Epl Thread
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killinghall
New member
And it's Arsenal 3 goals to the good against Watford!
fgl
Well-known member
Highlights
Arsenal
Jens Lehmann Kolo Toure Justin Hoyte Johan Djourou William GallasGael Clichy 80 Francesc Fabregas Gilberto Theo WalcottAlexander Hleb 62 Tomas RosickyRobin Van Persie 75 Emmanuel Adebayor Thierry Henry Subs not used
Manuel Almunia Alexandre Song Watford
Ben Foster Lloyd Doyley Danny Shittu Jay DeMerit Gavin Mahon Damien Francis Jordan Stewart Tommy Smith Darius Henderson 45 Marlon King Ashley Young Hameur BouazzaChris Powell 54 Subs not used
Richard Lee Malky MacKay Matthew Spring Referee
Howard Webb Match Report
Barclays Premiership
Emirates Stadium
Saturday, October 14, 2006, 3pm
Arsenal3Stewart 33 (og), Henry 43, Adebayor 66
Watford0
By Richard Clarke
This was a game where Arsenal celebrated their past and got a glimpse of their future.
Before kick-off Arsène Wenger was presented with a special book to mark the 10th anniversary of his first game in charge. A few minutes later the Frenchman opened a new chapter for the Club by handing Theo Walcott his first start as an Arsenal player.
The 17-year-old played impressive, inventive 63 minutes before he was substituted. By that time the home side were leading through Jordan Stewart's own goal and Thierry Henry's customary strike on the stroke of half time.
The Frenchman set up another for Emmanuel Adebayor in the 67th minute as the home assumed total control in the second half.
With the likes of Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Justin Hoyte, Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy and Johan Djourou all on show this afternoon, the future looks bright for Arsenal.
Then again, after racking up six straight wins, the present is not too shabby either. On Saturday night Arsenal were up to fourth.
There was one stand-out feature of the Arsenal team-sheet before the game — the inclusion of Walcott as a starter. The youngster was in fine form having scored twice for England Under-21s in midweek. He took his place on the left side of midfield with Tomas Rosicky switching to the right. Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor were paired up front while Van Persie was left on the bench.
Emmanuel Eboue had suffered a knee injury on international duty so Hoyte took over at right back. William Gallas filled the problem position at left back while Djourou slotted in the centre. Clichy was included for the first time this season but only made the bench. Freddie Ljungberg (calf) and Julio Baptista (hamstring) were injured.
Yet again, before kick-off Emirates Stadium was filled with fans, noise and, perhaps surprisingly, sunshine. The first few games at Arsenal's new ground have been blessed by wonderful weather. And, as Wenger's side have grown accustomed to their new home, results have improved. In his pre-match press conference the manager had suggested one more win would cure any lingering homesickness from Highbury. The three points was rarely in doubt this afternoon. Watford had their moments but Arsenal were dominant from the start.
In the eighth minute, Dan Shittu scuffed a clearance to Rosicky on the edge of the area. The Czech midfielder arrowed in a cross-shot and Ben Foster dived to his right to parry. However Adebayor collected the ball on the corner of the six-yard area and sent in a swivelling shot. Foster kicked the ball off his line.
Arsenal were starting to put their passes together. In the 12th minute, Walcott cleverly sent Fabregas clear. Foster rushed out and the Spaniard easily skipped past but he rolled his shot into sidenetting with the goal gaping.
However Watford have not been playing as poorly as their Premiership position suggests and they could have taken the lead twice in two minutes midway through the half. Marlon King fled down the right and his cross deflected off Djourou at the near post. The ball fell to Ashley Young at the far but his shot cannoned off Kolo Toure and went out for a throw. That was tossed into the area and fell to King, who rifled the ball over the bar when he might have done better.
The double salvo seemed to unsettle Arsenal for a while. Their next chance came just before the half-hour when Adebayor and Fabregas combined to send Rosicky scampering through. Foster saved his toe-poke and Gavin Mahon cleared the danger.
The Manchester United keeper was starting to have a busy afternoon denying the Arsenal strikers. In the end one of his own players would be the first to breach his goal.
