eagles fizzed one over from 20 yards and Arsenal probed on the edge of the Burnley area, looking for that killer pass. But the closest the visitors came was Eduardo’s free-kick which forced Jensen into yet another save with two minutes left.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Who can we draw in the Champions League?



Arsenal will discover the identity of their next Champions League opponents when the draw for the first knockout round takes place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland at 11am (UK time) on Friday.

After winning Group H, Arsène Wenger's team cannot face another group winner in the last 16. The rules of the draw dictate that they cannot face another club from the same football association at this stage of the competition or a team they faced in the group stage.

That leaves seven possible opponents for Arsenal:



Bayern Munich
Bayern were runners up in Group A, which also featured French champions Bordeaux and Italian outfit Juventus, who were dumped out of the competition.
Arsenal last faced Bayern in the 2004/05 Champions League last 16 but despite a 1-0 second-leg victory at Highbury the Gunners lost 3-2 on aggregate.

CSKA Moscow
CSKA Moscow reached the Knockout Stage of this season's Champions League by finishing runners up in Group B. They drew 3-3 against Manchester United, did the double over Besiktas and also defeated Wolfsburg at home to amass 10 points and earn their place in Friday's draw. Arsenal last played CSKA in the 2006/07 Group Stage. The Russians won their home leg 1-0 and earned a 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium.



AC Milan
The seven-times European Cup winners completed Group C with nine points, four behind Real Madrid despite winning 3-2 at the Bernabeu. They also won in Marseille and picked up a point in Zurich. However they failed to win at home, drawing twice and losing to FC Zurich. The Italians last played Arsenal in the last 16 of the 2007/08 campaign. After a goalless draw at Emirates Stadium the Gunners defeated the then holders 2-0 at the San Siro to progress to the Quarter-Finals.


Inter Milan
Inter came second in Group F after picking up just one point against first-place Barcelona. The Italians have only met Arsenal twice in competitive football and both games were in the 2003/04 Champions League Group Stage. Inter won 3-0 in London but Arsenal stunned the San Siro with an incredible 5-1 away victory. The defeat was Inter's worst result on home soil in European football.

FC Porto


Porto were runners up to Chelsea in Group D this season after picking up four wins and just two defeats, both against the Stamford Bridge side. Arsenal met Porto in last season's Champions League Group Stage and defeated the Portuguese champions 4-0 at Emirates Stadium but with qualification already assured they lost 2-0 at the Estádio do Dragão.


Olympique Lyon
Lyon finished third in French Ligue 1 last season and finished behind Fiorentina in Champions League Group E. They picked up four points against Liverpool and conceded just three goals in their six Group Stage games. They are currently fourth in their domestic league, trailing leaders Bordeaux by eight points.
















Stuttgart
Stuttgart picked up nine points to finish second in Group G but their only victories came away at Rangers and at home to Unirea Urziceni. The German outfit last played Arsenal in a friendly in 2008. The Gunners won the game 3-1 with second-half goals from Carlos Vela, Nicklas Bendtner and Jack Wilshere.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Wenger – ‘Fabregas injury is not long-term'



Arsène Wenger is still waiting on the results of a scan on the hamstring injury picked up by Cesc Fabregas at Burnley but the manager believes the problem is “not long term”.

The Arsenal captain put the visitors ahead after seven minutes at Turf Moor on Wednesday night but failed to complete the half. The Spaniard was sent for tests on Thursday afternoon and when Wenger spoke to TV Online the outcome was not known. His expectations were optimistic but Fabregas will still miss the match with Hull on Saturday evening.

“Cesc had a scan today,” said the manager. “We have not had the result yet. The only thing that is sure is that he will not play on Saturday. Beyond that, it all depends on the scan. Is it a tightness that just presents a small risk on Saturday or is it a slight strain – grade one or two? We’ll know that later. If it is a tear it is a small one and the maximum would be ten days. So it is not long-term.”

At least Wenger has another midfielder fit for Hull and also a left back close to a return.

“Denilson is back and available for Saturday,” he said. “But Bendtner, Rosicky, Clichy and Traore will all be too short. The first back should be Traore, maybe for Aston Villa.”

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal to face Porto in Champions League



Arsenal will take on Porto in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Porto were runners up to Chelsea in Group D of this season's Group Stage after picking up four wins and just two defeats, both against the Stamford Bridge side. Arsenal met Porto in last season's Champions League Group Stage and defeated the Portuguese champions 4-0 at Emirates Stadium but with qualification already assured they lost 2-0 at the Estádio do Dragão.

