THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2

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Theo Walcott... keen to take his chance in a central role


Walcott - We must learn to grind out results

• 6/4 Van Persie 09/10 top scorer Free £10 Paddy Power Bet
• 
  
  Arsenal must learn to grind out results if they want to win silverware, according to Theo Walcott.
  
  The England international has plenty of fond memories of the 2008/09 campaign after scoring a hat-trick for his country in Croatia and nailing down a first-team spot at Emirates Stadium. But he ended the season empty-handed after Semi-Final defeats in the Champions League and FA Cup.
  
  Arsenal played some dazzling football last term but Manchester United and Chelsea proved too strong when it mattered most. Walcott is confident of putting that right - but only if Arsenal are prepared to scrap when they need to.
  
  "I think we need to do the dirty things right," he told Arsenal.com.
  
  "Sometimes it's not just about pretty football, we need to grind out the results sometimes and get the win, get the three points. In cup competitions no one remembers the game, as long as the result is right. We need to take that into our game. Manchester United and Chelsea do the dirty work and they take their chances as well, that's another thing we need to learn and improve on.
  
  "We had a great experience of getting to Semi-Finals last season but not quite getting to Finals. Hopefully we can put that right."
  
  Walcott has spent much of his fledgling Arsenal career on the right flank but he has always harboured hopes of playing through the middle. You can understand why - Walcott has pace to burn, his finishing has improved and he can make runs in behind the defence. Walcott believes he could get his chance in a central role this season.
  
  "The boss said hopefully he will start to put me up front now and then," he said. "That's my natural position but I'd play anywhere for this team.
  
  "I want to improve my final ball and score more goals. You get judged on goals so I want to score 15-plus this season. That would be nice. I love making runs in behind, I love scoring goals and making goals. That's what I'll be judged on and I'm looking forward to that."

 

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http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3148095/first-team/barnet-v-arsenal

Barnet v Arsenal
Pre-season Friendly
Saturday, July 18, 2009, 15:00


Club announce 21-man squad for Barnet clash

• http://www.paddypower.com/bet?actio...c_grp_ids=34304&bir_index=&cid=38&AFF_ID=1264

The 21-man squad for Saturday’s pre-season curtain-raiser against Barnet has been announced.

As expected, a mixture of young players and more experienced heads will make the short trip to Underhill for the clash with the League Two side.

Included in the group is fit-again Tomas Rosicky who hasn’t appeared for the Gunners since January 2008.

Someone else who looks set to feature is new-signing Thomas Vermaelen who joined the Club from Ajax last month.
Live video of the Barnet v Arsenal game will be on Arsenal TV Online on Saturday from 2.50pm UK time, click here for full details.

Full squad to face Barnet:

Manuel Almunia
Vito Mannone
William Gallas
Johan Djourou
Mikael Silvestre
Thomas Vermaelen
Tomas Rosicky
Andrey Arshavin
Jack Wilshere
Thomas Cruise
Craig Eastmond
Luke Ayling
Conor Henderson
Francis Coquelin
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Mark Randall
Emmanuel Frimpong
Gilles Sunu
Sanchez Watt
Jay Simpson
Nacer Barazite

 

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1. Manuel Almunia

Manuel Almunia profile

• Name
  Manuel Almunia
• Born
  May 19, 1977
• Pamplona, Spain
• Position
  Goalkeeper
• Squad Number
  1
• Previous Club(s)
  Osasuna B
• Cartagonova
• Sabadell
• Celta Vigo
• Eibar (loan)
• Recreativo Huelva (loan)
• Albacete (loan)
• Joined Arsenal
  July 18, 2004
• Arsenal Debut
  Manchester City (a)
• Carling Cup
• October 27, 2004
• Won 2-1

If any questions remained over Manuel's capacity to play at the highest level, he answered them emphatically last term.
The Spaniard capitalised on Jens Lehmann's early-season injury to establish himself as Arsenal's No 1 goalkeeper.
A run of eight clean sheets in his first 11 appearances gave Manuel confidence and, as the season unfolded, he looked increasingly at home between the posts.
He quickly won over the fans too, making a splendid stop from Robbie Keane's spot-kick at a crucial point in the North London derby at Emirates Stadium just before Christmas. Nicklas Bendtner scored the winner that day but Manuel's heroics provided the platform for a vital victory.
Manuel is renowned for his shot-stopping ability and top-class kicking but he is now commanding his area with increasing authority too.
As one of the oldest members of the squad, his growing leadership qualities will come in handy this season.

 

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2. Abou Diaby



Abou Diaby profile

• Name
  Abou Diaby
• Born
  May 11, 1986
• Paris, France
• Position
  Midfielder
• Squad Number
  2
• Previous Club(s)
  Auxerre
• Joined Arsenal
  January 13, 2006
• Arsenal Debut
  Everton (a)
• Premier League
• January 21, 2006
• Lost 0-1
• First Arsenal Goal
  Aston Villa (h)
• Premier League
• April 01, 2006
• Won 5-0

Abou will be hoping to establish himself in the centre of midfield this season after the summer departures of Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto.
The form of Flamini forced Abou to settle for a left-sided role last term. His strength, technical ability and clever manipulation of the ball made the 22-year-old a useful outlet but injuries restricted him to 28 appearances in all competitions.
Nonetheless, when fit and on form, there are few brighter prospects in French football.
Wherever he plays, Abou is capable of popping up with a goal or two. His rasping drive against Derby was one of the goals of last season and a strong surge into the box brought a crucial Champions League goal at Anfield late in the campaign.
A graduate of the famous Clairefontaine Academy near Paris, Abou captained France Under-19s to success in the 2005 European Championship and is currently on the fringes of the senior squad.
MY YEAR


May

Abou started three of May’s five fixtures and was among the substitutes for the others. His undoubted highlight came in the month’s final match when he rose majestically to nod Arsenal’s third goal in their 4-1 victory against Stoke on May 24.
April

Abou sandwiched 90 minutes in the FA Cup Semi-Final on April 18 with substitute appearances against Villarreal and Liverpool. The Frenchman’s last action of the month came off the bench against Middlesbrough on the 26th.
March

Abou started four of the six March fixtures and came on as a substitute in the other two. The Frenchman fired home his spot-kick in Rome and then went on to notch against Newcastle in the Premier League on March 21. After the strike at St James’ Park, Arsène Wenger likened Abou to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. “There are similarities,” said Wenger. “They are the same stature and the same size and have the similar style.”



