Tag Archives: everton

Everton 0-1 Arsenal: Gunners move past Spurs

  By jtom | 22/03/2012 - 7:30 AM | Match Report, Premier League
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Arsenal edged Everton in a contentious clash at Goodison Park on Wednesday night. With the victory, the Gunners surged past Tottenham in the table.

Arsene Wenger’s side looked unstoppable at the start of the match. After a few missed opportunities, Thomas Vermaelen’s header in the 8th minute gave Arsenal the lead. The Belgian centre-back buried van Persie’s corner into Everton’s net. Vermaelen also scored the winner over Newcastle last Monday, so the Verminator has two goals in his last two games.

Arsenal failed to take full advantage of their period of complete domination, which lasted from the opening whistle to around the 20th minute. During the portion of the contest, Everton were completely blown away by our pace, movement, and quick passing, but we were only able to score once. Most of the blame for that lies with Aaron Ramsey, who could have easily had two goals by half-time. The game should have been put to bed by the 20th minute, but it wasn’t, and the Toffees provided a scare in the 31st minute.

Royston Drenthe’s goal should have counted, plain and simple. Tim Cahill’s cutting pass put Drenthe through on goal, and he rifled a shot past Wojciech Szczesny. But the official raised his flag in the air, and the play was incorrectly ruled offside. No replay was needed to see that Drenthe was well onside. The Gunners dodged a bullet.

David Moyes was understandably displeased with the calls made by assistant referee John Flynn: “I would not sit in front of you all and say this if I wasn’t sure, but I have checked, and I can tell you that on five occasions the flag went up for offside when it was actually onside.

“That’s five decisions that were wrong, and that includes the one against Drenthe, who scored a perfectly good goal. We have had a raw deal of it tonight. When you have five situations where you are onside and all five are flagged offside, it is really, really poor. One maybe, but not all five.” (Source: Daily Mail)

Even with the help of that crucial decision, Arsenal needed to fight until the end to secure the three points. The game became very fast-paced and physical in the second half. It seemed as if there was always someone on the ground, though not all of the players behaved honestly. This is where I have some sympathy with the referee. Challenges were flying in at an alarming rate, and it was hard to tell whether players were in real pain or simply fabricating injuries.

Still, Arsenal kept a clean sheet at Goodison Park, something that Manchester City, Tottenham, and Chelsea failed to accomplish in recent trips to Everton. Arsene Wenger credits his squad’s resilience as the key factor in Arsenal’s recent success: “In the last month we have taken six points in the city of Liverpool and it was 180 minutes of intense fight but the most difficult part of it is still to come. We must keep our humility and our focus.” (Source: The Independent)

When Arsene Wenger has been able to start his best back four, Arsenal have not been beaten. The combination of Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Vermaelen, and Laurent Koscielny has done wonders for the Gunners. There can be no stability or chemistry for a backline when the parts are constantly shifting due to injury.

While Arsenal are flying high with with six Premier League wins on the trot, their rivals for the Champions League places are fading. Chelsea and Liverpool fell further behind after both clubs lost on Wednesday night. And Tottenham haven’t registered a league victory since the 11th of February.

Of course, the race for European football is far from over. We’re now above Spurs and in third, but I’m not going to bother copying any of that “mind the gap” nonsense. It’s a trait of Spurs fans to be obsessed with Arsenal, and not the other way around. Expect the Tottenham supporters to stay silent for a while after all their gloating; their silence is music to our ears.

Moving into third simply represents another step forward for a team that started the season in ’crisis.’ Finally, it appears that we are peaking at the right time in the season.

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Quick Preview: Everton v Arsenal

  By jtom | 21/03/2012 - 5:03 PM | Match Preview, Premier League
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Arsenal travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday night with the intention of retaining the momentum that they have gained over the last several matches.

Injury News

Arsene Wenger provided a rather positive injury update during his pre-match interview. Abou Diaby is back to full fitness after playing and scoring for the Reserves against Liverpool on Tuesday. Andre Santos has recovered from his injury and is available to play. Sebastien Squillaci is “back to full training,” but let’s just hope he is not involved in the clash with Everton.

