THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
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fgl
Well-known member
Adebayor - We can't think we are untouchable
By Richard Clarke
Emmanuel Adebayor believes Saturday’s defeat at Fulham was the best warning his Arsenal side could have received about complacency.
Arsène Wenger’s men were poor at Craven Cottage. Brede Hangeland was allowed to arrive unmarked six yards out to stab home a shot in the 21st minute. It turned out to be the winner. Arsenal only really responded in the final 25 minutes and even then they rarely troubled keeper Mark Schwarzer.
The defeat was as disappointing as it was surprising but, for Adebayor, it could still be useful to Arsenal.
“I think losing today is going to be the best warning that we can be given,” he said. “We can't think we are untouchable.
"We could really see, as soon as we don't play together and we don't put our spirit together, we can lose the game.
"So I think these are the things we have to put together. As soon as we play our football with the same spirit and play to help each other on the pitch, we have no reason to lose the games.
"I don't think we had all those things [on Saturday] and we lost the game. Anyway, now, it's already behind us and we have to have a clear focus on Wednesday's game.
“We didn’t think about losing this early, but that's football, we lost and we just have to put it behind us and tomorrow is another day.
“I think we just learn the negative things we have done in this game and keep on going.
“We have something to prove now,” he went on. “You have to show character, to show personality, and we have to get back our confidence as quickly as possible.
"We have a chance to do that and we are playing already on Wednesday, so, yeah, it's going to be a good game and hopefully we can do something. We need to win and bring our confidence back."
By Richard Clarke
Emmanuel Adebayor believes Saturday’s defeat at Fulham was the best warning his Arsenal side could have received about complacency.
Arsène Wenger’s men were poor at Craven Cottage. Brede Hangeland was allowed to arrive unmarked six yards out to stab home a shot in the 21st minute. It turned out to be the winner. Arsenal only really responded in the final 25 minutes and even then they rarely troubled keeper Mark Schwarzer.
The defeat was as disappointing as it was surprising but, for Adebayor, it could still be useful to Arsenal.
“I think losing today is going to be the best warning that we can be given,” he said. “We can't think we are untouchable.
"We could really see, as soon as we don't play together and we don't put our spirit together, we can lose the game.
"So I think these are the things we have to put together. As soon as we play our football with the same spirit and play to help each other on the pitch, we have no reason to lose the games.
"I don't think we had all those things [on Saturday] and we lost the game. Anyway, now, it's already behind us and we have to have a clear focus on Wednesday's game.
“We didn’t think about losing this early, but that's football, we lost and we just have to put it behind us and tomorrow is another day.
“I think we just learn the negative things we have done in this game and keep on going.
“We have something to prove now,” he went on. “You have to show character, to show personality, and we have to get back our confidence as quickly as possible.
"We have a chance to do that and we are playing already on Wednesday, so, yeah, it's going to be a good game and hopefully we can do something. We need to win and bring our confidence back."
fgl
Well-known member
Fabregas fears no-one in Champions League
By Richard Clarke
Cesc Fabregas is scared of no-one in the Champions League.
Early indications suggest the Spanish midfielder could be back for the Qualification Round second leg tie against Twente on Wednesday.
Only when passage is safely secured will the 21-year-old properly look forward to a lengthy run in the competition. But over the past three years, Arsenal have always gone beyond the Group Stage and came within 13 minutes of winning the trophy in 2006.
And so, speaking at the announcement of Arsenal’s Charity of the Season, Fabregas argued there’s no reason why his side cannot go one better this season.
“We don’t have to be afraid of anyone,” he said. “ I think we’ve seen in the last few seasons we can beat anybody so you have to be positive. You have to believe that you can do it again, at least make it to the Final.
“I’ve played a few Finals now and you can see that anything can happen you can play well you can play not well, you can win and lose. Certainly you have to make it there, I think we have the quality and experience to do it and we are looking forward to it.”
Before Euro 2008 this summer, the biggest final in which Fabregas has featured was the Champions League showpiece in 2006 against Barcelona. Arsenal had Jens Lehmann sent off early on and then took a shock lead through Sol Campbell. A fairy-tale victory seemed on the cards until Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti struck in the close stages.
Surprisingly the game does NOT hang heavy in the mind of Fabregas.