2. Abou Diaby - Full Arsenal Record


Prem LgeEuropeFA CupLge CupC. ShieldTotalPlayerApGlApGlApGlApGlApGlApGl2005-20069+310+2010100011+512006-20079+310+10103+100013+512007-20089+615+12204+110020+842008-200916+835+214+10000025+114Totals43+20610+638+108+210069+2910



Key:

• Prem Lge = Barclays Premier League
• C. Shield = Community Shield
• Europe = UEFA Champions League
• Ap = Appearances
• FA Cup = FA Cup sponsored by E-on
• Gl = Goals Scored
• Lge Cup = Carling Cup

 

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3. Bacary Sagna

Bacary Sagna profile

• Name
  Bacary Sagna
• Born
  February 14, 1983
• Sens, France
• Position
  Defender
• Squad Number
  3
• Previous Club(s)
  Auxerre
• Joined Arsenal
  July 12, 2007
• Arsenal Debut
  Fulham (h)
• Premier League
• July 12, 2007
• Won 2-1
• First Arsenal Goal
  Chelsea (a)
• Premier League
• March 23, 2008
• Lost 2-1

Some of English football's finest imports needed time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, including luminaries like Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires. Not Bacary. The Frenchman took to the English game immediately following his arrival in the summer of 2007.
First and foremost Bacary has proved himself to be an exemplary defender. His positional awareness, tackling ability and aerial strength secured Arsenal's right side. It was there that he developed a strong understanding with Emmanuel Eboue.
Bacary also impressed on the front foot. Neat and tidy in possession, his willingness to overlap gave Arsenal the width they needed to stretch defences. His crossing was another weapon - one pinpoint effort set up Emmanuel Adebayor's thumping headed winner at Villa Park.
The Frenchman's worth was underlined at Stamford Bridge in March. His first professional goal gave Arsenal a priceless lead but an ankle injury forced him out of the game (and the season). Bacary's departure unbalanced the back four and Chelsea struck twice to inflict a painful defeat.
That untimely injury denied Bacary a chance to shine at Euro 2008 but he is widely-regarded as the long-term successor to current France right back, Willy Sagnol. He looks set to have a long-term impact at the Emirates too.
MY YEAR


May

May was another rock-solid month for Bacary. The Frenchman played every minute of the first four fixtures and was withdrawn after 57 minutes of the fifth, and final game of the season, against Stoke. Speaking to the Official Matchday Programme during the month Bacary said: "We were a long way off fourth place at one point and we responded. We have to look forward because the team is young and we need to stay strong together.”
April

After 90 minutes against Man City, Villarreal and Wigan, Bacary missed the next 180 minutes of football with a virus. But the Frenchman did return for the incredible 4-4 draw with Liverpool on April 21, made the bench for the Boro clash five days later and finished the month with 90 minutes in the Champions League Semi-Final first leg against Man United.
March

Bacary didn’t miss a moment of March action and was influential in the Gunners’ two clean sheets in the month. The Frenchman also stepped up in the penalty shoot-out against Roma on March 11th, slotting home with aplomb from 12 yards. Of Arsenal’s race for fourth place, Bacary said: "We try to play game after game and give everything, take the maximum points and we will see.”



3. Bacary Sagna - Full Arsenal Record


Prem LgeEuropeFA CupLge CupC. ShieldTotalPlayerApGlApGlApGlApGlApGlApGl2007-20082917+10101+100038+212008-200934+109050000048+10Totals63+1116+10601+100086+31



Key:

• Prem Lge = Barclays Premier League
• C. Shield = Community Shield
• Europe = UEFA Champions League
• Ap = Appearances
• FA Cup = FA Cup sponsored by E-on
• Gl = Goals Scored
• Lge Cup = Carling Cup

 

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4. Cesc Fabregas



Cesc Fabregas profile

• Name
  Cesc Fabregas
• Born
  May 04, 1987
• Vilassar de Mar, Casal de Curacion, Spain
• Position
  Midfielder
• Squad Number
  4
• Previous Club(s)
  Barcelona
• Joined Arsenal
  September 11, 2003
• Arsenal Debut
  Rotherham United (h)
• Carling Cup
• October 28, 2003
• Drew 1-1 (Won pens)
• First Arsenal Goal
  Wolves (h)
• Carling Cup
• December 02, 2003
• Won 5-1

From promising youngster to the heartbeat of the Arsenal side - Cesc has come a long way since joining the club as a 16-year-old in September 2003.
Likeable and level-headed off the pitch, Cesc is the complete midfielder on it. He has always been tigerish in the tackle and blessed with wonderful technique and vision, but Cesc added a new dimension to his game last season - goals, and plenty of them. He netted seven times in his first nine games and, although that scoring rate fell away, Cesc still ended up with 13 in all competitions. There were some belters too, including long-range efforts at Tottenham and Milan.
To nobody's surprise, the fulcrum of Arsène Wenger's side walked away with Arsenal.com's Player of the Season award for the second successive year. He has plenty of admirers outside Emirates Stadium too, not least among his peers - they voted him PFA Young Player of the Year.
The Spaniard first came to prominence at the Under-17s World Cup when he walked off with awards for best player and top scorer. Soon after arriving from Barcelona he became Arsenal's youngest ever player and scorer. By the time he had left his teenage years behind, Cesc had surpassed 150 appearances for the Club.
Of course, the 21-year-old is now also a fixture in Spain's national squad and played a major role in his country's Euro 2008 triumph. Cesc came off the bench to devastating effect in the group stage and netted a penalty shoot-out winner against Italy in the Quarter-Finals - his first spot-kick as a professional.
MY YEAR


