The 2007/08 season has seen the Arsenal midfielder come of age, displaying vision and creativity that led to his manager likening his young protege to a latter-day Platini. He started the season with a flourish, finding the net seven times in the first nine games. The highlight of those strikes coming against bitter rivals Tottenham as his long-range screamer stunned White Hart Lane to hand The Gunners a priceless victory. Then came a first-rate brace as he took centre stage in Arsenal's 7-0 massacre of Slavia Prague; the first a deft curler and the second the final brush stroke to a wonderfully painted move. There is, however, one moment that stands tall above the many that have formulated Cesc's campaign: that famous night in Milan when the most experienced of UEFA Champions League veterans chased vivid, youthful shadows. Fabregas was sent into ecstasy when his rasping drive nestled into the bottom left-hand corner, handing Wenger's men an unforgettable scalp at the San Siro. And at 20 years old, there is much more to come from the Spanish dynamo - whose achievements will be celebrated on May 13th as he stars in a unique live event to be broadcast the following week on Sky Sports. What they said about Cesc: Steven Gerrard on Cesc: "The world is his oyster. He can go on to be one of the best in the world, there is no doubt about that. So far this season he is having a fantastic time. If he keeps working hard at his game and stays as dedicated as he has been so far, he can achieve anything." Sergio Ramos on Cesc: "He's a great footballer, and a leader and key player for Arsenal. He's one of the few Spaniards who's succeeded abroad in such a competitive league as the English one." Manuel Almunia on Cesc: "Cesc is only 20 but he already plays like a veteran. We all believe in him and know he will become an Arsenal legend. He has the capacity, the skill and the quality to become as good a player as Kaka. But he also needs to win trophies to become a truly great player." Arsene Wenger on Cesc: "Cesc is committed and you always like your players to have a winning attitude. Sometimes it can go a little bit over the top, but Cesc has behaved remarkably well this season - I cannot remember one incident." Kaka on Cesc: "He is a great player for the future. He's an amazing talent because of how he plays and how he controls how others play. He's always moving. He's the prototype of the modern footballer because he is aware of everything that his happening on the pitch." Xabi Alonso on Cesc: "I'm not surprised how well Cesc did because we know what he can do, we see what he does in training every day. He is not fazed by the World Cup. He is not fazed by anything... he has an old head on young shoulders, as they say in England." Gordon Taylor on Cesc: "Fabregas has been a marvellous player for Arsenal who, when they are in full flow, are wonderful to watch - with Fabregas usually at the heart of every move. He is the one who makes them tick and, to see him so composed in the midfield action area, you would think that there is a much older head on those young shoulders because he has such remarkable vision and perception of what is going on around him. He is going to be a player for all seasons if he keeps going the way he is." William Gallas on Cesc: "He can be the best player in the league. To be the best you have to be good during one season and the season is very long. He has to know sometimes when he is tired, to not play a physical game because sometimes when they are young, they like to touch the ball too many times. Cesc has to save his energy, but he can be the best player." Dave Kitson on Cesc: "It is not even fair that a kid that young can have so much talent. Fabregas is world class already, and that is a hell of a statement. He is definitely among the top five players in the league, definitely one of the top players in the world. He can only get better, which is the frightening thing." Rafa Benitez on Cesc: "Before we were talking about a footballer with quality and talent. Now we are talking about a footballer with those same qualities but also with experience and confidence. He is one of Arsenal's key players."
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A Season of Cesc
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Adebayor warns title rivals
Emmanuel Adebayor is confident that Arsenal will pick up some silverware next season. The Togolese striker admits that it would take "a miracle" for the Gunners to snatch the Premier League crown this season, but insists that they will be better prepared next term. "I am praying for a miracle now, but miracles do happen," he said. "We have put pressure on the top two and it is not too late for something amazing to happen. "Obviously we have to hope that Chelsea and United make mistakes at the weekend, but I can promise we will not make any." Adebayor added: "We showed with our win (over Derby) we have character because it might have been easy just to look at the table and give up on trying to be champions, but that is not who we are. "What was also important is that we sent out a message to our rivals that despite all the disappointments we have had in the past couple of months we are sticking together and showing that we are getting better and better. "This season we may end up with nothing, but it will not look the same this time next year."
Wenger - So close, yet so far
Arsene Wenger feels his Arsenal side were 'one game away' from securing this season's Premier League crown. The Gunners enjoyed a marvellous beginning to the 2007/08 campaign, but their form derailed after they drew at Birmingham in February. Wenger's men guaranteed a third-placed finish on Monday as they routed Derby County 6-2 at Pride Park. The result leaves Arsenal four points behind Manchester United and Chelsea, with two games of the season remaining. And Wenger has lamented early April's 2-1 loss at Manchester United; a result he believes was the difference between winning and losing the championship. "I feel we were one game away in this championship. If we win at Old Trafford, we are champions," he said. "It's just one game, and in that game we were 1-0 up and we had two or three chances to score the second goal, so you cannot say we had a bad season. "We have 77 points and we have won championships with 78." Wenger also commented on Mathieu Flamini's uncertain future at Emirates Stadium, adding: "I'm waiting for him to come back to me and tell me whether he's going." Meanwhile, goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who made his first league start against The Rams on Monday evening, has voiced his determination to push for a regular starting role. He said: "I am not here just to be the second goalkeeper, I want to be the main goalkeeper. "Manuel (Almunia) and Jens (Lehmann) are fine goalkeepers and we all get on well but I will be fighting to be ahead of them."Good season
Fabianski
Cesc heaps praise on Adebayor
Cesc Fabregas has told Setanta Sports that Arsenal are fortunate to have a striker of the quality of Emmanuel Adebayor.
