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Wenger - We're not especially targeting Inler



Goklan Inler is NOT a particular target for Arsène Wenger at the moment.

The Arsenal manager has said he is in the market for an experienced defensive midfielder to add to his squad and has expressed an interest in the Swiss international who plies his trade at Udinese.

However the 24-year-old is one of a few players in Wenger's sights right now and he is not close to signing any of them.

"I do not know yet if it will be the Swiss player or somebody else," said Wenger at the Amsterdam Tournament. "But it is not necessarily going to be the Swiss boy [anyway] because we are not especially on him at the moment, so I cannot tell you more about him than anybody else.

"My target is always to spend the right money on the right player, therefore the timing of your buy is also important as well.

"We are a body short. But do not forget we have Diaby, who is not available, Song who is at the Olympics. We have Nasri and Rosicky, who were not in Amsterdam. Then there's Bischoff as well [who is currently injured], so we have plenty of players."

Cesc may play but he won’t be at his best


Cesc Fabregas is likely to start the crucial Champions League qualifier against Twente on Wednesday despite having just 84 minutes of pre-season action under his belt.




The midfielder’s successful summer with Spain meant he only started training on July 29. As a result, his first run-out came on Friday when he played against Ajax in the Amsterdam Tournament.

Arsenal return to Holland this week for a banana skin of a tie against Steve McLaren’s side. Fabregas will probably play.

“We have to make that decision, but I believe [he will play] yes,” said Wenger. “He has worked very hard since he has come back.

“You cannot say he will be at his best, but he will be fit enough because his reaction on Saturday after the game did not seem too bad.”

With Gilberto and Mathieu Flamini having left over the summer, Fabregas is the senior central midfielder at the Club. Therefore his inclusion at Twente could be crucial.

“At 21 he already has a lot of experience and he is an intelligent boy,” said Wenger.
“But I would not like to put too much pressure on him.

“We know we have every single player in his area is very important. And now he has maybe more experience than the others now.

“To win big trophies [like Euro 2008] makes you more confident and gives you something you can pass on to the team around you.”

Arsène Wenger: 'We have a big squad at home'

Arsène Wenger has explained the major absences in his squad for the trip to FC Twente on Wednesday.

Arsenal are missing five major names and the long-term sidelined Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo.

It leaves the Frenchman relying on youngsters like Aaron Ramsey and Denilson to inspire his squad to a crucial victory in Holland.



"We have a big squad at home" said Wenger.

"Kolo Toure, Philippe Senderos, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo are out.

"Kolo has a hip muscle problem. Cesc has a hamstring problem, he will be out for the next two games.

"Abou Diaby (thigh) will be out for a while, we knew that. Philippe Senderos has a scan on his hamstring. He did that today whereas Fabregas did his hamstring yesterday.

"Samir Nasri (knee/thigh) should be OK for Saturday and so should Kolo Toure".

When asked who was likely to come in as a replacement the manager replied "Aaron Ramsey has a good chance to start".

Arsenal squad
Manuel ALMUNIA
Lukasz FABIANSKI
Bacary SAGNA
William GALLAS
Gael CLICHY
Justin HOYTE
Johan DJOUROU
Aaron RAMSEY
Jack WILSHERE
Kieran GIBBS
DENILSON
Theo WALCOTT
Emmanuel EBOUE
Mark RANDALL
Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
Robin VAN PERSIE
Nicklas BENDTNER
Carlos VELA

Wenger - Henry would only return to Arsenal


Thierry Henry will only come back to England to re-join Arsenal, that is Arsène Wenger’s ‘gut-feeling’.

The striker left Emirates Stadium just over a year ago to join Barcelona after 370 games and 226 goals in North London. This week he was linked with a transfer to Manchester United, however his former manager feels that move is highly unlikely.



“I don’t believe in that,” said Wenger. “I don’t believe Thierry Henry will come back to England. That is my gut feeling. But I think if he comes back to England then he comes back to Arsenal.”

Wenger - Opportunity knocks early for Ramsey


When Aaron Ramsey arrived from Cardiff on June 13 this year the press release announcing the signing quoted him saying: “Arsenal are a Club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here.”

A first ‘opportunity at the highest level’ arrives tonight against Twente in the Champions League qualifier first leg. And it will be the first indication of what ‘future successes' we can expect from him.



The chance has come earlier than anticipated due a raft of midfield injuries but, speaking at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, his manager portrayed full confidence in the highly-rated 17-year-old.

“If you are a good football player you are a good football player whether it’s in the Champions League or in another game,” he said. “That means when you have the ball you make an intelligent decision. If you play against your friends on the beach or in a big game it’s exactly the same. If you are a good player you are a good player.

He added: “Aaron has the ingredients to become a good player. He has a fantastic engine, he has a good build and good technique, although I do feel he has to improve that. He has good vision too but he has to improve the defensive part of his game and his positioning on the pitch.”