“It’s probably the Final that I think about less,” he remarked. “I don’t know why.
“I think maybe because it was the one that we played better and the one we showed more desire. We were all devastated after that Final but I must say after that game we realised that Arsenal was a big club and we could compete against anyone.
“We were playing the final against Barcelona with one player less in the first five or 10 minutes they didn’t come back until the last 10 minutes. So it was really impressive and we were devastated but at the same time we felt proud for the fans and for ourselves because what we did was quite amazing
By Richard Clarke
Cesc Fabregas is scared of no-one in the Champions League.
Early indications suggest the Spanish midfielder could be back for the Qualification Round second leg tie against Twente on Wednesday.
Only when passage is safely secured will the 21-year-old properly look forward to a lengthy run in the competition. But over the past three years, Arsenal have always gone beyond the Group Stage and came within 13 minutes of winning the trophy in 2006.
And so, speaking at the announcement of Arsenal’s Charity of the Season, Fabregas argued there’s no reason why his side cannot go one better this season.
“We don’t have to be afraid of anyone,” he said. “ I think we’ve seen in the last few seasons we can beat anybody so you have to be positive. You have to believe that you can do it again, at least make it to the Final.
“I’ve played a few Finals now and you can see that anything can happen you can play well you can play not well, you can win and lose. Certainly you have to make it there, I think we have the quality and experience to do it and we are looking forward to it.”
Before Euro 2008 this summer, the biggest final in which Fabregas has featured was the Champions League showpiece in 2006 against Barcelona. Arsenal had Jens Lehmann sent off early on and then took a shock lead through Sol Campbell. A fairy-tale victory seemed on the cards until Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti struck in the close stages.
Surprisingly the game does NOT hang heavy in the mind of Fabregas.
“It’s probably the Final that I think about less,” he remarked. “I don’t know why.
“I think maybe because it was the one that we played better and the one we showed more desire. We were all devastated after that Final but I must say after that game we realised that Arsenal was a big club and we could compete against anyone.
“We were playing the final against Barcelona with one player less in the first five or 10 minutes they didn’t come back until the last 10 minutes. So it was really impressive and we were devastated but at the same time we felt proud for the fans and for ourselves because what we did was quite amazing
fgl
Well-known member
SENDEROS GOING TO INTER ON SEASON LONG LOAN!
Senderos expected to complete Milan move
The loan of Philippe Senderos to Milan should be completed soon.
The Swiss defender was linked with a move to the Rossoneri in the morning’s media. It was confirmed by Arsène Wenger at his press conference ahead of the game with FC Twente. However it is still subject to the usual formalities.
“Senderos has gone to Milan,” said the Arsenal manager. “He completes a medical today.
"The thinking is that he does not get games here and [this way he] gets top-level games somewhere. We have Kolo, Gallas, Djourou, Song and now Silvestre. We have congestion in there and we want him to play without losing him.”
Wenger was asked whether the 12-month loan would turn into a permanent deal. “It is not decided yet,” he replied.
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Senderos expected to complete Milan move
The loan of Philippe Senderos to Milan should be completed soon.
The Swiss defender was linked with a move to the Rossoneri in the morning’s media. It was confirmed by Arsène Wenger at his press conference ahead of the game with FC Twente. However it is still subject to the usual formalities.
“Senderos has gone to Milan,” said the Arsenal manager. “He completes a medical today.
"The thinking is that he does not get games here and [this way he] gets top-level games somewhere. We have Kolo, Gallas, Djourou, Song and now Silvestre. We have congestion in there and we want him to play without losing him.”
Wenger was asked whether the 12-month loan would turn into a permanent deal. “It is not decided yet,” he replied.
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fgl
Well-known member
Cesc Fabregas... set to play first competitive match of the season
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/171345/first-team/arsenal-v-fc-twente Arsenal v FC Twente
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 20:05
Fabregas fit for Wednesday's FC Twente clash
By Richard Clarke
Cesc Fabregas is back in the Arsenal squad for the Champions League tie against Twente on Wednesday - but he may not start.
The 21-year-old midfielder has had just 84 minutes of pre-season football after injurying his hamstring at the Amsterdam Tournament back in early August.
Before the weekend defeat to Fulham, Arsène Wenger said Fabregas could return for the Qualification Round second leg tie against Steve McClaren’s men. At a press conference on Tuesday, he confirmed that but stopped short of saying he’d be on from the beginning.