According to The Independent, Jack Wilshere is set to make his return in two or three weeks and contribute to our remaining Premier League matches. Obviously, the 20-year old English midfielder would like to earn a place in Stuart Pierce’s (or Harry Redknapp’s) squad for Euro 2012.

Everton will likely be without Jack Rodwell, Darren Gibson, and Seamus Coleman. David Moyes will have to work with a depleted midfield against the Gunners.

Recent Form

Since the 5-2 victory over Spurs, Arsenal have been in splendid form. Last week’s triumph over Newcastle set a Premier League record for most consecutive come-from-behind wins with four. If the Gunners grab the three points at Goodison, it is possible that they could move ahead of Spurs and into third. Tottenham face Stoke City on Wednesday night.

The Toffees have played two matches since we defeated Newcastle last Monday. The first of which was the Merseyside derby. Liverpool, lead by Steven Gerrard’s hat-trick, crushed Everton 3-0 last Wednesday. David Moyes made the controversial decision to rest several key players, and Everton paid dearly for it. When Moyes lined up three substitutions early in the second half, it became clear that he was acknowledging the error he had made by not starting those players in the first place.

With Moyes’ seemingly conceding the Merseyside derby, all of the focus was now on Everton’s vital FA Cup quarterfinal against Sunderland. The result was 1-1, which certainly did not justify Moyes’ questionable decision to rest players against Liverpool. In truth, the Toffees dominated the Black Cats, but Martin O’Neill’s side were able to hold on and force a replay.

Everton’s Main Attacking Threats

1. Royston Drenthe: He can terrorise defenders with his pace, skill, and passing ability. Moyes does not always start Drenthe, but the man on loan from Real Madrid is always the first option off the bench. Drenthe has the ability to control periods of the game, especially when used as an impact substitution.

2. Nikica Jelavi or Denis Stracqualursi: Everton will likely begin the match with one of these two forwards as their lone striker. Both players are good at winning the ball in the air, which could cause our aerially-challenged defenders problems. In addition, both of them have proven that they can put the ball in the net.

3. Leighton Baines: Everton’s left-back usually creates havoc for the opposition. His overlapping runs and combination play with the wide midfielder are the source of many Evertonian attacks. Baines may be the player who covers the most ground on Wednesday night because he races up and down the pitch for the entire ninety minutes. Also, Baines can really apply a vicious curl to his free kicks.

Maintain the Momentum

Arsene Wenger pointed to momentum as the reason why this season’s run-in will be different than the final portion of last season: “This season it’s completely different, we were completely out of the top four, we have come into it on a good run and now of course it is taking advantage of that momentum.

“We are on a positive momentum and last year we were on a negative momentum. That changes it completely. On top of that we have experience. There again, it is how much are you ready to give? How much commitment can you give in every game? How focused can we be?” (Source: Arsenal.com)

Perhaps Wenger’s questions will be answered at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

Match: Everton v Arsenal

Competition: Premier League

Location: Goodison Park

Kickoff: 20:00 GMT, 4:00 PM EST

Television: None (UK), Fox Soccer (USA)

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Arsenal 1-0 Everton: A day to remember

  By jtom | 11/12/2011 - 8:00 AM | Match Preview, Premier League
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With many Arsenal legends gathered at the Emirates Stadium, it was only fitting that Robin van Persie, who could join that group of heroes someday, scored the winner in spectacular fashion. The victory over Everton lifted the Gunners into what Arsene Wenger calls the “virtual top four.”

“One-nil to the Arsenal” was the chant after van Persie’s goal, which certainly must have put a smile on George Graham’s face as he looked on from the stands. The celebration of our 125 years of history was set to be dampened by a 0-0 result before the Dutchman saved the day in the 70th minute.

