tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301568842024-03-14T11:54:21.460+02:00Arsenal NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-51839015242864466362009-04-20T00:10:00.002+03:002009-04-20T00:15:48.243+03:00Aresenal News 2.0 ... SOON!After a long absence (1 year and 2 months) to be exact, the blog is coming back at you with a totally new concept and a brand new design that will complement the changes that will happen.<br /><br />I realize the disappointment many of you had after months of no post updates, and I understand, but I had my personal reasons. Now however, things are going to change!<br /><br />Keep checking this space as the new layout reveal time is a bit of a surprise!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-86359457006290130242008-02-24T00:04:00.000+02:002008-02-24T00:05:35.848+02:00Wenger fury after Eduardo injury<div class="mxb"> <div class="sh"> Wenger fury after Eduardo injury </div> </div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S BO --> <!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td> <div> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44446000/jpg/_44446681_eduardo_pa_270.jpg" alt="Referee Mike Dean shows a red card to Martin Taylor (out of shot) as Eduardo receives treatment" border="0" height="270" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">Martin Taylor (out of shot) is sent off as Eduardo receives treatment</div> </div> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IIMA --> <!-- S SF --> <b>Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Martin Taylor should "never play football again" after the Birmingham captain's tackle broke Eduardo's leg.</b> </span><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Eduardo went down in the third minute of the Premier League encounter and Taylor was shown a straight red card. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"The tackle was horrendous and this guy should never play football again," Wenger told BBC Sport. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">But Blues boss Alex McLeish responded: "Martin's not a dirty player. He's distraught over Eduardo's injury." <!-- E SF --></span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IMED --> </span></p><div class="avinline"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7260000/newsid_7260700?redirect=7260749.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&nbram=1" onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;"> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" alt="" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger</b> </a> </span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- E IMED --> <!-- S IMED --> </span><div class="avinline"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7260000/newsid_7260700?redirect=7260757.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1&nbram=1" onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;"> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" alt="" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Birmingham boss Alex McLeish</b> </a> </span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- E IMED --> </span> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Eduardo, 24, remained lying on the pitch for seven minutes as medical staff attended to him before he was stretchered off and taken to Selly Oak Hospital. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sibStdQuote"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b>In slow motion these tackles look bad but he's not a malicious player - Eduardo was just too quick for him</b> <br /> </div> </div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">McLeish on Taylor</div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IBOX --> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Wenger hit out at the way he feels his team have been targeted by opponents. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"It goes with the idea that to stop Arsenal you have to kick Arsenal and that kind of thing was waiting to happen," he said. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"Many people have got away with too many bad tackles. We've escaped a few times but it's just not acceptable. If that is football it's better to stop it. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"The worst thing you hear after is that 'he's not the kind of guy who usually does that', but you need to only kill one person one time - it's enough." </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">McLeish, however, sprang to the defence of his player. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sibStdQuote"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b>Martin Taylor is adamant there was no malicious intent and he is deeply upset by the extent of Eduardo's injury</b> <br /> </div> </div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">Birmingham statement</div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IBOX --> "I've seen the challenge and, yes, the studs land on Eduardo's ankle. In slow motion these tackles always look bad but he's not a malicious player - Eduardo was just too quick for him," he explained. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"The referee's done his job, it's a sending off, but Taylor's not a malicious player." </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Birmingham released a statement later on Saturday saying the club were "saddened that such a fantastic game of football has been marred by a serious injury" </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">It added: "Martin Taylor is adamant there was no malicious intent in the tackle and he is deeply upset by the extent of Eduardo's injury. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"Having reviewed the incident, this (no malicious intent) is clearly the case. The club and Martin Taylor would like to send their very best wishes to the player for a speedy recovery." </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sibStdQuote"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b>The minimum is his season is over and we are scared that it is much longer</b> <br /> </div> </div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">Wenger on Eduardo</div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IBOX --> The seriousness of the injury was apparent as both sets of players and medical staff looked shocked while Eduardo was treated on the pitch. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The Brazilian-born striker now looks certain to miss out on Croatia's participation at Euro 2008 in June. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"It was a massive shock for the team. They've seen what kind of state he was in," Wenger added. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"He's a fantastic guy and to see him in such pain and the shape of his leg was very difficult for the players. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"We hope he comes back quickly but the minimum is his season is over and we are scared that it is much longer." </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Wigan boss Steve Bruce, who signed Taylor from Blackburn when he was Blues boss in February 2004, said his former player would never intentionally hurt anyone. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"Martin Taylor is the biggest, gentlest man," said Bruce. "There will be nobody more upset and sickened than him, there is not a bad bone in his body. </span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"He would never, ever do anything malicious. He has mis-timed the tackle, and I've seen it. Some would say it is not even a yellow card."<!-- E BO --> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-79396940144509621462008-02-23T23:52:00.000+02:002008-02-24T00:04:21.345+02:00B'Ham 2 - 2 Arsenal<div class="mxb"> <div class="sh"> Birmingham 2-2 Arsenal </div> </div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S BO --> <!-- S IBYL --> </span><div class="mvb"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="416"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="bottom"> <div class="mvb"> <span class="byl"> By Saj Chowdhury </span> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/999999.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="416" /><br /> </span></div> <!-- E IBYL --> <p> <!-- S IIMA --> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td> <div> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44446000/jpg/_44446695_eduardo270.jpg" alt="Eduardo breaks leg" border="0" height="270" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">The injury to Eduardo stunned everybody on the pitch</div> </div> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IIMA --> <!-- S SF --> <b>James McFadden salvaged a point for Birmingham with an injury-time penalty but the game was overshadowed by a horrific injury to Arsenal's Eduardo.</b> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The striker suffered a broken leg in the third minute after a tackle by Martin Taylor, who was sent off. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">McFadden gave the Blues the lead with a 20-yard free-kick before Theo Walcott poked in his first Premier League goal. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Walcott made it 2-1 with a mazy run and shot before McFadden equalised after Gael Clichy fouled Stuart Parnaby. <!-- E SF --></span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IMED --> </span></p><div class="avinline"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7260000/newsid_7260700?redirect=7260749.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&nbram=1" onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;"> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" alt="" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger</b> </a> </span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- E IMED --> <!-- S IMED --> </span><div class="avinline"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7260000/newsid_7260700?redirect=7260757.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1&nbram=1" onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;"> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" alt="" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Birmingham boss Alex McLeish</b> </a> </span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- E IMED --> </span> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">It was a dramatic end to an incident-packed match that began with a sickening injury to Croatia international Eduardo which shocked players and officials in the immediate vicinity. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Referee Mike Dean summoned Arsenal physio Gary Lewin and the St John's Ambulance volunteers to attend to the striker and issued a straight red to Taylor. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The on-pitch treatment for the 24-year-old lasted seven minutes before he was given oxygen, stretchered off and rushed to hospital in Birmingham. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf"> 606: DEBATE </div> <div class="ibqlinks"><!-- S ILIN --><a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A32683395">What did you think of the game?</a><!-- E ILIN --></div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IBOX --> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Both sides did their best to get their minds refocused after the restart but it took until the 28th minute before there was a major goalmouth incident, resulting in the opening goal for Birmingham. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The marauding McFadden, who was playing on his own in attack after Mikael Forssell was sacrificed for defender Stuart Parnaby following the red card, was brought down by Mathieu Flamini. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The Scotland forward dusted himself off before delicately placing his 20-yard free-kick into Manuel Almunia's top-left corner, despite the Spaniard getting a hand to the ball. </span></p><p> <!-- S IIMA --> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td> <div> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44446000/jpg/_44446816_mcfadden203.jpg" alt="James McFadden" border="0" height="152" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">McFadden was on form at St Andrew's </div> </div> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IIMA --> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">McFadden should have doubled the home side's lead in the fifth of nine minutes of stoppage time but allowed Phillippe Senderos to tackle him after finding himself one-on-one with Almunia. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The Premier League leaders appeared shell-shocked during the first 45 minutes following the injury to their team-mate and needed a spark after the break to haul them back into the match. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">That spark was provided by wunderkind Walcott, making his 30th league appearance for Arsenal. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The sprightly 18-year-old, in for the suspended Emmanuel Eboue, was first to pounce on a loose ball, from a challenge between keeper Taylor and Emmanuel Adebayor, and stabbed in from eight yards. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">And five minutes later he put Arsenal in the lead after seizing on a mistake from Liam Ridgewell, drifting past two City defenders and rifling his low effort past the reach of Taylor. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal could have added to their lead, but first Adebayor was foiled by the hand of Taylor and then Bendtner smacked a low angled shot just wide of the Birmingham right-hand upright. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The Gunners seemed guaranteed to take all three points back to north London, before their hopes were shattered by an inexplicable mistake from full-back Clichy. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The French defender delivered a pass into no-man's land inside the Arsenal area and allowed Parnaby to seize on the ball before bringing the former Middlesbrough player down. