Tag Archives: Manchester United

Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United: Sub sinks Gunners

  By jtom | 23/01/2012 - 7:40 AM | Match Report, Premier League
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Arsene Wenger’s decision to take off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in favour of Andrey Arshavin was met by loud boos at the Emirates Stadium, and it soon became clear why. After Antonio Valencia eased past the Little Russian, Danny Welbeck scored the winner for Manchester United.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had been by far our best player in the game when the manager decided to yank him. The 18-year old, in his Premier League debut, set up Robin van Persie’s equaliser. To make matters worse, the man chosen to take the place of the Ox was Arshavin, who has been dreadful this season. Perhaps unfairly, the introduction of the little Russian was met with a chorus of boos.

Interestingly, the television cameras also caught captain Robin van Persie desperately protesting the substitution. It was as if the entire world, except Wenger himself, knew that the change would result in disaster for the Gunners.

Several minutes later, with the score still at 1-1, Valencia maneuvered around a helpless outstretched Andrey Arshavin. After playing a one-two with Park, Valencia passed the ball across to Welbeck, who hammered home United’s second goal.  In the end, the supporters felt vindicated for their decision to jeer the now infamous substitution, and the manager was left looking like a fool.

Still, the poisonous atmosphere at Ashburton Grove cannot be good for the team. As I did not attend the match, I’m in no position to judge the Gooners who were at the match. If they want to boo and whistle, then they should certainly be allowed to do so. Of course, we should all expect the press and other people outside the club to attack the behaviour of the supporters, who happen to pay the highest season ticket prices in Europe.

After the game, Wenger explained the substitution: “I can understand that the fans are upset about the substitution, especially when it doesn’t work, but I made the right decision at the start of the game [in starting Oxlade-Chamberlain]. He had started fatigue, stretched his calf and he was sick in the week.” (Source: Arsenal.com)

Part of me wonders whether Wenger was simply making up excuses in the post-match press conference to try to disguise the fact that he made a horrible decision. On the other hand, Chamberlain has not played in quite a long time, so possibly he was tiring as the game wore on.

Wenger became defiant after the press pushed him harder about the decision to make the substitution:  ”Arshavin is captain of the Russia national team. I have to justify [substituting] a guy of 18 who’s playing his second or third game? Let’s be serious. I have to stand up for the substitutions I made. I’ve been 30 years in this job and have made 50,000 substitutions and I have to justify every time I make a decision? I do not have to explain to you every single decision I make.” (Source: Arsenal.com)

Clearly, Arsene has problems admitting that he was wrong. As for Arshavin, hopefully, and I say this every week now, he never pulls on an Arsenal shirt again. If no clubs are interesting in buying him or he won’t accept a transfer due to his high wages, then Wenger should just let him rot in the reserves.

To his credit, Wenger did make two very astute personnel moves on Sunday. First, he started Oxlade-Chamberlain, which was unexpected considering the 18-year old winger has played very few minutes in the league this season. Second, Wenger took out Johan Djourou at half-time and inserted Nico Yennaris at right-back. Nani was beating Djourou on the wing time after time in the first period, and Yennaris did a decent job in the second half.

However, only one infuriating substitution has been burned into the minds of Gooners. Years from now, we may look upon the match on Sunday as a turning point. Not because of the result, but because of some of the fans’ willingness to turn their back on the manager. As more and more disappointing results pile up, it appears that more people are jumping on the anti-Wenger wagon. Sunday might have been the day that many Arsenal supporters said, “Enough is enough!”

While I understand the anti-Wenger sentiment, it is not time for Arsene to leave North London. What I see is a very weak squad beset by injuries. Possibly, the squad is thin as a result of Wenger’s stubborn hatred of the transfer market. Or maybe the board is restraining him. Either way, Wenger confirmed that no more spending will be done in this transfer window:

“Spending the money is not the target, to buy good players is the target. We need our players back. People are not conscious that we miss 10 players. When you see what we created in the second half without [those injured] players, it is important to get the players back.” (Source: Arsenal.com)

It may get worse before it gets better.

