Arsenal Injury Latest – Star to Return in December
League
leaders Arsenal will face Cardiff tomorrow and will have the chance of
going 7 points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea who have their matches on
Sunday.
Cardiff fought hard against Manchester United last weekend and never gave up to earn a point in the final minutes of the game.
Arsene Wenger will be glad with the return of Theo Walcott and after
two substitute appearances, the English winger might be ready to start
this weekend.
As far as other injured stars are concerned, German international
Lukas Podolski is doing well in training but according to manager Arsene
Wenger the fans will be able to see him in the team in 3 weeks.
The Boss claimed:
“It will be three weeks until we could see him (Podolski) in the team.”
Arsenal MUST offer contracts and keep hold of Rosicky and Sagna
Why Sagna and Rosicky deserve new contracts! by Ash
Every single year there is usually some controversy surrounding
Arsenal and the trouble the club usually endures with contracts. In
previous years there have been disputes from both Van Persie and Samir
Nasri, whilst Ashley Cole is also a victim from the past. But so far in
the past year at least Arsenal have had nothing but positive news
regarding contract news.
The British core have all signed up, with 5 young gun Brits of
Jenkinson, Gibbs, Wilshere, Ramsey and the Ox all signing up to new long
term contracts. Theo Walcott also signed a new deal, whilst more
recently Wojciech Szczesny has also joined the party.
With Per Mertesacker also expected to follow soon, the topic regarding
current contracts is a good debate to have, and I think the main
questions revolve around the respective future’s of Arsenal’s older
players this time around.
Bacary Sagna, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta are all in the latter
stages of their career, also not forgetting that Santi Cazorla and Per
Mertesacker will also be soon hitting the big 3 0. However focusing on
those that are over the age of thirty now, Wenger is well known for not
offering the usual exclusive ‘long term contracts’ out to those coming
towards the end of their professional days. He instead prefers to offer
them a single one year contract, which is extended provided they manage
to stay physically fit and on form.
Three players that fit this criteria without a doubt are three of the
most important players within our squad. Arteta, Sagna and Rosicky all
offer both experience and quality both on and off the pitch and they are
therefore great leaders and models to have within a squad that needs
experience to drive them to the title.
All their respective contracts will soon be coming to a close, most
notably Sagna who has been one of the longest current serving players at
Arsenal. Surely all of them deserve to be offered a contract longer
than a single year because such a short contract gives the impression
that a player is regarded as one of the less important ones.
This trio play an important role in the Arsenal squad and they
deserve to win a trophy with the Gunners, especially Rosicky and Sagna
who have been long term representatives of Arsenal when they could have
possibly moved on by now. Have these experienced players still got a lot
to offer the Gunners, and will they get the chance to? http://justarsenal.com/arsenal-must-offer-contracts-and-keep-hold-of-rosicky-and-sagna/28675
The Arsenal centre-back praises his Germany
international team-mate and believes that he has made "good progress"
following his move from Real Madrid in the summer
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has backed team-mate Mesut Ozil to start banging in the goals soon, believing that he has made "good progress" since his summer arrival from Real Madrid.
Ozil
became the Gunners' record purchase following his £40 million switch to
the Emirates Stadium and has played a significant role in his side's
terrific start to the season that sees them sitting at the top of the
Premier League table.
Despite claiming six assists since September, the midfielder has
hit the net just three times in 16 appearances and missed a penalty in
Tuesday's Champions League victory over Marseille but Mertesacker is
convinced that the goals will soon flow for his international
compatriot.
"He has made good progress," the centre-back told the
club's official website. "He is in good form and you can see that.
Especially against Marseille he was always a threat and he never gave up
after the penalty that he missed.
"We are very delighted with
him, especially in the transition from defence to offence. He is the one
who always goes deep all of the time.
"He gets himself into good
positions so the goals will come, for sure. He moves well between the
lines so it is always difficult to defend against him. When the centre
back comes out with him, there is always space for others to move into.
"He
helps us create more chances. We are playing well as a team and we
should continue that in the Champions League and the Premier League."
Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby on comeback trail once more after injury curse strikes again
Midfielder has resumed running following knee surgery last month and Arsene Wenger hopes he'll be fit to play in March
Gunner make it: Diaby is refusing to give up despite a rash of injury setbacks
Richard Heathcote
Abou Diaby has begun his latest comeback in a desperate attempt to save his Arsenal career.
Jinxed
Diaby started running last week and is hopeful he is now on the long
road to recovery after his latest heartbreaking injury.
French
midfielder Diaby, cursed by knocks throughout his career, had to undergo
further surgery last month after a setback in his recovery from
cruciate knee ligament damage.
Diaby, whose contract at the Gunners expires in 2015, is determined to get back on the pitch and manager Arsene Wenger has consistently backed him.
Wenger believes the 27-year-old could return to action in March, although running is only the first step on his long comeback.
Meanwhile,
Wenger is hoping forward Lukas Podolski - who resumed training with the
first team this week following an August hamstring injury - could
return before Christmas.
Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) is hoping to train properly in mid-December and be back for the New Year.
Now finish the job,’ Wenger tells cruising Arsenal
Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger gestures from the touchline
during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and
Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 23, 2013.
Arsenal won 2-0. Wenger, on Wednesday, urged his players to “finish the
job” after they moved to within sight of the Champions League knock-out
phase with a 2-0 win over Marseille. PHOTO | AFP
AFP
In Summary
Jack Wilshere scored both goals at
the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to leave Wenger’s side with 12 points
from five games in Group F, but they are not yet assured of a berth in
the last 16
Arsenal Likely XI vs Cardiff – Wenger’s Selection Dilemma
Arsenal
completely dominated Marseille in their latest Champions League game
but still have no qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.
However, they are nearly there and should
be favorites as they lead the group of death and only a very heavy
defeat will hurt their chances.
