Epl Thread
- Thread starter fgl
- Start date
- Status
KissMyAxe
New member
fgl said:
To be honest with you, I think Van Nistelrooy is crap. Fergie should have kicked him about three seasons ago. He couldnt guard the ball, cant pass the ball properly, clumsy and he couldnt penetrate defenses. If I were to pick the best striker Man U has ever had, I would go for Andy Cole.
fgl
Well-known member
Internationals: Walcott wizardry leaves Germans reeling
Arsenal.com's International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest call-ups...
Theo Walcott
Germany U-21 0-2 England U-21, October 10
Theo Walcott scored two outstanding goals to book England's place at next summer's European Under-21 Championship finals in Holland. The 17-year-old replaced Gabriel Agbonlahor with 16 minutes remaining and both teams down to 10 men. Ten minutes later Walcott showed a deft touch to control Leighton Baines' long pass before racing through the centre to sidefoot past goalkeeper Michael Rensing. That put England two up on aggregate after a 1-0 victory in last Friday's first leg. In the final minute, Walcott added the coup de grace. Collecting the ball on the halfway line, his blistering pace took him past the German defence and a curling shot into the far corner settled the tie. Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte also featured as a substitute on Tuesday night; he came off the bench after 67 minutes.
Robin van Persie
Bulgaria 1-1 Holland, October 7, Holland v Albania, October 11
Robin van Persie rescued a point for Holland as Marco van Basten's side came from behind to draw with Bulgaria in Sofia. Martin Petrov gave the hosts an early lead but the in-form Arsenal forward equalised just after the hour mark. Van Persie had already hit the crossbar before the break and finally got his goal when he nodded in André Ooijer's right-wing cross from close range. Van Persie played the full 90 minutes and will remain with the Dutch squad for Wednesday's qualifier against Albania.
Freddie Ljungberg
Sweden 2-0 Spain, October 7, Iceland v Sweden, October 11
Freddie Ljungberg suffered an injury as Sweden beat Spain to make it three wins out of three in their Euro 2008 qualifying group. The Arsenal midfielder limped off after 56 minutes with a calf problem and is now doubtful for Sweden's trip to Iceland on October 11. Goals from Johan Elmander after 10 minutes and Marcus Allbäck eight minutes from time ensured victory in Solna.
Cesc Fabregas
Sweden 2-0 Spain, October 7, Spain v Argentina, October 11
Cesc Fabregas came off at half time as Spain suffered their second successive defeat in Euro 2008 qualifying. A month after losing in Northern Ireland, Luis Aragonés's team were beaten 2-0 by Sweden to leave them well adrift in Group F. Fabregas was replaced by Barcelona midfielder Iniesta at the interval but the move did not pay off as Marcus Allbäck clinched victory for Sweden with a late goal. Fabregas will stay with the Spain squad for Wednesday's friendly against Argentina.
Tomas Rosicky
Czech Republic 7-0 San Marino, October 7, Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, October 11
Tomas Rosicky played the first 63 minutes as the Czech Republic cruised to a 7-0 victory against San Marino in their latest Euro 2008 qualifier. Milan Baroš and Jan Koller both scored twice to leave Karel Brückner's team with a 100 per cent record from their three Group D games Marek Kulic opened the scoring and Jan Polák and David Jarolím were also on target. Rosicky was replaced by Jaroslav Plasil just after the hour mark and will remain with the Czech squad for Wednesday's trip to the Republic of Ireland.
Thierry Henry
Scotland 1-0 France, October 7, France v Faroe Islands, October 11
Thierry Henry played the full 90 minutes as France suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Scotland at Hampden Park. The Arsenal striker hit the post with a free kick after nine minutes and also went close with a header in the closing stages. By then Les Bleus were trailing to Gary Caldwell's 67th-minute goal following a corner from Paul Hartley. It was France's first qualifying defeat since June 5, 1999 and leaves them three points behind Scotland at the top of Group B. William Gallas did not feature on Saturday but the Arsenal defender and clubmate Henry will remain with the France squad for another qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Montbéliard on Wednesday.