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Match Preview: Arsenal v Manchester United

  By jtom | 22/01/2012 - 8:15 AM | Match Preview, Premier League
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Emirates Stadium
Arsenal must do better against Man U in front of their home fans.

The Gunners will want to avenge the 8-2 loss at Old Trafford by beating Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, but Arsenal’s depleted defence will not make victory any easier this time around.

As always, Arsene Wenger’s injury list is long. Mikel Arteta, who is suffering from a calf problem, will not play against the Red Devils, and Thomas Vermaelen is very unlikely to make an appearance. On Friday, Wenger said that Thierry Henry’s participation would be determined by a fitness test on his injured calf on Saturday.

The Gunners are very short on defenders, especially full-backs. Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, and Francis Coquelin will be absent from the match on Sunday. The managers said he would review his options after the game against United, but the worry is that Ferguson’s men could reap huge benefits from our lack of experience at the back.

Manchester United will also be missing a few key players. Striker Danny Welbeck’s availability is in doubt, while Anderson, Tom Cleverly, Ashley Young, Nemanja Vidic, and Darren Fletcher will definitely sit out the match. Rio Ferdinand’s involvement is yet to be determined, but, from what I’ve seen, he is on the decline anyway. Usually serving as nothing more than a door-stop at Old Trafford, Michael Owen will play no part in the match. He also has a thigh injury.

Despite all of the talk from both managers, the Gunners will surely be out for revenge after the thrashing that took place in Manchester earlier in the season. The embarrassement that ensued from that humiliating experience has been close to unbearable for many Gooners. We want to put the 8-2 wordplay jokes to bed with a victory at the Emirates.

Robin van Persie made it clear that the Gunners are seeking to settle the score with the Red Devils: “What happened against Manchester United at Old Trafford is a motivation, for sure. I’d never lost a match 8-2 before so I’m hungry to put that right, as is the entire team.” (Source: Arsenal.com)

Of course, much has changed since the collapse at Old Trafford. Manchester United, who looked unstoppable in August and September, have been humbled. Arsenal went on to regain form but the scars still remain. Several of United’s stars have fallen to injury, which has caused their robust attack to cool a bit. Meanwhile, the Gunners back four looked as weak as ever against Swansea last week.

Robin van Persie has emerged as the top goalscorer in the Premier League, and Sir Alex Ferguson believes that his team needs to hold the Dutchman:

“It has become a case of stop Van Persie and you stop Arsenal. His form has been fantastic this season and his goal record speaks for itself. I hope he doesn’t add to it this weekend.” (Source: The Guardian)

If van Persie goes up against the young centre-back pairing of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling (which is entirely possible), he may be able to have his way. Jones loves to get forward, which should provide extra space in behind for the Dutchman. However, if Jones and Smalling start, Walcott and the other Arsenal winger (whoever that may be) will have trouble using their pace. If Ferdinand plays, Theo will certainly be more effective, although possibly at the expense of van Persie, who would likely be closely marked by the English centre-half.

One similarity between the two clubs is that both have recently signed a former legend. Henry made his triumphant return against Leeds, while Paul Scholes found the back of the net last week against Bolton. Speaking about Scholes, Henry said that Arsenal sides of the past were “always scared” of the midfielder because he can “kill you.” Although Thierry mentioned the Manchester United man’s skill and vision, Scholes’ method of choice happens to be thrusting the studs of his boot into the leg of an opposing player.

As much as Henry fears Scholes, I fear more the outcome of the match on Sunday. With the exception of Laurent Koscielny, our defenders are no stronger than they were in August, as evidenced by the defeats at Swansea and Fulham. However, Manchester United are decidedly weaker in every way than they were at the start of the season. Still, after all the progress Arsene Wenger’s team has made since the demolition at Old Trafford, Arsenal’s form has reverted back to unspeakable lows in recent weeks. Unfortunately, I can not envision anything other than a Manchester United win, though I desperately hope my prediction is wrong.

