Arsenal roughed up by Stoke goal hero Fuller
January 25, 2010
Ricardo Fuller was the scourge of Arsenal as Stoke finally ended their long wait for an FA Cup triumph over the Gunners with a 3-1 win in the fourth round on Sunday.
Fuller scored twice to punish Wenger’s decision to field an inexperienced side at the Britannia Stadium and hand the Potters their first victory over Arsenal in this competition in eight attempts, stretching back to 1928.
Jamaican forward Fuller took only 70 seconds to stun the visitors and although Denilson levelled, the Stoke star nodded in a 78th minute goal to guide Tony Pulis’s men through to the fifth round, with Dean Whitehead’s late third completing a memorable day.
The last meeting of these side at the Britannia a little over a year ago was something of a shock to Arsenal as Stoke bloodied their noses with a 2-1 defeat.
While last season’s bruising encounter created controversy, Stoke supporters of an older persuasion are probably still harbouring the painful memories of 1971 and 1972 when Arsenal beat them in successive FA Cup semi-finals.
Wenger has made no secret of his need to lift some silverware, after five years without a trophy, but his team selection was very similar to a youth team, with out captain Cesc Fabregas and Denilson surviving from the side that beat Bolton on Wednesday.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas made his debut, while Francis Coquelin, Carlos Vela and Craig Eastmond were among the youngsters thrown into the starting line-up.
And hardly a minute had elapsed before the home side stunned an Arsenal defence including Sol Campbell, making his second debut for the club.
While Rory Delap’s gargantuan throws are no longer a surprise to anyone, Arsenal could not handle the first exocet. Lukasz Fabianski flapped and Fuller stole ahead of the Polish goalkeeper to find the net with a header.
That early setback clearly unruffled Arsenal and their first half performance was littered with stray passes and errors of judgement.
Stoke could have been awarded a penalty ten minutes before half-time when Fuller appeared to collapse under a desperate lunge from Mikael Silvestre.
But Arsenal finally levelled in the 42nd minute through Denilson. Fabregas played a free kick outside the box across to the Brazilian midfielder and he arrowed a low drive past Thomas Sorensen, with the aid of two deflections off Stoke defenders.
The second half saw Stoke dominant, with Fabianski under siege for most of the 45 minutes from an aerial bombardment.
Fabregas tested Sorensen with a long-range drive but Stoke pressed for a winner, with Coquelin almost turning Mamady Sidibe’s cross into his own net.
Wenger simply had to make changes and with 22 minutes remaining introduced Andrey Arshavin, Eduardo and Aaron Ramsey in a desperate bid to avoid a replay.
He did avoid one, though not in the way he wanted. Sidibe’s excellent work down the right ended in an inch perfect cross for Fuller to nod past a stranded Fabianski.
Visibily stunned, Arsenal’s exit from the FA Cup was confirmed when the excellent Etherington crossed for Whitehead to put the icing on the cake with his first goal for the club in the 86th minute.
STOKE, England (AFP)
Tags: Aaron, britannia stadium, Carlos Vela, cesc fabregas, Craig Eastmond, cup triumph, Dean Whitehead, Eduardo, England, exocet, fa cup semi finals, first victory, Goalkeeper, gunners, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, lukasz fabianski, Mikael Silvestre, minute goal, painful memories, potters, ramsey, ricardo fuller, rory delap, sol campbell, starting line, team selection, thomas sorensen, tony pulisRelated posts
League Cup offers glimpse of giants´ futures
October 28, 2009
It might be one of English football’s grand occasions but Wednesday’s League Cup match between Arsenal and Liverpool is likely to reveal more about their future prospects than their current form.
Both Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez are likely to make a raft of changes for the game at the Emirates Stadium, mindful of the need to keep their regulars fresh for more pressing priorities in the Premier League and Europe.
In the third round win over West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal’s line-up was composed of players almost exclusively under the age of 21 – Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos were the sole sops to experience – and Wenger has promised to do likewise this week.
“It will be a mixed team but we want to win every single game we play, no matter who plays,” he said.
Wenger will also be mindful of the possible benefits of piling more pressure on Benitez by inflicting an early exit on his team.
The Spaniard has ridden the immediate crisis created by four straight defeats by engineering a victory over Manchester United last Sunday but Liverpool’s season is still in danger of sliding away, with the club’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread and a six-point gap separating them from league leaders Chelsea.
