Arsenal

[Nifty1Pound50]

Why does he hate him??

Because he has the first-touch of a pre-pubescent rapist standing in a brothel whilst having a good ol' ROFL during the seventeenth annual filming of the Eat-a-Waffle-athon.

And because he's black.

[mufcsean]

I'm a United fan but i hate Darren Fletcher with a passion

[Nifty1Pound50]

Replace "United" with "Poland" and "Darren Fletcher" with "Gregorz Rasiak" and I'd be in full agreement with you. :D

[mufcsean]

:laugh:

[Viperized]

I bet Viperized still hates Adebayor.
Of course I don't, and I never have hated him. Only have hated his first touch.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=487112&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Wenger+-+Adebayor+is+best+in+Premier+L eague

Well said once again Wenger. :cool: :D

[ThierryHenry14]

Totally true who says we need Henry . Looks like Man U have lost and Chelsea drawing good week for us 3 games with 3 goals for us in each...

[somegooner]

Well Man U drew. We couldn't possibly ask too much of Spurs, they wouldn't do it for us.

[Meyyappan]

Atleast we got 2 pt lead...............

[mufcsean]

Who is Arsenals dearest ever player?

[vanNistelrooy]

Lehmann, he's cost them a fair few goals over the years ;)

Ours was Lauren Blanc.

[mufcsean]

:laugh: seriously though who was it, i think it was Reyes but i could be wrong, my mate wreckons its definately not him

[vanNistelrooy]

Wiltord I think.

[50!]

I think Reyes was more than Wiltord.

Apparently from what I've read on another forum, Eduardo has a shit load of add ons in his contract which could make his transfer up to £24m.

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

Sagna just raped Martin Petrov.

[blob123]

Sagna just raped Martin Petrov.
Petrov's game is pace and nothing else. Put a jet-heeled defender like Sagna or Clichy against him and he doesn't stand a chance.

[somegooner]

Petrov's game is pace and nothing else. Put a jet-heeled defender like Sagna or Clichy against him and he doesn't stand a chance.

Well in truth most modern wingers games are just pure pace.

[Tigermen]

I think Reyes was more than Wiltord.

Apparently from what I've read on another forum, Eduardo has a shit load of add ons in his contract which could make his transfer up to £24m.

As far as I'm aware Eduardo was a straight £7.5m. I really can't see it going up to £24m, come on this is Arsene Wenger we're talking about here!

As for the original question, Wiltord is still (again, as far as I'm aware) our record signing at £13m. Reyes would have surpassed that but it was dependent on a lot of add-ons which weren't achieved. I think we actually paid out around £10m on him though someone else might be able to shed more light on this. Not bad considering we sold him for £8m....

[AgentZero]

briliant goal by eduardo..bit offside maybe? but the finish was all class.

[blob123]

As far as I'm aware Eduardo was a straight £7.5m. I really can't see it going up to £24m, come on this is Arsene Wenger we're talking about here!

As for the original question, Wiltord is still (again, as far as I'm aware) our record signing at £13m. Reyes would have surpassed that but it was dependent on a lot of add-ons which weren't achieved. I think we actually paid out around £10m on him though someone else might be able to shed more light on this. Not bad considering we sold him for £8m....

Reyes was £10m which could have gone up to £17m depending on the success of Arsenal.

[Nturtle]

Well Man U drew. We couldn't possibly ask too much of Spurs, they wouldn't do it for us.

Well..I wouldn't say that...they "loaned" Defoe to Portsmouth who promptly scored and drew with Chelsea on the same day that United drew... :laugh:

We've done reasonably well...the pressure will only start mounting now, with AC Milan, the FA game and the all important league games coming up.

[Morientes19]

Wenger said this weekend that Adebayor is best striker in the prem. do you agree?

I certainly think he is the form striker but is he better then an on form Torres, Rooney, Drogba or Berbatov?

Also cant wait for the AC Milan game........

[fick]

Wenger said this weekend that Adebayor is best striker in the prem. do you agree?

I certainly think he is the form striker but is he better then an on form Torres, Rooney, Drogba or Berbatov?

Also cant wait for the AC Milan game........

He is as you say, the on form striker. As for best? Give it another year or two and he'll certainly be a contender.

At present for talent, I'd have to say Drogba. Even as a Man U fan i have to admit he has everything you need from a striker. Scores from any range, either foot, capable in the air & works well linking up attack play.

[mufcsean]

I agree, he is the form striker but he is still not quite there yet. He will be soon though

[Nifty1Pound50]

He'll never be that good, I don't think.

He's on form, yes, but let's see if he maintains this sort of prolific form for a prolongued period of time. I fear he'll dry up within a month or so, and never recapture that sort of goal streak ever again.

He's also a complete twat.

[fick]

He's also a complete twat.

:laugh: He plays for the Arse, so that goes without saying!!!

[Morientes19]

He also is developing a bit of a swagger and cockiness.
Ya not as good as Henry yet son =S

[ThierryHenry14]

Dear Adam,

Overall, we controlled Saturday's game and scored some very good goals.

It's true that we lost a fraction of concentration after our second goal and Manchester City came back to 2-1. From then on it was a case of not making a mistake at the back and trying as quickly as possible to get the third goal.

Man City waited until the last 15 minutes to bring their strikers on but then the game opened up and we got the third goal and overall, I think it was a deserved win.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored two more goals and, I must say, I’m glad in every match that he stayed at home with us after Togo failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.

I have been asked whether I would swap Adebayor for Ronaldo right now but I don't consider issues like that. I have a lot of respect for Ronaldo but I am happy with the players I have.

Anyway, they are different types of players. I believe that Ronaldo is more of a winger type and Adebayor is a real centre forward. He has made a big improvement this season and has been remarkably consistent. He scored twice and had a big impact on two very good Man City centre backs on Saturday.

How has Adebayor improved? His movement off the ball, his finishing, his calmness are all better. Perhaps when he first came to us he was not really composed in front of goal. Now he looks really composed. He has great stamina plus great strength and power. He just loves to play.

When you have been in the job a long time you don't set limits on players like Adebayor. Human beings can always surprise you and you accept that. His form is linked with his mental state and he is happy.

Above all there is a great understanding in the team. That makes people more comfortable and confident and that is where you see the best of the team.

Thanks for your support.

Arsène Wenger...

[martin_cranie]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a new poll question for this thread?

[AgentZero]

how many more goals will adebayor score? this is an integral issue rigth now in the gambling world.

[Nturtle]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a new poll question for this thread?

*How many Trophies will Arsenal win this season?

[mufcsean]

I'd go with NTurtles

[Dragonfly]

'Who's Been The Most Important/Best Player So Far This Season?'

[Guillermo]

Similar to LG's, but "Will Adebayor be the top scorer in the Prem this season?"

[mufcsean]

'Who's Been The Most Important/Best Player So Far This Season?'

More arse raping for Cesc

[Dragonfly]

More arse raping for Cesc

Possibly, but I think Gallas, Sagna, Flamini, Hleb and Adebayor are up there too.

[mufcsean]

I think it is Gallas, but you know full well people like SomeGooner and Meyappan are just going to gor for Cesc, not saying he hasn't been brilliant but Gallas, Adebayor, Flamini and Almunia have been very important but it all recognition just goes to Fabregas

[somegooner]

I think it is Gallas, but you know full well people like SomeGooner and Meyappan are just going to gor for Cesc,

No I won't, I think that Hleb was more important because without Cesc Arsenal won a few matches (excluding Carling Cup) but without Hleb, Arsenal lost their matches (also excluding Carling Cup). I also think that Flamini has a shout. So does Gallas because at times he went forward and played as a striker when we really needed a goal. (He's taking his number 10 shirt very seriously). And lastly it's not "SomeGooner", it's "somegooner" without capitals.

[mufcsean]

Sorry for the mispell, sorry to use you as an example mate but you usually seem an idiot, no offence of course.

[somegooner]

Sorry for the mispell, sorry to use you as an example mate but you usually seem an idiot, no offence of course.

Well I might seem an idiot but I know a thing or two about football. I come from a place where people think that star players make teams win but I'm not like them so give me some credit.

[ThierryHenry14]

Who wants Henry back??

Is Almunia better than Lehmann??

Who is/has been the best captain for Arsenal??

etc....

[somegooner]

Is Gilberto dead?

Who is our most underrated player in PES?

Is Diarra a cunt? (YES!!)

Should van Persie come in for Eduardo when he's back??

Can we win the league??

[Wan]

Gilberto's alive at the moment.

Sagna maybe?

Yes.

Nah.

[Bammers05]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a new poll question for this thread?

How about 'Will Adebayor surpass Henry's achievements for Arsenal?'

[mufcsean]

There is no point, the answer is no

[Bammers05]

Don't speak too soon... :shifty:

[somegooner]

I think that Ade will go close but he won't beat the goal record unless he stays until he's 32 or 33 (unlikely).

