loldude333
New member
Lolz.............that will be the day.............like when Arsenal win the title lolz..............hehe
THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
- Thread starter fgl
- Start date
fgl
Well-known member
Theo Walcott... Pleased his manager with goals and words
Wenger - More to come from 'hungry' Walcott
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger doesn't expect Theo Walcott to make a habit of scoring hat-tricks for England but he does believe there is plenty more to come from the Arsenal youngster.
Walcott set tongues wagging across Europe with a scintillating performance in Zagreb on Wednesday night. The 19-year-old inspired the Three Lions to a 4-1 victory against Croatia and has been the toast of his country ever since.
Wenger has seen Walcott develop at close hand since signing the teenager from Southampton in January 2006. The Frenchman did not see Walcott make history - he was watching France instead - but he was not surprised by the winger's exploits.
"I am delighted of course," said Wenger. "I am not surprised because he is a player who has good timing with his runs and is a clinical finisher who can score goals.
"I always believed that he will be a fantastic player and I was never concerned - I know he can score goals and I know on the breaks he can be clinical. But for me, most of all is that he continues to develop as a team player.
"What happened yesterday we have to consider to be an exception. Even for players of 25, 26 to score three goals in an international game is a one-off. What is very good is that he has the confidence of [Fabio] Capello in that he plays at that level at 19 years of age.
"How good can he be? Don't set any limitations on any human being because once you have talent the rest is down to how much you want it and to how intelligent you are. I believe he is hungry in a quiet way - quiet determination - and he is intelligent."
As far as Wenger is concerned, that intelligence shone through during Walcott's post-match interview in Zagreb. Indeed, the teenager's conduct after his incredible achievement impressed Wenger as much as the achievement itself.
"I listened to his interview after the game this morning and I was as pleased with his interview as with the three goals he scored," admitted Wenger. "I am not sure if I had scored three goals in an international game I would have given the same interview.
"That shows he is a good analyser, clever, well balanced, with his feet on the ground. Straight away after the game he analysed the consequences of what happened to him last night and how he has to deal with that.
"I feel that is more important for his career than the three goals he scored because that shows a great sign of intelligence and maturity."
Wenger - More to come from 'hungry' Walcott
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger doesn't expect Theo Walcott to make a habit of scoring hat-tricks for England but he does believe there is plenty more to come from the Arsenal youngster.
Walcott set tongues wagging across Europe with a scintillating performance in Zagreb on Wednesday night. The 19-year-old inspired the Three Lions to a 4-1 victory against Croatia and has been the toast of his country ever since.
Wenger has seen Walcott develop at close hand since signing the teenager from Southampton in January 2006. The Frenchman did not see Walcott make history - he was watching France instead - but he was not surprised by the winger's exploits.
"I am delighted of course," said Wenger. "I am not surprised because he is a player who has good timing with his runs and is a clinical finisher who can score goals.
"I always believed that he will be a fantastic player and I was never concerned - I know he can score goals and I know on the breaks he can be clinical. But for me, most of all is that he continues to develop as a team player.
"What happened yesterday we have to consider to be an exception. Even for players of 25, 26 to score three goals in an international game is a one-off. What is very good is that he has the confidence of [Fabio] Capello in that he plays at that level at 19 years of age.
"How good can he be? Don't set any limitations on any human being because once you have talent the rest is down to how much you want it and to how intelligent you are. I believe he is hungry in a quiet way - quiet determination - and he is intelligent."
As far as Wenger is concerned, that intelligence shone through during Walcott's post-match interview in Zagreb. Indeed, the teenager's conduct after his incredible achievement impressed Wenger as much as the achievement itself.
"I listened to his interview after the game this morning and I was as pleased with his interview as with the three goals he scored," admitted Wenger. "I am not sure if I had scored three goals in an international game I would have given the same interview.
"That shows he is a good analyser, clever, well balanced, with his feet on the ground. Straight away after the game he analysed the consequences of what happened to him last night and how he has to deal with that.
"I feel that is more important for his career than the three goals he scored because that shows a great sign of intelligence and maturity."
fgl
Well-known member
Wenger - Good vibes can help us at Blackburn
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger believes the international break could help Arsenal as well as hinder them.