It was not perhaps a vision of the perfect player but then, at 17, who is? Wenger knows he has bought a polishable diamond and, he argues, tests like that one in Arnhem tonight will act as elbow grease.

“It is like being a good student and being in a good class or an average class,” said the Frenchman. “Your progress is always quicker in a good class. Half the development of a player is to down to having the luck to be [involved] as quickly as possible at a top club.”

But if Ramsey does take centre stage, in every sense, this evening, do not expect much fanfare from Wenger.

“In England we have always to calm things down because after one month of games there is always the media pressure to make quick stars,” he said.

“These players are young. Patient development does not mean you cannot start early but it is most important to keep developing as a player. And you should not have to worry about too much pressure on your shoulders.”

Wenger – Wilshere needs some recovery time



Jack Wilshere needs a breather, according to Arsène Wenger.

The 16-year-old midfielder burst into the Arsenal first-team picture during pre-season. He scored goals against Stuttgart and a Burgenland XI as well as putting in numerous eye-catching performances. He was rewarded with a first-team squad number and there is every chance he will be used in the coming campaign. But, for now, his manager wants him to take a back seat.



“He has had very hard physical preparation for a boy of just 16 years-old,” said Wenger. “He looks a little bit tired now.

“We have to give him time now to recover from that intense preparation but, in two or three weeks, he will have done that and might play as well.”

Wenger added that Wilshere was in the 18-strong travelling party for tonight’s game at Twente but only “as a squad player.”

Wenger - This is Johan Djourou’s big chance



Where some see problems, other see opportunities. When it comes to all matters Arsenal, Arsène Wenger has the luxury of both viewpoints.

The manager lost two centre backs - Kolo Toure (hip) and Philippe Senderos (hamstring) – in the build up to tonight’s Champions League qualifier at Twente. It was a body blow ahead of a game that is vital for the success of the season but, at the same time, it gives Johan Djourou a shot at redemption.



The Swiss centre back is perhaps Arsenal’s forgotten man. He played in over 30 first-team games in 2006-07 and looked like he may go on pressurise Toure and William Gallas for a first team spot. However last season was a heavy disappointment. He was sent out on loan to Birmingham for the first four months of the campaign and picked up an injury. He collected another as soon as he came back and, as a result, completed only one full game for Arsenal.

But tonight, he steps back into the limelight.

“It is a big chance for him,” admitted Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “He had an unsuccessful season last year because he was injured at Birmingham. It took him a while to get back, nearly until the end of the season.

“But don't forget he is still only 21 and for a central defender that is very young. And he has already had many appearances in Europe.”

In total Arsenal’s roll call of absentees is: Senderos, Toure, Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, Samir Nasri, Eduardo, Tomas Rosicky, Amaury Bischoff and Alex Song.

“I don’t know if it is the most problematic [I have ever had at the start of a campaign],” said Wenger. “But it is always tricky when you have players coming back late. You always try to rush the fitness a little bit. When you play a qualifier you are a bit more pushy with players who come back late and that's when you get injuries. That is what happened with Fabregas.

“But I don’t panic because we have worked very hard to build up these young players. For example Djourou will play. He has been with us for three or four years. If he cannot play one game when we need him then we are wasting our time.”

C Twente v Arsenal

UEFA Champions League, Gelredome

Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 19:45



“The biggest game of the season is the qualifier for the Champions League,” said Arsène Wenger shortly before flying to Holland on Tuesday. “You can miss a Premier League game and catch back up but if you miss this Champions League game......”

He did not finish the sentence.

It was as if he did not want to contemplate the ramifications.

Of course British football fans know them all to well. Rangers were dumped out of European competition entirely last week – a huge blow to both their football standing and their finances. Wenger does not see this tie that way but, at the same time, he is hardly underplaying its importance.

“It is not about the money, it is our sports target,” he declared. “I would not say that [our season is over of we lose] but our main targets are the Premier League and the Champions League. And the Champions League can only be a target if you are in it.”

It is downbeat stuff but let’s not confuse concern and concentration with pessimism.

Certainly Arsenal could have drawn easier opposition than a Twente side who beat Ajax in the Eredivisie play-offs last season and have brought off a considerable coup by appointing former England coach Steve McClaren.

And Wenger could have been handed a kinder run of absences. Philippe Senderos (hamstring), Kolo Toure (hip), Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Abou Diaby (thigh), Samir Nasri (knee/thigh), Eduardo (leg), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Amaury Bischoff (groin) and Alex Song (Olympics participation) are all missing.

However it would be massive shock for Arsenal to go out or even lose this first leg. The attack and defence are virtually at full strength, it is only the midfield that will be lacking first-team regulars tonight. As a result 17-year-old Aaron Ramsey is expected to make his full debut following his summer move from Cardiff.