The first leg of the tie will take place in Portugal on February 16, 17, 23 or 24. The second leg at Emirates Stadium will take place on March 9, 10, 16 or 17.

Arsenal.com will bring you further details of the game once the dates have been confirmed.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal 3-0 Hull City

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Saturday, December 19, 2009, 17:30



* Denilson 45,
* Eduardo 59,
* Diaby 80

Arsenal closed the gap on their title rivals with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Hull at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Arsène Wenger's side struggled early on but Denilson gave them the lead with a gorgeous free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Then, after Manuel Almunia had saved Geovanni's penalty, Eduardo tapped home on the hour and Abou Diaby made the points safe with a well-worked third with 11 minutes to go.

After their defeat at Fulham earlier in the day, Manchester United are now just two points ahead of Arsenal having played one game more. Wenger's men are also five shy of Chelsea, though the Stamford Bridge side visit struggling West Ham on Sunday.

Still, this was a nice cruise into Christmas. After that humbling defeat to Chelsea in the final fixture of November, Arsenal have responded by taking 10 points from 12 in December.

The Stamford Bridge side are understandable favourites to win the title at the moment but, in recent weeks, Wenger's side have looked like becoming their most dogged pursuers.

This race is only half run of course but, if they continue this form, Arsenal will be breathing down Chelsea's neck right until the end.

Wenger's side showed three changes from the side that had squeezed out a draw at Burnley in midweek. Cesc Fabregas scored Arsenal's goal at Turf Moor before hobbling off with a hamstring problem. His injury allowed the fit-again Denilson to come straight back into the side on a bitterly cold North London evening.

Theo Walcott dropped down to the bench and Eduardo came in. Somewhat surprisingly the Croatian was not employed up front but on the left. Andrey Arshavin remained in the central attacking role with Samir Nasri moving out to the right.

The final change was like-for-like - Emmanuel Eboue replacing Bacary Sagna at right back.

After defeats for Liverpool and, in particular, Manchester United earlier on Saturday, Arsenal once again welcomed Hull with opportunity knocking. Having said that, Arsenal would have been top of the table on September 27 last year had they beaten Phil Brown's side - and we know what happened then.

Early on the visitors would, once again, show little respect for their higher-placed hosts. Hull were perky in the opening stages. Their only notable opportunity came in the fourth minute when Diaby was dispossessed by George Boateng and Craig Fagan rifled a shot just wide.

However it was more than Arsenal were creating.

It took the home side 13 minutes to manufacture something of consequence. It came when Arshavin, Eduardo and Nasri set up Diaby just outside the area. The Frenchman's shot deflected wide.

Shortly afterwards, Nasri himself thumped an effort into the chest of keeper Boaz Myhill.

Midway through the half, Eduardo curled a glorious shot just beyond the far post from the corner of the area. It was the first real touch of quality in the game.

The Croatian had been out of the side recently but, tonight, he was the closest to lighting Arsenal's touch paper. He shone again on the half-hour when he bamboozled the Hull defence and exchanged passes with Nasri before being muscled out in the area.

As half time approached, Arsenal were finally starting to warm up. The same could not be said of the crowd. London was in the middle of a cold snap and the exterior of Emirates Stadium was sprinkled with snow.

In the 40th minute, Arshavin's left-wing cross was nodded wide by Alex Song. But for the attentions of Eduardo, the Cameroonian might have scored.

A goal seemed some way away but, just before half-time, two free-kicks in exactly the same place reshaped the game. First Geovanni fouled Arshavin just outside the area and an unsightly melee broke out. The end result was bookings for Nasri and Stephen Hunt then the Frenchman sent the free-kick into the wall.

In injury time, Boateng brought down Diaby on virtually the same blade of grass and Denilson curled in a cracking free-kick into the corner of the net.

It was the Brazilian's third goal of the season - all of which had been scored from around 25 yards.

Three minutes after half-time, Arsenal might have killed the game.

There seemed little on when Arshavin sent in a regulation ball to Eduardo's feet. The striker's turn was poetry in motion but, having gone clear he could only stutter a shot wide. It was a glaring miss, the type of one that sometimes proves pivotal.

And it nearly did.

In the 56th minute Silvestre was adjudged to have hauled down Fagan as they tussled for a left-wing cross. It looked innocuous but referee Steve Bennett pointed to the penalty spot.

