Arsenal Facing Celtic in Champions League 2009-10 Play off

Arsenal will face Scottish giant Celtic in the play off round of Champions League 2009-10. The winning side would clinch a place in the group stage of Champions league this season. Arsenal finished 4^th in premier league last season, and thus, entering into the qualifying phase of the champions league. Celtic finished second in the Scottish premier league last season and they have reached the final round of the qualifying stage after defeating Dinamo Moscow in the third round of qualifying stage.

There is no doubt, it is an enticing encounter for the British football fans as it is an All British clash. The first round of the play off round will take place on 18/19 August and the second round will be held on 25/26 August. Arsenal is definitely favorite against Celtic, but it is also true that Arsenal’s current squad provides lots of worries for the fans. Arsenal has lost a number of star players like Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure in the Summer transfer window so far. However, the Gunners have not signed any replacement yet. Naturally, the squad has lost some strength.

Overall, I think, it would not be so easy for the Wenger boys to break Celtic whose confidence is now at the peak following their away victory at Dinamo Moscow.

Related article:

ESPN Soccernet

Bordeaux President Hints, Arsenal Could Sign Marouane Chamakh Very Soon

You already know that Arsenal has already lost its prime striker Emmanuel Adebayor this Summer and there is now a void in the striking position. Now, it seems that Arsenal is looking to land in Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh, who is currently playing for French club Girondins de Bordeaux in an attempt to fill up the gap created by Adebayor’s move to Manchester City.

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud said that the club had received an offer from Arsenal, but the offer did not match with Bordeaux’s valuation of the player. So, Triaud asked Arsenal to make an improved offer for the 25-year-old striker. However, he also hoped that a deal for Chamakh could be done pretty soon.

Well, I think, Marouane Chamakh could be an effective player for us as we have some excellent playmaker in Fabregas and Arshavin. Chamakh is very much talented striker who can control the ball very well. With a height of 6 feet and 2 inches, Chamakh is excellent in the air. The biggest strength of the striker is his ability to work hard on the field both in taking control of the ball and holding possession. So, I think, Marouane Chamakh could be an excellent inclusion in Arsenal squad. However, it is not yet confirmed what the amount Arsenal offered and what the amount the French club is demanding for the player.

Related article:

Goal.com

Cesc Fabregas: The Prime Target of AC Milan in Summer 2009 Transfer Window?

It has been reported by La Gazzetta Dello Sport that AC Milan has set its eyes on Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, the influential midfielder from Spain. No doubt, he has shown excellent progress over the last couple of years and there are a number of clubs including European champion Barcelona who are interested to sign Fabregas in Summer 2009.

The Milan based club is reportedly trying to make some good cash in by selling Brazilian star Kaka to Real Madrid who are now desperate to sign the Brazilian star. Well, it is true that Arsenal would not like to sell their prime star at this moment. In fact, the Gunners do not have many star players in the squad and it would be a big mistake if Arsenal lets Fabregas move away from Arsenal in Summer. In the same way, Fabregas would also make a big mistake if he tries to move to AC Milan from Arsenal because he would not have as much choices at AC Milan as he now has at Arsenal where he has already been a regular player.

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Goal.com

Cesc Fabregas to Join Barcelona in Summer 2009?

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is now the prime target of new European champion Barcelona in Summer transfer window. The Catalan club is also reportedly ready to pay £40million for landing the 22-year-old member of Spain’s Euro 2008 winning team. The youngster has already become one of the most influential midfielders in the world because of his creativity. Recently, Fabregas said that any player would love to join a club which is champion in Europe. His comment also fueled up the speculation that he might leave the North London club this summer.

There are also reports out in the media suggesting that Cesc Fabregas might have already agreed with Barcelona on a possible transfer, though there is no confirmation behind this claim. Now, let us see if Arsenal captain remains with the club next season.

Related article:

Daily Mail

The drama of Emmanuel Adebayor and Arsene Wenger

Last season, there were lots of rumors that Emmanuel Adebayor would leave Arsenal and go to AC Milan. Now, there are two clubs that are associated with him: AC Milan and Chelsea. Both of them are ready to pay a lot of money, but it is not yet clear whether he will leave or not leave. This season, Adebayor could not perform like last season and suffered a lot of criticism from Arsenal fans.