“It’s a big day with a big meaning for us because the target – to be in the Champions League - is very high,” said Wenger. “You know that when you come to Holland you always get a good game and a tough game. No matter where you play.

“We know as well this side demands a lot of respect and concentration. They are a team who have knocked out Ajax in the qualifiers of the Champions League. We know they have the typical Dutch culture of playing football and keeping the ball very well. Therefore we need a good defensive concentration.”

Understandably much has been made of the absences, especially given the outside perception that the Arsenal squad is already a player or two light.

“Well,” said Wenger in response. “If you consider we have Song at the Olympics plus Fabregas, Rosicky, Toure, Senderos, Diaby, Nasri and Eduardo all injured then our squad is not as small as that.

“I have said many times we were short of one player and I hope to do something this week before the transfer deadline.”

Some of the injuries are very short term, for example Toure and Nasri are expected to be back to face West Brom in the Premier League curtain-raiser on Saturday. But, for tonight at least, Wenger will be replacing those casualties and summer departures with talented youngsters. He admits it is not ideal but at least it has been anticipated.

“We are used to preparing the players to replace those who leave the club,” said the Frenchman.

“I believe many players become big stars at our club. But usually they are replaced by players who will become big stars at our club.”

Given the importance of the game and predicament of the squad, some stellar performances would certainly come in handy this evening.

FC Twente
0

2
Arsenal

* Gallas 63,
* Adebayor 83


Although the Twente questions had been searching, Arsenal managed to smuggle a vital 2-0 victory back from Arnhem on Wednesday night.

Arsène Wenger's weakened side were on the rack for most of this Champions League third qualification round first leg tie. Steve McClaren, in his first competitive game since England's defeat to Croatia last November, had asked his team to tear into Arsenal from the first whistle and they responded in style.

The visitors were on the back foot for most of the opening period and only really started to look the part when William Gallas turned in Robin van Persie's free-kick in the 63rd minute.

Eight minutes from time, Emmanuel Adebayor added another to give the result a gloss Arsenal's performance did not deserve.

But they do deserve credit for their tenacity determination and professionalism on a night when, for once, Wenger's men struggled to find their rhythm

This was the third time Arsenal have been in the qualifying stages, the third time they have been drawn away first and the third time they have brought a significant lead home.

However this was the third time Wenger's men have been in the qualifying stages, the third time they have been drawn away first and the third time they have won 2-0.

This result has paved the way to the group stages twice before and it should do so again this year.

But this had been by far the toughest test.

Wenger selected the side widely predicted. With nine players absent for one reason or another, he did not have much choice. Aaron Ramsey, just 17, came in for his debut. His 'senior' partner in central midfield was 20-year-old Denilson.

The full list of absentees was Philippe Senderos (hamstring), Kolo Toure (hip), Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Abou Diaby (thigh), Samir Nasri (knee/thigh), Eduardo (leg), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Amaury Bischoff (groin) and Alex Song (Olympics participation). As a result Wenger had to draw on the best of his youngsters. There were two teenagers in the starting line-up and the average age the Arsenal bench was a little over 19 years six months.

Twente had been forced to play this game at Vitesse Arnhem's Gelredome due to redevelopment work at their own ground. The move did nothing to dent the atmosphere before kick-off. The teams walked out to 'You'll never walk alone' and the opening stages were backed by feverish drums and bellowing songs from the Twente fans behind Manuel Almunia's goal.

And the home side seemed determined to match that pace early on.

Twente started like a runaway train as they tore into Arsenal in the first quarter of an hour. They had little to show for it apart from Romano Denneboom's header past the far post. But the Dutch side had shown they were not going to be in awe of their more illustrious opponents during this tie. And the first half would continue in that vein.

In the 18th minute, Luke Wilkshire robbed Theo Walcott in the centre circle and Theo Janssen sent Eljero Elia clear in the left-hand channel. Almunia managed to beat the Dutch Under-21 international to the ball and Arsenal mopped up the danger. But, yet again, the pace and sheer brute force of Twente had stretched the visitors.

By the midway point of the first half, Arsenal had forced a couple of corners but that was about it. They were struggling.

And in the 24th minute, they nearly fell behind. Denneboom ghosted past Denilson on the edge of the area and hastily hacked a shot over the bar. It was the first time Twente had truly prised Arsenal open but the 27-year-old lost his head and, with it, his chance.

The youth of Wenger's central midfield had been a worry before the game and certainly Arsenal were rarely retaining the ball for long. In the 31st minute Ramsey did send a speculative effort way over the bar from 30 yards. It was perhaps the first time Twente keeper Sander Boschker had needed even a flutter of concern.

But in the 36th minute the concern was all Arsenal's. Denneboom nudged Marko Arnautovic clear through the middle. However the striker's first touch was heavy and Almunia made the save. You sensed that might have been a key moment.