The Frenchman has two major concerns whenever his players represent their countries - the threat of injuries and the fatigue factor when club matters resume. But the events of Wednesday night allowed Wenger to put a different spin on a normally troublesome issue when he faced the media at his pre-match press conference.
Theo Walcott's stunning hat-trick for England, Gael Clichy's senior debut for France and a string of wins for Arsenal's internationals all mean there are plenty of good vibes around Wenger's squad ahead of Saturday's tricky-looking trip to Blackburn. The Frenchman hopes the feel-good factor will assist Arsenal at Ewood Park.
"Many players had positive experiences on international duty," said Wenger.
"We have spoken about Theo Walcott, and France won also, where we had three players [Clichy, William Gallas and Bacary Sagna]. Spain won also.
"Overall the confidence our players got from international games will help, and also that we responded well to defeat at Fulham, with four goals against Twente and three against Newcastle.
"We have a very good basis to think we can do well [at Blackburn]."
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger believes the international break could help Arsenal as well as hinder them.
The Frenchman has two major concerns whenever his players represent their countries - the threat of injuries and the fatigue factor when club matters resume. But the events of Wednesday night allowed Wenger to put a different spin on a normally troublesome issue when he faced the media at his pre-match press conference.
Theo Walcott's stunning hat-trick for England, Gael Clichy's senior debut for France and a string of wins for Arsenal's internationals all mean there are plenty of good vibes around Wenger's squad ahead of Saturday's tricky-looking trip to Blackburn. The Frenchman hopes the feel-good factor will assist Arsenal at Ewood Park.
"Many players had positive experiences on international duty," said Wenger.
"We have spoken about Theo Walcott, and France won also, where we had three players [Clichy, William Gallas and Bacary Sagna]. Spain won also.
"Overall the confidence our players got from international games will help, and also that we responded well to defeat at Fulham, with four goals against Twente and three against Newcastle.
"We have a very good basis to think we can do well [at Blackburn]."
fgl
Well-known member
Blackburn Rovers
Arsenal
- Van Persie 9,
- Adebayor 45, 78 (pen), 89
Arsenal
- Manuel Almunia
- William Gallas
- Kolo Toure
- Gael Clichy
- Bacary Sagna
- Emmanuel Eboue
(79) - Denilson
- Cesc Fabregas
- Theo Walcott
(63) - Emmanuel Adebayor
- Robin Van Persie
(81) - Substitutes
- Lukasz Fabianski
- Aaron Ramsey
(79) - Jack Wilshere
(81) - Nicklas Bendtner
- Alexandre Song
(63) - Kieran Gibbs
- Johan Djourou
Blackburn Rovers
- Paul Robinson
- Danny Simpson
(72) - Christopher Samba
- Ryan Nelsen
- Stephen Warnock
- Brett Emerton
- Steven Reid
- Keith Andrews
- Morten Gamst Pedersen
(67) - Jason Roberts
(67) - Roque Santa Cruz
- Substitutes
- Jason Brown
- Aaron Mokoena
- Tugay Kerimoglu
- Carlos Villanueva
- Keith Treacy
(67) - Benedict McCarthy
(67) - Matt Derbyshire
(72)
official
- Referee
Mike Dean - Attendance
23,041
By Richard Clarke
Arsenal began their long-distance week in the best possible style with a comfortable 4-0 win at Blackburn on Saturday.
England hero Theo Walcott set up the first for Robin van Persie in the eighth minute. But after that Emmanuel Adebayor took centre stage. He nodded home a first just seconds before the break, slotted home a penalty in the 81st minute and hooked home his hat-trick goal in injury time.
Blackburn were competitive in the opening 45 minutes but faded badly after the restart. Arsenal were efficient rather than stylish but that was the requisite quality this afternoon. They have now played six games this season, winning five and conceding just one.
It is a proud record but one that will be severely tested this week as Arsenal follow this trip with journeys to Kiev and Bolton - a total of 3,400 miles.
Speaking of journeys, Jack Wilshere started along the road to Arsenal glory this afternoon. His late substitute appearance made him the youngest player to appear in a League game for the club at just 16 years 256 days.
