Arsenal Slips at Hull City

Once again, the Gunners lost points to a side against whom Arsenal was expected to pull of an easy victory. The high-flying Arsenal should have posted an easy victory over newly promoted Hull City, but the Gunners struggled against Hull at home and lost all three points that would have kept Arsenal at the top of the point table. However, Gunners failed to continue their momentum they got in their 6-0 Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United last week.

Arsenal was put ahead thanks to Cesc Fabregas at the beginning of the second half, but Cousin and Geovanni scored to ensure a historic victory for Hull City against Arsenal. Now, the question is that what makes Arsenal lose point very often, even when they are at the top of their form. Having seen the impressive 6-0 midweek victory over Sheffield by a seemingly reserve side, it was really very hard to think that Arsenal would slip up against Hull City at home.

I do not think that recruiting one or two more players would solve the problem, because this team has talent, skill and quality and that’s all needed to become a balanced side. Then what is the problem? Well, I think, Arsenal needs more maturity and experience as most of the players are talented but young. Actually, I do not blame Arsenal because this squad needs to play together for two or three more seasons and after that, I believe, the young troop will start to pay back with dividend. Till then, it is necessary to hold on patience and keep faith on Wenger’s young boys.

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Fox Sports

Arsenal vs Hull City: Who Will Win?

They have managed to get just 5 points from 4 matches. It does not look to be the result card of a team like Manchester United. Still, this season, this is the condition of this club. On the other hand, Arsenal is at the top of the point table and the London club has perhaps the youngest team in the entire EPL. In fact, among the big 3, Arsenal has the least expensive and least experienced players. Now, the Gunners are at the top of the point table.

Alex Ferguson feels that it is time, Man Utd players get back their natural rhythm and makes some big scores. Alex Ferguson feels that last season, Man Utd had a disastrous start but in the end, they managed to become EPL and Champions League champion. So, Alex Ferguson thinks that it wont be difficult this time for the club to have same feat.

 

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Mikael Silvestre Looking for Arsenal Debut against Hull City

Mikael Silvestre might win his debut match for Arsenal against Hull City since joining the North Londoners last month in a move from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. However, he has been out with in injury so far. However, reports in the media suggest that the French international has recovered from injury and might start against Hull City on Saturday.

Arsenal has more good news ahead of Hull City’s visit to Emirates stadium. Gael Clichy has made a quick recovery from a shin injury that he picked up in their 3-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers last week. Clichy is fit enough to start against Hull City, but I am not sure if Arsene Wenger would put him in the starting line up or in the substitute bench. Theo Walcott also recovered from a minor knock picked up against Bolton, while Samir Nasri is also fit to start against the newly promoted Hull City.

The last time, Hull City win over Arsenal came 100 years back. No doubt, they will look to get another victory against Arsenal after so many years. However, I think, Arsenal is playing some top-class football. So, Hull City should not be a big problem for the Gunners at home.

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Guardian

Arsenal vs Hull City: Who Will Win?

At this moment, arsenal is looking to the increasingly irresistible and that is winning at very easily most of the matches at home or away. Tomorrow, they’re going to face Hull City. It will be a whole match for the London-club and at it would take a look at the recent performance than we have to admit that arsenal is the hot favorite at tomorrow’s match against Hull City. Most probably, the fans have already started debating on how many goals the gunners would score tomorrow. They will not be happy for less than 4 goals I think. Of course, Hull City is not in a bad condition this season. I mean that they have done some decent performance. Well, may be some Hull City supporters are optimistic about tomorrow’s match.

I think that Arsenal will win the match easily.

 

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Arsenal vs Hull City EPL 08-09: Preview and Live Score

Carlos Vela: The New Thierry Henry?

There is nothing wrong in drawing this kind of comparison. However, I am surprised to see that some people have gone as far as comparing him with Thierry Henry. Carlos Vela has just played only one game for arsenal and he played superbly. There is no doubt about that. However, you have to remember that It was a Carling Cup match and it was not a very big game. It was not against a big opposition like Manchester united or Chelsea. So, I do not like to jump into conclusion just after one game against the minor opposition.