In the 33rd minute, Fabregas floated over a left-wing free-kick to the far post. The ball was touched on by Adebayor and Stewart, under pressure from the onrushing Kolo Toure, nodded the ball past his own keeper.
Despite the goal, Watford still posed a threat. King and Tommy Smith might have equalised in the minute that followed.
However, five minutes before the break, Arsenal cranked up the pressure. First Henry skipped past a couple of challenge before firing a low, long-range effort inches beyond the far post.
Then in the 43rd minute, Lehmann's long kick was touched on by the leaping Adebayor. Henry collected, fooled Jay Demerit, sprinted clear and tucked his shot under the body of Foster.
Arsenal went into the break with a comfortable cushion.
Watford brought on a striker, Darius Henderson, after the interval and the young Englishman tried his luck from distance in the early stages. Not to be outdone, Arsenal's young Englishman tried something similar a few minutes later. But Walcott's effort — a classy cut-in and curling shot — was far more impressive. Once again the winger was showing just why Wenger had invested so much money in prising him from Southampton.
The youngster left the field to a standing ovation in the 63rd minute. But by this time Arsenal were in total cruise control.
Four minutes later Henry burst through and unselfishly set up Adebayor for a tap-in. It just gave the points Fort Knox-security but, in truth, they had been under lock and key ever since Stewart's own goal.
Ten minutes from time, Clichy came on for Gallas. It was an important moment. The young left back had been involved in just two games since injurying his foot last November.
Watford had a couple of chances at the death. Damian Francis' header and Stewart's drive both tested Lehmann.
But it was far too little, far too late. Barring a couple of first-half chances the home side had been totally dominant.
Arsenal
Jens Lehmann Kolo Toure Justin Hoyte Johan Djourou William GallasGael Clichy 80 Francesc Fabregas Gilberto Theo WalcottAlexander Hleb 62 Tomas RosickyRobin Van Persie 75 Emmanuel Adebayor Thierry Henry Subs not used
Manuel Almunia Alexandre Song Watford
Ben Foster Lloyd Doyley Danny Shittu Jay DeMerit Gavin Mahon Damien Francis Jordan Stewart Tommy Smith Darius Henderson 45 Marlon King Ashley Young Hameur BouazzaChris Powell 54 Subs not used
Richard Lee Malky MacKay Matthew Spring Referee
Howard Webb Match Report
Barclays Premiership
Emirates Stadium
Saturday, October 14, 2006, 3pm
Arsenal3Stewart 33 (og), Henry 43, Adebayor 66
Watford0
By Richard Clarke
This was a game where Arsenal celebrated their past and got a glimpse of their future.
Before kick-off Arsène Wenger was presented with a special book to mark the 10th anniversary of his first game in charge. A few minutes later the Frenchman opened a new chapter for the Club by handing Theo Walcott his first start as an Arsenal player.
The 17-year-old played impressive, inventive 63 minutes before he was substituted. By that time the home side were leading through Jordan Stewart's own goal and Thierry Henry's customary strike on the stroke of half time.
The Frenchman set up another for Emmanuel Adebayor in the 67th minute as the home assumed total control in the second half.
With the likes of Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Justin Hoyte, Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy and Johan Djourou all on show this afternoon, the future looks bright for Arsenal.
Then again, after racking up six straight wins, the present is not too shabby either. On Saturday night Arsenal were up to fourth.
There was one stand-out feature of the Arsenal team-sheet before the game — the inclusion of Walcott as a starter. The youngster was in fine form having scored twice for England Under-21s in midweek. He took his place on the left side of midfield with Tomas Rosicky switching to the right. Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor were paired up front while Van Persie was left on the bench.
Emmanuel Eboue had suffered a knee injury on international duty so Hoyte took over at right back. William Gallas filled the problem position at left back while Djourou slotted in the centre. Clichy was included for the first time this season but only made the bench. Freddie Ljungberg (calf) and Julio Baptista (hamstring) were injured.
Yet again, before kick-off Emirates Stadium was filled with fans, noise and, perhaps surprisingly, sunshine. The first few games at Arsenal's new ground have been blessed by wonderful weather. And, as Wenger's side have grown accustomed to their new home, results have improved. In his pre-match press conference the manager had suggested one more win would cure any lingering homesickness from Highbury. The three points was rarely in doubt this afternoon. Watford had their moments but Arsenal were dominant from the start.