May

Cesc was rested in the month’s first fixture but returned to captain the side in the remaining four matches of May. The Spaniard is already looking forward to next season and in an interview with the Official Matchday Programme he said: “We have to look at where we can improve, and make sure we do that for next season. We’ve gone 21 games without losing in the league, so we know we are good, but when we’ve played in the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup and Champions League we haven’t been at the level everyone expected us to reach.”
April

Cesc returned from three and a half months out with a bang, claiming two assists in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on April 4. He followed that up with another assist against Villarreal three days later but saved his very best for the Premier League clash with Middlesbrough on the 26th. The captain lashed the Gunners ahead after 26 minutes before sealing the victory with a calm finish just past the hour mark.
March

Cesc did not manage a first-team appearance in March but it will not be long now. The Spaniard returned to full training on Thursday, March 19 and could be fit enough to face Manchester City in April. "Cesc should be fit in two weeks," confirmed Arsène Wenger. "He is back in full training now and during the international break he has two weeks to sharpen up. Normally, he should be available again against Manchester City."



4. Cesc Fabregas - Full Arsenal Record


Prem LgeEuropeFA CupLge CupC. ShieldTotalPlayerApGlApGlApGlApGlApGlApGl2003-20040000002+11002+112004-200524+924+114+20101034+1232005-200630+5310+31000+101141+952006-200734+42102203+100049+542007-20083279+16200+100043+2132008-2009223100100000333Totals142+181743+5109+206+4121202+2929



Key:

• Prem Lge = Barclays Premier League
• C. Shield = Community Shield
• Europe = UEFA Champions League
• Ap = Appearances
• FA Cup = FA Cup sponsored by E-on
• Gl = Goals Scored
• Lge Cup = Carling Cup

 

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5. Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure profile

• Name
  Kolo Toure
• Born
  March 19, 1981
• Sokuora Bouake, Ivory Coast
• Position
  Defender
• Squad Number
  5
• Previous Club(s)
  Asec Mimosas
• Joined Arsenal
  February 14, 2002
• Arsenal Debut
  Liverpool
• Community Shield
• August 11, 2002
• Won 1-0
• First Arsenal Goal
  Chelsea (a)
• Premier League
• September 01, 2002
• Drew 1-1Kolo is Arsenal's most established central back and, somewhat surprisingly, the only remaining regular from the 'Invincibles' side of 2003/04.

A utility player when he arrived at Highbury in 2002, the Ivorian has blossomed into an exemplary defender. He has strength and pace, times his tackles expertly and is quick to snuff out danger when the ball is played through the middle. Now entering his late 20s, Kolo's leadership skills are increasingly to the fore in an inexperienced Arsenal squad.
Last term was not a vintage campaign for Kolo - he struggled to find his best form after the African Cup of Nations and was shunted out to right-back when Bacary Sagna got injured - but he excelled in the first half of the season as Arsenal set the Premier League pace. Kolo developed a promising partnership with William Gallas and scored two important goals at Emirates Stadium.
Kolo is a pivotal figure for his country as well as his club. First capped in 2000, he played a key role as Ivory Coast qualified for their first World Cup in 2006 and helped the Elephants reach the Semi-Finals of the African Cup of Nations in 2008.
MY YEAR


May

Kolo sat out May’s first fixture but went on to play every minute of the remaining four. In an interview with the Official Matchday Programme, the Ivorian spoke about the stories linking him with a move away from the Club during January. "I have been here a long time, and when I saw some players leaving the Club last year that was difficult for me," he said. "Then when we didn’t start the season well I was scared. You start to think that maybe the Club don’t need you anymore. People know I love the Club, nobody can say I don't. I believe you can only truly love one club in your career, and my club is Arsenal.”
April

Because of a raft of injuries to Arsenal’s defensive unit, Kolo had an incredibly busy April. In fact, the Ivorian was the only Gunner who played every minute of the month’s action. On April 28, Kolo talked about his many defensive partnerships. "I have been here for seven years and I have played with 10 or maybe more different players,” he said. "The good thing is that Johan Djourou is a really good and intelligent player. It’s a shame that Silvestre is injured."
March

Kolo picked up a slight calf injury in the first half of the month’s first fixture against West Brom, but returned to the side for the trip to Rome on March 11. The Ivorian played his part in the Italian capital, scoring Arsenal’s sixth penalty in the shoot-out. After their triumph, Kolo said: “We are still alive this season. We are not playing too badly, and we are getting a few players back, it’s really, really important for our season. Now we have Adebayor, we have Fabregas, we have maybe Rosicky [coming back] and I think they are going to push us even more forward.”



5. Kolo Toure - Full Arsenal Record


Prem LgeEuropeFA CupLge CupC. ShieldTotalPlayerApGlApGlApGlApGlApGlApGl2002-20039+1723+403+20100+1016+2422003-200436+111004+12201053+232004-2005350815+10001049+112005-20063301210000104612006-20073531004140005342007-200829+129020000040+122008-200926+319030000038+31Totals203+22961+4221+43703+10295+3114

 

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6. Philippe Senderos

Philippe Senderos profile

• Name
  Philippe Senderos
• Born
  February 14, 1985
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Position
  Defender
• Squad Number
  6
• Previous Club(s)
  Servette
• Joined Arsenal
  June 01, 2003
• Arsenal Debut
  Manchester City (a)
• Carling Cup
• October 27, 2004
• Won 2-1
• First Arsenal Goal
  W.B.A. (a)
• Premier League
• October 15, 2005
• Lost 2-1

