Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina revealed through his new autobiography that Arsenal were ready to sign him for £20 million, but the move was blocked by the former Liverpool owners.
Reina said that the Gunners tried to sign him in 2010, and that he wanted the move to the Emirates Stadium (passage from book obtained from Daily Mail):
“Arsenal had made their determination to sign me clear by offering £20m, a phenomenal amount for a goalkeeper. Part of me felt that I was well within my rights to consider my future even if I did so with a heavy heart.
“When Liverpool received the bid, they rejected it. This was not because I had been told that I was too good a keeper to leave. The reason I was given was quite different – and it left me feeling down. I was told that my continued presence was crucial to the sale of the club. I was simply a bargaining chip in the sales process.”
Apparently, Reina asked Liverpool to talk with Arsene Wenger about a potential move to Arsenal, but Liverpool did not want to sell him because they were in the process of selling the club. It makes me wonder what would have been different about last season if Reina had joined in the summer of 2010.
Remember that Reina did make that error that allowed us to escape Anfield with a point in the first Premier League match last season. But the Spanish keeper is world class [...]
The sending off of Emmaneul Frimpong, along with the introductions of Luiz Suarez and Raul Meireles doomed Arsenal in their two-goal defeat to Liverpool. An Aaron Ramsey own goal was the difference in the match, but the Gunners never looked like scoring. Criticism of Arsene Wenger is continuing to grow amongst Arsenal supporters.
Emmanuel Frimpong made his first Premier League start on Saturday, and he looked lively throughout. It was evident from early in the match that the 19-year old Frimpong had a signifigant chance of seeing red. Frimpong continued to execute reckless challenges even after he received a yellow card in the 8th minute.
Both sides were affected by the rain in the second half, and the match slowed down signifigantly. The defining moment came in the 70th minute, when Frimpong was given a second yellow card for a tackle on Liverpool’s Charlie Adam. There can be no arguing the sending off, as Frimpong clearly put his studs in the leg of Adam.
Arsene Wenger reacted to the sending off after the match: “I think Frimpong was a victim of his lack of experience and of his enthusiasm and heart. He deserved a second yellow card, he should not have gone into that challenge.”
Immediately after the sending off, Kenny Dalglish saw the opportunity for Liverpool to take control. He sent on Raul Meireles and Luiz Suarez.
In the 78th minute, Liverpool scored off an own goal from Aaron Ramsey. Meireles fed the ball to Suarez, who was [...]
Nasri was named in the squad, and Wenger is not afraid to play him against Liverpool.
Arsenal will feature a fresh starting eleven against Liverpool, with many young players poised to make the best out of their opportunity. Arsene Wenger said that Samir Nasri is in the squad and may play a part for the Gunners on Saturday. Meanwhile, Liverpool will try to beat Arsenal for the first time at the Emirates.
Samir Nasri was picked in the squad to face Liverpool, and Wenger said he could play: “Nasri is in the squad tomorrow and is available to be picked.”
When asked if Wenger would hesitate to call on Nasri, Arsene replied: “Not at all, because one thing I don’t question is his commitment to this club. Every day since he has arrived here, every day in pre-season, he has worked with a fantastic spirit in training.”
Despite constant rumours, Nasri is expected to start for the Gunners in the first home Premier League match. It will be interesting to see how the supporters react to Samir after he recently refered some of them “disrespectful.” Nasri may be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt.
Arsene Wenger has included a number of young players in his squad. Carl Jenkinson and Emmanuel Frimpong are set start their first game for Arsenal.
Wenger on Frimpong: “Frimpong will be in contention when I pick my team tomorrow morning. I like him very much. He is a fighter, he is strong in the duels, has fantastic levels of commitment and [...]
Arsenal are the front-runners to sign Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. Arsene Wenger wants Jose Enrique of Newcastle to replace Gael Clichy at left back. Real Madrid are interested in Robin van Persie.