Being dumped out of the League Cup would not precipitate any drastic action at Anfield but it would deal another blow to morale and Wenger, while he would never admit to it in public, would consider that incentive enough ahead for his makeshift team.
There are more prosaic concerns for his players, as well, not least convincing Wenger that they could be worth a place in his regular starting line-up.
Teenagers such as Francis Coquelin, Sanchez Watt, Jack Wilshere, Mark Randall and Kerrea Gilbert – all of whom can expect to be involved at some point on Wednesday – might still be too raw for Premier League football but that does not apply to all the stand-ins.
Carlos Vela, the Mexican winger, and Croatian striker Eduardo will be determined to re-establish themselves in Wenger’s thoughts after frustrating spells out with injuries.
And with Manuel Almunia out of favour and Vito Mannone low on confidence following several errors, there is a chance for goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, recently recovered from knee surgery, to stake his own claim with an assertive display in north London.
“It has been a frustrating time for me because of the injury but it’s gone now and I need to look forward to the future,” Fabianski said.
“I want to get back into the team, fighting for my place really hard. I want to show my quality and, hopefully, win a trophy with Arsenal. I can think about this now that I am completely fit, which is the main thing. I want it to stay that way.”
Another player set to strain every sinew at the Emirates is David Ngog, the Liverpool striker whose clinching goal against United last Sunday should earn him a huge ovation from the travelling contingent from Merseyside.
Ngog has fond memories of the League Cup, having scored the winner in the third round tie at Leeds United, and the French striker is seeing the trip to Arsenal as another chance to impress the notoriously demanding Benitez.
“The goal against United was a fantastic moment for me and the team and I would say it’s my best moment in football,” he reflected.
“But now we have Arsenal and we are looking forward to it. All I can do is keep working hard and show what I can do when I get the opportunity. I just want to do my best for the team.”
LONDON (AFP)
Tags: anfield, arsene wenger, Carlos Vela, drastic action, early exit, Eduardo, emirates, Emirates Stadium, Europe, Gilbert, grand occasions, hanging by a thread, Jack Wilshere, kerrea gilbert, league leaders, LEEDS, Liverpool, london, Manuel Almunia, mark randall, Merseyside, Mikael Silvestre, north London, philippe senderos, precipitate, premier league football, rafael benitez, s line, sops, Vito Mannone, west bromwich albionRelated posts
Saturday’s Transfer Rumors
July 11, 2009
‘After pulling the plug on a deal to bring Samuel Eto’o to the club, Manchester City are also set to miss out on Carlos Tevez, who is in no rush to finalise his future with Chelsea reportedly also interested in the Argentine striker.’ – Daily Star
‘Alternatively, City will tie up a deal for Tevez before jetting out on their pre-season tour of South Africa on Wednesday.’ – The Sun
‘City will sign Tevez and are also set to increase the stakes in their pursuit of Chelsea defender and captain John Terry with a third bid worth £40m.’ – Daily Express
‘City captain Richard Dunne is determined not to leave Eastlands and is prepared to see out another season despite Stoke and Sunderland have each having £4m offers for the centre-back accepted.’ – Daily Express
‘Manchester United have targeted Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero and are willing to offer £30m plus Portuguese winger Nani to land the Argentine.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has laughed off rumours linking the club with a move for French international midfielder Franck Ribery.’ – The Sun
‘However, Benitez is interested in Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole – the subject of a failed £5m bid from Sunderland on Friday – as a possible replacement for Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, who have been linked with moves away from Anfield.’ – Independent
‘Arsenal can rest easy this summer after Russian forward Andrey Arshavin denied any interest in a move to Champions League holders Barcelona, and big-spending Real Madrid insisted they are not pursuing midfielder Cesc Fabregas.’ – Daily Express
‘Tottenham are set to make a last-ditch attempt to hijack Everton’s plans to sign Sheffield United’s England Under-21 right-back Kyle Naughton.’ – The Sun
‘Spurs boss Harry Redknapp wants Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones to be part of any deal that sees forward Darren Bent join the Black Cats.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Everton have launched a £12m bid for Standard Liege captain Stephen Defour, formerly the midfield partner of Toffees’ record signing Marouane Fellaini at the Belgian club.’ – The Sun
‘Fulham are closing in on an £11m deal for Portsmouth and England striker Peter Crouch after agreeing to sell forward Bobby Zamora to Hull.’ – Daily Mail