Alex Hleb
Romania 3-1 Belarus, October 7, Belarus v Slovenia, October 11
Alexander Hleb set up Belarus' goal but it was not enough to deny Romania a 3-1 victory in their Group G clash in Bucharest. The Arsenal midfielder found Sergei Kornilenko after 20 minutes and the striker finished expertly, but by then Belarus were already two goals behind courtesy of early strikes from Adrian Mutu and Ciprian Marica. Dorin Goian clinched victory for Romania 14 minutes from time. Hleb played the full 90 minutes and stays with the Belarus squad for their next qualifier, against Slovenia on Wednesday.
Jens Lehmann
Germany 2-0 Georgia, October 7, Slovakia v Germany, October 11
Jens Lehmann was rested as long-range efforts from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Ballack saw an understrength Germany overcome Georgia 2-0 in a friendly on Saturday. Joachim Loew's side had to play most of the second half with 10 men following Lukas Podolski's dismissal. The Arsenal goalkeeper will stay with his national side for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia.
Johan Djourou
Austria v Switzerland, October 11
Johan Djourou has been confirmed in the Switzerland squad to face Austria in a friendly in Innsbruck on October 11.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Mali 1-0 Togo, October 7
Emmanuel Adebayor was in the Togo squad which lost 1-0 away to Mali in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.
Gilberto
Kuwait 0-4 Brazil, October 7, Brazil v Ecuador, October 10
Gilberto was in the Brazil squad which coasted to a 4-0 victory over Kuwait on Saturday. Goals from Rafael Sobis, Robinho, Daniel Carvalho and Kaka saw off the home side in a friendly which was arranged to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Al-Kuwait Club. Gilberto will now stay with the squad for a match against Ecuador on Tuesday.
Kolo Toure
Ivory Coast 5-0 Gabon, October 8
Kolo Toure was on the scoresheet as the Ivory Coast opened their African Cup of Nations 2008 qualifying campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Gabon. Toure's 25-yard freekick broke the deadlock before an Arouna Kone hat-trick and a Aruna Dindane strike secured the rout. Emmanuel Eboue was also in the squad.
Mart Poom
Estonia v Russia, October 11
Mart Poom has been called up for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia on Wednesday
Arsenal.com's International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest call-ups...
Theo Walcott
Germany U-21 0-2 England U-21, October 10
Theo Walcott scored two outstanding goals to book England's place at next summer's European Under-21 Championship finals in Holland. The 17-year-old replaced Gabriel Agbonlahor with 16 minutes remaining and both teams down to 10 men. Ten minutes later Walcott showed a deft touch to control Leighton Baines' long pass before racing through the centre to sidefoot past goalkeeper Michael Rensing. That put England two up on aggregate after a 1-0 victory in last Friday's first leg. In the final minute, Walcott added the coup de grace. Collecting the ball on the halfway line, his blistering pace took him past the German defence and a curling shot into the far corner settled the tie. Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte also featured as a substitute on Tuesday night; he came off the bench after 67 minutes.
Robin van Persie
Bulgaria 1-1 Holland, October 7, Holland v Albania, October 11
Robin van Persie rescued a point for Holland as Marco van Basten's side came from behind to draw with Bulgaria in Sofia. Martin Petrov gave the hosts an early lead but the in-form Arsenal forward equalised just after the hour mark. Van Persie had already hit the crossbar before the break and finally got his goal when he nodded in André Ooijer's right-wing cross from close range. Van Persie played the full 90 minutes and will remain with the Dutch squad for Wednesday's qualifier against Albania.
Freddie Ljungberg
Sweden 2-0 Spain, October 7, Iceland v Sweden, October 11
Freddie Ljungberg suffered an injury as Sweden beat Spain to make it three wins out of three in their Euro 2008 qualifying group. The Arsenal midfielder limped off after 56 minutes with a calf problem and is now doubtful for Sweden's trip to Iceland on October 11. Goals from Johan Elmander after 10 minutes and Marcus Allbäck eight minutes from time ensured victory in Solna.
Cesc Fabregas
Sweden 2-0 Spain, October 7, Spain v Argentina, October 11
Cesc Fabregas came off at half time as Spain suffered their second successive defeat in Euro 2008 qualifying. A month after losing in Northern Ireland, Luis Aragonés's team were beaten 2-0 by Sweden to leave them well adrift in Group F. Fabregas was replaced by Barcelona midfielder Iniesta at the interval but the move did not pay off as Marcus Allbäck clinched victory for Sweden with a late goal. Fabregas will stay with the Spain squad for Wednesday's friendly against Argentina.