“He is in the squad,” said Wenger. “Whether he starts or not I can not give you an answer now.
“From Saturday, we did not lose anybody [through injury]. But we still have Rosicky and Diaby out.”
Wenger also revealed that new signing Mikael Silvestre would not be available to play for Arsenal until the trip to Blackburn on September 13.
“He has a small thigh problem,” said the manager. “He should be available after the international break.”
fgl
Well-known member
4
Arsenal
0
FC Twente
- Nasri 26,
- Gallas 52,
- Walcott 66,
- Bendtner 90
Arsenal
- Manuel Almunia
- Bacary Sagna
- Johan Djourou
- Gael Clichy
- William Gallas
- Theo Walcott
- Cesc Fabregas
(66) - Denilson
- Samir Nasri
(45) - Nicklas Bendtner
- Robin Van Persie
(64) - Substitutes
- Alexandre Song
(66) - Carlos Vela
- Aaron Ramsey
- Emmanuel Adebayor
(64) - Emmanuel Eboue
(45) - Lukasz Fabianski
- Kolo Toure
FC Twente
- Nicolay Mihaylov
- Robbie Wielaert
- Edson Braafheid
(87) - Wout Brama
- Eljero Elia
- Romano Denneboom
- Stein Huysegems
- Jeroen Heubach
(45) - Cheik Tiote
- Douglas
- Theo Janssen
- Substitutes
- Ramon Zomer
- Slobodan Rajkovic
(87) - Cees Paauwe
- Niels Wellenberg
(45) - Patrick Gerritsen
- Tjaronn Chery
- Jules Reimerink
official
- Referee
Terje Hauge (Norway)
By Richard Clarke
Having entered their discomfort zone at Fulham on Saturday, Arsenal ensured a safe return to the Champions League Group Stages with a comfortable 4-0 win over FC Twente at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Arsène Wenger’s side had all but secured an 11th successive season in Europe’s elite competition with a 2-0 win in Holland a fortnight ago. This evening they completed the job with something to spare.
Samir Nasri settled any lingering nerves with a sparking solo goal in the 26th minute, William Gallas bundled home a second on the night just after half-time, Theo Walcott steered in classy third just past the hour and finally Nicklas Bendtner tapped home a fourth on the whistle.
It was straightforward stuff but, after Saturday, that was more than welcome.
Of course, Arsenal will have to overcome much, much tougher tests than this if they are reach the Champions League Final in Rome on May 27.
But, at the same time, there is much, much more to come from this side.
And now they are in Thursday’s draw they will have much, much more time to prove it.
Wenger made some significant changes from the team defeated at Fulham on Saturday. Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor dropped to the bench to be replaced by Johan Djourou and Bendtner respectively. The other switch was widely anticipated – Cesc Fabregas for Emmanuel Eboue.
The early stages were lively but toothless. Theo Janssen and Robin van Persie each fired in a couple of long-rangers for their respective sides. None had much menace.
Gradually Arsenal found their feet and Walcott, in particular, used his pace to give his marker a torrid time.
Van Persie blazed over the bar in the 22nd minute and four minutes later the Englishman and the Dutchman would create the opener for a French colleague.
Walcott crossed from the right and the sliding Van Persie tapped the ball into the path of Nasri. He weaved around two defenders before clipping a shot past Nicolay Mihaylov with the aid of a slight deflection.
The goal seemed to suck the life out of Twente. For the first hour of this 180-minute tie they had been clearly superior. But now, just past the two-hour mark, they were trailing by three goals.
And Arsenal could have doubled that advantage before the break.
First Denilson saw his shot blocked by the legs of Mihaylov then Bendtner was dispossessed in the area when caught in three or four minds. The Dane had that many options.
Finally, six minutes from the break, Van Persie had acres of room to pick his spot with the Twente defence in disarray and Mikhaylov nowhere. Unbelievably he steered his shot wide.
Wenger took off Nasri at the break and replaced him with Eboue. The Ivorian slotted in on the right-hand side of midfield so Walcott moved to the left.
Within seven minutes of the restart, Arsenal had killed the tie. Bendtner bustled through in the left-hand channel and stroked a shot to the right of Mihaylov. The keeper could only deflect the ball into the path of Gallas who stabbed home from close range.
