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Arsène Wenger: 'All of them can play in the first team'
Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United
Carling Cup Round 3
Emirates Stadium
Tue, Sep 25, 2007, 7.45pm



On scoring different types of goals...
"Yes, you [the press] accused us of over-playing, now we score headers and long distance goals - we listen to your advice!"

On the Young Guns' performance...
"I thought it was a very good game of very good pace. In the first half Newcastle defended very high and slowing we took over, and in the second half it was all us. Many times we should have scored a goal and didn't, but we were good and intelligent - and I like that. We didn't make a rushing mistake, going all forward and getting caught on the counter-attack."

On a consistent style of play...
"I must say the game was of the same level that we have played recently, with the players who did not play tonight. You see that the style of play - there is a continuity there and we have all kinds of good players in every position."

On new players in new positions...
"It's not a coincidence that I play Song at centre-back because he's got all the ingredients to play in there, Fabianski will be a great keeper and Diarra for his first game has done well. I think Bendtner tonight was top quality as well - he's nineteen years of age! His presence in the game was great. We have a small group but of very good quality, and very young."

On their readiness for the first team...
"All of them, for me all of them can play on a regular basis in the first team. You see a player like Armand Traore, he's eighteen! Just at left-back, the power, going forward, the crosses."

On Lassana Diarra...
"He's ready to play at that level without any problem. We got him, yes [from Chelsea], and I must say for much less than was announced in the papers. Just two-million."

On a great run of form...
"It's just the beginning of the season, we have to show that we are consistent through the whole season at that level. I feel what is the big strength at the moment in my squad is a big togetherness, good camaraderie, everybody is on the same wavelength. With a young team it's not easy to keep that."
 
wah terok lah Man U. How come Man U always have to go up against easy clubs and loss.
Arsenal always have to have a harder fight. But of course they always win.
 
Man Utd 0-2 CoventryPA


A man from Malta made Sir Alex Ferguson very cross indeed as Michael Mifsud struck twice to dump Manchester United out of the Carling Cup.

The 26-year-old finished off Michael Doyle's low cross to give Coventry a surprise half-time lead, then completed his own hard work by drilling home a superb second 19 minutes from time to send the Sky Blues' 11,000-strong travelling army into orbit.

Iain Dowie's men just about deserved their triumph, if only for Mifsud's determined efforts.

Dubbed 'mosquito' by Coventry assistant-boss Tim Flowers, Mifsud certainly gave United a nasty bite and should have emulated legendary Brazilian Ronaldo by netting an Old Trafford hat-trick, only to fire wide of an empty net when Tomasz Kuszczak spilled a free-kick into his path.

Seven days after Chelsea attracted just 24,000 to Stamford Bridge for a Champions League encounter with Rosenborg, almost three times that number turned up to see effectively a Red Devils reserve side in action.

True, there were huge numbers from Coventry and the home supporters had been forced to buy their tickets through a controversial 'automatic cup scheme' implemented by the Glazer family. But the thousands of empty seats which had been predicted just did not materialise.

There were plenty at full-time however as Ferguson's team found themselves humbled by a supposedly out-of-form Coventry side.

It was United's first defeat to lower league opposition on home soil since the 1995 humiliation by York City.

David Beckham and Ryan Giggs were unable to save United that night. On this occasion, it was the turn of Michael Carrick, Wes Brown and John O'Shea to squirm.

United had been the dominant side until Coventry grabbed their opener, yet Sky Blues goalkeeper Andy Marshall was not tested by the hosts who, while completely changed from the side that beat Chelsea on Sunday, still contained six full internationals.

One of them, Nani, a much-trumpeted £17million purchase from Sporting Lisbon, was a particular disappointment.

The Portugal winger got on the ball often enough but, for a player of his supposed quality, the final pass or shot was too poor to be true.

Immediately before Mifsud struck, Nani screwed a shot so badly wide it threatened the corner flag more than the visitors' goal.

The Coventry fans were still jeering Nani when they were given something far more positive to celebrate as Mifsud put them in front.

Skipper Michael Doyle had already found too much space on the left-hand side of United's area but when he delivered a low cross to the right, Mifsud was on his own as well and slid the ball home with ease.

Had the former Lillestrom forward's luck been in when he back-flicked Robbie Simpson's cross towards Tomasz Kuszczak's goal on Coventry's next attack, the visitors really would have been in dreamland.

Instead, the ball bounced agonisingly against a post with Kuszczak totally beaten.

Ferguson delivered his own damning verdict on his side's performance by introducing Wes Brown and young striker Fraizer Campbell at the break.

A third - and final - change followed 10 minutes after the restart as Michael Carrick was introduced for Jonny Evans.

With John O'Shea slotting into the left-back position Evans had been filling, and Danny Simpson before him, clearly Ferguson felt Simpson was the source of his side's problems.

Even with the alterations, the second period was halfway through before United carved out anything like an opportunity as David Marshall parried Dong Fangzhou's shot into the path of Carrick, whose follow-up effort was blocked at close range.

