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Big boys return for the weekend…

Totally took things to new levels last night on the drinking front. My mouth tastes of Cuervo. That’s after a cup of tea. It’s not good. You know what else isn’t good? Pizza from the super market. When was the last time you had a great experience with one of those? My mout feels like I’ve been trying to crunch through a broken bottle.
Anyway… how about some Arsenal stuff?
It seems the club is looking to bolster the technical department. There are three jobs going for junior video analysts on the go. You must be able to work a video camera and have an understanding of health an safety. There’s also a role going for a full time analyst role with the kids again.
It’s interesting that they’re doing this with the youth team. Because if anything was prevalent the other night, it was that the club have a really bad set up with the reserves. We have virtually no one coming through the ranks. Years ago, we had a whole squad of kids coming through, yeah, sure, hardly any of them made it, but we could comfortably put a second string out that could make the semi finals of the Carling Cup.
What happened?
We ditched the whole things this summer and it doesn’t look like we’ve replaced it that well?  Early days, but my expectation of a football club is that things under the same manager would improve, not regress. Shouldn’t we be churning out kids like Barca by now?
Liverpool come to town at the weekend. Exciting times. A challenge based on the league table, but really a game we should be looking to take maximum points in. The league isn’t really telling a true story at the moment and I think Liverpool will start dropping points soon. They have  in form strikers in the form of Sturridge and Suarez… but that’s not going to win you the league. A midfield of Henderson, Lucas and Stevie G is hardly the most dynamic. It’s solid, but we should be able to work around them quite effectively.
The big boys come back into the side this weekend, hopefully a bit fresher after a rest. Ozil, Giroud and Sagna are so important to our play at the moment. Without those guys, we’re a bit redundant as a force. We need them to lift the side. I like Giroud, but it does feel odd pining for his return to the side. We’ve been spoilt with players like Bergkamp, Henry and Robin over the years… they’re the types of players I’m used to getting excited about returning. It is what it is I guess!
http://le-grove.co.uk/2013/10/31/big-boys-return-for-the-weekend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=big-boys-return-for-the-weekend

Thomas Vermaelen: We Can Keep Out Suarez And Sturridge

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen believes Arsenal can cope with Liverpool’s deadly SAS strikeforce of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge when the sides meet at the Emirates on Saturday.
The pair have been superb this season, notching a combined 14 goals in the Premier League between them, and are the main reason why Liverpool are in such good form.
But with Arsenal sitting pretty at the top of the league, Vermaelen thinks the Gunners have the capability to deal with Liverpool’s fierce forwards.
“We know them from the past. We played a lot against Luis Suarez already, and of course I know him from my time in Ajax,” said Vermaelen to Sky Sports.
“Sturridge we played against last season. We know them both, they are playing well and quite dangerous. But now we need to keep going like we did the last couple of weeks.”
He added: ”We are top of the league. We should have a lot of confidence to beat Liverpool.”
http://squawka.com/news/2013/10/31/vermaelen-thinks-arsenal-can-contain-sas/2013103130726

Arsenal sizing up January swoop for West Ham’s Winston Reid

Reports suggest the Gunners will offer the Hammers around £6m for Reid’s services

With Thomas Vermaelen’s Arsenal future still in serious doubt, rumours have emerged that West Ham centre-back Winston Reid is top of Arsene Wenger’s list of possible replacements.
Having seen his playing time in an Arsenal shirt reduced to Capital One Cup appearances, it’s no surprise to see club captain Vermaelen linked with a move away from the Emirates, particularly in a World Cup season.
We’ve already alluded to the fact on this site, that Serie A club Inter are among the leading contenders for Vermaelen’s signature.
Reports coming out of north London appear to back up the theory that Wenger is resigned to losing the Belgian, as West Ham’s Reid has seemingly caught the Frenchman’s eye.
After glowing reports from chief scout Steve Rowley regarding the New Zealand international’s performances for the Hammers, Wenger will give his backing to a bid in January for a fee believed to be in the region of £6m.
Reid, 25, has emerged as one of the most consistent central defenders in the Premier League this season, helping Sam Allardyce’s side keep four top-flight clean sheets so far.
Whether or not West Ham will be prepared to listen to an offer in this finacial bracket is another matter, especially as he is considered one of the Irons’ most prized assets.
Although Arsenal have raced to the top of the Premier League table, some defensive reinforcement seems necessary as the current backline have only shut-out two teams in the top-flight in their first nine games.
While Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have formed a good understanding at the Emirates, the signing of another genuine threat to their starting positions will be a healthy move.
Ironically, next up for Arsenal are a Liverpool team blessed with a plethora of quality centre-backs, though the Gunners are still the 6/5 favourites to claim what would signify a huge three points.
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/arsenal-sizing-up-january-swoop-for-west-hams-winston-reid_176404.html

Arsenal Lining Up Premier League Defender, But How Does He Compare To Current Crop?

Arsenal Lining Up Premier League Defender, But How Does He Compare To Current Crop? 

 

The calls for Arsenal to stiffen their backline could very well come true in the new year, but while most Gooners are fantasising over the cream of the crop in Europe who possess god-like ball control, the Metro are reporting that Arsene Wenger is looking at West Ham centre-half Winston Reid who could cost around £6m. But how does he compare to their current crop of defenders?
Well, Arsenal's first choice is Per Mertesacker, who over the last year has established himself as one of the most impressive defenders in the Premier League. This season he has played eight games, scoring once and winning an impressive 65% of his duels.
Reid has almost matched that, with his duel success standing at 60% from his nine games, and he too has scored one goal.
The massive difference between the two is in their ball retention. While Arsenal are happy knocking the ball around, West Ham are rifling it up the pitch which shows in Reid's 72% pass completion to Mertesacker's 92%.
Laurent Koscielny has had a mixed season this time round but he has also completed 92% of his passes. No Arsenal player can match Reid's average defensive actions though - 12 - but the Frenchman comes closest with nine.
While it's hard to compare Thomas Vermaelen to anyone this season because of his lack of playing time, Reid would certainly add a breath of fresh air, and leadership, into what some people consider a lacklustre backline.
http://www.footballfriendsonline.com/blogs/2013/10/31/arsenal-lining-up-premier-league-defender-but-how-does-he-co.html

Arsenal defender Miquel hails 'brilliant' LIgnasi Miquel has hailed his loan spell with Leicester City and hopes to it will prepare him for a return to parent club Arsenal next season.

