Arsenal FC - The 2nd Official Thread
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Eboue has United in his sights
Emmanuel Eboue admits he is desperate to shrug off his injury concerns in order to play in Arsenal's game with Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.
The Ivorian right-back is currently rated as doubtful for the showdown at Emirates Stadium due to an ankle injury picked up in the 2-2 draw with Portsmouth on 16th December.
Eboue lasted 66 minutes as he attempted a comeback in the FA Cup win over Liverpool before suffering a recurrence of the blow, and his participation against The Red Devils is still in doubt.
However, the Ivory Coast international is anxious to play when Sir Alex Ferguson brings his Premiership leaders to North London for one of the most highly-anticipated games of the season.
"I have been injured since the game against Portsmouth and when I trained I was still feeling it a little bit," Eboue told the club's official website.
"But I am hoping to be back for the game against Manchester United. I really, really want to play in that game."
Eboue is likely to replace Justin Hoyte if passed fit, with his impressive form over the past 12 months even convincing Arsene Wenger to sell two-time Premiership winner Lauren. -
Clichy out to prove point
Gael Clichy aims to prove to Arsene Wenger that he is the long-term replacement for Ashley Cole.
Clichy has become a regular fixture in the Arsenal backline this season, filling the void left by Cole's acrimonious summer transfer to Chelsea.
The 21-year-old is determined to maintain the impressive form he has shown so far and negate the need for Wenger to enter the transfer market.
"I have to keep working hard in training because I know how quickly things can change in football," he said.
"Maybe tomorrow there will be some new left-back and Arsenal may want to sign him - so I am working hard to make sure that the boss does not feel he needs to go out and buy someone else in the summer."
The Frenchman has relished his promotion from Cole's understudy.
Clichy added on Arsenal's official website: "My first two seasons here were good, but Ashley was there so I was on the bench a lot. Then last season was difficult for me with all the injuries.
"But now I am just enjoying the time I get to play on the pitch." -
Gilberto: Gunners still a threat
Arsenal vice-captain Gilberto believes a win over Manchester United on Sunday could be the springboard to an unlikely title challenge.
A victory at Emirates Stadium - in the game that is televised live on Sky Sports 1 - would still leave The Gunners 12 points shy of their pre-eminent rivals.
However Gilberto is aware that Arsenal squandered a similar advantage four years ago and the Brazilian midfielder is refusing to concede defeat in the Premiership title race.
"We need to take it step by step. To change our situation we have to win all 15 games we have remaining," Gilberto said in the Daily Star.
"Sunday will be very important for us. If we win, who knows what might happen. Maybe they could slip up, like we did in the 2002/03 season.
"We were 12 points ahead and then we dropped point after point and they caught up with us and won the league.
"But first of all we have to make sure we win our games, because unless we do that nothing can happen."
Gilberto will miss the crunch game due to suspension after being shown a red card for lashing out at Robbie Savage in the 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.
The holding midfielder admits he is still frustrated at the nature of his dismissal and has accused referee Rob Styles of making a serious error of judgement.
"What really frustrated me was I was kicked by Savage when I was on the floor after the referee had blown his whistle and stopped the game," Gilberto added.
"It's strange I get sent off after being kicked while I was on the floor when the game has stopped, yet the person who kicked me only gets a yellow card.
"I don't know who makes the rules but I think the referee made a big mistake." -
Fergie expects Gunners revival
Sir Alex Ferguson feels Arsenal have struggled this term on account of the upheaval caused by their move from Highbury, but the Manchester United chief fully expects Arsene Wenger to mastermind a revival.
Ferguson and Wenger have enjoyed a fierce rivalry for a decade and the Scot turned his attentions to Arsenal's current crop ahead of their meeting on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.
The Red Devils chief feels Arsenal overachieved in reaching last season's UEFA Champions League final, but does not believe that they are suffering a hangover from their European near miss.
"I don't think the Champions League final has anything to do with it, because I think it was a bonus them getting there," Ferguson told the Daily Mirror.
"Nobody expected them to get there, it was a surprise and I think they would recognise it themselves because they were a young team and had no record in Europe, so they did exceptionally well to get there.
"So rather than it being a negative it should have been a positive because they'd overachieved.
"This season they've got young players, and a change to a new stadium may have something to do with it.
"A change of environment, a different type of pitch, there's a lot of things can go into it. But they've got quality and you always expect quality to eventually surface.