Match: Arsenal v Manchester United

Location: Emirates Stadium

Kickoff: 16:00 GMT, 11:00 AM EST

Television: Sky Sports 1 (UK), Fox (USA)

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Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal: Rooney, Young crush Gunners

  By jtom | 29/08/2011 - 7:15 AM | Match Report, Premier League
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Arsenal’s poor defending was exposed by Manchester United on Sunday. Rooney’s hat-trick along with two curlers from Ashley Young helped United rout the Gunners at Old Trafford. Arsenal were missing eight players but that does not make up for the eight goals allowed.

Arsenal held the Red Devils until Danny Welbeck header’s marked the first tally of the match in the 22nd minute.  Anderson chipped the ball towards Welbeck, and the Arsenal back four misplayed the pass. The ball bounced close to Szczesny before Welbeck nodded home the goal.

Just four minutes later, Theo Walcott earned the Gunners a penalty. Jonny Evans made minimal contact with Walcott, and Arsenal had a chance to draw even. David De Gea saved the awful attempt by Robin van Persie. The Dutchman tried a soft, low strike towards the middle of the goal. A very poor shot indeed.

Ashley Young scored two brilliant goals (28th minute and 90+1). The former Aston Villa man really knows how to bend a ball into the far corner. Szczesny did not have a chance to save either of the attempts.

None of Wayne Rooney’s three goals came from open play. The first one (41st minute) came from a free kick just outside the Arsenal penalty area. Szczesny got a hand on the near post strike but not enough to keep it out of the net. Rooney’s second (64th minute) was a free kick as well but this time he picked out the far post. Szczesny was completely beaten and did not even move a muscle.

Rooney completed his hat-trick when he converted a penalty in the 82nd minute. Carl Jenkinson added to Arsenal’s woes by conceding the penalty and getting a second yellow card. Yet another Gunner will be suspended. Unlike RVP, Rooney did not have any trouble scoring from the spot.

Nani also scored for Manchester United (67th minute). The Portuguese winger calmly chipped the ball over a sprawling Szczesny. The Arsenal defenders were nowhere to be seen. Ji-Sung Park scored his usual goal against the Gunners with a low, corner shot in the 70th minute.

On the bright side, Arsenal finally scored their first goal in Premier League play this season. Tomas Rosciky sprung Theo Walcott, and Theo finished it off. David De Gea should have made the stop. The goal cut the Red Devils’ lead to two going into half-time.

Robin van Persie’s goal came only as a consolation to Arsene Wenger and company. Jenkinson crossed the ball, and the Dutchman volleyed the ball into the back of the net. The goal did not matter as the United victory was already guaranteed.

Jenkinson was helpless against United.

Another positive note was the away supporters. The Gooners were still singing “We Love You Arsenal” at the end of the match. Many of the highlight films keep showing the Arsenal fan with his hands on his face, and not the many Gooners who continued to cheer on the Arsenal. If Arsenal decide not to spend most of the £60m they gained from selling players, then they should at least refund those poor Gooners who made the expensive journey up to Old Trafford.

Overall, the team looked really disjointed on Sunday. Carl Jenkinson and Theo Walcott were spotted arguing after Jenkinson pushed too far up the pitch. The 19-year old right back was terrible at Old Trafford. He continued to position himself on the wrong side of the attackers, and that eventually earned him the red card.

Bacary Sagna and Thomas Vermaelen did not play because of illness and injury. Traore had to start at left back, and Nani was not troubled. Francis Coquelin made his Premier League debut as a defensive midfielder. Needless to say, it was a nightmare.

Arsene Wenger’s back four was ripped apart by the Red Devils. There was pleny of space for Young, Nani, Rooney, Welbeck, et. al, to roam the pitch. Arsenal were trying to play some sort of offside trap, but it failed miserably. The Gunners need to bring in two defenders by Wednesday to cure the chronic problems at the back.

To be fair, this was a reserve side for Arsenal. We were missing Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Bacary Sagna, Gervinho, Alex Song, Emmanuel Frimpong, and Thomas Vermaelen. We expected to get well-beaten but not embarrassed.