The Spanish defender is on a season-long loan with the Championship outfit, having left the Emirates Stadium in the hope of getting more playing time, and netted for the Foxes in the Capital One Cup win over Fulham.

Although the 21-year-old has made only one league appearance so far this season for Nigel Pearson's team, he is enjoying life at the club and hopes it will benefit him when he returns to Arsenal next season.

"I got lucky coming to Leicester as you can see they like to play," he told Sky Sports.

"I think we showed we can be in the Premier League and if we can keep playing like this we have a great chance of being there.

"Life at Leicester is brilliant. I've got an apartment here and the lads have been great to me. I could not ask for anything else.

"I have to focus on Leicester and be ready for next season at Arsenal."

Miquel, who has made five Premier League appearances for the Gunners, has featured in every round of the Capital One Cup for Leicester, beating Carlisle, Derby and Fulham.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/10/31/4372904/- 

Best Soccer Players of 2012-2013

The Top Ten

Your List

TheTopTens List

1Cristiano Ronaldo

+1572Ronaldo is better faster stronger more versatile in his scoring messi has xavi and iniesta ronaldo doesn't and still makes people speechless and has scored in all vital games were was messi vs madrid vs chelsea

+1372Cristiano ronaldo is the best end of story screw messi cristiano ronaldo has broke records all over the world.

+867Messi has been impressive and so has Ronaldo.. To be honest, I think it'd be quite unfair if Ronaldo doesn't win this time. "He can be a one man team messi can't because if xavi or iniesta are not playing he is bad". Ronaldo individuals records are outstanding, despite the fact that Messi can be the top scorer in la liga this time.. Remember, Ronaldo was the top scorer the previous season of la liga.. Yet he didn't win as real madrid wasn't champion. So, as real win will la liga this season, Ronaldo has the chance of getting much closer to the Ballon D'or title. It's due to him and his personal efforts that real madrid will win back the la liga title again. Yet, the decisions are only in the hand of the FIFA. All remains to be seen now.

2Lionel Messi

+1387He holds the ball with amazing dribbling skills and with blistering pace, can be nightmare for any defensive lineup or for any player

+1006He has glue on his boots, For me he is the best football player after ronaldhino gone from Fc Barcelona...

+934Unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo was born in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Messi rules the soccer world whether CR7 and his fans like it or not.

3Neymar

+690Neymar brings art back to soccer - which is why Brazilians got their fame in the first place.

+558Neymar is like the best new kid in town. It's a joke for Rooney to be in the top 3 in this list that's Neymar's spot. Messi and Ronaldo are beast though. Still though- Neymar is the perfect example of why Brazil are such a famous football team- like that other guy said.

+492He is the best futball player I have ever seen my really long 37 year life I am voting for him because I think he should in the top three of being the best futball player

4Robin van Persie

+345Best striker around, one of the best finisher, a goalscorer by nature and a great future, he should stay at arsenal

+299He Experienced bad injuries at the past, But he came back at the premier league to took 3 individual Trophies! Player Of the Year, Golden Boot, PFA Players Writers!

+297Robin van Persie is amazing for his age and having 2 kids, he has still pulled through to being the 3rd est player in the world. Of course Ronaldo and Messi top that list. Stay strong, cute and an AMAZING striker big guy!

5Wayne Rooney

+407Rooney's form is awesome currently, he keeps on scoring and has good skills to keep Manchester United winning.

+333He's an unbelievable player, and scores in big games

+129He works harder then any other soccer play I've seen! And has the urge to go on and try to win every game! He also can play in any position. He's very strong, skillful, can score from distance with a powerful shot, very good header of the ball, can take free kicks and corners, can put in good tackles and can run the pitch all day long if you asked him!

6Andres Iniesta

+2323rd best in his team right now! But if he keeps at it, I think he can at least be top 10 5 in the world.

+202He is the best. His fast mind tackles, passes, scoring abilities made him so... THE BEST. AS he was the hero of the victory of Spain in world cup HE got his name a bright future. ANDRES INIESTA.

+169He is Europe's 2012 best player, he has everything a team needs to win, he doesn't depend on team mates, just like messi, he has glue on his boots.

7Zlatan Ibrahimović

+246Zlatan Ibrahimovic strong good technical and power shoot

+218Ibra deserves to be in the top ten. He is a very good Swedish player

+217Zlatan ibrahimovic should be one of the top 5 players and no in the top ten players

8Mesut Özil

+377Had the highest assists in the la liga for 2011/2012, is unnoticed but plays well very efficient and consistent. Has been nominated fo Ballon d'or as well

+340Heart of real madrid team as well as heart of german national team!

+290In 4 years time mesut ozil is going to be the best player in the world

9Gareth Bale

+124I think Gareth bale should be in the top three after winning player of the year, better than Rooney and Neymar by miles. In my opinion he makes spurs one of the best teams in Britain annd if he did move club to a top team like man you he would be even better than he already is and he is welsh

+106One of the best footballers around in my opinion he's second best in the premire league just before rvp. Bale has everything needed to become one of the best footballers around. At the least I would expect him at 15th in the world!