The game was starting to open up and Arsenal immediately went up the other end to create two clear-cut chances for an unlikely lead. First Van Persie bodyswerved himself some space on the right of the area but Cheick Tiote had to nod away from under his own bar. Then, from the corner, Boschker spilled Clichy's long-range thunderbolt and Sagna sliced the rebound past the post.

Four minutes from the break, Clichy explicably gave the ball to Arnautovic but the 19-year-old Austrian showed his youth by blazing the ball horribly wide.

It has been a torrid first half from an Arsenal's perspective.

The signs were better after the restart. Van Persie had an early drive blocked and on the hour Eboue went clear for a second only to be bundled off the ball before he could get a shot away.

In between those efforts, Twente had enjoyed plenty of pressure and were still peppering the Arsenal area. However there were noticeably fewer alarms for Almunia.

Although Arsenal were improving, it is right to say the visitors 'stole' the lead in the 63rd minute. Edson Braffheid hauled down Eboue on the right and Van Persie threaded a free-kick low into the heart of the area. It found Gallas at the near post and the captain bundled the ball home off his knee.

It was a scruffy but crucial away goal.

The strike left Twente subdued and Arsenal started to exude more confidence.

Eleven minutes from time Elia nudged the ball inside for Arnautovic to prod a shot into the sidenetting. But it would be the home side’s last real effort.

In the 83rd minute, Walcott set up Adebayor to slot in the second from close range.

The goal was testament to Arsenal's self-belief. The performance could be improved upon but, in difficult circumstances, they had done their job.

Despite the second goal, the home crowd kept singing and the home side kept going but, after that, their challenge was spents.

Twente will no doubt take much from this game. As for Arsenal, the result looks better on paper than it did on the night and perhaps that is all that matters.

That, and qualification to the group stages of course.

Wenger - Technical superiority got the goals

On the positives from the game...

"We were a very young team and we did not lose our nerve, did not panic and in the end maybe our technical superiority allowed us to score two goals. That is a massive advantage for the second leg but we will be on our toes."

On Twente’s tactics...

"They imposed a very physical game on us, with man-marking all over the pitch. They did that with a lot of belief and spirit. That demands a lot of physical effort and the players gave it to Steve McClaren tonight. They gave us a tough game and credit to them."

On the way the game developed...

“In the first half, they had some chances, but in the second half we slowly took over. They have given so much in the first half, they could not keep the same pace and tightness in their marking. From then on, we looked more comfortable."

New signing expected before Twente return leg



Arsène Wenger will not be signing anyone before the Premier League kicks-off on Saturday but he will ‘certainly’ bring in a new face before home game with Twente on August 27.

The Arsenal manager has suggested for some time that he could add to the squad - however he will not be rushed.

After the 2-0 win in Holland on Wednesday night the Frenchman said: “Will something be done ahead of the second leg? Certainly yes, but before Saturday, no.”

However, in the wake of that welcome win at Twente, Wenger feels his squad is actually larger than people realise.

“If you look at the number of players we had out, you can say it was very positive for us,” he said. “We did not have Diaby, Fabregas, Rosicky, Nasri, Kolo Toure, Eduardo and Senderos while Song as at the Olympics.

“We missed seven or eight players out so for me our squad looks big because the players who were here did well.”

Wenger - I have the money to buy the players


Arsène Wenger argues that his prudent transfer policy has created a more united, harmonious team spirit at the Club.

We are nearing the end of the summer transfer window and, yet again, it seems that Arsenal will have been the most frugal of the top clubs in England. The Frenchman has consistently stated his concern that every side should within their means and attempt to balance their books. He has promised one more signing and has money available but, he believes, Arsenal's reliance on emerging young talent from inside the Club has given his squad collective character.



"Basically, we balance the budget in the way we run the Club," he said. "I have the money available to buy the players, but we go into the competition with that target. I think every manager should do this.

"We have gone three or four years into a different policy [of bringing on our own players] which we have to see through.

"But I am convinced we have opted for stability with young players, who have spirit of our game, the spirit of our Club.

"And I believe we will show we are more united and that we have the needed belief to be successful. That should be one of the advantages we have in this."

Wenger – We must win something every season


Arsenal simply must end this season with some silverware, according to Arsène Wenger.

Although the Gunners earned plenty of praise for the way they played last term, the Club endured a bout of bad luck that marred the closing stages of the campaign. It meant they ended it empty handed.



The manager is adamant a good start could set the tone for an even brighter season than the last. That means with his hands on the Premier League or Champions League.

"Every season is a season when you have to win something,” said Wenger. “But the difference between winning and losing is very small at the moment.

“For me the two massive trophies are the Premier League and the Champions League. We were close in both competitions [last season]. So let's go and try again. We want to win things. But had we made 70 points and won the Carling Cup people would have said for me it is not satisfying.