 

Now, Adebayor has said that it is up to Arsene Wenger whether he would stay or not. He has also stated that if Arsene Wenger wanted then he had no problem to stay in the club. This is good news for most of the Arsenal fans because still he is a very good striker. In the last season, the injuries of Adebayor, Van Persie and Fabregas made a lot of problem for the club. Let us hope that if he stays next season, he will be in good form.

Next Season: Can it Bring Success for Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger is going to stay in Arsenal and it surely brings a lot of hope among fans. We all know that a day will come when we will be without Wenger but let us hope that that day comes after 10 years. He is a powerful figure and he has guided the club through very rough time. Whether you like or not, you have to admit that Arsenal is not rich like Manchester United or Chelsea and cannot afford to buy big players like Ronaldo and Robinho. Yesterday, the Gunners played their best in the season and won the last match of the league this season by 4-1. What I feel is that in this season, injury was the number one enemy.

Next season may seems to be better. The main thing is that we all have to pray that the Gunners suffer less injury- much less than this season.

Roque Santa Cruz and Marouane Chamakh Linked with Arsenal Move

It has been reported many times that Emmanuel Adebayor, one of the prime strikers of Arsenal, might join Italian club AC Milan in Summer. The Togolese striker has been linked with the Italian outfit since last summer and he could also join premier league club Chelsea, if Carlo Ancelotti becomes the new coach of the Blues. Though Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that the 25-year-old striker will remain at Emirates stadium next season, Arsenal has already been linked with a number of replacements of Adebayor.

Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz is one of the strikers Arsenal has been linked with. However, to get the services of Santa Cruz, Arsenal has to spend around €20.5 (£18m) which Arsenal is less likely to spend. Marouane Chamakh is another striker who has also been linked with Arsenal. Bordeaux striker has been in impressive form and it is pretty much certain that he would leave the French outfit this summer. Moreover, his €13.5m (£12m) price tag seems to be more appropriate for Arsenal’s spending nature.

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Goal.com

Arsene Wenger Leaving London and going to Madrid?

If it happens really it will be like an earthquake for some fans like me. I always believe that he is the best coach for the club and no one can replace him. It seems to me that Real Madrid is keen to take Arsene Wenger at any cost and they feel that he can change the fortune of the club in Spain. I know that Wenger has suffered a lot of criticism for his transfer policy and many people have criticized him bad way. However, he should not listen to them and listen to the feeling of fans like me who adore him in any situation.

Arsenal Held Manchester United to a Goalless Draw in Premier League

It was a match for Arsenal to show they were not as weak as their recent Champions league defeat against Manchester Unite suggested. Though the match ended in a goalless draw, Arsenal could successfully prove what Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently claimed. Wenger said that Arsenal was not far behind than Manchester United in terms of strength and that is what was proven today by his spirited boys.

Arsenal came to Old Trafford to destroy Manchester United celebration party of hat-trick premier league title. Gunners may not have been successful from this aspect, but North London club played very well and created some good chances today. Manchester United did not go for all out attack, unlike to their recent trend, as the Red Devils were happy to stick to defensive mode, knowing that they were just a draw away from their third consecutive premier league title. Though Manchester United also had some good chances, but Arsenal was better side than Manchester United in the match.

Arsene Wenger: No Need of Revolution at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is very much concerned about the fact that his side could not land any title for the last four seasons, but the French manager does not think Arsenal needs any big investment to buy star players in Summer in order to bolster its squad. Rather, the manager believes that the average of Arsenal squad is 22 and there is no need to cause a revolution at this moment. He is not yet totally disappointed by Arsenal’s performance.

Arsene Wenger is known for his strong youth side and he is good at handling young players and making them future stars in football. For example, when Thierry Hendy joined Arsenal, the French striker was a lesser known player, but by the time he left the club, he already became an Arsenal legend. The same thing could go for Cesc Fabregas as well as Emmanuel Adebayor. So, I think, Arsene Wenger does not need to spend more to add players to his current squad. Rather, Wenger should try to prepare his young players at Arsenal youth side, and keep an eye on young talented players around the world whom he can land at Arsenal and nurture them so that they could become future stars of Arsenal.

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ESPN Soccernet

A Bad Luck for Arsene Wenger and His boys Against Chelsea

In the end, the score line read something like this Arsenal 1- Chelsea 4. If you have not watched the match then you would think that it was a one sided match and Chelsea dominated from the beginning to the end. I like to say that it was just the opposite. Yes, I could not believe my own eyes either. Arsenal totally dominated right from the start and suffered goals instead of scoring them. It was not their day. I badly missed Arshevin who was out due to illness. The midfield was superb and Fabregas and Nasri created many opportunities but Walcott, Van Persie, Adebeyor and Bentdner- all missed one after another chance. A bad day for the coach Wenger.