+99Best player in barclays premier league I support tottenham he is a assect for tottenham to have him he is extremenly fast I would be over the moon if I was that good at that age and holtbye is very good in his starting ages at tottenham I can see that bond with Gareth Bale and Holtbye these two players are awesome give them praise vote for these two star quality players they are upon the best keep the skill these players have skills

10Xavi Hernandez

+230I wouldn't agree more. Where sheer talent exists credit much go. These are some of the finest talents that we have of the day. Maybe of all times after the talents of 1998 to 2002 era. Messi is born for soccer and to live it. No doubt he is numero uno in the world at the moment with his prowess in ball handling and manipulation abilities not to mention his breathe taking pace and the phenomenal ability to convert goals out of nothing. Cristiano Ronaldo redefines soccer with his mesmerizing pace and dribbling abilities coupled together with the tenacity to score goals from any range. Xavi on the other hand simply owns the middle park once his game unveils, his terrific ball possession capabilities and the ability to pass accurately and make the ball move is refreshing to watch. The rest of the list is obviously undebatable.

+151Xavi or Iniesta should be 3rd..

+127Is a good player I like how he play

http://www.thetoptens.com/best-soccer-players-2012-2013/ 

Predicted lineup vs Chelsea: Wenger confirms mix of youth with experience

Arsene Wenger will field a side of both youth and experience against Chelsea in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup fixture, with some first team stars likely to start such as Monreal, Vermaelen, Bendtner and Rosicky alongside a few starlets.
The Gunners boss has revealed he will find a place for a number of first team regulars who have struggled for game time recently, while the big star names are expected to be rested for the knock-out Cup tie at Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman told Sky Sports:

The team will be a mixture, with some players who are at the moment not getting the games they need and deserve, and also one or two young players.
I have to get that mixture right and I will leave myself until tomorrow to decide how I do that.

So let’s dive into the lineup predictions. In goal we can expect to see Fabianski handed the opportunity to impress between the sticks. In defence the most likely scenario appears to be Monreal, Jenkinson, Vermaelen and either Mertesacker or Koscielny alongside him.
Wenger confirmed that Flamini and Arteta will be unavailable while youngster Isaac Hayden looks set to start again after his positive first team bow against WBA in the last round. The 18-year-old can play in defence too, so he could get a run at the back, however it appears Wenger sees him more as a defensive minded midfielder.
Jack Wilshere could be offered a starting role in his favoured central midfield position, but that remains up in the air. Wenger’s comments in the team news suggests he may opt to start the 21-year-old. Tomas Rosicky is likely to feature after not being involved in the Palace game while Gnabry’s involvement is down to whether he recovers from his ankle knock, while Ryo Miyaichi looks a certain starter on one of the wings. Up front Olivier Giroud will be rested with Nicklas Bendtner almost certain to start.

Predicted lineup:

Fabianski

Jenkinson Mertesacker Vermaelen (c)  Monreal

Wilshere Hayden

Rosicky

Gnabry     Ryo

Bendtner

There will be an opportunity for some of the other youth stars to be involved in some capacity, however Eisfeld and Zelalem are injured, while Frimpong seems unlikely to feature after Wenger’s team news comments.
Hector Bellerin and Kris Olsson seem likely candidates to play a role in the fixture while Chuba Akpom should also be in the squad.
http://allarsenal.com/matchreports/predicted-lineup-vs-chelsea-wenger-confirms-mix-of-youth-with-experience/

€33m Arsenal and Manchester United target Reus comments on future

Arsenal and Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their efforts to snap up German superstar Marco Reus.

There is a player in the Bundesliga who is approaching the level which indicates he will soon be regarded as a phenomenon - and that is Marco Reus.
The German winger has once again been irrepressible for Borussia Dortmund, with five goals and four assists in nine Bundesliga games so far this season.
He is second in the league in shots per game, has made more key passes than any other player in the Bundesliga, and is ranked in the top 30 dribblers in the division.
His performances have sparked huge interest from abroad, with Arsenal and Manchester United linked with signing the outstanding 24-year-old.
It has even been claimed that Reus has a €33 million release clause in his Dortmund contract similar to the one which allowed Mario Gotze to move to Bayern Munich last summer, although this has never been confirmed - and nor would you expect his club to do so publicly.
Reus however has moved this week to try to stamp out any doubts over his future.
He told German newspaper kicker.de, "I live in the 'here and now' and am happy to play for Borussia Dortmund. I'm currently playing in the league more attractive in Europe, I will not go."
The winger's stance indicates that even if a club were to meet his huge release clause, he would lean towards turning them down to stay at Borussia Dortmund.
With Dortmund set to lose Robert Lewandowski at the end of the season, and the future of stars like Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan the regular subject of speculation, Reus' show of commitment is a huge boost.
Now they just need to hope the winger sticks to his word, but it certainly appears like the Premier League's loss and the Bundesliga's gain.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/10/29/33m-arsenal-and-manchester-united-target-reus-comments-on-future/