"There also seems to be a good camaraderie about them, there doesn't seem to be any break in the ranks." -
Wenger hopeful over van Persie
Arsenal have insisted that Robin van Persie could be fit for Sunday's Premiership clash with Manchester United.
The Gunners meet United at Emirates Stadium in the second part of Sky Sports' Grand Slam weekend - as Chelsea face Liverpool on Saturday - both of which are live on Sky Sports 1.
Reports had suggested that van Persie would not make the big clash after picking up an ankle knock, but Arsene Wenger feels the Dutchman could be involved.
"At the moment we think it is a very short-term problem," said Wenger.
"He is going for a scan and after that we will know more about it. He still has a very good chance of being available for Sunday."
Freddie Ljungberg and William Gallas are still sidelined, but Emmanuel Eboude is fit again.
"Eboue will be available," said Wenger. "But Ljungberg and Gallas are still out." -
I certainly hope Arsenal whack United.
United getting too high, need something to make them crash back to earth. -
But dun tink man u will lose lehz...l tink they already hav the mindset for fogoing the champions league and focus everything on the league..dun tink they will lose..perhaps a draw as a bad result for them?Originally posted by I need help:I certainly hope Arsenal whack United.
United getting too high, need something to make them crash back to earth.
Man u will be chionging for this EPL TITLE FOR SURE.... -
Wenger: Loss would end title bid
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says defeat to Manchester United on Sunday would end their title bid.
The Gunners are currently 15 points behind the league leaders, but can reduce the arrears against The Red Devils, live on Sky Sports 1.
The French tactician believes his charges can take heart from their Old Trafford win earlier in the season and is hoping for a repeat at the Emirates.
Arsenal's chances of a double look good after winning all four games played since the turn of the New Year - including a 6-3 Carling Cup win at Liverpool.
Asked if defeat would end the club's quest for the title, Wenger replied: "For us, certainly.
"It's a good opportunity to reduce the distance on Manchester United and we want to use it.
"We are really determined to reduce the gap. We know we can beat United because we've done it away.
"Why shouldn't we do it at home? We're in good form, they are as well, it's a very promising game.
"I think both teams will go for it because United are also a team who try to score goals." -
Cesc vows to get even better
Cesc Fabregas believes there is still room for improvement in his game, despite the praise being lavished on the precocious Spaniard.
The 19-year-old has been in superb form this season, pulling the strings in Arsenal's midfield with an exquisite range of passing.
Fabregas's performances have coveted many column inches and reportedly also the wish list of Liga giants Real Madrid.
But the player is determined to keep his feet on the ground, admitting even that his game is not without its flaws.
"I am just 19. The good thing about being young is that you've got so many things to learn," Fabregas told the Daily Telegraph.
"Even Thierry [Henry] and Ronaldinho - they can still learn. That's the thing about football. You cannot be perfect.
"Sometimes you lose the ball, they will take it off your feet.
"I need to improve my left foot a lot, improve the defensive side, my heading as well. That has come on lately but physically I'm not the biggest man in the world.
"Even when people were talking about Real Madrid, I think I could have played better.
"So when you hear all the praise, you just try to forget it." -
Sol relief after nightmare
Sol Campbell endured a traumatic final season at Arsenal, but the Portsmouth defender believes he has returned from that nightmare a better player.
Campbell's performances in defence have been instrumental in Portsmouth's rise up the standings, capping a major turnaround in the player's fortunes.
The 32-year-old's career appeared to be on the ropes after he walked out of Arsenal's 3-2 defeat to West Ham last February but almost 12 months on he is delighted to have proved people wrong.
"I know what people were saying, that it was the end. To overcome that takes a lot of strength within yourself," Campbell told the Mirror.
"Whether people always realise that or appreciate it is another thing. When you go through times like that, you have to look at yourself and ask the question: 'What do you really want out of football?'
"Football gives me great pleasure. I want to win, I want to play good football. I love the challenges."
Campbell admitted public speculation over his future was a trying experience.
"It's fair to say I wasn't always smiling last year but I am now. For any professional footballer who has a 20-year career it's not always going to be roses, is it?" added Campbell.
"You do sometimes go through difficult times. It can happen in any industry. I understand it doesn't happen so publicly for them but throughout my period in football I've shown that kind of inner strength.
"When you have that kind of experience that I did, you've got to re-evaluate everything around you. You look at what you are doing in your life and realise that some things have got to go and other things have got to stay.