Let’s start off with Lukaku. According to The Sun, Arsenal has offered Anderlecht £14million for the 18-year old striker. Chelsea are also firmly in the hunt for Lukaku. Arsenal executives met with a Lukaku representative yesterday in London. The Belgian striker is one of the most exciting young players in Europe.
For literally months now, Chelsea has always been the front-runner for Lukaku. A deal sending Lukaku to Stamford Bridge seemed imminent. Could our the Gunners hijack the deal and steal Lukaku away from those rich Blues?
Lukaku has been dubbed the “next Drogba” because of his size (1.91 m or 6 ft 3 in) and strength. If Wenger can pull this off, then maybe the current crop of players can see the weight our club carries throughout the world.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted that Jose Enrique wants to leave the Magpies for Champions League football. According to Daily Mail, Arsenal is willing to offer £8million for the 25-year old left back.
If Wenger brings in Enrique, it will be a sign that Kieran Gibbs is not yet ready. Enrique has been a consistently good footballer for Newcastle over the last couple years. He would be a solid player every week at left back. Liverpool are also interested in the Newcastle man.
According to rumours, Real Madrid has placed a bid for Robin van Persie. The bid is said to [...]
Kenny Dalglish has been busy this month. His Liverpool team has just signed Jordan Henderson from Sunderland for a cool £20m. Liverpool have now quickly shifted their attention to Gael Clichy. According to reports, the Reds have submitted an offer for Clichy worth around £5m. Clichy has declined an extension to his contract and looks to already have one foot out of the Emirates.
I really would not mind if Wenger cashes in on Clichy. Yes, he is the last remaining Invincible but he was a backup to Ashley Cole. These reports appear to be accurate, considering they have been published by the Guardian. If he will not sign a contract, then it is an easy decision to sell Clichy.
Clichy’s defensive difficulties have really been on display this season. Of course, he is one of the fastest defenders in the Premier League, and one of the best going forward. But he is not a natural outside back. Clichy is more of a winger and he cannot be relied on to help out defensively. Our back four was ripped apart this season and we need someone who can tackle.
Kieran Gibbs seems to be the player who will inherit that left back role. In my opinion, Gibbs is almost exactly like Clichy, except Gibbs is not as quick as the Frenchman. We need a left back who is made in the mold of Bacary Sagna. Someone who is very solid when defending but can also cross the ball down the [...]
Two late penalties create drama at the Emirates but the home fans were left disappointed. Cesc Fabregas earned a penalty late in extra time. RVP placed the ball perfectly and the Gooners were going mad. But just a minute or two later, Emmanuel Eboue fouled Lucas in the box and Liverpool were awarded a penalty. Dirk Kuyt put the ball in the corner and stunned the Emirates. The Reds have severly hurt our chances at the title.
Kuyt deflated the Emirates.
The match started with a lot of promise. We were still right in the title race and the players look determined to score. We should have been up by a goal at half-time at least, due to the number of chances. In the 16th minute, Laurent Koscielny out jumped Pepe Reina for a corner but the header bounced off the crossbar. It was unlucky but the Gunners continued to dominate in the first half.
Robin van Persie did not have his best match. He had many chances to score, including a one-on-one with Reina but the Dutchman failed to put the ball in the net. It was a frustating day for the Gunners and it began to look as if we would have another nil-nil at the Emirates.
A scary moment occurred in the 57th minute. Outside back John Flanagan collided with his centre half, Jamie Carragher, and the two banged heads. Carragher was knocked out cold and fell to the ground motionless. The medical staff rushed out to treat Carragher [...]
Liverpool will take on Arsenal at the Emirates tomorrow in a game that could end our title hopes. Three points are needed for us to catch United. Liverpool, meanwhile, have just come off a crushing of Manchester City on Monday. Liverpool are sixth in the table and they will have to make up a considerable deficit to make it into the Europa League.
I did watch the 3-0 Liverpool win over Man City on television. Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez are starting to develop into a lethal striking partnership. But what Liverpool team will we see tomorrow? The team that beat Man City or the team that lost to West Brom. That is yet to be determined.