The move started with a beautifully weighted pass by Alex Song and was finished by Robin’s stunning volley. Awesome technique was shown by the Dutchman to hit the ball so sweetly off the far post. Everton keeper Tim Howard could only stand still as the crowd erupted around him. Thierry Henry stood and applauded the world-class volley.

At his post-match press conference, Arsene Wenger said that van Persie struggled before he scored the special goal: “I feel Robin has scored an exceptional goal, he said himself he was not in his best of days, but what is important is that you are efficent. that is what it is to be professional, when you do not feel the greatest.” (quote obtained from Arsenal.com)

Song’s lofted pass should not be forgottenamiss all of the praise for van Persie. If Song had not placed the ball in just the right spot, van Persie never would have been able to strike the ball so magnificently.

We have witnessed a transformation ofthe Cameroonian not-so-defensive midfielder. Song is finally becoming the player Arsene Wenger envisioned. He has added a playmaking element to his game without letting his defending suffer. Song has 7 assists this season in 12 appearances.

Acorrding to statistic guru OptaJoe on Twitter, there were 15 offside calls in the match, which is the most in any Premier League game this season. Theo Walcott was continually flagged by the assistant referee and never seemed to learn. 

When not called offside, our entire front three struggled to finish chances, especially in the first half. Gervinho continued his annoying habit of failing to strike a ball correctly in front of a virtually empty net. Aaron Ramsey also made a confusing decision to forgo the shot on his right foot, opting instead to to turn onto his left. The shot just missed, but it was another example of our failure to finish chances.

Despite the indecisiveness from the forwards, our back four performed brilliantly on Saturday. Everton did not manage to get a shot on target because our defence was not allowing them time and space. Thomas Vermaelen’s brave clearance with his head prevented Tim Cahill from getting on the end of a cross. The Belgian centre-back excelled playing at left back.

Conor McAleny almost replicated van Persie’s volley for an Everton equaliser late on, but the shot went narrowly wide. When the finish whistle was blown, Gooners were relieved that the day commemorating Arsenal’s 125 years of history ended with a victory.

Against all odds, we are back in the top four, at least for the moment. Arsene Wenger explained after the match:

“Well, it is a virtual top four at the moment because if Chelsea win on Monday they will be in front of us. What is important for us is that we started from so deep that nobody could have predicted that at the beginning of December we would be where we are now. We have to keep going because we are still far away.” (Arsenal.com)

Arsene Wenger’s side have taken 22 points from the last 24 points available. The recovery from the terrible start is complete, and the ascendancy towards the top of the table has started.

 

 

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Match Preview: Arsenal v Everton

  By jtom | 10/12/2011 - 7:30 AM | Match Preview, Premier League
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Thierry Henry statue

Arsenal will celebrate their 125th year of existence at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but, despite all of the festivities, there is still a football match to be played.

Statues of Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams, and Thierry Henry were unveiled outside of the Grove on Friday. Henry was present and gave a tearful speech (video available for free at Arsenal.com) after the honour. He heaped huge praise on his former teammates, and proclaimed, “Once a Gooner, always a Gooner.” What a legend!

More events centered around the celebration of “125″ will be held at the game on Saturday. There will be live musicical performances; plenty of famous Gunners of the past; a special sixpence toss by referee Howard Webb; and the decesdants of the founders of the club. So, if you have ticket, be sure to get there early.

While supporters will be remembering the history of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will be playing against the club of his past. Everton have certainly struggled without their Spanish midfield playmaker; they are only six points off the drop. David Moyes believes that his former player has settled quite nicely at Arsenal:

“I’ve watched from the television, I’ve not seen him play live. But from what I have seen Mikel has played well. He played great for us and it looks as if he’s giving a good contribution at Arsenal.

“I think the style suits Mikel. He’s on the ball plenty of times, getting lots of touches and he’s having an influence on the game. From that point of view, he’ll be revelling in the job he’s got and what he’s doing at Arsenal.” (ESPN from Sky Sports)

Some pundits were critical of Wenger for signing Arteta, saying that he was not good enough for our club. If we truly look at it, Arteta has replaced Denilson, which is a major upgrade. Many believe that Arteta was brought in because of the departure of Cesc and Nasri, and, while that may have been Arsene’s motive, Arteta sits much further back than both of those players. He has defensive responsibilites.