In the build-up Wenger had indicated that another teenage prodigy, Walcott, might be left on the bench after his midweek exploits in Zagreb. In the end he only moved position. Emmanuel Eboue retained his role on the right so the 19-year-old switched to the left.
In fact, Walcott was the only change to the side that hammered Newcastle two weeks ago. But there were major changes on the bench with youngsters Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Wilshere all named among the replacements.
Blackburn were lively early on, mostly through Brett Emerton. The Australian’s low-slung crosses from the right would be a persistent danger in the opening period but it would be Arsenal who took their chances.
They grabbed the first in the eighth minute. Walcott picked up the ball on the left hand side, darted in-field, hurdled a couple of challenges and fed Van Persie just inside the area. The Dutchman cleverly allowed the ball to run across his body then stabbed a shot beyond Paul Robinson and into the far corner of the net.
Blackburn might have responded immediately. Arsenal failed to clear their lines and the ball ran loose on the edge of the area. Roque Santa Cruz was the first to react but he slid a shot over the bar with the help of a slight deflection off Kolo Toure’s head. A key moment.
Arsenal might have made Blackburn pay an immediate penance. Adebayor led a three-man breakaway and fed Walcott on the left. The former Southampton star set himself up to steer a sidefoot shot into the far corner but sliced his effort well wide.
Overall, however, Blackburn responded well to going behind. Arsenal seemed satisfied with their goal and allowed the home side more space to go forward. Wenger’s men were just happy to cash in where they could on the break.
Although it invited pressure, that policy should have brought them a second goal on the half-hour when an unmarked Van Persie fired into the sidenetting after collecting the ball six yards out.
However Blackburn had hit their groove after that and probably deserved to draw level before half-time. Firstly Santa Cruz scuffed an effort wide, then Steven Reid went close and then finally Keith Andrew somehow failed to convert a low cross from the right. In the final minute of the half the Paraguayan striker nodded over at the far post.
But there would be a sucker-punch. Deep into injury time, Denilson floated over an inviting cross to the far post on to the head of Adebayor. The Togolese striker had the simplest of jobs to steer home his first Premier League goal of the campaign.
Blackburn tried to rally in the opening minutes after the restart but it soon fizzled out. As a result, Arsenal took the ascendency by creating a number of clear opportunities.
Walcott nearly pulled off a carbon copy of his opener for England on Wednesday, Eboue’s piledriver was tipped over the bar by Robinson and then Toure somehow failed to turn in a corner from only four yards out.
Blackburn were still competitive but it seemed that they had run out of ideas. Nine minutes from time, Arsenal ended the argument when Eboue tumbled under a challenge from Stephen Warnock and Adebayor stroked home from the spot.
Wilshere came on in the final stages to break a record and Adebayor steered home his third – Arsenal’s fourth – on the whistle.
It was his 50th goal for the club.
At full time, the visiting players were quick to thank the fans and head to the dressing room.
They needed to get home asap. It is a big week.
But they had started the right way.
fgl
Well-known member
Arsène Wenger... delighted with the performance at Ewood Park
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3003162/first-team/blackburn-rovers-v-arsenal Blackburn Rovers 0-4 Arsenal
Barclays Premier League
Saturday, September 13, 2008, 15:00
'It was a well-accomplished away performance'
On keeping Blackburn quiet…
“Blackburn are a team that can be dangerous going forward and I feel that, as well as our good offensive performance, we had a good defensive performance. On crosses they can be extremely dangerous but we kept [Roque] Santa Cruz quiet. I am happy we didn't concede and that we always looked fluid going forward. It was a well-accomplished away game.”
On the midweek trip to the Ukraine…
“It is another big game on Wednesday night. It is important to start the Champions League well, with a win away from home. That will give us confidence. It will be same approach on Wednesday. It is our strength and we can be successful by expressing our strength. It is a difficult group because all the teams are used to playing in the Champions League, are strong at home as well, and that is why we need to find the same kind of performance.”
On Walcott's starting berth…
“I assessed every individual and was thinking to leave Theo out, but for the balance I kept him in. I wanted to rest Nicklas Bendtner and I thought having Theo away from home could give us the penetration. I think he can play left and right and he is happy on the left because he knows he can score with his right foot; he tried a couple of times today. Theo has been educated that way, where he can play on either side., but he also prefers to play in the middle. The problem with scoring three times for the national team is that everyone expects you to score again. Football isn't like that. What is most important is that he has a good team attitude, tries to work hard and the rest will come with time.”