[Wan]

If he don't get injured though.

[somegooner]

Where are you from Wan?? (Not a poll)

Can van Persie be better than Bergkamp?? (Poll)

[Viperized]

Wow.

[mufcsean]

What?

[Nturtle]

Diaby & Flamini injured during international friendly....dammit...

[Dragonfly]

For crying out loud! I hope they're just slightest injuries possible.

[Shaun-irish]

Diabys Shit aneway . . .

[Dragonfly]

Diabys Shit aneway . . .

No he's not.

[Top Gun]

I don't often like Arsenal players but Eduardo is class. I reckon he will be top scorer next season.

[Dragonfly]

I don't often like Arsenal players but Eduardo is class. I reckon he will be top scorer next season.

He'll definitely be recognised as one of the best strikers in the world, sooner than later. You can see he's going to be special.

[somegooner]

Why do we always have so many fucking injuries??

[wrigh2uk]

Alexander Hleb's agent insists the midfielder wants to stay at Arsenal amid reports of interest from Barcelona.


Speculation in Spain has claimed that Barcelona have made the Belarus international one of their top summer transfer targets.

Hleb has steadily established himself as a key figure in the Arsenal team since joining the club from Stuttgart in 2005.

And the 26-year-old's agent Niki Spilevski has confirmed Hleb has no desire to change his surroundings at the end of the season.


Best club

"I can understand why Barcelona would be interested in Alex," Spilevski told The Sun.

"But Alex loves life at Arsenal. He feels he is at the best club in the world.
"He has the ideal manager, he loves his team-mates and loves London. Why would he want to leave?"

Hleb has scored twice in 21 Premier League appearances this season, with the Gunners leading champions Manchester United by two points.


:smug:

[Viperized]

Where is Denilson? He could step in hopefully.

[Morientes19]

Denilson is injured at the mo, and is also a def mid player, not like kleb.

[somegooner]

Diaby & Flamini injured during international friendly....dammit...

That hasn't appeared on the official website yet. Are you sure??

[Barry]

As Barcelona I'd go for Modric, apparently that's the only club he wants to go too.

[mufcsean]

Diaby & Flamini injured during international friendly....dammit...

France don't play til tonight though?

[Ghost]

They must have played for the Under-21 team yesterday.

[Meyyappan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fkdFeIqEok

Gael Clichy -

22 years old has been groomed by Sir Arsene of Wenger to play in the Arsenal way.

This wasn't always the case. I remember seeing a young Gael covering for Cashley when he was a teenager, and you could see he was a little out of his depth. He was a very talented youngster learning his trade. He was allowed the time to develop, as all promising youngsters should be given time. He has flourished in to the best left back in the country in my opinion, maybe even the best left back in the world.

Gael is four years older than Theo Walcott...

To any Arsenal fan, no to any FOOTBALL FAN, who is getting on the back of an 18 year old shame on you!

This is a very English disease and is growing through all of the Media that you all read and take in. You are being brainwashed!

The fickleness of football is starting to drive me mad.

Theo has one bad game, and ‘he is a waste’.

He has a good game, ‘the jury is still out’.

What do you want from the lad? More importantly what do you want from Wenger? He has stated that this lad needs more time and he believes in him.

It is surely about time that we let our talent. Any British talent, learn the trade they are trying to master and become men before we judge them as either a failure or a success.

Stop looking for short term gain.

Angry!

He has scored a nice theirry hendriish goal at the week-end

[wrigh2uk]

As Barcelona I'd go for Modric, apparently that's the only club he wants to go too.

Modric overates himself ALOT,

[Viperized]

Modric is actually a quality player.

Modric, Xavi, Deco, Iniesta.. hmm, thats not a bad selection of midfielders.

France don't play til tonight though?
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3111662,00.html

[mufcsean]

Modric is actually a quality player.

Modric, Xavi, Deco, Iniesta.. hmm, thats not a bad selection of midfielders.


http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3111662,00.html

Yaya Toure and certainly not forgetting Edmilson.

[Dragonfly]

Has Edmilson recovered from the injury that stopped him leave for Newcastle?

[ThierryHenry14]

This a Arsenal thread not Newcastle .

[wrigh2uk]

Modric is actually a quality player.



Never said he wasn't mate but this guy has proved nothing in a major league as of yet..

Hes not in that Xavi, Iniesta , Deco club yet

[blob123]

Modric is actually a quality player.

Modric, Xavi, Deco, Iniesta.. hmm, thats not a bad selection of midfielders.


http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3111662,00.html

What is it with Barcelona and small players. Seems Rjikaard doesn't want anyone that can look down on him lol...

Unhappy Gilberto wants to leave Arsenal

LONDON: Brazil stalwart Gilberto has said he is unhappy at Arsenal and will look for a transfer in the summer if he cannot get more regular first-team football.

The 31-year-old midfielder/defender has started just five times in the Premier League for Arsene Wenger's side this season as Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas have monopolised the central midfield berths.

And he says that under the present circumstances he will have to consider what is best for his own future.

“At the moment I cannot see any future for me at the club,” he told The Guardian.

“I will see what will happen in the next few months and until the end (of the season), if I will get the chance to come back in the team. If not, I will see what I am going to do at the end.

“It's been painful for me and to stay another season like this would kill me. I will sit down with Arsene and see what we can do to manage the situation.”

“I am not happy in the position I am in but I am trying to manage the situation.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

As much as I've like the guy and he was terrific last season, I think its time Gilberto left Arsenal :crymore:

But Flamini is injured so surely Gilberto will get 1st team football especially now theres no Diarra and Diaby is injured and so is Denilson.

[somegooner]

Flamini might be back in time for the Blackburn game.
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=5775 64

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Flamini might be back in time for the Blackburn game.
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=5775 64

That's assuring. Thank God :innocent:

[pistolpete]

The fact that the source is goal.com makes me think that he probably wont be fit.

Read somewherethat Pato and Kaka would be injured for the Arsenal game but now read that theyre going to be fit??

Anyone got a reliable update?

Really fancy our chances against them - especially if those 2 cant play.

[AgentZero]

who do you lot have this weekend at Dubaibury?

[Dragonfly]

who do you lot have this weekend at Dubaibury?

Blackburn, you lazy Stefan.

[Nturtle]

who do you lot have this weekend at Dubaibury?

Blackburn on Monday.

Toure and Eboue's Ivory coast lost vs. Egypt...but still there due to 3rd place clash on Sunday.

Song still in there for Cameroon and playing a good DM role apparently, keeping out others in the side. Well...can't the the guy ain't trying - maybe it is all in the head and about confidence! :D

[blob123]

Blackburn on Monday.

Toure and Eboue's Ivory coast lost vs. Egypt...but still there due to 3rd place clash on Sunday.

Song still in there for Cameroon and playing a good DM role apparently, keeping out others in the side. Well...can't the the guy ain't trying - maybe it is all in the head and about confidence! :D

I watched him play in the semi's yesterday and he was pretty decent but I can't say its the same as the EPL. He was hardly put under pressure or forced into errors. Ghana didn't put up much of a challenge. Maybe if or when Gilberto leaves, Song might get his chance to develop

[somegooner]

I think that Wenger believes that Song's future lies at CB.

[AgentZero]

Blackburn, you lazy Stefan.
stefan!?...how dare you!
:gunfire:

[Meyyappan]

2002–03 proved to be another productive season for Henry, as he scored 42 goals in all competitions while contributing 23 assists—remarkable returns for a striker.[8] In doing so, he led Arsenal to another FA Cup triumph.[11] Throughout the season, he competed with Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy for the league scoring title, but the latter edged Henry to the title by a goal.[1] Nonetheless, Henry was named both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.[12][13] His rising status as one of the world's best footballers was affirmed when he emerged runner-up for the 2003 FIFA World Player of the Year award.[9]

Thats amazing :shocking: was it his prime :unsure:

He lost the award to zidane was it deserved

i wasnt watching much football at that time:innocent:

[Bammers05]

Thats amazing :shocking: was it his prime :unsure:

Pretty much. He then scored 39 goals the next season, in all conmpetitions.

He lost the award to zidane was it deserved

In my opinion, Henry should have won it that year. Although Zidane was very good as well

[mufcsean]

Henry should have won it, and of course he was in his prime, those stats don't come about when you are playing your worst do they.

[blob123]

Arsene Wenger admits he may have to ask Kolo Toure to make a dash straight back from the African Nations Cup as the Arsenal boss is "down to the bare bones" for Monday night's Premier League clash against Blackburn.

Apparently Senderos is injured and is struggling to be fit so we could very well see Hoyte or unsettled Gilberto coming in as replacements.

[somegooner]

Oh please not Gilberto.

[ThierryHenry14]

Is Djourou still unfit to play aswell , mabye Wenger should of thought about buying a spare center-back..