I think that the media should be more cautious about getting this kind of publicity to a young player who is just too young. It may harm him in the long run instead of inspiring him to become the next Thierry Henry.  

Carlos Vela Praises Arsene Wenger for Keeping Faith on Young Players

Carlos Vela, Arsenal’s hat-trick hero against Sheffield United in the Carling Cup, has thanked manager Arsene Wenger for keeping his faith on the youngsters at the Emirates stadium. Vela scored three goals in their 6-0 triumph over Sheffield United. The Mexican striker joined the North London club in a move from Chivas for a £2.5 million deal. However, he grew matured as a player under the guidance of Arsene Wenger. Now, he has started paying back with dividends to Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger featured a seemingly reserve side against Sheffield United, but Wenger’s young guns outclassed the opponents and secured a place in the fourth round of the tournament. Vela has recently said that Arsene Wenger’s reputation made him join Arsenal and has expressed his respect to Wenger for his faith on the young players like himself. Admitting that he has received many advices from Wenger regarding his play, Vela has also revealed that players at Arsenal are very close as a group of players and have good friendship. Indicating Wenger’s reputation for working with young players, Vela thinks, Wenger has proven his reputation once again featuring a team where the oldest player was the 23-year-old goalkeeper.

Arsene Wenger is definitely one of the best managers in today’s football with abilities to nurture talent. He always holds positive outlook and is able to get the best out of his players. Arsene Wenger deserves the full credit for recognizing the talented footballers at a tender age.

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Telegraph

Arsene Wenger Happy with New Generation at Arsenal

Arsenal is traditionally a club that looks after the youngsters skillfully and effectively, and helps the young players grow matured as a player. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has recently said that he is now happy with the new generation of footballers at the club. Ahead of the third round Carling Cup encounter with Sheffield United today, Arsene Wenger is likely to give some of his young guns a chance to play for the senior team of Arsenal.

Well, Arsene Wenger very often considers the Carling Cup fixtures as an opportunity to feature some of his young guns so that they can earn experience of playing at this level. That is why, Arsenal hardly wins silverware in Carling Cup. Last time they went closer to capture the title in Carling Cup was in 2007 when they were beaten by Chelsea in the final. Last season, Arsenal failed to reach the final and was knocked out by the city rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Wenger indicates the young players like Jack Wilshere, Kieren Gibbs and Mark Randall as the young generation at Arsenal. He thinks that the new generation can give a view of how life could be at Arsenal within next three to five years.

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Goal.com

Arsenal’s Kolo Toure Criticizes Kevin Davies of Bolton Wanderers for Dreadful Tackle on Gael Clichy

Arsenal won the last Saturday’s premier league encounter away at Bolton Wanderers 3-1. Bolton players looked a bit aggressive physically and played some rough football with players making heavy challenges physically against Arsenal players. Gael Clichy was severely tackled by Bolton player Kevin Davies and he was booked for the tackle. Initially, it was through that the player might have picked up with fracture in his left leg, but x-rays later on showed that he suffered bruising in his left leg.

Clichy’s Arsenal team mate Kolo Toure has fully criticized Kevin Davies for his tackle, claiming that these kinds of tackles should not be allowed in football. Stating that football is a game of skill, he also said that Arsenal can also play like that, but the Gunners would opt to concentrate on playing football in stead.

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Sustainability vs Instant Success: Which is More Important?

This is perhaps the most important question for arsenal at this moment. It is many months since the club won any trophy. And, this season, they could not buy any new quality player. In fact, at this moment, Arsenal does not have any big player in the rank of Ronaldo. Arsene Wenger believes that his club should not spend too much money in wages and in transfer market. The board of directors who run the club agree with him. Well, until last season, most supporters did not have any problem. However, now, many fans really don’t like this thing at all. They want instant success. They want that their favorite club wins something this season either in England (EPL) or in Europe. Many fans also feel that with the current players, it is impossible to win anything.