It was slightly less scrappy than the goal the Frenchman had scored in Holland a fortnight ago. But only just.
Arsenal’s third was the opposite. In the 66th minute Walcott played a rather fortunate one-two with Bendtner before roaring forward and caressing a low, curling effort into the far corner of the net. A gorgeous goal.
Almost immediately, Wenger withdrew Fabregas. The job was officially done.
The third goal even quietened the visiting supporters for a couple of minutes. The Twente following had been in party-mood all night and were a credit to their team.
But they responded quickly, loudly and heartily; as Arsenal had to Saturday’s disappointment.
Just for good measure Bendtner slotted home a fourth in injury time.
fgl
Well-known member
Arsène Wenger... delighted to have progressed
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/171345/first-team/arsenal-v-fc-twente Arsenal 4-0 FC Twente
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 20:05
'We were organised, disciplined and focused'
On the performance…
“It was a big game for us and I felt we were well organised, disciplined, focused and basically never really under threat from FC Twente. What was most important was not to make mistakes, be patient and score our goals.
“I felt the whole team was sharper and physically we were much better than on Saturday afternoon. Maybe that is why we made it easier. It was a game that gave us the same problem as in the first game, by man marking us all over the pitch. When they had the ball they didn't take many risks - they were more focused on possession. We had to be well organised because they played a little bit with our patience."
On the return of Cesc Fabregas…
“I believe he brings calm and confidence to the side and overall we had a good balance in the side. He could have stayed on. He was more disappointed Twente didn't really have a go at us; he likes to play. He wants always to play but I took him off because he has just come back from a hamstring and we play again on Saturday. Recovery time will be very short.”
On responding to the weekend defeat…
“The response was clear. It was togetherness, it was consistency and that is what you want on a night like that. We want to play with the best and to do that means qualifying for the Group Stage. There was so much at stake tonight that of course it was a big mental test.”
On going goal crazy…
“We have been struggling a little bit for goals but I was never really worried about that because we can create chances. It is difficult when you start the season with a qualifier and in-between you have an international friendly. At that moment the bodies aren't completely ready to absorb all that and you can have a dip a little bit. I felt that on Saturday.”
On Nasri's substitution…
“He had a stomach bug during the game and was sick at half-time. He couldn't go on.”
On central midfield…
“I think Denilson had a good game tonight. We have as well Aaron Ramsey - for me he will be a very good player - and we have Alex Song and we have Abou Diaby. Even Nasri can play central but we have to see.”
On Walcott's performance…
“I feel you have to be patient with Theo, I always say that. He can be decisive in any game against anybody if the team has a good collective display and if you can get him involved. He has improved his first touch, his link play, and that was a vital stage for him. Then without losing his one against one ability, he has worked on his control on the move and looks now to have found the balance between individual play and team play. He is a good finisher. What he did today is really the brand of a good finisher and you cannot teach that. He has that naturally.
On Vela's globetrotting...
“We don't see Vela a lot because he goes to Mexico last week and then goes again next week to Jamaica to play two games. Then he will come back a bit late for the game we play away. But I am confident he will play an important part in the season, but at the moment he is away. He is a top class player.”
zullio
New member
Champs league!!
euro champions league draw.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=566834&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=4716
Group A: Chelsea, Roma, Bordeaux, CFR 1907 Cluj
Group B: Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Panathinaikos, Anorthosis Famagusta
Group C: Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon, Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk
Group D: Liverpool, PSV, Marseille, Atlético Madrid
Group E: United, Villarreal, Celtic, Aalborg
Group F: Lyon, Bayern, Steaua Bucharest, Fiorentina
Group G: Arsenal, Porto, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kiev
Group H: Real Madrid, Juventus, Zenit St. Petersburg, BATE Borisov
euro champions league draw.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=566834&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=4716
Group A: Chelsea, Roma, Bordeaux, CFR 1907 Cluj
Group B: Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Panathinaikos, Anorthosis Famagusta
Group C: Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon, Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk
Group D: Liverpool, PSV, Marseille, Atlético Madrid
Group E: United, Villarreal, Celtic, Aalborg
Group F: Lyon, Bayern, Steaua Bucharest, Fiorentina
Group G: Arsenal, Porto, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kiev
Group H: Real Madrid, Juventus, Zenit St. Petersburg, BATE Borisov
JaarVis.