Marshall then produced an outstanding fingertip save to deny Dong, whose header was floating into the top corner.

The value of that stop was proved within a minute as Mifsud doubled his tally.

He picked up possession on the left, then when Jay Tabb overhit his first touch as he tried to collect the winger's pass, Mifsud raced on and rocketed the ball home.

Mifsud will probably never know how he failed to walk off with the match ball as he darted onto the ball Kuszczak pushed into his path as United disintegrated. Unbelievably, the striker fired wide of an empty goal.

By then Ferguson was slumped back in his seat, resigned to his fate anyway.
 
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of the small clubs...
lookout for cardiff city...
they hv anfield old boy robbie fowler n hasselbaink in their ranks...
mite be the giant killers this season...
:p
 
Fergie's quote before the game....."Sit back and enjoy watching the emergence of some very special talent.Try to spot our stars of the future"

Poor Fergie is suffering from foot-in-mouth disease!
 
The Epl Thread

'They think they are a bogey side for Arsenal'
West Ham United v Arsenal
Barclays Premier League
Upton Park
Sat, Sep 29, 2007, 3pm



By Chris Harris

Funny old team, West Ham. Last season they did the double over the champions, Manchester United, and followed suit against Arsenal. So how on earth did they get dragged into a relegation battle? Quite simply they failed to maintain those high standards against sides which, on paper at least, were inferior.

The inspirational interventions of Carlos Tevez saved the Hammers from the drop by the skin of their teeth and, after a summer of solid purchases, it's no surprise to see West Ham among the early-season frontrunners. In fact they would have gone second had they not succumbed at Newcastle last Sunday.

West Ham can bounce back this weekend by reeling off their fourth successive win against Arsène Wenger's side. Key striker Dean Ashton is back from injury and back among the goals, while Scott Parker made his first appearance for Curbishley's side in midweek following his summer transfer.

We spoke to Dave Evans of the Newham Recorder for a West Ham perspective ahead of Saturday's London derby. Read on for his verdict on West Ham's start to the season, their new signings, the importance of Ashton and the secret to their victory in last season's corresponding game.

THE STORY SO FAR
"It certainly has been a much better start but I think the expectations among the West Ham fans are perhaps a little higher than they should be. They bought plenty of players but some of them are already injured and when you look at the players who have left the club - Tevez, Benayoun - it evens it out a little bit. They have started well, especially away, but there is a lot of improvement which can be made and I think they proved that on Wednesday night in the Carling Cup against Plymouth.

"I think they have a better squad on balance. They have more pace now and Craig Bellamy makes a big difference in that, especially when they play away from home. They played in a similar way to how Arsenal used to, very much a counter-attacking game with real pace. Bellamy and Matty Etherington have just ripped teams apart. They beat Reading 3-0 but it could have been six, they beat Birmingham 1-0 but it could have been three or four. They look pretty devastating away from home and they are just starting to pick up at home too. They are looking quite good."

MAN OF THE MOMENT
"With hindsight Dean Ashton was a huge miss last season. He was so important when he first arrived and that was only from January 2006. When he signed West Ham got a kick-start especially in the FA Cup and they went all the way to the Final. Last season there was so much chopping and changing with the strikers. Alan Pardew, when he was in charge, seemed to change it nearly every week. He'd try one combination and when that didn't work he'd take them off and try two more. There was no continuity in the team but Ashton is so reliable. No one is saying he's 100 per cent yet but he scores goals, he'll pop up and put it in the net. He has three in three games now."

NEW FACES
"Scott Parker has only played one game and he's obviously not match fit but he'll be an important player in the centre midfield. Bellamy gives them an extra dimension, a bit of pace, so West Ham can play in a different way. Kieron Dyer was another one who showed the same pace and willingness to support the strikers and it was a real shame that he got injured so badly against Bristol Rovers. He'll be out for another six months as will Julien Faubert, who was like lightning on the wing. It looked like being a really speedy West Ham team but they've lost Faubert, Dyer, Parker has only just come in, Bellamy is injured too. Freddie Ljungberg has come in and done alright, but he's been injured too. When they are all fit it has the makings of a very good squad."

CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM
"We asked the manager what his aim was at the start of the season and he said he wanted a solid season after the relegation battle - and that meant top 10. Since then the real owner of the club has taken a more hands-on role which suggests to me that he perhaps he wants a little more than to 10 for the outlay he's put on the squad this season. He's certainly looking for top six and I don't think that's unreasonable but they will have to stay injury-free for the rest of the season because they've lost players already. There has always been talk about the left-back position. George McCartney has been playing there and he's done fairly well, he's an experienced player now. They tried to sign Nicky Shorey and it never materialised, I think Reading were asking a little bit too much money. So I suspect West Ham would like to strengthen there and also on the left side of midfield. They've got Etherington playing as well as he's ever done for West Ham but he can be inconsistent, as can Luis Boa Morte."