Adebayor took his seasonal tally to beyond the 30 mark with a hat-trick in Arsenal’s mauling of Derby on Monday.
The Togo star has led the line superbly following Thierry Henry’s departure and he has earned high praise from Fabregas.
"He makes a difference every time he plays, he's a striker who can do everything,” Fabregas told Setanta Sports. “We should feel fortunate to have him."
The win moves The Gunners to within four points of Chelsea and Manchester United with two games remaining and Fabregas is still clinging to a crumb of title hope.
“Nothing is impossible,” said the Spaniard. “We have to win the last two games and then we'll see. We are not the favourites, but you never know."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is less optimistic about the title heading to The Emirates, with the Frencham admitting it will take divine intervention to secure glory.
"Probable, no. Possible, yes," he told Setanta Sports. "But we would need a miracle. We've set ourselves an 83-point target. We can get to 80 against Everton so let's do it."
Wenger - Adebayor has hit double the goals I expected
Emmanuel Adebayor has scored twice the amount of goals Arsène Wenger expected of him this season.
The Togolese striker took his season's tally to 30 with a hat-trick in the 6-2 demolition of Derby on Monday. Only Ian Wright and Thierry Henry have achieved the same feat for Arsenal in the Premier League era.
Adebayor also hit three when the Rams came to Emirates Stadium in September so the 24-year-old set a minor milestone at Pride Park. He is the only player to achieve home and away hat-tricks against the same team since the Premier League began.
"I didn’t think Adebayor would reach 30 goals this season," said Arsène Wenger after the game. "I thought he would get 15.
"In this team you can score goals when you play up front because we always go forward and you get good service.
"But, I feel there is more in his locker than what he is doing at the moment. You cannot ask a striker to score 50 goals but if he repeats this amount every year, that is a mark of class."
Derby County V Arsenal 28 April BPL
Derby 2-6 Arsenal
Derby
Jay Mceveley 32' View / Download
Earnshaw 76' View / Download
Arsenal
Bendtner 24' View / Download
Van Persie 40' View / Download
Adebayor 59' View / Download
Walcott 78' View / Download
Adebayor 80' View / Download
Adebayor 91' View / Download
Extras
Arsenal Chance
Van Persie miss
Toure's shot over the goal
Highlights
First Half
Second Half
Full Match
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
This game was a miss match on paper. Arsenal should have outplayed Derby from the 1st minute of the match, but it was not to be. We did not start the game very well as we had some chances in the starting line-up. Adebayor,gilberto,Jens were rested. Hleb suspended and the rest of the regular first team players are out injured.Bendtner took Ade's place alongside RVP. Denilson filled the midfield role alongside Fabregas(who has recetly crowned the ypun PFA player of the year award) Fabianski was making his BPL debut today.
We started to play some football after a defensive mistake from Derby(how many times have we seen that??) Moore gave the ball to Bendtner who played a one-two with RVP before slotting home. Before the goal, our defence was all over the park,we just could not hold off their aerial balls from the wings. If they had played like that all season, they would have survived the drop.
There was a golden opportunity for RVP to make the score 2-0, but he missed it. It was almost a open goal. All he did was hit it wide on his left foot!!!
But as usual, we conceed just after we score. We gave away a free kick, and from a set play they scored. I really cannot pronounce his name. Fabianski should have come forward and collected the ball, but it was his first game, so he can be excused.
Then came the 2nd goal. It was a superb pass from Kolo to pick out RVP. RVP took it down brilliantly and slotted it home with his right foot just before the half time. We had couple of good chances but it wasn't taken.
The start of the second half was much better. We started to play really well. Unfortunetely RVP had to be subbed because of a thigh strain.(Not again!!) Adebayor came on for him.The passes were going to the right people, there was urgency in the play, it was all free flowing stuff. It was such a pleasure to watch this team.Only thing we lacked this season was a trophy. Theo missed 2 sitters and ade missed 2 as well. Although it was practically everyone had a go, and none scored until adebayor poked it in.
Adebayor added the 3rd goal, and his first of the night after a good tackle from denilson got the ball back to arsenal, from which we created the goal.Word on denilson, he can really be strong in a tackle, although he has a slight frame. He needs games to grow and this was a easy one. He should get a run in the remaining two games. He might be the answer if flamini leaves.
As usual we let in a goal again!!! This time it was our captain Gallas mistake. He let earnshaw slip through and he finished it coolly. It took about 30 seconds for theo to restore the lead. It was a neat finish from a boy who missed two sitters early on in the half.