Arsene Wenger: Arsenal is as good as Manchester United

I do not know whether Arsene Wenger is good mood or not but I know that the supporters of the club are very unhappy and frustrated to see another season without any trophy. There is now a lot of pressure on the coach for buying some top quality players in the transfer window of July. It seems that Arsene Wenger is determined to pursue his policy of not spending a lot of money.

He believes that he has some quality players who can be the asset for the future and he also believes that there is not much difference between his club and Manchester United. I agree with this idea because Arsenal has perhaps the best midfield in the whole premier league right now. All they need is Another three top quality players in defense, and striking. Tomorrow, they’re going to face against Chelsea and this is a match that Arsene Wenger wants to win.

Theo Walcott Will be in Arsenal for Long Time

Another season without winning a trophy and many players feel frustrated. These players earn a lot of money but they also want a trophy so that they can remember their past when they become old. You may feel that if they are not satisfied then they should join the clubs that they will give them trophy. Well, I have to say that Arsenal has at least 3-4 world class players and if they leave then it will be a disaster for the club. Theo Walcott is perhaps one of them and there is huge potential about him. He is already playing for England national team and even at this early age, he has scored a hattrick.

So, it is reassuring to know that he is going to stay in the club. He has signed a long term deal with the club and this is good news for all of us. Emmanuel Adebayor has also informed that the will not leave London soon.

Taking on Liverpool in Anfield

I can tell you that it wont be an easy task for the Gunners. Of course, they have one advantage. They are free of pressure. The pressure will be on Liverpool as they are fighting to stay at top position in the premier league. Arsenal is now 7 points in front of Aston Villa and even the most optimistic Villa supporter is not thinking of becoming 4^th in the League this season. The 4^th position is very important because it allows you to try your luck for UEFA Champions League next season. It is not a direct route but English clubs are strong and they stand a better chance to go to the final league of the Champions League.

Arsenal Striker Eduardo da Silva Set to Return to Action after Full Recovery from Injury

After spending 10 months in the sideline with injury, striker Eduardo da Silva has recently been back in full training. The Croatian striker also missed this year’s Euro 2008 finals with a massive left ankle injury that he sustained earlier this year while representing Arsenal against Birmingham City when he was at his prime.

Goal.com reported:

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, there were fears that the Croatia international would never play again as his left fibula was fractured and his left ankle left dislocated.
Eduardo was ruled out of Euro 2008 but set about a painstaking recovery that has now led him back to full fitness.

It is now pretty confirmed that Eduardo has got over the injury properly, but he needs match practice before getting ready for regular appearance in the starting line up of Arsenal. There is no doubt, Arsenal striking line up will be bolstered with his presence. Striker Robin van Persie has been in good form and winger Theo Walcott has been playing pretty successfully too. With Eduardo back in the squad, it would only strengthen the Arsenal line up.

Should Arsenal go for a Trophy Winning Squad Now?

This is the question that is now in the mind of many people? Many fans of the club feel that it is the time that arsenal should go for a trophy winning squad? It meant that they should have more a celebrity and high profile and expensive players at the cost of the current young players that the club has. And for the last three season, arsenal has not own anything and many people are getting impatient and are claiming the current management and the current coach. It is true and you cannot deny but at the same time you have to think of some other matters too.

Arsenal did not win anything but they own a very important thing- they did not suffer financially despite the fact that they built one of the top three largest stadiums in England in the last few years. Remaining profitable is also a very important thing that most people don’t want to understand. At the end of the day, it is money that matters. If you want to buy top quality players then you have to spend a fortune and you even for that, you need a lot of money. Without money, you cannot build greatest idioms, you cannot buy top quality players, and you cannot win any championship. This is a reality that no club in modern days can avoid or even think that miracles do happen. Who was Chelsea a decade ago? What is the difference that has happened to these clubs only within five years? It has become one of the top clubs in England and also in Europe simply because it got a lot of money.

So, my advice for the skeptics and also for those arsenal fans who do not like their coach is to find a way to get the money. Please, if you can then show me the money.