Wenger admitted the humiliation (from Arsenal.com): “Of course it hurts, it’s humiliating, but you could see that we had not recovered physically in the second half from Wednesday night.”

Arsene Wenger and his staff will have plenty of work to do before Wednesday night: ”I am very open if we can find the right players. We have the money to sign players. If we find players who can strengthen our team then we will do it. But I am not the only one to work on the case, we have 20 people who are working on that. If we do not do it, it is because we don’t find them.”

You had better find somebody Arsene.

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Match Preview: Manchester United v Arsenal

  By jtom | 28/08/2011 - 7:45 AM | Match Preview
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Arsene Wenger's squad face a tough test on Sunday.

Arsenal will be without several key players as they travel to Old Trafford. Alex Ferguson complimented Arsene Wenger this week, but he also said he would not let Manchester United struggle the way that the Gunners have in recent years.

Gervinho (suspension), Emmanuel Frimpong (suspension), Jack Wilshere (injury), Alex Song (suspension), Abou Diaby (injury), and Kieran Gibbs (injury) will miss the trip to Manchester. Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen could be fit to face United. Arsene Wenger gave an update on the two centre-backs on Friday (from Arsenal.com):

“Vermaelen has a test on Saturday and Koscielny had a positive fitness test today. There is a little doubt about Vermaelen but he should be alright.”

Johan Djourou, meanwhile, will be able to play for the Gunners. Vermaelen is desperately needed for this match. He was excellent against Liverpool, and hopefully he can heal quickly from this knock. Vermaelen was bothered by a nagging injury for the almost all of last season.

Manchester United have received an early season jolt from several young players. Tom Cleverly (centre midfielder), Danny Welbeck (striker), and Phil Jones (centre-half) have refreshed United’s rapidly aging squad from last season. Nemanja Vidic will be forced to sit out on Sunday due to a calf problem, while Rio Ferdinand could be back.

Arsene Wenger said this about Manchester United: “They are definitely [still the team to beat]. For us to beat them would be a great boost and would put us in a great position. We did it at the end of last season and would like to do it again.”

Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have been friendly to each other in the last week. Ferguson had this to say about the recent criticism of Wenger (from Manchester United official website):

“As I say in my piece for the match programme. I think the work Arsene has done in the 15 years he’s been at the club is the best in Arsenal’s history. Yes, he’s not won a trophy in six years but what does that mean? The quality in his side has not been reduced. He’s still had great quality in his teams in that period.”

Manchester United supporters will say that Ferguson no longer fears Arsenal, and that is why he is willing to be kind to our club. I say that Ferguson is just being honest and not playing one of his Jedi mind tricks. He went on to say that newly-wealthy clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City have made the top of the Premiership more competitive.

Ferguson has a huge ego.

But Alex Ferguson said he would not have allowed a Arsenal-like trophy drought: “I would not have allowed it to happen. The press would have played their part and you expect that, but I could not have contemplated these things.”

“Arsene has got his way of managing and I have got mine. You do the best with what you believe in and that is what Arsene is trying to do. I don’t know exactly what his philosophy is but for a long period he had a group of good young French players but that seems to have dried up a little bit.

These comments are where the love affair ended between Ferguson and Wenger. Obviously Wenger did not “allow” the six-year trophy drought to happen. It is not just about wanting to win silverware. Manchester United take in far more cash than Arsenal, and they also spend much more money in the transfer window. Arsene Wenger has had to work around a new stadium and responsible owners. Ferguson is simply “allowed” to drive his club further and further into debt.

On the other hand, Gooners do not pay the highest season ticket prices in Europe to be financially stable. Red Devil supporters yawn when another cup is thrown in the case, while the Gunners are continually thwarted in their attempt to get their hands on silver. There is no debating that United are the most successful club in terms of titles.