Why Wenger is wrong about Ferguson’s comeback chances

When they were slugging it out for Premier League supremacy in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson seemed like unlikely allies.
Such was the fierce rivalry between the two men, Ferguson felt compelled to dedicate a chapter in his much publicised second autobiography, which was released this week, to “Competing with Wenger”.
Yet Wenger now appears close enough to his former adversary to suggest that coming out of retirement – a decision announced dramatically in the aftermath of United’s 20th league championship – is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Drug
Responding to Ferguson’s insistence that he would never manage again, Wenger was quoted by the BBC as saying: “In six months we will know more about that.
“You cannot rule it completely out. It is difficult to take a drug for 30 years and suddenly get rid of it.”
But, while it is unfashionable to take issue with the Gunners boss, on this occasion we have to make an exception because Ferguson’s recent actions are not in keeping with a man who is for turning.
For a start the Scotsman is currently on the Old Trafford board of directors in a lucrative ambassadorial role, so can legitimately claim to still have some sort of involvement in football.
Secondly, if the 71-year-old does have a change of heart like he did in 2002 when he aborted his first attempt at retirement, where would he go?
Rule
I don’t know about you, but I think we can rule out Liverpool if his words on Brendan Rodgers’s squad, Steven Gerrard, the Rafael Benitez era and his random attack on Jordan Henderson are anything to go by.
He could try his hand at international management, but Scotland’s fortunes are improving enough under Gordon Strachan.
Furthermore, we already know how Ferguson would get on as he couldn’t take a talented Tartan Army beyond the group stages of the Mexico ’86 World Cup.
Interim Manchester United manager if the David Moyes experiment doesn’t work out? Given that he endorsed the former Everton coach as his successor such a move, however unlikely, would not reflect well on Ferguson’s judgement.
It would also suggest to the players that, if you under-perform, then Sir Alex will ride to the rescue; having already surpassed his three score years and ten, United must move on from Ferguson at some point.
Unwise
There are other significant reasons why an Old Trafford comeback would be both unwise and unexpected.
Wayne Rooney, arguably United’s best performer in a moderate start under Moyes, would almost certainly refuse to sign a new contract given the bad blood over whether or not the striker handed in a transfer request towards the end of last season.
Equally critical comments regarding former players like Roy Keane in the new autobiography goes against everything he has stood for considering Jaap Stam was slung out of the club shortly after releasing a book in 2001.
No longer would he be able to demand loyalty from his squad and tell players to keep club matters within the confines of the dressing room having lifted the lid on United matters in such an open fashion.
Fergie, minus his famous ability to cajole and control, would not be the force he still was up until his final season in charge.
With 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns and countless domestic cups won with the Red Devils – not to mention his Aberdeen achievements – Ferguson is undoubtedly one of the most successful managers from these shores.
But under current circumstances it is impossible to believe that he will come out of retirement and such a move can only cause harm to his considerable legacy
http://www.touchlinetalk.com/wenger-wrong-fergusons-comeback-chances/71102/

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Arsenal defender warns of harder challenges ahead after win at Crystal Palace

Arsenal's Per Mertesacker celebrates after the final whistle

Ben Kosky
Monday, October 28, 2013
7:03 AM

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has labelled their victory at Crystal Palace “a good test” – but he admits there are tougher examinations just around the corner.

Mertesacker, who sported the captain’s armband for the last 25 minutes following Mikel Arteta’s dismissal at Selhurst Park, felt the Gunners could be satisfied with their performance after going down to 10 men.
A 2-0 win over the Premier League’s bottom club ensured that Arsenal retained top spot ahead of a testing sequence of fixtures, starting with the visit of third-placed Liverpool on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger’s side follow the Liverpool clash with a trip to defending champions Manchester United and, after the next international break, host this year’s Premier League surprise package Southampton.
“I think it was a good test for us and a good win before the hard games come in the next few weeks,” said Mertesacker. “I think these will be the test.
“It was important for us to come back as quickly as possible [from the Champions League defeat by Borussia Dortmund], as a strong unit. What we showed was good enough to respond.
“Especially when we received the red card, we had to defend and we did it quite well. They tried to attack us with long balls and they were always dangerous with set-pieces.
“With 10 men we still had a few good chances and we deserved the win. But there will be more tests to come and those will be crucial for the rest of the season.
“We want to surprise people more and more. This was a good opportunity to put pressure on all the other teams, we did that and we need to keep doing it.”
It could be Arsenal who find themselves under pressure by the time they take on the Anfield side, with Chelsea poised to depose them as league leaders for the first time this season.
The Blues, who climbed to second place with a late win over Manchester City on Sunday, could move ahead of their London rivals – temporarily at least – by winning at Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.
But Mertesacker, now in his third season at the Emirates since moving from Werder Bremen, believes Arsenal’s current squad are far better equipped to deal with the battle at the top than in previous years.
“We’ve improved a lot and when you compare it to the last two years, we’re in a strong position,” observed the German international. “It feels much better and it gives us more safety.
“It took a lot of time for players to settle in and adapt, but this season we didn’t lose any players and that’s a big advantage – everyone knows each other and knows how to cover each other.”
Mertesacker’s defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny has helped to create some stability at the back this season, but the pair were often indebted to the man behind them during the second half against Palace.
Despite speculation about his future over the summer, Wojciech Szczesny remains Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper and his importance to the team was reiterated on Saturday.
With the Gunners’ 10 men clinging to their 1-0 lead, Szczesny produced some crucial saves – most notably two within a minute to deny Joel Ward and Mile Jedinak.
“We have a decent goalkeeper – three times he saved in a good position, and that’s what we needed with 10 men,” added Mertesacker. “I think he did a great job and the whole team did as well.
“We don’t need the goalkeeper so much at the moment, but in some situations we do need him desperately – and that’s his job, to save us sometimes.”
http://www.london24.com/sport/arsenal/arsenal_defender_warns_of_harder_challenges_ahead_after_win_at_crystal_palace_1_2935870

Arsenal's Most Improved Players This Season

If after Arsenal's 3-1 opening-day loss to Aston Villa someone told you that the Gunners would be at the top of the table come the end of October, you'd call them insane.
Yet, football never fails to surprise. Arsene Wenger's side have earned 22 out of 24 possible points since that woeful defeat, making a clear statement of intent that they are indeed title contenders this season.
So what's changed since the opening day of the season? Call it the "Mesut Ozil effect" or Arsene Wenger's shrewd management, but Arsenal's form has been down to the individual improvement of nearly every player in the starting XI.
Hence, keep in mind that I've decided to only include three players, as it would be rather pointless to rattle on about almost every player in the squad.
Here are Arsenal's three most improved players based on their performances this season compared to their performances last season.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1826714-arsenals-most-improved-players-this-season

Mathieu Flamini’s Injury: How Will Arsenal Cope in his Absence?