After the 4th goal, it was exhibition stuff. We just controlled the game and looked like scoring any minute. Adebayor completed his hattrick, one from an assist from clichy, and one from a superb through ball from fabregas. The dance after the goals we some what peculiar.The last goal was the 30th goal of the season! For ade's doubters, its a slap in the face. Not many players can accomplish that feet.
Thats it then, it was a easy match from which we came through 6-2 winners, although some questions can be raised against the defence. Overall the game was supposed to be won,ane Arsenal dully won it.
Wengers post match comments
Match report
Arsenal.com
Skysports
Setanta
Monday, April 28, 2008
Fabregas - We will win trophies
Cesc Fabregas is adamant that Arsenal will get their hands on some silverware next season. The Gunners appeared to be well on course for a successful campaign this time around, but have seen their season crumble over the last few months to leave them empty-handed and frustrated. However, the experience has made the squad even more determined to emerge triumphant next year, and Fabregas is confident that the Gunners will be a force to be reckoned with during the 2008/09 campaign. "What matters at the end of the day is a trophy," said the Spaniard. "We didn't win one this season but we will be up for it next season. "I think we will win something, of course." Fabregas was speaking in the aftermath of being named PFA Young Player of the Year, an award that he is keen to dedicate to the hard work of manager Arsene Wenger, the man who has nurtured his development into a world-class talent. "I've always said that I'm grateful for what he did for me and what he is still doing for me and this club," he said. "He has great scouts around the world watching and he is intuitive about his players. He has the smell for who will become a very good player and a good person." Fabregas' rise to prominence has seen him signalled out as a potential Arsenal captain of the future, a role which he could be handed sooner than expected if the rumours suggesting that William Gallas' reign as skipper may soon be over prove to be true. The midfielder refused to comment on the speculation that he may be thrown the armband at the start of next season, and insists that Gallas' experience marks him out as the ideal man to continue leading the side. "I don't know. This is not in my hands, it is the boss that decides that," he said. "You have to respect William for what he has done in football and what he is doing now, for me he is doing a good job. "For me, the most important thing is giving everything on the pitch, that is what really matters to me."
Four Arsenal Players in PFA Team of The Year
Arsenal's Clichy,Sagna,Fabregas and Adebayor have been selected in the PFA Team of The year.
The full list is
Premier League Team of the Year
James, Portsmouth;
Sagna, Arsenal
Ferdinand, Man Utd
Vidic, Man Utd
Clichy, Arsenal;
Ronaldo, Man Utd
Gerrard, Liverpool
Fábregas, Arsenal
Young, Aston Villa;
Adebayor, Arsenal
Torres, Liverpool
Fabregas dedicates PFA Player award to fans
Cecs Fabregas feels that his PFA Young Player of the Year award is recognition of a team effort. The Arsenal midfielder was honoured as the best youngster in the country by his peers at the awards ceremony in London on Sunday night, but insists that his fine season has been down to being surrounded by talented team-mates. He admits that he is flattered to have been handed such a prestigious title, and hopes that his personal success will help to east the pain of a trophyless season for the Gunners. "I am very proud because it is always satisfying for yourself, but all the team worked really hard this season and it's been disappointing at the end," he Fabregas told Sky Sports. "But at least someone can get something. "But this is for all the team, and all the fans, because all together we have had good season even though we haven't won anything at the end. "This is thanks to them as well."
Wenger hailes Gael Clichy
Arsene Wenger has hailed Gael Clichy, calling his fellow countryman a ‘top class performer’.
Clichy has been one of the most used Arsenal players this season with 45 appearances in all competitions, and his manager is delighted that his defender’s injury nightmare is over, after the young ace suffered many blows in the previous few seasons.
Wenger has been impressed by his player’s form and solidity, and even expects Clichy to improve a lot in the future.
"I am very positive with Gael because he loves the game and, every day after training, he's out there practising to improve," Wenger said.
"There was a question mark about whether Gael would last the season - but he has played more games than anyone else.
"He had three operations on his metatarsal and he had already undergone hernia surgery, and we were concerned over whether he would be capable to absorb so many games with such a slight frame.
"The big victory for me this year is not that he has played well - I expected him to play well - but that he could absorb a complete season at the top level without any rest.
"There is still more in there.
"When you see the game he produced at Old Trafford, you think 'oh, there's more in the locker, because he takes more responsibility'.
"It was a top-class performance, not only football wise but character - he showed a non acceptance of the defeat when we were down 2-1.
“He was the one who really moved forward.”
"I would like him to play," said Wenger, "But there is Eric Abidal who plays at Barcelona, (Patrice) Evra who is at Manchester United, Clichy at Arsenal - that shows you how rich France is.
"It is the same on the right side, there is (Willy) Sagnol at Bayern Munich and Francois Clerc, at Lyon, then they have (Bacary) Sagna who is here at Arsenal.
"You can go into every position, it is like that with the French team.
"I believe Clichy is very, very close to the national team. I think he should be in the team, for me.
