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Gallas and Diaby return to face FC Porto

Arsène Wenger has named an 18-man squad for the final UEFA Champions League Group G game against FC Porto.

The squad is as follows...

1. Manuel Almunia
21. Lukasz Fabianski
10. William Gallas
18. Mikael Silvestre
40. Kieran Gibbs
41. Gavin Hoyte
27. Emmanuel Eboue
20. Johan Djourou
17. Alex Song
15. Denilson
16. Aaron Ramsey
47. Mark Randall
2. Abou Diaby
43. Fran Merida
19. Jack Wilshere
26. Nicklas Bendtner
12. Carlos Vela
50. Jay Simpson

Wenger - Vela will get his chance to shine



Arsène Wenger has dropped a heavy hint that Carlos Vela will spearhead Arsenal's Champions League attack this evening.

The Mexican teenager was one of the heroes of the Club's Carling Cup run, marking his full debut with a hat-trick against Sheffield United and netting a superb goal in the following round against Wigan.

Vela has yet to open his account in Europe despite coming off the bench in four Group G matches and starting against Dynamo Kyiv a fortnight ago, but the 19-year-old should get another chance against Porto with Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor both back in London. Wenger is confident that Vela will deliver.

"Vela is a great player and a great striker," said the Frenchman.

"He is 19 years old and has adapted very well. Every chance he has been given, he has played well, and he will get another chance to show that again [on Wednesday night]."

Injured quintet could all return on Saturday



Arsenal may have as many as five first-team players back for the trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Gael Clichy (hamstring), Cesc Fabregas (knee), Robin van Persie (thigh), Emmanuel Adebayor (rested) and Bacary Sagna (flu) could all return at The Riverside. Doubts remain over the last of those but the preceding quartet should be available.

However Kolo Toure (calf) and Samir Nasri (ankle) are still sidelined, along with long-term absentees Eduardo (leg) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).

“Sagna, Clichy, Fabregas, Van Persie and Adebayor have a reasonable chance to come back,” Arsène Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday. “Perhaps less certain is Sagna but the other four should be alright.

“However Kolo Toure will still be out and so will Samir Nasri. Plus, of course, the injured players we had before.”

Wenger – Mental hurdle is biggest for Eduardo



Arsène Wenger believes that Eduardo must overcome a “psychological hurdle” to get back to his best.

The Croatian suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle in a Premier League clash at Birmingham back in February. However, his long rehabilitation programme finally bore fruit on Tuesday night when he played 45 minutes for the Arsenal Reserves as they overcame Portsmouth 2-0 at Underhill.

Speaking ahead of the game, Wenger was in no doubt that the Rio-born hotshot could return to his physical peak and explained that overcoming the mental side of his injury will be the striker’s biggest task.

"For him to be back playing in the first team will not be a physical problem, it will be more a psychological hurdle to go back into the fight," the manager told Arsenal TV Online in an exclusive webchat on Tuesday afternoon.

"Any goal you see from a striker is about the fraction of a second when he was ahead of the defender. Any reluctance to go in to contact gets that away and then you do not score any more.

"That is where the question mark will be about Eduardo. He is a very brave guy, but sometimes you cannot master that kind of reflexes."

Eduardo has been involved in first-team training for a few weeks now but the manager explained that only competitive matches can complete the 25-year-old’s recovery.

"When he plays with us in training, everyone is very careful with him,” added Wenger. “Nobody wants to take responsibility of a bad tackle and he is injured. So it is better he goes in to a game where people do not care about him and he discovers for himself he is strong enough to deal with it."

Who can we draw in the Champions League?


The draw for the First Knockout Round of the 2008/2009 UEFA Champions League will take place on Friday from 11am (UK time) at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.

Because of the draw conditions Arsenal's next opponents can only be from the following teams:

AS Roma
Panathinaikos
FC Barcelona
Bayern Munich
Juventus


Wenns geht nicht Barca!

Wenger - Nasri is '95 per cent' to return


Samir Nasri is expected to be back in the Arsenal squad for the crucial clash with Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The French midfielder has been missing since the 1-0 win over Wigan on December 6 because of an ankle injury but, according to Arsène Wenger, has a “95 per cent” chance to return against Rafa Benitez’ side. On the other hand, Kolo Toure has a 95 per cent chance of missing the game because of a calf problem while Nicklas Bendtner (knee) is also a doubt.

Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) are still out while Eduardo is not injured anymore however he is working his way back to full fitness.

“There is a 95 per cent chance that Nasri will be available against Liverpool and a five per cent chance that Kolo Toure will come back,” Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday.

“We also have a problem with Nicklas Bendtner, who picked up a knee injury in training. But we don’t know 100 per cent on that.”

Wenger - Wilshere can fill 'Bergkamp role'


Arsène Wenger believes Jack Wilshere will make his name in the role that Dennis Bergkamp filled with distinction.

The teenager has emerged as one of English football's brightest talents this season and, thus far, has operated on the right flank for Arsenal. However, Wilshere's manager thinks he has the attributes to succeed a certain Dutch legend in the middle of the park.

"I believe he will end up a central midfielder, just off the striker in the Bergkamp role," said Wenger during his exclusive webchat on Arsenal TV Online this week.