The Flamster has been a revelation since rejoining the club this summer

It all began with a scintillating debut performance for the Gunners against the old enemy, Tottenham Hotspurs, as Arsene Wenger’s valiant soldiers held their nerve to seal a 1-0 victory which was followed by the mind-boggling capture of Mesut Ozil. With Mikel Arteta suffering a thigh injury early in the season, Flamini slotted into the holding midfield like he never left and his enforcing presence liberated Aaron Ramsey to strut his stuff in attack, like Cesc Fabregas in the 2007/08 campaign.
With Arteta undoubtedly an indispensable player to Arsenal, Arsene Wenger was forced to make a decision on his holding midfield pairing when the Spaniard was fully fit and he ended up fielding Arteta and Flamini in the heart of the midfield, which ensured that Ramsey was deployed on the right wing, a position he has gotten much joy from in the past.
Against Napoli at the Emirates, it seemed like a stroke of genius as the Arteta-Flamini combo was water-tight in midfield, providing a fulcrum to instigate attacks as well as protecting the back four behind them. Ozil opened his goalscoring account with a peach of a finish which was provided by Ramsey from the right wing. Arsene Wenger deployed the same squad against West Brom but they were probably affected by their midweek exertions and the Gunners put up a collective sub-standard performance that was just enough in the tank to salvage a draw.

Ramsey replaced Flamini to put up a 5-star performance against Norwich

When the Gunners hosted Norwich after the international break, they were firing on all cylinders and that Jack Wilshere’s team goal after an exquisite team move gets better with each passing replay. However, the magnificent midfield performance in the 4-1 victory was marred by a concussion suffered by Flamini after a clash of heads with Alexandre Tettey.
Following the team doctor’s advice, Flamini was rested against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and all thoroughbred Gooners could attest that his absence was hugely felt. The visiting holding midfield combination of Nuri Sahin and Sven Bender smothered Mikel Arteta and with Ramsey bombing forward, the midfield was lost. If Arteta had the raging Flamini by his side, it would have been another outcome.
Notwithstanding, Flamini made a highly welcome comeback against Crystal Palace but after just eight minutes or so, he was replaced by Serge Gnabry after suffering a groin injury. Shortly after the game, Wayne Versey of Goal.com reported that he’d be out for two weeks,

“Flamini is set to miss the club’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash against Liverpool next Saturday, as well as the crucial Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund and Tuesday’s Capital One Cup tie against Chelsea.
Goal understands that Flamini is now expected to be sidelined for a fortnight with the injury and that he is targeting the trip to Manchester United on November 10 for his return.”

I can’t stress much about the loss of Flamini in these upcoming crucial clashes without revealing his stats so far this season with some aid from WhoScored,
http://goonerdaily.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/mathieu-flaminis-injury-how-will-arsenal-cope-in-his-absence/

Cesc Fabregas may end up back at Arsenal but not as a player

Cesc Fabregas may be back playing for his boyhood club at Barcelona but the Spaniard has admitted that he would love to return to the Emirates in a coaching capacity after he retires from the game. And Arsene Wenger has praised the midfielder’s desire to come back to Arsenal proving that he stills holds happy memories of his time with the Gunners.

Heaping praise on Fabregas, Wenger said, “I am very happy that a player of his intelligence, technical ability and knowledge of the game would come back one day.”
26-year old Fabregas left Arsenal in 2011 after spending eight years in north London in a deal that saw the Gunners pocket £35million. The Spaniard was a high priority transfer target for Manchester United during the summer but reiterated his commitment to Barcelona.
As Arsenal enjoy their stay at the top of the Premier League table and look to end their eight-year trophy drought, the Gunners received support from their former captain as Fabregas claimed that his ex club look genuine title challengers this season.
And Wenger expressed hope that his former star is right on this too. He added, “I hope he is right on the two sides. That he’ll come back shows he has kept fond memories of this club.”
http://footylatest.com/cesc-fabregas-may-end-up-back-at-arsenal-but-not-as-a-player/50652

Per: Gunners up for big test

Per: Gunners up for big test

Mertesacker: Has the belief

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker says Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace has given the side a well-timed boost ahead of a tough run of fixtures across three different competitions.
The Gunners saw a 12-match unbeaten run come to an end in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund last Tuesday, but bounced back at Selhurst Park this weekend to maintain their two-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger's men resume league hostilities against second-placed Liverpool this coming weekend, but not before facing London rivals Chelsea in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday while they later travel to Dortmund for the return fixture in the European Cup next week.
"Palace was a good test for us and a good win ahead of the hard games to come in the next weeks," Mertesacker said.
"We wanted to come back quickly as possible as a strong unit. What we showed was good enough to respond, but there will be more tests to come and that will be crucial for the rest of the season.
"That we have started well showed for sure we have improved a lot over the last two years.
"We are in a better position. It feels much better now. We don't have to get anything back (on the other sides), so that gives us more safety and we feel much better.
"We want to surprise people more and more. That is what we need to do.
"We are in a strong and interesting position, so we are aware of it and will try to keep it - but that is the difficult thing, to keep it."
http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,14287_8995842,00.html

Arteta: It was a very harsh decision to send me off

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has claimed that he did not deserve to be sent off during his side’s win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Spaniard saw red after clashing with former teammate Marouane Chamakh 35-yards from goal in what seemed like a tangle of bodies. But referee Chris Foy viewed it as denying a clear goal scoring opportunity despite the incident happening on the edge of the final third.
The 31 year old believes that the dismissal was the wrong decision while insisting his red card could have cost them three points in the game.