Geovanni's slow run-up smacked of placement over power but Almunia guessed correctly. He dived to his right to pull off a fine save then Hunt nodded the rebound wide.

Emirates Stadium celebrated as though justice had been done.

Three minutes later, the crowd were on their feet again. Diaby and Song played a give-and-go in the left-hand channel. The Frenchman's cutback was turned in by Eduardo from two yards out.

That ended Hull's resistance and, 11 minutes from time, Diaby nailed down the coffin lid. He exchanged passes with Song and Arshavin then held off his marker before firing home. A lovely goal.

Substitutes Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey might have added more in the final stages. At the other end, Hunt's drive forced another fine save from Almunia.

The full-time whistle was welcome. Arsenal had the points and, frankly, the frost-bitten crowd probably needed to thaw themselves out.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Quelle: arsenal.com

----------------------------------

Eine sehr gute Runde für Arsenal

'Denilson wasn't going to take the free kick'



On the 3-0 victory...
"We had to fight. We had problems a little bit to start because we left a lot of physical strength in our last two games at Liverpool and Burnley on Wednesday night and it took us some time to get into the game and to find the pace. In the first half we didn't look very fresh but we got in front and in the second half I believe even if it was a turning point with the penalty they missed, to me the penalty looked really, really harsh and we scored straight away a second goal and we had plenty of chances after."

On the turning point in the game...
"I believe what was the turning point was that we scored a goal just before half time and they had to come out in the second half. In the first half they played in their half and were well organised and closed us down. We had to respond physically and we had really a good physical response today."

On suggestions Samir Nasri was lucky to stay on the pitch...
"I will watch it again but it was very difficult to see that he stamped on the foot but if he had gone certainly a player of Hull would have gone as well."

On Denilson's free kick...
"Denilson is not a free kick specialist. I was quite surprised, he was not specially named because it was Nasri who was going to take it and he took it well. I thought first he wanted to cross the ball but he scored. It changed the game."

On Manchester United's defeat...
"It shows first of all that everybody can lose everywhere and that is new; the first season since I'm here that it's really like that. Secondly, the most consistent team will at the end of the day make it."

On Mark Hughes being sacked by Manchester City...
"It's very sad when a manager losses his job. For me it's a very sad day when you are not given the time and it looks very early. I cannot access the situation at Man City when you don't know what's happening inside the club but from outside it looks surprising and sad."

On Roberto Mancini taking over at City...
"I believe he is a manager who has done excellent work in Italy and he will have a formula one in his hands and how quickly will he drive? I don't know. Certainly he will have all the needed players he wants."

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 13:30



* Fabregas 65, 81,
* Diaby 90

How much can you do in 28 minutes?

If you're Cesc Fabregas, that's how long it takes you to come off the bench, galvanise your team, score two world-class goals and then limp off with a possible recurrence of the hamstring injury which delayed your introduction in the first place.

The captain's magnificent cameo was bittersweet for Arsenal but it saw off Aston Villa in style.

Fabregas curled an exquisite free-kick into the top corner to give his side the lead after 65 minutes and rounded off a quickfire counter-attack with nine minutes left to secure a significant victory.

Abou Diaby iced the cake with a well-taken third in stoppage time to leave Arsène Wenger's side four points behind Chelsea at the top of the Premier League - with an all-important game in hand.

Four short weeks ago Arsenal's title challenge was seen by some as a joke. After 13 points from a possible 15, that same quest for the Premier League is deadly serious.

While Chelsea falter, the Gunners are flying. Whether Fabregas' injury is serious enough to clip their wings remains to be seen.

Before kick-off the gossip centred on the Spaniard. Would he be fit to return after a hamstring injury? The answer was, er... kind of. The captain was deemed OK to take his place among the substitutes but not in the starting line-up. We would have to wait for his heroics.

There were two changes on the pitch though, both at full-back: Bacary Sagna stepped in for Emmanuel Eboue while Armand Traore shrugged off a hamstring problem of his own to replace Mikael Silvestre.

It was a sign of Wenger's respect for Villa that he gave this encounter the same magnitude as a traditional ‘Big Four' clash. And no wonder. Villa won here last November and have already beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool this season.

While the visitors dreamed of completing a ‘Grand Slam', this was a chance for Arsenal to put clear, blue water between them and Martin O'Neill's side. And there was an extra incentive: Chelsea's latest stutter - a goalless draw at Birmingham - offered another chance to eat into their lead at the top of the table.