On hitting top gear…
“We try always to play our way and slowly we are getting there. We started our training late because of the amount of players away at the European Championships. We are growing now and scored four goals against FC Twente, three against Newcastle and four again today, all without conceding. Despite our youth we looked mature.”
On the timing of the second goal…
“We looked before half-time that we just wanted to keep the ball, and when you are patient and simple the chance come along. That is what we did and I think it was about 20 passes from right to left, back to front and it gave us the momentum for the dangerous last pass.”
On his players being greedy…
"I am after my players to make the right decision and many times you see when a player shoots, someone could be in a better position. So I want my team to be capable of making the right decision without being greedy.”
On injuries…
“[Samir] Nasri is a big doubt for that, Eboue we might lose and Clichy too. We have to assess them tomorrow. It doesn't look too good.”
On Jack Wilshere's record breaking appearance…
“I bring English players slowly through. He is another one who will soon play for you [England].”
fgl
Well-known member
Jack Wilshere and Arsène Wenger... the youngster wears the No 19 shirt
Blackburn Rovers 0-4 Arsenal
Barclays Premier League
Saturday, September 13, 2008, 15:00
Wilshere makes history with late appearance
Jack Wilshere became the youngest player to represent Arsenal in League football when he came off the bench on Saturday at Blackburn.
The midfielder was 16 years 256 days when he replaced Robin van Persie in the 81st minute at Ewood Park.
This broke the Premiership record set by Cesc Fabregas (17 years, 103 days at Everton in 2004) and the League best by Gerry Ward (16 years 321 days, Huddersfield T (h) in 1953).
However the Spaniard remains the youngest player to represent the club.
Fabregas made his debut in a Carling Cup tie against Rotherham in 2003 when he was 16 years 177 days.
See below for the latest list of age records at Arsenal Football Club
Appearances
Overall
Cesc Fabregas (16 years 177 days, Lge Cup(3) Rotherham Utd (h) 28 Oct 2003)
In League
Jack Wilshere (16 years 256 days, Blackburn (a) 13 Sept 2008)
In Premiership
Jack Wilshere (16 years 256 days, Blackburn (a) 13 Sept 2008)
In Europe
Theo Walcott (17 years 129 days Dinamo Zagreb (h) UCL 3 QF 23 August 2006)
In FA Cup
Stewart Robson (17 years 57 days v Tottenham (a) FAC3 2 Jan 1982 lost 0-1)
Goalscoring
Youngest AFC goalscorer overall
Cesc Fabregas (16 years 212 days v Wolves (h) (Lge Cup) 2 Dec 2003 won 5-1)
Youngest AFC goalscorer in League
Cesc Fabregas (17 years 113 days v Blackburn R (h) (Lge) 25 Aug won 3-0)
Youngest AFC goalscorer in Premiership
Cesc Fabregas (16 years 212 days v Wolves (h) (Lge Cup) 2 Dec 2003 won 5-1)
Youngest AFC goalscorer in Europe
Cesc Fabregas (17 years 217 days v Rosenborg (h) (UCL Grp Stge) 7 Dec 2004 won 5-1)
fgl
Well-known member
Wenger - The day I knew I wanted Walcott
By Declan Taylor
One “special” performance in the FA Youth Cup Final was enough to convince Arsène Wenger that Theo Walcott was an Arsenal player in the making.
The 19-year-old’s England hat-trick may be the talk of the town at the moment but his club manager recalled the match, over three years ago, where he first saw Walcott play.
The then 16-year-old Walcott had already crossed swords with his future employers en route to the Final when he bagged the only goal in Southampton’s 1-0 Fifth Round victory over the Gunners. The Saints were eventually denied by Ipswich in the Final but the buzz around Walcott was growing and Wenger admitted that the Gunners weren’t the only interested party.
“At the time, he had the choice. Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool were all interested,” said the Frenchman.