"It's not about showing other people that I can still do it, that I haven't lost what made me a player. It's about me inside, about who I am as a human being." -
Lehmann unsure of future
Jens Lehmann has yet to make a decision on his Arsenal future but believes he can continue at the top level for another couple of years.
Lehmann's current contract expires in June but he has been given no indication by Wenger about whether he will be required next season.
The German number one is 37-years-old but he feels his fitness is very good and that his career is not quite drawing to a close yet.
However, he concedes that he does not know where he will be plying his trade next term.
"To be honest I don't want to think about it at the moment," said Lehmann.
"I might make a decision next week, I might wait longer.
"I have only missed one game for Arsenal through injury - and that was when I had a cold before the league game against Liverpool.
"I feel I can play for another one or two years and anyway I will know when it is time to stop." -
Flamini: We knew Utd would tire
Mathieu Flamini has revealed Arsene Wenger predicted Manchester United would wilt in the closing stages of Sunday's defeat to Arsenal.
The Premiership leaders took a 53rd minute lead through Wayne Rooney, but succumbed to a late Gunners comeback as Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry scored in the closing seven minutes.
Flamini admits United made it difficult for Arsenal, but acknowledged a half-time pep talk from Wenger ensured The Gunners would never give up.
"During half-time, the coach told us," Flamini told L'Equipe.
"He asked us to remain focused and strong because Manchester will give up physically in the last 20 minutes.
"He said: 'They are not the same anymore after 70 minutes'. Once again, the coach was right!
"We have to be honest, Manchester played very well and we had difficulties to play our game. They countered us very well.
"But Arsenal is not only a team that plays nice football, it is also a team that never gives up."
Flamini replaced the suspended Gilberto Silva in central midfield and the Frenchman was happy with his contribution in the 2-1 win.
He added: "I believe I achieved a good match. It is not a secret that I prefer to play in the midfield.
"The coach trusts me. Competition is very tough at Arsenal, you have to fight during each match.
"But that's just like that in a great club and I enjoy it." -
Your View: The title race
Arsenal's last gasp winner over Manchester United at Emirates Stadium concluded a sensational weekend of Premiership football.
Thierry Henry's magnificent header was a fitting climax to an excellent game in the capital, which appears to have opened up the title race.
With the top two both having tasted defeat on their travels it is as you were at the Premiership summit but as the gap closes between the also-rans and the pretenders, are the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, following their win over Chelsea, now ready to mount bids of their own. -
Van Persie blow for Gunners
Arsenal's dramatic win over Manchester United has been tempered considerably with news that Robin van Persie has broken the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.
The Dutchman has been nursing injury all week and after the clash at Emirates Stadium, his manager Arsene Wenger spoke of how he had not wanted his striker to play any part.
However, with Arsenal struggling for an equaliser, Wenger had no alternative other than to employ his top goalscorer, who responded by converting an 84th minute leveller.
His goal has, though, come at a real cost as Arsenal have confirmed that in scoring he broke the little toe on his right foot, in an injury that will likely see him sidelined for a considerable period.
Thierry Henry sealed Arsenal's victory with a stunning header three minutes into the injury time but it seems likely any jubilation in North London will be dulled by news of Van Persie's injury. -
Henry: Victory was special
Thierry Henry could hardly contain his glee after netting a fine headed winner against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal's captain was on the periphery of much of the action in a pulsating capital contest but his one major contribution proved to be vital, as he scored Arsenal's winner three minutes into injury time.
After Wayne Rooney had broken the deadlock early in the second half, with a rare header of his own, there seemed only likely to be one winner but Arsene Wenger's side dug deep and ground out a result which opens up the title race.
Substitute Robin Van Persie, whose afternoon was later ruined in breaking his fifth metatarsal, grabbed Arsenal's equaliser eight minutes from time before Henry, not for the first time, stole all the plaudits with a brilliant winner.
The Frenchman admits he is not used to scoring with his head but he was not complaining, after what proved to be the most dramatic of conclusions to a fascinating contest.
"I scored with my head so it must have been pretty special!" he told Sky Sports.
"I wanted to make sure to at least make it difficult for Edwin (van der Sar) and I got the ball in the back of the net.
"It can't be better against Manchester United than to be 1-0 down and come back right at the end and win the game.
"A win against Manchester United is always special but especially so with the way we did it today.