"We will not play every year like last year and lose out in the end. We have to reconsider and play exactly the same.

“What is dreadful when you are a big club is to be out of the title race in September. That is why it is so important to get a good start."

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Saturday, August 16, 2008, 12:45

Arsenal vs. W.B.A.

Referee
Howard Webb



Manchester United and Chelsea had better mind the gap. Arsène Wenger believes the Premier League trophy will hopefully be stopping at Arsenal station come May.

It was the Frenchman’s illustrious predecessor, Herbert Chapman, who persuaded the operators of London’s underground to change the name of the Club’s nearest tube stop from Gillespie Road back in 1932.

Three-quarters of a century later, Wenger used his first pre-match press conference of the 2008-09 season to persuade anyone and everyone that, having hauled themselves within touching distance of the top two last season, his young, relatively-inexperienced Arsenal side had developed the platform not just to challenge for the title this term but to win it.

“Look at the numbers,” he reasoned ahead of the home game with West Brom. “Two years ago we were over 20 points behind the leaders, last year we were four points behind. That means we made a significant move forward.

“A four-point gap after 38 games is down to one or two decisions in your favour, one or two injuries that you don’t have, one ball going in, instead of hitting the bar.

"We feel we were a fraction short. Now we want to show we can make up the four points that made the difference last year.

“This season I feel it will be more down to starting well and being more relaxed when it comes to the crunch point.

"Last year we were leading the Premier League due to a good start. So let's focus on the short-term goals and show later on that we've learned from when we dropped off last season.”

Getting players back to fitness will help. Arsenal won against Twente in midweek despite having nine players injured. Samir Nasri (knee/thigh) is now OK and Kolo Toure will be in the squad despite nagging concerns about his hip. However the list of absentees still reads: Philippe Senderos (hamstring), Kolo Toure (hip), Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Abou Diaby (thigh), Eduardo (leg), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Amaury Bischoff (groin) and Alex Song (Olympics participation).

It leaves Wenger likely to rely on youth once again. In Holland the combined age of his central midfield was younger than Jens Lehmann and the average age of the bench was 19 years six months. Saturday could see something similar.

But, according to the manager, old heads will be needed against last season's Championship winners.

"Usually the teams that come up give you a good game," said Wenger.

"We know West Brom will be up for it. Out of the three teams who just came up from the Championship, they have the most experience in the Premier League. But it is always our target to win the first match.”

Certainly, Tony Mowbray’s side will be a valid test. They are tough but talented. They will fight but play football.

Wenger argued that last season’s opening day comeback against Fulham fired his side’s title charge. Equally, a failure to win on Saturday will be seen as signs of frailty.

But then, even without that stack of injuries, Arsenal would still be accused of being too young to win the title.

“I don’t deny the experience issue people talk about,” conceded Wenger. “But I don’t think we lost the title last year due to lack of overall experience because the young players produced a great season.

“We lost as a unit because we didn’t have the experience of winning the title. Hopefully we have learnt from that now.

“Anyway I believe it is not just experience that wins the League, it is the talent and quality of your display.”

Over the next 10 months we will find out if he is right.

Justin Hoyte swaps Gunners for Middlesbrough

Arsenal can confirm that Justin Hoyte has joined Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

Former England Under-21 international Hoyte (23) progressed through the Club’s youth ranks after joining Arsenal at the age of nine.



Justin made his first team debut in May 2003 in a Premier League match against Southampton at Highbury and went on to make a total of 68 first-team appearances during his time with the Club, including 15 in the 2007/08 campaign.

Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Justin for his contribution towards the Club and wish him the best of luck at Middlesbrough.

Match Report


Arsenal
1

0
W.B.A.

* Nasri 4



New season, new hero, same old result.

Samir Nasri took just three minutes 44 seconds to introduce himself to the Emirates Stadium faithful on Saturday. His well-crafted goal was enough to beat West Brom and put Arsenal top of the nascent Premier League table but Arsène Wenger knows his side must perform much better than this if they are going to be in the same position come May.

The home side thundered forward in the opening stages and Nasri’s goal appeared to be the first of many. However Arsenal lost their way after the break and West Brom had a couple of decent chances to equalise. Most notably when Johan Djourou cleared James Morrison’s shot off the line.



However, an opening day win is an important win, no matter how it comes. Arsenal will play better than this and draw during the coming campaign.

And there is a long, long way to go.

It may have been the first game of the Premier League campaign but Wenger’s men had already played nine pre-season fixtures this summer plus Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier. That, and Euro 2008, had taken a toll.

Nine players missed the game at Twente in midweek and just Nasri (thigh/knee) returned to the starting line-up this afternoon. Kolo Toure had only half-recovered from his hip injury and was left on the bench. He was joined there by Robin van Persie, who was rested, so Nicklas Bendtner was paired with Emmanuel Adebayor up front.

