fuzztremecho
New member
let me call alex bro
he gonna ask if we can get cesc also..loved that boy for his pizza throwing skills
he gonna ask if we can get cesc also..loved that boy for his pizza throwing skills
THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
- Thread starter fgl
- Start date
fgl
Well-known member
FA to take no action over Adebayor/Bendtner incident
The following statement was released by the FA on Thursday afternoon
"The FA will not take any formal disciplinary action against over the incident involving Arsenal team-mate Nicklas Bendtner during the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham but will write to both players to remind them of their responsibilities."
[ Thursday, January 24, 2008]
Abu's a headbutter! No ifs or butts about that.
IMHO, good team today but Arese Wnaker wants to tru to do it without buying stars or even spending a decent bit of moey that the club actually has. Arse Wanker, is actually all about himself. If Arse Wanker was about the team, Arse-anal will have better pklayers and perhaps be about 2-5 pints up the PL table.
Again, great manager when it comes to purchases and getting players to do theri aprt but a poor poor poor manager because Arse Wanker wants to be the HOTSHOT of a football team.
Arse Wanker should be a COACH and not a manager. He's truly GREAT at certain things but he is too much into himself to be of lasting good to his team.
Can Arse-anal win the PK or the CL or the FA Cup???
Truly, very unlikely. A better manager would have seen the gaps in defence when Toure left and the gaping gap in CM should Cesc need a break - and boy does he need a break!!!
Pne of the best strikeforce in PL and perhaps CL but a poor CM and defence will hamper them. If only Arse-wanker had bought another CM and one or two defenders, Arse-anal will be flying high in the PL and be a hotshot for the CL.
IMHO, good team today but Arese Wnaker wants to tru to do it without buying stars or even spending a decent bit of moey that the club actually has. Arse Wanker, is actually all about himself. If Arse Wanker was about the team, Arse-anal will have better pklayers and perhaps be about 2-5 pints up the PL table.
Again, great manager when it comes to purchases and getting players to do theri aprt but a poor poor poor manager because Arse Wanker wants to be the HOTSHOT of a football team.
Arse Wanker should be a COACH and not a manager. He's truly GREAT at certain things but he is too much into himself to be of lasting good to his team.
Can Arse-anal win the PK or the CL or the FA Cup???
Truly, very unlikely. A better manager would have seen the gaps in defence when Toure left and the gaping gap in CM should Cesc need a break - and boy does he need a break!!!
Pne of the best strikeforce in PL and perhaps CL but a poor CM and defence will hamper them. If only Arse-wanker had bought another CM and one or two defenders, Arse-anal will be flying high in the PL and be a hotshot for the CL.
fgl
Well-known member
fgl
Well-known member
'This is a different city now that he is back'
Arsenal v Newcastle United
FA Cup Round 4
Emirates Stadium
Sat, Jan 26, 2008, 3pm
By Chris Harris
The Kevin Keegan roadshow rolls into town this weekend as Newcastle's very own comeback kid takes charge of his first away game since making a shock return to St. James' Park.
Keegan has single-handedly lifted the gloom on Tyneside after agreeing to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle boss - just three months after insisting that his managerial career would not be resurrected.
Amid the fervour which greeted Keegan's return, there was a reality check. His reign kicked off with an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Bolton which reminded all and sundry that, although Keegan will bring style back to Newcastle, they still lack substance.
Alan Oliver of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle has seen a host of managers come and go at St. James' Park. Here he gives his verdict on Keegan's return, the challenge he faces, the contrast with Allardyce, strengthening the Newcastle side and the prospect of a trip to Emirates Stadium.
MAN OF THE MOMENT
"This is a different city now that Kevin Keegan is back. You can just walk outside and see the smiles on the faces of everybody. There's only one man in the world who could have had this effect on Newcastle United Football Club and that's Keegan. I don't know how they will do against Arsenal on Saturday but it will be a different Newcastle to the one that played under Sam Allardyce. He's already given the players confidence. Some people get upset when we call him 'The Messiah' and speak of a second coming but he has that effect.
"I was surprised he came back. We ran a poll before the announcement and Keegan only got 40 per cent of the votes. I'd seen what he said about not having seen a match for two years, I saw the interview he did in October saying he wouldn't come back into football. But we should have known because anything is possible with Newcastle and Kevin Keegan. It's the only job he would come back to. "It is a big job for him, it's a lot harder in the Premier League now. When Kevin came back last time he was given quite a bit of money to spend, although his first signing was Brian Kilcline for £250,000 and the money had to be taken out of the bank account of Sir John Hall's wife, Lady May. But he was given money to spend and he brought in some fantastic players. People keep saying that Newcastle haven't won anything for years and years and of course that's correct, but don't forget they have had some fantastic players in the last 20 years - Shearer, Ferdinand, Ginola, Philippe Albert, Asprilla, Rob Lee - I could go on forever."
NEW FACES
"To tell the truth Sam only spend £9 million net - he spent £23 million on players and got £14 million back for Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker. The signings have not been such a success. Geremi has not been a success and when they signed Abdoulaye Faye I wondered why they signed him. He's done quite well because he can play in central defence or as a holding midfielder. The guy at right back, Habib Beye, he's not bad. Barton has been a big disappointment. Apart from his troubles off the field, he hasn't really looked the player we saw at Manchester City since he returned from that metatarsal injury. For me, last season he carried City on his own virtually. Despite what you might read in the press, he won't be involved on Saturday. On the whole though, Sam's signings have been a disappointment. "Kevin is definitely looking for a centre half. He's desperate for a creative midfielder, dare I say like Dyer. If you remember last year when Newcastle went to the Emirates, Dyer was just back from injury and it was he who scored that fantastic goal. He led Newcastle's revival last season. They are desperate to have player with 'legs' or creativity in midfield. Arsenal should be vastly superior to Newcastle in midfield in both games coming up."