Gunners are on top of the premier league, 4 points clear of joint
second place Liverpool and Chelsea. Arsene Wenger’s men will face
Cardiff away on Saturday and surely the in-form side will be favorites
to go 7 points ahead in the league as Reds and Blues will play their
games on Sunday.
Cardiff fought out a draw against Manchester United last weekend and
will be really glad if somehow they can earn a point against league
leaders as well.
As far as the team news is concerned, Wenger will face a big selection dilemma but a good one.
Arteta got a knock against Southampton so it was safe he did not play
in midweek but the Spaniard will be fit for the clash against Cardiff.
In his absence, Flamini was superb versus Marseille.
Theo Walcott, after returning from injury, has now played two games
as a substitute to improve fitness and it is about time that he might be
given a start. However, if he does start, who will move to the bench.
Cazorla and Ramsey have normally played on the right wing in his
absence and both have been fantastic. Santi is likely to start on the
left hand side but what about Ramsey.
Not to forget, Wilshere was the man of the match playing on the right
hand side against Marseille. So it will be intriguing to see the
starting XI Wenger picks.
The defensive line will probably remain the same as it was against
Southampton so as the striker with Giroud starting upfront. Here is
Arsenal’s likely XI vs Cardiff.
Arsenal great Rice in hospital with cancer - reports
Arsenal's assistant manager Pat Rice waves
before after their English Premier League soccer match against West
Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England May
13, 2012.
Credit: Reuters/Stefan Wermuth/Files
(Reuters)
- Former Arsenal fullback and assistant manager Pat Rice, who served
the English Premier League club for 44 years, has been admitted to
hospital with cancer, British media reported on Thursday. Rice, who was also caretaker
manager of the 13-times English champions, joined the club in 1964
before retiring last year from his role as assistant to current boss
Arsene Wenger.
"Our thoughts are
with Pat and his family. Everyone at Arsenal sends him our best wishes,"
an Arsenal spokesman told the Daily Mail.
Rice,
64, made 528 appearances for the Gunners over 14 seasons after joining
the youth team, going on to win the league and FA Cup double in 1971 and
captaining the side to further FA Cup success in 1979. He also won 49
caps for Northern Ireland.
After a
spell with Watford, he joined Arsenal as a youth team coach in 1984
before progressing to further coaching roles and enjoying great success
as Wenger's assistant, winning seven trophies.
Wenger hailed the work of Rice upon his retirement in 2012.
"Pat
is a true Arsenal legend and has committed almost his whole life to
Arsenal Football Club, which shows huge loyalty and devotion," the
Frenchman said at the time.
"I will always be indebted to him for his expert insight."
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by John O'Brien) http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/11/28/soccer-england-arsenal-rice-idINDEE9AR04W20131128?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&rpc=401
Wilshere Reveals Reason Behind his Goal Scoring Form
Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere has revealed that added composure in front of goal has helped him improve his goal scoring tally this season.
The 21-year-old scored a brace in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Marsielle in
the Champions league, making it four goals this season in all
competitions.
The midfielder was criticised for his profligacy in front of goal for
club and country but Wilshere is ostensibly putting to bed any such
criticism by keeping his head in front of goal.
He has been plagued with injuries over the last two seasons, with his ankle being the major culprit in most occasions.
The England international has taken inspiration from Aaron
Ramsey who has seen a meteoric improvement this year and wants to carry
on in his shoes to prove his sceptics wrong.
"As you've seen with Aaron [Ramsey] this year, you grow up a
little bit and you relax in front of goal. There's something that clicks
when you grow and learn. When you're 19 and you're just getting into
the team you want to do well and you're too busy trying to impress, to
keep the ball, [to make sure you] don't lose the ball and trying to fit
in the team," Wilshere told www.arsenal.com
"Once you get older and [more] comfortable, players around you trust
you. You get a little bit fitter as well, you can get forward a bit more
and when you're in front of goal you've watched players in the past and
you've learnt from your past mistakes.
"You relax and that's the only way you're going to do well. It's hard
to put your finger on it but I've set myself a target of 10 goals this
season and I'm only at four so hopefully I can keep going," he said.
Wilshere also praised Bacary Sagna and Mesut Ozil for their
performances in the game. The German international provided the assist
for Wilshere's second goal to amend for his penalty miss in the first
half.
"Bac's been doing it all season. He had another one with Theo at the
end when he put him in as well. We could have scored a few goals from
his crosses in Manchester, so hopefully he can keep that going for the
rest of the season.
"[For the second goal] it was really unselfish from Mesut. Sometimes
after a [missed] penalty you feel like you have to score. But the player
he is, he's been in that situation before and he's unselfishly passed
it across the goal and it was an easy tap-in for me," he said. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/525810/20131128/arenal-news-jack-wilshere-score-goals-calm.htm
Mesut Ozil will always provide Arsenal with
an extra threat to open up defences - and there is plenty more to come
from the £43million man, according to team-mate Per Mertesacker.
Mesut Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in a club-record deal on transfer deadline day
The 25-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in a
club-record deal on transfer deadline day, saw his tame first-half
penalty saved against Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday
night, but then provided the perfect pass for Jack Wilshere to fire in a
second goal which all but sealed a place in the knockout stages.
Ozil has returned a number of subdued displays since his high-profile move three months ago.
However,
Mertesacker - who is now an integral part of the defence after
initially struggling for consistency after he joined from Werder Bremen
in August 2011 - believes the best is still to come from his fellow
Germany international.
"Mesut has made good progress. He is in good form and you can see that," Mertesacker said.
"He was always a threat (against Marseille) and he never gave up after the penalty that he missed.
"We are very delighted with him, especially in the transition from defence to offence, when he is always a threat.
"He can play the balls, he is the one who always goes deep all of the time. He is in good form and I think we will see more."
Mertesacker
added: "Sometimes he looks like his head is going down, but we said at
half-time that we do not care (about the missed penalty). We just go on
and that is what he did."