Emmanuel Eboue was employed as an emergency central midfielder alongside Denilson so Aaron Ramsey also dropped down. After an impressive game in midweek, Djourou retained his place alongside William Gallas.

As ever, Emirates Stadium was a picture on opening day. This lunchtime kick-off was the first game of the entire Premier League campaign. It added a little something extra to a game already jam-packed with anticipation.

Twente had gone for Arsenal’s throats in midweek and, to be honest, it rattled the Gunners. Wenger's men would try the same trick this afternoon and it had the same effect.

Within four minutes, the hosts had the lead. Nasri collected the ball in the left-hand channel and he nudged it to Bendtner who in turn found Gael Clichy on the left-hand byline. The Frenchman spotted Denilson racing towards the byline. The Brazilian reached the ball and cut back for Nasri to steer home a low shot from the corner of the six-yard box.

Arsenal were already looking rampant. Adebayor set up Walcott to nod a header towards the far post. It was blocked by a West Brom body but not, according to referee Howard Webb, a hand.

Soon afterwards, Gallas cracked a venomous long-range drive just wide from fully 30 yards. It was one of those piercing shots that retain its pace and flat trajectory throughout their journey.

Sagna tried his luck from the right flank minutes later but the deflection off Abdoulaye Meite saw the ball balloon just beyond the far post.

Midway through the half, Bendtner sent a steepling header wide. Although Do-Heon Kim did force Manuel Almunia to pull off a fine one-handed save just after the half-hour and then Djourou foiled Ismail Miller 12 yards out, Arsenal were still in control.

Before half-time, Nasri, Adebayor and Denilson all had long-range efforts to add to the lead.

The home side went into the interval cruising. The only issue was an old one – had they scored the goals they deserved?

And would it come back to haunt them.

The answer, as we found out four minutes in, was ‘nearly’. Miller escaped on the left and shot at Almunia’s legs from a tight angle. The ball rebounded to James Morrison who fired into the heart of a frantic area. Almunia got a touch on the shot but Djourou’s presence on the line was the main reason the ball was scrambled wide.

Adebayor might have settled the nerves a couple of minutes later when he burst clear only to sidefoot his shot wide.

However, you sensed Arsenal had started to lose their way. The muscular Miller was causing problems for the defence, and attacks from the home side were now fleeting.

Before the midway point of the half, Walcott had a shot charged down and Eboue blazed wide. With 23 minutes left, Adebayor had the ball in the net only to be flagged offside.

However the overwhelming Arsenal of the first half had waned. To liven up his side, Wenger brought on Van Persie and Toure for Walcott and Bendtner with around 20 minutes left.

Ten minutes from time, Adebayor’s long, arching cross was met by the Dutchman at the far post. His header was held by Carson.

A stumbling, turning Van Persie then prod a shot past the far post with five minutes to go.

At full time, the overwhelming emotion was relief. As at Twente on Wednesday, Arsenal had won the game, kept a clean sheet and done their jobs professionally.

However the trademark finesse may have to wait until their injured players return.

Arsenal 1-0 W.B.A.

Barclays Premier League

Saturday, August 16, 2008, 12:45


'We made good start, were always in control'



On the result…

"Well it was the first game of the season, we had a physical game on Wednesday night and I was worried before the game that we would not be sharp. We made a good start, were always in control but could not finish the game off.

"You have that old story in the game, when you cannot finish the game off you feel you deserved to be punished when there's 10 minutes to go.

"I am pleased with the fact that we didn't concede a goal. We scored two on Wednesday, one today, so it's better than the reverse. Overall it was a good week for us. A winning start, a win in the Champions League, so yes a good week."

On Nasri…

"He has shown he is an intelligent player, he has good technique and can integrate well with the team. He also worked hard for the team. He added something that people wanted from him in France and that was to score goals. He started to score some goals towards the end of last season and had a scoring start here today."

On failing to score more than once….

"I'm not really worried about the lack of goals because I don't feel we were sharp enough to finish off what we created. I believe when everyone is fit we can create clear cut chances. At times today the final ball was not good enough, too heavy, not timed well enough, and I feel we will improve a lot on that.

"We created many chances, but it's about converting them. Look at the amount we scored in the last 10 years and you can see we scored a few, even last year we had a very good striking force. It was not so much offensively we were punished last year, it was defensively."

On the need for a trophy…..

"We just started the season and I know I'll hear that [we must win a trophy] 38 times and I'm prepared for that."

On Carlos Vela…

"He has shown in pre-season he is a good player and he will take part in our team. We have four strikers and he is one of them. In a season like this one we have 60 games so he will play games. But he is going to Mexico tomorrow afternoon."

On West Bromwich's chances of survival…

"They defended intelligently and played in a positive way. You expected them at some stage to crumble but they never did and they kept going until the last second of the game. They have fantastic spirit and a positive attitude towards the game. They were not dirty, they were resilient and well organised."