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
"The rest of this season is about restoring confidence, next season is when Keegan will be looking to make a bigger impact. Newcastle are in 12th place in the table and they've got to play seven of the teams above them away from home, so obviously it will be difficult. There are two derby matches against Sunderland and Middlesbrough at St. James' Park, so it shows that under Sam Allardyce Newcastle had quite an easy start to the season. If you remember they were due to play Arsenal in the first week but the game was postponed because of Arsenal's European commitments. Newcastle didn't play any of the 'big four' until the end of November, so they've got some very difficult fixtures coming up."
TALKING TACTICS
"There will be no more defensive tactics. Newcastle went to Fulham just before Christmas and we said that if Allardyce had sent the players out and told them to 'go and play', Newcastle would have won 4-0. But Sam was obsessed with being negative, and he would have been happy with a 0-0 that day. In the event Newcastle won 1-0 with a late penalty from Joey Barton. Just to show the different mood, I was just on the phone with Keegan and he told me to remind people that Newcastle are unbeaten since he took over. It wasn't the best of goalless draws with Bolton on Saturday but his attitude is to be positive. "I don't fancy Newcastle's chances at the Emirates but if they can come away still in the Cup tie, people will think they can go on and win it. Newcastle have already been there this season and were beaten by Arsenal's reserves in the Carling Cup. But you never know with Kevin Keegan, he's just been saying that Arsenal will be smarting from the defeat against Spurs and it's up to Newcastle to cash in on that."
IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"I'm absolutely in love with Arsenal. When we came down to the Emirates, the whole set-up is fantastic, the press room, the way we are treated, everything. The stadium is magnificent and there were 60,000 there even though everyone knew Arsenal wouldn't have the first team out. I went back on the Tube at Finsbury Park and I saw all the young kids with their Arsenal tops on and I just felt that Newcastle United are a million years away from Arsenal. Ever since that night I've been a massive Arsenal fan and Newcastle fans seem to think the same."
Arsenal v Newcastle United
FA Cup Round 4
Emirates Stadium
Sat, Jan 26, 2008, 3pm
By Chris Harris
The Kevin Keegan roadshow rolls into town this weekend as Newcastle's very own comeback kid takes charge of his first away game since making a shock return to St. James' Park.
Keegan has single-handedly lifted the gloom on Tyneside after agreeing to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle boss - just three months after insisting that his managerial career would not be resurrected.
Amid the fervour which greeted Keegan's return, there was a reality check. His reign kicked off with an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Bolton which reminded all and sundry that, although Keegan will bring style back to Newcastle, they still lack substance.
Alan Oliver of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle has seen a host of managers come and go at St. James' Park. Here he gives his verdict on Keegan's return, the challenge he faces, the contrast with Allardyce, strengthening the Newcastle side and the prospect of a trip to Emirates Stadium.
MAN OF THE MOMENT
"This is a different city now that Kevin Keegan is back. You can just walk outside and see the smiles on the faces of everybody. There's only one man in the world who could have had this effect on Newcastle United Football Club and that's Keegan. I don't know how they will do against Arsenal on Saturday but it will be a different Newcastle to the one that played under Sam Allardyce. He's already given the players confidence. Some people get upset when we call him 'The Messiah' and speak of a second coming but he has that effect.
"I was surprised he came back. We ran a poll before the announcement and Keegan only got 40 per cent of the votes. I'd seen what he said about not having seen a match for two years, I saw the interview he did in October saying he wouldn't come back into football. But we should have known because anything is possible with Newcastle and Kevin Keegan. It's the only job he would come back to. "It is a big job for him, it's a lot harder in the Premier League now. When Kevin came back last time he was given quite a bit of money to spend, although his first signing was Brian Kilcline for £250,000 and the money had to be taken out of the bank account of Sir John Hall's wife, Lady May. But he was given money to spend and he brought in some fantastic players. People keep saying that Newcastle haven't won anything for years and years and of course that's correct, but don't forget they have had some fantastic players in the last 20 years - Shearer, Ferdinand, Ginola, Philippe Albert, Asprilla, Rob Lee - I could go on forever."
NEW FACES
"To tell the truth Sam only spend £9 million net - he spent £23 million on players and got £14 million back for Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker. The signings have not been such a success. Geremi has not been a success and when they signed Abdoulaye Faye I wondered why they signed him. He's done quite well because he can play in central defence or as a holding midfielder. The guy at right back, Habib Beye, he's not bad. Barton has been a big disappointment. Apart from his troubles off the field, he hasn't really looked the player we saw at Manchester City since he returned from that metatarsal injury. For me, last season he carried City on his own virtually. Despite what you might read in the press, he won't be involved on Saturday. On the whole though, Sam's signings have been a disappointment. "Kevin is definitely looking for a centre half. He's desperate for a creative midfielder, dare I say like Dyer. If you remember last year when Newcastle went to the Emirates, Dyer was just back from injury and it was he who scored that fantastic goal. He led Newcastle's revival last season. They are desperate to have player with 'legs' or creativity in midfield. Arsenal should be vastly superior to Newcastle in midfield in both games coming up."