Ozil's arrival seemed to lift the whole
club, with a renewed sense Arsene Wenger's current crop of talent can
finally come of age in 2014.
The contribution of Ozil within the
team, allowing the likes of Wilshere - who scored his first goal against
Marseille inside the opening 30 seconds - and Aaron Ramsey more
freedom, is not lost on Mertesacker.
"Mesut moves well between the lines, so it is always difficult to defend against him," the 6ft 6in defender said.
"When the centre-back comes out with him, there is always space for others to go in, so he helps us create more chances.
"We are playing well as a team and we should continue that in the Champions League and the Premier League."
Arsenal travel to Cardiff on Saturday aiming to consolidate their place at the top of the table.
Mertesacker said: "We are on a good run and we are in a good position. We want to keep that. http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/uk-sport/2013/11/28/ozil-will-get-better-mertesacker/
Mesut Ozil misfires but Arsene Wenger has got other bright sparks
It is a sign of Arsenal’s midfield riches that they can turn to
Wilshere and Ramsey for inspiration when their record buy struggles
Finishing school: Jack Wilshere completes the scoring last night with his second goal
0
0
It was said that Mesut Ozil’s arrival at Arsenal would lift the
performance of those around him; these days they are threatening to
surpass him.
Ozil was far from anonymous against Marseille — there were several
flashes of class and an assist for Jack Wilshere’s second goal among his
contributions — but the fact he was outshone by several team-mates in a
crucial Champions League match underlines the evolution in Arsene
Wenger’s team.
Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey excelled in midfield; the
former rediscovering his best after a spell under scrutiny and the
latter continuing a remarkable improvement in his overall game in
evidence throughout this season.
Ozil, by contrast, has been
subdued in recent matches. A peripheral involvement in the first half
gave way to a more influential showing after the interval but that
assist for Wilshere was only his second in 10 appearances for Arsenal
and Germany.
The 25-year-old has also not scored since netting a
brace against Norwich on October 19; any player can miss a penalty —
even a German — yet there was a lack of conviction about his spot-kick
that suggested he is not quite operating at his peak.
Such an
assessment may appear harsh but the standards expected are inevitably
higher on a £42.4million signing and particularly one who made such an
impressive start in England.
Of course, Arsenal have no need to be
unduly worried about any dip at this stage. They continue to succeed at
home and abroad and the club’s easing injury situation affords Wenger
the chance to rotate should he see fit.
It has been noted in these
pages before how Ozil was carefully managed at Real Madrid; of the 40
games he started last season, he completed only 19 of them. The year
before, he finished just 14 of 44 starts.
For Arsenal, he has now
started 14 games and played the entirety of 10. Ozil’s fitness will
require close monitoring, especially given he is still adjusting to the
rigours of English football, but the good news for Wenger is that he has
plenty of midfielders to call on to supplement or replace Ozil should
he need a rest.
Ramsey’s form has been well documented but
Wilshere’s place has been questioned amid concerns over his fitness.
The 21-year-old was deployed on the right last night, although he
regularly rotated with Ozil and Tomas Rosicky, allowing him to find
pockets of space in which to create and score.
It was one of his
most effective performances of the season, moving with style and
purpose, regularly pressing Marseille high up the pitch to win the ball
back on the occasions when a pass failed to find its mark.
“He
played as a young boy on the flank, on the right side,” said Wenger. “If
I would block him [make him stay] on the flank I understand he cannot
play there but he is quite free to move inside. He does that in an
intelligent way.
“Sometimes you can find freedom in positions
where usually you would be marked if you played more central. We have a
big programme — I will have to rotate a little bit until the Napoli
game. We have three Premier League games just before we go to Naples, so
I’ll have to use my squad well without dropping points in the League
and go there with a very strong team.”
Ozil will, no doubt, have a
key role to play but it bodes well for Wenger that he has so many
midfield options. Mikel Arteta, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla all made
second-half substitute appearances to underline the strength Arsenal
have in that area of the pitch.
It is easy to sympathise with
Wenger’s disbelief that 12 points has not even secured second place in
Group F; assuming Borussia Dortmund beat Marseille, a point in Naples
would give Arsenal top spot but a three-goal defeat would see them drop
into the Europa League for the first time in 14 seasons.
“It’s
unbelievable but it is reality,” said Wenger. “We have to finish the
job. It is not easy — it is a tricky situation because you can think
‘okay, let’s just not lose big’ but that would be a mistake. [We need
to] go there, play in a positive way and try to win. Everything else
would be a dangerous gamble.” http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/mesut-ozil-misfires-but-arsene-wenger-has-got-other-bright-sparks-8966668.html
French ace Yohan Cabaye may be fishing for a move away from Newcastle United - with Liverpool and Manchester United set to rival the Londoners
The
classy midfielder has been one of the key figures in Newcastle's
impressive recent form, and with a World Cup on the horizon, the French
international is dreaming of a return to the top level of European
football.
Cabaye was the subject of intense speculation regarding a transfer to Arsenal
in the summer, and was rumoured to have asked to leave for North London
before Arsenal plumped for Mesut Ozil. The central midfielder had to
win back his place in the team, but since then the he has been
outstanding.
The Frenchman captained Lille to the league title two years ago,
and played in Europe for the club earlier in his career. But such is his
form, the Gunners are likely to come calling once again, and Newcastle may struggle to keep hold of their star man.
"I miss the Champions League," Cabaye admitted to French TV according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
Such an admission will see Arsenal dusting off their cheque book,
alongside Liverpool, Manchester United and PSG, all interested in the
past and hoping to qualify for next season's Champions League. However,
any move may have to wait till next summer after Cabaye admitted he was
enjoying his football this season.
“I love to play in front of the defence, to have the whole game
in front of me (and to) recover the ball and then put my team-mates into
good positions.”