Tomas Rosicky
Czech Republic 7-0 San Marino, October 7, Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, October 11
Tomas Rosicky played the first 63 minutes as the Czech Republic cruised to a 7-0 victory against San Marino in their latest Euro 2008 qualifier. Milan Baroš and Jan Koller both scored twice to leave Karel Brückner's team with a 100 per cent record from their three Group D games Marek Kulic opened the scoring and Jan Polák and David Jarolím were also on target. Rosicky was replaced by Jaroslav Plasil just after the hour mark and will remain with the Czech squad for Wednesday's trip to the Republic of Ireland.
Thierry Henry
Scotland 1-0 France, October 7, France v Faroe Islands, October 11
Thierry Henry played the full 90 minutes as France suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Scotland at Hampden Park. The Arsenal striker hit the post with a free kick after nine minutes and also went close with a header in the closing stages. By then Les Bleus were trailing to Gary Caldwell's 67th-minute goal following a corner from Paul Hartley. It was France's first qualifying defeat since June 5, 1999 and leaves them three points behind Scotland at the top of Group B. William Gallas did not feature on Saturday but the Arsenal defender and clubmate Henry will remain with the France squad for another qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Montbéliard on Wednesday.
Alex Hleb
Romania 3-1 Belarus, October 7, Belarus v Slovenia, October 11
Alexander Hleb set up Belarus' goal but it was not enough to deny Romania a 3-1 victory in their Group G clash in Bucharest. The Arsenal midfielder found Sergei Kornilenko after 20 minutes and the striker finished expertly, but by then Belarus were already two goals behind courtesy of early strikes from Adrian Mutu and Ciprian Marica. Dorin Goian clinched victory for Romania 14 minutes from time. Hleb played the full 90 minutes and stays with the Belarus squad for their next qualifier, against Slovenia on Wednesday.
Jens Lehmann
Germany 2-0 Georgia, October 7, Slovakia v Germany, October 11
Jens Lehmann was rested as long-range efforts from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Ballack saw an understrength Germany overcome Georgia 2-0 in a friendly on Saturday. Joachim Loew's side had to play most of the second half with 10 men following Lukas Podolski's dismissal. The Arsenal goalkeeper will stay with his national side for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia.
Johan Djourou
Austria v Switzerland, October 11
Johan Djourou has been confirmed in the Switzerland squad to face Austria in a friendly in Innsbruck on October 11.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Mali 1-0 Togo, October 7
Emmanuel Adebayor was in the Togo squad which lost 1-0 away to Mali in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.
Gilberto
Kuwait 0-4 Brazil, October 7, Brazil v Ecuador, October 10
Gilberto was in the Brazil squad which coasted to a 4-0 victory over Kuwait on Saturday. Goals from Rafael Sobis, Robinho, Daniel Carvalho and Kaka saw off the home side in a friendly which was arranged to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Al-Kuwait Club. Gilberto will now stay with the squad for a match against Ecuador on Tuesday.
Kolo Toure
Ivory Coast 5-0 Gabon, October 8
Kolo Toure was on the scoresheet as the Ivory Coast opened their African Cup of Nations 2008 qualifying campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Gabon. Toure's 25-yard freekick broke the deadlock before an Arouna Kone hat-trick and a Aruna Dindane strike secured the rout. Emmanuel Eboue was also in the squad.
Mart Poom
Estonia v Russia, October 11
Mart Poom has been called up for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia on Wednesday
fgl
Well-known member
Barclays Premiership
Emirates Stadium
Saturday, October 14, 2006, 3pm
Arsenal-
Watford-
By Richard Clarke
At the start of the season, Arsène Wenger suggested it might take 10 games for Arsenal to feel at home in Emirates Stadium. It seems he may have overestimated.
The Club had difficult start at their new home. They trailed in each of their first competitive three games — coming back to grab a win and two draws — but since then they have strung together back-to-back wins. According to Wenger, another victory over Watford on Saturday will complete the mental process of moving from Highbury.
“I feel this is an occasion to come back to Emirates and show we now have a consistency and strength there,” he said. “We play at home again and after wins over Sheffield United and Porto if we can get another win that will definitely install us at the Emirates.”