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
"The rest of this season is about restoring confidence, next season is when Keegan will be looking to make a bigger impact. Newcastle are in 12th place in the table and they've got to play seven of the teams above them away from home, so obviously it will be difficult. There are two derby matches against Sunderland and Middlesbrough at St. James' Park, so it shows that under Sam Allardyce Newcastle had quite an easy start to the season. If you remember they were due to play Arsenal in the first week but the game was postponed because of Arsenal's European commitments. Newcastle didn't play any of the 'big four' until the end of November, so they've got some very difficult fixtures coming up."
TALKING TACTICS
"There will be no more defensive tactics. Newcastle went to Fulham just before Christmas and we said that if Allardyce had sent the players out and told them to 'go and play', Newcastle would have won 4-0. But Sam was obsessed with being negative, and he would have been happy with a 0-0 that day. In the event Newcastle won 1-0 with a late penalty from Joey Barton. Just to show the different mood, I was just on the phone with Keegan and he told me to remind people that Newcastle are unbeaten since he took over. It wasn't the best of goalless draws with Bolton on Saturday but his attitude is to be positive. "I don't fancy Newcastle's chances at the Emirates but if they can come away still in the Cup tie, people will think they can go on and win it. Newcastle have already been there this season and were beaten by Arsenal's reserves in the Carling Cup. But you never know with Kevin Keegan, he's just been saying that Arsenal will be smarting from the defeat against Spurs and it's up to Newcastle to cash in on that."
IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"I'm absolutely in love with Arsenal. When we came down to the Emirates, the whole set-up is fantastic, the press room, the way we are treated, everything. The stadium is magnificent and there were 60,000 there even though everyone knew Arsenal wouldn't have the first team out. I went back on the Tube at Finsbury Park and I saw all the young kids with their Arsenal tops on and I just felt that Newcastle United are a million years away from Arsenal. Ever since that night I've been a massive Arsenal fan and Newcastle fans seem to think the same."
fgl
Well-known member
Arsenal
- Jens Lehmann
- Philippe Senderos
- Gael Clichy
- Justin Hoyte
- William Gallas
- Abou Diaby
- Gilberto 76
- Cesc Fabregas
- Mathieu Flamini
- Theo Walcott
- Alexander Hleb 76
- Tomas Rosicky
- Eduardo 9
- Emmanuel Adebayor
FA Cup Round 4
Emirates Stadium
Saturday, January 26, 2008, 3pm
Arsenal
3
Adebayor 50, 84, Butt 88 (og)
Newcastle United
0
By Richard Clarke
Normal service has been resumed.
While this straightforward victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup Fourth Round may not obliterate the memory of that 5-1 beating at Tottenham in midweek, it will at least help Arsène Wenger's side settle into their old and familiar winning groove.
Kevin Keegan's side arrived at Emirates Stadium with ambition, determined to take advantage of any Carling Cup hangover. Their industrious game-plan worked to an extent and this lively tie was well-balanced until Emmanuel Adebayor rifled home the opening goal five minutes into the second period.
But, after that, Arsenal took over and the Togolese frontman secured a berth in the Fifth Round with a second seven minutes from time. Then, just before the end, Nicky Butt touched Cesc Fabregas' free-kick into his own net.
The scoreline was harsh on Newcastle who played a full part in proceedings. But, at full time, the home side's now traditional huddle was back in evidence - as was Arsenal's efficiency.
Wenger's men move onwards and upwards - not only in the FA Cup but from Tuesday night.
The manager retained four players from midweek Abou Diaby, Justin Hoyte, Theo Walcott and Willaim Gallas. Philippe Senderos returned at centre back, Mathieu Flamini and Fabregas were restored to central midfield with Tomas Rosicky on the left while Emmanuel Adebayor was back up front. Jens Lehmann took over the No 1 spot at the expense of Lukasz Fabianski.
Well that is the way Arsenal started anyway. Within 10 minutes Rosicky was forced off with an injury and Eduardo came on. The Croatian joined Adebayor up front and Walcott dropped to the right flank.
It was a not massive change. The game had barely settled down. Newcastle had caused slight consternation from a corner and the stretching Fabregas had nearly touched Gael Clichy's chipped through-ball past Shay Given. But that was about it. Still, there was drive and ambition in abundance from both sides.
Keegan's return had hardly been triumphant last weekend against Bolton. Gary Megson's underrated outfit had held them to drab goalless draw at St James' Park. Today they were much more vibrant.
In the 14th minute, Charles N'Zogbia's run won a corner. He took it himself and Alan Smith's first-time shot was headed off the line by Gael Clichy. A couple of minutes later Stephen Carr and Smith combined on the right only for the resulting cross to flash across the area with Michael Owen in close attendance.
The game was starting to sparkle. Clichy's shot was batted away by Given and then Diaby cracked an effort well wide.
In the 23rd minute, Diaby's attempted pass was half-blocked. A steepling bounce fooled Steven Taylor and Eduardo pounced to lash a shot goalwards. Given saved spectacularly. In the minutes that followed the Irishman made a more mundane stop and an unmarked Eduardo miscued his header at the near post.
Arsenal's response had been heartening and it was shaping up to be a wonderful FA Cup tie. While Havant & Waterlooville were doing their best to play out the classic David and Goliath scenario this was more like Clash of the Titans.
On the half-hour, Fabregas cleverly sent Walcott through on the right of the area but the winger's teasing cross trickled unconverted across the face of goal.
Duff's tenacity won a corner at the other end as Newcastle threatened once more but Arsenal's response saw Adebayor nudge a header just wide. It was end-to-end stuff.