In the eighth minute, Dan Shittu scuffed a clearance to Rosicky on the edge of the area. The Czech midfielder arrowed in a cross-shot and Ben Foster dived to his right to parry. However Adebayor collected the ball on the corner of the six-yard area and sent in a swivelling shot. Foster kicked the ball off his line.
Arsenal were starting to put their passes together. In the 12th minute, Walcott cleverly sent Fabregas clear. Foster rushed out and the Spaniard easily skipped past but he rolled his shot into sidenetting with the goal gaping.
However Watford have not been playing as poorly as their Premiership position suggests and they could have taken the lead twice in two minutes midway through the half. Marlon King fled down the right and his cross deflected off Djourou at the near post. The ball fell to Ashley Young at the far but his shot cannoned off Kolo Toure and went out for a throw. That was tossed into the area and fell to King, who rifled the ball over the bar when he might have done better.
The double salvo seemed to unsettle Arsenal for a while. Their next chance came just before the half-hour when Adebayor and Fabregas combined to send Rosicky scampering through. Foster saved his toe-poke and Gavin Mahon cleared the danger.
The Manchester United keeper was starting to have a busy afternoon denying the Arsenal strikers. In the end one of his own players would be the first to breach his goal.
In the 33rd minute, Fabregas floated over a left-wing free-kick to the far post. The ball was touched on by Adebayor and Stewart, under pressure from the onrushing Kolo Toure, nodded the ball past his own keeper.
Despite the goal, Watford still posed a threat. King and Tommy Smith might have equalised in the minute that followed.
However, five minutes before the break, Arsenal cranked up the pressure. First Henry skipped past a couple of challenge before firing a low, long-range effort inches beyond the far post.
Then in the 43rd minute, Lehmann's long kick was touched on by the leaping Adebayor. Henry collected, fooled Jay Demerit, sprinted clear and tucked his shot under the body of Foster.
Arsenal went into the break with a comfortable cushion.
Watford brought on a striker, Darius Henderson, after the interval and the young Englishman tried his luck from distance in the early stages. Not to be outdone, Arsenal's young Englishman tried something similar a few minutes later. But Walcott's effort — a classy cut-in and curling shot — was far more impressive. Once again the winger was showing just why Wenger had invested so much money in prising him from Southampton.
The youngster left the field to a standing ovation in the 63rd minute. But by this time Arsenal were in total cruise control.
Four minutes later Henry burst through and unselfishly set up Adebayor for a tap-in. It just gave the points Fort Knox-security but, in truth, they had been under lock and key ever since Stewart's own goal.
Ten minutes from time, Clichy came on for Gallas. It was an important moment. The young left back had been involved in just two games since injurying his foot last November.
Watford had a couple of chances at the death. Damian Francis' header and Stewart's drive both tested Lehmann.
But it was far too little, far too late. Barring a couple of first-half chances the home side had been totally dominant.
killinghall
New member
Their 3rd choice keeper is named Hilario. I can't wait to see how hilarious he will be in front of goal...lol...could be another Reina or Robinson...
:evil:
:evil:
killinghall
New member
ahkiatt said:
No, if that happens, Jose Moanrinho will have no choice but to take over the posts...whahahahahahaaa
KissMyAxe
New member
Ok latest...Wenger might fancy England job. Wonder what happens if Wenger leaves ? Pat Rice to take over? That is certainly interesting news
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=385622&cc=5739
It is probably a suggestion from Terry Butcher but it certainly can materialise. Knock yourself out you Gunners :wink:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=385622&cc=5739
It is probably a suggestion from Terry Butcher but it certainly can materialise. Knock yourself out you Gunners :wink:
fgl
Well-known member
Denilson in 18-man squad for trip to Moscow
CSKA Moscow v Arsenal
Champions League Group Stage
Dynamo Stadium
Tue, Oct 17, 2006, 5.30pm
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger has included Denilson in his squad for the Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow.
The Brazil Under-19 captain impressed on his Reserve team debut in September and will provide midfield back-up to Gilberto and Cesc Fabregas on Tuesday night.