"I am convinced he will have tremendous penetrative power and we forget that this boy is only 16 and already has so much power - you give him four more years and he will be massively strong.

"He can find the final ball and can also score goals. He is a passionate and committed guy, he is not afraid of tackles and you would want this type of player to finish off central."

This has already been a landmark campaign for Wilshere. He made his Premier League debut at Blackburn and caught the eye during Arsenal's run to the Carling Cup Quarter-Finals, opening his account for the Club in the 6-0 win over Sheffield United. Wilshere then became the youngest player to represent the Club in European competition when he made his Champions League debut against Dynamo Kyiv last month aged 16 years and 329 days.

Wilshere has looked right at home at the top level but Wenger warned not to demand too much too soon from the Hertfordshire-born midfielder. After all, Wilshere does not turn 17 until New Year's Day.

"I would not like to put too much pressure on Jack because of the expectation level," said Wenger.

"That is one of the problems you have when you are talented and very young - Theo Walcott went through that.

"At the start there is a lot of enthusiasm around players, and suddenly afterwards people say 'oh he is not as good as we thought he would be', there is a lot of scepticism around the player. He has to survive at the top level and it is not easy.

"Theo coped well with that and I am confident we can surround Jack well enough to deal with it."

Arsenal draw Roma in the Champions League


Arsenal will play AS Roma in the First Knockout Round of the Champions League.

Arsène Wenger's team were paired with the Italian giants when the draw for the last 16 of this season's competition took place at UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

The first leg will take place at Emirates Stadium on February 24 or 25 with the return leg at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome - the venue for this season's Final - on March 10 or 11.

Arsenal.com will have reaction from the draw later today. Stay close to the official club website for ticket information.

Champions League draw:
Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v AS Roma
Inter Milan v Manchester United

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Sunday, December 21, 2008, 16:00

Ten-man Arsenal drew 1-1 with Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a game of high drama and even greater controversy.

Arsène Wenger’s side were in charge until just before the break. They scored an exquisite individual goal through Robin van Persie in the 24th minute and, crucially, had seemed to have found some security at the back.

However in the 42nd minute Robbie Keane chased an aimless boot out of defence and finished with brilliant ferocity. On the whistle, Cesc Fabregas injured himself in a challenge with Xavi Alonso. He hobbled down the tunnel and was not seen again.

Emmanuel Adebayor followed him in the 62nd minute after receiving a debatable second yellow card for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa.

The dismissal was an injustice to what had been a pulsating game to that point. For the final 30 minutes the match was all about the battle not the football.

Both sides decided to keep what they had rather than gamble on another goal.

In the circumstances it was a valuable draw for Arsenal but they remain eight points off the summit of the Premier League.

Wenger made just one change from the side that had taken a point away from Middlesbrough last Saturday. Samir Nasri was fit again after damaging his ankle in the last game at Emirates Stadium against Wigan on December 6. The Frenchman took his regular role on the left with Denilson on the opposite flank. Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song were in the middle while Abou Diaby dropped to the bench.

Kolo Toure (calf), Theo Walcott (shoulder), Eduardo (match fitness) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) were all missing.

As expected Liverpool were without Fernando Torres but Rafa Benitez was a somewhat surprising absentee. The Liverpool manager was still feeling effects of surgery after a kidney stones complaint. We wish him a speed recovery.

Arsenal were generally perceived to be ailing themselves this season. Their campaign had been stricken by a rash of early defeats and only a couple wins against the ‘Big Four’ had kept the title flame flickering. Those victories against Chelsea and Manchester United had been previewed as “must-wins”. This encounter was no different.

Liverpool came to Emirates Stadium as the leaders and with a significant advantage over Wenger’s men. The pendulum could swing to five points or 11 depending on the result this afternoon. It was hard to overestimate the importance of this game in Arsenal’s season.

Perhaps that was why they started in cagey fashion.

In fact the teams mustered only one chance each in the opening 15 minutes. First Keane, an ever-willing runner, collected Daniel Agger’s long ball forward and set up Steven Gerrard for a piledriver 25 yards out. Given the England midfielder’s reputation from such a distance his execution was very average and Manuel Almunia collected easily.

A couple of minutes later, Sagna went on a raid down the right. His curling cross found Adebayor, who tried a deft backheader towards the far corner. Pepe Reina was stretched but no more.

Thus far, both sides were treating each other with the utmost respect. It seemed they dare not commit too far forward for fear of being caught out in the counter.

In such circumstances, only an error or a dash of genius can break the deadlock. In this case it was the latter.

There was little on when when Nasri floated a crossfield ball towards the Liverpool area in the 24th minute. However, Van Persie had spotted the pass before the visiting defence and was already on the shoulder of the final defender when the ball was in midflight. He would follow perception with poise.

Running at full pace the 25-year-old Dutchman chested the ball down just outside the area, twisted himself into space and unleashed a vicious shot past Reina at the near post. It was Van Persie’s 10th goal of the season and perhaps his greatest for Arsenal. And that particular award seems to get more competitive every year.