"He should be competing with Evra and Abidal, but France have so many players it's hard to make the selection.
"He is the youngest one, he will be 23 years old this year - and don't forget he was injured for a while.
Gunners want Derby win - Clichy
Gael Clichy has told setantasports.com that Arsenal will be highly motivated to try and finish second in The Premier League when they face Derby County on Monday night.
There are two reasons to try and beat rock-bottom Derby for Clichy: The first one is to continue to battle for the second spot and the second one is to please The Gunners’ fans after the team’s recent slip-up.
“We still have the chance to finish second and we know that it’s better for the Champions League,” Clichy told setantasports.com.
“So we have to go for it and of course we play for the fans because they have been there since the first game at least we can do it.
“I hope I will play. The more you play the more tired you are that is why I need treatment but there’s nothing to be worried about and I really want to play that game on Monday.”
Fabregas named PFA Young Player Of the Year
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the first time after being a shining light for The Gunners this season.
The Spaniard seems a relative veteran for the North London club as he is rapidly closing in on 200 appearances and at 20 years of age, Fabregas is one of The Premier League’s brightest talents.
He has beaten countryman Fernando Torres, Micah Richards, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and PFA Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo to the junior prize.
Fabregas is the top flight’s leading assist maker with 18 to his name, and has also added goals to his game this season by claiming 13 in all competitions.
"I'm very proud. It's a very prestigious trophy," said Fabregas. "Football is a collective game and you prefer to win trophies with team-mates but it's always nice to have this type of award."
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wenger Blasts Money-Hungry Mentality
Wenger has always had great faith in his squad, and it looked to be paying off going into this season, as they racked up a tremendous sequence of results, topped the Premier League and were prospering in Europe.
There was a slight dip in the winter, but they still managed to re-emerge and go back to top spot in the league - five points clear of Manchester United in second - before a disastrous end of season collapse saw them fall off the pace entirely, get knocked out of Europe and left trophyless for another season.
Though Kolo Toure has recently pledged his allegiance to the Arsenal flag and stated he wants to see his career out with the club - and under-fire William Gallas has given nothing but positive messages since his immature outburst against Birmingham City - murmurs of discontent are coming from Mathieu Flamini, who has all but departed for Juventus or Milan as his contract is running out, and Alexander Hleb is also reportedly being courted by Internazionale.
Wenger believes that as we are now in an age where all professional footballers can live comfortably, such money matters should not be held in such high regard.
"There is something in this team which is stronger than a few bucks here and there," said a defiant Wenger.
"What is really important is that this team says 'lets go to the end of our potential together and not walk out for any simpler reason' - and that is where I expect them to show strength, and care what they can achieve together."
"We are not any more in a period where you get £100 more at another club and it decides your life.
"Flamini can earn more somewhere else that is for sure because it would be a free transfer - but how much is he ready to sacrifice to stay here?"
Harder Than Ever
It is being suggested that the Gunners' late season collapse is what has helped these rumours of want-away players gather such speed and Wenger admits that he is deeply disappointed with how things have ended.
Criticism has been forthcoming of the Frenchman, with many suggesting his side are style over substance, or that the former Monaco manager is too stuck in his ways and not adapting enough to compete at the highest level.
A very proud and intelligent footballing man, he has admitted that he has considered where he has faltered, and will no doubt be looking to strengthen his side this summer to ensure the same mistakes - whatever he believes them to be - are not repeated.
"Of course I looked at myself, it is the first thing I do," he said.
"I worked harder than ever this year.
"Do I have the fire and desire is not what I question. What is so difficult to swallow is that you work as hard as I did and finish empty handed.
"I am not pretentious enough to say I didn't make mistakes - but we only lost three games and we are not competing for the championship."
Big Effect
Flamini is amongst several Arsenal players who look set to miss the last few games of the season, and Wenger has even suggested he will rest those who are going to this summer's European Championships so they can prepare.
As such, we may well see some of the youngsters emerge on the pitch this Monday, when Arsenal visit rockbottom and relegated Derby County.
Many of 'the kids' have not been seen since the 5-1 Carling Cup drubbing at the hands of bitter rivals Arsenal - the Gunners' first loss to them in over eight years - and Wenger has admitted the crushing defeat had an affect on Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in particular, who is poised to make his Premier League debut before the season's end.nuary.
"It had a big effect on him," admitted Wenger.
"He is an intelligent and sensitive boy. With these two qualities sometimes it goes against you.
"However, he has got over it. It is a learning process of every top level player. A career is how long he deals with lows."
Though he acknowledges the weaknesses or the dangers of exposing youngsters to so much pressure, he is in no doubt that it was the right thing to do, and he feels they have done well.
"I feel the young players produced," declared the Frenchman.
"I considered Theo not to be a regular at the start of this season, next year I think he will fight for his position, the same with [Nicklas] Bendtner.
"It wasn't that I didn't think Walcott would be ready, but how quickly.
"Sometimes before he started games and you did not see a lot of him. Now that is different."