It's hard to recall a better centre-half performance from last season than Philippe's display against Milan in the Champions League.
The Swiss defender tends to be judged on his rare mistakes but he was outstanding after replacing the injured Kolo Toure after seven minutes of the first leg against the reigning European champions. Philippe snuffed out the threat of Kaka, Alexandre Pato and company before repeating the trick in the San Siro 13 days later. Ironically, he has now joined those players after agreeing a season-long loan with Milan.
Philippe's tenacity, aerial power and will to win are valuable assets. Also he tends to thrive when he gets a run in the side. That was certainly the case at the start of last season when William Gallas was unavailable and Philippe contributed to six clean sheets in his first eight games. He made 31 appearances in total during the 2007/08 campaign and popped up with a couple of goals too.
It's easy to forget that Philippe is still a young player because he seems to have been around for a while, not just at Arsenal but at international level too. He was part of the Swiss defence which did not concede a goal at the 2006 World Cup and played every minute of his country's campaign at Euro 2008.
MY YEAR


April

The domestic stage eluded Philippe in April, but he did feature in both legs of the Champions League tie with Liverpool, completing 90 minutes in both games.
March

Unfortunate against Villa when he directed a cross beyond Manuel Almunia, Philippe was simply superb as Arsenal dispatched of AC Milan a few days later. He continued his fine run of form with the Club featuring, in some capacity, in every game. An international appearance rounded off a profitable month for the Swiss defender.
February

February was arguably Philippe’s finest month for the Club this season. Featuring in all five games, the Swiss star effortlessly slipped into a centre-back partnership with William Gallas. The defender even grabbed a goal in the defeat of Blackburn and oversaw shut-outs against Rovers and European champions AC Milan

 

[fgl]

7. Tomas Rosicky

Tomas Rosicky profile

• Name
  Tomas Rosicky
• Born
  October 04, 1980
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Position
  Midfielder
• Squad Number
  7
• Previous Club(s)
  CKD Kompensory
• Sparta Prague
• Borussia Dortmund
• Joined Arsenal
  May 23, 2006
• Arsenal Debut
  Dinamo Zagreb (a)
• Champions League
• August 09, 2006
• Won 3-0
• First Arsenal Goal
  Hamburg (a)
• Champions League
• September 13, 2006
• Won 2-1

Tomas is one of Arsenal's matchwinners. Unfortunately, the Czech star was unable to exert any influence in the second half of last season due to injury.
Tomas limped off after nine minutes of the FA Cup tie against Newcastle on January 26 at Emirates Stadium. Arsène Wenger described his injury as "not a serious one, but a strange one", but ultimately it ruled Tomas out of the rest of the campaign, Euro 2008 and the start of pre-season.
It was a pity for Tomas and Arsenal because, prior to that, he was showing exactly why Wenger had likened the Czech midfielder to another attacking No 7. Tomas' knack of popping up in the box to apply the finishing touch to a flowing Arsenal move is reminiscent of a certain Robert Pires.
Quick and skilful with a powerful shot and an eye for a pass, Tomas is mainly deployed on the left of midfield but is just as happy in a central position, a role he fills for his country.
Tomas made his international debut aged just 17 and represented his country at the 2000 and 2004 European Championships, plus the 2006 World Cup. He is one of Arsenal's most experienced players and his return this season can only enhance the Club's chances of silverware.
MY YEAR


May

Tomas took another vital step on his road to recovery during May when he took part in his first full training session since getting injured in January 2008. He spoke to Arsenal.com immediately after the session and said: “I am very happy to be back with the rest of the squad. I was a bit nervous I have to say. When you have been out for so long you don’t know what to expect. I did not know if I would still have the same sense of the game, the same understanding, as I had before. But it was great and I did everything with the team.”
April

On April 24, Arsene Wenger revealed that Tomas will not return this season. “Tomas Rosicky’s season is over,” the manager confirmed. “I had a secret hope he would come back but since he had a second setback at the beginning of April. I thought that’s too much.”
March

Tomas has fully recovered from the rare tendon injury that kept him out for over a year but the Czech star suffered a minor set-back in his rehabilitation. During an interview with Arsenal TV Online towards the end of the month Tomas stated that he was “boiling inside” to play again.

 

[fgl]

8. Samir Nasri





Samir Nasri profile

• Name
  Samir Nasri
• Born
  June 26, 1987
• Marseille, France
• Position
  Midfielder
• Squad Number
  8
• Previous Club(s)
  Marseille
• Joined Arsenal
  July 11, 2008
• Arsenal Debut
  W.B.A. (h)
• Premier League
• August 16, 2008
• Won 1-0
• First Arsenal Goal
  W.B.A. (h)
• Premier League
• August 16, 2008
• Won 1-0

Samir was signed in the summer as a ready-made replacement for Alex Hleb
The French international midfielder is just as assured in possession, just as inventive - and he has an eye for goal too. The 21-year-old, who made two appearances at Euro 2008, arrives with a big reputation after being voted as French Ligue One's Young Player of the Year in 2007.
Samir made 145 appearances for Olympique Marseille, winning the Intertoto Cup in 2005 and helping them finish third in the French League last season. The new Arsenal recruit was a major reason why Marseille will compete in the Champions League this term.
Wenger is clearly delighted with his major summer acquisition. "He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player," said the Arsenal manager. "He has shown great potential with his performances for Marseille and the French national team over the past two seasons and he will add great quality to our squad."
MY YEAR


May

Samir was rested for this month’s first fixture but returned to start the next three. However a bout of patella tendonitis kept the Frenchman out of the season’s final game against Stoke City on May 24. He was in action at half-time of that game, but only to receive an Ebel watch worth £4,150 for scoring the fastest Arsenal goal of the season.
April

After sitting out the month’s first fixture with flu, Samir returned to play a part in each of the month’s remaining games. The Frenchman showed his versatility, impressing on the left, right and in the centre of midfield.
March

FA Cup games aside, Samir started all of Arsenal’s games in March. The Frenchman made no mistake from the spot in the penalty shoot-out triumph over Rome and finished the month with a cool finish against Newcastle in the Gunners’ 3-1 win.