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Referee Dean pointed to the spot and McFadden stepped up to smash the ball to Almunia's left. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The final whistle sounded seconds after the restart - Arsenal were left stunned, in particular defender William Gallas who sat down on the pitch for about two minutes before manager Wenger called him to his feet. </span></p><p> </p><hr /> <p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">• <b>Birmingham boss Alex McLeish:</b><br />"Taking the lead was unexpected but what a great goal it was and we looked comfortable up to half-time. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"We got a bit casual. I thought it's going to be a long second half. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"We were prepared to lose it by a heavier margin but boldness, I think, got us a point." </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">• <b>Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:</b><br />"It was a dodgy penalty for their equaliser and they should not have been given a free-kick that led to the first goal. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"A minute before they got their penalty I was 100% certain that Emmanuel Adebayor should have won a spot-kick. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">And on William Gallas' full-time protest: "He was frustrated." </span></p><p> </p><hr /> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Birmingham:</b> Maik Taylor, Kelly, Martin Taylor, Ridgewell, Murphy, Larsson (Nafti 66), Johnson, Muamba, Kapo (Zarate 59), McFadden, Forssell (Parnaby 15).<br />Subs Not Used: Doyle, Jerome. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Sent Off: </b> Martin Taylor (3). </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Goals:</b> McFadden 28, 90 pen. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Arsenal:</b> Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Walcott (Denilson 89), Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb (Silva 89), Eduardo (Bendtner 8), Adebayor.<br />Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Justin Hoyte. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Booked:</b> Sagna, Gallas. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Goals: </b> Walcott 50, 55. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Att: </b> 27,195 </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Ref:</b> Mike Dean (Wirral). </span></p><p> </p><hr /> <p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match:</b> Birmingham's James McFadden 7.50 (on 90 minutes). </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">• <i>Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.</i><!-- S ILIN --></span></p><div class="arr"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a class="bodl" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/live_text/6173791.stm">Player Rater</a></span></div><!-- E ILIN --> <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><!-- E BO --> <span style="font-size:85%;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-75420685102519729512008-02-17T12:30:00.000+02:002008-02-17T12:32:28.019+02:00Man Utd 4 - 0 Arsenal<div class="mxb"> <div class="sh"> Man Utd 4-0 Arsenal </div> </div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S BO --> <!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td> <div> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44431000/jpg/_44431987_roocred203.jpg" alt="Wayne Rooney is congratulated by Nani after United's opening goal" border="0" height="152" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">Wayne Rooney is congratulated by Nani after United's opening goal</div> </div> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IIMA --> <!-- S SF --> <b>Wayne Rooney delivered a virtuoso solo display as Manchester United outclassed Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.</b> </span><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Rooney headed United in front from close range after 16 minutes and Darren Fletcher provided another headed finish from Nani's cross four minutes later. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Michael Carrick set up Nani for a third as United turned on the style. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue was sent off after 48 minutes for a foul on Patrice Evra before Nani was the creator again as Fletcher headed United's fourth. <!-- E SF --></span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IMED --> </span></p><div class="avinline"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7240000/newsid_7248900?redirect=7248988.stm&news=1&bbram=1&nbram=1&bbwm=1&nbwm=1" onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;"> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" alt="" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Report: Manchester Utd 4-0 Arsenal</b> </a> </span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- E IMED --> <!-- S IMED --> </span><div class="avinline"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7240000/newsid_7248900?redirect=7248980.stm&news=1&nbram=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1" onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;"> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" alt="" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger</b> </a> </span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- E IMED --> <!-- S IMED --> </span><div class="avinline"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7240000/newsid_7249000?redirect=7249003.stm&news=1&bbram=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1" onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;"> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" alt="" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interviw: Man Utd assistant boss Carlos Queiroz</b> </a> </span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- E IMED --> </span> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf"> 606: DEBATE </div> <div> <div class="mva"> <b><!-- S ILIN --><a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A32433112">Awesome United</a><!-- E ILIN --></b> <br /> </div> </div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">Red Mik</div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IBOX --> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">England coach Fabio Capello was in attendance at Old Trafford and showed his appreciation for Rooney's brilliance by applauding his England striker when he was substituted with 20 minutes left. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">United left Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs out of their line-up, while Arsenal kept Emmanuel Adebayor and Mathieu Flamini on the bench - and the Gunners suffered most from the changes. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Rooney returned from suspension after missing the defeat to Manchester City - and made up for lost time by destroying Arsenal with a blistering first-half display. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">He was on the mark after 16 minutes when a Nani corner was only half-cleared, and when Anderson headed the ball back into the danger area Rooney was perfectly placed to divert a close-range finish past Jens Lehmann. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Fletcher deservedly doubled the lead four minutes later when Nani opened up Arsenal on the left flank and crossed for the Scot to head in at the near post. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Rooney continued to terrorise the Arsenal defence and could have added to his goals tally before United made it three seven minutes before the interval. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Carrick split the Arsenal defence wide open, leaving Nani to control and calmly shoot past Lehmann. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Rooney had already tested Lehmann again before Arsenal's misery increased after 48 minutes when Eboue was rightly sent off for a raised boot in a tackle on Evra. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The Arsenal defender seemed reluctant to leave the pitch after referee Alan Wiley brandished the red card, but he had no excuses because it was an horrendous challenge. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Rooney was in almost unstoppable form, tearing the Arsenal defence apart almost at will, shooting wide after beating Kolo Toure and then bringing a fine save from Lehmann - all in the space of seconds. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">And with 16 minutes left, United got the fourth goal their dazzling football deserved when Nani floated up a perfect far post cross for Fletcher to head in at the far post. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal, who have enjoyed taunting outclassed teams in the past, were not enjoying getting a taste of their own medicine and William Gallas was lucky to escape punishment for an ill-disciplined kick at Nani. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Substitute Louis Saha almost added a fifth with two minutes left but keeper Lehmann - who had been blameless in the defeat - saved well again. </span></p><p> </p><hr /> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Man Utd:</b> Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Scholes 72), Park, Rooney (Saha 71), Nani.<br />Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Tevez. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Booked:</b> Ferdinand, Rooney, Fletcher. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Goals: </b>Rooney 16, Fletcher 20, Nani 38, Fletcher 74. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Arsenal: </b>Lehmann, Justin Hoyte, Gallas, Toure, Traore, Eboue, Fabregas (Flamini 70), Silva, Hleb (Adebayor 70), Eduardo (Senderos 71), Bendtner.<br />Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Clichy. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Sent Off:</b> Eboue (49). </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Booked: </b>Eduardo, Silva, Adebayor. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Att: </b>76,000 </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Ref: </b>Alan Wiley (Staffordshire). </span></p><p> </p><hr /> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match:</b> Manchester United's Wayne Rooney 8.61 (on 90 minutes). </span></p><p> </p><span style="font-size:85%;"><li><i>Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.</i> <p> <!-- S ILIN --></p><div class="arr"><a class="bodl" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/live_text/6183253.stm">Player Rater</a></div></li></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-32876952377506864072008-02-03T10:32:00.000+02:002008-02-03T10:34:20.214+02:00Capello keeps Agbonlahor in squad<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="629"><tbody><tr> <td colspan="3"> <div class="mxb"> <div class="sh">Capello keeps Agbonlahor in squad </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="416"><span style="font-size:85%;"><!-- S BO --><!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div><img alt="Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44400000/jpg/_44400308_agbonlahor203getty.jpg" border="0" height="152" hspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">Agbonlahor has been retained in the trimmed squad</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IIMA --><!-- S SF --><b>Uncapped Gabriel Agbonlahor stayed in Fabio Capello's first England squad for Wednesday's friendly with Switzerland after the 30-man party became 23.</b> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Striker Emile Heskey had to withdraw after earlier suffering a nerve problem in Wigan's 1-0 win over West Ham and Ledley King is also unfit to feature. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Stewart Downing and Michael Carrick were among the five players dropped, along with the uncapped Curtis Davies. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Nicky Shorey and Glenn Johnson are the others who have missed the cut. <!-- E SF --> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">David Beckham was left out of the initial squad, leaving him stuck on 99 international appearances, because of doubts over his match fitness. </span></p><p><!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sibStdQuote"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b>I don't expect to appoint a permanent captain until we start the qualifying games</b> <br /></div></div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">Fabio Capello</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IBOX --> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Capello, who also omitted Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, said: "I want to be clear that the players who have not made the squad this time are still part of my plans. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"We will be monitoring the form of everyone very closely as we work towards the competitive matches which start in September. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"It is of course a blow to lose Ledley King from the squad. He is a very good player who has impressed me a lot when I have seen him play. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"I am fully aware of his injury status after speaking with Juande Ramos on Friday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Emile Heskey's injury is disappointing too, but we have to concentrate on the players who are in the squad." </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Villa striker Agbonlahor, 21, is one of only four forwards in the squad, so stands a reasonable chance of making his debut on Wednesday. </span></p><p><!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf">606: DEBATE </div> <div class="ibqlinks"><!-- S ILIN --><a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A31925838">What do you think of the 23-man England squad?