The home side were now buzzing. The quality of Van Persie’s strike was present in their passing until the equaliser. They pressed Liverpool still further but, to be fair, the visitors were robust and tried to flex their considerable football muscle.

As usual, Gerrard was at the heart of everything. He fired straight at Almunia from a long-range free-kick and hacked a couple of subsequent efforts over the bar.

But generally Arsenal seemed to be in control so Liverpool’s equaliser came, quite literally, like a bolt from the blue. Daniel Agger hacked a long ball out of defence with seemingly little thought for the strikers in front of him. However the high, hanging clearance was pursued by Keane with typical eagerness. He left Djourou and Gallas in his wake and then showed expert technique to send an unstoppable half-volley in the roof of the net from just inside the area. It was a juddering shock for Arsenal.

And it nearly got much worse before half time. Kuyt appeared on the right of the area and slid a ball to Gerrard at the far post. It was just in front of the Liverpool captain who could only send a stretching shot wide.

Kuyt’s goal-bound cross shot was superbly touched wide by Almunia during injury time and, in the final seconds, Fabregas and Xavi Alonso met in a clattering but entirely fair 50:50 challenge. The Arsenal captain went off in some distress and it was no surprise when Diaby replaced him after half time.

Liverpool could now smell weakness in Arsenal. They began the second half in search of a goal and they nearly found it when superb work from Emiliano Insua on the left-hand byline set up Lucas on the edge of the area. The Brazilian hammered a low shot towards the near post but Almunia got down well to parry.

There was now a danger that Arsenal’s midfield would be overrun. The loss of Fabregas had seen Denilson move inside to partner Song. Nasri was now on the right and Diaby on the left. Only the Cameroonian had retained the position in which he started the game.

Repelling Gerrard and Co was a big ask for a quartet whose average age was less than 21. And the questions got all the more searching in the 62nd minute when Adebayor was sent off for a second yellow card.

The Togolese striker had been booked for a foul on Emiliano Insua seven minutes before the break. His foot was raised in that tackle but it was less arguable than the foul that cost him his participation in the game. The home crowd were vociferous and vocal in their disapproval of Howard Webb’s decision.

That reaction spurred on Arsenal and, though they held their own going forward, shots from Nasri and Van Persie were never going in.

By now, Liverpool had brought on Ryan Babel to stretch the Arsenal defence. However it was another substitute, Nabil El Zhar, who tested Almunia when trying to feed Kuyt.

With four minutes left Agger grazed the angle of post and bar with a rocket of a shot from 30 yards but, by now, it appeared both sides were in the same frame mind in which they had started the game. They knew they had more to lose than gain from chancing their arm too much. That said El Zhar steered a header inches wide in the final minute of normal time. Had that gone in, that would have been a robbery and the Arsenal fans felt bereft of Christmas cheer as it was.

Their team remain in the title race but have much work to do.

Wenger faces anxious wait over Fabregas



Arsène Wenger faces an anxious wait before discovering the true extent of Cesc Fabregas' knee injury.

Arsenal's captain was hurt in a challenge with Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso right at the end of the first half on Sunday and did not reappear for the second half of the 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium.

Immediately after the game Wenger told Arsenal TV Online that Fabregas could be sidelined for "two or three weeks". However in his post-match press conference the Frenchman admitted that he could not be sure until the Spaniard was properly assessed.

"It is a medial knee ligament problem," explained Wenger.

"I don’t know [how long he will be out], it is difficult to assess. Of course it is a blow, you don’t want to lose a player like that but we have to cope with it."

Arsenal.com will have further news of Fabregas' injury on Tuesday afternoon.

Adebayor - I hope ref sees he made a mistake



Emmanuel Adebayor wants referee Howard Webb to re-examine his red card against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Togolese striker was sent off in the 62nd minute with the scores at 1-1 after receiving a second booking for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa. The first had come seven minutes before the break for a challenge on Emiliano Insua.

It was a massive moment in a massive game for both sides. And, afterwards, the decision drew criticism from the Emirates Stadium crowd, Arsène Wenger and the player himself.

"I hope when the referee goes home and watches it on the TV, he will see it was a foul, but I didn't deserve a card," said Adebayor. "It was a mistake from him.

"He said it was for the leg but if I don't put my body in there I would never score a goal in this League.

"We have to protect the ball, which is normal, and that's what I tried to do.

"The defender [Arbeloa] threw himself on the floor as if I put a knife in him.

"Of course I'm annoyed. We are all here to play and if you win or lose you have to do it with 11.

"I cannot say he cheated but what he did wasn't fair play at all."

'I think we could have won this game today'


On the performance...
“I believe we had a nervy start and at 1-0 we didn’t have enough control of the game. We had played a bit too deep in midfield, and in the second half we played higher up. Straight away we got more control, and I think we could have won this game today. It is very disappointing because we showed great spirit, strength, and commitment but missed that thing that can make the difference when you have 10 men. It was difficult."

On Adebayor's red card...
“It was very soft. Today was Be A Gooner, Be A Giver, but you cannot say the referee was a Gooner, he was a giver, giving yellow cards that we didn’t deserve. Every week when we play away from home, we are told people get in our faces and we cant cope.