Well, I would vote for sustainability. The club is still one of the top 3 in England. That matters to me. I want them to win a trophy this season but I don’t want financial uncertainty especially at a time like this when there is economic slowdown in whole world.

Arsene Wenger Seeking Mental Strength Against Bolton

It will be an away match for Arsene Wenger and his players. In the recent weeks, the club performed very well with only one defeat but it was an away defeat. Just the other day, the London based club got an amazing draw at champions league against dynamo Kiev. So, the players should be in a happy mood. Wenger thinks that they have to have mental strength to win against Bolton:

"We have a great mental strength in the side and also quality. We have either been really good or really bad there, lost or won, nothing really in between... But also Bolton for years had a good side - they still have - and that is why nobody liked to go to Bolton because everybody knows usually they give great commitment."

So, we will find out whether the players can have mental strength against Bolton and win it.

Arsene Wenger Interested to Sign Free Agent Mineiro

Free agent Brazilian midfielder Carlos Luciano da Silva who is widely known as Mineiro is now training with Arsenal reserves and the out-of-contract midfielder has recently participated in a friendly match for Arsenal XI that defeated Fulham reserves 3-0. The world cup winning midfielder has left German club Hertha BSC Berlin in Summer and he is now looking for a new club to join. The 33-year-old also attracted interests from Birmingham City.

Upon knowing the fact that Mineiro was available to sing, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently invited Mineiro to visit the club and training ground and the player already started training with Arsenal reserves. Arsenal is yet to come to terms with the departures of Lassana Diarra, Gilberto and Mathew Flamini that left a mark on Arsenal midfield. Wenger recruited young players like Amaury Bischoff and Aaron Ramsey to fill up the gap in the middle of the park. An experienced holding midfielder might bolster Arsenal squad and will make the Gunners squad stronger. Mineiro is a skilled midfielder with huge experience of playing both at club level as well as for Brazil team. He has 25 international appearances under his cap and has been playing professional football for about ten years.

Now, Arsene Wenger will reportedly assess Mineiro’s fitness before making a serious deal in this regard. To be honest, I do not know much about Mineiro, so I do not have any idea whether Mineiro will fit well with Arsenal’s style of football. However, Wenger must know what he wants from whom and he also knows it very well that who can do what for the club. So, if Wenger finds something valuable in him, only then Mineiro will be offered a contract.

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Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas Looks to Improve his Defensive Role in the Midfield

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas said that the reaction he had showed after being substituted during Spain’s 1-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in world cup qualifying was nothing but his passion and commitment as a sportsman. He responded angrily when he was taken off in the second hand half after scoring the winning goal for European champion Spain. It is true that Fabregas is believed to be one of the young prospects of Spain national team and thought to be one of the shining futures of Spanish side, but he rarely plays full time. Out of 33 appearances, Cesc Fabregas played 90 minutes in only five matches for Spain and in most of the time he is taken off when his team is leading in the match. That is what prompted Fabregas to think he has weakness defensively.

The young star of Arsenal wants to become a complete midfielder- meaning equally strong in attack as well as in defense and his desire is to make himself capable of playing whole 90 minutes for Spain. He also confirmed that he did not have lack of respect for anybody. The immediate outburst he showed after being substituted by Xabi Alonso was his guile and eager to give 100 percent for his country.

I welcome the passion and commitment that Cesc Fabregas has in him because that is what makes the difference between a great and an ordinary player. However, I think, Fabregas should not be frustrated because he is getting better day by day.

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Arsenal Ladies Pulled off 6-1 Victory over Doncaster Belles

Arsenal ladies opened up a two-point lead at the top of Women’s English Premier League 2008-2009 over Chelsea after thrashing Doncaster Belles 6-1 with two goals from Kelly Smith and Karen Carney each. Arsenal ladies have been flawless so far without losing any point in five matches. With two goals, striker Kelly Smith took her goal tally to 14 from five matches.