Several players will be making their return to the Arsenal lineup tomorrow. Wojciech Szczesny and Johan Djourou are expected to be back. As is Alexander Song. These are key defensive players in this side. Djourou will be key to keeping Andy Carroll in check.
Speaking of Carroll, he scored his first two goals with Liverpool on Monday. If Djourou sits out, I think our back four would have a lot of trouble with him. But Djourou is a large man and a capable defender as well. Hopefully, he will make the day difficult for Carroll.
Arsene Wenger proclaimed: “This team is focused. I’ve told you many times I’m very proud to manage this team because they are focused, they want to do well.
Arsene clearly wantes Wilshere to take some time off this summer.
Arsene Wenger spoke to the media today about a number of issues. Chief among them was the new ownership. Everyone has heard about Stan Kroenke and the takeover of the club. That takeover is still in doubt because Usminov has said that he will not sell his 27% of the club. The AST (Arsenal Supporters Trust) have also said that they will not be selling their shares. Wenger said today that even if Kroenke takes over, things will be done the Wenger way:
“We will continue to run the club with the technical department having the decision on what is technical.
“For all the rest I have to answer to Stan Kroenke and I am ready for any questions, but I run the technical department. On the football side of things we will continue to focus on the football the way we want to play it to develop our players.
“We have a squad which is about 23 years of age who are in a strong position in the league. We have a certain philosophy of football and we will continue to develop that and to play even better.
“We will continue to run the club like it has been done until now – that means live within our resources, produce our own resources and develop our football team.”
Wenger talked with Kroenke at a meeting on Thursday. We all know that as long as Wenger is here, [...]
Midfielder Jack Wilshere will be able to play Tuesday night in Barcelona. Their was concern that Jack would miss the match because of an ankle problem that caused him to miss training today. Both Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song are questionable to play as well, so this is great news that Wilshere’s injury is not too serious. Wilshere, as always, communicated this on his Twitter account:
”Just to let you know i am not injured and if selected will be fit to face Barca! Few kicks but nothing too bad!”
Dirk Kuyt really helped the Arsenal today.
While Wilshere’s presence is a boost to the team, a bigger boost was supplied by Liverpool today. The Reds defeated the Red Devils at Anfield today, 3-1. It wasn’t just the defeat itself that energized us Arsenal fans. It was also the manner in which the game was won. Liverpool eased to victory behind a hat-trick from Dirk Kuyt. Maybe United’sreliance on old-timers is finally starting to catch up with them.
Where does that put the Gunners? Well, we are three points behind United with a game-in-hand. Our next league game isn’t until the 19th of March against West BromwichAlbion. That game could be moved if we go to a replay with United in the FA Cup.
Arsene Wengertalked today about dealing with the frustrations of his team:
“We have a big game on Tuesday and we have to recover well. We have the confidence, we beat them here and can beat them there.”
With everything leading up to the Barcelona match, some seem to be forgetting that the Gunners face off against Sunderland tomorrow afternoon at the Emirates. We will be missing many key players including (but not limited to) Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, and Alex Song. The match is crucial nonetheless. If we can beat Sunderland, then we can pull ourselves closer to the Red Devils. We have a game-in-hand on United and, if we win that, can hoist up to only a single point back of the league leaders.
The main fear for me is that we are looking past this important match. Everyone knows that the Camp Nou game is on Tuesday night, but I think this match may be more vital. I think everyone will agree with me on that because winning the Premier League is the priority. Not saying the “Champions” League (if you want to call it that) is not important.
Many are making the point that the “Champions League” is a misnomer. Remember when Liverpool won in 2005. They were not the best team in England let alone Europe. But they went on a cup run and were honored for doing so. You play much more games in the league, and the league is a better representation of the quality of your team than any cup. If Chelsea win the Champions League, are they the Champions of Europe even if they finish 4th or 5th in their domestic league?