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Arsenal - Our Lives by Hellwardk
INTRO
Length: 1.03min
Size: Xtreme Quality: 33mb
Songs: X-Ray Dog - Fata Morgana
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Period: 1886-1939
Length: 2.49min
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512kbps: 10mb
Songs: Found it on Youtube, don't know.....
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-------------------
Period: 1946-1971
Length: 2.49min
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Songs: Immediate Music - Proud Nation
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-------------------
Period: 1971-1993
Length: 5.56min
Size: 3mbps: 121mb
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Songs: Immediate Music - Liberation!
Hans Zimmer - Chevaliers De Sangreal (Da Vinci Code Soundtrack)
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Period: 1993-1996
Length: 3.25min
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Songs: Era - Champions
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Period: 1996-1998
Length: 5.00min
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Songs: Sigur Ros - Hoppilla
X-Ray Dog - Indigo
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Period: 1998-2002
Length: 5.27min
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Songs: Immediate Music - Euphrates
Immediate Music - Fahrenheit
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Period: 2002-2003
Length: 6.06min
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Songs: Music from "Terra Firma Of Azzuri" by Mr.Vegas
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Period: 2003-2004
Length: 6.40min
Size: 3mbps: 137mb
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Songs: Covenance Dance
Steve Jablonsky - My Name Is Lincoln (The Island Soundtrack)
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Period: 2004-2005
Length: 6.28min
Size: 3mbps: 142mb
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Songs: Immediate Music - Mercutio
IRobots - Theme Soundtrack
Trevor Rabin - Theme from Armageddon
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Period: 2005-2006
Length: 21.54min
Size: 3mbps: 465mb
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Songs: Children Of Dune - Theme Soundtrack
Immediate Music - Imperativa
X-Ray Dog - Tronica
Blood Diamonds - Theme Soundtrack
James Blunt - Same Mistake
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Period: 2006-2007
Length: 4.55min
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Songs: Enemy Of The State - Theme Soundtrack
Immediate Music - Serenata (Choir)
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CREDITS
Length: 0.38min
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Arsenal - The Return Of Greatness by Hellwardk
Clichy: Flamini loss would be a blow
Gael Clichy has told setantasports.com in an exclusive interview that Arsenal will miss Mathieu Flamini if the top class midfielder moves to Juventus in the summer.
France international Flamini has refused to commit his future to Arsenal for the moment and Serie A giants Juve have approached the player whose contract is up at the end of the season.
His fellow countryman Clichy told us at Arsenal’s training ground that he will accept Flamini's choice whatever he decides to do, but the left back would be very disappointed to lose his team-mate who has been a key player this term.
The defender refuses to judge Flamini and hopes he will make the best choice for his career.
“You have many examples of players, like Lassana Diarra, who just arrived and decided to leave after five months, now he is playing regularly and is a fantastic player,” Clichy told setantasports.com.
“Sometimes it’s a good choice to leave, sometimes it’s a bad choice to leave. It’s really up to him you know.
“You can say that if he moves to Juve he will be playing regularly and that would be the perfect choice.
“But if he leaves and is not played people will say he made a mistake.
“The only person who can say something about that is Mathieu.
“We will see in a few weeks or in a few months what he will decide but it would be a big blow to lose Mathieu because he has been great this season and he is a great guy.
Adams angles for Gunners return
Speaking to Setanta Sports, former Arsenal captain and current Portsmouth assistant Tony Adams suggested that he is the man to help The Gunners reestablish themselves as the Premier League’s top-dogs.
Since calling time on his playing days, he has slowly but surely started to carve out a name for himself as a coach of some repute, with Pompey’s impressive defensive record frequently put down to his influence.
Adams’ contract at Fratton Park is set to expire at the end of the current campaign and, with no new offer yet on the table, he feels that, after seeing Arsenal limp to another trophyless season, he could make a difference back at his old stomping ground.
“I’ve not been offered nothing here, I’ve not been offered anything elsewhere,” he told Setanta Sports’ Friday Football Show. “I want to keep learning and wherever that takes me it takes me.
“I always tried to lead by example [at Arsenal] and get out there and make sure they realised they were playing for the Arsenal. I tried to install in the team a kind of ‘over our dead bodies’ kind of attitude.
“I just feel that people don’t realise that the best back four win the league. The last two seasons Manchester United have had the best back four and, before that, John Terry and his men were fantastic for two years.
“We’ve kept more clean sheets at Portsmouth than Arsenal have, but I’m not going to question the great man [Wenger].
“I love the club, it was part of my life for so many years and if anyone at Arsenal wants to invite me back, I’m willing to give it a shot. I’m fully prepared and willing to do what I have to do.”
Friday, April 25, 2008
Fabianski set to stake his claim at Derby
Arsène Wenger has all three goalkeepers fit and available but he may choose to hand out some valuable experience to the 23-year-old Polish international.
Until now, the summer signing from Legia Warsaw has been restricted to Carling Cup appearances. He excelled early on in the competition but let in five goals as Arsenal crashed out to Tottenham in the Semi-Final second leg at White Hart Lane. If Fabianski does not debut at Derby it seems he will get a chance at some point in the final three games of the campaign.