</a><!-- E ILIN --></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IBOX --> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">His club-mate Ashley Young could also feature at some stage, to earn only his second cap. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Capello revealed he will announce his choice for captain on Tuesday but added: "I don't expect to appoint a permanent captain until we start the qualifying games. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"I want to work closely with the players before deciding on this. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"I'm looking forward to working with them on the training ground. There is a lot of work to do but I am ready for the challenge. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"We have seven months to prepare for our first competitive match, but the work really starts now." </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The England squad will gather on Sunday afternoon at the team hotel in Watford. </span></p><p> </p><hr /> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>England's squad to play Switzerland:</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Goalkeepers:</b> David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Liverpool on loan at Aston Villa), Chris Kirkland (Wigan)<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Defenders:</b> Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur)<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Midfielders:</b> Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Forwards:</b> Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Michael Owen (Newcastle United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool) </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-54250428197782429402008-02-03T10:31:00.000+02:002008-02-03T10:32:20.942+02:00Man City 1 - 3 Arsenal<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="629"><tbody><tr> <td colspan="3"> <div class="mxb"> <div class="sh">Man City 1-3 Arsenal </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="416"><span style="font-size:85%;"><!-- S BO --><!-- S IBYL --> </span><div class="mvb"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="416"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="bottom"> <div class="mvb"><span class="byl">By Owen Phillips </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/999999.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="416" /><br /></span></div><!-- E IBYL --> <p><!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div><img alt="Eduardo fires home Arsenal's second" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44399000/jpg/_44399729_eduardo203credit.jpg" border="0" height="152" hspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">Eduardo rounded off a stunning move for Arsenal's second</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IIMA --><!-- S SF --><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice as stylish Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League and put an end to Manchester City's unbeaten home record.</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Adebayor set Arsenal on their way, sweeping the ball in from close range. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">And Eduardo's acrobatic turn and volley made it 2-0 from Adebayor's clever header after another glorious move. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">City replied when Vedran Corluka dispossessed Gael Clichy and found Gelson Fernandes but Adebayor sealed the win from close range late on. <!-- E SF --> </span></p><p><!-- S IMED --> </p><div class="avinline"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7220000/newsid_7224200?redirect=7224205.stm&news=1&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger</b> </a></span></div><!-- E IMED --><!-- S IMED --> <div class="avinline"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7220000/newsid_7224200?redirect=7224215.stm&news=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1&nbram=1"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Man City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson</b> </a></span></div><!-- E IMED --> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Sven-Goran Eriksson's side had only won one of their last seven Premier League fixtures, and with their confidence looking fragile the last thing they needed was to concede early against an Arsenal team who have lost just once in the league all season. </span></p><p><!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf">606: DEBATE </div> <div> <div class="mva"> <b><!-- S ILIN --><a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A31904570">Adebayor is potentially one of the best strikers in Europe </a><!-- E ILIN --></b> <br /></div></div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">northlondongooner</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IBOX --> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But that's exactly what happened as the visitors went ahead on nine minutes following a regulation free-flowing move. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Some neat first-time passing saw the Gunners work the ball out wide to the marauding Bacary Sagna whose superb first touch allowed him to outpace and out-muscle Michael Ball and get to the byline. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Adebayor met the cross and his shot crept in despite the best efforts of the sprawling Micah Richards and Joe Hart. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">And another sumptuous move from the Gunners soon made it 2-0. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Eduardo, Adebayor and Abou Diaby combined to set Clichy free on the left and his deep cross found Adebayor who picked out Eduardo. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The Croatian controlled the ball brilliantly on his chest and, with his back to goal, volleyed over his shoulder and past Hart. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">City had a strong claim for offside but the visitors thoroughly deserved their lead. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">However, just as Arsenal looked certain to run away with the match, some sloppy defending gifted City a way back. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Clichy tried to let the ball run out of play and was robbed in possession by Corluka and his pull-back was neatly side-footed home by Fernandes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The goal breathed life into the Eastlands crowd but Hart made a fine save from Adebayor's header after another surging Sagna run and skipper William Gallas fired narrowly wide following a corner. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">City could have gone ahead in the opening five minutes when a fantastic chipped pass from Elano almost set Stephen Ireland through on goal. </span></p><p><!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sibStdQuote"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b>Adebayor is outstanding at the moment and we need him in this form</b> <br /></div></div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">Arsene Wenger</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IBOX --> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">And Martin Petrov fired wide from the edge of the box in the closing seconds of the first period. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But apart from that, Arsenal were in complete control of the opening 45 minutes and although City improved after the break, they rarely looked like getting back on level terms. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal continued to create chances and had several chances to make the game safe. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Cesc Fabregas twice went close from long range, Mathieu Flamini had a shot blocked and Adebayor was denied when Richards and Richard Dunne closed him out as he raced through on goal. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">At the other end Jens Lehmann - deputising for the injured Maneul Almunia - sprinted from his area to prevent City substitute Darius Vassell getting a clean run on goal and Elano's follow-up shot sailed over the bar. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But Arsenal sealed the win with two minutes to go when a swift counter-attack saw Alexander Hleb and Fabregas find Adebayor and the striker stroked home his 18th league goal of the season. </span></p><p> </p><hr /> <p> </p><span style="font-size:85%;"><li><b>Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:</b><br />"We had a good start and went 2-0 up but we then lost concentration and eased up and were punished when they made it 2-1. <p>"The game opened up in the last 10 minutes when City went for a second goal but until then they kept good discipline. </p><p>"When the team plays well Adebayor scores and he is outstanding at the moment and we need him in this form. </p><p>"We have good confidence within the side because we know how we want to play." </p> </li><li><b>Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson:</b><br />"I am disappointed because we allowed them to go 2-0 up and in the first 20 minutes we gave them too much respect. <p>"Maybe we were a bit nervous but early on we did not compete and there was only one team in the match. </p><p>"Once they were two goals up they could take it a bit easy and play on the counter-attack. </p><p>"We have to learn quickly and wake up and do better because we desperately want to play in Europe next season." </p><p> </p><hr /> <p><b>Man City:</b> Hart, Corluka, Dunne, Richards, Ball, Ireland (Mpenza 83), Hamann (Geovanni 75), Gelson, Petrov, Elano, Sturridge (Vassell 55).<br />Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Jihai. </p><p><b>Booked:</b> Petrov, Elano. </p><p><b>Goals:</b> Gelson 28. </p><p><b>Arsenal:</b> Lehmann, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb (Justin Hoyte 89), Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Eduardo.<br />Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Bendtner, Traore, Walcott. </p><p><b>Goals:</b> Adebayor 9, Eduardo 26, Adebayor 88. </p><p><b>Att:</b> 46,426 </p><p><b>Ref:</b> Andre Marriner (W Midlands). </p><p> </p><hr /> <p><b>BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match:</b> Arsenal's Eduardo 8.11 (on 90 minutes). </p> </li><li><i>Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.</i> <!-- S ILIN --> <div class="arr"><a class="bodl" href="/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/live_text/6173791.stm">Player Rater</a></div></li></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-79880226571871784602008-02-03T10:24:00.000+02:002008-02-03T10:28:44.788+02:00The Blog is back !It took almost 3 months, but we are back! First of all I would like to explain to our loyal readers why the site went missing for the past period. It was due to the fact that I was away and couldnt give the task to anyone else, obviously! But what I would like to stress on is that we are going to be back stronger than ever.<br /><br />The weekly analysis is back. We will have reports on Arsenal and England games 48 hours before the game, then we would run reports and extensive analysis after the game. Expect more interviews with the lads from the team, exclusive scoops and match pictures.<br /><br />Leave your feedback on the site.<br /><br />Arsenal all the way!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-17001477490570338622007-11-03T22:25:00.000+02:002007-11-03T22:38:42.329+02:00Arsenal 2 - 2 Man U<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44216000/jpg/_44216167_addcesc270.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44216000/jpg/_44216167_addcesc270.jpg" border="0" /></a>William Gallas equalised in injury-time to salvage a draw and keep Arsenal on top of the Premier League after an absorbing clash with Manchester United.<br /><div><br />Gallas turned Wayne Rooney's half-hit effort into his own goal on the stroke of half time to give United the lead.<br /></div><br /><div>Cesc Fabregas' cool finish put Arsenal level two minutes after the break, but Cristiano Ronaldo slid home Patrice Evra's cross nine minutes from time.<br /></div><br /><div>But Gallas then scrambled in Gael Clichy's cross to earn a point.<br /></div><br /><div><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7070000/newsid_7076900?redirect=7076939.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1">Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger </a><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7070000/newsid_7076900?redirect=7076946.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&nbram=1">Interview: Man Utd midfielder Ryan Giggs </a><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7070000/newsid_7076900?redirect=7076970.stm&news=1&nbram=1&bbwm=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1">Interview: Man Utd assistant boss Carlos Queiroz </a><br /></div><br /><div>The Frenchman's equaliser allowed Arsenal to set a new club record of 25 games unbeaten in all competitions.<br /></div><br /><div>The opening 45 minutes proved an anti-climax until Gallas diverted Rooney's tame shot in on the stroke of half-time.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal had reasonable penalty claims ignored by referee Howard Webb after 15 minutes when Nemanja Vidic tugged Alexander Hleb's shirt as they tangled in the area. </div><br /><div><br />United had a good chance seconds later when Bacary Sagna failed to react to Ronaldo's cross and Ryan Giggs, perhaps caught by surprise, could only turn a close-range effort wide.<br /></div><br /><div>Owen Hargreaves was outstanding in shielding United's defence from Arsenal's attacking threat, but he was powerless as the Gunners almost went ahead after 35 minutes.<br /></div><br /><div>Gallas escaped the attentions of the United rearguard to glance Fabregas' free-kick against the legs of Edwin van der Sar.