[Meyyappan]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted only unfortunate timing prevented David Bentley making the break through at the Emirates.

Bentley, 23, is set to face his former club on Monday night following an impressive campaign with Blackburn, which saw him included in Fabio Capello's new-look England side against Switzerland at Wembley.

The attacking midfielder came up through the Gunners youth ranks and :) spent a season on loan at Norwich during their 2004/2005 England League campaign.

However, on his return to Arsenal, Bentley was unable to force his way into Wenger's first-team plans, with the likes of veteran Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp ahead of him in the pecking order.

Bentley reluctantly accepted his immediate future lay elsewhere and moved on to Rovers on loan in August 2005 to link up with former Arsenal youth coach Eddie Niedzwiecki - a deal which was made permanent five months later.

After he put his past troubles - which included criticism following his controversial withdrawal from the Under-21s European Championship squad last summer - behind him Bentley is now living up to his potential.

Wenger confessed he has always seen something special in Bentley, and is proud to have seen him mature as a player.

"Bentley is having a good development in his career and I am very happy for him," said the Arsenal manager.

"I let him go at a moment where I could have said 'no, you stay here' - but I was also conscious there were big players in front of him and he was not experienced enough.

"You have to consider is it fair to them not to let them go, even if it hurts you later.

"I knew there would be some stage where people said 'why did you let him go?' but when I make that kind of decision, I am then happy someone asks me that question because it means he has been a success elsewhere."

Wenger reflected: "It is sometimes difficult to let a player go when you know it is just a question of timing. But at the end of the day, you cannot keep everybody and it can come back to haunt you because Bentley is a great player now.

"He would play here now, whether he would be a regular or not, I don't know, but he has the quality.

"David always had the belief he was a good player and he will show it, not because he was bearing a grudge or anything against the club. He is convinced of his own ideas and has great belief in himself at that level."



Bentley looked comfortable enough when playing down the right for England, a role which had been filled so often by former captain David Beckham who was left out of the squad and denied his 100th cap.

And the Arsenal manager can see no reason why the former Arsenal trainee cannot go on to have "more of an impact" within the national team.

"I believe he is more of a central player in the future," Wenger said.

"He has what Beckham has - quality in crosses, does not need to overlap too much. In a central role, he will have more of an impact."

Arsenal head into Monday night's televised match with the aim of keeping the pressure on Manchester United and Chelsea, after they returned to the top of the table last weekend.

Wenger may have his options limited by injury - although defender Kolo Toure could yet be rushed back from the African Nations Cup - but the Arsenal manager believes the "mental strength" of the squad will continue to drive them forward.

"We are where we want to be after 25 games, and we are now going into the final sprint," he added.

"We have made a little difference last week by getting back to the top, but that is not significant enough to say we will be in front [at the end of the season].

"But I am confident this team has mental strength and desire - they are good ingredients to go on and continue to play well."


+ add a comment
Page 1 of 1
Steppires
2/10/2008
12:04 AM (report inappropriate content)

I see Wenger bringing Bentley back in no due time. He is fast becoming an Arsenal type.

I wonder if other class managers would have let him leave??:no:
But generally what wenger did was a good thing.:happy:

[somegooner]

I have a feeling that IF Wenger brings him back he will play on the left and not on the right.

[vanNistelrooy]

Congrats on the league lads, football like that deserves nothing.

[Zoolander]

Congrats on the league lads, football like that deserves nothing.

:laugh:

That's the spirit.

[Rambo]

Since when was the league decided in February?

[Jonny2J]

Fucking hell.

Nothing like the great expectations of Man Utd fans.

[vanNistelrooy]

Well, it's Man City at home for fuck's sake, we should be putting a few past them without breaking sweat. As for our defence, fuck, how we have the best defensive record in the league is beyond me.

The league is decided for us, and it says NO WIN.

Fucking hell.

Nothing like the great expectations of Man Utd fans.
A five point gap (which it will be) between us and an Arsenal who are playing the football they are, is enough for me to give up hope tbh. Unless Arsenal go through a blip of playing football like we have in the last couple of games, I can't see us doing any good.

I think I'd have prefered winning this game and losing in the FA Cup to Arsenal tbh.

[Rambo]

Well, it's Man City at home for fuck's sake, we should be putting a few past them without breaking sweat. As for our defence, fuck, how we have the best defensive record in the league is beyond me.

The league is decided for us, and it says NO WIN.


:rolleyes:

Jesus christ, we had an off day man, like all teams do.

As for "we should be putting a few past them without breaking sweat" is a load of bollocks, you make it sound as if Man City are a bad team.

Clearly your emotions are getting the best of you.

[vanNistelrooy]

:rolleyes:

Jesus christ, we had an off day man, like all teams do.

As for "we should be putting a few past them without breaking sweat" is a load of bollocks, you make it sound as if Man City are a bad team.

Clearly your emotions are getting the best of you.
We can stick a couple past the top team in the league on their own patch, knock six past Newcaslte but struggle at home to City? It's Derby day, and our players lost their bottle in one of the games they should have been mentally stronger.

Yeah, maybe my emotions are running wild, but we shouldn't lose games like that, even if it is a derby.

[somegooner]

So five clear tomorrow??

Who do you guys think will be a better starter?? Too many games Toure or barely any games Gilberto??

[Wan]

Hoyte.

Toure ain't got much match fitness if he does returns.
And Gilberto, meh.

[Meyyappan]

Good we must capitalize now,no good drawing tomorrow we must do it.

Up the arse

Hughes keen to avoid Emirates humiliation

February 10, 2008

Last season Blackburn were thrashed 6-2 by Arsenal at the Emirates last season and this time around Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is keen to avoid the same scoreline. Hughes’s team is chasing a UEFA Cup spot this season and a heavy defeat could dent their hopes as well as their confidence.

Hughes is reported to say:

It will be a big test coming up against Arsenal as they are one of the top teams, not only in England but in Europe as well. Last season people will look at the scoreline and think it was a little bit of a walkover, but that doesn’t really tell the whole story. With 10 minutes to go we were very much in the game and pushing for an equaliser, but then got hit very quickly on the break.

Arsenal host Blackburn at home on Monday night. In all likehood, the Gunners will win the match but do not put too much of your money on a sixer. Arsenal are saddled with injury crisis at the back these days.

[somegooner]

Hoyte.

Toure ain't got much match fitness if he does returns.
And Gilberto, meh.

Nice answer, Sagna could play there too.

Tomorrow's lineup:

---------------------Lehmann--------------------
--Sagna--------Hoyte-------Gallas-----Clichy---
--Walcott------Fabregas---Denilson----Hleb----
----------------Adebayor---Eduardo--------------

Bench:
Fabianski - Toure - Gilberto - Traore - Bendtner

What do you guys think??

[Wan]

I thought Denilson's injured?

[somegooner]

I think he's back.

EDIT: No, he's still injured. The lineup will be:

-------------------Lehmann----------------
---Sagna----Hoyte------Gallas----Clichy-
---Walcott---Fabregas--Gilberto--Hleb--
-------------Adebayor---Eduardo--------

Bench:
Fabianski - Toure - Randall - Traore - Bendtner

[Bammers05]

Is Almunia injured?

[ThierryHenry14]

Flamini could play or has he been completly ruled out? other than that a strong team and we have a great chance to strengthen our title chances...
My prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Blackburn .

[somegooner]

Is Almunia injured?

I think so. He has a virus.

[Wan]

Is Almunia injured?

It seems that he infected by virus so he's doubtful for the match.

[ThierryHenry14]

Twisted thumb isn't it..

[somegooner]

Twisted thumb isn't it..

No he's recovered from that. It's a virus.

[Nturtle]

Well...its going to be interesting in any case. Blackburn don't have a full lineup either, so hopefully we'll play our good football and win it properly. centre and back is a worry...I suspect we might even have Sagna cb and hoyte rb.

Gilberto will probably partner ces like somegooner lines up. I predict that maybe Bendtner might even get a start.

[Meyyappan]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised Cesc Fabregas for bringing about a great change in himself with self-assessment.

The Spain international midfielder had been guilty of getting carried away with his emotions at times and the incident last season at the end of an FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers, got the 20-year-old a lot of criticism.

This season, Fabregas has been in his best form for the Gunners and Wenger has hailed his attitude.

"Cesc is committed and you always like your players to have a winning attitude," Wenger said on the club’s official website.

"Sometimes it can go a little bit over the top but Cesc has behaved remarkably well this season - I cannot remember one incident.

"There was maybe a stage, for about six months, where he went a bit the wrong way but he corrected that very well and without any special management from me. He is so intelligent that he realised that is not the way he wanted to go.

"If I feel that the players aren't managing to do it themselves then I will help them to do it. But in his case, there was no need. He apologised [for the Blackburn incident] and from then on there have been no problems with him.