However as the game neared half time, the visitors' end came under more pressure. Fabregas fired an angled shot wide and, on the whistle, Given tipped over from Diaby's piledriver.
The interval had come at the wrong time for Arsenal. They were just building up a head of steam and, if anything, Newcastle had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges when the home side took the lead in the 51st minute.
Eduardo received the ball in space on the edge of the area and cleverly opened up his body to curl an effort against the base of the post. The ball rebounded to Adebayor who cut inside his marker and rifled a shot into the far corner of the net.
The Togolese striker has had a tough week and his sliding knee celebration had all the hallmarks of a relieved man.
It was also Arsenal's 100th goal at Emirates Stadium.
Adebayor nearly added another second soon afterwards but, after collecting Diaby's pass in the area, he was dispossessed at the vital second.
The goal had seemingly dented Newcastle's self-belief and they spent the next 10 minutes on the back foot. Once they had gathered themselves Damian Duff continued to menace the Arsenal defence. However there was now an ominous air about the home side.
In the 69th minute Fabregas touched on a Clichy cross and the swivelling Eduardo had a goalbound shot blocked. Newcastle were now spent force. They had played their part in a lively tie but the latter stages of the game were dictated by Arsenal's pursuit of a second goal.
It arrived six minutes from time when Adebayor skipped past a couple of Newcastle defenders and drilled a low shot past Given.
As full time approached, Nicky Butt nodded a Fabregas free-kick past his own keeper.
That was harsh on the Keegan's side. But, as Tuesday night had proved, the scoreline does not always entirely reflect the nature of the game.
fgl
Well-known member
WENGER'S VIEW
Arsene Wenger
Arsène Wenger: 'The first goal had a big impact'
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United
FA Cup Round 4
Emirates Stadium
Sat, Jan 26, 2008, 3pm
on a win that Arsenal needed ...
"I need always to win because I want to win, but this team has done extremely well since the start of the season and I was quite confident - I was not worried at all before the game, I must tell you. We played against a good Newcastle side who started strong and they created some chances at the start and slowly took control of the game. In the second half it was completely controlled by us and we won in the end - I felt the second goal killed Newcastle. Overall it was a difficult game. "
on the importance of the first goal...
"Well it was a game where the first goal had a big impact on the result. We scored when we were in control of the game, and that of course was mentally difficult to solve by Newcastle because they knew then it would be difficult. If they had scored in the first half, that certainly would have given them more belief. We scored when we were already in control of the game."
on sticking with Walcott...
"Yes of course because I feel at the moment he needs that. You see as well, for example, Theo Walcott, the way he started the game and the way he finished the game, that he grew in the game. He slowly found confidence. Sometimes when a player feels he had not a good game, when you can, you can give him another game to show him as well that you believe in him."
on further talk of Adebayor's incident with Bendtner...
"Frankly, he has played football, they have all played football. In what team does that kind of incident not happen? You are surprised that a country with such a history in the game makes so much of that, but I can understand it as well because maybe it is something to talk about. But it has happened, in every team it happens that there are disagreements."
Arsène Wenger: 'The first goal had a big impact'
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United
FA Cup Round 4
Emirates Stadium
Sat, Jan 26, 2008, 3pm
on a win that Arsenal needed ...
"I need always to win because I want to win, but this team has done extremely well since the start of the season and I was quite confident - I was not worried at all before the game, I must tell you. We played against a good Newcastle side who started strong and they created some chances at the start and slowly took control of the game. In the second half it was completely controlled by us and we won in the end - I felt the second goal killed Newcastle. Overall it was a difficult game. "
on the importance of the first goal...
"Well it was a game where the first goal had a big impact on the result. We scored when we were in control of the game, and that of course was mentally difficult to solve by Newcastle because they knew then it would be difficult. If they had scored in the first half, that certainly would have given them more belief. We scored when we were already in control of the game."
on sticking with Walcott...
"Yes of course because I feel at the moment he needs that. You see as well, for example, Theo Walcott, the way he started the game and the way he finished the game, that he grew in the game. He slowly found confidence. Sometimes when a player feels he had not a good game, when you can, you can give him another game to show him as well that you believe in him."
on further talk of Adebayor's incident with Bendtner...
"Frankly, he has played football, they have all played football. In what team does that kind of incident not happen? You are surprised that a country with such a history in the game makes so much of that, but I can understand it as well because maybe it is something to talk about. But it has happened, in every team it happens that there are disagreements."
fgl
Well-known member
FA Cup draw
Arsenal face Manchester United in FA Cup
Arsenal will face Manchester United in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup.
Arsene Wenger's side were drawn against their Premier League title rivals when the draw was made at FA headquarters in Soho Square on Monday afternoon.
Arsenal eased into the last 16 with a 3-0 victory against Newcastle at Emirates Stadium. United beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Fifth-Round ties will be played over the weekend of February 16 and 17.
Stay close to Arsenal.com for reaction to the FA Cup draw.
FA Cup Fifth-Round draw
Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston North End v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
Arsenal will face Manchester United in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup.
Arsene Wenger's side were drawn against their Premier League title rivals when the draw was made at FA headquarters in Soho Square on Monday afternoon.
Arsenal eased into the last 16 with a 3-0 victory against Newcastle at Emirates Stadium. United beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Fifth-Round ties will be played over the weekend of February 16 and 17.
Stay close to Arsenal.com for reaction to the FA Cup draw.
FA Cup Fifth-Round draw
Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston North End v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
fgl
Well-known member
Lehmann - I think I have a chance to win things
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Tue, Jan 29, 2008, 7.45pm
By Matt Fortune
Jens Lehmann believes he has every chance of winning trophies with Arsenal.