On Arsenal's title credentials…

"We made 83 points last year and lost only three games. We have stability in this Club that allows us to feel that we can improve on last year. We lost three games and in two of the games we were leading 1-0 with 20 minutes to go. We lost some big names but what is important is what we produce on the pitch. Last year we were four points behind Man United and we didn't win a trophy. However we won the trophy of the most unlucky team. We had injuries to players for very long periods too. We lost [Tomas] Rosicky, [Robin] van Persie and Eduardo."

On being under pressure….

"Is a trophy to finish 12th and win the Carling Cup? For me a real quality of a team is to fight for the championship. If you don't win it you're very frustrated but what is important for me is the consistency of the Club and of the team. You have to accept that the level is very high when you fight for a title; two or three points difference in the end is not a big gap. Last year that is where we finished. We were there until the end."

On finishing in the top four….

"Of course [it is more important to finish fourth than to finish 12th and win the Carling Cup]. First of all you see the quality of a team over 38 games, and in the Carling Cup you play five games and you're in the Final. You play against lower league teams. If you have no quality you are not there at the end of the championship. After that it can be said it's not good enough. You must accept the competition is of a very high level, maybe the best level in the world. We finished with 83 points, anywhere else we would have won the championship."

Wenger - Nasri has a bit of Pires about him



If Samir Nasri becomes the new Robert Pires then nobody at Arsenal will complain.

Before he moved to North London in the summer the 21-year-old French winger was most often compared to Zinedine Zidane. But after his goal-scoring debut on Saturday, Arsène Wenger said he played like Pires and been signed in the same circumstances as Marc Overmars.

Given that those left wingers won three League titles and three FA Cups during their Arsenal career, they would seem worthy examples to follow.



“Samir looks intelligent and capable of having good acceleration,” said Wenger. “He sees a good vision of the game and that left flank suits him quite well.

“Maybe there is a bit of Robert Pires in him because he looks to be able to change direction very easily and a little bit the same style of run. He is a bit smaller, but there’s a bit of Pires in there.”

With that abundant quality, it was slightly surprising there was so little competition when Arsenal bought him from Marseille in July.

“He had a bad season last year because he had meningitis,” explained Wenger. “He was in hospital for two weeks.

“He didn’t recover properly for three months and then they rushed him back to play. Of course he was not at the expected level. But the year before everybody wanted him.

“Sometimes you have to be brave enough when everybody says he is not good.”

The situation was the same when Wenger bought Overmars from Ajax in 1997. The Dutch winger had suffered a serious knee injury the previous summer and, given his game was based on pace, Wenger took a real gamble in signing him. He was repaid 10-fold as Overmars helped fire Arsenal to their first ‘double’ in 1998.

“Exactly, [it is like Overmars],” said the manager. “Samir did not have the best of seasons last year. But I saw him start his first game and he gave me an impression that you keep with you. When you see things, you have to go with your beliefs.”

Nasri - Dream start will help my adaptation


Given that Samir Nasri is now probably the fastest goal-scoring debutant in Arsenal’s history, it seems strange to think he’ll be adapting to life in English football for another few months.

The French winger opened his account after three minutes 44 seconds against West Brom on Saturday to secure an important opening-day victory.

However, after he signed from Marseille in July, Arsène Wenger had suggested it may take Nasri as much as six months to become fully acclimatised to the Premier League. To help this process the manager has put his 21-year-old protégé on a special fitness programme.

But, after Saturday’s success, it was not surprising to hear Nasri suggesting he may be able to adapt much quicker than expected.

“There have been not that many problems for me to adapt to playing in England,” said the French international. “When I first met the boss he said that maybe I would need a bit of time, maybe up to six months. But actually I felt really good straight away.

“I have a personal programme with the physio to get stronger, because everyone has told me English football is different, with more contact.

“It is just to be stronger and to be able to cope with the 50-50s and the intensity of English football. I am working hard in training and felt really good out on the pitch.”

The goal helped of course.

“I could not dream of a better start, to score in my first game after four minutes,” said Nasri. “Now I will have to continue week in and week out, and hopefully I can keep playing like this. That will be brilliant.

“I did not feel nervous. Every time I go on the pitch, I always want to take a lot of pleasure from the game. I do not put pressure on myself.

“Before the game, the manager told me everything would be fine, and with the football we play at Arsenal, we would be OK.

“I just wanted to enjoy myself, and that is what I did.”

* Arsenal.com are checking club records to corroborate that Samir Nasri is the fastest debut-scorer in Arsenal’s history. If you can remember anyone who hit the net earlier in their first game then email us at website@arsenal.com.

Wenger - Absences make squad grow stronger



Arsène Wenger believes the absence of Cesc Fabregas and Kolo Toure has allowed some very capable deputies to show their first-team credentials.