“I’ll finish this season with Newcastle and concentrate on the coming months and then we’ll see.” http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/11/27/ct-arsenal-target-i-miss-the-champions-league/
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes the Emirate
outfit will end their eight-year trophy drought by winning the Premier
League this season, reports The Mirror.
The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, having had
some fine displays and they currently sit top of the Premier League
table.
And Szczesny believes their recent form can help Arsene Wenger's men bring an end to their eight year trophy drought.
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"I don't want to say nobody can challenge us for a trophy but if we
are at our best we will win a trophy and that is all that matters," the goalkeeper told reporters.
"I wouldn't say we have proved everyone wrong and passed all the
tests. I will say that when we get our hands on a trophy in May.
"I think what is important is what we believe in and we believe that
we are good enough with the players we have got and the work we are
doing to win the Premier League.
"We have shown that to people over the last six months or so. We know
that if we just carry on doing the same thing we will show people that
this team and these players are good enough to win a trophy without any
extra additions or extra work that people are talking about. We
certainly believe we can do it.
"We need to make sure we continue doing what we have been doing recently and keep getting the results."
And, with the addition of a playmaker like Mesut Ozil into the squad,
the Poland stopper has also tipped the Gunners to beat any team in the
world.
Szczesny believes the Gunners' consistency over the past 12 months puts them in a great position to succeed this season.
"It is quite an enjoyable time to be around the training ground,” he
added. "When results go your way everything seems to be in the right
place and everyone in a great mood so we are all happy.
"But what we want to do is make sure we keep it going and not just rest on our laurels and think we have done it now.
"There is no reason not to [have that belief]. When you look at the
last few months almost 12 months really because it is not only this
season we’ve been doing well.
"It was the last two or three months of last season, where we went
unbeaten for a few games. We are confident that we see the quality is
there and we know that when we play at our very best and do it
consistently well, we can beat anyone basically.
"A couple of years ago there was a case of not being consistent
enough individually as a team but now you can see that whoever comes
into the team, whoever comes in does a fantastic job. We are at our best
at the right and it seems to be bringing results."
The Gunners lost their last outing to Premier League champions
Manchester United and will be desperate to return to winning ways this
weekend.
Arsene Wenger's lead was cut at the top and they play host to high flyer Southampton this weekend. http://www.givemesport.com/403486-arsenal-can-win-the-premier-league-says-szczesny?autoplay=on
Andriy Yarmolenko's penalty beats Hugo Lloris in the France goal.
Reuters
Ukraine stunned France in the first leg of their World Cup
playoff with a 2-0 victory in Kiev giving Mykhaylo Fomenko’s side the
advantage heading to France for the return match next Tuesday. Roman
Zozulya and Andriy Yarmolenko got the goals for the home side in the
second before France’s miserable night was complete when defender
Laurent Koscielny was sent off late on.
France’s pedigree meant they went into the tie as favorites after
finishing second in their qualification group to Spain, but it was
Ukraine who continued their momentum. Their six wins from their final
seven qualifiers may not have been enough to top England in their group,
but they have now put themselves in pole position to make it to Brazil.
The opening goal came courtesy of some lackluster defending from the
visitors at the Olympic Stadium. Edmar was allowed space to lay the ball
off for Zozulya in the box and the striker’s tame finish somehow
squirmed past Hugo Lloris in the France goal. The second goal also owed
much to some haplessness in the back line of Didier Deschamp’s side.
Koscielny has been in fine form for Arsenal this season but displayed
his propensity for a rash challenge by clumsily bringing down Zozulya in
the box. Lloris got a hand to Yarmolenko’s penalty but the ball still
went in off of the crossbar. Koscielny made his bad night even worse in
injury time by shoving Taras Stepanenko to the ground after Ukraine’s
Olexandr Kucher had already received his marching orders for two
bookable offences.
In another of the European playoffs, Greece grabbed a 3-1 lead from
the home leg of their tie with Romania. The opening goal arrived just 14
minutes in. Dimitrios Salipingidis chipped through ball left the
Romania defense waiting for an offside flag that never came and in-form
Konstantinos Mitroglous volleyed into the net.
Romania were back on level terms just five minutes later when Bogdan
Stancu emerged at the back post to head home Gabriel Torje’s free-kick,
but their parity would be short lived. In the 21st minute Vasilis
Torosidis sent a first-time ball on the volley perfectly across the face
of the box and Salpingidis turned the ball into the net. Greece will
have wanted another goal to take to Romania with them next week and they
got it when Romania failed to clear a free-kick and Mitroglou finished
left-footed. Greece will now be strong favorites to make it to their
second consecutive World Cup over a Romania side that has not made it to
the sport’s showpiece since 1998. http://www.ibtimes.com/video-ukraine-2-0-france-greece-3-1-romania-highlights-uefa-world-cup-playoffs-1473090
PAPER REVIEW: Wayne Rooney's £53m contract, Arsenal hunt Man City ace Edin Dzeko
WAYNE ROONEY is set to get a four-year contract extension at Manchester United while Arsenal are looking at Edin Dzeko.