“I watched him in one special game against Ipswich in the FA Youth Cup Final. We had sent scouts to watch him maybe 50 times but after that of course I have to be convinced as well.
“The first quality that stood out was the timing of his runs; when to go and when not to go. Sometimes you have players who are super quick but you don’t see it in their game because they don’t run at the right time, they don’t use their asset.”
By Declan Taylor
One “special” performance in the FA Youth Cup Final was enough to convince Arsène Wenger that Theo Walcott was an Arsenal player in the making.
The 19-year-old’s England hat-trick may be the talk of the town at the moment but his club manager recalled the match, over three years ago, where he first saw Walcott play.
The then 16-year-old Walcott had already crossed swords with his future employers en route to the Final when he bagged the only goal in Southampton’s 1-0 Fifth Round victory over the Gunners. The Saints were eventually denied by Ipswich in the Final but the buzz around Walcott was growing and Wenger admitted that the Gunners weren’t the only interested party.
“At the time, he had the choice. Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool were all interested,” said the Frenchman.
“I watched him in one special game against Ipswich in the FA Youth Cup Final. We had sent scouts to watch him maybe 50 times but after that of course I have to be convinced as well.
“The first quality that stood out was the timing of his runs; when to go and when not to go. Sometimes you have players who are super quick but you don’t see it in their game because they don’t run at the right time, they don’t use their asset.”
fgl
Well-known member
http://adserver.adtech.de/?adlink|5...time=629548854;key=key1+key2+key3+rsi=10040+;
Gael Clichy: passed fit
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3059953/first-team/fc-dynamo-kyiv-v-arsenal
FC Dynamo Kyiv v Arsenal
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 19:45
Wenger names squad for FC Dynamo Kyiv
Sami Nasri and Mikael Silvestre are still out through injury. However Emmanuel Eboue and Gael Clichy are fit and both flew with the team to the Ukraine on Tuesday.
There is only one change from the squad that travelled to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, with Carlos Vela coming in for Kieran Gibbs.
The Full Arsenal Squad:
1 Manuel ALMUNIA (GK)
3 Bacary SAGNA
4 Cesc FABREGAS
5 Kolo TOURE
10 William GALLAS (c)
11 Robin VAN PERSIE
12 Carlos VELA
14 Theo WALCOTT
15 DENILSON
16 Aaron RAMSEY
17 Alex SONG
19 Jack WILSHERE
20 Johan DJOUROU
21 Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK)
22 Gael CLICHY
25 Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
26 Nicklas BENDTNER
27 Emmanuel EBOUE
Gael Clichy: passed fit
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 19:45
Wenger names squad for FC Dynamo Kyiv
- Arsène Wenger has named an 18-man squad for tomorrow night's game against FC Dynamo Kyiv.
Sami Nasri and Mikael Silvestre are still out through injury. However Emmanuel Eboue and Gael Clichy are fit and both flew with the team to the Ukraine on Tuesday.
There is only one change from the squad that travelled to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, with Carlos Vela coming in for Kieran Gibbs.
The Full Arsenal Squad:
1 Manuel ALMUNIA (GK)
3 Bacary SAGNA
4 Cesc FABREGAS
5 Kolo TOURE
10 William GALLAS (c)
11 Robin VAN PERSIE
12 Carlos VELA
14 Theo WALCOTT
15 DENILSON
16 Aaron RAMSEY
17 Alex SONG
19 Jack WILSHERE
20 Johan DJOUROU
21 Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK)
22 Gael CLICHY
25 Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
26 Nicklas BENDTNER
27 Emmanuel EBOUE
fgl
Well-known member
1
FC Dynamo Kyiv
Arsenal
- Bangoura 64 (pen)
- Gallas 88
Arsenal
- Manuel Almunia
- Bacary Sagna
Kolo Toure - William Gallas
- Gael Clichy
- Denilson
- Alexandre Song
(70) - Cesc Fabregas
- Theo Walcott
- Emmanuel Adebayor
- Robin Van Persie
(84) - Substitutes
- Lukasz Fabianski
- Carlos Vela
(84) - Aaron Ramsey
- Jack Wilshere
- Johan Djourou
- Nicklas Bendtner
(70) - Emmanuel Eboue
- Stanislav Bogush
- Ebert Betao
- Ognjen Vukojevic
- Oleksandr Aliev
- Pape Malickou Diakhate
- Lubomir Michalik
- Andriy Nesmachniy
- Ayiila Yussuf
(90) - Milos Ninkovic
- Ismael Bangoura
- Dmytro Yeremenko
- Substitutes
- Olexandr Shovkovskiy
- Tiberiu Ghioane
- Mykola Morozyuk
- Maxim Shatskikh
- Artem Kravets
- Adrian Romanchuk
- Asatiani
(90)
By Richard Clarke in Kiev
William Gallas rescued a late point for Arsenal at Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday night just as it seemed their pain in Ukraine would linger on.