The Spaniard has played just 90 minutes for the Gunners in pre-season since returning from his country’s successful Euro 2008 campaign. Toure has had similar match-time due to illness and a hip problem. This has given free rein to other players to shine in a competitive environment. Wenger believes the growth shown by those individuals is being overlooked.

Brazilian Denilson has been particularly impressive in the run-up to the season. He also contributed a dynamic performance and a superb assist in Saturday’s 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

“Not only do we make results but we develop players as well,” Wenger said after the weekend win. “At the start of the season it's always very difficult to assess how good [players like] Denilson and Johan Djourou will be. They can only develop if they play.

“It's a tricky situation. People want to see big names and they want to see good young players as well.”

Of course any side in the world would be weaker without Fabregas. Sections of the media suggested the 21-year-old’s absence was the reason for Arsenal’s failure to kill off West Brom on Saturday. Wenger disagrees.

“I believe that, when everyone is sharp, we will have much more invention,” he countered. “But you always want a player like Fabregas to be in there because he gives you the quality of the pass. He should be fit for the second Champions League game [against FC Twente on August 27].”

Adebayor signs a new long-term contract

Arsenal can today confirm that Togolese forward Emmanuel Adebayor has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.

Adebayor (24) scored 30 goals in all competitions last season, including one in the away fixture at Tottenham Hotspur which earned him the honour of Premier League Goal of the Season 2007/08.



Individual accolades last term also included a place in the PFA Team of the Year while the forward also finished in third place in the PFA Player of the Year.

Everyone at Arsenal looks forward to Emmanuel’s continued contribution to the Club over the coming years.

Rosicky - We win as a team and lose as a team

In the light of reports in the English media on Tuesday morning, Tomas Rosicky has issued the following statement.

"I would never blame individuals for the team not lifting a trophy. We are in it together. We win as a team and we lose as a team. As individuals, we all make mistakes and the message I was relaying to a Czech newspaper was that we are more experienced now and have learnt from last season.

"We came so close last year to winning something and we will be giving it our all to win a trophy this year."

Wenger - It is time to get behind Adebayor


Arsène Wenger has asked Arsenal fans to show their support for striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

It was announced on Monday that the Togolese frontman had committed his future to the Club by putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal.



The news ended a summer of speculation in which the 24-year-old was linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium.

But, speaking before the official announcement, Wenger said that newspaper reports over the summer did not reflect the striker’s “deep desire” and argued that Adebayor was now “settled in his own mind”.

“We have to get behind him and support him because he is a tremendous force and has tremendous importance for the team,” said the Frenchman.

“What happened in the transfer period did not always reflect his deep desire and overall I am positive he will recover.

“I think he is settled in his own mind now. But you want your own fans to be behind him. Every player needs to feel wanted.”

Arsenal holt Verteidiger Silvestre von ManU

Arsenal hat den französischen Internationalen Mikael Silvestre von Ligakonkurrent Manchester United verpflichtet.

Der 31-jährige Verteidiger unterschrieb am Mittwoch einen Zweijahresvertrag bei den Londonern. Silvestre zog das Arsenal-Angebot einem von Manchester City vor, um weiterhin in der Champions League spielen zu können.



Silvestre hatte seit 1999 für United gespielt, den Großteil der vergangenen Saison aber wegen eines Kreuzbandrisses verpasst. Der Franzose ist der erste Spieler seit Brian Kidd 1974, der von ManU direkt zu Arsenal wechselt. "Seine Vielseitigkeit und seine Erfahrung geben unserem Kader weitere Tiefe", begründete Arsenal-Trainer Arsene Wenger die Verpflichtung.

Arsenal announce signing of Mikael Silvestre

Arsenal has today signed French defender Mikael Silvestre on a two year deal having joined the Gunners from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Silvestre (31), an experienced and versatile player, has been with Manchester United since 1999 winning a host of domestic honours including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup winner’s medal and a League Cup winner’s medal. Silvestre was also part of the UEFA Champions League winning side of 2008 and made a total of 361 appearances for the Manchester side, scoring 10 goals.

Silvestre, who debuted for French national side in 2001, has also made a total of 40 appearances for Les Bleus. Highlights of his international career so far are winning the Confederations Cup in both 2001 and 2003 and reaching the World Cup Final in 2006.



Mikael said on signing for the Gunners: “I’ve spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I’ll remember that time fondly but feel I’m ready for a new challenge. Arsenal is known for playing technical and skilful football, and has a young but experienced squad. I’m really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the Club to new successes.”

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: “We have a strong squad but a young squad and Mikael’s versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season. His defensive adaptability will serve us well and it’s a big plus that Mikael has top level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League.”

Mikael will join up with his team-mates immediately and will wear shirt number 18.