The German stopper's future has been subject to much press speculation in recent months, but as the end of the transfer window draws closer it appears the 38-year-old will stay at the Club for the remainder of the current season.
Lehmann cites many reasons for his decision to stay in London. Ultimately though, he is happy in the capital.
"First of all, I like it here," he said. "I like the Club, I like the fans, I like the team and the way we are playing football. And I think that I still have a chance to win things here — I wouldn’t have had this chance somewhere else.
"It’s true that I had to consider my family situation — my boys like going to school here and they have a lot of activities ahead of them before the end of the academic year.
"Then there’s the fact that I am a competitor. If I still see a chance to get in the team, why should I give up? The pressure comes into play from this point in the season, and I know that experience can be very valuable, we all have a role to play.
"Those are the reasons why I decided to stay here.
Lehmann also revealed that his 'special' relationship with the supporters was a big factor.
"Yes, they [the fans] played a big role in my decision. I’ve had a fantastic time here — soon after I arrived we went unbeaten for 49 games so I was lucky to build up a special relationship with the supporters.
"The next year we won the FA Cup, the third year we unfortunately didn’t win the Champions League but it was very close. I’ve always liked playing here and it’s not something I could just give away through not playing a few games — things can all change very quickly in football.
"I believe in this team’s ability to win things and I believe in my ability to be a part of that, so I can’t give it up that quickly."
fgl
Well-known member
Wenger - Rosicky, Toure injuries not serious
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Tue, Jan 29, 2008, 7.45pm
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger had three reasons to be relatively cheerful when he revealed his team news ahead of the Premier League game with Newcastle at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Firstly, the hamstring injury that forced off Tomas Rosicky in the FA Cup tie between the two sides at the weekend will clear up in “days not weeks”.
Secondly the groin problem Kolo Toure picked up on international duty had been scanned by Arsenal staff in Paris and would sideline him for only “eight to 10 days”.
Thirdly Robin van Persie is expected back in training on Tuesday as he bids to return from a thigh injury.
Meanwhile Manuel Almunia and Bacary Sagna are back in the Arsenal squad for the return of Kevin Keegan’s side. Rosicky will be absent but only in the short-term, something that looked doubtful when he trudged off after just nine minutes on Saturday.
“There is no deep problem with Tomas,” said Wenger. “He has a problem with his hamstring but it is not torn. He got a kick at Fulham and the inflammation around his tendon provokes some pain but we feel it's a question of days, not weeks."
The same can be said of Toure. And that can be classed as a relief after he went off during the first half of Ivory Coast’s game with Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday. Since then the centre back has flown to Paris, been assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff and returned to the tournament in Ghana.
"He has a Grade One groin problem,” said Wenger. “It will keep him out for eight to 10 days. But he will stay with the Ivory Coast squad for the rest of the tournament."
Wenger added Van Persie would return to training on Tuesday but the striker will not be available again for another two or three weeks.
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Tue, Jan 29, 2008, 7.45pm
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger had three reasons to be relatively cheerful when he revealed his team news ahead of the Premier League game with Newcastle at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Firstly, the hamstring injury that forced off Tomas Rosicky in the FA Cup tie between the two sides at the weekend will clear up in “days not weeks”.
Secondly the groin problem Kolo Toure picked up on international duty had been scanned by Arsenal staff in Paris and would sideline him for only “eight to 10 days”.
Thirdly Robin van Persie is expected back in training on Tuesday as he bids to return from a thigh injury.
Meanwhile Manuel Almunia and Bacary Sagna are back in the Arsenal squad for the return of Kevin Keegan’s side. Rosicky will be absent but only in the short-term, something that looked doubtful when he trudged off after just nine minutes on Saturday.
“There is no deep problem with Tomas,” said Wenger. “He has a problem with his hamstring but it is not torn. He got a kick at Fulham and the inflammation around his tendon provokes some pain but we feel it's a question of days, not weeks."
The same can be said of Toure. And that can be classed as a relief after he went off during the first half of Ivory Coast’s game with Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday. Since then the centre back has flown to Paris, been assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff and returned to the tournament in Ghana.
"He has a Grade One groin problem,” said Wenger. “It will keep him out for eight to 10 days. But he will stay with the Ivory Coast squad for the rest of the tournament."
Wenger added Van Persie would return to training on Tuesday but the striker will not be available again for another two or three weeks.
fgl
Well-known member
The incident between Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner will be resolved 'without a problem' and could serve to 'improve togetherness' inside the team.
A disagreement between the two hit the headlines after Arsenal's defeat at White Hart Lane. Adebayor apologised for his part the following day and, on Thursday, the FA announced they would not be taking action against either striker.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, Wenger gave his thoughts on the affair.
"Disagreements are part of the game and every single manager will be surprised what has been made of that story," said the Frenchman. "But that is part of being at Arsenal.
"Of course you want to deal with this internally. We want to know what kind of incident happened but we will deal with this without any problem.
"We will even use this to be conscious of how much every incident, even a minor one, can be interpreted on the outside and that will even improve our togetherness inside the team."
The Frenchman would not divulge whether any punishment would be meted out, but he did say: "There is always action taken if it is needed. I believe that from now on it is better for us not to talk too much about it."
fgl
Well-known member
Arsenal
Newcastle United
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 7.45pm
Arsenal
3
Adebayor 40, Flamini 73, Fabregas 80
Newcastle United
0
By Richard Clarke
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a handsome 3-0 win over Newcastle on Tuesday night.
Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsène Wenger's side a first-half lead with his ninth goal in his last seven games. As they had in Saturday's FA Cup tie, Kevin Keegan's men made Arsenal work hard but Mathieu Flamini ended the argument with a 30-yard thunderbolt 19 minutes from time. Cesc Fabregas completed the scoring soon afterwards with his 12th goal of the season.
So, after that sorry defeat six days ago at White Hart Lane, a pair of 3-0 wins over Newcastle have put Arsenal back on their feet.
And those victories have now shifted the focus squarely on Old Trafford. Saturday's gave Arsenal an FA Cup Fifth Round tie at Manchester United and, on Wednesday night, Sir Alex Ferguson's side entertain a Portsmouth side who have been productive travellers this season.
It is now their turn to play catch-up.
Wenger made four changes from the weekend game. The rested Manuel Almunia and Bacary Sagna came back for Jens Lehmann and Justin Hoyte. Theo Walcott dropped to the bench while Eduardo stepped up. Tomas Rosicky, who had hobbled off after nine minutes at the weekend, was replaced by Alex Hleb.
There was almost another early casualty this evening. Gael Clichy went thundering forward only to be brought upended by Steven Taylor. The move broke down and eventually Abou Diaby was clattered by James Milner. The Frenchman was stretchered off and needed a treatment for a couple of minutes. Fortunately he was able to continue.
In the 17th minute Diaby was in the wars again. This time while stooping to nod Hleb's cross over the bar, he got a blameless boot from Nicky Butt on the top of the head.
The intervening minutes had belonged to Arsenal albeit without the incisiveness we had seen in the second half on Saturday.
Eduardo and Adebayor had both seen glimpses of goal but nothing more. It appeared that Newcastle were going to be less expansive than they had in the cup game.
In fact the closest Arsenal came in the first half-hour was when Adebayor chased down Taylor's backpass and Shay Given, standing virtually on the goal-line, casually back-heeled the ball out for a corner!
However, in the 31st minute, the home side created a genuine chance. Sagna got to the byline and cut back a wonderful low cross that was cleared away milliseconds before the sliding Eduardo could make contact inches from goal.
Arsenal were improving. Eight minutes from the break, Flamini found space close to the right-hand byline. His measured chip across goal was met with a thunderous volley from Adebayor. It whistled inches over the bar.
That turned out to be a 'dry-run' for the opening goal. Four minutes later one-touch football from Hleb and Fabregas sent Flamini to virtually the same spot. This time his cross was flatter and met by Adebayor's downward header.
And the ball ended up in the back of the net.
Newcastle were now reeling. Before half time, Hleb tried to dance around Given and then dithered when he should have let fly.
However Milner did send a deflected shot into the netting at the other end. It was a close as Newcastle got all half.
And they were to have another decent effort after the restart when Alan Smith got a glimpse of goal when Arsenal failed to clear their lines. However his shot was weak.
Their small spell of pressure did not last. Diaby created some space then cracked an effort wide and, as on Saturday, Adebayor began to make his muscular presence felt.
In the 63rd minute he chested down Sagna's cross for Flamini but the Frenchman's shot was smothered. The Togolese striker then set up the same player for a low drive.
Flamini had been enjoying one of his best games in recent months. But, although the 23-year-old's work-rate is something to admire, it is rare for him to fire a 30-yard piledriver into the top corner of the net. But that is what he did tonight after collecting Fabregas' pass 19 minutes from time. An incredible strike.
The Spaniard completed the scoring eight minutes later. Substitute Nicklas Bendtner controlled a long punt forward inside the area and found Fabregas with the simplest of passes. His finish was clinical.
Again Newcastle had played a full part in the game but were on the end of a sound beating. Three minutes from time they won a free-kick on the edge of the area, Butt took it but his effort bounced back off the bar and Sagna cleared.
That, and Shola Ameobi's injury-time trickler into the arms of Almunia, summed up their night.
Arsenal, however, are back on form and back on top.
WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!
- Manuel Almunia
- Philippe Senderos
- Gael Clichy
- William Gallas
- Bacary Sagna
- Abou Diaby
- Gilberto 77
- Cesc Fabregas
- Mathieu Flamini
- Alexander Hleb
- Emmanuel Adebayor
- Theo Walcott 83
- Eduardo
- Nicklas Bendtner 72
Newcastle United
- Claudio Cacapa
- Shay Given
- Stephen Carr
- David Rozehnal
- Joey Barton 57
- Steven Taylor
- Charles N'Zogbia
- James Milner
- Shola Ameobi 74
- Damien Duff
- Nicky Butt
- Alan Smith
- Michael Owen
- Steve Harper
- David Edgar
- Kazenga LuaLua
- Mike Riley (Yorkshire)
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 7.45pm
Arsenal
3
Adebayor 40, Flamini 73, Fabregas 80
Newcastle United
0
By Richard Clarke
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a handsome 3-0 win over Newcastle on Tuesday night.
Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsène Wenger's side a first-half lead with his ninth goal in his last seven games. As they had in Saturday's FA Cup tie, Kevin Keegan's men made Arsenal work hard but Mathieu Flamini ended the argument with a 30-yard thunderbolt 19 minutes from time. Cesc Fabregas completed the scoring soon afterwards with his 12th goal of the season.
So, after that sorry defeat six days ago at White Hart Lane, a pair of 3-0 wins over Newcastle have put Arsenal back on their feet.
And those victories have now shifted the focus squarely on Old Trafford. Saturday's gave Arsenal an FA Cup Fifth Round tie at Manchester United and, on Wednesday night, Sir Alex Ferguson's side entertain a Portsmouth side who have been productive travellers this season.