“I should show you our players after some games we play away from home; it is a joke. Neither of the bookings were justified. It is just an unbelievable decision; if Adebayor goes off, then [Robbie] Keane has to go off in the first minute. It seems we have different rules. The decision cost us two-points today, and I do not agree with it all.”

On the title race...
“The title is won in May and we are only in December. We will fight until the end, because I am convinced that Liverpool will drop more points. They have had four draws at home, so why should they not drop more in the second part of the season.”

On the goal that his side conceded...
“I am not happy because it is the second time we have conceded one like that [ball over the top]; we had the same against Aston Villa. We need to correct that, but I think even with 10 men we were solid defensively. On that front I am happy that we have improved compared to one or two months ago.”

On the rumours surrounding Vela going out on loan, or Tevez and Arshavin coming in...
“No, no, and no.”

On Liverpool's cautious approach after the red card...
“I don’t know if they run out of resources, or maybe they were scared they might be caught out on the break. Only they can tell you, but I saw one or two had cramp on the pitch. We had a few breaks and you could smell danger, so I think Liverpool became cautious.”

Fabregas ruled out for up to four months



Cesc Fabregas will be out for "three to four months" after suffering a serious knee injury against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Arsenal captain was hurt in a challenge with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso at Emirates Stadium and hobbled off the pitch at half-time. Arsène Wenger hoped Fabregas' spell on the sidelines would be limited to a matter of weeks but his worst fears were realised after the Spaniard went for a scan on Monday.

"The news is not good because it is a partial rupture of the medial knee ligament which is taking three to four months injury time," revealed Wenger at his pre-match press conference. "We count four, we know he will be working very hard to come back earlier but I count four months.

"How much [we will miss him] is difficult to say, the only thing we can say for sure is that we will miss him of course. We have to find a way to compensate for the fact he will not be on the pitch, and give everybody a bit more. I am sure we can deal with it. When he comes back he can help us to get over the line in the final months.

"The challenge [by Alonso] was fair and honest, I have no problem with it. It is exactly what I have said many times, it is the kind of thing you accept in the game that can happen. I don't feel there was any intention to hurt, it was purely accidental.

"It is a blow [to lose him] of course, but we can show we have the strengths to deal with it. Of course it is a blow to lose Fabregas in the middle of the season - for four months - but it is a good opportunity to show we can deal with it and have the needed strengths."

Arsenal drawn at Cardiff in FA Cup 4th Rnd


Arsenal have been drawn away to Cardiff City in the FA Cup Fourth Round

This tie will take place around the weekend of January 24/25.

The full FA Cup Fifth Round draw

Liverpool v Everton
Manchester United v Tottenham
Hull or Newcastle v Millwall or Crewe
Sunderland v Blyth or Blackburn
Hartlepool v West Ham
Leyton Orient or Sheffield United v Charlton or Norwich
Cardiff v Arsenal
Portsmouth or Bristol City v Histon or Swansea
Chelsea or Southend v Ipswich
Cheltenham or Doncaster v Aston Villa
West Brom or Peterborough v QPR or Burnley
Torquay v Coventry
Kettering v Fulham
Watford v Leicester or Crystal Palace
Derby v Nottingham Forest
Birmingham or Wolves v Middlesbrough

Wilshere signs professional terms with Club


Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Jack Wilshere has signed professional terms with the Club.

Jack, who turned 17 on New Year’s Day and was therefore eligible to sign his first professional contract, has already started to make an impact with his performances for the first team as he continues his excellent development at the Club.

Jack, an England Youth International, made Arsenal history making his full first team debut, coming on as an 81st minute substitute against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the Premier League on September 30, 2008. At 16 years and 256 days, he became the youngest ever player to represent Arsenal in both the League and the Premier League.

Just 10 days later, aged 16 years and 266 days, Jack made his first full competitive start for the Club in the Carling Cup Third Round victory over Sheffield United, capping off a fine performance with his debut goal for the first team in the 6-0 win.

Jack, who comes from Hitchin in Hertfordshire, made further history for Arsenal when he came on as a substitute in the 76th minute during the UEFA Champions League home match against Dynamo Kyiv on November 25, 2008. At 16 years 329 days, he became the youngest ever player to represent Arsenal in European competitions.

At Arsenal since he was nine years old, left-footed Jack, who to date has made six first team appearances, was the youngest player taking part in the first team’s Austrian pre-season training camp in July, aged just 16. He scored twice in the friendly with Burgenland, and netted again against Stuttgart. He then played both games in the Emirates Cup, impressing against both Juventus and Real Madrid.

Everyone at the Club is looking forward to Jack’s continued contribution and development with Arsenal in the forthcoming years.

Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Saturday, January 10, 2009, 15:00

Arsène Wenger admits he has been forced to put his ‘flair-play’ campaign on hold for now.

The Arsenal manager has long been the curator of the Premier League’s most enchanting exhibitors of the beautiful game. But with a midfield shorn of Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky for some months to come, Wenger accepts his fifth-place side must now start to close the 10-point gap on leaders Liverpool by the sweat of their brow.