"Maybe the outrage in the media prompted that but I always feel that talented, great players have a fair assessment of their performances and their behaviour. They go home and they ask themselves: 'what did I do right today and what did I do wrong today?' They analyse what happen and they rectify their behaviour and improve their attitude."

What time is the game?

[ThierryHenry14]

probably 20:00 (8pm) kick-off..

[somegooner]

My prediction is 1-0 for us.

[blob123]

Hopefully Flamini returns, I can't stand Gilberto and now that he's unsettled I certainly dont want him anywhere near the squad. He'll be so out of sync. Am not too worried about the defense because with a complete midfield, Blackburn will be too busy trying to cope they wont have time to test our defense.
Senderos might play anyway, am not too worried. Its Flamini's absence am worried we might not be able to cope with.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Is it on Sky Sports ???

[Bammers05]

No.

It's on Setanta, I think.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

No.

It's on Setanta, I think.

Kk.

Damn, we havent got Setanta :realmad:

[somegooner]

I have all 380 games here. :D :D

[Viperized]

- - - - - - Lehmann - - - - - - -

Sagna - - Gallas - - Senderos - - Clichy

Hleb - - Flamini - - Cesc - - Bert - - Eduardo

- - - - - Adebayor - - - - -

Wow, Eduardo on the wings.

[Jonny2J]

Wow, Viperized being negative.

[Cannon ball]

- - - - - - Lehmann - - - - - - -

Sagna - - Gallas - - Senderos - - Clichy

Hleb - - Flamini - - Cesc - - Bert - - Eduardo

- - - - - Adebayor - - - - -

Wow, Eduardo on the wings.

According to BBC, Eduardo is upfront.

[ThierryHenry14]

Whos bert?

[somegooner]

I have

----------------------Lehmann---------------------
--Sagna-----Gallas------------Senderos--Clichy--
--Fabregas---Flamini--------Gilberto------Hleb---
--------------Adebayor------Eduardo----------------

Where does Kerrea Gilbert play?? He's on the bench.
Fabregas on the right is interesting and Flamini and Senderos are fit.

EDIT: Senderos is fit and a scorer!!

[Bammers05]

Whos bert?

Gilberto

[ThierryHenry14]

Lol

1-0 up Senderos scored in the 4th minute and we seem to be all over Blackburn..

[AgentZero]

Babel in the stands with Van Persie.

[Nturtle]

Babel in the stands with Van Persie.

LOL - well...just because he plays for Liverpool doesn't mean he can't be friends with Holland teamate VP! Well spotted by the cameraman though!

I thought we were alright for the points last night. Some good interplay in the first 20 minutes, and last 20 minutes of the game - shame about the final ball sometimes but that goes with the territory of the style of play I guess.

Hleb was really creative, and Gilberto had a good run, and Lehman as well.

Solid...5 points clear - bring on ManU and AC Milan! Hope we are as good in those games! :laugh:

[vanNistelrooy]

Solid...5 points clear - bring on ManU and AC Milan! Hope we are as good in those games! :laugh:
You thought you performed well last night? :erm:

Fortunately for you Blackburn were worse than you!

Completely forgot you lot have Milan in the CL. They should be some interesting games :cool:

[ThierryHenry14]

Gilerto and Lehmann seemed to of had a pretty solid game can't wait for Man U on saturday should be a class game , same with the Ac Milan game .

[Jonny2J]

Hope you win the league lads. :)

[Barry]

After watching Chelsea - Liverpool and Arsenal - Blackburn, the difference in technique and style (not to mention first touch) is staggering in favor of Arsenal. How can two supposedly top teams not be able to properly control a ball, string more than 2 passes together and actually mean it?

Only Arsenal and United (on occasion if they want to) really satisfy me.

[Usul]

Only Arsenal and United (on occasion if they want to) really satisfy me.
You know we're the only ones that truly satisfy you. :smug:

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

Wow my eyes! I just saw Hleb shooting.

[Meyyappan]

Something to shout about: striker Emmanuel Adebayor enjoys the moment after sealing Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Blackburn at Emirates Stadium last night with his 13th goal in 11 games


He added: "Thierry is like a big brother. A lot of times he is sending me a message saying things like, 'I know you have a lot of quality, you have scored 15 or 16 goals now and you can score more if you put more concentration in every game', so that is what I am trying to do, to listen to the elder players.

"He believes in me, in my strength of character and my quality. I want to thank him as he has helped me a lot. We are in touch always. He talked to me during the summer when he was leaving.

We have a lot in common and get on well."

After Philippe Senderos had given Arsenal an early lead at Emirates Stadium last night, Adebayor sealed the victory with his 13th goal in 11 games. It was the ninth match in succession in which he had scored - Ian Wright holds the record with 11.

Adebayor said: "We knew last night would be very difficult. You cannot say we played the best football but we took the three points and we are extremely happy about that.

"Of course we are feeling closer to the title. Kolo [Toure] is coming back, [Emmanuel] Eboue is coming back and [Alexandre] Song will be back in two or three days. We have done well while they have been at the African Nations' Cup and want to push even more when they get back.

"The title is not finished yet. You know Manchester United can come from behind but we just have to keep our focus and see whether we win the title."

Arsenal have breathing space at the top but their leading scorer recognises there are some demanding tests to come.

Adebayor said: "We have a lot of big games coming up. We go to Manchester, we go to Chelsea, we play at Liverpool as well so it is going to be an exciting.

"The belief is there but the most important thing is to keep our feet on the ground. It is not going to be easy."

Oh well,legends are supposed to be like that:D :cool:

Extra day's rest has handed Arsenal title advantage, insists Cech
Last updated at 09:44am on 11th February 2008

Comments Comments (1)

Petr Cech believes Arsenal now hold the upper hand in the title race after being given an extra rest day to recover from the international break.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United failed to win yesterday meaning Arsene Wenger's side can go five points clear at the top of the table if they beat Blackburn tonight.


The only way is up: Cech is looking at the top of the table


All three title contenders saw the vast majority of their squads called up for international duty last Wednesday and Cech believes the additional recovery day — for the purposes of televising their match — will aid the Gunners.

Following Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, Cech said: "It is hard coming back from internationals for a England League game because you have to travel and we have had a lot of games.

"But you can't use that as an excuse because the other teams, Liverpool and Manchester United, have a lot internationals. Arsenal have one day extra which is better but they have a lot of internationals also.

"When you are playing for a big team you have to be aware of this and get through. We were unlucky against Liverpool but in the end we dropped two points."

The draw means it is four years since Chelsea lost at home in the League but Cech insists protecting that record was of no concern.

"We thought possibly United might have lost and that is why we had extra motivation to beat Liverpool and get back closer to them and Arsenal, but in the end it was not enough," the goalkeeper told Chelsea TV.

"The last thing you care about is the home record. It is better to chase the victory and if you lose, there is not such a difference between losing two or three points. You chase the result."

Florent Malouda, who came on as a second-half substitute, admitted the slip would leave the Chelsea camp angry.

He said: "We have to remain focused on the league. You can't choose which competition to win — we are a good team and we set a target to win every game. All the top clubs look for that — you are happy to win and very angry when you drop points. That is your motivation."

John Terry believes he will be back from a broken foot within 10 days after returning to training but Avram Grant still expects his skipper to miss the Carling Cup Final against Tottenham on 24 February.

What is this mad nut raving about?:no: Manu played once fulham on monday and well if it really is an advantage due to internationals then
we have fa cup disadvantage:realmad:

Matthew Connolly has revealed how he drew inspiration from David Bentley and Steve Sidwell when opting to leave Arsenal to join QPR in January.

The England youth international was encouraged to stay in North London by Arsene Wenger but was no longer content with reserves football and took the brave step to join the Championship club on a permanent basis.
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Fellow Englishmen Bentley and Sidwell are both currently enjoying a career at the top level following their own decisions to leave The Gunners and Connolly is hoping to emulate their achievements with Rangers.

“It’s very difficult to make the breakthrough at clubs like Arsenal so when QPR made an offer I knew it was the right time to move on,” said Connolly in the Daily Express.

“I could have signed for Arsenal again. I spoke to Arsene Wenger and he said he wanted me to stay.

“I thought about it for a while but I felt it was the right time to go.

“I looked at the players who have not made it there like David Bentley and Steve Sidwell.

“They have made good careers for themselves, so that was what inspired me to come here.

“I wanted to come to a club that is going forward. Arsenal provided me with a launchpad, but I needed to be playing first team football.”Good english talents always seem to escape us and now that senderos has become a rock at the back i would have wanted to see who is better between him and djourou and who is the hotter prospect.:( :erm:

But then again we have.......................... ........

Well done and Congratulations Alex Song

Arsenals and Cameroon’s Alexandre Song was voted young player of the tournament and best defensive midfielder of the tournament.
Many gunners were underrating him but look at what he has achieved so
far.