Emmanuel Adebayor: “We Need More Hunger to Win Silverware”

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor thinks Arsenal players need to have killer instinct in order to clinch their much-awaited silverware this season. Arsenal could stave off the challenge posed by West Ham United as the North London club came out of the Boleyn Ground with a 2-0 victory. Arsenal was lucky enough to get the first goal in the match thanks to an own goal awarded by West Ham United. Then it was Adebayor who doubled the lead towards the end of the match. There is no doubt, Arsenal was happy to have picked up with 3 points from the match, but their performance was not as impressive as it was against Fenerbahce on the road in Champions League last week.

Emmanuel Adebayor feels Arsenal players need to have more hunger for title and that is what he thinks crucial for the Gunners in order to put an end to their title drought this season. Adebayor thinks people like Arsenal’s style of football, but he feels, winning a trophy is better than playing good without achieving any title. The Togolese international believes a team like Arsenal deserves more than winning a league cup. However, to do that, he insists, Arsenal must have to be desperate more on the field.

Arsenal is going to face their struggling cross town rivals Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow (Wednesday) in a high profile North London derby.

Arsenal Defeated West Ham United 2-0 to Stay at the Fourth Place in the League Table

Arsenal pulled off a 2-0 victory away at West Ham United on Sunday. With this victory, the Gunners remained at the fourth place in the league table with 19 points from 9 matches. West Ham defender Julien Faubert handed an own goal to the visiting side and second half substitute Emmanuel Adebayor’s late strike ensured Arsenal three points from the match.

Arsenal could not show the same dominance they showed against Fenerbahce last week. However, Arsenal fans should be happy at winning three points and remaining in the right track of the title race. Another good news for the Arsenal fans is that captain William Gallas came back to action with this match and ahead of the upcoming derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal seems to be stronger now.

Related article:

AFP

New Found Consistency for the Gunners?

In the end, the supporters and felt relieved and satisfied. They perhaps could feel some sense of consistency in the arsenal club at last in the season. It was an away match and many supporters were perhaps worried if arsenal players in show inconsistency. Well, there is perhaps a sense of relief to see that the players did not let down the club. It’s not that Arsense brutally dominated the match but they were surely the better side of the two.

By the way, the final score was 2-0 and the upon and was West Ham. What I liked about two days matches that the gunners a game played as a team. There is nothing much about any individual player to write about But as a unit, they worked very well. I feel that this other thing that All the supporters are now praying for. They do not need any individual player to score 25 plus goals and then the others just wait and see. Instead, They want to see all the players in action and present exciting movement that will bring trophies as well as entertain the spectators.

I really wish to believe that arsenal players have found some kind of consistency and they can maintain this consistency for the rest of the season. I’m happy to see that they’re doing very well in Europe as well as England. In Europe, they’re playing as if they’re invincible in home and away. I wonder what is the problem to do same level of performance in England. I have one theory about it. Right now, England is the capital of European football and most of the giant games are situated in England. So, it has become perhaps harder to perform in England compared to Europe.

Surely, coach Arsene Wenger is very happy today. He has suffered a lot of criticism in the last few months for the poor performance of his players. There has been repeated calls to By some big celebrity players spending millions of dollars. He has resisted all the temptation to do so and he feels that his young players Will become a great asset for the future. He also thinks that economic recession might affect English premier league and spending too much money and this moment is perhaps not the right move. I agree with him With all my heart and I really wish to see that he can become successful with his strategy. He’s the right coach for arsenal and I feel that he’s the best coach in one football today. No other coach can even dream of having the same level of success With so little money. 

Arsene Wenger Hit out on William Gallas Being Photographed with cigarette

A photograph of Arsenal captain William Gallas holding a cigarette in his mouth while leaving a night club caused Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to become furious at the captain. Wenger, who maintains strict discipline on diet, health as well as lifestyle of the players, was in anger while commenting on the photograph of Gallas. The French manager clearly he did not like what Gallas did and he felt that as a club captain William Gallas had some responsibility.

Canadian Press reported:

"I didn't see the picture. I have been informed, but I don't like that," Wenger said Friday. "I will check that with him. He has a responsibility as captain of Arsenal Football Club. That cannot be accepted.

"It is a public job with a public responsibility and therefore it is exactly the same for everybody."

I also agree with Wenger in this regard. As a club captain, he must show some responsibility and make himself as a leader not only on the field, but also off the field. Moreover, as a professional footballer he can not break his diet during the season and can not do what he is restricted from doing. Last year, Gallas was criticized when he refused to leave the ground following a 2-2 draw at Birmingham.

There is no doubt, William Gallas is still one of the best centre defenders in the premier league. I hope, he will understand that he has a lot to offer for his club.