‘Sunderland are also chasing Crouch but may have to raise their bid to £15m in order to land the striker after having an £11m offer rejected by Pompey.’ – The Times
‘Former Liverpool and Middlesbrough midfielder Boudewijn Zenden – currently with Marseille – claims Fulham want to bring him back to England to add experience to their forthcoming European campaign.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Sunderland have won the £6m fight to sign Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell, who was also a target for Hull, West Ham and Newcastle.’ – The Sun
‘Stoke are reeling after being snubbed by Rennes midfielder Stephane M’Bia, who has agreed to join Marseille in a £10m deal instead.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has given the green light to Aston Villa’s £18m double swoop for Boro’s attacking duo Stewart Downing and Tuncay.’ – The Sun
‘Arsenal’s French defender Mikael Silvestre is a target for French champions Bordeaux.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Bolton want to sign Real Betis midfielder Achille Emana but are struggling to meet the £11m asking price.’ – The Sun
‘Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is set to join the the chase for Aston Villa centre-back Zat Knight, who is also wanted by Bolton.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Burnley manager Owen Coyle is ready to clinch a £600,000 deal for Hamilton’s Scottish Under-21 defender Brian Easton, who has expressed an interest in a move to the Premier League.’ – Daily Mirror
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Tags: aguero, Bent, black cats, Bordeaux, Brian Easton, Campbell, captain John Terry, captain richard, captain Richard Dunne, captain stephen, captain Stephen Defour, carlos tevez, cesc fabregas, CHELSEA, CITY, club manchester, daily express, daily mirror, Eastlands, England, English Premier League, french international, fulham, gareth southgate, Hamilton, Harry Redknapp, HULL, Javier, Javier Mascherano, Jones, LA Liga, last ditch attempt, Lee Cattermole, Ligue 1, Liverpool, MADRID, manchester city, Marseille, mick mccarthy, middlesbrough, Mikael Silvestre, nani, NEWCASTLE, Owen Coyle, peter crouch, Portsmouth, rafa benitez, Rennes, richard dunne, samuel eto, samuel eto o, Scottish Premier League, Sergio, Sheffield, sheffield united, South Africa, standard liege, stewart downing, Stoke, Sunderland, west ham, xabi alonsoRelated posts
Wenger opts not to risk Silvestre, Djourou starts
May 6, 2009
LONDON (AFP) – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger opted not to risk France defender Mikael Silvestre for the start of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester United.
Silvestre has been struggling with a groin injury and was only fit enough to make the bench, with Swiss centre-back Johan Djourou starting alongside Kolo Toure at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
However Wenger was able to welcome back Robin van Persie after the Dutch forward missed Arsenal’s last four matches with a groin injury suffered in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
As expected, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was fit to play following the rib injury he sustained in the 1-0 first leg victory over Arsenal last week.
Patrice Evra, United’s French left-back, was also named in Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up despite suffering a leg injury at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney started up front on his own for United, with Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez on the bench.
Tags: alex ferguson, bench, carlos tevez, champions league, CHELSEA, dimitar berbatov, English Premier League, FA Cup, France, groin injury, johan, johan djourou, leg injury, Manchester, manchester united, middlesbrough, Mikael Silvestre, patrice evra, Rio, rio ferdinand, Robin, robin van persie, Silvestre, sir alex ferguson, starting line, swiss centre, Toure, wayne rooneyRelated posts
Van Persie fit for United showdown
May 4, 2009
LONDON (AFP) – Robin van Persie has handed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger a fitness boost ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final clash against Manchester United.
Van Persie returned to training on Monday after missing Arsenal’s last four matches with a groin injury suffered during his club’s FA Cup semi-final defeat against Chelsea in April.
The Dutch international is expected to partner Emmanuel Adebayor in Wenger’s forward line as the Gunners try to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg at Old Trafford.
“Robin van Persie is available and back in squad,” Wenger said at his pre-match press conference on Monday. “You want everybody in a game like that to be available. He gives me an opportunity to make a decision about our selection.”
With van Persie back, Wenger’s only other fitness issue concerns French defender Mikael Silvestre, who is struggling with a groin injury.
Silvestre is in the squad but Wenger admitted he will have to wait until the last minute to decide if the former United star can feature at the Emirates Stadium.
“Mikael Silvestre is in squad as well but he still has a little groin problem. We will assess that on Tuesday.”