THE INDEPENDENT: Roy Hodgson indicated yesterday
that the competition between Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines to be
England's number one left-back is wide open, after 12 years of the
Chelsea man having dominated the position in the team when fit. Also:
Even in the unlikely event that a football genie came to Eidur
Gudjohnsen before tonight's match offering him World Cup qualification
for Iceland in exchange for all his medals and trophies, he would turn
him down. DAILY TELEGRAPH: Steve Hansen, the All
Blacks head coach, admitted last night that his team had "given
themselves an upper cut" with the security lapse that allowed The Daily
Telegraph to publish highly sensitive team-room revelations before
tomorrow's confrontation with England at Twickenham. Also: The enormity
of the challenge facing England at Twickenham was made clear yesterday
when head coach Stuart Lancaster described the All Blacks as "the best
team in any sport in the world". THE TIMES: Roy
Hodgson has warned Ashley Cole that his England place is under threat as
competition for inclusion in the squad for the World Cup finals
intensifies tonight with a warm-up match against Chile at Wembley. Also:
Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, two of football's biggest
talents and egos, meet tonight knowing that the World Cup is not big
enough for the both of them. THE GUARDIAN: Frank
Lampard has admitted his century of caps will count for nothing as he
and England's handful of senior players seek to convince Roy Hodgson
they merit inclusion in the squad for the World Cup, with tonight's
friendly against Chile at Wembley the first of three auditions before
the naming of the party for Brazil. Also: The pre-match psychology when
England face New Zealand is often fascinating and this week it has been
especially so. DAILY MIRROR: Ashley Cole was last
night warned his World Cup place is in jeopardy. Also: Edin Dzeko is
the latest player on Arsenal's January transfer hit-list. THE SUN:
Manchester United plan to have Wayne Rooney locked up on a new
£53million contract by the New Year. Also: Ashley Cole has been warned
he could miss next year's World Cup. DAILY MAIL:
England's quest to conquer Europe and the world in the next three
seasons is being financed by a huge kitty from the RFU worth more than
£20million. Also: Frank Lampard admits he is in a dogfight for his place
in England's World Cup squad as he prepares to receive his golden cap
at Wembley. DAILY EXPRESS: Ashley Cole has been
warned his England place is under threat and he can no longer be
considered as an automatic pick ahead of the World Cup. Also: The
arrogant All Blacks have poured scorn on the extent of England's
ambition ahead of their clash at Twickenham tomorrow. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/350889/PAPER-REVIEW-Wayne-Rooney-s-53m-contract-Arsenal-hunt-Man-City-ace-Edin-Dzeko
GettyImagesEdin Dzeko could be wearing Arsenal colours in January.
Arsenal’s
search for another striker continues to dominate headlines with the
Mirror reporting that Arsene Wenger is weighing up a shock move for
rival Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko. There are real fears in the Emirates that lone frontman Olivier Giroud
-- the club’s only fit, firing and recgonisable striker -- risks a
major breakdown if Wenger doesn’t quickly find him suitable backup. And
after missing out on Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain
last summer, Wenger is writing up a list of targets for the January
window. It looks like Dzeko has shot right to the top. The Bosnia and
Herzegovina international, who recently remarked that he is unhappy at
his lack of time under City manager Manuel Pellegrini,
could be open to making the move to London to join the Premier League
leaders. However, the Daily Mail is reporting that former Chelsea man Salomon Kalou could be the man to fill the void at Arsenal.
Manchester United could be back at the site of one of their greatest
raids, with the Mirror suggesting the Red Devils are scouting Sporting
Lisbon winger Carlos Mane. More than 10 years ago, United bought another
young Sporting player by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo,
and the reigning English champions believe they could be onto another
star in the 19-year-old Mane. The Portugal under-19 international has
been on the books for the Portuguese club since the age of 7 and has
impressed with the B team and in the NextGen club and has recently made
his debut for the first team.
Finally, Hull will make a fresh approach for West Brom striker Shane
long in the January window, according to the Mirror. Hull boss Steve Bruce
was all set to make Long his prize capture in the summer window, but
the deal was aborted with just minutes before the deadline. However,
Bruce is hoping persistence will pay dividends as Hull is expected to
make a fresh 6.5 million pound bid. http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/onthemove/id/13332?cc=3888
Arsenal Given To Go Ahead To Sign Defender, But What Could He Offer?
Although
the Arsenal defence has been slated this season, they have only
conceded 10 goals in their 11 games, which is the joint third best in
the league. So where have the accusations come from? For whatever
reason, a lot of people are calling for a new addition to their backline
and it seems as though their wish may come true, as the Mirror are reporting that they've been handed the green light to sign Anderlecht centre-back Cheikhou Kouyate.
But what could he offer?
Well, he is a very different player to any that they currently hold.
Rather than being a destroyer like Mertesacker or a scrappy player like
Koscielny, Kouyate is a player who is composed at the back and brilliant
on the ball. To compare him to a player at the top, you'd have to
mention Rio Ferdinand, who has made his living being a ball-lying
centre-half.
He is domineering in the air, but in a graceful way, and is
intelligent off the ball. The 23-year-old has always got an eye on
what's going on around him and it shows in the way he distributes the
ball.
He is a Senegal international and has vast experience with the
Belgian outfit and could learn a huge amount from those already at the
Emirates.
Words can only tell you so much, so watch this clip. http://www.footballfriendsonline.com/blogs/2013/11/15/arsenal-given-to-go-ahead-to-sign-defender-but-what-could-he.html
Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, reports The Daily Star.
Benzema, who had been out of form at the Bernabeu, has started to
turn his career around in Spain and now it's understood Madrid aren't
willing to part ways with their forward.
The striker put in a fine display as Madrid beat Real Sociedad 5-1
this past weekend and now looks set to stay at the La Liga giants.
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The Gunners were keen to bring Benzema to the Emirates in January in
order further fuel their bid to win the Premier League title.
Arsene Wenger is desperate for a new striker at the north London club in order to give competition to Olivier Giroud.
The Gunners' main back-up striker for Giroud is out of form Nicklas Bendtner, who continues to struggle in an Arsenal shirt.
However it now looks unlikely Benzema will be joining his former teammate Mesut Ozil at the Emirates. http://www.givemesport.com/399900-arsenal-dealt-blow-in-benzema-chase?autoplay=on
Man Utd make the most of home advantage as front runners slip to defeat
Robin van Persie fires in a header for Man Utd against his old club Arsenal
Robin Van Persie downed old club Arsenal to blast Manchester United
back into the Premier League title race as David Moyes enjoyed his
biggest win as Red Devils manager.
Van Persie rose unchallenged to guide home Wayne Rooney’s 27th-minute
corner to spark scenes of jubilation at Old Trafford and silence the
taunts of the visiting fans.