<br /></div><br /><div>606: DEBATE<br /><a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A28711622">I think Arsenal showed championship qualities today</a><br />Apollian<br /></div><br /><div>United's Brazilian midfield man Anderson is clearly a talent, but he demonstrated an unsavoury side to his nature that predictably infuriated the crowd.<br /></div><br /><div>He flamboyantly demanded referee Webb show yellow cards to Arsenal players, then rolled in ridiculous fashion after a foul by Fabregas that earned the Spanish youngster a booking.<br /></div><br /><div>United staged a smash-and-grab in first-half stoppage time, Ronaldo crossing for Rooney, who failed to make a proper connection but saw Gallas provide a crucial deflection past Manuel Almunia.<br /></div><br /><div>The gauntlet was thrown down to Arsenal - but they picked it up to equalise two minutes after the restart.<br /></div><br /><div>Emmanuel Eboue played in Emmanuel Adebayor, who was blocked by Van der Sar, but Sagna crossed the loose ball for Fabregas to slide in a composed finish.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal had started to dominate possession, but it was United who had the next big chance after 63 minutes.<br /></div><br /><div>Giggs found Rooney in space in the area, but he headed wastefully wide when he should have at least worked keeper Almunia.<br /></div><br /><div>Both managers made changes in the final 15 minutes, Wenger sending on Theo Walcott for Eboue, while Ferguson replaced the subdued Carlos Tevez and Anderson with Louis Saha and </div><br /><div>Michael Carrick.<br /></div><br /><div>The changes worked better for United as they took a vital lead with nine minutes left.<br />Walcott failed to track Evra, and when Saha played him in he crossed perfectly for Ronaldo to </div><br /><div>score.<br /></div><br /><div>Evra then enjoyed a huge piece of luck when he sliced substitute Eduardo da Silva's cross against his own bar with Van der Sar helpless.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal pressed forward and got the draw they deserved when Clichy's cross sparked a goalmouth scramble which ended with a shot from Gallas which, even though Van der Sar clawed it out, had clearly crossed the line.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue (Walcott 74), Fabregas, Flamini, Rosicky (Eduardo 80), Hleb (Silva 80), Adebayor.Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Diarra.<br /></div><br /><div>Booked: Fabregas.<br /></div><br /><div>Goals: Fabregas 48, Gallas 90.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown (O'Shea 71), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Anderson (Carrick 76), Hargreaves, Giggs, Tevez (Saha 76), Rooney.Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Nani.<br /></div><br /><div>Booked: Evra, Hargreaves.<br /></div><br /><div>Goals: Gallas 45 og, Ronaldo 82. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From : BBC Sports<br />Att: 60,161<br />Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire). </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-20794162815600338752007-10-08T00:17:00.000+03:002007-10-08T00:20:21.246+03:00Arsenal 3 - 2 Sunderland<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44161000/jpg/_44161782_van203.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44161000/jpg/_44161782_van203.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Arsenal survived a scare before returning to the Premiership summit with a narrow win against Sunderland.<br /><br />Robin van Persie's stunning free-kick and Philippe Senderos's finish put Arsenal two up inside 14 minutes.<br /><br />But Ross Wallace pulled one back for Sunderland before half-time and Kenwyne Jones headed an equaliser three minutes after the interval to stun Arsenal.<br /><br />Van Persie slid home an 80th-minute winner, while Sunderland's Paul McShane saw red for fouling Alexander Hleb.<br /><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7030000/newsid_7032600?redirect=7032662.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbwm=1&nbram=1&bbram=1">Interview: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger </a><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7030000/newsid_7032600?redirect=7032624.stm&news=1&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1">Interview: Sunderland manager Roy Keane </a><br /><br />Arsenal opened in a fashion that suggested it was going to be a harrowing afternoon for Sunderland - but Keane's side showed real reserves of strength.<br /><br />The Gunners went ahead in the seventh minute when Grant Leadbitter was penalised for a foul on Cesc Fabregas.<br /><br />Arsenal felt hard done by because Abou Diaby curled in a brilliant finish just seconds after referee Rob Styles blew for the free-kick.<br /><br />It was only a brief reprieve for Sunderland as Van Persie rifled home an unstoppable free-kick, the ball flying directly over the head of keeper Craig Gordon and in off the crossbar.<br /><br />Sunderland were in further trouble after 14 minutes when Senderos took advantage of more hesitant defending to stab Emmanuel Adebayor's cross beyond Gordon.<br /><br />The visitors were fortunate not to fall three behind six minutes later when Diaby swept home Hleb's cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for what appeared to be a very debatable offside flag against Mathieu Flamini.<br /><br />But Sunderland somehow managed to build on these shaky foundations and pulled a goal back after 25 minutes.<br /><br />Manuel Almunia raced out of goal to halt Jones, but the rebound fell kindly for Wallace, who finished in composed fashion.<br /><br />Arsenal continued to dominate before the interval and could have restored their two-goal advantage, Gordon doing well to turn over another powerful Van Persie drive and Senderos heading wastefully wide when unmarked.<br /><br />Sunderland hung on and were rewarded with an equaliser three minutes after the interval as Jones rose to head Liam Miller's cross past Almunia.<br /><br />Arsenal were suddenly in danger of failing to win a game they had dominated, and they were frustrated again after 57 minutes when Kolo Toure's brilliant rising drive from 30 yards rebounded to safety off an upright.<br /><br />Sunderland suddenly saw an unlikely point in sight, but survived another scare 13 minutes from time when Hleb's cross found substitute Theo Walcott at the far post only for the youngster to miss his kick horribly.<br /><br />Walcott made amends by finally unlocking Sunderland's brave resistance after 80 minutes, sliding in a neat pass for Van Persie to steer a left-foot finish past Gordon.<br /><br />Sunderland were still refusing to lie down, with substitute Anthony Stokes bringing a fine save from Almunia and Jones shooting across the face of goal with the Arsenal keeper out of position following a fine run by Miller.<br /><br />The visitors then lost McShane for a wild tackle on Hleb before Walcott hit a post in the dying seconds.<br /><br />Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:"After 15 minutes, the game looked to be easy and maybe we convinced ourselves of that as well.<br /><br />"Part of our mental focus went and when you do that at this level, you pay for it.<br /><br />"At the end of the day it was a good lesson for us, because again we still found the resources<br />which showed that there is something in the team which is really strong."<br /><br />Sunderland boss Roy Keane:"If you get off to a poor start, you think that it could be five or six. But we stayed in the game and got a decent first goal.<br /><br />"I keep talking about the attitude and character, and also there was some very good play.<br /><br />"The lads gave it their all, but you need a hell of a lot of luck to get positive results at these grounds. We had a bit, but not enough."<br /><br />Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna (Eboue 68), Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby (Walcott 57), Adebayor, Van Persie (Silva 85).Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Bendtner.<br /><br />Goals: Van Persie 7, 80, Senderos 14<br /><br />Sunderland: Gordon, McShane, Nosworthy, Higginbotham, Collins, Leadbitter, Miller, Wallace (Etuhu 77), Yorke (Harte 90), Chopra (Stokes 77), Jones.Subs Not Used: Ward, O'Donovan.<br /><br />Booked: Jones, Chopra.<br /><br />Goals: Wallace 25, Jones 48<br /><br />Att: 60,098<br /><br />Ref: Rob Styles (Hampshire). </p><br /><div>From : <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7019622.stm">BBC Sports</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-75474816018008247842007-10-01T08:56:00.000+03:002007-10-01T08:58:04.479+03:00http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/7020611.stmArsenal managing director Keith Edelman is "relaxed" about Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's interest in the club.<br /><br />Usmanov's investment company Red and White Holdings Limited (RAWHL) owns nearly a quarter of the club's shares.<br /><br />Edelman told BBC Radio 5live: "They've said previously they are not going to make a bid for the company and they want to be long-term shareholders.<br /><br />"It's business as usual. As far as the board is concerned we don't believe we are in any danger of being taken over."<br /><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7020000/newsid_7020500?redirect=7020561.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1">Interview: Arsenal chief executive Keith Edelman </a><br /><br />RAWHL, which is jointly owned by Usmanov and London-based Farhad Moshiri, upped its stake in Arsenal to 23% on Friday and is now the second-largest shareholder behind director Danny Fiszman, who owns 24.11%.<br /><br />Edelman and Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood enjoyed lengthy discussions with Moshiri earlier in the week in which RAWHL set out their stall.<br /><br />"We agreed to have an open dialogue between the parties over the next few months," added Edelman.<br /><br />"And we expect to meet and talk to them consistently and see how that relationship develops.<br /><br />"What he said to us was that he thought we were a very good long-term investment and that he did not want to take the club over, and thought he was going to make a lot of money from this. That's what he said to us."<br /><br />Following Arsenal's stunning financial results, Edelman believes Usmanov might be questioning the wisdom of changing the current regime.<br /><br />"Perhaps he's taking a look down the road at another club in London and seeing that the way we're running our club is good for his investment to produce good returns on the money he's put in the club," he said.<br /><br />"If you look at Chelsea and look at Arsenal, we are running our club in terms of our revenues and our profits, we're running it from generated cash, without people having to put extra money in every year, and we're running it very profitably.<br /><br />"If you're investing in a club you want to make a return on your investment.<br /><br />"A lot of clubs look attractive because they're big world brands, but if you're investing and you want to see a return on your money then you want it to be profitable.<br /><br />"Arsenal is profitable, Chelsea is not profitable at this juncture."<br /><br />Edelman added: "It was a very friendly and cordial meeting and clearly we have to see if they do what they say their intentions are.<br /><br />"So I think it is going to be important over the next few months to see whether they commit and keep doing what they said they were going to do.<br /><br />"Arsenal fans and shareholders should understand that the board is resolute. We are going to be resolute for a very much longer period of time and I don't believe we are going to be taken over by any party.<br /><br />"The board have got a lock in so they can't sell any shares until April next year and I think everyone has stated that they intend to continue that after that time."<br /><br /><br />From : BBC SportsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-29919581745622169992007-09-30T02:26:00.000+03:002007-09-30T02:31:20.676+03:00W Ham 0 - 1 Arsenal<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44146000/jpg/_44146454_persie203.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44146000/jpg/_44146454_persie203.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Arsenal maintained their place at the top of the Premier League with a controlled victory over West Ham. </div><br /><div><br />Robin van Persie scored the only goal of the game when he rose at the far post to nod in Alexander Hleb's centre.<br /></div><br /><div>Hleb was later carried off after a bad tackle by Mark Noble, but Arsenal continued to dominate the match.<br /></div><br /><div>Van Persie was denied a second when Robert Green tipped his shot onto the post, while West Ham's Dean Ashton had a goal-bound header hacked away.<br /></div><br /><div><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7020000/newsid_7020000?redirect=7020098.stm&news=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1&nbram=1">Interview: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger </a><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_7020000/newsid_7020100?redirect=7020138.stm&news=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1">Interview: West Ham boss Alan Curbishley </a><br /></div><br /><div>After the opening 45, when a shot on the turn that went over was his most notable contribution, Ashton provided an increasingly stern test for Arsenal's back four.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal, far short of the champagne football of recent weeks, appeared to be playing within themselves.<br /></div><br /><div>However, in-form striker Emmanuel Adebayor almost scored with the Gunners' first attack when he fizzed a low shot just wide of the post.<br /></div><br /><div>And on 13 minutes Adebayor was heavily involved in the opening goal when he held the ball up before laying it off for Hleb to cross and Van Persie to finish the move.<br /></div><br /><div>Other than that, there was little to get excited about it the opening half.