Tags: arsenal boss arsene wenger, champions league, CHELSEA, clash, dutch international, emirates, Emirates Stadium, emmanuel adebayor, English Premier League, FA Cup, forward line, groin injury, groin problem, gunners, issue concerns, london, Manchester, manchester united, match, Mikael Silvestre, old trafford, robin van persie, Van PersieRelated posts
Defence key as Wenger plans for United showdown
May 3, 2009
PORTSMOUTH, England (AFP) – Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal’s Champions League fate will be determined by their ability to shut out Manchester United’s galaxy of attacking stars.
Nicklas Bendtner’s brace and Mexican youngster Carlos Vela’s first ever Premier League goal helped Arsenal cruise to a 3-0 win at Portsmouth on Saturday and provided the perfect boost ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final second-leg clash with Manchester United.
Arsenal must overturn a one-goal deficit and cannot afford to allow Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and company to snatch a crucial away goal.
But Wenger’s side have not conceded at the Emirates Stadium in the league since December 21 and the Frenchman hopes a clean sheet against the European champions will provide the foundation for a memorable victory.
Wenger, who rested eight first-team players from the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, said: “Our next game is a big one but we will be ready and you will see a very strong Arsenal team.
“I do not say we are happy with a 1-0 because you can never say you are happy after a defeat, but we are still only half-way and at the Emirates we have a good opportunity to beat them.
“We have a good defensive record at the Emirates and in the Premier League Manchester United have suffered in away games.
“We can have an attacking style at home without conceding goals and that is what we want to do on Tuesday.
“I believe in the strength of character in this team and there is a desire to go through – that will certainly be a huge motivation.”
Wenger has already lost Croatian Eduardo to yet another injury while Robin van Persie and defender Mikael Silvestre are serious doubts.
But, with Bendtner leading the line at Fratton Park, Wenger has been given some food for thought as the Danish international grabbed his first against Portsmouth with a header that squirmed through the hands of David James.
Bendtner, a second-half substitute in the game at Old Trafford, had a second and his 13th of the season from the penalty spot after Andrey Arshavin was adjudged to have been brought down by Sean Davis.
Vela completed the rout in the second half with a fine finish after receiving Arshavin’s pass.
Arshavin is unable to face United after playing for Zenit St Petersburg in Europe this season and Wenger added: “I have not decided on my team for Tuesday, some could play from the win at Portsmouth, I do not know.
“I have always believed in Nicklas Bendtner. I think he is developing very well and he showed that with his performance.”
Portsmouth, who lost defender Noe Pamarot to a red card late on, are still flirting with relegation in the bottom half of the Premier League as they were unable to seal the three points to guarantee them safety.
Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka spurned fine chances just after the break to lift their side back into the contest and with three games remaining the south coast side could still conceivably go down.
Paul Hart’s side have lost just three of their last 11 games and are seven points above the drop-zone but have a tricky trip to fellow strugglers Blackburn next weekend.
Hart said: “I have spoken to Arsene Wenger and he thinks we have got enough points but I am not so confident, I think we need one more win maybe.
“The big difference between the sides was that they took their chances and we did not.
“We made some changes at half-time to try and get back into the game and created more chances but we could not take them.”
Tags: arsene wenger, Carlos Vela, David James, dimitar berbatov, Eduardo, emirates, Emirates Stadium, England, English Premier League, Europe, european champions, food for thought, Fratton Park, frenchman, John Utaka, league goal, Manchester, manchester united, memorable victory, mikael, Mikael Silvestre, Nicklas Bendtner, Noe Pamarot, old trafford, paul hart, Petersburg, Portsmouth, portsmouth england, premier league, robin van persie, ronaldo, Sean Davis, strength of character, style at home, wayne rooney, youngsterRelated posts
Arsenal confident class of 2009 will come of age
April 29, 2009
MANCHESTER (AFP) – Kolo Toure believes the youthful current crop of Arsenal stars can emulate the battle-hardened class of 2006 and book their ticket to this season’s Champions League final.
The Gunners face Manchester United in the first leg of their semi-final at Old Trafford on Wednesday with Toure the only survivor from the ‘Invincibles’ squad that went through the 2003-04 Premier League campaign unbeaten.
That squad, constructed around the French trio of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires, broke up after the 2006 Champions League final defeat by Barcelona but Toure believes the north London club is once again on the verge of something special.