“Recently I believe we have been more workmanlike than creative or sparky,” he said at Friday’s press conference. “But that will come back with the quality we have.

“We had one or two disappointments early this season and needed first to come back to grind out some results, then we can come back to the rest of our game later.

“Of course, we would like it to return now but I believe Walcott will come back, Rosicky I don't know when he will come back while Fabregas will come back in March hopefully. So yes at the moment we have lost something on the creative side of the game.

“But we are in a good way right now and have created a momentum. It is down to us to show consistency, we want to be super-consistent because in top-level sport you always have a chance if you can show you can improve.

“I admit we were not consistent at the start of the season but in the last six weeks this team are different animals and are really ready to have a go. That is what is our target - to show we can be consistent.”

As Wenger implies, injuries have been a problem all season. Rosicky and Eduardo have yet to feature at all, Fabregas and Walcott have been lost for the medium term while, this week, William Gallas (hamstring) and Mikael Silvestre (thigh) have picked up problems that might sideline them for the next three weeks. At least Denilson (back) and Kolo Toure (groin) have recovered.

Perhaps the acceptance of this industrious policy has been prompted by the visit of Bolton on Saturday. The Sam Allardyce version hustled and muscled their way to some fractious, costly victories a few years ago. Gary Megson’s tenure has knocked off a few of the rougher edges but if the mountainous Kevin Davies is still up front the overall tactic can not have changed that much. Wenger believes the re-modelled Arsenal can cope.

“What people forget is that Bolton always has good players,” he said. “If you look at the players who played there in the last 10 years, you will find some very good ones.

“It’s always a tricky tie. They are a strong team, well-organised and they play in a very committed way - that’s why for us the focus will be very important. I am confident we will have great focus and be ready for the game.

“I believe that overall we have improved in the domains where we were a bit less convincing. That means in the air and on the set-pieces.

“We feel much stronger today defensively than we did three months ago. For us it is to find a good balance between playing the football we love, the attractive game we love, and being efficient defensively. I believe we are on a good way and 2009 will show that.”

Wenger knows this weekend is an opportunity for his side. Bolton have lost five of their last six games while Arsenal are unbeaten in their past half-dozen. Fourth-place Aston Villa have a derby game against in-form West Brom on Saturday lunchtime while, on Sunday, Manchester United are hosting Chelsea. It guarantees that one title rival will drop points. Fingers crossed it will be two.

“A positive result would be for us to win our game,” the Arsenal manager concluded.

“As for the rest [Man United v Chelsea] is an opportunity to get closer to one of the two and if possible, two of the two. The draw would be the best result for us.

“But first we have to win our game.”

Wenger – I won’t be speaking about Arshavin

Arsène Wenger is known for keeping his transfer cards close to his chest, and the Frenchman does not intend to change his policy when it comes to Andrei Arshavin.

The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker has been hotly tipped to join Arsenal after a spokesperson from his club claimed that the Gunners had enquired about the £20million-rated Russian.

Despite some other Premier League managers choosing to air their transfer-window ambitions in public, Wenger insists he will remain true to his usual philosophy this time around.

“It's not incorrect to speak about the transfer, but even if you are interested in a player and he's not signed or hasn't come here, it's like putting people in front of a big table and saying dinner is not for you,” he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “If I say now how great a player is and do not bring him here, people will think that is stupid.

“There are a lot of managers who talk openly about players they would like. [The press] contribute highly to that. I am under pressure to talk about players that maybe I am not capable of buying.”

Wenger - Toure is captain when he plays


Kolo Toure will return to the Arsenal side against Bolton on Saturday as captain.

The Ivorian has been subject to much media speculation in recent weeks. It has been rumoured that Manchester City would like to sign him. It is fact that he both submitted and then withdrew a transfer request around Christmas time.

With Cesc Fabregas injured until March, Arsène Wenger had suggested he would be rotating his captain. Manuel Amunia had taken the armband in recent games but Robin van Persie did the job in his absence last weekend.

In total seven players have led out the Arsenal first-team this season - Williams Gallas (15 games), Manuel Almunia (2), Cesc Fabregas (4), Kolo Toure (3), Lukasz Fabianski (2), Robin Van Persie (1) and Mikael Silvestre (1). However it now seems that, when selected, Toure will do the job.

“Our vice-captain is Kolo Toure,” said Wenger at Friday’s press conference. “He will play tomorrow and so when Kolo Toure plays, he is captain. After that it is Robin van Persie or Almunia.”

On the face of it that appears a strange move given Toure seemed to make clear his desire to leave only a couple of weeks ago.

“That again is transfer rumours,” replied Wenger when the question was put to him. “I know in this job what is true and what is not true, believe me. You come in to work and watch him work every day, he works like mad with his commitment.

“He's the longest-serving player at the Club. We all have to go one day but Kolo is 28. I'd hate to see him go because of his quality.

“Apart from not playing him sometimes I never have any problem with him and that's part of being a manager - you can only play 11 not 22.

“For me Kolo is very honest and is a great person. I rate him and I like him.”

Arsenal 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Saturday, January 10, 2009, 15:00


* Bendtner 84

Substitute Nicklas Bendtner ended Arsenal’s frosty frustration with an 84th-minute winner at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

All afternoon Arsène Wenger’s side had banged on Bolton’s back door – but it remained stubbornly shut.