<br /></div><br /><div>Perhaps it was frustration that led to Lee Bowyer crunching two-footed into Matthieu Flamini and then Noble doing the same to Hleb. Both were booked.<br /></div><br /><div>Whereas Flamini shook off his knock, Hleb's match was over and he was replaced by Emmanuel Eboue.<br /></div><br /><div>West Ham lost a player, too, with Scott Parker failing to make it out for the second half after suffering knee damage in a challenge with Flamini. Hayden Mullins took his place.<br /></div><br /><div>Nine minutes after the break, Arsenal came close to doubling their advantage when Van Persie let fly from the edge of the area but Green managed to divert the effort onto his post.<br /></div><br /><div>It had the effect of waking West Ham from their slumber and Ashton should have done better with a free header when an equaliser seemed inevitable, allowing Manuel Almunia to save easily.<br />Two minutes later former Gunner Freddie Ljungberg thought he had restored parity when he slotted in but his goal was ruled out for offside.<br /></div><br /><div>More goalmouth action followed as Adebayor had a low shot pushed away by Green, Ashton sent a drive skidding wide and Adebayor shot tamely after good work by Abou Diaby.<br /></div><br /><div>Then Diaby shot just over from the edge of the box and Gael Clichy's low strike had Green scrambling and at full stretch.<br /></div><br /><div>West Ham put Arsenal under pressure for a spell, with Ashton a threat in the air.<br /></div><br /><div>With 10 minutes remaining, Arsenal lost Adebayor to what looked like a hamstring injury.<br /></div><br /><div>And the Gunners would have lost two points as well had Van Persie not been on hand to clear Ashton's header off the line shortly after.<br /></div><br /><div>West Ham manager Alan Curbishley on Freddie Ljungberg's disallowed goal:"I think he was definitely onside when he scored. But they are tight things and we didn't get it. Had we got it, it was all to play for.<br /></div><br /><div>"From then we were sailing close to the wind to get ourselves in the game.<br /></div><br /><div>"However, I thought Dean Ashton might have scored with a header to get us back in the game."<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:"We have had a problem taking points at Upton Park recently. We had to take our chances and overall we deserved the victory.<br /></div><br /><div>"It was a good test to defend a 1-0 advantage and not to make mistakes. I believe we did that very well.<br /></div><br /><div>"We have matured, we have more belief and we are really hungry. The players show a pleasing solidarity."<br /></div><br /><div>West Ham: Green, Neill, Ferdinand (Gabbidon 48), Upson, McCartney, Bowyer (Boa Morte 83), Parker (Mullins 46), Noble, Ljungberg, Ashton, Camara.Subs Not Used: Wright, Cole.<br /></div><br /><div>Booked: Bowyer, Noble.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb (Eboue 31), Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, </div><br /><div>Adebayor (Silva 79), Van Persie (Bendtner 88).Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Denilson.<br /></div><br /><div>Booked: Flamini, Eboue.<br /></div><br /><div>Goals: Van Persie 13.<br /></div><br /><div>Att: 34,966.<br /></div><br /><div>Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From : BBC Sports</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-79739539947787576892007-09-15T23:00:00.000+03:002007-09-15T23:04:36.503+03:00Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44118000/jpg/_44118522_arsenal203.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44118000/jpg/_44118522_arsenal203.jpg" border="0" /></a>Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to beat Spurs and go top of the Premier League.<br /><div><br />Gareth Bale curled in a 15th-minute free-kick to put Tottenham ahead before Paul Robinson twice denied Adebayor.<br /></div><br /><div>Abou Diaby hit the bar as Arsenal pushed on, then Dimitar Berbatov was thwarted by a last-ditch Kolo Toure tackle and Adebayor blazed over.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal equalised when Adebayor nodded in before Cesc Fabregas' drive put them ahead and Adebayor volleyed a third.<br /></div><br /><div><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6990000/newsid_6996700?redirect=6996750.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1">Interview: Tottenham boss Martin Jol </a><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6990000/newsid_6996700?redirect=6996730.stm&news=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1&nbram=1&bbwm=1">Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger </a><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6990000/newsid_6996700?redirect=6996778.stm&news=1&nbwm=1&nbram=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1">Interview: Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas </a><br /></div><br /><div>But for long spells it had seemed Arsenal's profligate finishing would lead to Spurs beating their neighbours for the first time in 17 attempts - particularly as there was no such wastefulness from Bale, who took advantage of Manuel Almunia's poor positioning to whip a free-kick into the bottom corner.<br /></div><br /><div>But then time and again, Spurs' defence - which included fit-again Michael Dawson for the first time this season - was cut open by the visitors' quick, incisive passing.<br /></div><br /><div>As well as the two Adebayor efforts - the first tipped over by Robinson and the second beaten away by the England keeper - Arsenal's Alex Hleb also wasted a good first-half chance.<br /></div><br /><div>Fabregas, influential throughout, stormed through the midfield before releasing Adebayor, whose clever lay-off found Hleb in a central position.<br /></div><br /><div>But his shot was parried by a well-positioned Robinson, whose confidence had clearly been restored after his two clean sheets for England.<br /></div><br /><div>However, he should have picked the ball out of the net after Diaby was played in by Hleb but the Arsenal midfielder rifled his shot against the bar from eight yards.<br /></div><br /><div>As the half wore on, though, Tottenham began to settle.<br /></div><br /><div>Striker Berbatov floated a teasing cross for Robbie Keane but the Republic of Ireland star was ruled to have handled the ball as he tried to control it.<br /></div><br /><div>After the break, Berbatov should have doubled Spurs' lead when he raced through on goal and rounded a stranded Almunia, who had left his area, but the Bulgarian attempted to trick Toure </div><br /><div>rather than shoot into an unguarded net and was dispossessed.<br /></div><br /><div>Yet if that was a bad miss, Adebayor quickly edged ahead in the miss-of-the-match stakes as he </div><br /><div>blasted over from eight yards following a great run and pull-back by Bacary Sagna.<br /></div><br /><div>The game then entered a period of niggling challenges, flared tempers and players squaring up to each other.<br /></div><br /><div>Perhaps that unsettled Tottenham - and fired up Arsenal.<br /></div><br /><div>And when Fabregas' free-kick came in from the right - after the Spaniard had been fouled by Steed Malbranque - Adebayor finally demonstrated he has a striker's touch by powerfully heading home.<br /></div><br /><div>The hosts responded well and Berbatov had a shot cleared off the line by Gael Clichy.<br /></div><br /><div>But Tottenham suffered a crushing blow when Fabregas set his aim from distance and crashed </div><br /><div>in a fierce strike to put Arsenal ahead for the first time.<br /></div><br /><div>Spurs then had a great chance to even things up again but substitute Darren Bent scuffed his shot horribly wide when clear through on goal.<br /></div><br /><div>And, remarkably, there was still time for Arsenal to score a third goal when Adebayor flipped up the ball on the edge of the box, swivelled and crashed a magnificent volley into the top corner.<br /></div><br /><div>Tottenham manager Martin Jol:"We should have killed them off but we didn't take our chances.<br /></div><br /><div>"We should have scored to go 2-0 up and then conceded from a set-piece but at 1-1 we had a good opportunity and then at 2-1 down we had two good chances.<br /></div><br /><div>"We took the game to them and created chances. But they were clinical and that was the difference."<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger"It shows our spirit and belief and I was very happy with our game and our mental strength and togetherness. We have showed them all again.<br /></div><br /><div>"Having lost Thierry (Henry), it has helped the belief and mental strength of the team to start well. We never forget Thierry but we know that the team is blossoming and growing.<br /></div><br /><div>"There is something in the side; quality, of course, but also mental strength.<br /></div><br /><div>"I hope the good form continues. At half-time I could not complain because all we did wrong was not to take our chances. I felt that if we kept the pace high, we would have a good chance of winning."<br /></div><br /><div>Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, Kaboul, Lee, Malbranque (Bent 82), Huddlestone, Jenas, Bale (Lennon 69), Berbatov, Keane. Subs Not Used: Cerny, Zokora, Rocha.<br />Booked: Jenas, Chimbonda.<br /></div><br /><div>Goals: Bale 15.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silva, Clichy, Hleb (Song Billong 90), Fabregas, Diaby (Rosicky 56), Flamini, Adebayor, Van Persie (Denilson 85).Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Walcott.<br /></div><br /><div>Booked: Sagna, Hleb.<br /></div><br /><div>Goals: Adebayor 65, Fabregas 80, Adebayor 90.<br /></div><br /><div>Att: 36,053.<br /></div><br /><div>Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear). </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-40978882422350426392007-09-13T11:47:00.000+03:002007-09-13T11:51:06.095+03:00England 3-0 Russia<a href="http://www.turboprivacy.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL25ld3NpbWcuYmJjLmNvLnVrL21lZGlhL2ltYWdlcy80NDExMzAwMC9qcGcvXzQ0MTEzMDEwX293ZW4yMDN4MjcwLmpwZw%3D%3D"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.turboprivacy.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL25ld3NpbWcuYmJjLmNvLnVrL21lZGlhL2ltYWdlcy80NDExMzAwMC9qcGcvXzQ0MTEzMDEwX293ZW4yMDN4MjcwLmpwZw%3D%3D" border="0" /></a><br /><p>A Michael Owen brace helped a vibrant England to a vital win over their main Euro 2008 qualifying rivals Russia.<br /><br />Owen was composure epitomised as Gareth Barry's cross fell to him 10 yards out and he sidefooted a strike in off the post to give England an early lead.<br /><br />Russia's Konstantin Zhyrianov had a goal harshly ruled out for handball before a lethal Owen powered in a shot.<br /><br />England weathered a spell of pressure from Russia before Rio Ferdinand angled in a shot to complete the win.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.turboprivacy.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbWVkaWFzZWxlY3Rvci9jaGVjay9wbGF5ZXIvc29sL25ld3NpZF82OTkwMDAwL25ld3NpZF82OTkyMzAwP3JlZGlyZWN0PTY5OTIzNTIuc3RtJmFtcDtuZXdzPTEmYW1wO25id209MSZhbXA7bmJyYW09MSZhbXA7YmJyYW09MSZhbXA7YmJ3bT0x">Report: England beat Russia 3-0 </a><br /><a href="http://www.turboprivacy.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbWVkaWFzZWxlY3Rvci9jaGVjay9wbGF5ZXIvc29sL25ld3NpZF82OTkwMDAwL25ld3NpZF82OTkyMzAwP3JlZGlyZWN0PTY5OTIzMzIuc3RtJmFtcDtuZXdzPTEmYW1wO25id209MSZhbXA7YmJyYW09MSZhbXA7bmJyYW09MSZhbXA7YmJ3bT0x">Interview: England manager Steve McClaren </a><br /><a href="http://www.turboprivacy.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbWVkaWFzZWxlY3Rvci9jaGVjay9wbGF5ZXIvc29sL25ld3NpZF82OTkwMDAwL25ld3NpZF82OTkyMzAwP3JlZGlyZWN0PTY5OTIzMTEuc3RtJmFtcDtuZXdzPTEmYW1wO25id209MSZhbXA7YmJ3bT0xJmFtcDtuYnJhbT0xJmFtcDtiYnJhbT0x">Interview: England striker Michael Owen </a><br /><a href="http://www.turboprivacy.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbWVkaWFzZWxlY3Rvci9jaGVjay9wbGF5ZXIvc29sL25ld3NpZF82OTkwMDAwL25ld3NpZF82OTkyMzAwP3JlZGlyZWN0PTY5OTIzNDIuc3RtJmFtcDtuZXdzPTEmYW1wO2Jid209MSZhbXA7YmJyYW09MSZhbXA7bmJ3bT0xJmFtcDtuYnJhbT0x">Interview: Russia boss Guus Hiddink </a><br /><br />England's performance had Wembley rocking at the end of a game which began with tensions high as Russia led Steve McClaren's side by a point in Group E.<br /><br />A Russia win would have all but ended England's hopes of reaching Euro 2008 and the visitors began by trying to deny the hosts the sort of time and space Israel afforded them on Saturday.<br /><br />But an England side exuding confidence quickly asserted their authority, and Owen put them ahead after seven minutes with a clinically-struck trademark finish.<br /><br /><a class="bodl" href="http://www.turboprivacy.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL25ld3MuYmJjLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0MS9oaS9mb290YmFsbC9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFscy90YWJsZXMvZGVmYXVsdC5zdG0%3D">Euro 2008 Qualifying tables</a><br /><br />Steven Gerrard dinked a ball through the heart of Russia's backline to set up Heskey, who got the nod ahead of Peter Crouch to start, but his shot was blocked by keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev.<br /><br />Owen appeared to slip as he attempted to slot in the loose ball as a second goal eluded England.<br /><br />Russia tried to hit back as they pressed for an equaliser, and England were reprieved when Zhyrianov slotted in a shot only to be harshly penalised for handball.<br /><br />A Shaun Wright-Phillips point-blank header went wide before England keeper Paul Robinson had to dive to his right to smartly palm away a Diniyar Bilyaletdinov strike.<br /><br />England regained the upper hand with a slick passing game intertwined with clever movement, which left Russia struggling to cope.<br /><br />TOP ENGLAND SCORERS<br />Bobby Charlton - 49 goals (from 106 games)<br />Gary Lineker - 48 goals (from 80 games)<br />Jimmy Greaves - 44 goals (from 57 games)<br />Michael Owen - 40 goals (from 85 games)<br /><br />Joe Cole had a deflected shot saved before a second Owen goal put the gloss on an impressive first half from England.