“True we lost Thierry Henry, but Emmanuel Adebayor is playing really well; we lost Robert Pires, but we have Samir Nasri,” the Ivory Coast defender said.
“All those players have been replaced. The good thing about this team is we have a lot of young players who want to show they have the quality.
“I remember that a team like Ajax – nobody was expecting them to win, but they won (in 1995) and had a really young team as well.”
Arsenal will miss the creative edge provided by top-scorer Robin van Persie, who is ruled out by a groin injury, and cup-tied Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin.
But they will take heart from the fact that they have already beaten United this season (2-1 at the Emirates in November) and by the current form of captain Cesc Fabregas, who has been revelling in the role of a deep-lying forward akin to that in which Steven Gerrard has thrived at Liverpool this season.
The brace Fabregas claimed against Middlesbrough on Sunday were his first goals since October and Toure is confident the Spaniard’s guile, combined with the presence of Adebayor and the pace of Theo Walcott, will pose the holders problems. The key, he believes, will be matching their offensive contribution with equal vigour in defence.
“We know when we play football against Manchester United, they struggle a lot,” Toure argued. “They’re are a really good team going forward, but, like us, at the back they have conceded a few goals.
“We have the same type of team – we both like to play, but sometimes you can be caught out at the back. The team that will win will be the one which defends the best.”
United’s performance against Tottenham at the weekend would not have reassured their fans on that score, although their forwards more than compensation as they turned a 2-0 defict into a 5-2 victory.
The half-time introduction of Carlos Tevez proved critical and the Argentinian forward will hope to have earned a starting slot in a United side that looks certain to see Ryan Giggs make his 800th appearance for the club.
The veteran was rested for the Spurs match and is relishing the prospect of another high-stakes showdown with Arsenal, against whom he scored the goal of his career in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final.
“They don’t come bigger than that – a Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford,” said the newly-crowned players’ Player of the Year. “I can’t wait.
“But I’m more interested in beating Arsenal rather than the 800th appearance. They are things I’ll look back upon when I finish and I’ll be proud. But first and foremost, hopefully I’ll be celebrating with a good result.”
Toure could have former United defender Mikael Silvestre as his centreback partner at Old Trafford but the French defender has only a 50-50 chance of playing against his old club because of a back spasm while the daunting task of containing Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to fall to teenager Kieran Gibbs, as regular left-back Gael Clichy has his own back problem.
“Kieran is intelligent and I think he is going to perform very well on Wednesday,” Toure said. “But it is not only about him, it is about all the players. If we are focused and defend together, then nobody can beat us.”
The performance of United’s left-back, Patrice Evra, could be just as critical. The Frenchman was given a torrid time by Aaron Lennon on Saturday and Arsenal supporters will expect to see Walcott test him in similar fashion.
John O’Shea’s experience should ensure he gets the nod at right-back ahead of Brazilian teenager Rafael.
Tags: Aaron Lennon, andrey arshavin, Barcelona, carlos tevez, cesc fabregas, Clichy, creative edge, emirates, emmanuel adebayor, groin injury, Ivory Coast, Kieran, kieran gibbs, kolo toure, league campaign, Manchester, manchester united, Mikael Silvestre, north london club, old trafford, patrice evra, patrick vieira, playmaker, robert pires, robin van persie, ronaldo, ryan giggs, Samir Nasri, Steven Gerrard, theo walcott, thierry henry, top scorer, UEFA Champions League, vigourRelated posts
Gunners ready to conquer Europe
April 29, 2009
MANCHESTER (AFP) – Arsene Wenger has warned Manchester United that Arsenal are ready to become the latest Premier League side to conquer Europe.
Wenger has watched in frustration as United and Liverpool have triumphed in the Champions League over recent seasons.
The closest Arsenal’s French manager has come to getting his hands on Europe’s most prestigious club prize was in 2006 when his side were beaten in the final by Barcelona.
They reached the quarter-finals last season only to suffer heartache at the hands of Liverpool and they face familiar opponents again in Wednesday’s semi-final first leg in the shape of United.
But Wenger believes his players are close to losing their unwanted tag as the nearly men of Europe. He is confident they can learn from the bitter disappointment of recent seasons to defeat the current champions of Europe.
“While I have been manager at Arsenal I believe we have been very close,” said Wenger, ahead of his side’s test at Old Trafford.
“I believe we will now make it. I’m an optimist and I believe we will win it, but the sooner the better as far as I’m concerned.