Speaking to the Arsenal official website, he said:

It was a very harsh decision to send me off. Chamakh kicks my fight foot, I have seen it on television. It is 40 yards away from goal too.
It is true that I tried to block him with my hand but then he came with his left foot into my right calf and then we were both on the floor. It was never a tackle from me.
It was the most important period of the game. There was always uncertainty we could always get caught. When we scored the first we were on top of the game, that decision changed the game and we were in trouble. But thankfully we held the result, we scored a second and we won the game.

Arteta who scored from the penalty spot prior to his dismissal, will now miss the midweek Capital One Cup tie against Chelsea. The Gunners are unlikely to appeal the decision as he was set to be rested for the game any way. The Spaniard will be back for the crucial game against Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday.
There is no way that was a red card. Firstly Chamakh was not in a clear goal scoring opportunity. His teammate Guedioura who was steaming down the middle typically played the ball well to the right, so there was no way he was ever going to make that cut back across to his team mate. Secondly, Arteta didn’t even foul him it was the Crystal Palace forward who himself came rushing towards the Spaniard and got tangled up.
Arteta is absolutely right and the referee’s decision could have cost Arsenal the game. The Gunners demonstrated excellent resilience in maintaining the lead, but if we get decisions like that in big matches then it will probably be a lot more costly.
Did you feel Arteta deserved the red card? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Arsenal legend's biography is released on 26 September and is set to be a must-read for all Gooners and football fans alike
http://allarsenal.com/news/arteta-it-was-a-very-harsh-decision-to-send-me-off/

Arsene Wenger to rotate against Chelsea

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he will once again make changes for tomorrow's League Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea.

The Frenchman has used the competition to play his second string, and said that he will not divert from that strategy despite the calibre of opposition.

"I will rotate against Chelsea but play with a team that has a good chance to qualify as well," the 64-year-old told the club's official website.

"You worry about fatigue a little bit but not too much. Sometimes when you play every three days you look tired and then in three days you are flying again.

"It goes a bit in cycles."

The Gunners beat West Bromwich Albion on penalties in the third round.

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/league-cup/news/wenger-to-rotate-against-chelsea_114065.html 

Arsenal FC – Do The Gunners Have Enough Strength In Depth?

Arsenal FC have had a prolific start to the season, but do they have enough strength in depth across all the positions?

 

As Arsenal fans try to get their head around the fact that Arsene Wenger spent over £40 million this summer, former Arsenal legend Robert Pires has urged the club to keep spending and bring in more players when the transfer window opens again in January.

Speaking to press, Pires said:

“If you look at all the successful clubs who won titles and trophies, they always buy after they have been successful. There is no question that Arsenal are at a high level at this moment. They are playing to the kind of football played during my time at the club. And Ozil – well, he is world-class.”

The Gunners have had a prolific start to the season, but do they have enough strength in depth across all the positions? Let’s analyze the same.

Starting from the goalkeepers: the early-season form of Wojciech Szczesny suggests he is beginning to fulfill his enormous potential. The 2012/13 season was a difficult campaign for him and only an injury to Lukas Fabianski allowed Szczesny to regain his first-team place. Throughout the summer Arsenal were linked with many renowned goalkeepers ranging from Victor Valdes to Brazil’s No.1 Julio Cesar. But eventually Wenger landed the Italian Emiliano Viviano for a season-long loan with a buy-out clause in his contract. The goalkeeping department looks sorted at the moment. But to keep Szczesny hot on his heels, Arsenal need to sign a world class goalkeeper, and with Barcelona’s Victor Valdes running out of contract at the end of the season, snapping him up would be a great move.

Last season the centre-back partnership of Per Mertesacker and captain Thomas Vermaelen was struggling. Vermaelen was in bad form all season making six defensive errors, the most by any outfield player, and making a defensive error every 373 minutes. Arsene Wenger decided to change the combination and dropped Thomas Vermaelen for Laurent Koscielny. The new partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny has since flourished.

Last season, the partnership went undefeated: nine wins, five draws, and only conceded ten goals. The partnership works so well because they complement each other. Arsenal have been criticized constantly in the media for having a weak spine and being bad defensively. But after Vermaelen is back in form and along with the existing partnership of Mertesacker and Koscielny, Arsenal can feel secure at the back. Even though Arsene may need to buy another centre-back, he doesn’t need to spend £30m. He can afford to buy a young, talented centre-back who can be nurtured for the future and who can do the job in the League Cup and FA Cup matches.

Talking about the defensive side of things, the two Arsenal full-backs, Sagna and Gibbs, have been phenomenal so far. They have had significant impact on matches with their performances not only as defenders but also in the attacking third.

Gibbs has been touted as the successor to Ashley Cole by his teammates. He is a young versatile player but has had his fair share of injuries. He along with Nacho Monreal provide enough cover at left back. But as far as right full-backs are concerned, Sagna is in the last year of his contract and is not very keen on extending it. With only Jenkinson remaining for that position after this season (if Sagna decides to leave), Arsenal definitely need to buy one right full-back. Having said that, if Arsenal can hold on to Sagna for at least a couple years more, then it will be a comfortable situation for Arsenal to be in as it will provide Jenkinson sufficient time to develop.

Now let’s talk about one problem that no one thought they’d be talking about. Yes, it is Arsenal’s problem of plenty in the midfield. The foundation on which their strong start has been built is their burgeoning midfield ranks, recently boosted by the arrival of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid and Mathieu Flamini, who rejoined the club after leaving AC Milan at the end of his contract.

These two have joined Aaron Ramsey, who is fulfilling the promise he showed before breaking his leg in 2010, classy playmaker Santi Cazorla, England’s Jack Wilshere and Czech Tomas Rosicky in battling for limited starting places.