New member
he went back rather smiling.
JaarVis.
New member
he was just stating facts what. i mean , honestly , i dont know why chelsea bought him uh. you dont often see him on the scoresheets. means he just cannot adapt to english football probably. or for some other reasons he cant perform . hahaha . is gilardino that bad. woah. they got back sheva , and bought ronaldinho. hmmm..
SWP to Man City .
Man City with JO and SWP.
they're getting stronger.
SWP to Man City .
Man City with JO and SWP.
they're getting stronger.
fgl
Well-known member
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Champions League draw... Arsenal's opponents revealed
Arsenal face Porto, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kiev
Arsenal will play FC Porto, Fenerbahce and Dynamo Kiev in the Group Stage of the Champions League.
Arsène Wenger's team will travel to Portugal, Turkey and Ukraine after beating Dutch side FC Twente in the Third Qualifying Round.
Arsenal were among the eight top seeds when the draw took place in Monaco on Thursday.
Stay close to Arsenal.com over the next few days for the latest ticket information.
Champions League draw
Group A: Chelsea, AS Roma, Bordeaux, CFR 1907 Cluj
Group B: Internazionale, Werder Bremen, Panathinaikos, Anorthosis Famagusta
Group C: Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon, FC Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk
Group D: Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, Marseilles, Atletico Madrid
Group E: Manchester United, Villarreal, Celtic, Aalborg BK
Group F: Lyon, Bayern Munich, Steaua Bucharest, Fiorentina
Group G: Arsenal, FC Porto, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kiev
Group H: Real Madrid, Juventus, Zenit St. Petersburg, FC BATE Borisov
The fixture dates for the group stage have been confirmed as follows:
Match Day 1
Dynamo Kiev v Arsenal
Wednesday 17th September 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Valery Lobanovskiy, Kyiv
Match Day 2
Arsenal v FC Porto
Tuesday 30th September 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Emirates Stadium
Match Day 3
Fenerbahce v Arsenal
Tuesday 21st October 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Istanbul
Match Day 4
Arsenal v Fenerbahce
Wednesday 5th November 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Emirates Stadium
Match Day 5
Arsenal v Dynamo Kiev
Tuesday 25th November 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Emirates Stadium
Match Day 6
FC Porto v Arsenal
Wednesday 10th December 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Estádio do Dragão, Portugal
Champions League draw... Arsenal's opponents revealed
Arsenal face Porto, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kiev
Arsenal will play FC Porto, Fenerbahce and Dynamo Kiev in the Group Stage of the Champions League.
Arsène Wenger's team will travel to Portugal, Turkey and Ukraine after beating Dutch side FC Twente in the Third Qualifying Round.
Arsenal were among the eight top seeds when the draw took place in Monaco on Thursday.
Stay close to Arsenal.com over the next few days for the latest ticket information.
Champions League draw
Group A: Chelsea, AS Roma, Bordeaux, CFR 1907 Cluj
Group B: Internazionale, Werder Bremen, Panathinaikos, Anorthosis Famagusta
Group C: Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon, FC Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk
Group D: Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, Marseilles, Atletico Madrid
Group E: Manchester United, Villarreal, Celtic, Aalborg BK
Group F: Lyon, Bayern Munich, Steaua Bucharest, Fiorentina
Group G: Arsenal, FC Porto, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kiev
Group H: Real Madrid, Juventus, Zenit St. Petersburg, FC BATE Borisov
The fixture dates for the group stage have been confirmed as follows:
Match Day 1
Dynamo Kiev v Arsenal
Wednesday 17th September 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Valery Lobanovskiy, Kyiv
Match Day 2
Arsenal v FC Porto
Tuesday 30th September 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Emirates Stadium
Match Day 3
Fenerbahce v Arsenal
Tuesday 21st October 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Istanbul
Match Day 4
Arsenal v Fenerbahce
Wednesday 5th November 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Emirates Stadium
Match Day 5
Arsenal v Dynamo Kiev
Tuesday 25th November 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Emirates Stadium
Match Day 6
FC Porto v Arsenal
Wednesday 10th December 2008
Kick Off: 19:45
To be played at Estádio do Dragão, Portugal
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