Villa's counter-attacking was decisive on their last visit and that threat had to be quelled. But Wenger still demanded the ‘audaciousness' to attack and his players granted his wishes with a sprightly start.

An early free-kick from Samir Nasri caused consternation in the Villa box and Thomas Vermaelen tested Brad Friedel as the ball dropped beyond the far post. Seconds later Abou Diaby span past his marker on the edge of the box and squared for Eduardo. The Croatian turned his own man expertly but his shot lacked power and direction.

It was the kind of chance a confident Eduardo would have snaffled but he was left holding his head in his hands while Wenger span with frustration on the touchline.

Arsenal pressed on. Denilson fizzed an effort over the bar from 20 yards following a well-worked short corner between Eduardo and Nasri. But Villa, having weathered the early storm, began to make inroads of their own.

Emile Heskey scuffed a shot wide in the 10th minute after his excellent knock down had been bundled back by Gabriel Agbonlahor. Ashley Young saw a shot deflect off Bacary Sagna and loop agonisingly wide. And Carlos Cuellar should have done better than slap his left-footed effort wide after the impressive James Milner picked him out on the edge of the box.

Pacy, muscular and disciplined, Villa looked proper top-four material. But Arsenal soon hit back.

With Andrey Arshavin on the periphery, Nasri and Diaby took the fight to Villa.

First Nasri clipped in a free-kick which Diaby rose to head just over. Then their slick exchange in the 24th minute left Nasri in space inside the box but Stephen Warnock's sliding challenge averted the threat. And on the half-hour Denilson teed up Nasri for a dipping volley which took a deflection and looped just over the bar.

Moments later Diaby's persistence and Denilson's tenacity earned a free-kick on the edge of the box. The Brazilian dusted himself off to hammer a shot into Villa's wall; the ball fell into the path of Sagna and his howitzer whistled just over.

It was compelling stuff, and Arsenal were gaining the upper hand. Their grip strengthened when Fabregas emerged from the bench 11 minutes into the second half. His first contribution? A 40-yard free kick which flew just over the bar.

The captain galvanised his team, not least Arshavin. The diminutive duo were in tandem immediately as Fabregas picked out the Russian for a spin and shot which Brad Friedel did well to palm away.

That was solid keeping but a defensive mix-up almost cost Villa dear on the hour mark.

Arshavin set Eduardo away on the left and, as Luke Young waited for Friedel to claim, Fabregas nipped in. He slipped the ball to Eduardo but the Croatian's goal-bound shot was hacked clear by Cuellar.

With 25 minutes left, the deadlock was broken. Fabregas won a free-kick 22 yards out after his jinking run was illegally halted. The skipper picked himself out and curled an exquisite effort into the top left-hand corner with Friedel grasping at thin air.

Alex Song sliced a shot over the crossbar as Arsenal pressed on and another classic finish from Fabregas sealed the points nine minutes from time.

Traore arrowed a diagonal pass into the path of Theo Walcott on the right and the substitute slid the ball into the path of Fabregas, who had charged through the centre at full pelt. He barely broke stride to slam a lot shot past Friedel and double Arsenal's lead.

The Emirates erupted but, almost immediately, there was concern. Fabregas was hobbling as he celebrated and, within four minutes, the Spaniard had been replaced by Aaron Ramsey.

It was a sad end to an extraordinary performance from the Arsenal captain. He was the catalyst for a priceless victory; his return cannot come soon enough.

Not that Arsenal did badly in his absence.

Diaby, probably the game's second most impressive performer, slotted home a fine goal of his own in stoppage time.

It capped an almost perfect day.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Wenger waits for news of Fabregas injury



Arsène Wenger will wait for news of Cesc Fabregas' injury after watching his captain limp off against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Spaniard returned to the Arsenal squad on Sunday after a hamstring problem and came off the bench after 56 minutes. Within nine minutes he had curled home a supreme free-kick to give Arsenal the lead and then rounded off a flowing counter-attack nine minutes from time to secure the points.

However, Fabregas sustained an injury while scoring his second goal and limped off moments later. Wenger will hope for the best when his captain's injury is assessed on Monday.

"I believe he is happy we won the game but he is concerned about his hamstring," said the manager.

"We don't know yet whether it is a recurrence of the pull or whether it is just scar tissue. We will know more about it tomorrow [Monday].