"Doing the double over them is always a pleasure." -
You wouldn't believe what I did when Henry scored that header.
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Did wat?Originally posted by I need help:You wouldn't believe what I did when Henry scored that header. 
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Gunners spy on Czech starlet
Arsenal are interested in signing FC Brno defender Ondrej Mazuch, according to the player's agent.
Reports indicated last week that the talented 17-year-old would be joining Bayer Leverkusen, but Brno are demanding a transfer fee of €1.5million (£1million).
The Czech side have given Leverkusen until the end of the month to come back with another offer, and in the meantime will weigh up Mazuch's alternative options.
"We have agreed on the transfer fee and Bayer representatives will officially hand their new proposal to us," said the club's majority shareholder Roman Pros.
"In this time, we will hold talks over Mazuch´s future with other suitors."
Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley was in Czech Republic to watch Mazuch in action on Sunday as FC Brno beat Zlin 3-2 in an indoor tournament.
And agent Viktor Kolar admitted that his client was excited about Arsenal's interest.
"Arsenal have taken up approximately ten reports and this visit has been the biggest one for Brno because it is from such a top quality club," Kolar explained.
Mazuch himself has refused to be drawn on the transfer speculation.
"I am staying calm, and trying to fully concentrate on my performances," he said. -
Wenger admits Diaby doubts
Arsene Wenger has welcomed the imminent return of Abou Diaby to the Arsenal starting XI, whilst revealing that he feared for the youngster's career following his serious injury.
The French midfielder is in line to make his first start since May in the Carling Cup semi-final against North London rivals Tottenham after recovering from a fractured and dislocated ankle.
Such was the severity of the injury - sustained in a challenge with Sunderland's Dan Smith - that Wenger even pondered taking legal action against the Black Cats player.
Now The Gunners boss has conceded that he feared for Diaby's future after the horrific injury which left him sidelined for nearly nine months, but the former Auxerre starlet is now back stronger than ever in North London.
"I had a big doubt in my mind that he would come back," Wenger told the club's official website.
"They told me first that the broken ankle was a very serious one and they needed advice from the surgeon, who was only optimistic after the surgery.
"I am very happy because he not only came back, but he looks even stronger than before.
"It is only his first game back and we must be patient - but he can be a great player and I am sure he will be."
Diaby will start against Tottenham in the Carling Cup tie, live on Sky Sports 1, and Wenger is pleased that his availability will help to add some steel to a midfield which has looked lightweight at times since the departure of former captain Patrick Vieira.
"I feel we missed him because he gives you something that the other players do not have. That kind of Vieira presence in the physical challenges," said Wenger.
"In some games you want him in there, also in the air. When you go to a place and the ball is 'up there' all the time it is very important to have a guy of his size on the throw-ins, set-pieces and long balls forward.
"They are not similar sorts of players at all really - but in the style of run and behaviour and especially in the strength of the challenges he reminds me of Patrick.
"After that he is a different type of player." -
Wenger admits Diaby doubts
Arsene Wenger has welcomed the imminent return of Abou Diaby to the Arsenal starting XI, whilst revealing that he feared for the youngster's career following his serious injury.
The French midfielder is in line to make his first start since May in the Carling Cup semi-final against North London rivals Tottenham after recovering from a fractured and dislocated ankle.
Such was the severity of the injury - sustained in a challenge with Sunderland's Dan Smith - that Wenger even pondered taking legal action against the Black Cats player.
Now The Gunners boss has conceded that he feared for Diaby's future after the horrific injury which left him sidelined for nearly nine months, but the former Auxerre starlet is now back stronger than ever in North London.
"I had a big doubt in my mind that he would come back," Wenger told the club's official website.
"They told me first that the broken ankle was a very serious one and they needed advice from the surgeon, who was only optimistic after the surgery.
"I am very happy because he not only came back, but he looks even stronger than before.
"It is only his first game back and we must be patient - but he can be a great player and I am sure he will be."
Diaby will start against Tottenham in the Carling Cup tie, live on Sky Sports 1, and Wenger is pleased that his availability will help to add some steel to a midfield which has looked lightweight at times since the departure of former captain Patrick Vieira.
"I feel we missed him because he gives you something that the other players do not have. That kind of Vieira presence in the physical challenges," said Wenger.
"In some games you want him in there, also in the air. When you go to a place and the ball is 'up there' all the time it is very important to have a guy of his size on the throw-ins, set-pieces and long balls forward.