 

[fgl]

9. Eduardo

Eduardo profile

• Name
  Eduardo
• Born
  February 25, 1983
• Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• Position
  Striker
• Squad Number
  9
• Previous Club(s)
  CBF Nova Kennedy
• Bangu Atletico Clube
• Inter Zapresic
• Dinamo Zagreb
• Joined Arsenal
  July 03, 2007
• Arsenal Debut
  Blackburn Rovers (a)
• Premier League
• August 19, 2007
• Drew 1-1
• First Arsenal Goal
  Sparta Prague (h)
• Champions League
• August 29, 2007
• Won 3-0

• The sooner Eduardo returns to action, the sooner he can fulfil his potential as the Club's most clinical finisher since Ian Wright.

The Brazilian-born striker took Croatian nationality in 2002 and arrived at Emirates Stadium with a prolific record for his adopted country as well as his former club, Dinamo Zagreb. He took time to adapt to the rough and tumble of English football but came of age during the hectic Christmas period. Six goals in four games, including braces at Blackburn and Everton, kept Arsenal going when the going got tough.
Whether he is connecting with a cross, racing onto a through-ball or snaffling a rebound, Eduardo is icy cool in front of goal. That is a rare talent but unfortunately his first campaign will not be remembered for his tally of 12 goals.
Instead it will be remembered for THAT injury - a broken fibula and dislocated ankle, suffered at Birmingham on February 23. It was a sickening moment for Eduardo and, arguably, a turning point in Arsenal's title challenge.
When he returns this season, Eduardo can expect the warmest of welcomes. And once he is back to his best, Arsenal fans can expect more goals from this predatory striker.
MY YEAR


May

Eduardo missed the season’s entire final month with a groin injury. Arsene Wenger unsurprisingly had a lot of sympathy for his striker. "The season is over for him, he'll be out for three weeks. It's the first of May today, it is hard to come back to football competitiveness three weeks afterwards. Maybe if Croatia plays in June he has a chance. It looks like since he's come back just every single thing that can happen has happened to him.”
April

Eduardo’s April started in fine fashion with his first international goal since returning from injury. The striker added Croatia’s second goal in their 2-0 victory over Andorra in Group Six. However, a place on the bench against Villarreal and Liverpool was all the striker could manage for Arsenal because of a series of niggles.
March

Eduardo returned from a hamstring injury to captain the side in their 3-0 victory over Burnley. In the 51st minute the striker produced a mind-boggling volley against the Clarets, hammering Alex Song’s lofted ball into the top corner with the outside of his heel. After the game, Arsène Wenger revealed why he handed Eduardo the armband for the clash. “It was a tribute to his personality and how well he has behaved during the nine months [he was injured],” said the Frenchman. “He never complained and I think in our world that says a lot.”

 

[fgl]

10. William Gallas





William Gallas profile

• Name
  William Gallas
• Born
  August 17, 1977
• Asnières, France
• Position
  Defender
• Squad Number
  10
• Previous Club(s)
  Caen
• Marseille
• Chelsea
• Joined Arsenal
  August 31, 2006
• Arsenal Debut
  Middlesbrough (h)
• Premier League
• September 09, 2006
• Drew 1-1
• First Arsenal Goal
  Sheffield United (h)
• Premier League
• September 23, 2006
• Won 3-0

William arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2006 as part of the deal which took Ashley Cole to Chelsea and, within a year, he was named as Club captain in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure. William's appointment surprised some but his first season as skipper had more highs than lows.
The Frenchman was a driving force as Arsenal opened up a five-point lead in the Premier League but the team fell short in the final stages of the title race. He expects this season to be different. "You want to be the best captain and give good advice to your players, but sometimes you can make mistakes as well," he said. "This season I know what I¹m going to do and I know I am ready to change my way of speaking to the players."
After an injury-hit first season with the Club, William made a major contribution in his second year. His pace, power and football intelligence makes him a valuable asset at the heart of defence and, in a young side, William's experience is priceless.
He also has a happy knack of nicking vital goals. William scored four times last term and all of them came at crucial moments - a last-gasp equaliser against Manchester United, a deadlock-breaker against Wigan, the winner against Chelsea on the pitch and the volley which ignited a famous comeback at Bolton. William will be hoping for more of the same this season.
MY YEAR


May

William missed the season’s final month with the medial knee ligament damage he sustained against Villarreal in April.
April

William started the month in fine form, completing 90 minutes against Man City but was forced off after 42 minutes of the month’s second game – against Villarreal on April 7 – with medial knee ligament damage. Sadly for him, the injury would cost the Frenchman the rest of his season. "Gallas is a quick recoverer but we think he will be short to come back before the end of the season," said Wenger. "It’s a big, big blow but that’s where the squad come in.”
March

William completed four of March’s six fixtures, with his undoubted highlight coming against Hull City in the FA Cup Quarter Final. With the scores locked at 1-1 after 84 minutes, a replay looked likely. However, the Frenchman was on hand to nod Andrey Arshavin’s free-kick into the unguarded net, booking the Gunners’ place in the Semi Final against Chelsea at Wembley.