"I’ve not made a decision yet about who will play but I will have a look at Fabianski [before] the end of the season," said Wenger at Friday's press conference. "It could be Monday, I don’t know yet.
"For me he’s class. He understands football, reads the game well and is quick. He is technically good with good co-ordination and has a good connection with the team."
In fact Wenger's faith in Fabianski is so solid that he does not intend to bring in another stopper if Jens Lehmann leaves in the summer. The German is out of contract in June.
"At the moment I say no [to another keeper]," he said. "[It depends] how well Fabianski does if I play him. But, on that front, I’m not especially worried.”
Wenger - Flamini's future is in his own hands
The ball appears to be in Mathieu Flamini's court over his Arsenal future.
Arsène Wenger says the Club have made him a "decent" offer and will respect their existing wage structure. A deadline has been set for the end of April and it is up to the player to decide now.
It appears the 24-year-old would like to extend his four-year stay but doubts will remain until pen is put to paper. And the clock is ticking. His current contract runs out this summer.
"The deadline is next week, the end of April.” said Wenger on Friday. "I said it would be the end of April and that will be it.
"I believe he wants to stay and we want him to stay. We have made him an offer, if it's not good enough we will know soon.
"I respect our wages structure. We do not play - a little bit more. We have made an offer. We think it is decent and that is it."
Wenger - I'll never say never over Henry coming back
Arsène Wenger would "never say never" to Thierry Henry re-joining Arsenal.
The Frenchman left Emirates Stadium for Barcelona last summer after a record-breaking nine years in which he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and scored a record-breaking 226 goals.
The 30-year-old has failed to hit top form in Spain and, speaking this week, said if he were to return to England he'd only ever come to back to Arsenal. Not surprisingly, it was a major talking point at Wenger's pre-match press conference on Friday.
"I read the statement," said the manager. "He said he is happy at Barcelona but if he comes back he will only play at Arsenal. I find that a really very good statement.
"But although you can never say never, at the moment I do not think about [re-signing him].
"However I still think he has a lot to offer as a player. The whole team in Barcelona has not worked completely this year, they were never in the race for the championship. Every player has been a bit devalued. But I still think he has a lot there."
Wenger revealed that Arsenal do NOT have any first option on Henry should he wish to leave the Camp Nou but manager and player are still in close contact.
"I don't put buy-out clauses in the contract of the players that I find," he said. "At that level, I don't even ask to put the buy-out clause in because it's unfair.
"But I had a chat with him not a long time ago. He watches every Arsenal game and he can give me advice!
"When I can, I watch Barcelona because I'm always interested in how he looks, how his sharpness is, in what position he plays. I give him my view about his game.
"For me, Thierry is an efficient goalscorer. But Barca have two or three players [like that] there. What was a little bit damaging to his success at Barcelona is that Ronadinho has not turned up this season, so that the one who can play left wing is Thierry. And that's where he plays. But that's not his preferred position and that's not where he is most efficient."
Wenger unhappy with Inter over Alex Hleb
Arsène Wenger has spoken of his displeasure at the behaviour of Inter Milan in their pursuit of Alex Hleb.
After an impressive season in North London, speculation has been circulating that the Italian giants are keen on securing the services of Arsenal’s Belarusian midfielder. Recently Inter coach Roberto Mancini was quoted as saying Hleb was on their wanted list; a move Wenger says is both disrespectful and illegal.
“Statements from inside the club saying they are interested in our players, without calling us that is not acceptable,” said the Frenchman at his Friday press conference. “You would never hear me saying that. If I am interested in a player I go to the chairman.
“The newspapers may have the speculation but for a club to come out with a statement like that and not even call... I think it is disrespectful. It is illegal.
“But we have not gone as far as reporting it."
Gallas: Arsenal captaincy criticism unfair
Gallas was criticised for his behaviour during Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Birmingham in February, when he walked away from his team mates and stood in the other half of the pitch in a fit of pique after the home side were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.
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It was in the same match that striker Eduardo suffered a broken leg following a tackle by Martin Taylor.
Gallas said: "They (the media) can say what they want...they will not bring me down, I'm stronger than that.
"It makes me mad because I don't think (what happened in Birmingham) was our problem.
"How can you summarise our season with that thing at Birmingham? That is not why we stopped winning matches."
Gallas has also been credited withcriticising the development of Theo Walcott, despite the teenager making some fine cameos from the bench this year.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he will review the situation in the summer, and the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Kolo Toure have been linked with the role.
Toure said: "I would be really, really proud to be captain. I am now one of the oldest players in the squad so naturally I feel like a captain and it doesn't matter if I have the armband or not.
"It is a decision for the manager and he is the only one who can make it.
"Gallas was really good for us at the start of the season. But then after this Birmingham game he made a mistake, he knows that and we all tried to bring him back to the team and he came back well. But when you make a mistake it is difficult after that, it was a really important part of our season."
Henry would only consider Arsenal to return in England
Thierry Henry has insisted he is happy at Barcelona - and suggested he would only return to the Premier League if he could play for his former club Arsenal.
The France striker, 30, has been linked with a move back to England after an unsuccessful first season in Spain.