"He's a little bit in between Tomas Rosicky and Gilberto," said Wenger. "He's more a defensive midfielder, maybe he's not the final ball giver like Cesc Fabregas but he's a good link player. I saw him when I was watching another player in Brazil [Ramon].
"He is a little bit unsettled at the moment, he is still in a hotel and is living in a different country for the first time."
Gael Clichy has also been named in Arsenal's 18-man squad after making his first-team comeback as a substitute against Watford on Saturday. However, the French left back will not start in Moscow.
"Gael is fit but I don't think I'll start him. I won't change the defence right now," said Wenger.
Arsenal squad:
Jens Lehmann
Manuel Almunia
William Gallas
Gael Clichy
Kolo Toure
Justin Hoyte
Johan Djourou
Gilberto
Denilson
Alexander Hleb
Cesc Fabregas
Alexandre Song
Theo Walcott
Tomas Rosicky
Thierry Henry
Robin van Persie
Emmanuel Adebayor
Jeremie Aliadiere
CSKA Moscow v Arsenal
Champions League Group Stage
Dynamo Stadium
Tue, Oct 17, 2006, 5.30pm
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger has included Denilson in his squad for the Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow.
The Brazil Under-19 captain impressed on his Reserve team debut in September and will provide midfield back-up to Gilberto and Cesc Fabregas on Tuesday night.
"He's a little bit in between Tomas Rosicky and Gilberto," said Wenger. "He's more a defensive midfielder, maybe he's not the final ball giver like Cesc Fabregas but he's a good link player. I saw him when I was watching another player in Brazil [Ramon].
"He is a little bit unsettled at the moment, he is still in a hotel and is living in a different country for the first time."
Gael Clichy has also been named in Arsenal's 18-man squad after making his first-team comeback as a substitute against Watford on Saturday. However, the French left back will not start in Moscow.
"Gael is fit but I don't think I'll start him. I won't change the defence right now," said Wenger.
Arsenal squad:
Jens Lehmann
Manuel Almunia
William Gallas
Gael Clichy
Kolo Toure
Justin Hoyte
Johan Djourou
Gilberto
Denilson
Alexander Hleb
Cesc Fabregas
Alexandre Song
Theo Walcott
Tomas Rosicky
Thierry Henry
Robin van Persie
Emmanuel Adebayor
Jeremie Aliadiere
Deanz
New member
Very,very cold
Wenger's 4-5-1 formation failed to fire, as last season's finalists fell to their first defeat of this campaign's competition.
Arsenal's troubles were all of their own making in the early stages - Alexander Hleb and Cesc Fabregas were frequently caught in possession, as Yuri Zhirkov and Dudu probed.
However, genuine opportunities were few and far between before the Russian champions and current league leaders claimed a 24th minute lead.
Dudu set up Carvalho in the process of being fouled by Johan Djourou. The Brazilian's shot was blocked by Kolo Toure, but when the referee called the play back for a free kick, Carvalho's finish was unerring.
Sergei Ignashevich touched the ball to Carvalho, who smashed his free kick to the left of Arsenal's wall and the ball was past Jens Lehmann before the German could move.
The goal did not wake The Gunners from their slumber, and Carvalho's swerving, dipping shot from distance caused anxiety for the visitors, who were grateful for the back pedalling Lehmann's tip over. Arsenal hearts were in collective mouths again when Vagner Love snuck in to beat Lehmann for a second time, but the strike was ruled out for offside.
Having been virtually non-existent as an attacking force for the first 40 minutes or so, The Gunners stepped up a gear as the half drew to a close, with Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky looking most likely to fashion an opening.
Van Persie had evaded the tackle of Deividas Semberas in the 41st minute, but indecision on the Dutchman's part allowed goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev to thwart him, while Rosicky's inswinging ball was teasing, but Gilberto Silva could not get a touch as he slid in at the far post.
Arsenal emerged quicker out of the blocks at the start of the second period than they had the first, but still looked leggy in attack with Thierry Henry subdued.
By contrast, the hosts exuded danger - Dudu caught out Silva and laid on the ball for Love, but Djourou was alive to the threat.