It is now their turn to play catch-up.
Wenger made four changes from the weekend game. The rested Manuel Almunia and Bacary Sagna came back for Jens Lehmann and Justin Hoyte. Theo Walcott dropped to the bench while Eduardo stepped up. Tomas Rosicky, who had hobbled off after nine minutes at the weekend, was replaced by Alex Hleb.
There was almost another early casualty this evening. Gael Clichy went thundering forward only to be brought upended by Steven Taylor. The move broke down and eventually Abou Diaby was clattered by James Milner. The Frenchman was stretchered off and needed a treatment for a couple of minutes. Fortunately he was able to continue.
In the 17th minute Diaby was in the wars again. This time while stooping to nod Hleb's cross over the bar, he got a blameless boot from Nicky Butt on the top of the head.
The intervening minutes had belonged to Arsenal albeit without the incisiveness we had seen in the second half on Saturday.
Eduardo and Adebayor had both seen glimpses of goal but nothing more. It appeared that Newcastle were going to be less expansive than they had in the cup game.
In fact the closest Arsenal came in the first half-hour was when Adebayor chased down Taylor's backpass and Shay Given, standing virtually on the goal-line, casually back-heeled the ball out for a corner!
However, in the 31st minute, the home side created a genuine chance. Sagna got to the byline and cut back a wonderful low cross that was cleared away milliseconds before the sliding Eduardo could make contact inches from goal.
Arsenal were improving. Eight minutes from the break, Flamini found space close to the right-hand byline. His measured chip across goal was met with a thunderous volley from Adebayor. It whistled inches over the bar.
That turned out to be a 'dry-run' for the opening goal. Four minutes later one-touch football from Hleb and Fabregas sent Flamini to virtually the same spot. This time his cross was flatter and met by Adebayor's downward header.
And the ball ended up in the back of the net.
Newcastle were now reeling. Before half time, Hleb tried to dance around Given and then dithered when he should have let fly.
However Milner did send a deflected shot into the netting at the other end. It was a close as Newcastle got all half.
And they were to have another decent effort after the restart when Alan Smith got a glimpse of goal when Arsenal failed to clear their lines. However his shot was weak.
Their small spell of pressure did not last. Diaby created some space then cracked an effort wide and, as on Saturday, Adebayor began to make his muscular presence felt.
In the 63rd minute he chested down Sagna's cross for Flamini but the Frenchman's shot was smothered. The Togolese striker then set up the same player for a low drive.
Flamini had been enjoying one of his best games in recent months. But, although the 23-year-old's work-rate is something to admire, it is rare for him to fire a 30-yard piledriver into the top corner of the net. But that is what he did tonight after collecting Fabregas' pass 19 minutes from time. An incredible strike.
The Spaniard completed the scoring eight minutes later. Substitute Nicklas Bendtner controlled a long punt forward inside the area and found Fabregas with the simplest of passes. His finish was clinical.
Again Newcastle had played a full part in the game but were on the end of a sound beating. Three minutes from time they won a free-kick on the edge of the area, Butt took it but his effort bounced back off the bar and Sagna cleared.
That, and Shola Ameobi's injury-time trickler into the arms of Almunia, summed up their night.
Arsenal, however, are back on form and back on top.
WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!
DarknessIsComfort
New member
is this a football thread or arsenal thread?
fuzztremecho
New member
hahahahaha
glory glory man united
ITS TIME BROS !!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA
Cristiano Ronaldo steered Manchester United back to the top of the table with his second brace in the space of three days as they beat Portsmouth 2-0.
MAN UTD 2- HARRY REDKNAPP TEAM-0
Cristiano Ronaldo booms in a free-kick to score his second goal at Old Trafford.
After dismantling Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday, he showed similar panache against Pompey.
Ronaldo's two goals took his tally to 27 - and the campaign still has a way to run.
The Portugal winger looks intent on winning a second successive championship single-handedly.
However United are much more than a one-man team and with Paul Scholes back to full fitness they have plenty of impressive options.
• Fergie: Best free kick I've seen
With England manager Fabio Capello looking on they took the game by the scruff of the neck inside the first quarter.
United made the breakthrough in the 10th minute after an incisive break which dismantled Portsmouth - and the visitors never recovered.
Nani showed superb vision to pick out Ronaldo and he took full advantage with a cool finish.
That put United firmly in the driving seat early in the match.
It did not take Ronaldo long to add to his tally, either, with James stranded as a magnificent 25-yard free-kick whistled past his left shoulder in the 13th minute.
Such was the sweetness of the strike even the visiting fans must have felt like applauding.
Ronaldo then turned provider in the 20th minute when he set up Rooney but his chip was cleanly taken by James.
Ronaldo almost scored from an identical free-kick four minutes later, only for James to deflect his effort to safety before Brown thumped a close range shot over the bar.
United kept up the pace and Patrice Evra strode forward in the 27th minute but James made a good parry.
Portsmouth again found themselves on the back foot four minutes later when Scholes picked out Ronaldo with a good through-ball.
However Glen Johnson read the situation well and made a timely interception.
Rooney should then have made it 3-0 to United but contrived to miskick in front of goal.
Such was United's dominance at this stage he could afford a wry smile at fluffing the chance.
Scholes looked as though he had never been away by spraying some precise passes around the pitch.
Nani then went close in the 42nd minute after cutting inside, only to see his effort go wide of the target.