Tomas Rosicky will likely earn a place in Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven after his performance mid-week against Udinese. Rosicky was brought on at half-time for the more defensive Emmaneul Frimpong. He helped swing the balance of power in Arsenal’s favor, and he deserves another opportunity on Sunday. Rosicky is more experienced than many of Wenger’s options, and he is coming off a great outing in Italy.

All of the experts are forecasting Arsenal to get steamrolled at Old Trafford. They point to our suspensions and injuries and lack of squad depth. They point to United’s young stars and defensive strength and squad depth. Everything seems to be going against the Gunners.

On the bright side, the confidence gained from the Udinese victory could carry over to Old Trafford. Wojceich Szczesny is certainly a better keeper than David De Gea. Arsenal still have the Dutch scoring machine up top. The Gunners could surprise the football world.

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Mancini warns Arsenal about playing Nasri

  By jtom | 22/08/2011 - 6:10 AM | Arsene Wenger, Champions League, Transfer News
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Mancini expects to sign Nasri in the coming days.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini threatened to end the Samir Nasri talks with Arsenal. Arsene Wenger said that no club is close to signing Nasri. He also said that Manchester United still have interest in his French star.

Manchester City may turn away from Samir Nasri if the midfielder plays in Arsenal’s mid-week contest against Udinese. Roberto Mancini said it would present a hurdle in a potential deal: “If Nasri plays against Udinese, it could be possible [to pursue other targets], yes. I think we can close [the deal] in the next two days, but if he plays in the Champions League, it will be a big a problem. A big problem.

“It’s a big problem because we have followed Nasri for 40 days and I have hoped (it would be completed) in two days or in three days. I don’t know why we didn’t close it, but for Nasri, it will be important to play all the Champions League with us.”

Arsene Wenger said he would not hesistate to play Nasri in Italy. If the Frenchman plays, he would not be allowed to compete for Manchester City in the Champions League this season. Wenger said that his main goal is to qualify for the group stages of the competition.

Mancini continued talking about Nasri: “I am sure we can close this in 24 or 48 hours, but I don’t know why it hasn’t been closed.

“I hope that we can have Nasri in the next day, but I don’t know when it will happen. We still have 10 days, but we need some players if we want to complete our team and I hope he is not the last one in.”

There is a possibility that the Gunners could hold on to Nasri for now, then sell him in January. If City are trying to catch to United, or vice versa, Nasri’s price could raise dramatically. The 24-year old midfielder could also consider signing on at Arsenal long-term if Wenger keeps him until the winter.

While Mancini set an ultimatum, Wenger told French television (TF1) that no club is close to signing Samir Nasri:  ”Both Manchester clubs are interested. I’ve always wanted to keep hold of him. I think deep down he is happy here. There is no departure of Nasri at the moment.”

“Maybe one day, but it’s far, far, far from being done.”

All this talk about Nasri seems to be just negotiation tactics. But Wenger did say that Manchester United are still interested in Nasri, even after Ferguson said last month that they were no longer pursuing the Arsenal midfielder.

If United are back and bidding for Nasri, this whole transfer saga could turn a very big profit for the Gunners. City and United could get into a Manchester bidding war over Nasri. More money for Arsene to spend, if that means anything.

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Arsenal Transfer News: Nasri, Fabregas, Doyle

  By jtom | 12/07/2011 - 7:20 AM | Uncategorized
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Nasri and Cesc are not going anywhere!

12 July, 2011:  Arsene Wenger is confident that both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas will stay at Arsenal.  Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out a Manchester United move for Nasri.  Arsenal are battling with Juventus to sign Kevin Doyle.  Click here to see the article on Gervinho official move to Arsenal.

Wenger said this during a press conference in Malaysia yesterday:  “Our position is always the same – we want to keep Cesc and I will fight as hard as I can to keep him.  Samir Nasri is exactly the same.  We will do everything we can to keep him.  I’m confident we can get both of them to stay.”

“I expect Samir to stay.  There is always speculation, but he is committed to the club right now.”

“We know that this story for Barcelona has gone on for years now, we have to close that and focus on the season, hopefully with Cesc Fábregas.”