Arsene Wenger is facing a crisis at the fullback position. With two right backs and two left backs out injured, Wenger will be forced to start four centre-halves along the backline. He confirmed that Thomas Vermaelen will start on the left side, which he did from time-to-time in his Ajax days.

Everton have scored 16 league goals this season, which is only ahead of West Brom, Wigan, and Stoke City. Finding a striker who can score on a consistent basis has been the real problem for David Moyes’ side. Tim Cahill, who will likely be their furthest forward player, hasn’t scored in ages and Louis Saha is on the trainer’s table more often than he is on the pitch.

There is some worry that Saturday’s festivities will get into the heads of the players. Arsene Wenger immediately dismissed the notion at his pre-match press conference:

“The present is very important for us. We are in the middle of a season where every point is important now.

“I am always more focused on the future than I am on the past. We would like to be at the level of the history of the Club tomorrow but history is one thing, performance on the day is another.

“We have just come back from a convincing win at Wigan and so we are in a position where we just want to collect points because the pace of the Premier League is dictated by the teams in front of us. And it is a tremendous one.

“To keep in touch with them it is important we win our games. We have come back to a decent position and want to climb high up.

“Our job is to focus to reach our targets and to make history but to leave it to other responsible people at the Club to honour those who have already made it.

“We are there to perform.” (Arsenal.com)

Match: Arsenal v Everton

Location: Emirates Stadium

Kickoff: 15:00 GMT, 10:ooam EST

Television: No (UK), Fox Soccer (USA)

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Arsenal sign Arteta, Benayoun on deadline day

  By jtom | 01/09/2011 - 7:24 AM | Mikel Arteta, Transfer News, Yossi Benayoun
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Mikel Arteta

Arsenal have signed Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta to a four-year contract. The Gunners also brought in Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun on loan. Arsene Wenger has decided to bring more experience to his squad.

Arsenal.com has confirmed that the club have completed a transfer for Mikel Arteta. Gooners were glued to Sky Sports News or the internet on Wednesday night as the deadline approached. The move was not finished until the final moments of the transfer window.

According to The Guardian and other sources, Everton and Arsenal agreed on a £10 million transfer fee. Everton did not want to sell their Spanish star, but the allure of Champions League football made Arteta ask to leave Goodison Park. The Gunners made an initial £5m bid for Arteta, which was easily dismissed by Everton. Arsenal raised their offer to £10m, but Everton wanted around £20m.

But then Arteta sprung into action. He told the Toffees that he wanted a move to the Emirates. Everton manager David Moyes explained:

“Mikel indicated to me he wished to join Arsenal. I am very disappointed to lose him but the prospect of Champions League football was something I was not able to offer him.”

Everton were forced to sell their star player for much less than they valued him. Mikel Arteta also had to take a pay cut to ensure his move to Arsenal. According to The Telegraph, Arteta will make £55,000 a week with Arsenal, but he was on £75,000 per week at Goodison Park.

Something slightly annoys me about the drop in wages for Arteta. Would Arsenal have made the deal if Arteta had not accepted the pay cut? There have been many Gooners questioning Arsenal’s wage structure in recent days. I’m willing to overlook it for now.

Arteta will be a brilliant addition to the Arsenal midfield. While he is not as talented as Cesc Fabregas, Arteta can take over his role in the middle of the park. He has great vision and dribbling ability. Exactly the kind of creative influence the squad needed after the departure of Fabregas.

Mikel Arteta is also an experienced Premiership player. The 29-year old joined Everton in 2005 and has been a force for the Merseyside club ever since. The only concern is Arteta’s fitness. Hopefully, he is not a regular in the physio room.

Arsenal have also officially announced the signing of Yossi Benayoun on a season-long loan. The 31-year old attacking midfielder only made six Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season due to injury. The captain of Israeli national team enjoyed success at Liverpool, scoring 30 goals in three seasons with the Reds.