United started the second half where they had left off and James did well to push away a header from Rio Ferdinand in the 51st minute following a corner from Nani.
Rooney was wasteful in the 55th minute when he intercepted a sloppy back pass from Sol Campbell - the United striker lofted the ball up in the air but did not put enough weight on it and James was able to make the save.
Nani was looking lively and tried to release Rooney three minutes later but he had strayed offside.
Portsmouth were having a little more more possession at this stage but were finding United difficult to break down.
Ronaldo should have completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute but scuffed his effort wide after Rooney had won the ball off Campbell.
Rooney was putting in a hard shift and cut inside three minutes later, only send a shot into James' arms.
Nani almost got his reward for a promising display in the 72nd minute but James stood up and made the block.
The Portuguese winger was intent on seeing his name on the scoresheet but rattled a shot over the bar in the 82nd minute.
Then substitutes Carlos Tevez and Anderson both went close as United regained their place at the top of the table ahead of Arsenal.
glory glory man united
ITS TIME BROS !!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA
Cristiano Ronaldo steered Manchester United back to the top of the table with his second brace in the space of three days as they beat Portsmouth 2-0.
MAN UTD 2- HARRY REDKNAPP TEAM-0
Cristiano Ronaldo booms in a free-kick to score his second goal at Old Trafford.
After dismantling Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday, he showed similar panache against Pompey.
Ronaldo's two goals took his tally to 27 - and the campaign still has a way to run.
The Portugal winger looks intent on winning a second successive championship single-handedly.
However United are much more than a one-man team and with Paul Scholes back to full fitness they have plenty of impressive options.
• Fergie: Best free kick I've seen
With England manager Fabio Capello looking on they took the game by the scruff of the neck inside the first quarter.
United made the breakthrough in the 10th minute after an incisive break which dismantled Portsmouth - and the visitors never recovered.
Nani showed superb vision to pick out Ronaldo and he took full advantage with a cool finish.
That put United firmly in the driving seat early in the match.
It did not take Ronaldo long to add to his tally, either, with James stranded as a magnificent 25-yard free-kick whistled past his left shoulder in the 13th minute.
Such was the sweetness of the strike even the visiting fans must have felt like applauding.
Ronaldo then turned provider in the 20th minute when he set up Rooney but his chip was cleanly taken by James.
Ronaldo almost scored from an identical free-kick four minutes later, only for James to deflect his effort to safety before Brown thumped a close range shot over the bar.
United kept up the pace and Patrice Evra strode forward in the 27th minute but James made a good parry.
Portsmouth again found themselves on the back foot four minutes later when Scholes picked out Ronaldo with a good through-ball.
However Glen Johnson read the situation well and made a timely interception.
Rooney should then have made it 3-0 to United but contrived to miskick in front of goal.
Such was United's dominance at this stage he could afford a wry smile at fluffing the chance.
Scholes looked as though he had never been away by spraying some precise passes around the pitch.
Nani then went close in the 42nd minute after cutting inside, only to see his effort go wide of the target.
United started the second half where they had left off and James did well to push away a header from Rio Ferdinand in the 51st minute following a corner from Nani.
Rooney was wasteful in the 55th minute when he intercepted a sloppy back pass from Sol Campbell - the United striker lofted the ball up in the air but did not put enough weight on it and James was able to make the save.
Nani was looking lively and tried to release Rooney three minutes later but he had strayed offside.
Portsmouth were having a little more more possession at this stage but were finding United difficult to break down.
Ronaldo should have completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute but scuffed his effort wide after Rooney had won the ball off Campbell.
Rooney was putting in a hard shift and cut inside three minutes later, only send a shot into James' arms.
Nani almost got his reward for a promising display in the 72nd minute but James stood up and made the block.
The Portuguese winger was intent on seeing his name on the scoresheet but rattled a shot over the bar in the 82nd minute.
Then substitutes Carlos Tevez and Anderson both went close as United regained their place at the top of the table ahead of Arsenal.
Last edited:
fgl
Well-known member
By Richard Clarke
Mathieu Flamini has made it "his priority" to stay at Arsenal.
The in-form midfielder capped a fine personal display against Newcastle on Tuesday night with a stunning strike from long-range.
The 23-year-old has become the engine of Arsène Wenger's side this season, driving them forward with unstinting athleticism.
However Flamini's deal is up in the summer so, as of January 1, he was free to talk to other clubs and even sign a pre-contract agreement. Yet, from the way he spoke after that 3-0 win at Emirates Stadium, it is unlikely to happen.
"My priority is to stay here," he said. "I'm very happy here. I'm happy to play in the team and everything is good. My representatives are talking with the Club and I hope everything will be good. I want to play game after game. The rest, we will see later."
Fabregas' fine form has been assessed and re-assessed this term, but there has been little analysis of his partner. After the game the Spaniard described Flamini as "hyperactive", the man himself chose "bossy". Either way you get the impression these good friends have become complementary players in the Arsenal midfield.
"We are very close on and off the pitch," said the former Marseille man. "We chill with each other off the pitch. That is important. But when we have to speak on the pitch we are doing it and finding a solution.
"I'm bit more defensive than him. He goes forward more so I cover Cesc, Alex and Tomas in the midfield. I'm trying be the insurance policy and be a little bit bossy. That's my role. But I'm also trying to help the players up front and help Cesc as well because he is going forward.
"Sometimes he's tired and I try to help. Sometimes it's him and sometimes it's me. But I think we are a very good complement for each other."
And, after that stunning goal on Tuesday night, for once the compliments were directed towards Flamini
:mrgreen::twisted:
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