On another amazing weekend, in which Chelsea’s home draw on Saturday
was followed within 24 hours by shock defeats for Tottenham and
Manchester City, United have now closed to within five points of
Arsenal, who suffered their first league defeat since the opening day of
the season.
Indeed, six points now separate the first eight in the table, with
Liverpool and Southampton currently Arsenal’s closest pursuers.
United deserved their triumph, too.
Quite apart from Van Persie’s goal, Rooney ran himself to a
standstill and Phil Jones was immense, initially in midfield, then in
central defence following the departure of Nemanja Vidic with a head
injury. Man Utd's Nemanja Vidic leaves the pitch with a head injury
The hosts owed a debt of thanks to Chris Smalling as well.
Smalling might have wasted an outstanding chance to seal victory when
he failed to get a proper connection to Van Persie’s deep free-kick and
headed disappointingly wide.
Just as Olivier Giroud was lining up a shot from an excellent
position inside the United box, it was Smalling who stepped in to make
the decisive tackle and preserve United’s unbeaten home record against
the Gunners that stretches back to 2006.
There was no real surprise Van Persie should return to the United
starting line-up, still less the Dutchman celebrated the opener with
intent.
The trend has been for players to merely acknowledge what they had
done, rather than glory in the pain they had caused to their old club.
Van Persie restrained himself when he scored in this fixture last term.
However, the vicious taunts aimed at him by the visiting contingent
throughout the opening stages at Old Trafford evidently changed his
stance.
Van Persie raced away in glee as his header flew over Kieran Gibbs
before he was submerged by team-mates, then adopting a clenched fist
salute as he re-appeared.
The blame for Van Persie’s goal seemed to be pinned on Aaron Ramsey,
who moved away from his station as Rooney delivered the corner.
There had to be some culpability as it was surely not part of Arsene
Wenger’s game-plan to afford such a predatory striker so much room.
It was not the only issue for Wenger to address at half-time.
Since that shock opening-day defeat to Aston Villa, that first period was as bad as Arsenal have been.
Missing Per Mertesacker due to a virus that was also affecting Mikel
Arteta, the Gunners lacked the zip that has taken them clear at the
Premier League summit.
Only Mathieu Flamini escaped the malaise, and he was booked for a late tackle on Jones.
Among United’s stand-out performers was Jones, driving out of
midfield in a manner so obviously lacking for the past three seasons.
He was also at the centre of the first of two worrying head clashes.
Cautioned when he clattered into Wojciech Szczesny, TV replays showed the contact to be accidental.
For a few seconds, the Arsenal keeper did not move.
After treatment, Szczesny continued, as did Jones, who had moved away rubbing his head.
Nevertheless, given the recent furore over Hugo Lloris, the decision raised an eyebrow.
In the final seconds of the opening period, Vidic went down in a heap
after his face was crunched by David de Gea’s knee. There was no
immediate substitution as United reached the interval with 10 men.
The tough-tackling Serbian did not return for the second period,
though, as Moyes introduced Tom Cleverley and moved Jones back into
central defence.
It all rather obscured a disappointing lack of goalmouth action. Man Utd boss David Moyes congratulates goalscorer Robin van Persie
Szczesny had earlier saved a long-range effort from Rooney but
Arsenal were devoid of opportunity as Olivier Giroud failed to find any
space and Mesut Ozil struggled to make an impact.
Arsenal improved after the break, with Ozil slicing an angled effort into the side-netting.
Wenger still felt compelled to introduce Jack Wilshere after an hour,
a move that came just after his side had survived Rooney nipping past
Bacary Sagna and belting a low shot inches wide.
The visitors pushed forward in increasing desperation. But United
defended valiantly and held on for a victory which moved them up into
fifth place. http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/robin-van-persie-header-halts-6291780
Arsenal weighing up summer offer for Fernando Llorente
Fernando Llorente was a target for Arsenal before he joined Juventus
Arsenal are considering a £15 million move for Juventus striker Fernando Llorente - but only in the summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The Spanish forward joined Juventus at the start of the season from
Athletic Bilbao having been heavily linked with a move to the Premier
League.
He has struggled to settle in Turin and has already been linked with a
move away - despite getting more first team chances in recent weeks.
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Arsenal were one of the teams interested in landing Llorente before his switch to Italy, and now according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners could reignite their interest in the 28-year-old.
The paper report that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is willing to bid
£15 million for the Spanish international's services - but only in the
summer having been told there is no chance of a deal taking place in
January.
While both club and player have been adamant that a move isn't in the offing, the Mail claim Juve may be tempted by the chance of turning a quick profit on the player they signed for free just a few months ago.
Arsenal will likely be in the market for a new forward in the January as cover for Olivier Giroud.
Currently, Wenger can only call on Nicklas Bendtner as back-up.
Llorente has scored four goals in 13 games for Juventus so far this
term - but has only stayed on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes in
Serie A for one of his nine appearances to date.
The Spaniard opened the scoring in Juventus' 3-0 win over title rivals Napoli last night http://www.givemesport.com/399894-arsenal-weighing-up-summer-offer-for-fernando-llorente?autoplay=on
Breaking Football transfer news and stories from the Premiership,
including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester
City, Tottenham, and Everton - updated daily with the latest football
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nchester City, Tottenham, and Everton - updated daily with the latest football news.