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour, who won three Premier League titles with them, told the club website:

“It’s looking very strong, no matter who starts. There is so much depth in the midfield with Mikel Arteta, Mathieu – who has been a great signing – Ozil, Jack Wilshere, (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain and Cazorla – so it’s a real headache for the manager.”

The one problem that Arsenal face while attacking is absence of quality wingers in their ranks. The three wingers Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Alex Ox- Chamberlain are all injured, and all the attacking midfielders that Arsenal have want to play the Number 10 role. This is affecting the performance adversely as the team lacks width and has found it difficult to break through defenses on several occasions.

If Wenger were a little more patient, Arsenal could have held on to Gervinho for one more season or bought a replacement before selling him. The former seems to be a better option after looking at the performances Gervinho has put in at Roma after reuniting with his former manager and mentor Rudi Garcia.

The talking point throughout the summer transfer window was to bring in a new striker to the Emirates. The Gunners failed in bids for Luiz Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain, while they were also linked with signing Wayne Rooney from rivals Manchester United. However, only Yaya Sanogo arrived to strengthen Arsene Wenger’s forward line.

Olivier Giroud has been excellent for the Gunners playing upfront, having scored 6 times already in all competitions. But Wenger may need to add to his striking options in January as an injury for Giroud could jeopardise his attempt for a long awaited title at Arsenal.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2013/arsenal-fc-do-the-gunners-have-enough-strength-in-depth/ 

Giroud disappointed with loss but sets sights on Palace victory

Giroud disappointed with loss but sets sights on Palace victory

Olivier Giroud expressed his disappointment at losing to Borussia Dortmund on Arsenal’s official website, but is hoping to restore the Gunners to winning ways this weekend.
The Frenchman equalized Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Dortmund just before halftime thanks to a devilish cross from Bacary Sagna, forcing the Dortmund stopper into a mistake allowing Giroud to smash home from a yard away. Despite having the upper hand in the second half Arsene Wenger’s side were consequently undone with a swift counter attack.

The loss is Arsenal’s first since the opening day disappointment at the hands of Aston Villa. The Gunners face fellow Londoners Crystal Palace this weekend and Giroud is not getting his head down after the Dortmund mishap and has taken the positives from Tuesday night.
He said:

We did well in the first half and came back into the game after a bad start. After the first half Dortmund were not as good, maybe tired, and we were really close to scoring a second one. But they kept going and scored on the counter-attack. It’s a shame because we could have done much better.
We finished the game better than them and that’s why I’m really disappointed because if we couldn’t win the game, we didn’t have to lose it – maybe draw. In the Champions League it’s like that, about the details.
I feel good. I’m used to playing a lot of games and I feel good with my body so touch wood no injuries. Over the years I’ve got used to playing a lot of games and I’m ok with my body. I don’t want to find an excuse.
We lost but have won almost every game. Just Villa and West Brom [were not victories] so it’s not the time to be really worried, but we want to come back on Saturday and win the game.

The France international had a solid outing, his hold up play continues to improve while technically he is developing into one heck of a striker.
Giroud’s strength on and off the ball has become a vital element of his game while he continues to look hungry, darting about to find pockets of space to run into. He’s been Mr Consistent this season and has been instrumental in Arsenal’s positive form, hopefully his goal will inspire some more self-confidence and help the Gunners (and my fantasy team) back to winning ways this weekend
http://allarsenal.com/news/giroud-disappointed-with-loss-but-sets-sights-on-palace-victory/

Hamsik: Napoli’s last match against Arsenal will be decisive

Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik believes that the Azzurri’s last matche of the Champions League group stage will be decisive in who qualifies for the next round.
The Partenopei were victorious over Olympique de Marseille with a 2-1 result on Tuesday and now have six points in the Group F standings, putting them in a three-way tie with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
Hamsik released a statement on his official website on Wednesday and reflected on the Azzurri’s win over their French opponents, while also commenting on his team’s last match against Arsenal at the San Paolo on December 11.
“Last night, we showed that we can produce a top performance,” said the 26-year-old.
“We deserved our win in Marseilles, especially as we played well in the first half.
“Napoli had dictated the pace from the start. We had many chances and it was important to take the lead before the break.
“Our opponents gave everything until the end and it proved that Marseille have quality.
“There will be a battle for qualification. The last matches will be most decisive.
“We’ll be hosting Arsenal and Dortmund will be playing against Marseille.”
http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/10/hamsik-napolis-last-match-against-arsenal-will-be-most-decisive/

Arteta: We’re capable of going through despite Dortmund setback

  Mikel Arteta is certain Arsenal can still progress to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League after a 2-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund saw them move into a three-way tie at the top of Group F.
The Gunners looked to have weathered the storm at the Emirates when Olivier Giroud cancelled out Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s opener for the German side, but Robert Lewandowski’s late strike ensured Jurgen Klopp’s men went home with all three points.
The Spaniard admits Arsene Wenger’s men are in a tough group, but he does not believe that Tuesday night’s defeat will derail their campaign.

Speaking to the Arsenal official website, he said:

We’re still capable of going through but we’re really disappointed with the way we lost the game.
It’s going to be tough [to qualify], we knew it was probably the toughest group in the Champions League. We don’t think any differently now.
I think we deserved better. We did the hardest bit, to score the goal just before half-time. It was when we had control of the game and created the best chances when we just got caught on the counter-attack. That was disappointing.
I don’t think we chased the game too much, we just gave the ball away at the edge of the box. We know that they are a very good side on the counter-attack and I think we had kept them really quiet, but we conceded the chance and they scored.