Strong conviction from Wenger as he delivers he stance on the speculation surrounding Cesc and Nasri.  He was even more firm when he told The Telegraph:  “Imagine the worst situation — we lose Fabregas and Nasri — you cannot convince people you are ambitious after that.  The message we give out is important.  For example, you see about Fabregas leaving, Nasri leaving.  If you give that message out you cannot pretend you are a big club.

“A big club first of all holds on to its big players and gives a message out to all the other big clubs that they just cannot come in, serve [themselves] and take away from you. We worked very hard with these players for years to develop them and now it’s a time for us to keep them together.”

When asked if he was convinced Cesc would stay, Arsene said:  “Yes. As simple as that.”  Wenger knows that Arsenal need to hold on to either Cesc or Nasri, and preferably both.  It now looks like Nasri will be staying for at least one more season.  Arsene did admit that Cesc has encountered a divide in his heart between Arsenal and his boyhood club, but believes that Fabregas will stay loyal to the club.  You can read the entire interview here.

Alex Ferguson had this to say yesterday in the United States:  “Nasri, no. I don’t think he’s coming to United.  I think he’s agreed to go somewhere else.  Maybe he has to stay at Arsenal too.  That’s a possibility.”

So, United are out of the Nasri race.  Manchester City may be more persistent, but no one is as stubborn as Arsene Wenger.  Sometimes that is a good thing, other times not so much.  Wenger will not budge.  Expect Nasri to stay at the Emirates.

Manchester City may have only been interested in Nasri because of United’s interest.  City have no need for a play-maker like Nasri.  They already have a very similar player in David Silva.

All this talk from Wenger could just be a negotiation ploy.  He could be hiding the fact that he needs to sell Nasri.  If the footballing world knows Nasri has to go, this will lower his price considerably.  If Wenger leaves the option of keeping him on the table (and speaks strongly about it), then Nasri’s price will increase.

Ferguson went on to call Paul Scholes one of the four best players in the world.  Possibly, the jet lag diluted his mind.  Or maybe Ferguson just tremendously overrates his players.

Rumours have been swirling around Wolves striker Kevin Doyle.  According to Sunday World, Arsenal and Juventus are interested in the Irish front man.  Doyle would certainly be an improvement over Nicklas Bendtner. 

Let’s end on a positive note.  Arsene Wenger is not about to let his Arsenal empire collapse right in front of him.  He is extremely intelligent, and a master talent scout.  Wenger believes that Nasri and Cesc will stay, even with the rumours and reports.  I, personally, would trust Arsene over an Arsenal-bashing article in a tabloid with no sources whatsoever.

 

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Nasri Undecided on Future

  By jtom | 06/06/2011 - 7:00 AM | Uncategorized
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Samir Nasri had this to say yesterday: “Let’s find out if their (Manchester United’s) interest is true first, and then we’ll talk about it.

“I don’t know if I will sign a new contract. Anyway, the discussions are on-going. For the moment, I don’t want to think about this. We will speak about it after the match with Poland [on Tuesday]. Do I want to go to United? We should see if their interest is real and if it is concrete first.”

This is a very troubling sign. Nasri was one of our best players this season, even though he tailed off as the season wore on. He is creative player who can play in the middle or out on the wing, and he is a serious goal-scoring threat. Nasri scored 15 goals in all competitions for us this season.

I would rather have Cesc leave than Nasri. Cesc’s longing for Barcelona has been well documented and he will inevitably end up there someday. Nasri had a breakthrough season this year and he could be part of this side long-term.

Of course, Nasri could just be taking cues from his agent. Does he really want to leave Arsenal? Or does he just want to get Cesc Fabregas money? We will know soon enough and possibly as soon as Tuesday night after the French play Poland. He could be talking with Alex Ferguson right now for all we know.

The Guardian are reporting that Wenger has priced Nasri at £10m. I seriously doubt that Wenger will let a player with Nasri’s ability go for a third of Andy Carroll money. A player with such promise will surely bring over £30m.