"If it is scar tissue it is a few days, if it is a recurrence of the pulled hamstring it is three weeks.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa

Barclays Premier League

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 13:30

Wenger: 'It is a massive result for the team'


on why he brought Fabregas off the bench...
I felt we had taken over the game and I think we were dominant. We missed a few chances before he came on, we could have been up already, but of course he adds some creativity in your game and at that moment I felt it was needed.

on whether it was a gamble worth taking...
You never know. If you can prove to me that we would have won the game without him coming on the pitch, I was wrong. But we can never check that. I feel that I did the right thing. I was cautious. We know that Alex Song will go soon [to the Africa Cup of Nations] and in midfield we could become short if we lose players. But I would do it again because sometimes you follow your instinct in a game and if I put him on the bench I know before the game that I will put him on if it is really needed. Had we been 1-0 up I would not have done it. But you do what you think you need to win the game.

on why he gambled in the first place...
Aston Villa has a game that makes you very nervy, because you can be dominant and lose the game. We were dominant, didn't take advantage of it and so you can be cautious or push the gamble a little bit further. That's what I did.

on a significant win for Arsenal...
I think it is a massive result for the team. When you look where we were a few weeks ago, credit to the team, they didn't give up when everybody has written us off. We kept going and that shows the team has mental strength. Maybe the turning point was the second half at Liverpool when we won the game.

on Denilson's withdrawal...
He has a back problem, the same as before. I haven't seen him yet but we will see.

on bouncing back in December...
We had to keep the belief high, to keep the desire. I believe this team is talented, it has great spirit and for me they deserve to be successful. But we have not won anything yet and sometimes when you have not done that you don't know if you can do it. So it was important for them to keep believing they could come back in a decent position.

on the title race...
It makes it interesting now. We are in a strong position. We can have belief but it’s a long way to go and we have to keep our feet on the ground and continue to improve together.

on whether he is surprised at the speed of their recovery...
Yes, because I could say we would win the games but you couldn’t predict that our opponents would drop the points. After the Chelsea game I said openly that Chelsea would drop points on the basis of what I had seen. And they did. But how many they would drop I didn’t know.

on the nature of this Premier League season...
I just think the Premier League is very open. We go to Portsmouth on Wednesday and you know it will be another tough game. What has changed in the league this season is that all the teams can make results. You have seen Birmingham against Chelsea. It is like that anywhere. You go anywhere it’s not that you go there, turn up and take three points. That has gone. It has gone - until March. After that some teams will be safe, or will not go for Europe and you take some easier points. But from now until March in this championship the consistent team will get it.

on the impact of the Africa Cup of Nations on Chelsea...
Yes but they go to the African Nations Cup and we have the injuries. If you lose a player for three weeks through injury it’s like he goes to the African Nations.

on keeping Andrey Arshavin up front...
It’s a bit too early to decide that. I have no obvious reason at the moment to change that. I think he came alive in the last 30 minutes. I like him there.

on whether he still needs to buy a striker...
“I’ve said we will keep our eyes open and if a good opportunity turns up we will do it. But at the moment I haven’t got any. .I will have to look maybe as well at midfielders and how big the damage is. If we lose Denilson and Fabregas we will be short there. I don’t know yet.

on the defensive test against Villa...
It was an interesting game for us because we were tested defensively as well. That was very important for the belief of the team as well. You play against Aston Villa and you don’t concede a goal - that was important for us.

Quelle: arsenal.com

Diaby signs new long-term contract at Arsenal


23 year-old Diaby made his Arsenal debut in January 2006 and has gone on to make 119 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.

The French midfielder signed for Arsenal from Auxerre in January 2006 and since his arrival in north London, has become a full France international. Abou has impressed this season, scoring six times in his 21 first-team appearances, including his fine strike against Aston Villa on Sunday.

A graduate of the famous Clairefontaine Academy near Paris, Abou captained France Under-19s to success in the 2005 European Championship.

Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are all delighted that Abou has signed a new long-term contract with the Club. Abou is a great player with huge presence on the football pitch and he has the potential to be an extremely influential part of Arsenal Football Club for many years to come."

Abou Diaby said: “I’m very happy to sign a new contract with the Club. It shows my long-term commitment to Arsenal and I’m very happy here which is why I’m so pleased to extend my contract. It’s a great thing for me and hopefully there will be some good years ahead for me here.”

Diaby is now the 12th first-team player who has committed his long-term future to Arsenal since the end of last season. Diaby joins Carlos Vela, Eduardo, Sanchez Watt, Alex Song, Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson, Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, who have all recently committed their long-term futures to the Club.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is looking forward to Abou’s continued contribution in the forthcoming years.