<br /><br />Owen was found in space by a Heskey flick-on and he arrowed in a shot for his 40th international goal.<br /><br />The precise passing and discipline of Gareth Barry was particularly impressive for England, but they were given two early scares after the interval.<br /><br />Dmitri Sychev powered an angled shot across goal just wide and just failed to make contact with a the ball as he slid into meet a near-post cross.<br /><br />A resurgent England professionally closed out the win as McClaren's balanced and buoyant side showed maturity and mettle.<br /><br />Ferdinand latched on to a pass from Owen and lashed in a shot to put the icing on the cake at the end of an open and entertaining match.<br /></p><br /><p>England: Robinson, Richards, Ferdinand, Terry, Ashley Cole, Wright-Phillips, Barry, Gerrard, Joe Cole (Neville 88), Heskey (Crouch 80), Owen (Downing 90).Subs Not Used: James, Brown, Smith, Johnson.<br /><br />Booked: Joe Cole.<br /><br />Goals: Owen 7, 31, Ferdinand 84.<br /><br /><br />Russia: Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Alexei Berezutsky, Aniukov (Kerzhakov 80), Bilyaletdinov, Zhirkov, Semshov (Bystrov 40), Sychev (Pavluchenko 63), Arshavin, Zurianov.Subs Not Used: Shunin, Torbinsky, Pogrebniak, Kolodin.<br /><br />Att: 86,106<br /><br />Ref: Martin Hansson (Sweden). </p><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-70881455571286887322007-09-05T12:49:00.000+03:002007-09-05T12:54:58.628+03:00England may defy Reds on Gerrard<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44097000/jpg/_44097134_gerrardpa203.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44097000/jpg/_44097134_gerrardpa203.jpg" border="0" /></a>England v Israel<br /><div>Wembley Stadium</div><div>Saturday, 8 September</div><div>Kick-off: 1700 </div><br /><div><br />England have not ruled out the possibility of giving Steven Gerrard an injection so he can play in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel.<br /></div><br /><div>Gerrard has a broken toe and Reds boss Rafa Benitez says he does not want the influential midfielder to have a jab.<br /></div><br /><div>But England coach Steve McClaren says Gerrard is keen to play on Saturday and will have an injection if necessary.<br /></div><br /><div>"We're leaving it as late as possible but we want Steven on the field and we want him ready to play," said McClaren.<br /></div><br /><div><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6970000/newsid_6978300?redirect=6978326.stm&news=1&amp;amp;nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1">News conference: England boss Steve McClaren </a><br /></div><br /><div>"We will liaise with Liverpool and we will do nothing to put the player at risk, but we will also go a lot on how Steven feels and what he wants."<br /></div><br /><div>Gerrard had an injection to enable him to play for Liverpool against Chelsea on 19 August and Benitez said it took him "four or five" days to get over it.<br /></div><br /><div>McClaren insisted he would not do anything that would have a long-term negative effect on Gerrard, but his main concern at the moment is beating Israel.<br /></div><br /><div>That means he is prepared to risk losing Gerrard for the game against Russia on Wednesday by playing him on Saturday.<br /></div><br /><div>And the England boss said there were plenty of precedents for giving him a jab.<br /></div><br /><div>"You look and in some cases, if there's no great risk, then fine," said the England coach.<br /></div><br /><div>Frank Lampard is having intensive treatment with Chelsea and we have said he might have a chance of playing in the second game<br /></div><br /><div>England boss Steve McClaren<br /></div><br /><div>"John Terry and Frank Lampard had broken toes in pre-season and were taking injections.<br /></div><br /><div>"I have known it at club level where it would be just too painful to play (without the injection) but there's no risk of further injury if you have one."<br /></div><br /><div>McClaren's midfield options are limited because England regular Lampard is definitely out of the Israel game because of a thigh injury.<br /></div><br /><div>It was expected he would definitely miss the Russia game as well but it now appears his injury is not as serious as first thought.<br /></div><br /><div>"Frank is having intensive treatment with Chelsea and we have said he might have a chance of playing in the second game," said McClaren.<br /></div><br /><div>"It is still a far-out possibility at this moment but he is doing everything he can to be available."<br /></div><br /><div>Everton defender Joleon Lescott took part in his first England training session on Tuesday, while recalled striker Emile Heskey was involved for the first time in three years.<br /></div><br /><div>Israel squad for Euro 2008 qualifier against England on 8 September at Wembley:<br />Aouate, Davidovitch, Strauber, Ben Haim, Benado, Gershon, Ziv, Sprungin, Saban, Strul, Antebi, Benayoun, Badier, Alberman, Tal, Zandberg, Yamuz, Itzhaki, Golan, Balili, Collauti, Barda, Katan. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From : <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6977902.stm">BBC Sports</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-21991537869757192242007-09-05T12:46:00.000+03:002007-09-05T12:48:54.708+03:00Arsenal 3-1 Portsmouth<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44092000/jpg/_44092116_adebayorjoy203.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44092000/jpg/_44092116_adebayorjoy203.jpg" border="0" /></a>Arsenal held out for more than 40 minutes with 10 men to beat Portsmouth.<br /><div><br />Emmanuel Adebayor's penalty and Cesc Fabregas's close-range effort put Arsenal in first-half control.<br /></div><br /><div>Philippe Senderos saw red for a foul on Kanu when he was the last defender, but Arsenal increased their lead through Tomas Rosicky's powerful strike.<br /></div><br /><div>Kanu's bizarre goal gave Portsmouth hope, but Manuel Almunia denied Glen Johnson and John Utaka as the visitors mounted a late rally.<br /></div><br /><div><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6970000/newsid_6975100?redirect=6975194.stm&news=1&amp;nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1">Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger </a><br /><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6970000/newsid_6975200?redirect=6975239.stm&news=1&amp;bbwm=1&bbram=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1">Interview: Portsmouth head coach Joe Jordan </a><br /></div><br /><div>Portsmouth came with a game plan, to defend in numbers and try and hit Arsenal on the break with John Utaka's pace and Kanu's trickery.<br /></div><br /><div>Pompey had a penalty shout turned down when Senderos - in for Bakari Sagna - appeared to block Hermann Hreidarsson as Matthew Taylor's corner came in.<br /></div><br /><div>But having turned that one down referee Mark Halsey had no hesitation in pointing to the spot at the other end, when Robin van Persie proved too quick for keeper David James.<br /></div><br /><div>Adebayor obliged from the spot by sending James the wrong way for his first goal of the season.<br /><br />Arsenal used the flanks to try and by-pass the massed ranks in the middle.<br /></div><br /><div>Alexander Hleb whipped in an inviting cross which any sort of contact from Adebayor would have resulted in a goal and Gael Clichy got down the left flank to fire in a cross which Noe Pamarot almost sliced into his own net.<br /></div><br /><div>Portsmouth cleared their heads but their attempts to get back into the game were undone by a tendency to give the ball away cheaply.<br /></div><br /><div>It was a tendency which cost Pompey as Arsenal doubled their lead before half-time.<br /></div><br /><div>Gilberto Silva's header from Rosicky's corner was actually blocked by Fabregas but the Arsenal midfielder reacted quickly to spin and bury the loose ball from close-range.<br /></div><br /><div>Pompey boss Harry Redknapp replaced defenders Lauren and Hreidarsson with midfielders Pedro Mendes and Nico Kranjcar to try and salvage the situation but almost fell further behind when another corner caused panic, with James saving well from Senderos's header.<br /></div><br /><div>Referee Halsey handed Portsmouth a route-map back into the game when he sent Senderos off four minutes into the second half.<br /><br />The referee ruled Senderos pulled Kanu down when the Pompey striker was through on goal, although there looked to be minimal contact.<br /></div><br /><div>Almunia could only parry the resulting free-kick taken by Utaka, but Matt Taylor blazed the rebound over the bar from six yards.<br /></div><br /><div>Referee Halsey returned the complement by awarding Arsenal a dubious free-kick on the by-line for what appeared to be a shoulder-barge by Distin on Clichy.<br /></div><br /><div>Portsmouth switched off as Fabregas tapped the ball to Rosicky who drove his shot through three Pompey players, including Glen Johnson's legs.<br /></div><br /><div>Within seconds, Pompey pulled one back through a freak goal as Kanu tried to control Utaka's cross and saw the ball ricochet in off his standing leg.<br /></div><br /><div>Substitute Abou Diaby should have restored Arsenal's three-goal cushion when he rounded off a stunning move by heading Clichy's cross wide from six yards.<br /></div><br /><div>Glen Johnson almost made them pay with a swerving shot that Almunia could only parry and as Arsenal dozed at a free-kick Utaka warmed Almunia's palms.<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:"If Kanu wasn't offside, then the referee had no choice but to send him off.<br /></div><br /><div>"We are where we want to be at this point in the season, and that's a good basis.<br /></div><br /><div>"In the first half we showed tremendous quality, and in the second half we were tested mentally and physically."<br /></div><br /><div>Pompey boss Harry Redknapp:"You've got to be at your best to live with Arsenal but you can't gift them goals like we did.<br /></div><br /><div>"Their third goal was as bad as anything I've seen, players were switching off, walking away and not looking at the ball.<br /></div><br /><div>"You don't walk off and think about something else, that's what we did and we got punished."<br /></div><br /><div>Arsenal: Almunia, Toure, Senderos, Silva, Clichy, Rosicky, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb (Denilson 61), Van Persie (Diaby 70), Adebayor (Eduardo 79).Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Walcott.<br />Sent Off: Senderos (49).<br /></div><br /><div>Booked: Fabregas.<br /></div><br /><div>Goals: Adebayor 8 pen, Fabregas 35, Rosicky 59.<br /></div><br /><div>Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Pamarot, Distin, Hreidarsson (Kranjcar 46), Lauren (Pedro </div><br /><div>Mendes 46), Muntari, Davis (Nugent 61), Taylor, Utaka, Kanu.Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Hughes.<br /></div><br /><div>Booked: Hreidarsson, Kanu.<br /></div><br /><div>Goals: Kanu 60.<br /></div><br /><div>Att: 60,114<br /></div><br /><div>Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From : <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6963718.stm">BBC Sports</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-17646303028643584482007-09-05T12:11:00.000+03:002007-09-05T12:46:35.985+03:00Henry's wife is granted divorce<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44093000/jpg/_44093653_henry_merry203getty.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44093000/jpg/_44093653_henry_merry203getty.jpg" border="0" /></a>Former Arsenal footballer Thierry Henry's estranged English wife, Claire Merry, has been granted a divorce.<br /><div><br />The decree nisi order was granted on the grounds of Henry's behaviour, according to court papers. </div><br /><div><br />Details of the French international's behaviour referred to in Ms Merry's divorce petition were not released. </div><br /><div><br />The pair, who have a two-year-old daughter, Tea, did not attend the hearing at the Principal Registry of the High Court's Family Division. </div><br /><div><br />TV adverts </div><br /><div><br />The divorce was one of 34 decrees nisi approved by District Judge Malik in just over a minute.<br /></div><br /><div>Henry and Ms Merry shared a six-bedroom home in Hampstead, north London, which Henry bought five years ago for £5.95m. </div><br /><div><br />They met when they starred together in TV adverts for Renault Clio cars. </div><br /><div><br />Henry announced he was leaving Ms Merry in June, just before his transfer to Spanish club Barcelona. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From : <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6976323.stm">BBC Sports</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-59508979161486113992007-08-25T23:03:00.003+03:002007-08-25T23:03:56.785+03:00Lehmann set for two-week lay-off<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="629"><tbody><tr> <td colspan="3"> <div class="mxb"> <div class="sh">Lehmann set for two-week lay-off </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="416"><span style="font-size:85%;"><!-- S BO --><!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div><img alt="Jens Lehmann" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44075000/jpg/_44075798_lehmann203.jpg" border="0" height="152" hspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">Lehmann suffered the injury against England on Wednesday</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IIMA --><!-- S SF --><b>Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann is out for at least two weeks after aggravating an Achilles tendon injury in Germany's 2-1 friendly win over England on Wednesday.</b> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Spanish keeper Manuel Almunia will replace Lehman when the Gunners play Manchester City on Saturday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "Jens is out and he will miss two weeks, I think. Maybe more - I don't know. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"He is going to see a specialist in Germany on Friday. He had this injury before but it got much worse." <!-- E SF --> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Wenger is confident that Almunia will not let him down while Lehmann is out. </span></p><p><!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sibStdQuote"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b>The problem when you get older is people say you're in decline, but I am still convinced Jens is top drawer</b> <br /></div></div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">Arsene Wenger</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IBOX --> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Almunia is equipped to take responsibility because he did very, very well when he played last year," added Wenger. "It was very reassuring. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"He is mature, he has all the attributes you need to be successful. It was a close decision who is my number-one keeper because of his performances last season." </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Lehmann, 37, has made two high-profile errors for Arsenal in the last fortnight. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">He gifted Fulham striker David Healy a goal when trying to deal with a backpass in the Gunners' opening game and let a David Dunn shot slip through his hands to give Blackburn an equaliser on Sunday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But Wenger says he still has confidence in his veteran shot-stopper. </span></p><p><!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf">606: DEBATE </div> <div> <div class="mva"> <b><!-- S ILIN --><a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A26232680">Lehman is out - could this be heaven sent I ask?</a> <!-- E ILIN --></b> <br /></div></div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">TRKL</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IBOX --> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Apart from the mistakes, he's had good games," Wenger said. "You have to defend your goalkeeper and your players. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"You don't judge it on how many mistakes they make - you have confidence in your goalkeeper. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"The problem when you get older is people say you're in decline, but I am still convinced Jens is top drawer."<!-- E BO --> </span><br /><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-76014752968924860562007-08-25T23:03:00.001+03:002007-08-25T23:03:15.502+03:00Arsenal to support autism charity<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="629"><tbody><tr> <td colspan="3"> <div class="mxb"> <div class="sh">Arsenal to support autism charity </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="416"><span style="font-size:85%;"><!-- S BO --><!-- S SF --><b>Arsenal have pledged to try to raise £250,000 this season for the autism charity TreeHouse.</b> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The money will be used to improve sports facilities at the charity's new national centre for autism education, close to the club's Emirates Stadium. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "Awareness and understanding of autism education is much-needed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"This is matched with the need to raise vital funds for the new centre. We hope we can help TreeHouse on both counts." <!-- E SF --> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">TreeHouse was formed by a group of parents, including Fever Pitch author Nick Hornby, in 1997 and aims to increase quality of education available to autistic children.<!-- E BO --> </span><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-22027491536350940322007-08-25T23:00:00.000+03:002007-08-25T23:01:21.847+03:00Arsenal 1 - 0 Man City<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="629"><tbody><tr> <td colspan="3"> <div class="mxb"> <div class="sh">Arsenal 1-0 Man City </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="416"><span style="font-size:85%;"><!-- S BO --><!-- S IBYL --> </span><div class="mvb"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="416"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="bottom"> <div class="mvb"><span class="byl">By Phil McNulty </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/999999.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="416" /><br /></span></div><!-- E IBYL --> <p> </p><p><!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div><img alt="Arsenal defender Kolo Toure challenges Man City's Emile Mpenza" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44079000/jpg/_44079346_arsenal270.jpg" border="0" height="270" hspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">Arsenal defender Kolo Toure challenges Man City's Emile Mpenza</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IIMA --><!-- S SF --><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Cesc Fabregas pierced Manchester City's defence for the first time this season with a late strike to give Arsenal a hard-fought victory.</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Sven-Goran Eriksson's side again looked impressive, with Martin Petrov and Emile Mpenza missing glorious chances. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But Arsenal took control, with City keeper Kasper Schmeichel saving Robin van Persie's 65th-minute penalty after Micah Richards fouled Alexander Hleb. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Fabregas then sealed the win, firing home powerfully with 10 minutes left. <!-- E SF --> </span></p><p><!-- S IMED --> </p><div class="avinline"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6960000/newsid_6964000?redirect=6964029.stm&news=1&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger</b> </a></span></div><!-- E IMED --><!-- S IMED --> <div class="avinline"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6960000/newsid_6964000?redirect=6964020.stm&news=1&nbwm=1&nbram=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/video_text.gif" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Man City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson</b> </a></span></div><!-- E IMED --> <p><!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf">606: DEBATE </div> <div> <div class="mva"> <b><!-- S ILIN --><a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A26286979">Who needs Henry?</a> <!-- E ILIN --></b> <br /></div></div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">scotty_arsenal</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- E IBOX --> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal lost Philippe Senderos in the pre-match warm-up when he aggravated an ankle injury, forcing Arsene Wenger to draft Gilberto Silva into central defence. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">And Arsenal's lack of cohesion at the back led to half-chances for City, who defended stoutly and counter-attacked with intent. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Petrov had already shot wastefully wide before Arsenal lost another defender after only 19 minutes, Bacary Sagna limping off after a collision with team-mate Mathieu Flamini. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">City's Brazilian midfield man Elano fired into the arms of Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia with players unmarked either side after another impressive break. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal came more into contention as the interval approached, with Van Persie sending a rising drive over the bar and then just failing to get on the end of Fabregas' cross. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But City were looking a well-organised outfit, and came closest to breaking the deadlock after 57 minutes, Petrov firing inches wide from Elano's pass. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Mpenza was then denied by the diving Almunia as City demonstrated why they have started the season so well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Arsenal missed the best opportunity of the game after 65 minutes when referee Chris Foy awarded a penalty after Richards fouled Hleb. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But Schmeichel was the hero as he blocked Van Persie's spot-kick with his legs. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The youngster then saved well from Van Persie and Fabregas as Arsenal attempted to end their growing frustration. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The Gunners finally broke City's stubborn resistance with 10 minutes left, Fabregas taking a pass from Hleb and unleashing a high drive beyond Schmeichel from the angle. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Fuelled by a sense of relief, Arsenal poured forward and Schmeichel saved well from Tomas Rosicky, Hleb sending the rebound narrowly wide. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But there was almost a dramatic finish when Schmeichel joined the attack for a corner and forced a fine save from Almunia with a powerful header. </span></p><p> </p><hr /> <p> </p><span style="font-size:85%;"><li><b>Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: </b><br />"I know we'll fight until the last second. I always felt we would score but Manchester City are a good team and we had a good performance. <p>"They defended very well and they keep the ball well and we started a bit with the handbrake on. </p><p>"We look solid and strong and mentally very focussed and they are good signs." </p> </li><li><b>Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson: </b><br />"I am disappointed we lost but we created some good opportunities. <p>"We shouldn't put our heads down - life goes on. The boys did a great job even though we lost. </p><p>"I'm very positive about the future. You have to accept in the Premier League you don't win every game. It is not good to lose but good to come here and feel you can keep up with Arsenal." </p><p> </p><hr /> <p><b>Arsenal:</b> Almunia, Sagna (Denilson 19), Silva, Toure, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Rosicky, Adebayor (Eduardo 75), Van Persie (Song Billong 87).<br />Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Bendtner. </p><p><b>Goals:</b> Fabregas 80. </p><p><b>Man City:</b> Schmeichel, Corluka, Dunne, Richards, Garrido, Ireland (Ball 87), Hamann, Johnson, Petrov, Elano (Geovanni 75), Mpenza (Bianchi 75).<br />Subs Not Used: Hart, Onuoha. </p><p><b>Booked:</b> Hamann. </p><p><b>Att:</b> 60,114 </p><p><b>Ref:</b> C Foy (England). </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><!-- E BO --><br /></p></li></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-15724393807478609612007-07-12T18:00:00.000+03:002007-07-12T18:05:32.277+03:00Auxerre's Sagna signs for ArsenalArsenal have signed Auxerre defender Bacary Sagna for an undisclosed fee. <br />The 24-year-old, who was in the last France squad but is uncapped, has signed a long-term deal and said: "It is great to be joining Arsenal." <br /><br />Gunners boss Arsene Wenger told the club's website: "He is a very capable defender and has played consistently well for Auxerre in recent seasons. <br /><br />"He plays mainly at right-back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong and quick." <br /><br />Sagna, who will wear the number three shirt, has been a regular in the Auxerre team for the last three seasons and won the French Cup in 2005. <br /><br />And Sagna added: "I know Abou Diaby from our time together at Auxerre and also Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini from the French Under-21 team. <br /><br />"Also Arsene Wenger is a major reason why I have signed for Arsenal. He is an excellent manager with a fantastic record and I am really looking forward to working with him."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-80250718229479682862007-07-11T13:24:00.000+03:002007-07-11T13:26:28.819+03:00<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42483000/jpg/_42483938_gallas203x152.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42483000/jpg/_42483938_gallas203x152.jpg" border="0" /></a>Arsenal's William Gallas wants talks with boss Arsene Wenger after revealing he and fellow players are unhappy with the club's lack of recruitment.<br /><div><br />"What is sure is that several players are questioning the club's future," Gallas, 29, told his official website.<br /></div><br /><div>"Around us, teams are recruiting but what is planned to compensate for the departure of Thierry Henry?"<br /></div><br /><div>"I will have a discussion with Arsene Wenger and certain board members to find out the objectives for the club."<br /></div><br /><div>He added: "Today I am an Arsenal player but I do not know what can occur tomorrow."<br />I am not at Arsenal to play for third place<br /></div><br /><div>William Gallas<br /></div><br /><div>The Gunners sold striker Henry to Barcelona in June and have only bought in the unproven Eduardo da Silva from Dinamo Zagreb as a replacement.<br /></div><br /><div>Meanwhile, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have made some high-profile captures that have left Arsenal in the shade.<br /></div><br /><div>The Gunners were linked with Ajax winger Ryan Babel but now appear to be second favourites, with Liverpool seemingly in pole position to land the Holland Under-21 player.<br /></div><br /><div>Former Chelsea star Gallas recognises that the cost of building the club's Emirates Stadium seems to be curtailing Arsenal's spending.<br /></div><br /><div>But he wants more seasoned talent added to the Gunners ranks to help the side challenge for trophies.<br /></div><br /><div>"I am not at Arsenal to play for third place," he said.<br /></div><br /><div>"It is necessary to recruit players of reputation because the young players have many qualities but the season is very, very long.<br /></div><br /><div>"The young players are thirsty for victories but Arsenal must obtain results, win titles in this period.