Arsenal got off to a good start as Kim Little opened scoring early in the match before Karen Carney scored twice to bring a 3-0 lead for the Gunners ladies in the match. Kelly Smith made it 4-0 just before the half time and that was enough to ensure a victory for Arsenal. In the second half, Jayne Ludlow increased the lead 5-0, but Donny decreased the lead with a consolation goal. Kelly Smith hit her second goal with 13 minutes off final whistle and brought a 6-1 emphatic victory over Doncaster Belles. Chelsea moved to second place in the point table with their 3-0 victory over Bristol Academy, replacing Everton.

Arsenal ladies has been dominating the league, scoring 33 goals in five matches. So, it is clear that Arsenal ladies are playing at their prime and are clearly favorite for another league title.

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Arsenal Linked with a Move for Stephen Appiah

Reports have it in the media that Arsenal has been linked with Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah, who is currently up for grab for the clubs as has been a free agent following Fenerbahçe released him recently. Stephen Appiah has already attracted interests from several European clubs including West Ham United, Tottehnham Hotspur, Genoa and his former club Juventus. Arsenal has been the recent addition in the list of interested clubs.

Appiah missed most of the last season due to injury and needed to go to Italy for rehabilitation and eventually missed his international duty in African Nations Cup 2008. However, the Ghana international is now confident to revive his career. The 27-year-old has reportedly expressed his interest to join English premier league. He has recently admitted that negotiations with different clubs going on, but he is not yet confirmed about his destination.

All know that Arsene Wenger is keen to include a midfielder at Emirates as he is yet to come to terms with the departures of Mathew Flamini, Gilberto Silva and Alex Hleb over the Summer. He made bids for Gareth Barry and Xabi Alonso, but could not materialize any of his bids for several players in Summer. Now, let us see if Stephen Appiah becomes the player Arsene Wenger wants to land at Arsenal.

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Andorra vs England World Cup 2010 Qualifying: Live Score

Andorra (0)--- England (2)

90 minutes: England has won the match by 2-0

85 minutes: Frank Lampard is substitued.

75 minutes: Will we see any more goals from Joe COle?

65 minutes: ENgland is leading 2-0. By the way, It is Joe Cole who scored both the goals

63 minutes: ENgland is still leading by 2-0

55 minutes: ENgalnd has scored the second goal. England now leading by 2-0

50 minutes: England has scored a goal and leading by 1-0. Joe Cole is the scorer.

45 minutes: Half Time now and score is 0-0

40 minutes: NO goal yet. Just 5 minutes left before first half

33 minutes: I dont know what is happening to England players. They are competing against each other about miss chances.

28 minutes: England is very well but no goal yet

20 minutes: Frustrating for ENgland fans. Frank Lampard hit a good shot but wide

15 minutes: Lovely attack from England but Wayne Rooney could not score

12 minutes: Still goalless.

5 minutes: Still no goal. Good attack from ENgland

0 minutes: The match has just started.

We will give you give score of the match Andorra vs England World Cup 2010 Qualifying as soon as it starts. Don’t forget to subscribe to the feed of the blog.

Arsenal Rejected Cardiff City’s Last-Minute Loan Move for Aaron Ramsey

Cardiff City made a last-ditch move to get Aaron Ramsey back on a loan deal, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was reluctant to let his Summer signing go back to Ninian Par on a load deal. On the very last day of the transfer deadline, Arsene Wenger himself was desperate to land one more midfielder to bolster his midfield, but could not materialize any of his bids. So, naturally there was no reason Wenger could have accepted Cardiff City last-minute loan move for the Welshman.

The departures of Mathew Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva in the Summer left a void in Arsenal midfield, even though Wenger landed French youngster Samir Nasri to come to terms with the loses of the regular midfielders. 17-year-old Aaron Ramsey was signed from Cardiff City during Summer transfer window, but it is almost sure that his appearance in his debut season will largely be restricted to Carling Cup. That is what made Cardiff City interested to make an eleventh-hour move for Aaron Ramsey.