Wenger said last week that he would not sell Nasri to United. So if Nasri wants to go to the Red Devils, he will have to wait until his contract runs out at the end of next season. Arsene isn’t going to help Ferguson solve his central midfield problem by giving him one of our best players. Wenger may be mad, but he is certainly not that mad.

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News and Notes: Nasri, Wilshere, Bendtner

  By jtom | 01/06/2011 - 7:00 AM | Uncategorized
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Arsene Wenger has promised not to sell Samir Nasri to Manchester United. Arsene also said that Barcelona are no longer interested in Cesc Fabregas. Jack Wilshere thinks that Arsenal need to work the match officials more. Reports say that Nicklas Bendtner will bring big money to our club.

First up, Arsene Wenger had some interesting things to say on French radio yesterday: “One thing’s for sure: we’re not selling him (Nasri) to Manchester United. Are we still in discussions with Nasri? Yes, but we are still in disagreement over the financial contract on offer, which we haven’t settled. We are trying to extend his deal.”

Hopefully Nasri can get a deal done to keep him at the Emirates soon. He has been key this season in helping us qualify for the Champions League. I would rather Wenger sell Cesc than Samir. Speaking of which, here is what Arsene had to say about his captain:

“Barcelona were interested last year in Cesc but not this year. For me, he’s the world’s best midfielder. He’s our captain. We’ve built the team around him. Of course we want to keep him.”

It would be stupid for Barca to spend around £50m for a super-sub at this time. Reports say that Guardiola may make the move for Villareal striker Giuseppe Rossi for £21.8m. Barcelona will not spend over £70m this summer with the new financial fair play rules that will be in effect in the coming years.

Wenger then talked about the needs of his side. This is the qualities Wenger wants in a forward: “World-class strength. Everyone is looking to reinforce their attack as it’s always important to improve in that area of the team.”

Arsene did not forget about the centre-half problems: “We’re also after an experienced defender, maybe one who is already used to life in the Premier League. That has been our weakness.

“But you should remember that we still had a better defence last season than a lot of other good teams, including Manchester City.”

Certainly some positive and optimistic comments from Arsene. Maybe a little time away in his homeland has helped ease the stress of managing one of the top clubs in the Premier League. We (Gooners) just hope we can remain one of the top clubs.

Jack Wilshere:

“It’s no use just Robin van Persie going because it looks like it’s just him having a go at the ref. If we all get round him…

“You just see the other teams do it and you think ‘we need to do it as well’. Man United are the best at it. They get round the referee. We have to be more of a team and be more aggressive and show more authority.”

Really a very disappointing comment from Wilshere. Arsenal Football Club is a club founded on class and a family atmosphere. The club is one and the players should act as one. That does not mean that the players must crowd the referee and physically dominate him the way Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand do. It is disgusting, disgraceful, and embarrassing. To be fair, the same can be said about the best team in the world, Barcelona.

Referees need to be treated with respect. The only people on the pitch who should be in the referee’s ear is the manager and the captain. Robin van Persie should be our captain next season whether Cesc decides to leave or stay. The rest of the players should not approach. Anyone else should be given a yellow card if the disobey. OK… enough ranting.

Nicklas Bendtner’s agent believes that the striker could bring as much as £12m this summer:

“As an agent for Nicklas, I am not told the specific price that Arsenal want. Clubs will sort that out between each other.

“Around £12m sounds very realistic. He has been higher, but the price goes down when he is not playing enough.

“Nicklas has all the qualities to live up to that sort of money, and we can easily find him a club which wants to pay that amount of money.”

All I have to say is: Good luck with that.

According to reports, Sevilla will make an £8m offer for Denilson. Wenger should take that deal before it goes off the table, which is after Sevilla watch his game tapes from the season that has passed.

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How Barca Validates Wenger

  By jtom | 30/05/2011 - 7:00 AM | Uncategorized
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We watched as Barcelona completely dominated Manchester United, the Premier League champions, at the weekend. Barca proved that a side can play football the ‘right’ way and still be successful. Guardiola’s men made United look like boys. Of course, they did the same to us earlier in the year. If Barcelona play their best, nothing can stop them.