Arsenal’s impressive 12 match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end as the Gunners were beaten at home by Borussia Dortmund in a crucial Champions League match. The Gunners performance was unconvincing and uncharacteristically sluggish from the start. We were poor in the first half except for the 10 min spell at the end which eventually led to the Giroud goal.
The 2nd half performance was also poor until Cazorla was introduced as the change brought some fluidity to the attack and the Gunners dominated for a while but eventually fell to a counter attack. They’re a top quality side, so losing to them isn’t that bad but still I thought they were a bit over confident going forward although it is hard to blame them for having a go.
The loss means that the group is wide open now; Napoli and Dortmund are also on 6 points after the Italians beat Marseille. That makes our life a bit more difficult, but then it was never going to be a easy task going through this group. We’ll have to get something from at least one of the away games and look to smash Marseille when they come to London. We play Crystal Palace away this weekend, so getting back to winning ways will hopefully not be too hard.
http://allarsenal.com/news/arteta-were-capable-of-going-through/

Arsenal consider move for Spanish international

 
Juventus striker Fernando Llorente could be on his way to Arsenal, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper has reported that Spanish striker Llorente wants a loan move to North London in order to save his World Cup hopes.
Shortlist 
The 28-year-old is on a shortlist of players that Arsene Wenger wants in January as he bids to win the Premier League title. The Frenchman is desperate to sign a forward, despite the good form of Olivier Giroud, and thinks Llorente is interested.
The frontman is only now starting to get some game time in Turin following the summer move. His advisors are now worried that their client’s World Cup chances could be affected if he is not a regular in Serie A.
The interest from the Gunners is not new as they are believed to have scouted Llorente before he signed on a free transfer move Athletico Bilbao.
Available 
They have now been told he is potentially available so a deal could be completed.
A move for Llorente would be a loan one as the striker is cup tied in the Champions League but the Spaniard could provide cover and back-up for Giroud in the striker spot.
http://www.touchlinetalk.com/arsenal-consider-move-spanish-international/70417/

Wenger Laments Arsenal’s Naive Gung-Ho Approach Against Dortmund

Arsene Wenger was left disappointed with the late goal that his side conceded, claiming that they were ‘not cautious enough’ against Borussia Dortmund.
The Gunners had fought back in the tie to level at 1-1 thanks to Olivier Giroud‘s smart finish shortly before half-time, however, their hard work was undone late into the game as a Dortmund counter-attack resulted in Robert Lewandowski scoring the winner.
Wenger admitted afterwards that his side had become too adventurous and were left to pay the price.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said: “It’s difficult to take because I would agree that we were maybe not at our most fluent tonight going forward, but at that moment we were on top.
“We lost the game because we maybe wanted so much to win it that we forgot that if you cannot win it, don’t lose it. That’s what is most annoying because we put a lot of effort in.”
The Frenchman added: ”We started hesitant. At the end of the day, we went 1-0 down and when you don’t start well it is difficult to get back into the game. But we did well and in the second half we were on top of it.
“We just forgot to be cautious. We were not cautious enough and we paid for it.”
Arsenal now have a real fight on their hands to escape from the toughest group in this season’s Champions League. Napoli, Dortmund and the Gunners are all level on 6 points from three games, while Marseille are adrift without a point.
Wenger still needs to take his side to Germany before facing Napoli in the final group game, which will surely decide who advances from the group.
http://squawka.com/news/2013/10/23/wenger-laments-arsenals-naive-gung-ho-approach-to-dortmund/2013102328527

Arsenal: Would they have won with Walcott?

Arsenal would not have lost to Borussia Dortmund had Theo Walcott been playing

It had been 64 days since Arsenal fans had last had to suffer the pains of defeat, with the frustrating loss to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening their first since the opening day of the season.
An eventual failure was an inevitability for Arsene Wenger's side, of course, although this does not soften the blow inflicted by Dortmund. Arsenal, however, would surely not have been overcome by their German opposition were Theo Walcott available for selection.
Much has been made of Arsenal's supremely gifted midfield, which has been vastly improved by the acquisition of Mesut Özil and the quite brilliant form of Aaron Ramsey. The weekend defeat of Norwich was a glorious example of the options available to Wenger, as both players starred.

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Such has Arsenal's form been in recent weeks, it prompted many to wonder how Walcott would displace any of the players from Wenger's first-choice quintet of midfielders, but the winger was clearly missed against Dortmund.
Arsenal were far from poor against Jurgen Klopp's side, and few would have declared the home side unworthy winners had they triumphed, but they became bereft of ideas as the game progressed.
The Gunners appeared at their most threatening when they were able to break quickly, often carried by Ramsey, and able to get in behind the opposition full-backs and attack the final third with real intent.
Özil identified this area as the potential key to Arsenal unlocking the Dortmund defence in the second-half, with the Germany international taking up a position on the right touchline in the hope of breaching BVB from the flank.
His influence, however, was less keenly felt from such a position with a tendency to cut back inside onto his left foot rather then pursue the byline, which really reinforced the need for a player such as Walcott.
With his pace and ambition, Walcott would have provided Marcel Schmelzer with a stern examination, and offered Arsenal more cut to their undeniable thrust when launching another counter-attack.
On numerous occasions in the second-half when launching an out-ball, Arsenal were in desperate need of Walcott to attack the space in the right channel but, too often, Olivier Giroud was left alone to contest the Dortmund defence.
These long-passes down the centre of the pitch to Giroud offered very little to Arsenal, who were limiting themselves to playing in front of the Dortmund backline, rather than behind it.
The game became stretched enough for Walcott to really make hay, and three points could have been Arsenal's were the 24-year-old not still on the treatment table.
Arsenal have demonstrated their ability to beat teams this season playing an exquisite brand of football, centred around short-passes and rapid interchange. They do, however, need to develop more ways in which to win.
They are able to do that, of course, when all of their options are fit, and Walcott's return will significantly strengthen a side primed to achieve great things this season.
http://www.givemesport.com/393666-arsenal-would-they-have-won-with-walcott?autoplay=on