Gary Megson’s injury-hit outfit arrived with only four substitutes in his squad, so perhaps you can forgive the visitors’ reluctance to break out of their defensive shackles.

Arsenal had all the possession and all the chances – most notably when Robin van Persie hit the post midway through the second half – but Bolton would not be budged.

That was until six minutes from time. Gael Clichy’s perception freed the Dutchman on the left and his far-post cross was converted by the sliding Bendtner. It was beautiful end to an ugly game – but was enough for Arsenal.

Once again, 1-0 is peculiarly satisfying scoreline for Wenger’s men at the moment. They are now unbeaten in six Premier League games and half of those have home victories by a single goal. They have helped the team stay on the coat-tails of the title race.

Gradually, Arsenal are grinding their way back into form.

Wenger changed half his side for their first Premier League fixture of 2009.

William Gallas (hamstring) and Mikael Silvestre (thigh) were injured while Nicklas Bendtner, Lukasz Fabianski and Aaron Ramsey dropped to the bench. Their replacements were Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Denilson, Kolo Toure and Manuel Almunia.

Bolton were without three of the players most responsible for their relative success this season – Kevin Nolan (suspension), Gretar Steinsson (suspension) and Gary Cahill (back). Partly as a result of that, manager Megson named only four substitutes. One was nearly used before kick-off with rumours running around the press box that keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen had injured himself in the warm-up. They turned out to be false.

England was in the midst of a cold snap. The overnight frost had put paid to the Premier League fixtures at Portsmouth and Fulham. That was never going to happen with the undersoil heating at Emirates Stadium but it was a bitterly cold afternoon in North London and the spectators were not afforded the same luxury as the pitch. It was hat, coat, gloves, scarf and thermal long-johns weather.

Bolton’s billing as Arsenal’s nightmare had become a bit of a misnomer in recent years. Wenger’s men had won the last five Premier League fixtures between the pair and the Lancashire side had not tasted victory in this part of the capital for 47 years.

Bolton’s attitude in the opening stages did nothing to suggest that would change. The visitors seemed happy to sit back and afford the home side enough space to set up camp just outside their area.

It was a dangerous tactic and Van Persie would profit with a couple of early opportunities – a snap shot on the turn from Samir Nasri’s pacy pass and a header that stretched Jaaskelainen.

The Frenchman then fired over himself and Van Persie had justifiable claims for a penalty in the 19th minute when a grounded Jlloyd Samuel appeared to nudge the ball with his arm.

Arsenal were keeping up the pressure but not doing that much with it. You felt that although it was one-way traffic, the cars just were not moving very fast.

Just to add to the surreal feeling, some of the floodlights failed midway through the half. Fortunately, there was enough daylight to carry on and the problem was rectified quickly.

Adebayor’s right-wing cross was nodded out by Danny Shittu and Van Persie volleyed over from the edge of the area. Clichy even had a dig from distance.

Bolton lost in-form striker Johan Elmander eight minutes before the break. Mustapha Riga came on but the change left Kevin Davies ploughing a lonely furrow up front.

Still, at the break, Bolton were in possession of the point they had clearly come for. It was Arsenal’s job to break them down and they had got nowhere near to achieving it in the first 45 minutes.

The home fans did their best to rouse the team at the start of the second half. They cheered optimistically for handball when Samuel chested down a left-wing cross but held their breath when Matt Taylor guided a header towards the far post. Fortunately Almunia held on.

As the game passed the hour mark, Arsenal were losing their momentum. Therefore it was no surprise to see substitute Carlos Vela, the catalyst for change against Portsmouth, replace Diaby.

Just before the change, Adebayor had seen a swivelling shot saved by Jaaskelainen. Just after it, he would spurn the chance of the match. Vela worked the ball in-field and Nasri threaded an expert ball to the far side of the area where the unmarked striker collected. He had time to steady himself but he took too long. By the time he got his shot off, Andy O’Brien had sprinted across. His outstretched leg stopped a near-certain goal.

The chance served to spur on Arsenal. Bolton had enjoyed a small pocket of possession at the start of the half but that was long gone now. The home side were now hogging the ball and peppering the Bolton area with chances.

In the 70th minute, Adebayor set up Van Persie on the edge of the box. The Dutchman shimmied past a couple of defenders and poked a shot past a static Jaaskelainen. Agonisingly, the bobbling ball bounced back off the post and Denilson’s follow-up was blocked.

A couple of minutes later, Toure’s long-range effort forced a sprawling save from the Bolton keeper.

Bendtner came off the bench and nearly powered home Nasri’s free-kick with his first touch. Unfortunately the ball nestled in Jaaskelainen’s midriff.

The Dane was also denied eight minutes from time following a marauding run up the right wing by Toure.

Bendtner would not be denied a third time and relief was palpable when he slid home Van Persie’s shot.

But Bolton responded with their best chance of the game when Chris Basham set up Davies. Fortunately Almunia held on.

A welcome whistle rang out a couple of minutes later.