DEIN SHARES HIS "BELIEF" IN ARSENAL
Premier League Arsenal
by R3DD3R of the Grove 12 February 2008

comment on the article

Many people wondered where David Dein has been hiding but apparently he has been in Ghana during the ACN.

The Daily Monitor had a small interview with him, during which he described Wenger as a miracle worker.

"Every one thought Arsenal was finished, but now look at the new generation of players performing in the English Premiership League. Emmanuel Adebayor has scored in eight consecutive matches"
He apparently also had a late night meeting with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho that went up past 1 a.m. (4 a.m. Uganda time) in the Hotel lobby, Dein told the monitor that it was just a social meeting.

About his presence in Ghana, Dein disclosed that he loved African football and was here to enjoy the Nations Cup.

Wasn't he the leader of the plastic brigade that was piping our failure and demise after henry left, and that our only salvation is Uzbek blood money or American evangelist cash.

What on earth was he doing in Africa ? After he was kicked out of the spot light when he plotted against Arsenal, he is trying his best to stay in it!

Full story (& a picture of Dein & Jose in Ghana):
www.monitor.co.ug/artman/pub...

[blob123]

monitor.co.ug is a Ugandan site. Am from Uganda. That being said, why would a Ugandan newspaper print news about Dein being in Ghana. Not true....

[greenegg]

Hope you win the league lads. :)

Quoted in agreement. I can't stand Manure when they win things. Also Chelsea need to be shown money can't buy you love. Liverpool are just laughable with regards to the title at present.

[wrigh2uk]

Feels nice to be 3 clear but in all honesty for now it means nothing, title race is still as wide open as it was before monday

[Joel]

Feels nice to be 3 clear but in all honesty for now it means nothing, title race is still as wide open as it was before monday

Surely it feels better to be five clear?

[somegooner]

Surely it feels better to be five clear?

Definitely.

[Meyyappan]

Arsenal have very few players in their first team squad and a foreign manager. one point against.

They are the only English owned club in the Champions League. one point

They play english style attacking football the way it should be played. one point

They produced more players for the last England 11 than any other team. one point

When we did have English players they were Englands best performers in competition. 2002 Campbell World cup team. 2004 Ashley Cole 2004 Euro Team. one point

In the youth setup of every premiership club Arsenal and Middlesborough have the fewest foreign players. 1 each.

The all important one.
England are a poor football team because they are technically inferior to all top nations.
If a generation of English kids are brought up watching Arsenal who are maybe the best technical team in the world, certainly the premiership, then maybe they will learn how to play attacking team football rather then look at Chelsea and play route one.

Also the behaviour of the foreign stars off the field is perfect, something that has destroyed many English players and prospects.

Bentley recently said that he left Arsenal because it wasn't fun, and Cashley Cole left through greed and to go out all night with his England buddies.

Arsenals players talk of teamwork and hard work and respect the club.

Loyalty is another word that is described as being 'English'.

Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, Rooney, Lampard, Defoe, are all English players who have moved to rival clubs after claiming to 'love' their club.

Arsenal over the last 10 years have had numerous foreign players that were true and loyal to the club.
Vieira
Pires
Bergkamp
Ljungberg
Lauren
Henry
Edu
as well as most of the current squad.
All left on good terms with the fans acceptance and towards the end of their careers.

I would say that Arsenal are doing a lot for English football then people give them credit for and that anyone who believe's that they are assisting Englands downfall are completely ignoring the roots of the problem that Arsenal are slowing trying to correct.

What do you think guys of this?

[Cannon ball]

Well, it's Man City at home for fuck's sake, we should be putting a few past them without breaking sweat. As for our defence, fuck, how we have the best defensive record in the league is beyond me.

:rolleyes:

Outclassed on your own backyard!

[wrigh2uk]

Surely it feels better to be five clear?

:cool: It sure does

[somegooner]

Ljungberg didn't leave on good terms Meyyapan but he's apologized.

[Keyser Soze]

What do you think guys of this?
Post a link.

[Nturtle]

You thought you performed well last night? :erm:

Fortunately for you Blackburn were worse than you!

Completely forgot you lot have Milan in the CL. They should be some interesting games :cool:

Heh...well...performance can only be linked to the game - it's all relative. If Arsenal DID play well, they should have put 6 past Freidel who had a good game. I'm hoping Man U and AC Milan don't play well of course! ;) Come on, you can't say we were brilliant, but Arsenal showed some resiliance when in the past we would have been quaking in our boots because we scored so early and feared for a draw every time!

The FA Cup match with ManU might be a difficult one if Wenger concentrates on the league and the Champions League - so many injuries...not sure if he wants to risk some of the players when Milan is coming up soon.

Meyyepan - nice quote and article - not sure that many would view Arsenal as saviours of English football...a lot has to happen over the next few years - more youths, a few English players (does Walcott count - he started at Southampton right?!?) and a lot of success for England. Inherently, England players don't gel like a Premier league team - that's what Capello needs to fix in the short space of time he has. It's back to the age old question - Club vs Country - would Arsenal beat England? I wouldn't bet on it...but they probably would have an edge.

[Meyyappan]

A key decision this weekend
Premier League Arsenal
by The Ghost of Thierry Henry 13 February 2008

comment on the article

Q. Should Arsenal play a full strength team against Man Utd this weekend, or should they keep faith with youth?

The case for playing a youth side:
This is a huge game no doubt but the big prizes lie elsewhere. We are now in a position where one more slip up from Man Utd and we are looking realistically at winning the PL title. Protecting our lead in this competition is now our biggest priority and we need to make sure that all our top players are available. There is also the Champions League to consider. There is still a long way to go in the FA cup and unless we plan to play a strong side in every round what is the point of doing so against Man Utd? Without an FA cup runout our young players will have nothing to aim for this season. The last thing we want is to send the message to the Gunners of tomorrow that the best way for them to progress is to go elsewhere.

The case for playing an experienced side:
This game is about more than the FA cup. it is a chance for us to gain a psychological edge over United. They dropped the ball against City and if we can drill that home by beating them at their own ground it will severly test their resolve to recover and mount a strong push for the league title. If we lose we may hand the initiative back to United and spur them on to catch us up.

What we have done in the past:
Against Spurs in the Carling Cup we showed that when it matters we are willing to play a stronger side. But were the circumstances the same? We were playing a semi-final, and as such were very close to lifting a trophy. There is still a long way to go in the FA cup so we do not necessarily want to prioritise this game in the same way. Also we played a strong side after a poor first leg showing. The side we played in the first round is much more indicative of what we might do in this fixture. Also, in the end we still lost. Perhaps we should learn a lesson from this?

My conclusion is that pivotal to this decision is the mental strength on our squad. I feel that we should play a young side and give them the chance for a famous victory. But we cannot afford to do so if the likely loss that will follow is going to dent our confidence. It's all about self belief. We know that in theory if we play our 2nd string against Man Utd, there is no reason to see a loss as an indication that the tide is turning, but the reality of the situation is that it takes mental toughness to follow this through in practice, especially if United embarass us, as their first team could well do.

Only Arsene Wenger knows how well his squad can handle the pressure. I feel that the selection of a young team on Saturday will be an encouraging sign for us win or lose because it will be a clear indication that we are mentally prepared for the title run in, and don't need symbolic victories against Man Utd to inspire us.

And who says our kids can't go one better than last year anyway?

A very good analysis whats your opinions guys?

I say play mixe something like this.

Rvp
Eduardo
Walcott

Flamini
Denilson or diaby
Fabregas

Clichy
Sangna
Senderos
Gallas

Lehmann


Subs;ade,rosicky,hleb,bend,gil berto,fabianski

[vanNistelrooy]

Arsenal have very few players in their first team squad and a foreign manager. one point against.

They are the only English owned club in the Champions League. one point

They play english style attacking football the way it should be played. one point

They produced more players for the last England 11 than any other team. They produced more players for the last England 11 than any other team. one point

When we did have English players they were Englands best performers in competition. 2002 Campbell World cup team. 2004 Ashley Cole 2004 Euro Team. one point

In the youth setup of every England League club Arsenal and Middlesborough have the fewest foreign players. 1 each.

The all important one.
England are a poor football team because they are technically inferior to all top nations.
If a generation of English kids are brought up watching Arsenal who are maybe the best technical team in the world, certainly the England League, then maybe they will learn how to play attacking team football rather then look at Chelsea and play route one.

Also the behaviour of the foreign stars off the field is perfect, something that has destroyed many English players and prospects.

Bentley recently said that he left Arsenal because it wasn't fun, and Cashley Cole left through greed and to go out all night with his England buddies.

Arsenals players talk of teamwork and hard work and respect the club.

Loyalty is another word that is described as being 'English'.

Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, Rooney, Lampard, Defoe, are all English players who have moved to rival clubs after claiming to 'love' their club.

Arsenal over the last 10 years have had numerous foreign players that were true and loyal to the club.
Vieira
Pires
Bergkamp
Ljungberg
Lauren
Henry
Edu
as well as most of the current squad.
All left on good terms with the fans acceptance and towards the end of their careers.