With just two minutes remaining, it appeared Ismael Bangoura’s debatable second-half penalty had made it four games, four defeats out here for Arsène Wenger’s side in the last decade.
However, just as he had at Twente in the qualifier, the Arsenal captain arrived just in time at the back post to bundle home a low cross from Theo Walcott. It was a scrappy goal but just about deserved.
Although Arsenal never looked truly comfortable in the first half, they still created enough chances to put the game beyond doubt.
Kyiv were certainly better after the break but one moment and one decision changed the course of the game.
Still, big teams always respond. Wenger had suggested pre-match that he would be satisfied with a draw and it is hard to argue they deserved more. Group G still has five games to go and this was a solid enough start.
Wenger made only one change from the side that had won so handsomely at Blackburn on Saturday. Emmanuel Eboue had been doubtful after picking up a knock at Ewood Park. He was fit enough to travel but, in the end, was left on the bench for the game.
The wide midfielder was replaced by a central player - Alex Song – as Wenger switched to 4-5-1. Song and Denilson occupied the defensive roles in that central quintet with Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and left midfielder Robin van Persie given license further forward.
The small, tree-lined Valeri Lobanovski Stadium held just 16,000 and was a stark contrast to the mammoth 80,000-capacity Olimpiyskiy where Wenger’s side had gone down 2-1 five years earlier.
Arsenal’s only surviving starter from that miserable night was Kolo Toure, though Gael Clichy had been on the bench. Wenger would argue his side had been rebuilt and reinvigorated since then.
Certainly teak-tough trip likes Blackburn and Bolton hold only some of their former trepidation these days. But Arsenal still had to overcome their former Eastern Bloc block.
Despite creating sufficient chances, their first-half performance did not entirely convince. The visitors were always patient and controlled but never dominant.
In the second minute, Walcott nudged a pass into the right-hand channel and Van Persie timed his run perfectly to race through and collect the ball on the corner of the six-yard box. The Dutchman had time to pick his spot but he chose power instead. Keeper Stanislav Bogush blocked with his body. Wenger’s formation was relatively cautious so this was never going to be one of those overwhelming Arsenal performances. But they were still the team most likely to score.
In the 18th minute Roman Eremenko’s slip gave Adebayor the chance to run at the Kyiv backline. He did an effective job of slipping between the final two defenders however, once he had sight of goal, his nerve deserted him. The Togolese striker’s attempted curler whistled just wide.
For their part, Kyiv were the compact, organised side Wenger had predicted. However they were pretty toothless too. The closest they got in the first half-hour was a long-distance piledriver from captain Nesmachniy. Almunia was untroubled.
The hosts came on strong in the latter stages of the first half but, yet again, the chances came from Arsenal. Five minutes from the break, a flowing move ended with Bacary Sagna sending over a low cross from the right and Van Persie swung a shot into the sidenetting.
A better opportunity presented itself a couple of minutes later. Adebayor clipped a cross to the far past where Van Persie touched it back for the unmarked Fabregas six yards out. The Spaniard failed to get sufficient purchase on his shot and Bogush gratefully plucked the ball out of the air.
However, three minutes into the second half, it was the Arsenal keeper who was feeling relieved. Roman Eremenko’s low angled drive rebounded off the base of the post, hit the diving Almunia on the back and trickled invitingly across the six-yard area. The Spaniard recovered quickly and smothered the ball. It was a scare entirely out of keeping with the first 45 minutes.
Arsenal responded with urgency but precious few chances. They would suffer the consequences in the 61st minute when Bangoura crossed from the right and Bacary Sagna was adjudged to have bundled over Ognjen Vukojevic in the middle.