'We have a good resilient spirit now'



On finally breaking down Bolton…
“It was a difficult game with Bolton having two very deep lines. Their midfield was very close to their defence and for an hour we couldn’t find a way through. Maybe our passing was not incisive enough and not forward-orientated enough.

"They were very strong in the tackle and it is easier to play with only one focus - to defend well. It looked like it could be 0-0 because we never looked like conceding but we didn’t create many chances. Although in the last 20 minutes we had to finish in a good old-fashioned 4-2-4 to win the game.”

On the Nicklas Bendtner’s impact from the bench…
“You could say he didn’t have the best passing game today but he could have scored two goals. That sums up what a striker is. It is so cold for the subs when you come on it is not easy. You sit there for an hour and you start to warm up until you come on. When you really get into the game, the game is over. When Nicklas came on there were 15 minutes left and he had no real time to warm up really.”

On the Dane’s overall contribution this season…
“He had an injury problem with his ankle and I thought it affected his game a little bit, especially with his back to goal. He looks in training as if he is sharp again. He had some difficult periods because of those problems with his ankle but now slowly he is getting back to where he will be.”

On the importance of three points after Villa’s early win…
“I am not too concerned about that, for us it is important [to win]. We cannot afford to drop points against Bolton at home, we are swimming against the stream enough already. I feel we look stable defensively, we have been more creative in the past but we have now won three games 1-0 and that is a good basis. We have a good resilient spirit and let’s just take it game by game. I have seen Villa today against West Brom and every game is difficult for everybody.”

On whether new signings would have helped break down Bolton…
“It is difficult to say because of the context of the game today; it was very difficult to create. I have said it many times, if we have Walcott, Rosicky and Fabregas out on the creative side of the game it is many players. Any injury on the offensive side, in creative midfield, can be a problem.

“We look for them [new faces] and as soon as we find them we will tell you.”

On Rafa Benitez’s recent comments about Sir Alex Ferguson…
“I must say it came as a big surprise because he is usually a quiet man. I wouldn’t like to comment further on that. I don’t know really what it was about basically.

“I don’t know what he [Ferguson] is doing, you don’t know, I don’t know, nobody knows in the country. I believe that it’s not down to me to do that. If Ferguson, Benitez or me do something wrong then you have people around the referees who make reports, I don’t want to intervene with that.

“It is important that we focus on the game. When we see something that isn’t normal, we tell it. I saw it at Aston Villa and I said that after the game. Apart from that I couldn’t see any deep problem for English football in there.”

On the performance of today’s referee…
“He was good. At half time he was perfectly free I promise you. He got a good cup of tea with nobody around him.”

On whether the outburst could affect Liverpool’s title challenge…
“It depends on the results. It is very difficult, for example, Benitez looked very angry I don’t know what happened behind the scenes but it is very difficult to determine what influence it has on the results of the team.

“I remember when I arrived here there was the famous story with Kevin Keegan and Ferguson where, in the end, there was that famous moment where Keegan lost his nerves a little bit and it cost him the championship. I am not convinced though; I think their defensive frailty cost them the championship rather than one moment of their manager losing his cool a little bit.

“It will certainly have an impact on their relationship but not on Ferguson.”

Wenger - The Premier League has lost its edge


Arsène Wenger believes the attacking excitement of the Premier League may have gone forever.

The Frenchman’s point was exemplified by Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday. The winner came very late and was preceded by 84 minutes of frustration as Gary Megson’s side refused to break out of their defensive straitjacket. It was perhaps understandable given that a spate of injuries meant Bolton were only able to name four substitutes. But it did not make for very good viewing and afterwards Wenger lamented the days when sides would go on the offensive away from home.

"That is gone,” he said. “You go 10 years back everybody played a strict 4-4-2. I can remember maybe one team coming here with one striker.

“This year I can't remember a single team coming here with two strikers, except Hull who played three just at the start but slowly they have come back and become like the other teams.

“[The Premier League] has definitely lost something. It has been linked temporarily this year with the fact the League is so tight. Teams after ninth place are all scared to go down and that could make everybody be more cautious. But I can remember when I arrived in 1996 everybody had a go at you, that meant you had space up and down. Sometimes you lost the game, but you could see more chances than we did against Bolton.

"You know I sit on the bench and I try to put myself in the position of Gary Megson and straight away I understand. And then after I think we have to be good enough to create the chances if the opposition only defends. It is maybe one of the weaknesses of the top Premier League teams this year that teams have learned only to defend away from home.

“It looks like all the four that we call the top four, that has become now five, struggle with that. Chelsea struggles, you could see [we did], Liverpool struggles and even Man United, with the offensive force they have.

"I believe it is down to the quality of the defending of the other teams and to the huge improvement in physical fitness and quality.

"But what is interesting in the game is that every new problem you face means the teams have to work to find the answer. That problem will only be temporary I think because it will force the teams to work on movement, the technique and the creative side.

“[But it is important] that these teams do not get away with only defending any more and they have to start to take risks as well.”

Van Persie - I can feel the fans’ frustration



Robin van Persie won't be happy until he lands some silverware this season.