I would say that Arsenal are doing a lot for English football then people give them credit for and that anyone who believe's that they are assisting Englands downfall are completely ignoring the roots of the problem that Arsenal are slowing trying to correct.
Who wrote this? A five year old?

I won't comment on all of it, and I admit on the odd ocassion it does raise somewhat of a valid point.

"They play english style attacking football the way it should be played. one point" - since when have we played attractive football? The English style is to lump it up to the huge frontman.

"They produced more players for the last England 11 than any other team. They produced more players for the last England 11 than any other team. one pointone point" - for one game? Care to mention the ones before that?

"Also the behaviour of the foreign stars off the field is perfect, something that has destroyed many English players and prospects." - RvP accused of raping young women and Yabadabadoo refusing to pay for his country without a bonus. Perrrrrrfect indeed.

"Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, Rooney, Lampard, Defoe, are all English players who have moved to rival clubs after claiming to 'love' their club." lol, this one is awesome. Everton and United rivals? I seem to remember Campbell joining YOU from Tottenham too!

Also the "true and loyal" thing that pops up a few times. Eh? What's this about?

I'm not having a go at you as you never wrote it, but there's so many better write ups on Arsenal you could have chosen.

[somegooner]

Barca are sniffing our arses again. Now Goal.com says that they don't want Hleb or Cesc but Wenger himself.

[Viperized]

Barca can fuck off.

[Meyyappan]

Who wrote this? A five year old?

I won't comment on all of it, and I admit on the odd ocassion it does raise somewhat of a valid point.

"They play english style attacking football the way it should be played. one point" - since when have we played attractive football? The English style is to lump it up to the huge frontman.

"They produced more players for the last England 11 than any other team. They produced more players for the last England 11 than any other team. one pointone point" - for one game? Care to mention the ones before that?

"Also the behaviour of the foreign stars off the field is perfect, something that has destroyed many English players and prospects." - RvP accused of raping young women and Yabadabadoo refusing to pay for his country without a bonus. Perrrrrrfect indeed.

"Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, Rooney, Lampard, Defoe, are all English players who have moved to rival clubs after claiming to 'love' their club." lol, this one is awesome. Everton and United rivals? I seem to remember Campbell joining YOU from Tottenham too!

Also the "true and loyal" thing that pops up a few times. Eh? What's this about?

I'm not having a go at you as you never wrote it, but there's so many better write ups on Arsenal you could have chosen.


Was that how they played in euro 1996,because from what i heard they played pretty good stuff

[Keyser Soze]

Meyyapan, start posting links to these shitty stories, man.

"They play english style attacking football the way it should be played. one point" - since when have we played attractive football? The English style is to lump it up to the huge frontman.
Hah, exactly what I thought.

[Meyyappan]

Came from bbc sport forums

[vanNistelrooy]

Was that how they played in euro 1996,because from what i heard they played pretty good stuff
What, 12 years ago? :/

[Bammers05]

Barca can fuck off.

Quoted in agreement

[somegooner]

I hope that Laporta dies.

[Nifty1Pound50]

I'd just like to go on record and say that any judgments made regarding - including, but not limited to - the behaviour, intelligence (or lack thereof) and general activity of the Arsenal fans who frequent this thread regularly does not, in any way, represent our football club as a whole, or the type of fan we generally welcome.

[somegooner]

Tomorrow's squad:

-----------------------Lehmann----------------------
---Hoyte------Toure-------------Gallas-----Traore-
---Eboué------Fabregas---------Flamini----Hleb---
----------------Adebayor--------Eduardo------------

Bench:
Fabianski - Giberto - Randall - Song - Bendtner

[ThierryHenry14]

Tomorrow??? dont you mean Saturday.

[Miggy]

He's a few hours ahead I think so it's probably Friday where he's from.

[Dragonfly]

Tomorrow's squad:

-----------------------Lehmann----------------------
---Hoyte------Toure-------------Gallas-----Traore-
---Eboué------Fabregas---------Flamini----Hleb---
----------------Adebayor--------Eduardo------------

Bench:
Fabianski - Giberto - Randall - Song - Bendtner

I'm worried our full-backs will get raped.

[somegooner]

He's a few hours ahead I think so it's probably Friday where he's from.

You are right. It was 1 am on Friday when I wrote that over here.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Tomorrow's squad:

-----------------------Lehmann----------------------
---Hoyte------Toure-------------Gallas-----Traore-
---Eboué------Fabregas---------Flamini----Hleb---
----------------Adebayor--------Eduardo------------

Bench:
Fabianski - Giberto - Randall - Song - Bendtner

Thats the best team at the minute because here is the absentees:

Johan Djourou (groin), Robin van Persie (thigh), Abou Diaby (calf), Manuel Almunia (sick), Denilson (hamstring), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Walcott (thigh), Clichy (hamstring), Sagna (personal reasons) and Senderos (knee/thigh).

Any predictions for the FA Cup game vs. Man United ?

I think a 1-1 draw and we will win the replay at the Emirates :happy:

[somegooner]

Does anyone know what Sagna's pesonal reasons are??

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Does anyone know what Sagna's pesonal reasons are??

Dunno...

Maybe one of his relatives is dying or his partner is expecting a baby.

Who knows....

[Tigermen]

He's going to the hairdresser.

[Dragonfly]

He's going to take off his dreads extensions and reveal he true identity (http://www.ee.duke.edu/~drsmith/cloaking/predator.jpg).

[Meyyappan]

Red and White Holdings Ltd have increased their shareholding in Arsenal to 24%.

The investment company, whose chairman is former Gunners vice-chairman David Dein, is owned by Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov and London-based investor Farhad Moshiri.

It was formed in August 2007 following the initial sale of Dein's 14.5% stock for £75million, and by October had increased their stake to 23% - making them the second biggest individual shareholder behind director Daniel Fiszman, who has 24.11%.

Usmanov's interest precipitated a 'lock-down' agreement by the Gunners board which expires April - and has an option to be extended - meaning the Uzbek-born metals magnate cannot launch a takeover bid for time being.



Nothing against him but if hes trying to get arsenal he must die

[Bammers05]

Nothing against him but if hes trying to get arsenal he must die

:laugh:

[somegooner]

Meyyappan, tomorrow, you and I are going to London. You bring the guns and I'll bring the bombs to kill this Moshiri guy. Usmanov too if we can find him.

[Meyyappan]

Ok dude all set uh.

[somegooner]

I'm Palestinian so I'm an expert at blowing things up.

[Zoolander]

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/6901/happy5d9640wv1pp7.jpg

[ThierryHenry14]

3-0 Omg!! :(:(

[blob123]

Well deserved.. Carrick is on fire
This might turn out to be another thrashing like the spurs carling cup game. Maybe next time Wenger wont play children like Traore. He really looks lost out there and I think Gilberto has shown that he has very little left to offer on pitch

[Viperized]

Troare cannot defend, cannot link up with the midfield and cannot cross. He should still play at reserve level, with his first team opportunities limited to the Carling Cup.

Gilberto has looked poor all season, so its not a surprise that again he has failed to play well.

Hoyte offers very little too. He was at fault for the 4th goal, again. He isn't good enough for Arsenal.

Eboue was anonymous all game and his sending off made zero difference. He cannot play on the wings.

None of our players appeared to give two shits after conceding. The same happened against Spurs, and its happening now. Or is it just that Wenger doesn't really care for the F.A. Cup?

[vanNistelrooy]

A bit harsh on Traore. Yes he played shit today but up until now he has looked very good.

[Phil W.A.F.C]

your all same you Arsenal supporters, you wank Traore and the young kids off when they do well in the Carling Cup but as soon as they have a bad game your calling them everything. I actually went to the game as a freebie. Anderson looked special he will be one for the future. Jens Lehmann what a prick

[martin_cranie]

It's like Wenger sat the squad down pre-game and made them watch the match tape from my abysmal performance in the digs league on Wednesday subsequently asking them to mirror it.

Credit to Hleb, Bendtner and Eduardo, all of whom at least tried to make something happen, albeit to no effect. As good as ManYoo were, the scoreline was a greater reflection of how poor we were, which is a little worrying. You know you've hit rock bottom when Darren Fletcher repeatedly tears you a new one.

Let's hope this result will make Milan over-confident.

[Miggy]

What was up with Lehmann's kicking today? I've seen Sunday league under 14's kick it better.

[somegooner]

I've seen statues kick better.

[AgentZero]

Oi Stella can i finally take this fuckin tagline of my sig?

[Cannon ball]

Oi Stella can i finally take this fuckin tagline of my sig?

Stella hasn't darkened this forums doorstep for a long time.

[AgentZero]

is he in hiding? I have noticed that too.

[Viperized]

I think he has been banned.