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Arsenal Striker Carlos Vela Wants to Flourish under Arsene Wenger

Many young players turned in to world stars under the guidance of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Emmanuel Adebayor is the latest prominent example of Wenger’s success to get the best out of young players. The Togolese star joined Arsenal two seasons back as a young potential striker, and having spent two seasons, Adebayor already set himself as one of the sought-after strikers in Europe.

Now, Arsenal’s Mexican international Carlos Vela wants to flourish under Wenger. The 19-year-old striker joined the Gunners in 2005, but spent three successive seasons on loan in Spain. The young prospect has recently received his work permit in England and will not be out on loan for the current season. Vela has recently hailed manager Arsene Wenger, claiming that the French coach knows what he wants from the players and how to get the best out of the players. Besides, the Mexican striker has also added that this is why Wenger gets impressive response from the players.

Carlos Vela is termed as new Hugo Sanchez, former Mexican great, because of his excellent skill and talent. Vela thinks the way Arsenal plays football is smooth and easy to adopt quickly. Arsenal is currently left with few striking options with Eduardo out with injury for a long time. So, it is expected that the he will definitely get football action this year. Vela is also ready to give his best for the club, claiming that he is motivated and enjoys the pressure to provide with 100 percent.

I think, Vela is a potential player who has the ability to become a future star for Arsenal and has the motivation to improve his skill. He was the golden boot winner of U17 world cup. So, he does not lack talent or skill, but he needs to flourish his potential at the club. I see a good striker in Carlos Vela and if he can hold his patience, he has the chance to become a star striker in the future.

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Arsenal Found a Last-moment Bid for Xabi Alonso Rejected

Arsenal was desperate to sign Liverpool’s Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso in a late bid, but Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez rejected the bid, citing the midfielder was not for sale. However, all the summer Alonso wanted a move to Emirates and even asked Benitez to let him join Arsenal. Even it was thought that Rafael Benitez was ready to make a deal for Alonso if any interested club agreed to pay the amount he had demanded.

Arsenal had already have a £12million bid rejected for Alonso when Liverpool was linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, the player Benitez was interested to get in at Anfield. However, Liverpool could not materialize the Barry deal and perhaps, that is reason Rafael Benitez rejected Arsenal’s reportedly improved late bid of £14million for Xabi Alonso.

It was earlier reported that Arsenal might land one or two players at the eleventh-hour of the deadline on Monday and the manager tried his best on the last day of the deadline sign new player in the midfield. Wenger made a second bid for Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler, who once again confirmed that he was going to play at least another season in Italy. Wenger also made a last-moment move for Real Madrid’s German defender Christopher Metzelder, but that was of no avail too.

However, Arsene Wenger is confident that he has a strong squad with which he can challenge other clubs in the bid to win silverwares. Now, let us see if Arsenal can continue their excellent form that they showed against FC Twente and Newcastle United at home.

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Gokhan Inler Said No to Arsenal’s Late Bid Before Transfer Window Closed

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tried his best to bolster the squad with a late move on Monday, the closing day of the Summer transfer window. Following the departures of regular midfielders like Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva over the Summer, Arsenal does not have many options left in the midfield. So, Wenger was searching for a new midfielder to land at Emirates stadium before the transfer window closed. However, all his last attempts to bring a new man failed and Arsenal now has to contend with the void created by the Summer selling.

Wenger made a second bid to recruit Gokhan Inler from Italian club Udinese, but the Swiss midfielder once again turned down the offer to join Arsenal. Inler confirmed it earlier that he would be staying at Udinese at least another season. The 24-year-old midfielder joined Udinese from FC Zurich last season and spent a very successful debut season with the club. Inler thinks it will be little early to go to premier league and he wants to spend another great season with Udinese.

Well, Arsene Wenger also tried to sign Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid’s German defender Christoph Metzelder, but the bids did not materialize. However, it is believed that Arsene Wenger might make another move for Metzelder in January transfer window.

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Arsene Wenger Wanted Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou to be at Arsenal!