Gunners set for offensive boost
Arsenal
forwards Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are expected to return from
injury by the end of November, but fellow absentee Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain will not feature until December at the earliest. It had been hoped Walcott would play a
part in the visit to Old Trafford, where Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by
Manchester United on Sunday. But the England international's
recovery from an abdominal injury sustained in September has been slowed
and a late November return is now being targeted. Podolski has not played for Arsenal
since picking up a hamstring injury in the Champions League
qualification play-off victory over Fenerbahce of Turkey in August. Since then the Gunners have lost just
three times in all competitions with striker Olivier Giroud and
midfielder Aaron Ramsey scoring the lion-share of Arsenal's goals. With the international break now upon
us, the Germany forward is back in training at Arsenal and is expected
to make a come-back shortly after the domestic calendar resumes. Arsenal next play in the Premier
League at home to Southampton on 23 November and away to Cardiff City on
30 November, with a Champions League clash with Marseille at Emirates
Stadium sandwiched in between. While an Arsenal source told SportsDirect News the match against Southampton at least is likely to be "too early" for Podolski, all three fixtures will certainly come too soon for Oxlade-Chamberlain. The midfielder is to complete his
recovery from knee injury no earlier than the beginning of December,
when Arsenal play at home to Hull City on 4 December and Everton on 8
December http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league-news/35558-gunners-set-for-offensive-boost.php#.UoDBPSfScf0
Arsenal face biggest Champions League away test against Borussia Dortmund
DORTMUND, GERMANY -
NOVEMBER 05: Arsene Wenger looks on during a Arsenal press conference
ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group F match against Borussia
Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on November 5, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany.
(Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)
By James Olley
– 06 November 2013
Arsenal have returned to the country where their
current buoyancy began determined to prove their pre-eminence is not
based on hot air.
The Gunners moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Liverpool
to continue their fine early-season form as they enter the most
sustained examination of their credentials at home and abroad – the tie
against Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion.
Arsenal
arrived here in Germany top of Group F by the thinnest of margins –
Uefa's method of separating sides by their head-to-head record has them
leading a trio of teams on six points – yet galvanised by an away record
dating back to March's 2-0 victory at Bayern Munich.
Although
that result ultimately proved insufficient to prevent their exit from
last season's competition, it has frequently been cited as the catalyst
for an upturn in fortunes that elevated Arsenal above Tottenham into
fourth place and catapulted them onto greater heights in this campaign.
Arsenal
are unbeaten in their last 14 away games and, despite the daunting
prospect of facing last year's Champions League finalists in their own
arena, manager, Arsène Wenger, said: "We take belief from our form away
from home. We play everywhere to win. That will not change and we will
have a positive attitude in our game.
"Maybe we had not
the same belief at home [Arsenal lost 2-1 to Dortmund a fortnight ago]
because we failed in a few big home games and you could feel there was a
bit more scepticism and less belief maybe at home. Hopefully we got
that behind us now with the Liverpool game."
The Dortmund
coach, Jürgen Klopp, was far more sceptical. "I wouldn't say they are
more dangerous away – they are always dangerous home and away – but
every game has its own history," he said. "We have analysed the game
against Munich. It was pretty close until the end.
"We
actually believe that it is an advantage to play at home and if we put
all our quality on the pitch, we are very hard to play against. We are
also very well prepared.
"Even if we had won the last 70
games at home, it wouldn't make any difference tomorrow. It would be
just a history, just statistics so therefore I wouldn't say the 14 games
[unbeaten] away are an advantage."
Arsenal's run of 13
victories and one draw on the road is an impressive statistic although
closer scrutiny reveals this is by some distance their toughest test
since that night in Munich.
The subsequent 13 results came against Swansea (twice), West Bromwich Albion (three times), Fulham (twice), Queen's Park Rangers, Newcastle, Fenerbahce, Sunderland, Marseilles and Crystal Palace; not one of those domestic sides currently sits in the Premier League's top eight.
Dortmund's
victory at the Emirates Stadium reinforces the notion that Klopp's side
– who hammered Stuttgart 6-1 on Friday – are the biggest obstacle to
Arsenal's hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the 14th consecutive
season. "I believe we lost the first game because we absolutely wanted
to win it at any cost and we exposed ourselves," said Wenger. "In the
end, we got caught on the counter-attack because we were all up front.
We pushed forward because we were not happy with the draw.
"That's
what happened in the game. I don't think it will affect us. It will
strengthen the resolve of my team because they will want to come out and
show a different level."
While Jack Wilshere
did not travel due to an ankle problem, those able to display that
resolve will include striker Olivier Giroud, who reflected last night on
how far he has come since 2008, when his coach at Grenoble, Mehmed Bazdarevic, deemed the Frenchman "did not have the level to play among the elite".
Afobe set to depart, back in for Cabaye & Germany again!
Morning all,
I’ll start with the gossip pages:
Benike Afobe has now returned to full fitness and as we are no longer
in the league cup, he’s rumoured to be heading off out on loan. Good,
he needs to be playing now and prove whether or not he really has what
it takes to challenge for a place in the first team.
The Daily Express report that both us and Liverpool are set to test Newcastle again for Yohan Cabaye in January.
Arsene Wenger has been spilling the beans on how he and his players prepare for night’s like tonight:
Usually we have our last training session here in London the morning the day before the game, and then travel in the afternoon. Then you have a press conference when you arrive in the city
where you play. The next morning you get the players up at around 10am,
and we have a pre-match meeting where we talk to the players about the
opposition, and what we need to do. Then we have lunch, followed by an
afternoon sleep and then tea.
Lazy devils, a nice lay-in tomorrow morning, lunch and then an
afternoon, another snooze before having tea and stickies! Life is tough
at the top eh?
After all of that, they players and manager have a get together to
discuss the game plan and then off they go to the stadium where tonight,
I hope they get a good job done before heading home as soon as they can
after the final whistle.
With Dortmund, Napoli and ourselves all on six points, both sides
will be out to take all three points tonight. Napoli are at home to
Marseille and I wouldn’t bet against them earning maximum points so the
pressure is on.
The weekend saw both us at Dortmund win with ease, the German side
played on Friday evening and battered Stuttgart 6-1 and you don’t need
me to tell you how things went for us a day later.
So confidence will be high in both teams…
Dortmund are a very good side as we all know and they are managed by a
very tactical manager. Arsene Wenger has to at least match him in that
department tonight and if it’s heading for a draw, don’t get caught out
like we did at home.
Yes we need a win, but more importantly, we cannot afford to lose.