Benayoun sent this message out on his Twitter account: “I sign with arsenal,very happy and excited about it,but now my head is only in the game against grecce on friday,thanks for the support.” [sic]

Many Arsenal supporters were not pleased with the loan move for Benayoun before the Gunners signed Arteta. But, in addition to Arteta, Benayoun will add experience to the Arsenal squad.

Arsene Wenger has deviated from his usual transfer policy in the last two days. Arsenal have signed Per Mertesacker, Park Chu-young, Andre Santos, Mikel Arteta, and Yossi Benayoun in that time. All of those players are over the age of 25. The “Wenger only signs kids” critics will have to keep it quiet.

When you add in Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Carl Jenkinson, Arsene Wenger has spent significant cash this summer.

Arsenal responded to the 8-2 loss to Manchester United by purchasing five quality players. We cannot fully judge the signings until they perform on the pitch, but at least Arsene Wenger has made an effort to add experience to his squad.

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Transfer Rumours: M’Vila, Kaka, Arteta, Jagielka

  By jtom | 25/08/2011 - 8:06 AM | Transfer News
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M'Vila could be on his way to the Emirates.

Arsenal have made a bid for midfielder Yann M’Vila. Real Madrid want Arsenal to buy Kaka. The Gunners could sign both Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka from Everton.

According to The Guardian, Arsene Wenger has offered Rennes £22 million for defensive midfielder Yann M’Vila. Rennes have already rejected a £15m bid from Arsenal.

Some reports said that M’Vila was waiting for the result of Wednesday night’s match against Udinese to make a decision to sign on at the Emirates. Arsenal defeated Udinese 2-1 (3-1 aggregate), so it now looks likely that the Gunners will sign M’Vila.

Yann M’Vila has arrived on the international scene for France, with 11 caps since his debut in 2010. The 21-year old has become a staple of Laurent Blanc’s side.

According to Daily Mail, Real Madrid have rejected an Arsenal loan offer for Kaka. Jose Mourinho wants to sell Kaka and not loan him out.

Real Madrid want around £17.5m for the 29-year old Brazilian. Kaka can still be effective as an attacking midfielder, but will Arsene Wenger be willing to spend that much cash for a 29-year old player?

I think not. Kaka’s wages are extraordinarily high (£153,000 a week), and the former FIFA World Player of the Year is past the prime of his career. Mesut Ozil has taken Kaka’s place in Mourinho’s starting squad, so Kaka may want out of Madrid. The Brazilian would likely have to take a pay cut at the Emirates, which may make him stay in Madrid.

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are considering a double swoop for two Everton stars. Phil Jagielka has been in the rumours all summer, but Mikel Arteta is new to the mix.

Everton’s finances are in crisis. The club is in a heap of debt and the supporters are getting restless. The Tofees may be forced to sell their stars and shuffle the money to the banks. On the other hand, the loss of two key players like Arteta and Jagielka could see Everton sink into the relegations battle and face protests from the fans. The ownership is under a lot of pressure, and they may not be ready to hold a fire sale.

Arsenal would have to pay around £28m for the pair, with £15m for Jagielka and £13m for Arteta.

Mikel Arteta could be a decent replacement for Cesc Fabregas. The 29-year old midfielder has around seven years of Premier League exprience with Everton, counting his loan spell at Goodison Park in 2005.

Arteta could be a nice addition. His ball skilla and passing are excellent, and he can play in the midfield of a 4-3-3 system. I just wonder whether Arsene Wenger would spend considerable cash for a 29-year old footballer, or any footballer for that matter.

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Transfer Rumours: Hazard, M’Vila, Jagielka

  By jtom | 22/08/2011 - 7:48 AM | Transfer News
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Eden Hazard

Arsenal have submitted bids for both Eden Hazard (Lille) and Yann M’Vila (Rennes). Arsene Wenger is targeting Phil Jagielka as Everton’s financial problems rise.