When I came across the Mirror report, I got a bit surprised. Well, still I am not sure about the news as Wenger and Arsenal have remained silent. Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has recently expressed that Wenger was interested to sign Salomon Kalou in Summer transfer window.

Being asked about the lack of experience in his centre forward options following Anelka’s unsuccessful run against Tottenham Hotspur, Scolari indicated Kalou in this position, claiming that Wenger was also interested to play him as a centre forward. Scolari revealed that Arsene Wenger had started negotiations for Kalou about a month or two ago. However, Scolari was not interested to sell Salomon Kalou.

There are many who think that Wenger does not want to add high profile players in the squad and always go for low-budget signings. Here, we can see that Wenger knows it very well who can do what for the club.

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Arsene Wenger Interested to Sign German Defender Christoph Metzelder from Real Madrid?

With summer transfer window closing today, it is not yet clear whether Arsene Wenger will land another midfielder to bolster Arsenal midfield line up. Reports out in the media suggest that Arsenal manager Wenger is trying to make a deal with Real Madrid for their German defender Christoph Metzelder. Well, do not take anything for granted yet, because neither Arsenal not Real Madrid has confirmed the news so far.

Actually, I am a bit puzzled about the report claiming Wenger being linked with German international Metzelder who is regular in German national side, but could not yet become regular in Real Madrid defense. Christoph Metzelder had to sit out on several occasions last season and that is why, I guess, he might also be interested to move to a big club like Arsenal where he will get more first team football.

Now, what made me puzzled is that Arsene Wenger is supposed to recruit a centre midfielder to fill up the void created by the departures of Mathew Flamini, Gilberto Silva and Alex Hleb over the summer. Moreover, Wenger recently let centre back Philippe Senderos join AC Milan on a loan deal, claiming that lots of options available in the defense line up. Then why he is going for another centre back- this is the question. I think, I can at least make a guess for the possible answer.

First of all, Wenger tried hard to land a midfielder and was reportedly linked with a number of targets including Gokhan Inler of Udinese, Alonso from Lvierpool and Gareth Barry from Aston Villa. Inler clearly played Arsenal offer down, while rumors surrounding Alonso and Barry move still prevail- but the amount needed to sign either Alonso or Barry may be little bit higher than what Arsenal is ready to pay.

Secondly, Christoph Metzelder is a tough tackling centre back with sheer experience of playing at top level of football. Though he is a specialist for centre half position, he could easily play the role of a holding midfielder as well. Moreover, he is not regular in Real Madrid’s starting line up as he won only 13 appearances for Real Madrid in his debut last season; so an Arsenal move might be enticing to the defender. May be these are the points that made Arsene Wenger interested to make a bid for the defender.

Again, I want to let you confirm that Arsenal’s interest about Christoph Metzelder is not yet confirmed from neither of the clubs. So, go for ‘wait and see’ approach in this regard.

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Arsenal to Face Sheffield United again in Carling Cup 2008-09

North London club Arsenal will take on Sheffield United once again in a knock-out competition as Gunners have been drawn against the Championship side in the third round of Carling Cup 2008-2009. Arsenal emerged winner in last year’s fourth round Carling Cup meeting with Sheffield United when they visited Bramall Lane.

Arsenal, this year, will have home advantage as the Blades will come to Emirates stadium to face the challenge of Arsenal. There is no doubt, Arsenal is clearly favorite for the match and the Gunners should not have any problem to get through the fourth round of the tournament.

Reigning champion Tottenham Hotspur will face premier league rival Newcastle United. Suprs could not win against Newcastle in their last five encounters, so defending the title would not be so easy for Tottenham Hotspur this season. Manchester United will welcome Middlesbrough in the third round Carling Cup meeting, while last year’s beaten finalist Chelsea will travel to Portsmouth in their pursuit to retain the title. Previous season’s semi finalist Everton will visit to Blackburn, while League One side Crewe will come to Anfield with some strong challenges for Premier league club Liverpool.

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Guardian