It is ironic that Watford should be the opponents. When Arsenal made their last major move — from the University of London training ground to a purpose-built facility next door — it was the Hornets who took over residence. The two sides are so close that the respective first-teams can probably hear each other training. However they can not see each other anymore.
“I could have done five years ago because the bushes and the trees were not as high,” joked Wenger. “We had just finished the training ground then but now we can’t see each other anymore. Unless we have a crane we can’t spot what they are doing on the other side of the fence.
More seriously, he went on: “They have just come up and Adrian Bothroyd has done an excellent job with them. He is a young promising manager. At the moment they are struggling for confidence but I was impressed by what they did in the play-offs last season.”
Freddie Ljungberg (calf), Julio Baptista (hamstring) and Emmanuel Eboue (knee) all picked up injuries over the international break. The Swede will be absent for 10 days, the latter pair could be sidelined for a month. Gael Clichy is back in the squad after his long-term foot problem. However he is not ready to start a game just yet. Lauren (knee) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are still out while Philippe Senderos (shoulder) has been playing in the Reserves recently.
Aside from adding to injury lists, international breaks have been a perennial problem to Arsenal. They seem to interrupt the momentum of Wenger’s teams. This time they went into the break on the back of five straight wins. It supported the faith of manager has had in his young side all through the campaign.
“I felt we started the season a little bit flat,” he said. “But even when we did not win a game you could see there was the potential in the side to do well. We had some hangover from the World Cup at the start so we had a lack of preparation. It took us some time to find that killer instinct. That came when we were physically ready to play at the top level.
“But I have always believed in the potential of this squad to achieve what is in front of us. I know we can do it. It is just down to how hungry we are in every game. And, of course, that starts on Saturday.”
L
Emirates Stadium
Saturday, October 14, 2006, 3pm
Arsenal-
Watford-
By Richard Clarke
At the start of the season, Arsène Wenger suggested it might take 10 games for Arsenal to feel at home in Emirates Stadium. It seems he may have overestimated.
The Club had difficult start at their new home. They trailed in each of their first competitive three games — coming back to grab a win and two draws — but since then they have strung together back-to-back wins. According to Wenger, another victory over Watford on Saturday will complete the mental process of moving from Highbury.
“I feel this is an occasion to come back to Emirates and show we now have a consistency and strength there,” he said. “We play at home again and after wins over Sheffield United and Porto if we can get another win that will definitely install us at the Emirates.”
It is ironic that Watford should be the opponents. When Arsenal made their last major move — from the University of London training ground to a purpose-built facility next door — it was the Hornets who took over residence. The two sides are so close that the respective first-teams can probably hear each other training. However they can not see each other anymore.
“I could have done five years ago because the bushes and the trees were not as high,” joked Wenger. “We had just finished the training ground then but now we can’t see each other anymore. Unless we have a crane we can’t spot what they are doing on the other side of the fence.
More seriously, he went on: “They have just come up and Adrian Bothroyd has done an excellent job with them. He is a young promising manager. At the moment they are struggling for confidence but I was impressed by what they did in the play-offs last season.”
Freddie Ljungberg (calf), Julio Baptista (hamstring) and Emmanuel Eboue (knee) all picked up injuries over the international break. The Swede will be absent for 10 days, the latter pair could be sidelined for a month. Gael Clichy is back in the squad after his long-term foot problem. However he is not ready to start a game just yet. Lauren (knee) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are still out while Philippe Senderos (shoulder) has been playing in the Reserves recently.
Aside from adding to injury lists, international breaks have been a perennial problem to Arsenal. They seem to interrupt the momentum of Wenger’s teams. This time they went into the break on the back of five straight wins. It supported the faith of manager has had in his young side all through the campaign.
“I felt we started the season a little bit flat,” he said. “But even when we did not win a game you could see there was the potential in the side to do well. We had some hangover from the World Cup at the start so we had a lack of preparation. It took us some time to find that killer instinct. That came when we were physically ready to play at the top level.
“But I have always believed in the potential of this squad to achieve what is in front of us. I know we can do it. It is just down to how hungry we are in every game. And, of course, that starts on Saturday.”
L
killinghall
New member
God, please let there be a massive rout against Watford.
At least 7-0 would make my week complete...
:roll:
At least 7-0 would make my week complete...
:roll:
- Status