[Dragonfly]

We had a shocker, no doubt about it. The players looked like they had something better to do. I was worried about our full-backs prior to the game, but the whole defence was pretty poor - Carrick's hit and hopes actually looked like they were intended passes :huh: .

Anyway, let's put that behind us and look forward to getting something against Milan.

[mufcsean]

Not a single shot on target, bloodyhell.

[somegooner]

No, we had 1 shot on target.

[Viperized]

We had a shocker, no doubt about it. The players looked like they had something better to do.
The only positive I'll take from that game is Eduardo - didn't score, but appeared to show glimpses of what he is can do and showed some great ball control.

[Barry]

A bit harsh on Traore. Yes he played shit today but up until now he has looked very good.

Indeed, when you are young you need to have some shit games, he'll only learn.

[Meyyappan]

Fucing cunts if flameboy clichy and ade were injured why put em on the bench,why wenger no loner cares about the cup which brought him so much success,if he really had the intetion of winning team should have been like this:

Lehmann-Gk

Senderos-Cb
Eboue-Rb
Toure-cb
Gallas-Lb

Fabregas-cm
Flamini-cm
Walcott-rm
Hleb-lm

Eduardo-ss

Adebayor-Cf

Hopefully this is yet another gamble which pays because i cant see us winning both pl and cl.

[vanNistelrooy]

Walcott? lol

[Bammers05]

if flameboy clichy and ade were injured why put em on the bench,

Because they were the least injured of all the non-starting players

[mufcsean]

No, we had 1 shot on target.

No you didn't, you had none

[somegooner]

Match Facts
FA Cup fifth round
Saturday February 16, 2008
FT Man Utd 4-0 Arsenal
16' Rooney 1-0
20' Fletcher 2-0
38' Nani 3-0
48' Eduardo
49' Eboue
52' Ferdinand
60' Rooney
61' Silva
74' Fletcher 4-0
75' Fletcher
76' Adebayor
Man Utd
Edwin Van der Sar, Wes Brown, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Luis de Abreu Anderson (Paul Scholes), Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Luis Carlos Nani, Ji-Sung Park, Wayne Rooney (Louis Saha)

Arsenal
Jens Lehmann, Emmanuel Eboue, William Gallas, Justin Hoyte, Kolo Toure, Armand Traore, Cesc Fabregas (Mathieu Flamini), Alex Hleb (Emmanuel Adebayor), Gilberto Silva, Nicklas Bendtner, Da Silva Eduardo (Philippe Senderos)

Referee: Wiley, A

Venue: Old Trafford

Attendance: 75,550

Corners:
Man Utd 6
Arsenal 0

Goal Attempts:
Man Utd 21
Arsenal 4

On Target:
Man Utd 12
Arsenal 1



We had 1.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Observer_Match_Report/0,,2257542,00.html

[mufcsean]

Well on Match of the day at the end of the match it said, Arsenal had 0 attemps, i also don't remember VDS making a save, unless the Guardian said that a shot which was blocked instantly, Fabregas i think it was, counted as a shot on target

[Keyser Soze]

Traore looks a great talent, he had a bad game and now all of a sudden he should only being playing reserve football? Ehh stop being so fickle. Fucing cunts if flameboy clichy and ade were injured why put em on the bench,why wenger no loner cares about the cup which brought him so much success,if he really had the intetion of winning team should have been like this:

Lehmann-Gk

Senderos-Cb
Eboue-Rb
Toure-cb
Gallas-Lb

Fabregas-cm
Flamini-cm
Walcott-rm
Hleb-lm

Eduardo-ss

Adebayor-Cf

Hopefully this is yet another gamble which pays because i cant see us winning both pl and cl.
1) Walcott was injured
2) You're complaining about Adebayor being on the bench when he's injured, yet you'd have put him starting line-up
3) Why would you start a struggling half-fit Senderos and put Gallas in an un-favoured position when Traore is a perfectly competent player?
4) Shut up

[Meyyappan]

Hopefully you guys and man u meet before the final so that another club can have a chance to reach the cup final.

[mufcsean]

Traore looks a great talent, he had a bad game and now all of a sudden he should only being playing reserve football? Ehh stop being so fickle.
1) Walcott was injured
2) You're complaining about Adebayor being on the bench when he's injured, yet you'd have put him starting line-up
3) Why would you start a struggling half-fit Senderos and put Gallas in an un-favoured position when Traore is a perfectly competent player?
4) Shut up

Absolutely spot on mate, all these Arsenal fans go on about how wonderful their Carling Cup kids are, but as soon as they lose they don't even deserve to be at the club, fucking hell, it's ridiculous.

I'd just ignore everything Meyappan says G

[Meyyappan]

I would prefer reyes over eboue,at that time(Age 20),he was better than c.ronaldo and who knows if he wasnt home sick what he could have become?And why are we so unlucky with injuries compared to other teams and why do our players take longer to return.Hows he doing in spain??

Absolutely spot on mate, all these Arsenal fans go on about how wonderful their Carling Cup kids are, but as soon as they lose they don't even deserve to be at the club, fucking hell, it's ridiculous.

I'd just ignore everything Meyappan says G

Yeah,Yeah dont worry about our carling cup kids they really are good and i suspect if we get as far as at least the semi finals in the cl and win the pl wenger shall give both cups for the kids whereas for you guys the cup specialists chelsea are still in it,so my money would be on them

[Tigermen]

Absolutely spot on mate, all these Arsenal fans go on about how wonderful their Carling Cup kids are, but as soon as they lose they don't even deserve to be at the club, fucking hell, it's ridiculous.

I'd just ignore everything Meyappan says G

Isn't there a way you can set people to 'ignore' so you don't have to see their posts? God I wish I knew what it was. Mind you, then I'd only be seeing about 3 people's posts in this thread.

Kids are exactly that - kids. Most are inconsistent and it doesn't help when they're overhyped after a couple of good games or compared to heights they might never reach (e.g. Walcott is the new Henry).

I'll ask you this since you're a Man U fan and I assume you watched the game on BBC - did you think they completely overrated Rooney yesterday (as they always do). Don't get me wrong the lad had a good game, albeit against not much resistance, but they were trotting out words such as "masterclass" which I think was a bit OTT. Not that I expect anything less from them, since he's English an' all..

[Nturtle]

We had a shocker, no doubt about it. The players looked like they had something better to do. I was worried about our full-backs prior to the game, but the whole defence was pretty poor - Carrick's hit and hopes actually looked like they were intended passes :huh: .

Anyway, let's put that behind us and look forward to getting something against Milan.

I think this is probably the most accurate reflections of my thoughts on the game - let's not downplay that we played shite...and the two wingbacks were not good enough. Doesn't mean they are labelled as such full stop - they've had good games at other times.

It was most embarassing watching the game, and not being able to string together two passes. It was ironic that the crowd started "Ole" when ManU passed the ball around, such was their superiority.

Oh well...let's move on. Well done Man U - certainly their squad depth this time worked out, Arsenal's didn't. :huh:

[Wan]

I would prefer reyes over eboue,at that time(Age 20),he was better than c.ronaldo and who knows if he wasnt home sick what he could have become?And why are we so unlucky with injuries compared to other teams and why do our players take longer to return.Hows he doing in spain??



Yeah,Yeah dont worry about our carling cup kids they really are good and i suspect if we get as far as at least the semi finals in the cl and win the pl wenger shall give both cups for the kids whereas for you guys the cup specialists chelsea are still in it,so my money would be on them

You forgot us? :rolleyes:

[Meyyappan]

On Wednesday night, Omar Sagna was found dead in his bath aged 28. At the moment no one knows how he died but there is a post mortem over in France to try and figure out how it happened. Bacary Sagna was told by a friend of Omar’s and at the time of writing is out in France consoling his family at this tragic death of his older brother.

On behalf of all Arsenal`s fans, I would like to send condolences out to Sagna`s family.

[blob123]

Traore looks a great talent, he had a bad game and now all of a sudden he should only being playing reserve football? Ehh stop being so fickle.
1) Walcott was injured
2) You're complaining about Adebayor being on the bench when he's injured, yet you'd have put him starting line-up
3) Why would you start a struggling half-fit Senderos and put Gallas in an un-favoured position when Traore is a perfectly competent player?
4) Shut up

Yes Traore is a great talent but thats just about it. He's not ready for fixtures like this. Against Sevilla (the loss) both he and J. Hoyte (who ought to be sold as he clearly lacks the potential to play even as a backup) were present and we were exposed. Same thing happened in the spurs 5-1 game. What Traore needs is to be loaned out for a season to get the necessary experience. He is still to young. The problem is if he goes out on loan, Clichy will have no back up. Wenger ought to find a replacement because we can't compete in 4 competitions with players like Hoyte, Gilberto (whose head is clearly in Italy) and Traore as backup.

[Bammers05]

Arsène Wenger has dismissed out of hand reports linking him with the manager's job at Barcelona.