According to Daily Mirror, Arsenal have put in a bid of at £20m-plus for Lille winger Eden Hazard. Hazard is one of the highest-rated young players in Europe, and has been linked with a move to the Emirates in the past.

Some are saying that Lille want £26m for Hazard. Manchester City’s offer for Nasri is between £22-25m. Wenger must be sure that Hazard is a real star and a Nasri replacement before he spends that kind of money.

I have not seen much of Hazard. He looks good on Youtube clips, but so does every player. Last season, the 20-year old Belgian helped Lille win the French double, scoring 10 goals and assisting on 12 in all competitions.

Remember that Arsenal bought Gervinho from Lille earlier in the summer for £10.5m. The French club may not want to break up their entire title-winning squad.

According to Daily Mirror, Arsene Wenger has submitted a £15m offer for Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila. On Sunday, we learned that Arsenal has interest in the 21-year old defensive midfielder, but now we hear that a bid has been submitted.

Rennes do not want to sell M’Vila, but they are not regarded as a top French club. They have a top youth academy that producing former-Gunner Sylvain Wiltord among others.

Arsene Wenger had better bring in M’Vila quickly. Arsenal could really use the defensive midfielder in the up-coming matches, with both Emmanuel Frimpong and Alex Song suspended for the Manchester United game at the weekend.

According to Daily Mirror, Arsene Wenger views Phil Jagielka as the best solution to Arsenal’s centre-half problems. Everton have already rejected two Gunner offers for Jagielka, but they could succumb to Arsenal due to financial pressures.

Everton want £20m for Jagielka, and it will be Wenger’s job to lower that price. With Everton’s debt piling up, that may not be hard to do.

The Evertonians booed their team after a 1-0 loss to QPR. They were jeering the ownership more than anything. If the owners sell Jagielka, Everton fans will have even more to be angry about.

Arsene Wenger wants Jagielka as his first choice, but he has not given up on signing Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill.

We are entering another big week for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. There are many questions still to be answered, and, hopefully, some of them will be answered in the next seven days.

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Transfer Rumours: Nasri, Zarate, Jagielka

  By jtom | 19/08/2011 - 6:58 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal and Manchester City have a transfer deal in place for Samir Nasri, but the Frenchman would rather be at Old Trafford. According to reports, Arsenal are interested in Lazio striker Mauro Zarate. Everton admit that they may have to sell star players, which could open the door for the Gunners.

According the The Guardian, Arsenal have an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Samir Nasri, but Nasri will not play for City against Bolton at the weekend. There are still a few details to sort out before the deal is complete.

Arsenal will reportedly sell Nasri for £22m. The French midfielder is expected to make £180,000 a week at Eastlands. The Gunners were only willing to give him £90,000 per week, and Nasri became frustrated with negotiations. Nasri is leaving the Emirates for money, and money only.

According to Daily Mirror, Samir Nasri is already looking to leave Eastlands. He has told friends that he would rather sign for Manchester United. Nasri will settle for Manchester City and their oil money.

Samir Nasri is the definition of a disloyal footballer. First, he leaves the Emirates for money. Now, he is talking about his love for Manchester United, before he has even joined Manchester City. He will join City, but he prefers United. I do not want “Nasrat” on my team.

According to Corriere Dello Sport, the agent for Lazio’s Mauro Zarate is in London holding talks with Arsenal. The 26-year old Argentinean striker would cost the Gunners around £10m. Zarate wants to leave Lazio after the recent influx of forwards.

Zarate has spent time in the Premier League. He went on a loan spell with Birmingham City, and scored 4 goals in 14 matches. Last season, Zarate netted 9 goals and 7 assists in 35 appearances in Serie A.

Most Arsenal fans will not be elated if Wenger goes for Zarate. The Lazio striker does not have a great goal-scoring record, with 25 goals in 103 apearances for the Italian club.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright hinted that the club may have to sell players because of their finacial situation. Here is what he told The Sun: “We knew this summer we were going to get to a point where things were going to be very, very tight and we knew we had to trade.