The Guinea striker raced over to collect the ball and placed it on the penalty spot with purpose. Bangoura sent Almunia the wrong way and Kyiv had the lead. It was only the second goal he had conceded in 10 hours of competitive football this season.
Almost immediately Wenger took steps.
Nicklas Bendtner replaced Song and joined Adebayor up front in a more conventional 4-4-2.
However the better chances were now coming from Kyiv. Gael Clichy’s last-ditch challenge denied Eremenko when he seemed set to go clear. Then Toure robbed Taras Mikhalik but the ball ran loose for Bangoura to hammer a drive into the sidenetting.
As the minutes ticked by Arsenal wrenched control of the game. They forced a succession of corners but only had Adebayor’s far-post header to show for them.
Wenger also brought on Carlos Vela and Eboue to add some late urgency. To their credit, they kept the pressure on and Kyiv eventually cracked. Gallas’ goal was low on style yet sky high on importance.
And, on the night, it left Arsenal satisfied.
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loldude333
New member
I've got 1 word to describe this: lucky. They didn't look like they were gonna take the game at all until Gallas struck but by then it was too late. Still, u guys must be happy that u can thrash them at Ash Grove!
fgl
Well-known member
Bolton Wanderers
−
Arsenal
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger is not prepared to tolerate even the thought of tiredness as Arsenal end their globetrotting week at Bolton on Saturday.
The Frenchman has taken his side to Blackburn and Kiev since the weekend coming back each time with satisfactory results. With Chelsea playing Manchester United on Sunday, this game gives Wenger the opportunity to steal a march on one of their main Premier League rivals. That’s why fatigue can NOT be factor at the Reebok Stadium.
“It will not be an issue because we don't put that in our brain,” said the Frenchman. “You want just to keep the focus as we had it at Blackburn and Kyiv then let's get the maximum out of the game.
“When you are a competitor you want competition so you cannot complain when you have that competition and you are tired. This is a fantastic opportunity because when you are a football player you want to play football matches.”
Arsenal had a similar run of away games last year and it proved costly. They went to Sevilla, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Middlesbrough in the space of 13 days. Although the defeat in Spain brought an end to Arsenal’s 28-game unbeaten run, it was no great problem in itself as they had already qualified from Champions League Group H. However they went on to drop five points in the three Premier League games – and, remember, they only lost the title by four.
“Yes at that stage we played four away games on the trot,” said Wenger. “We lost in Sevilla but after that we won at Aston Villa.
“At Middlesbrough it's true we were a bit jaded physically. But I don't expect that [again]. We had a bad start up there and, of course, when you are a little bit jaded it is harder to get back into your game. So it's important we have a successful start to this game.”
Wenger has the same squad to chose from as Kyiv because Samir Nasri (knee), Abou Diaby (thigh) and Mikael Silvestre (muscular problem) are all still out. However to keep the side fresh, the manager intends to make changes.
“Nobody has come back from Kyiv with any knocks,” he said. “But we will rotate a little bit because it was a very physical game.”
Bolton have made an adequate start from their four games so far. They have lost both away games but have picked up a win and draw at home against Stoke and West Brom respectively – two sides who they may face in a relegation dogfight.
Bolton seemed all but down last March when Arsenal came back from two goals and one man down at half time to pull off a storming 3-2 victory. The game was a Reebok revenge for Wenger, who suffered a couple of bruising defeats during the Sam Allardyce years. While Arsenal have had their fair share of victories too, Wenger feels this fixture has always been one of extremes.
“I felt it was always very good or very bad,” he said. “Rarely inbetween. But then for years they had a very good side and to be honest they still have. Nobody likes to go to Bolton because everyone knows they give you a tough commitment.
“We are preparing ourselves for another away game and one where we need mental resources to get the result.
“Only this time we want to win the game without being 2-0 down.”
Arsenal
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger is not prepared to tolerate even the thought of tiredness as Arsenal end their globetrotting week at Bolton on Saturday.