He told the BBC's Football Focus: "I'm happy - I don't regret leaving Arsenal.
The former Monaco and Juventus player claims he has no intention of leaving the Spanish club.
"People who know me will tell you, I'm the same in training, I'm the same in life - I cannot act. If I'm not happy, I'm not happy," he said.
Newcastle are reportedly keen to bring Henry back to England in the summer, while he has also been linked with a possible move to Major League Soccer in the United States.
But asked if he would return to play in the Premier League, Henry replied: "I don't know. I'm happy here at Barcelona. I still have three years of my contract left with Barcelona.
"But England... I watch every game that I see on TV. I was watching Stoke City versus Crystal Palace. I will always miss it.
"There has been since I arrived here a lot of speculation from day one but, hey, go back where? There's only one team for me in my heart. It took me a while to understand what that club, Arsenal, meant."
Henry insisted he is not remorseful over any of the decisions he has made.
He said: "I don't regret stuff in my life. Stuff happens for a reason. You don't regret stuff that you thought about. I don't regret it."
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Toure happy to be at Arsenal for life
Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has revealed he would be happy to spend the rest of his career at the club. Toure believes the future is bright for Arsenal and he admits he would love to help the club win their first ever UEFA Champions League crown. "I believe in this team, this club, I love this club. I see Arsenal as part of my life now," Toure told Sky Sports News. "It would be difficult to leave this club, but in football you never know. The best thing for me would be to stay at Arsenal and win the Premiership again and win the Champions League. "I really want to do that for the club as the club has never won it and to be the first people to win the Champions League you would be heroes, that is what I am looking for and if I have to spend my whole career at this club and win this trophy that would be amazing for me. "I would love it [to stay for life] and if I can win all the trophies that would be fantastic." Toure has been tipped to be Arsenal's new captain next season with Gunners boss Wenger admitting he will be review William Gallas' position as skipper at the end of the season. 27-year-old Toure admits he would be proud to be named Arsenal captain, but feels he is already a captain out on the pitch because of his experience. "I would be really, really proud [to be captain], but that is not my first focus because for me I feel like a captain on the pitch. "I know I have been there, I am one of the oldest players in the squad now so naturally I feel like a captain and it doesn't matter if I have the armband of not. "I just feel this club is in my heart, it is my first club in Europe. "I love the club, the fans and the people so I am glad to play for this club."
Van Persie: We've won respect
It may have been another trophyless season for Arsenal but Gunners forward Robin van Persie says the club have won something: the ‘respect’ of the footballing world.
After looking a good bet for the Premier League title earlier in the season and disposing of Champions League holder Milan in this year’s competition, Arsenal appeared to be set for a potentially magnificent season.
That came apart however and Van Persie has spent much of the season on the sidelines injured, but the Dutchman believes the North London side have amassed a new following with their style of play which he maintains has been great to watch.
“All of England, the whole world, everyone watching, has been saying 'what a fantastic team!',” Van Persie told the official Arsenal magazine.
“We just have to make the last step, to win trophies because for the last three years we haven't won anything and that's disappointing.
“So that is the trophy we have won this year - respect and lots of it.
“It is a big, big compliment for the whole squad because everyone has really given it a go.
“Many teams these days are so negative - they are scared that they do not have the quality, but we aren't, no matter who we are playing.”
He added: “Neutral people are honest, they don't have an agenda and they want to see good football. So it is the biggest compliment you can get from anyone, and this is what we play for.
End of season for Diaby,Hleb and Rosicky
Alex Hleb, Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky will not play for Arsenal again this season.
Hleb's absence was already known. On Wednesday he received a suspension for the final three games of the season following an incident in the game against Reading last Saturday, meanwhile Rosicky has not played since January because of a hamstring problem. However news of Diaby's injury was acutely disappointing.
The Frenchman ruptured a tendon in his thigh in a Reserve game on Monday night. Wenger believes his recuperation will take eight weeks and that will be a body blow to Diaby's chances of being selected for Euro 2008. Ironically, the 21-year-old was due back from a domestic suspension at Derby on Monday.
Elsewhere, Bacary Sagna and Mathieu Flamini (both ankle) are still out. Manuel Almunia is fit after his wrist injury but the manager has yet to decide whether the Spaniard will return for the trip to Pride Park.
"It looks like the season is over for Hleb, Rosicky and Diaby," said Wenger. "Hleb is suspended and I don't believe we'll see Tomas Rosicky again [this term].
"But we have lost Abou Diaby too. He was supposed to come back after suspension but he got an injury that will rule him out until the end of the season.
"The problem occurred during a Reserve game. It was a simple pass and he ruptured the tendon in his thigh muscle. It will be at least eight weeks for him.
"Sagna and Flamini are not back so basically it will be the same squad as last week.
"Almunia is available again but I have not decided what I will do with the goalkeepers yet."
Toure: We lost our nerve after the Birmingham game
Kolo Toure has admitted in an interview with Setanta Sports News that Arsenal lost their nerve during their failed title pursuit and that captain William Gallas suffered as a result of his actions in the club’s now infamous draw at Birmingham in February.