Of course, there is no vacancy at the Camp Nou. But reports in the Spanish media last week suggested the Arsenal manager was being lined-up to replace Frank Rijkaard. Speaking before the weekend, Wenger barely wasted breath on the idea.

"It's not the first time [there has been speculation]," he said. "But I'm happy where I am. I have no intention of moving and I want to carry on."

Source (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=487692&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Wenger+slams+door+on+Bar celona+rumour)

:smug:

[Top Gun]

Isn't there a way you can set people to 'ignore' so you don't have to see their posts? God I wish I knew what it was. Mind you, then I'd only be seeing about 3 people's posts in this thread.

Kids are exactly that - kids. Most are inconsistent and it doesn't help when they're overhyped after a couple of good games or compared to heights they might never reach (e.g. Walcott is the new Henry).

I'll ask you this since you're a Man U fan and I assume you watched the game on BBC - did you think they completely overrated Rooney yesterday (as they always do). Don't get me wrong the lad had a good game, albeit against not much resistance, but they were trotting out words such as "masterclass" which I think was a bit OTT. Not that I expect anything less from them, since he's English an' all..

Yeah Rooney is always getting bummed no matter what, like you said he was very good but he missed a few good chances and there were three or four players who were much better but were ignored because they're not English.

[Keyser Soze]

Yes Traore is a great talent but thats just about it. He's not ready for fixtures like this. Against Sevilla (the loss) both he and J. Hoyte (who ought to be sold as he clearly lacks the potential to play even as a backup) were present and we were exposed. Same thing happened in the spurs 5-1 game. What Traore needs is to be loaned out for a season to get the necessary experience. He is still to young. The problem is if he goes out on loan, Clichy will have no back up. Wenger ought to find a replacement because we can't compete in 4 competitions with players like Hoyte, Gilberto (whose head is clearly in Italy) and Traore as backup.
Erm, what's your point? And that's exactly what he was acting as, it's not as if Wenger had much to choose from, is it?

[Viperized]

Erm, what's your point? And that's exactly what he was acting as, it's not as if Wenger had much to choose from, is it?
There is a huge gap between Clichy and Troare. The latter is vastly inexperienced and getting a few starts a season isn't going to help him improve.

There isn't much point of starting Troare in big matches if he lacks experience. His defending and positioning are suspect and this has been shown by his performance against United and Spurs.

Yes he is a decent prospect and has loads of time to improve, but he is still quite raw and looks like a better left winger than a fullback so far.

[blob123]

Erm, what's your point? And that's exactly what he was acting as, it's not as if Wenger had much to choose from, is it?

Did u read my entire post ? Arsenal should not dare to dream of trebles and things of that manner because our back up players i.e. Hoyte, Traore and Gilberto are not up to the task...

Strength in depth is Arsenal's biggest weakness. Am not saying that Traore should be dealt. He might have potential but he just isn't ready yet. For pete's sake, he struggled against Burnley. Am sure Wenger knows the team is lacking so he should stop acting aloof when the transfer window is open.

Its very difficult especially for young players to come in and go out every now and again. How are they supposed to find any sort of rhythm ? Traore needs to go on a long loan where he can play week in, week out.

[Keyser Soze]

There is a huge gap between Clichy and Troare. The latter is vastly inexperienced and getting a few starts a season isn't going to help him improve.

There isn't much point of starting Troare in big matches if he lacks experience. His defending and positioning are suspect and this has been shown by his performance against United and Spurs.

Yes he is a decent prospect and has loads of time to improve, but he is still quite raw and looks like a better left winger than a fullback so far.
Wenger hardly had any other option to play the lad and I hardly heard you lot complaining about him until after the United game. You just seem to blow things out of proportion and start calling for heads if they have a bad game (no offence).

There isn't much point of starting Troare in big matches if he lacks experience.
Who would you have started then if you were Wenger on Saturday, even with the benefit of hindsight?
Did u read my entire post ? Arsenal should not dare to dream of trebles and things of that manner because our back up players i.e. Hoyte, Traore and Gilberto are not up to the task...

Strength in depth is Arsenal's biggest weakness. Am not saying that Traore should be dealt. He might have potential but he just isn't ready yet. For pete's sake, he struggled against Burnley. Am sure Wenger knows the team is lacking so he should stop acting aloof when the transfer window is open.

Its very difficult especially for young players to come in and go out every now and again. How are they supposed to find any sort of rhythm ? Traore needs to go on a long loan where he can play week in, week out.
I did, but I actually mis-read - my apologies. I can agree with that, but to complain about Traore's selection when he was basically the only fit left-back in the squad (without taking Gallas out of his natural position and starting an injured Senderos) is just a bit daft.

[Meyyappan]

A little faith please people
Date: 17 Feb 2008
By Iron Man

I started writing about how much of disgrace Eboue was but I decided after a moment of realisation to leave the witch-hunt to the other blogs and actually put things into perspective.

4-0 at Old Trafford. It still hurts to think about it but at the end of the day it’s a cup game. 4-0, 8-0, 15-0 is the same as 1-0. The scoreline is irrelevant. United were always going to be fired up after the City game and Wenger’s “rather lose than draw” attitude pre-match should leave no-one surprised about what happened.


In the grand scheme of things, this was not as bad as the Spurs game nor was it bad as Liverpool’s result. Wenger clearly doesn’t prioritise the FA Cup and would rather take this humiliation if it ultimately meant Arsenal lift the league title come May.

5 years ago we won at Old Trafford in this same competition but went on to lose the league. I won’t complain if the situation is reversed this time around.

.

A little faith please people...

I dont know about the rest of the article but as it is stated exactly 5 years ago

Manchester United 0 Arsenal 2 Arsenal splashed through the bad blood which simmers between the Premiership's big two to seal a deserved FA Cup quarter-final berth at Old Trafford.

Edu's deflected free-kick and Sylvain Wiltord's early second half strike were enough to maintain the Gunners' treble chance, while at the same time ending Manchester United's hopes of a trophy four-timer.

Then 7 days later


Manchester City 1 Arsenal 5 Arsenal handed out a merciless beating at Maine Road this afternoon - and both halves of Manchester felt the pain.

The Blues might have taken the brunt of a tortuous Premier League battering at the hands of Arsene Wenger's men but Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils are starting to suffer the anguish of another failed Premiership title bid as the Gunners moved five points clear.

And somehow

Everton 1 Manchester United 2 Wayne Rooney was handed the cruellest lesson of his young career at Goodison Park as the eight-times Premiership champions wrecked Everton's UEFA Cup dream.

The teenage wonderboy failed to convert three golden chances to put the Toffees back in front after David Beckham had brilliantly levelled Kevin Campbell's early opener.

And the price he paid was high as Ruud van Nistelrooy blasted home his 44th and final goal of an incredible campaign, becoming the first Manchester United player in history to score in 10 successive games and ensured they collected their hard-won trophy as winners and holders of an 18-match unbeaten record.

And lets not forget henry was in his prime that season and we had only the fa cup,the case may be the same,maybe its wenger learning from his experience as i wouldnt mind winning the league and reaching semis of cl(Personally i think if we beat milan we shall reach final by sheer determination)

Hopefully all the knee-jerk reactors will remember we are currently 5 points clear at the top of the league,with the squad the way it is, the domestic cups are a distraction. Arsene can now focus his powers on what really matters.;)

From your faithful arsenic special one.

[Dragonfly]

I think it's fair enough to say Traore can't hack it against the best teams, but a bit foolish to say that he shouldn't have played. He was the best available player we had to naturally play in that position.

[Keyser Soze]

I think it's fair enough to say Traore can't hack it against the best teams, but a bit foolish to say that he shouldn't have played. He was the best available player we had to naturally play in that position.
Precisely my point. :)

[somegooner]

If Flamini was fit he should have been LB. But he wasn't and I think that Wenger was right about Traore.

[Meyyappan]

Hey,guys what do you think of my article,Comments please........................ .............................. ......

[mufcsean]

It was brilliant copy and paste, well done

[Meyyappan]

Forget about that nutter i procured the information and constructed my article,what is your opinion manc?And also it seems that though we defeated you in the fa cup and holded a five point lead it didnt seem to affect you guys and your former legend mark hugues says he sees the class of 99 or 95 in our youngsters.

[Nturtle]

I think meyyappan...people will comment if they are interested...with all due respect.

I'd only comment on the other posts that if Traore doesn't play...how does he get experience? Doesn't matter if it is a big or small match - he was a bit too timid and lacked self belief, unlike Nani, Anderson etc..Fletcher scored TWO for heaven's sake!

Upwards and onwards...let's see how we deal with AC Milan - can't complain about the pitch at the Emirates Arsene...so I hope you have a "Champions League" bag of tricks to get people to fight at the right level.

[Viperized]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3162815,00.html

For fucks sake. Rosicky is STILL injured, and will NOT feature against AC M