The Frenchman has taken his side to Blackburn and Kiev since the weekend coming back each time with satisfactory results. With Chelsea playing Manchester United on Sunday, this game gives Wenger the opportunity to steal a march on one of their main Premier League rivals. That’s why fatigue can NOT be factor at the Reebok Stadium.
“It will not be an issue because we don't put that in our brain,” said the Frenchman. “You want just to keep the focus as we had it at Blackburn and Kyiv then let's get the maximum out of the game.
“When you are a competitor you want competition so you cannot complain when you have that competition and you are tired. This is a fantastic opportunity because when you are a football player you want to play football matches.”
Arsenal had a similar run of away games last year and it proved costly. They went to Sevilla, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Middlesbrough in the space of 13 days. Although the defeat in Spain brought an end to Arsenal’s 28-game unbeaten run, it was no great problem in itself as they had already qualified from Champions League Group H. However they went on to drop five points in the three Premier League games – and, remember, they only lost the title by four.
“Yes at that stage we played four away games on the trot,” said Wenger. “We lost in Sevilla but after that we won at Aston Villa.
“At Middlesbrough it's true we were a bit jaded physically. But I don't expect that [again]. We had a bad start up there and, of course, when you are a little bit jaded it is harder to get back into your game. So it's important we have a successful start to this game.”
Wenger has the same squad to chose from as Kyiv because Samir Nasri (knee), Abou Diaby (thigh) and Mikael Silvestre (muscular problem) are all still out. However to keep the side fresh, the manager intends to make changes.
“Nobody has come back from Kyiv with any knocks,” he said. “But we will rotate a little bit because it was a very physical game.”
Bolton have made an adequate start from their four games so far. They have lost both away games but have picked up a win and draw at home against Stoke and West Brom respectively – two sides who they may face in a relegation dogfight.
Bolton seemed all but down last March when Arsenal came back from two goals and one man down at half time to pull off a storming 3-2 victory. The game was a Reebok revenge for Wenger, who suffered a couple of bruising defeats during the Sam Allardyce years. While Arsenal have had their fair share of victories too, Wenger feels this fixture has always been one of extremes.
“I felt it was always very good or very bad,” he said. “Rarely inbetween. But then for years they had a very good side and to be honest they still have. Nobody likes to go to Bolton because everyone knows they give you a tough commitment.
“We are preparing ourselves for another away game and one where we need mental resources to get the result.
“Only this time we want to win the game without being 2-0 down.”
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Well-known member
Wenger - Versatile Song can occupy key role
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger believes Alex Song can fill his 'problem position' in central midfield on a permanent basis.
For most of this season, Denilson has occupied the defensive role in the middle of the park and the Brazilian has certainly done a competent job. However, after Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto left in the summer, the manager had suggested he may bring in an experienced name from outside to act a shield for his centre backs.
The other option is Song, who had a difficult start to his Arsenal career but, in the last 12 months, he has blossomed into a confident and versatile squad player.
The 21-year-old made his first start of the season in the 1-1 draw in Kiev as Wenger switched from his usual 4-4-2 to 4-5-1. The Frenchman argues his Cameroonian star may be set to stay whatever formation he employs.
“Alex is capable of doing it,” said Wenger. “[When I signed him I liked] his personality, his technical quality, his composure, his strength in the one against one, the way he uses his body in the fight and, overall, his intelligence.
“He is a good centre back and he is a good central midfielder. I believe in him.”
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger believes Alex Song can fill his 'problem position' in central midfield on a permanent basis.
For most of this season, Denilson has occupied the defensive role in the middle of the park and the Brazilian has certainly done a competent job. However, after Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto left in the summer, the manager had suggested he may bring in an experienced name from outside to act a shield for his centre backs.
The other option is Song, who had a difficult start to his Arsenal career but, in the last 12 months, he has blossomed into a confident and versatile squad player.
The 21-year-old made his first start of the season in the 1-1 draw in Kiev as Wenger switched from his usual 4-4-2 to 4-5-1. The Frenchman argues his Cameroonian star may be set to stay whatever formation he employs.
“Alex is capable of doing it,” said Wenger. “[When I signed him I liked] his personality, his technical quality, his composure, his strength in the one against one, the way he uses his body in the fight and, overall, his intelligence.
“He is a good centre back and he is a good central midfielder. I believe in him.”
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