 

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11. Robin van Persie





Robin van Persie profile

• Name
  Robin van Persie
• Born
  August 06, 1983
• Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Position
  Striker
• Squad Number
  11
• Previous Club(s)
  Feyenoord
• Joined Arsenal
  May 17, 2004
• Arsenal Debut
  Manchester United
• Community Shield
• August 08, 2004
• Won 3-1
• First Arsenal Goal
  Manchester City (a)
• Carling Cup
• October 27, 2004
• Won 2-1

If Arsène Wenger was granted one wish before the start of this season, he might well have asked for a fit and firing Robin van Persie.
A broken metarsal, knee ligament problems and a persistent thigh injury all played their part in restricting Robin to just 23 club appearances between January 21, 2007 and the end of last season. He is due a big slice of luck as far as fitness is concerned.
When he is fit, few strikers are more reliable than Robin. He was Arsenal's top scorer in 2006/07 and hit seven goals in his first 11 games last term before injury struck. Robin has bags of skill and is prepared to shoot from anywhere. You can't blame him - his hammer of a left foot means he is a threat from anywhere in and around the box. The departure of Thierry Henry has seen Robin, understandably, take up set-piece duties too.
The emergence of Emmanuel Adebayor meant Arsenal just about coped without Robin last season but the prospect of that pair teaming up is a mouthwatering one. If the Dutch half of that duo stays fit, he could be the key to a successful campaign at Emirates Stadium.
"For me, Robin van Persie is world class, top, top class," says Arsène Wenger.
The Premier League has been warned.
MY YEAR


May

Robin started four of May’s five fixtures and ended a strong season in tremendous fashion. The Dutchman opened his month’s account with the consolation penalty in Arsenal’s Champions League Semi-Final second-leg defeat against Man United but was at his very best on the season’s final day. The Gunners were already 1-0 in front when he bagged his first from the spot in the 16th minute. Then, less than two minutes later, his pin-point cross was nodded home by Abou Diaby. Van Persie then emphatically added Arsenal’s fourth four minutes before the break. It was inspirational stuff from the striker.
April

Injury curtailed Robin’s involvement in April’s first two matches but the Dutchman returned with a substitute appearance against Wigan on Saturday 11th. Four days later, Robin claimed his first start of the month in Arsenal’s Champions League Quarter-Final victory over Villarreal. Robin also lashed home a 69th-minute penalty for good measure. However, a groin injury meant that 76 minutes of the FA Cup Semi-Final defeat against Chelsea at Wembley was the 25-year-old’s final action of the month.
March

March was another productive month for Robin as he appeared in all six matchday squads, starting three times and taking the armband once. As ever the Dutchman was in good goalscoring form, slotting home the vital equaliser in Arsenal’ s Quarter-Final victory over Hull. On March 27, Robin scored for Holland in their comfortable 3-0 World Cup qualifier win against Scotland.

 

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12. Carlos Vela





Carlos Vela profile

• Name
  Carlos Vela
• Born
  March 01, 1989
• Cancun, Mexico
• Position
  Striker
• Squad Number
  12
• Previous Club(s)
  Guadalajara
• Osasuna
• Celta Vigo
• Joined Arsenal
  January 01, 2008
• Arsenal Debut
  Newcastle United (h)
• Premier League
• August 30, 2008
• Won 3-0
• First Arsenal Goal
  Sheffield Utd (h)
• Carling Cup
• September 23, 2008
• Won 6-0

Carlos Vela made his Arsenal debut a whole 18 months after signing for the Club. On the evidence so far, he has been worth the wait.
The Mexican youngster joined the Club from Celta Vigo in January 2007 but spent the next season and a half gaining valuable experience in Spain. After a stint with Salamanca he helped Osasuna escape relegation before joining up with Arsenal's first-team squad in the summer.
Carlos made an instant impact with Arsenal, netting four times in two games during pre-season. His close control and finishing ability have already caught the eye, not least when he ghosted past former Gunner Jens Lehmann in the win at Stuttgart. Carlos, who can play as a deep-lying striker or out wide, will now be hoping to make his mark in the Premier League.
A Mexican youth international, Carlos shot to prominence in 2005 when he helped Mexico win the FIFA Under-17 World Championships, scoring five goals to scoop the tournament's Golden Boot. It was Mexico's first world title at any level and served notice of Carlos' huge potential.
MY YEAR


May

Carlos was involved in four of May’s five matchday squads, starting once. In that game – against Portsmouth on Saturday 2nd – the Mexican fired his first Premier League goal for the Club in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory at Fratton Park.
April

Carlos made the bench for five of Arsenal’s eight games in April but the Mexican didn’t make it onto the pitch. After a visit from his family members halfway through the month, the 20-year-old missed training amid swine flu fears.
March

Carlos was included in all six of March’s matchday squads and marked the month with another sublime chip, this time against Burnley. The striker raced into the area before delicately dinking the ball over Brian Jensen. “I'm more relaxed here now,” he told the Official Matchday Programme during March. “I think I have improved a lot from playing against teams at the top level here in England.”

 

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14. Theo Walcott





Theo Walcott profile

• Name
  Theo Walcott
• Born
  March 16, 1989
• Middlesex, England
• Position
  Striker
• Squad Number
  14
• Previous Club(s)
  Southampton
• Joined Arsenal
  January 20, 2006
• Arsenal Debut
  Aston Villa (h)
• Premier League
• August 19, 2006
• Drew 1-1
• First Arsenal Goal
  Chelsea
• Carling Cup Final
• February 25, 2007
• Lost 2-1

Theo Walcott joined Arsenal in January 2006 to a fanfare of publicity but, in many ways, he only "arrived" last season.
Theo spent most of his first 18 months at Emirates Stadium developing his game on the training pitches but, last term, he made a significant step forward with 39 appearances. The teenager earned a reputation as an 'impact substitute', memorably racing 80 yards to set up a Champions League goal for Emmanuel Adebayor at Liverpool. Theo's efforts were lost in the remnants of a numbing European exit but it underlined what he was capable of.
He was equally unlucky at Birmingham in February when a well-taken brace was overshadowed by Eduardo's sickening injury and two dropped points. Nonetheless, Theo's raw pace and ability is now being channeled to good effect and he was rewarded for his improvement with a call-up to the England squad in May. He might have been a shock inclusion in the 2006 World Cup squad but Theo's international calibre is clear now.
The challenge for Theo this season is to secure a regular starting place with his club. Arsène Wenger believes there are "no limitations" on how the teenager can develop and, although the Frenchman tends to deploy Theo as a right winger at the moment, an improvement in his link-up play could see the England man emulate his boyhood hero Michael Owen and flourish up front too.
MY YEAR