CAUSE FOR CONCERN
"There has always been talk about the left-back position. George McCartney has been playing there and he's done fairly well, he's an experienced player now. They tried to sign Nicky Shorey and it never materialised, I think Reading were asking a little bit too much money. So I suspect West Ham would like to strengthen there and also on the left side of midfield. They've got Etherington playing as well as he's ever done for West Ham but he can be inconsistent, as can Luis Boa Morte."

TALKING TACTICS
"There is no reason why Alan Curbishley shouldn't send out his side to attack Arsenal. I think West Ham fans are thinking that they are perhaps a bogey side for Arsenal, it's three wins on the trot now against them. They played very well against the top teams last season, they beat Arsenal twice and Manchester United twice, so I think West Ham raise their game. I think they've got a chance, Arsenal are playing very very well, but I think the secret to last season's result was keeping Cesc Fabregas quiet. I think Nigel Reo-Coker marked him out of the game that day and they got a late winner. If they can do that again to Fabregas there's no reason why they shouldn't get the result."
 
chelsea can kiss getting any silverware this year.... but still have some faith for them...

but really they are unorganised during the mourinho fued and the mourinho being sacked...

it's starting to become a big downfall for the club i love.
 
Epl: Afc Wins Yet Again!

Match Report
Barclays Premier League
Upton Park
Saturday, September 29, 2007, 3pm


West Ham United0


Arsenal1Van Persie 13


By Richard Clarke

Arsenal registered their first victory at West Ham for seven years with a hard-fought 1-0 win on Saturday afternoon.

This was the 101st League meeting between these two sides and the game ticked all the traditional boxes — fast, passionate, raucous and full of incident. The only goal came in the 13th minute when Alex Hleb’s wonderful right-wing cross was nodded home by Robin van Persie at the far post.

The Dutchman also hit the woodwork at the start of the second half but West Ham were always a threat themselves. Dean Ashton caused Arsenal problems throughout the game and Freddie Ljungberg was only a matter of inches offside as he went through to beat Manuel Almunia just before the hour.

However Arsenal held on and, as at Blackburn, displayed that type of discipline and tenacity perennially shown by title-winners.

This win put Wenger’s men three points clear on Saturday night. It is very early of course but their ruthlessness is encouraging for the campaign ahead.

There were two changes from the last Premiership game. Theo Walcott was rested and Hleb came back after a knee injury. Van Persie returned up front. Eduardo, who’s picked up a groin injury during the midweek win over Newcastle, made way. Meanwhile Freddie Ljungberg lined-up against Arsenal for the first time in his career.

The visitors might have had the lead after only 50 seconds. Van Persie clipped the ball forward in to the area, Diaby held it up and then laid a pass back for Adebayor to thump a shot wide.

But West Ham would have the better chances in the minutes that followed. In the fifth, Ashton tapped the ball into the path of Ljungberg in the area but Almunia rushed out to smother the shot

Then Ashton controlled a long ball on the edge of the area, held off Senderos and sent a swivelling shot just over the bar.

Arsenal gradually worked their way through the gears as Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini started to exert a stranglehold on midfield. In the 13th minute they were rewarded with a well-crafted goal. Hleb put over a crisp, curling cross to the edge to the edge of the six-yard area. Van Persie nudged his way ahead of a couple of static West Ham defenders to nod the ball towards the far post and Robert Green fumbled the ball over the line.

It would Hleb’s last major contribution. In the 31st minute the Belarusian came off worse from a challenge by Mark Noble. He was stretchered off and Emmanuel Eboue came on.

By now Arsenal had control. The goal has changed the game and the visitors had a measure of comfort. They cut through the West Ham defence relatively easily but could not find a second goal.

Van Persie hammered a free-kick straight at Green while Flamini’s drive was smothered easily. West Ham’s best chance was a curling effort over the bar from Lucas Neill.

West Ham had pressure at the start of the second half but created virtually nothing. Again Arsenal took time to settle but, 10 minutes in, should have gone further ahead when Van Persie colleted on the edge of the area, darted around Danny Gabbidon and hammered an effort against the upright. Replays suggested Green may have put a crucial fingertip on the ball.

But West Ham would not be held at bay. An unmarked Ashton nodded an inviting cross straight into the hands of Almunia. Then Ljungberg was adjudged offside just before he broke through and planted a low shot past Almunia.

However Arsenal nearly made them pay when in the 63rd minute Van Persie fed Adebayor as the Togolese striker went into the area. Green stood his ground to make another fine save.

Ashton and Diaby exchanged long-range efforts as the game started the heat up once more.

You sensed another goal but you couldn't say with any conviction who would get it.

In the 73rd minute Adebayor cut in from the left and set up Clichy to fire low towards Green’s right-hand post. The keeper made another good save to turn the ball around the post. Eight minutes from time Ashton’s header was kicked off the line by Van Persie.

The dying minutes was full of bluster but neither keeper was truly tested.

It was a gratifying, satisfying win for Wenger’s side.
 
Anyone watched ytd's high scoring portsmouth match? I didnt get to watch but, what happened?!

11 goals total.. tats one exciting match
 
oh yah the portsmouth match. just watch it just now. not really that exciting. i lost count in the many deflections.
 
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