Arsene Wenger likely watched the match and saw Barcelona’s free-flowing 4-3-3 at work. Barcelona have shown the footballing world that their passing philosophy can beat United’s physical onslaught. The side playing the traditional English way cannot stand a chance against Barca.

Ferguson’s mistake was playing Barcelona the same way they play against English teams. It works in the Premier League because most other teams play the same way, and United are the best team at playing in that style.

Arsenal are the closest team to Barcelona in England that plays the ‘tippy-tappy’ football. Wenger places extreme emphasis on possession of the football. Barcelona confirmed that their style is not only breath-taking to watch, but superior to all other ways of playing.

Sure, every now and then a team like Mourinho’s Inter can sit back and defend if they are good enough. But Mourinho was unsuccessful at holding Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and co. back this season. This Barcelona side may be the best team in memory and it is what Arsene should strive to build at the Emirates.

We did have a supremely talented team at Highbury back during the Invincible era.  Of course they were not as good as this Barcelona team but they did confirm that a team can win playing pretty football. This Arsenal team could get there in the next few seasons if they continue to develop talented attackers while Wenger buys experienced defenders.

That is the real difference between this Arsenal team and the Invincibles. The Invincibles had a strong backbone and a fruitful attack. Same as Barcelona have had over the past few seasons.

Most of the Barcelona team is made up of players that came up in their excellent youth academy. They did need to add some pieces over the years through the transfer market to go from good to great to legendary. We have been ‘good’ in recent years but Arsene has decided not to add to the team to take it to ‘great.’

Dani Alves and David Villa are important players to the European Champions. Both these players emerged at other clubs and Barcelona decided to add them to their strong nucleus of Barca-bred players. These is what Arsene has failed to do. We do not have a strong nucleus of players from our youth academy, but do have a strong nucleus of players who were developed by Wenger in their teens.

I think Arsene was happy to see the passing style of football destroy the ‘English’ style of football. The result validates everything that Wenger has accomplished and has tried to accomplish. His philosophy is the right kind to have and Barcelona have proved that you can win playing in this way.

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Transfer News: Benezma, Nasri

  By jtom | 26/05/2011 - 7:00 AM | Uncategorized
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Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he would like to sign Karim Benzema. The Real Madrid striker has been linked with Arsenal in the past, but only in rumours. Wenger clarified yesterday: “Signing him does not seem impossible. He’s a player that I like.

“He’s intelligent in his movement; he is capable of combining well with others and making a difference, and of doing individual moves as well.

“So, for me, he’s a player who’s at the top level in the world.”

We definitely need a striker to compliment Robin and to fill in when the Dutchman is injured. If we signed Benzema, it would likely be a record transfer for Arsenal. Would Wenger still be willing to spend even more to remedy the defence, the main weakness with this team? Do we even have enough cash to sign Benzema and a centre-half?

Karim Djarziri, Benzema’s agent, denied any talks with Arsenal: “I went to London for personal business, not to discuss any transfer.

“Karim Benzema has a contract with Real Madrid so let’s wait and see.

“He loves Madrid and wants to play every time as he loves playing football.”

Benzema is unhappy at his limited playing time under Mournho so he could try to force his way to the Emirates. Sky Sports are reporting that the rumoured deal is for £21.6 million. Wenger may be able to convince players like Cesc and Nasri to stay if he pays that much for a player. It would show the club’s commitment to winning trophies.

Patrice Evra started his own rumour yesterday by urging his French mate to move to Manchester United: “If Samir comes, he has to know there is no room for mistake. Each year you are playing to win. That is Manchester United’s culture.

“I have been at Manchester United for five years and I can’t remember how many trophies I have won … 13? 15?. So ‘Petit Prince’, if you want to be King, you know where you have to go.”

Wenger would never sell Nasri to Ferguson. If Nasri goes, it will be to Italy or Spain. There is enough interest from big money clubs (like Inter) around Europe. No way that Samir plays at Old Trafford next season.

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