After suffering the trauma of seeing their colleague sustain a compound fracture of the leg after a tackle from Martin Taylor, The Gunners then conceded a last minute penalty to leave Gallas storming off to the halfway line and kicking advertising hoardings in behaviour unbefitting of a captain.
The galling nature of the draw clearly affected the side and Toure has admitted that from that point on, the North Londoners lost their nerve and could not achieve the correct focus needed to win The Premier League.
“I think we were not calm enough, we lost our mind a little bit and did have some bad attitudes at times for the games, and I think the game against Birmingham was one of them,” said Toure on Setanta Sports News.
“After that we didn’t take it together really well and I think that put us under pressure and everybody was under pressure after this game because nobody wanted to do a mistake again.
“We were really nervous because we were getting closer to The Premier League and I think we lost our nerve a little bit and we lost the title.”
In light of his actions at St Andrews and Arsenal’s subsequent collapse, Gallas’s captaincy has been called into question and there have been suggestions that his team-mates are not supportive of his leadership.
Toure acknowledges that Gallas made a mistake against Birmingham but has praised his defensive colleague for the way in which he lead the side at the start of the season.
“It is a decision for the manager [whether Gallas remains as captain], and I think he is the only one who can take the decision,” Toure added.
“I think he [Gallas] has been really good for us for us at the start of the season, he was really good, we can say it.
“And then after this Birmingham game he made a mistake, he knows that, and we all tried to bring him back to the team and he came back to the team well.
Kolo admits Euro fears
Kolo Toure is fearful Arsenal could be knocked out of the Champions League at the preliminary round stage if The Gunners do not finish second in The Premier League.
Claiming second behind Manchester United would bring automatic entry to the group stages of the Champions League and Ivory Coast defender Toure is desperate to continue the fight.
“To finish second and not have to play games before the season in order to qualify for the champions League is what we want,” Toure told Setanta Sports News.
“We know there are some good teams who can take us out if we finish third or fourth.
“We want to finish second so we can go straight through.”
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Fabianski will be in goal for the last 3 games
Arsene Wenger is to give Lukasz Fabianski the opportunity to stake a claim for the number one spot at Arsenal. The Polish goalkeeper moved to Emirates Stadium from Legia Warsaw last summer but has yet to make a Premier League appearance. He played four times in Arsenal's run to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and is now set to feature in the last three games of the season. "I want to play Fabianski and give him a run in the last few games," Wenger confirmed in the Daily Mirror. Manuel Almunia, first-choice for most of the season, has been struggling with a wrist injury in recent weeks. Jens Lehmann has played in Arsenal's last two games but the German is expected to leave the club in the summer. 23-year-old Fabianski is rated highly by Wenger and determined to take his chance in the coming games against Derby, Everton and Sunderland. The youngster said: "I have really big ambitions to succeed."
Hleb admits FA charge
Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has admitted an FA charge of violent conduct following his clash with Reading's Graeme Murty at the weekend.
The Gunners' winger appeared to hit The Royals defender during his side's 2-0 win at Emirates Stadium, and he will now serve a three-game ban.
The Belarusian's suspension will begin with immediate effect, which means he will now miss the rest of his club's season.
The governing body confirmed Hleb’s punishment in an official statement on their website on Wednesday morning, and he will miss The Gunners’ final run-in which takes in a trip to Derby, a visit from Everton and the long ride north to Sunderland on the final day of the season.
Nordtveit - I can be Arsenal's 'new defender'
The 17-year-old has clearly impressed the men who matter - he was handed his first-team debut shortly after arriving last summer and was named Reserve team captain in September. Now Nordtveit is hoping that Wenger decides to promote from within when he assesses his squad at the end of the season.
"Of course I want to be that player," Nordtveit told Arsenal.com. "It is up to me to show them what I have.
"My first season has been very good. It was not so happy in the start with my injury but I am pleased to be back regularly in the Reserves, and to be captain. We got a smashing result on Monday night so it is just going upwards.
"Playing in the pre-season games is in my mind. I will miss the last reserve game as I am away with the national team on Thursday, but I will keep trying to do everything in training and if I am picked [for pre-season games] I will be very pleased. We will see."
It's easy to see why great things are expected of Nordtveit. The Norwegian has a commanding presence at the back and a range of passing which eclipses most central defenders. Nordtveit lacks experience but he has been hoovering up advice from more established team-mates.
"Training with the first team has helped me a lot," he said. "Everybody there has so much experience, like Kolo Toure and William Gallas.
"I need to see everything and learn what I can. They tell me to be patient, not to rush it, do the right things every single time and stay focused on what we do. Of course, we have to do it well in the games too.
"I have definitely improved because the pace of the football here is much quicker than in Norway. I have become more of a team player, my passing is getting better and I am becoming more professional all over the pitch and off it. I have improved in almost everything."
Earlier this season Wenger admitted he had "rarely seen a boy of his age so mature". If Nordtveit continues on his upward curve, the Frenchman may not have to look far when he hunts for reinforcements this summer.
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