This group of players have been to Germany before and they beat the
current Champions League winners on their own turf so they are no
strangers to the task ahead.
It’s a huge task as we know, but it’s not unachievable by a long way.
We didn’t play our best football during the home fixture against
Dortmund and let’s not forget we gifted them their opening goal. If we
can raise our game to the kind of standard we witnessed against Napoli
and again against Liverpool to name just two, Dortmund will be in for a
bit of a shock.
Our away performances have been getting stronger and stronger over
the last few months and tonight is a good chance to extend that great
run. Also, we are unbeaten in our last four away trips to Germany.
Respect Dortmund of course but don’t fear them!
If Arsene Wenger and his players want these three points bad enough, they’ll come home with them…..
That’s your lot…… http://highbury-house.com/2013/11/06/afobe-set-to-depart-back-in-for-cabaye-germany-again/
Arsenal’s Wilshere, Gibbs doubtful for Dortmund trip
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs are doubtful for
the Champions League Group F trip to last season’s runners-up Borussia
Dortmund with coach Arsene Wenger eager to make amends for last month’s
loss to the Germans.
Wenger spoke last week of the “important period” the Premier League
leaders are going through – the trip to Dortmund in between Premier
League games against Liverpool, whom they beat 2-0 on Saturday, and
Manchester United.
The win over Liverpool in the top-of-the-table clash was particularly
satisfying for Wenger, who told reporters: “That is as well as we have
played all season.
“People have been sceptical about us so far this season but today
will increase our confidence and get the fans right behind us.”
Arsenal, though, have a significant challenge to meet against
Dortmund, whose late 2-1 victory over the Gunners at the Emirates
Stadium last month left them level on six points with the north London
club and Napoli as the Champions League group stage reached its halfway
mark.
Wenger is expected to be without Wilshere and could also miss Gibbs
while he also needs to see progress on Mathieu Flamini, who missed the
win over Liverpool.
Defender Gibbs went off holding his calf in that game while Wilshere injured his ankle in training last week.
Dortmund are riding a wave of optimism after crushing Stuttgart 6-1
on Friday following their derby win against rivals Schalke 04 a week
earlier.
Poland striker Robert Lewan-dowski notched a hat-trick as Dortmund produced another scintillating display of attacking football.
Coach Juergen Klopp, who praised Wenger’s style of play, could have
captain Sebastian Kehl back in the squad after he recovered from injury
and has returned to training.
“(Arsene Wenger) is really something. He is Sir Arsene Wenger,” Klopp told reporters.
“But he likes having the ball, playing football, passing it. It is
like an orchestra but it is a quiet song. I prefer heavy metal. I always
want it loud,” said Klopp, who last week extended his Dortmund contract
by two years to 2018.
“I like Arsenal’s philosophy but I cannot coach it, I am a different
guy,” said Klopp who will be back on the bench after sitting out the
last two games with a suspension.
His team won both matches with him in the stands following an outburst in their opening defeat to Napoli. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20131106/football/Arsenal-s-Wilshere-Gibbs-doubtful-for-Dortmund-trip.493518#.UnobVyfScf0
Arsenal closing in on a loan deal for Fernando Llorente?
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of Spanish
striker Fernando Llorente from Serie A giants Juventus on a temporary
basis, according to reports in Independent.
Arsene Wenger is keen on strengthening the club’s strike force in the
January window with a loan deal for Juventus striker Llorente in an
effort to maintain their Premier League title lead for the remainder of
the season.
The report suggests that the Gunners have already begun talks with
the Italian champions Juventus over a loan for the Spaniard, who has
seen his first team opportunities somewhat limited due to the
availability of Carlos Tevez, Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic.
Wenger’s priority in the winter transfer window remains to capture a
marquee striker after moves for Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain, Stevan
Jovetic and Wayne Rooney all fell through last summer, while the Gunners
were also unable to agree a last-ditch loan deal for Chelsea’s Demba
Ba.
Arsenal scouted Llorente earlier in the summer and were interested in
signing him but he chose to move to Juventus on a free transfer. The
Gunners will now prefer a loan move as they continue to look for more
long term options and may not want to make a big signing if they are
already cup tied for the Champions League.
Llorente has proven in the past he is an excellent striker and has
plenty of experience playing 333 games for Athletic Bilbao and scoring
118 goals. He also has 22 caps for the Spanish national team. He has
just played in eight Serie A matches this season averaging just over 50
minutes per game, playing the full 90 minutes just once so far. He has
come on as a sub three times and taken off four times, leaving him
frustrated which will most likely lead him to miss next year’s World cup
with Spain.
A swoop for Llorente would send a message that Arsenal are intent on
remaining at the top of the Premier League after such a strong start.
With Nicklas Bendtner disappointing so far without regular gametime,
he’s hardly going to become the top forward we crave. The unproven Yaya
Sanogo is not yet breaking into the first team, so a striker is high on
Arsene Wenger’s shopping list in January. His acquisition would not only
improve the depth in the striking department but will also give the
Frenchman a valuable Plan B in the tactical stakes.
A loan deal in January would be just perfect for Arsenal as they
wouldn’t need to spend big money considering teams will be reluctant to
let their players leave halfway through the current season, forcing
potential the transfer fees up. The deal will also suit all
parties allowing Juventus to clear an expensive name off their hearty
wage-bill, Llorente to potentially play regular football and the Gunners
to solve their striking dilemma should Giroud suffer an injury.
The Spaniard scored a nice headed effort against Madrid last night to
equalize the match 2-2, so he’s still got it despite lacking regular
first team action. http://allarsenal.com/arsenalrumours/arsenal-closing-in-on-a-loan-deal-for-fernando-llorente/
League
leaders Arsenal will face Cardiff tomorrow and will have the chance of
going 7 points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea who have their matches on
Sunday.
Arsenal
completely dominated Marseille in their latest Champions League game
but still have no qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.