The Gunners struggled to get the measure of the hosts' curious but effective mix of three flamboyant Brazilians and a supporting cast of sturdy Russians - Dudu's header caused a scramble at a corner, while a fantastic tackle from William Gallas spared the blushes of team-mate Djourou, who let in the blue-haired Brazilian Love momentarily.
Zhirkov and Elvir Rahimic combined on a left hand side which was giving Arsenal no end of problems, but more last-ditch defending denied Love.
Wenger replaced van Persie with Emanuel Adebayor and gradually the change brought about an improvement in the visitors, if, ultimately, no tangible reward.
Toure's run threatened and Akinfeev had to punch the ball off the head of Adebayor, while Wenger's final throw of the dice saw Theo Walcott introduced for Rosicky.
Arsenal thought they had claimed an equaliser five minutes from time, but Henry's strike was chalked off by referee Manuel Gonzalez. Henry's bemusement at the decision was compounded by a yellow card - seemingly for handball in the build-up.
Substitute Ivica Olic could have put the seal on the win for Valeri Gazzaev's side, but the hosts had already done enough to leapfrog The Gunners and claim pole position in Group G - Arsenal will probably still qualify, but their status as group favourites has been severely undermined.
Wenger's 4-5-1 formation failed to fire, as last season's finalists fell to their first defeat of this campaign's competition.
Arsenal's troubles were all of their own making in the early stages - Alexander Hleb and Cesc Fabregas were frequently caught in possession, as Yuri Zhirkov and Dudu probed.
However, genuine opportunities were few and far between before the Russian champions and current league leaders claimed a 24th minute lead.
Dudu set up Carvalho in the process of being fouled by Johan Djourou. The Brazilian's shot was blocked by Kolo Toure, but when the referee called the play back for a free kick, Carvalho's finish was unerring.
Sergei Ignashevich touched the ball to Carvalho, who smashed his free kick to the left of Arsenal's wall and the ball was past Jens Lehmann before the German could move.
The goal did not wake The Gunners from their slumber, and Carvalho's swerving, dipping shot from distance caused anxiety for the visitors, who were grateful for the back pedalling Lehmann's tip over. Arsenal hearts were in collective mouths again when Vagner Love snuck in to beat Lehmann for a second time, but the strike was ruled out for offside.
Having been virtually non-existent as an attacking force for the first 40 minutes or so, The Gunners stepped up a gear as the half drew to a close, with Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky looking most likely to fashion an opening.
Van Persie had evaded the tackle of Deividas Semberas in the 41st minute, but indecision on the Dutchman's part allowed goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev to thwart him, while Rosicky's inswinging ball was teasing, but Gilberto Silva could not get a touch as he slid in at the far post.
Arsenal emerged quicker out of the blocks at the start of the second period than they had the first, but still looked leggy in attack with Thierry Henry subdued.
By contrast, the hosts exuded danger - Dudu caught out Silva and laid on the ball for Love, but Djourou was alive to the threat.
The Gunners struggled to get the measure of the hosts' curious but effective mix of three flamboyant Brazilians and a supporting cast of sturdy Russians - Dudu's header caused a scramble at a corner, while a fantastic tackle from William Gallas spared the blushes of team-mate Djourou, who let in the blue-haired Brazilian Love momentarily.
Zhirkov and Elvir Rahimic combined on a left hand side which was giving Arsenal no end of problems, but more last-ditch defending denied Love.
Wenger replaced van Persie with Emanuel Adebayor and gradually the change brought about an improvement in the visitors, if, ultimately, no tangible reward.
Toure's run threatened and Akinfeev had to punch the ball off the head of Adebayor, while Wenger's final throw of the dice saw Theo Walcott introduced for Rosicky.
Arsenal thought they had claimed an equaliser five minutes from time, but Henry's strike was chalked off by referee Manuel Gonzalez. Henry's bemusement at the decision was compounded by a yellow card - seemingly for handball in the build-up.
Substitute Ivica Olic could have put the seal on the win for Valeri Gazzaev's side, but the hosts had already done enough to leapfrog The Gunners and claim pole position in Group G - Arsenal will probably still qualify, but their status as group favourites has been severely undermined.
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