The Dutch forward has enjoyed a fine campaign, netting 12 goals in total including five in his last seven games. However, finishing as the Club's top scorer will count for little if Van Persie and his team-mates end the season empty-handed.

Arsenal landed their last major trophy in 2005, beating Manchester United after a penalty shoot-out at the end of the FA Cup Final. Nearly four years have passed since that memorable day at the Millennium Stadium and Van Persie can understand the Arsenal fans' frustration.

"Yes, and I am like them," Van Persie told the Official Matchday Programme. "I feel the same, I want it as badly as them and it can be frustrating when it doesn’t happen.

"I’m a positive person though, and I think positively, and I think the fans should do that as well. We didn’t win everything in the past couple of years, but we are doing absolutely everything we can to change it.

"The main thing [in 2009] is to finally get silverware, but there is a clear picture here of how to achieve that. We need to stick to it – because this is how Arsenal is. The Arsenal way is in our system now, it grows into you, and I don’t think it’s clever to change your philosophy.

"Things take time, and you often see clubs sacking managers for fun, and they don’t get anywhere. You need a long-term strategy. That’s why I like Arsenal, because the players have time to grow into the system, and if we stick to our principles we will get silverware. That’s the main target, if we stick to the way we play we will get it."

Fabregas - I'm not thinking about football



Cesc Fabregas is trying to put football out of his mind while he recovers from his knee injury.

The Spanish midfielder suffered medial ligament damage during the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on December 21 and is not expected back until late March at the earliest. Since then Fabregas has kept in touch with Arsenal's progress - whether he has been in England or not - but the 21-year-old is trying to make the best of a rare break from the game.

"To be honest, apart from watching the Arsenal games, I haven’t been following football much lately," Fabregas told the Official Arsenal Programme. "I’m not really thinking about football, watching the games, following the transfer market, nothing.

"Of course I love watching Arsenal, and I will never miss a game when I can help it, but apart from that I’m just forgetting about everything to do with football. Even my girlfriend is surprised because it’s unusual for me, but to be honest when it comes to football at the moment, I am off it until I can start to get fit again.

"I just have to be patient and try to enjoy a holiday. In the last five years I haven’t been able to take any type of holiday because even during the summer I have been playing for the national team, so it’s been constant.

"I think in six years I’ve only ever had three consecutive weeks without football. That’s not normal for a 21 year-old. For Arsenal and Spain at all levels I think I have played 270 games – for a 21 year-old that’s not normal so I guess at one stage this had to happen. I want to relax as much as possible, and I’m sure I will come back stronger."

Fabregas was back in England to watch the FA Cup win over Plymouth at the start of the month but has been receiving treatment in Barcelona. He is counting the days until he can get back on the pitch and - hopefully - help Arsenal end the season with silverware.

"There are still a few more weeks of resting and it’s difficult because I cannot really do anything at the moment," he added. "So it’s a good time to go away on holiday, make the most of it, and hopefully it will help to pass the time quicker. I just want these next few weeks to go as quickly as possible so I can start to get fit again.

"But I am in really, really good hands. I am seeing a doctor in Barcelona who is the best in Europe for treating knee injuries, and at Arsenal we have Colin Lewin who is a great physio, so I’m not worried about it."

Wenger - Why I gave Nasri a central role



Arsène Wenger believes that Samir Nasri's influence from the middle of the park helped make the difference against Bolton on Saturday.

The French international has been deployed on the left flank for most of his first season at Arsenal and has made a good impression, netting five times in 20 starts while offering a creative threat from the flank.

Nasri started Saturday's game in his customary position but was shifted inside by Wenger after the break as the home side struggled to break down a stubborn Bolton back line. With Nasri pulling the strings, Arsenal looked more dangerous and were rewarded for their persistence when Nicklas Bendtner scored a late winner.

Afterwards, Wenger explained why he asked Nasri to play a different role in the second half.

"He gave us a little bit more creativity in the centre, especially in a tight game like that," said the manager.

"Of course, he [Nasri] is a link player and can also pass people.

"From then on it became a little bit more difficult for Bolton. It was my idea - sometimes accidentally I have them."

Wenger - Injured quartet are 'new signings'


Arsène Wenger plans to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes. If he can't, he will console himself with the knowledge that a raft of 'new signings' are just around the corner.

Andrei Arshavin has been heavily linked with a move to Emirates Stadium and Wenger admits he is "open" to the prospect of other reinforcements. But perhaps the biggest boost to Arsenal's chances of a successful season will be the return of Eduardo, Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky.

The injured quartet are on their way back. Eduardo is already fit after recovering from the broken leg and dislocated ankle he suffered at Birmingham last February. Walcott (dislocated shoulder), Fabregas (knee ligaments) and Rosicky (hamstring tendon) are expected to follow in March and April. Wenger believes they will make a big difference.

"We are open [to any transfer deals] but do not forget that we have Rosicky, Fabregas and Walcott who are all creative and offensive players. They will come back at some stage," said Wenger.

"Eduardo has recovered very well and his coming back will be like a new signing as well. He will be back in two to three weeks [in the first team].

"That is like being on a transfer market for us. I believe we have a strong team and we want to do the maximum with the team we have."