"They are not similar sorts of players at all really - but in the style of run and behaviour and especially in the strength of the challenges he reminds me of Patrick.
"After that he is a different type of player." -
Babel in Gunners visit
Ajax youngster Ryan Babel reportedly visited London to watch Arsenal in the Premiership earlier this month.
Reports in Holland have suggested that the 20-year-old took advantage of the Eredivisie's short winter break to watch The Gunners in action and meet with officials from the North London club.
The youngster's agent confirmed that Babel made the early January trip to London, but insisted his visit to Arsenal was as a fan and not to negotiate a move away from the Amsterdam giants.
The former Ajax trainee, who is under contract until the summer of 2008, is talking with his current club about an extended deal, having previously stated his intention to stay with his present employers.
The striker has also interested Premiership side Newcastle United, but it is unlikely that Babel will move away from the Amsterdam ArenA before the end of January. -
Wenger frets over Hleb injury
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb's hamstring injury 'doesn't look too good'.
Hleb picked up the problem during The Gunners' 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
The Belarus international came on as a 56th minute substitute for Abou Diaby, but lasted just 25 minutes before being replaced by Mathieu Flamini.
Following on from the injury Robin van Persie suffered against Manchester United at the weekend, Wenger lamented the latest setback to his squad.
"We lost Van Persie on Sunday and now we have lost Hleb," Wenger told the club's official website.
"Hleb has done his hamstring and it doesn't look too good."
Another player to be substituted at White Hart Lane was Jeremie Aliadiere, who was withdrawn after an hour.
But Wenger is confident the French striker has not suffered a serious problem after collecting a back complaint.
Wenger added: "He got a kick in his back, but he should be okay." -
Fabregas doesn't want to rest
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has insisted he does not need a break and is determined to play as much as he can.
The 19-year-old has missed just three games all season, helping The Gunners in all four major competitions.
Fabregas has been involved in every Premiership and UEFA Champions League game for Arsene Wenger's side this term.
He was also part of the side that drew with Tottenham in the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
Arsenal's next opponents are Sam Allardyce's Bolton in the FA Cup at the weekend, and Fabregas is keen to continue in midfield.
Wenger is sure to be concerned about over playing Fabregas, but the young Spaniard does not want to be rested.
"The boss has not said anything to me about taking a break," Fabregas said.
"In the Carling Cup, a lot of players have been rested. For me, I like playing this kind of game. That is why I play football - to enjoy.
"The manager just told me he was planning to play me and asked if I was happy about it. I said, 'of course'.
"I always want to play - even more against Tottenham. It is a great feeling." -
Wenger worried about Van
Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal may have to battle through the rest of the season without Dutch forward Robin van Persie.
Van Persie has been a shining light for The Gunners this term, but he broke a bone in his foot when scoring Arsenal's equaliser in the 2-1 win over Manchester United last Sunday.
The club's medical team have forecasted an eight-week recuperation period, but Wenger fears it could be April before Van Persie is ready to challenge for a place in the side.
And Wenger admits that such a scenario would make life difficult for the 23-year-old to find peak form before the season draws to a close.
"Ideally you would say six to eight weeks - but as well it could be 10," said Wenger.
"That means April and you are close to the end of the season and you will need to get back to your best level.
"I hope it will be six weeks - but that is really optimistic." -
Almunia has faith in Baptista
Manuel Almunia is backing Julio Baptista to make an impact in the Premiership and hopes the Brazilian will stay at Arsenal.
Baptista is on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, with Jose Antonio Reyes having gone in the opposite direction, and the deals could become permanent in the summer.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is still assessing the merits of the attacker, who has started just three games in the Premiership and has yet to score.
But he has netted six goals in two Carling Cup appearances and Spanish keeper Almunia is confident Baptista will soon come good in the league.
"He showed that he is a good player and a good scorer, and I am sure he will show that soon in the Premier League," said Almunia of Baptista's performance against Tottenham.
"Julio is very strong and mentally strong as well.
"When he started off at Arsenal it was not very easy for him, but now he is happy here, starting to train well and is playing better.
"The only thing is he needs more chances in the league games, but with the players we have up front it is difficult to take a place in the team.
"I know that Julio wants to stay here because in Madrid he was not very happy.
"The decision is difficult because Jose is involved as well and Arsenal have to do a few things before Julio stays here.
"But Jose is happy in Spain and Julio is happy here, so that is it."