May

Although Theo featured in four of May’s five fixtures, it was his off-pitch exploits that were most pleasing for Arsenal fans. On Friday, May 8 the 20-year-old put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at the Club. Afterwards he said: “It’s fantastic to work with the best manager in the world and play at Emirates Stadium, which is an unbelievable place to play in. I just want to continue playing my football at this Club and look forward to many successful seasons ahead.”
April

Theo played a part in all eight of April’s fixtures, starting all but one. The rapid winger scored a crucial equaliser against Wigan on Saturday 11th and opened the scoring in Arsenal’s FA Cup Semi-Final defeat against Chelsea with a clinical volley. Then, in the Gunners’ incredible 4-4 draw with Liverpool, the England ace embarked on another mazy dribble to supply Andrey Arshavin with his fourth of the evening.
March

Theo made his long awaited return from a dislocated shoulder after 71 minutes of Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Burnley on March 8th. The winger went on to feature in the next three fixtures of the month, starting twice. However, the rapid winger suffered another injury setback during training on Friday, March 20.

 

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15. Denilson






Denilson profile

• Name
  Denilson
• Born
  February 16, 1988
• São Paulo, Brazil
• Position
  Midfielder
• Squad Number
  15
• Previous Club(s)
  Sao Paulo
• Joined Arsenal
  August 31, 2006
• Arsenal Debut
  W.B.A. (a)
• Carling Cup
• October 24, 2006
• Won 2-0
• First Arsenal Goal
  Newcastle United (h)
• Carling Cup
• September 25, 2007
• Won 2-0

This is a big season for Denilson. The Brazilian midfielder advanced perhaps more than any other Arsenal player in 2006/07 but cut a frustrated figure last term as injuries restricted his progress.
Denilson limped off after 18 minutes of the 5-1 defeat at Tottenham in January and did not regain full fitness until April. It was a real anti-climax after a solid start to the campaign which was punctuated by spectacular long-range strikes in the Carling Cup against Newcastle and Sheffield United.
Denilson has captained his country at every age group between Under-15 and Under-19 and received his first call-up to the senior Brazil squad in March 2007. He will be looking to force his way back into international contention this season.
To do that, Denilson will need to make his mark at club level and the chance is there, particularly now Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto have left. On the evidence of pre-season, Denilson's quiet efficiency and clinical distribution could give Arsène Wenger just what he needs in the engine room.
MY YEAR


May

Denilson started three of May’s five fixtures and was among the substitutes for the other two games. The Brazilian bowed out for season 2008/09 with 90 minutes in Arsenal’s final-day 4-1 victory over Stoke at Emirates Stadium.
April

Denilson started six of the eight April fixtures, taking his place among the substitutes for the other two. The Brazilian still has more appearances than any other player in Arsenal’s first-team squad and, in an interview with the Official Matchday Programme in the first week of the month he said: “We have the likes of Abou Diaby and Alex Song that provide competition too. Cesc being back will help the team greatly – and as far as I’m concerned I’ll give 100 per cent whether I’m playing or not, and leave selection decisions to the boss.”
March

Denilson played every minute of Arsenal’s non-FA Cup matches in March. His highlight came at the Stadio Olimpico during Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out victory over Rome. The Brazilian showed cast-iron nerve to fire his penalty past Alexander Doni and after the game he admitted, “It was my first proper penalty”.

 

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16. Aaron Ramsey





Aaron Ramsey profile

• Name
  Aaron Ramsey
• Born
  December 26, 1990
• Caerphilly, Wales
• Position
  Midfielder
• Squad Number
  16
• Previous Club(s)
  Cardiff City
• Joined Arsenal
  June 13, 2008
• Arsenal Debut
  FC Twente (a)
• Champions League
• August 13, 2008
• Won 2-0
• First Arsenal Goal
  Fenerbahce (a)
• Champions League
• October 21, 2008
• Won 5-2

Technically sound and assured in possession, Aaron is one of the most promising young players in Britain and is guaranteed a warm welcome among Arsenal's fans after turning down Manchester United to join the Gunners in June.
Aaron is the youngest player to represent Wales at Under-21 level and, although just 17, has also been called up to the full national squad. Aaron was called up for friendly international matches in Iceland and Holland last season but was an unused substitute on both occasions.
The young midfielder progressed through the youth ranks at Cardiff City and also became the youngest ever player to represent the Bluebirds, coming on as a substitute in a League match against Hull City on April 28, 2007, at just 16 years 124 days, breaking the previous record set by John Toshack.
Aaron made a total of 22 appearances for Cardiff and came off the bench during their FA Cup Final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley in May. He regularly played wide for Cardiff but prefers to play centrally and impressed in that role during pre-season.
MY YEAR


May

After almost the whole season on the fringes of the Arsenal first-team, Aaron finally made his full Premier League debut in May when he started in central midfield against Portsmouth on Saturday 2nd. In addition the young Welshman featured in three of the other four squads in the month.
April

Aaron didn’t make a first-team appearance in April but was named among the substitutes in half of the month’s fixtures. The teenager’s highlight came while on international duty, when he made his first competitive start for Wales on April 1 in their clash with Germany at the Millennium Stadium.
March

Aaron only made one appearance during March, replacing Emmanuel Eboue after 67 minutes of Arsenal’s 3-1 victory at West Brom. During the month, the Rugby Union Six Nations tournament was played. And, because of Aaron’s passion for rugby, we asked him about the tournament. “They are very passionate about their rugby in Wales and the Six Nations is a big occasion for them,” he said. “I enjoy watching them, I enjoy rugby and I give my support to Wales.”