<br /></div><br /><div>"If not, we will have to change policy and do the same as the other teams: recruit with more means."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From : <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6286894.stm">BBC Sports </a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-25700504852873053472007-07-11T13:17:00.000+03:002007-07-11T13:19:44.801+03:00Arsenal hold Ljungberg sale talks<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42431000/jpg/_42431530_ljungberg203.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42431000/jpg/_42431530_ljungberg203.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />undefinedUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-29825680148945469012007-07-04T14:38:00.000+03:002007-07-04T14:39:18.326+03:00Fabregas Happy to Stay at Arsenal<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="629"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><div class="mxb"> <div class="sh"> Fabregas happy to stay at Arsenal </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="416"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S BO --> <!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td> <div> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42451000/jpg/_42451836_cesc203.jpg" alt="Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas" border="0" height="152" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barca as a 16-year-old in 2003</div> </div> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IIMA --> <!-- S SF --> <b>Cesc Fabregas has allayed fears of a move away from Arsenal by insisting he wants to stay with the Gunners.</b> </span><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Fabregas, 20, signed an eight-year contract last year but has hinted at a return to Spain at some stage. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Thierry Henry's departure to Barcelona and uncertainty over manager Arsene Wenger's future increased speculation surrounding Fabregas. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">But Fabregas told The Sun: "In 10 days I'll be back training with Arsenal, my team. I'm staying in London." <!-- E SF --> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Fabregas was reported to be unhappy with Arsenal's £16.1m sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona last week. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">His unhappiness was picked up by Real Madrid and Barca, where he started his career as a youngster. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">But agent Joseba Diaz told BBC Sport: "These stories are normal but there is absolutely no truth in them whatsoever. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"Cesc is happy for Thierry as they are friends. But he can't wait to start the season, he is a key man for Arsenal." </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf"> 606: DEBATE </div> <div class="ibqlinks"> <!-- S ILIN --> <a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A24360239"> <b> How much of boost is this news to Arsenal fans?</b></a> <!-- E ILIN --> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IBOX --> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Diaz says Fabregas is keen to be part of Arsenal's future. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">He added: "Arsenal are going to buy a lot of good players and they are going to be a major team both in the Premier League and Champions League. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"At the moment Cesc is on holiday, but he is very excited about the new campaign." </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2003, believing his first-team opportunities would be limited if he stayed at the Nou Camp.<!-- E BO --> </span> <br /><br /> </p></td> <td valign="top" width="10"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="10" /></td></tr></tbody> </table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-6865703558898668182007-06-25T12:55:00.001+03:002007-06-25T12:55:49.273+03:00Henry in Spain to seal Barca moveThierry Henry has arrived in Spain to put the finishing touches on his move from Arsenal to Barcelona. <br />Henry was met by club officials and will undergo a medical before being unveiled as a Barca player on Monday. <br /><br />Barcelona have agreed a four-year deal with 29-year-old Henry and a fee thought to be about £16m with Arsenal. <br /><br />"It is incredible. I am looking forward to playing in the Camp Nou and helping the team in every way I can," Henry told the Barcelona website. <br /><br />"The most important thing that made me come [here] is the way Barca plays, the fans and the support they give. Without good fans it is difficult to have a good team and vice versa." <br /><br /> This is solely my decision, no-one has forced me to do anything <br /><br />Thierry Henry <br /><br />Barca vice-president Ferran Soriano insisted the Spanish club waited for the green light from Arsenal before making a move for a player he says had shown an interest in the Spanish club. <br /><br />"This extraordinary player has expressed that he liked our club for months," Soriano told BC FIve Live. <br /><br />"The actual deal was discussed on Friday and over the weekend. He landed here on Sunday and we are going to be finishing up everything on Monday." <br /><br />Henry said his decision to leave Arsenal was due to the shock departure of Gunners vice-chairman David Dein and continuing doubts over the future of manager Arsene Wenger. <br /><br />"Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," Henry wrote in the Sun newspaper. <br /><br />"Unfortunately and understandably, he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal, which finishes at the end of the coming season. <br /><br />"I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein." <br /><br /> 606: DEBATE <br />Do you think this is a good deal for Arsenal? <br /><br />Henry, who has also been linked with European champions AC Milan, also revealed why he decided to move to the Nou Camp. <br /><br />"Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there," he continued. <br /><br />"But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin. <br /><br />"They will always be in my heart, as will all the fans who make the game here so special. I will always have a special bond with Arsenal Football Club." <br /><br />Arsenal's 1971 League and FA Cup winning captain Frank McLintock was surprised Henry cited former vice-chairman Dein as a reason for leaving. <br /><br />He said: "I can't see the relevance of David Dein's departure. I don't know how a player can get caught up with a director's departure and that making a difference to a player's performance. <br /><br />"I'm sure he was a great ally to Arsene Wenger but I don't see how a player comes into contact with a director day after day. <br /><br />"I've never heard such talk in my life before." <br /><br />The Scot, however, was lavish in his praise of Henry's performances throughout his Arsenal career. <br /><br />He added: "He's probably been the finest player Arsenal have ever had so you can't dismiss five or six great seasons that he gave us. <br /><br />"I think the fans should leave with a warm feeling for Thierry Henry. He deserves it - he has been magnificent." <br /><br /> <br />Frenchman Henry has been linked to Barcelona for some time <br /><br />Henry began his career as a winger with Monaco in 1994 - under the supervision of current Arsenal boss Wenger. <br /><br />He was in France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad and went on to join Juventus the following season. <br /><br />But his time in Turin was a largely unsuccessful one and the player was soon heading to north London, with Wenger keen to get the best out of the prodigious talent. <br /><br />The France international has since blossomed into one of the greatest talents in world football. <br /><br />He helped Arsenal to two league titles and three FA Cups and led the Gunners to the finals of the 2000 Uefa Cup and 2006 Champions League. <br /><br />In February 2006, he became the first Arsenal player to score over 200 goals for the club, with a strike against Birmingham, and has bagged a club record 226 goals in 364 appearances for the Gunners. <br /><br />His consistency in front of goal ensured he finished as the Premier League's top scorer on four occasions. <br /><br />He has won the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year title on two occasions and the football writers' player of the year three times. He has also twice finished runner-up in the Fifa world player of the year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30156884.post-28648585370803492482007-06-24T22:18:00.000+03:002007-06-24T22:19:19.934+03:00Emotional Henry salutes Gunners<div class="mxb"> <div class="sh"><br /> </div> </div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S BO --> <!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td> <div> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42417000/jpg/_42417232_henry203.jpg" alt="Thierry Henry" border="0" height="152" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="203" /> <div class="cap">Henry will undergo a medical at the Nou Camp on Monday</div> </div> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IIMA --> <!-- S SF --> <b>Thierry Henry is confident Arsenal still have a bright future despite his impending move to Barcelona.</b> </span><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The 29-year-old France striker, who has been with the Gunners since 1999, is on the brink of completing a £16m switch to the Nou Camp. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Henry told Arsenal's website: "I don't believe what everybody is saying about the club collapsing, having a lack of players and everyone leaving. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"The team here is growing and there is some amazing talent." <!-- E SF --></span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IMED --> </span></p><div class="avinline"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <a onclick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({storyId:6234264, fileLoc: '/player/sol/newsid_6230000/newsid_6234200/', nbram: 1,bbwm: 1,nbwm: 1,bbram: 1});return false;" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6230000/newsid_6234200?redirect=6234264.stm&news=1&nbram=1&bbwm=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1"> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/icons/audio_text.gif" alt="" align="left" border="0" height="13" vspace="1" /><b>Interview: Thierry Henry on Arsenal TV</b> </a> </span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- E IMED --> </span> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Henry pointed to the emergence of young midfielder Cesc Fabregas since Patrick Vieira left for Juventus in 2005 as proof that Arsene Wenger's side can cope without him. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sibStdQuote"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b>This is solely my decision, no-one has forced me to do anything</b> <br /> </div> </div> <div class="mva"> <div class="mva">Thierry Henry</div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IBOX --> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"I do think this is the right time for Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner, who is coming back from Birmingham, to shine," Henry added. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"Hopefully they will do it. As soon as you know they can do it, they will forget about me, that's the way it is. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"When Patrick left everyone was devastated, including me and then after that a little guy came around called Cesc Fabregas and, although I didn't agree with it, everyone started saying 'who needs Patrick Vieira'? </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"Cesc is a world-class player, Robin van Persie is a world-class player, hopefully Adebayor will become a world-class player, Tomas Rosicky is a world-class player, Jens Lehmann is a world-class player, Kolo Toure and William Gallas are world-class players. You can go through the whole squad like that. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"I will now become an Arsenal fan and will be looking at every result. I am sure the team will be successful." </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <!-- S IBOX --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="5" /></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf"> 606: DEBATE </div> <div class="ibqlinks"> <!-- S ILIN --> <a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A24084920">What next for Arsenal? </a> <!-- E ILIN --> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IBOX --> </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Henry also gave a personal tribute to Gunners fans for their support during his eight years at the club. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"I would like say to you that you have been tremendous for me and I really do appreciate it," he explained. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"I am shaking as I say this. I will always remember you and I will have you in my head and my heart. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"I wanted to reassure you that I always gave 100% here. I hope you appreciate what I did here because I appreciate what you did for me. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"I grew as a man and became a better football player - I will always take that with me no matter what happens. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"Arsenal will be in my blood as well as my heart. I will always, always, always remember you guys. I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I did not lie because when you are a Gunner you will always be a Gunner. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"The club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever." </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0