“There has not been a lot of trading in football itself this summer and we have not been able to trade yet and that is the reason we have not brought in a new player.

“The world is in a recession and I don’t know any business that is not suffering at the moment. I include football in that, apart from the financial elite in the game.”

Everton is under pressure to sell star players Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines. They could be sending a signal to Arsene Wenger that they are open for negotiations. Jagielka has been linked with Arsenal quite frequently this summer, while Baines has not been in the Gunner rumours too often.

With the injury to Kieran Gibbs (and his history of injuries), Baines would be a great addition to our backline. Arsene Wenger needs to sure up the back four with the Nasri and Fabregas money. Everton could be looking for buyers, while the Gunners are in desperate need of defending.

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Transfer Rumours: Jagielka, Dann, Mertesacker

  By jtom | 10/08/2011 - 8:08 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal’s search for a central defender is heating up. Sylvain Distin said that Phil Jagielka will not be leaving Everton. Arsenal are still interested in Birminham City defender Scott Dann. Per Mertesacker would welcome a move to the Emirates.

Phil Jagielka’s centre-half partner at Everton has told the media that Jagielka will stay at Goodison Park. Here is what Distin said: “He’s not come out and said he wants to go anywhere, so I guess that means Jags wants to stay. It’s still a club to be at. I don’t think any players want to leave here, to be honest. My guess is he’s fine here.

“I haven’t told him not to go, there’s no point doing that. If he comes to me and asks, I’ll tell him what I think, but it’s not happened so we’re happy he’s staying.”

According to reports last month, Jagielka told friends that he would snub a move to Arsenal.  The 28-year old centre-back can stay at Everton. Christopher Samba, Per Mertesacker, and Tim Cahill are all better options than Jagielka.

According to Daily Mail, Arsenal were scouting Birmingham City centre-half Scott Dann. Pat Rice and scout Steve Rawley looked at Dann in a friendly match against Spurs. Liverpool also have interest in Dann, who many believe could bring a fee of £8m.

Dann would not add much to Arsenal. He is a solid defender, but he will not be able to change the mentality of our backline.

Per Mertesacker is interested in making a move to the Premier League, telling Bild: “For a national player it is a good thing to get experience of playing abroad. I have said that England excites me.”

The Werder Bremen centre-back has been linked with Arsenal in the past, and he is clearly trying to facilitate a move to the Emirates. Werder Bremen have said that they are willing to part with Mertesacker due to their depth at the back.

Mertesacker has 71 caps for Germany. The 26-year old has played in two World Cups. He brings the kind of experience Arsenal desperately need. Mertesacker is you typical hulking, German centre-half. Go ahead and sign him Arsene!

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Jagielka to refuse any Arsenal deal

  By jtom | 03/08/2011 - 8:30 AM | Transfer News
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Phil Jagielka is prepared to snub a move to Arsenal. Sources say that the England international would rather stay at Everton then move to the Emirates.

According to Daily Mirror, Phil Jagielka has told his mates that he will snub any deal sending him to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger was keen on bringing the 28-year old centre back to Arsenal, but now Wenger may have to look elsewhere for defensive assistance.

How far has Arsenal fallen now that a player like Jagielka will snub our club? Phil Jagielka is openly bragging to his friends about his rejection of the Gunners. It is disgraceful and shameful that a decent centre-back would not even welcome interest from Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger should focus his efforts elsewhere. Jagielka is no big prize. If he doesn’t want to come to Arsenal, then fine. Christopher Samba has already expressed his ambition to move to Arsenal. The Blackburn centre-half would be a much better fit at the Emirates than Jagielka.

Of course, this Daily Mirror piece could be just another anti-Arsenal article. There have been many articles in the papers claiming that the sky is falling in on Arsene Wenger and the Emirates. It has not happened yet. The Guardian again predicted that the Gunners will finish fifth this season. Time for Arsenal to prove the pundits and writers wrong… again.

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