 

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17. Alex Song





Alex Song profile

• Name
  Alex Song
• Born
  September 09, 1987
• Douala, Cameroon
• Position
  Defender
• Squad Number
  17
• Previous Club(s)
  Bastia
• Joined Arsenal
  August 12, 2005
• Arsenal Debut
  Everton (h)
• Premier League
• September 19, 2005
• Won 2-0
• First Arsenal Goal
  Liverpool (a)
• Carling Cup
• January 09, 2007
• Won 6-3

Arsène Wenger has believed in Alex's ability ever since he plucked him from Bastia in the summer of 2005. The Frenchman's faith was vindicated last season as Alex showed just why the boss rates him so highly.
First-team opportunities were few and far between for the Cameroon international in his first two years with the Club but he made 15 appearances last term and would probably have made more if an injury had not sidelined him in the Spring.
Alex impressed during Arsenal's run to the Carling Cup Semi-Finals, notably at Blackburn in the Quarter-Finals, and earned a late call-up to the Cameroon squad at the Africa Cup of Nations. The young Gunner excelled in Ghana and, although Cameroon fell short, Alex was named in the team of the tournament.
An injury slowed Alex's momentum on his return to England but he barely put a foot wrong on his return to action in a vital title clash at Old Trafford in April and went on to play every minute of Arsenal's last five Premier League fixtures.
Alex is comfortable in a holding central midfield role - he impressed there during a loan spell with Charlton in 2007 - but his finest moments came at centre-half last term. No doubt Alex will be pushing for a first-team place when he returns from the Olympics this season.
MY YEAR


May

Alex proved his versatility and quality starting all five of May’s fixtures. First, the Cameroonian played 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Portsmouth on Saturday 2nd, before moving into midfield for the defeats against Man United and Chelsea. On May 16 Alex turned in probably his best performance of the season with a masterful display at centre back in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford and he remained at centre-half for the season’s final game a week later.
April

April was a busy month for Alex, who started six of the month’s eight fixtures. The Cameroon international’s undoubted highlight of April was scoring his first Premier League goal for the Gunners with a slaloming run and crisp finish against Wigan on Saturday, 11.
March

Alex started four of March’s six fixtures, and was named among the substitutes in the others. The Cameroonian turned in some performances of real quality as part of Arsenal’s midfield and delicately teed up Eduardo for his stupendous volley against Burnley in the FA Cup.

 

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18. Mikael Silvestre





Mikael Silvestre profile

• Name
  Mikael Silvestre
• Born
  August 09, 1977
• Chambray-les-Tours, France
• Position
  Defender
• Squad Number
  18
• Previous Club(s)
  Rennes
• Inter Milan
• Manchester United
• Joined Arsenal
  August 20, 2008
• Arsenal Debut
  Everton (h)
• Premier League
• October 18, 2008
• Won 3-1
• First Arsenal Goal
  Tottenham H. (h)
• Premier League
• October 29, 2008
• Drew 4-4

The French defender joined Arsenal on a two-year deal from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee in August 2008.
Silvestre, 31, an experienced and versatile player, had been with Manchester United since 1999, winning a host of domestic honours including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup winner’s medal and a League Cup winner’s medal. Silvestre was also part of the UEFA Champions League winning side of 2008 and made a total of 361 appearances for the Manchester side, scoring 10 goals.
Silvestre, who debuted for French national side in 2001, had made a total of 40 appearances for Les Bleus when he joined Arsenal. Highlights of his international career so far are winning the Confederations Cup in both 2001 and 2003 and reaching the World Cup Final in 2006.
After signing the player, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: “We have a strong squad but a young squad and Mikael’s versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season. His defensive adaptability will serve us well and it’s a big plus that Mikael has top level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League.”

MY YEAR


May

Mikael’s only appearance during May was in Arsenal’s disappointing 4-1 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday 10th. In addition he was among the substitutes for a further three of the month’s fixtures.
April

Injuries to Johan Djourou and William Gallas ensured that Mikael played a crucial role in April’s games. The Frenchman featured in the last six games of the month, including clean sheets against Villarreal and Middlesbrough and a goal against Wigan. On April 28, Mikael gave his thoughts on Arsenal’s progression. “There is a talent at Arsenal,” he said. “The difference is that they are growing up together.”
March

Although Mikael did not appear in the first team during March, the Frenchman made his comeback from injury in the Reserves’ 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Monday, March 23. After the game he spoke to Arsenal.com: "It was very good to be back. There have been so many big games and the team is doing well so you want to enjoy that as much as you can and be involved. I am glad of our progress and hopefully I can join in now."

 

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19. Jack Wilshere





Jack Wilshere profile

• Name
  Jack Wilshere
• Born
  January 01, 1992
• Stevenage, Hertfordshire
• Position
  Midfielder
• Squad Number
  19
• Joined Arsenal
  October 01, 2001
• Arsenal Debut
  Blackburn Rovers (a)
• Premier League
• September 13, 2008
• Won 4-0
• First Arsenal Goal
  Sheffield Utd (h)
• Carling Cup
• September 23, 2008
• Won 6-0

Jack enjoyed a rapid rise in the summer of 2008. He started the previous campaign aged 15 and aiming to make an impression in the Under-18s squad. By February he was making his Reserve team debut against West Ham - scoring a wonderful curler in the process - then in August was handed a first-team squad number.
He joined Arsenal in 2001 as a nine-year-old and has turned into a creative midfield player who can operate on either flank. He also scores his fair share of goals.
Jack signed scholarship forms in the summer of 2008 and celebrated by going on the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria. He struck twice in the friendly against a Burgenland XI and added a classy goal past Jens Lehmann at Stuttgart.
His pre-season exploits have created a buzz and he is considered one of the brightest young talents in the Arsenal squad.
MY YEAR


May

Jack didn’t feature for the first team in May but was instrumental for the Under-18s as they brought the FA Youth Cup back to Arsenal for the first time since 2001.
April

Jack didn’t feature for the first-team at all during April but was in good form for Steve Bould’s Under-18s.
March

Jack did not feature in any of the March matchday squads but he did play a key role in the Under-18s’ progression to the FA Youth Cup Semi-Final. The 17-year-old has been a mainstay in Steve Bould’s midfield throughout that competition.