“I’m at the stage of my career where I am more focused to do it. I know how much it means to the club.
“The team has matured a lot (from last season) because the team is mentally strong.
“I want to win. I want to win for the club, the players and the fans. I want this group of players to do it.”
Wenger believes that winning the Champions League would elevate Arsenal to a different level as a club.
“Every title makes you bigger,” he argued. “People love success. The more you win the more people will love the club. The trophies are part of it.”
Wenger revealed that teenage left-back Kieran Gibbs was highly doubtful for Wednesday’s match because of an ankle injury, adding to the Gunners’ problems in defence.
First-choice left-back Gael Clichy and centreback William Gallas are both ruled out by injury while Mikael Silvestre, who could come in for Gibbs, is struggling to recover from a back problem in time to face his former club.
Tags: ankle injury, arsene wenger, Barcelona, bitter disappointment, champions league, Clichy, Europe, first choice, frustration, gunners, kieran gibbs, Liverpool, Manchester, manchester united, Mikael Silvestre, old trafford, optimist, premier league, prestigious club, quarter finals, Silvestre, trophies, UEFA Champions League, United, William GallasRelated posts
Adebayor eyes Old Trafford hat-trick
April 29, 2009
MANCHESTER (AFP) – Emmanuel Adebayor has set his sights on completing an Old Trafford hat-trick after shrugging off a hamstring problem in time for Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Manchester United on Wednesday.
The Togo striker, who scored at United’s base in the league last season and notched the winner there in September 2006, is aiming to claim another crucial European away goal on Wednesday evening in the semi-final first leg.
“When you get onto the pitch the people around will be singing against you, they will be hating you, and that can give you more motivation,” he said.
“I know they do not like me there because I managed to get a goal, and you just feel like ‘Okay, I will show you again how good I am.’
“In three games there I have scored two goals and I know it will not be easy to get another one, but I will give 100 percent to do everything it takes to score or to help my team win the game.”
Adebayor knows Arsenal will have to be close to their best if they are to emulate their November league win over the defending champions.
“We know how good they are and it is going to be an exciting game for English football,” Adebayor said. “It is going to be tough, but we just have to believe we can do it, that we can win this cup. That is why we are here.
“We have the quality in the squad and are in form.”
With leading scorer Robin van Persie injured and Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin cup-tied, Arsenal will rely on Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri getting forward from wide positions to support Adebayor while captain Cesc Fabregas slots into the spaces behind the centre-forward.
“We always look to keep a clean sheet and, with the attacking players we have got in this team, we can score goals from all sorts of positions,” Walcott said.
“If we can get a goal, that would be a brilliant result for us. The tempo is going to be very quick, a bit like a Premier League match.”
Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre is hopeful of being fit to face his former club despite sustaining a back injury against Boro, but regular left-back Gael Clichy is still out, so youngster Kieran Gibbs will be pitted against Cristiano Ronaldo.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and centre-back Johan Djourou both made a timely return to action at the weekend and are expected to feature at Old Trafford.
Tags: all sorts, arsenal, Clichy, emmanuel adebayor, english football, English Premier League, hat trick, johan djourou, kieran gibbs, Manchester, manchester united, Manuel Almunia, match, Mikael Silvestre, motivation, old trafford, playmaker, premier league, robin van persie, ronaldo, samir, Samir Nasri, Silvestre, slots, striker, theo walcott, three games, Togo, wednesday eveningRelated posts
Wenger says Arsenal can beat ´everybody´
April 27, 2009
LONDON (AFP) – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side could beat “everybody” when they were at their best as he urged them to be fearless against Manchester United in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg clash at Old Trafford.
The Gunners head into that match unbeaten in 20 games after Cesc Fabregas’s double – his first goals in six months – secured a 2-0 Premier League victory at home to relegation-threatened Middlesbrough here on Sunday.
The only concern for Wenger was a back injury to former United defender Mikael Silvestre, who is rated at “fifty-fifty” for the game in Manchester.
Arsenal’s hopes of catching Chelsea, to book an automatic Champions League place next season, remain alive and Wenger will prepare for the crunch match with United confident of again upsetting rival manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Scot, whose team are looking to retain both their English and European titles, will know exactly what he’s up against after sitting in the stands of the Emirates Stadium to witness Arsenal’s fifth successive home win.
And Wenger said: “It’s important that we are at our best on Wednesday night because when we are at our best we can beat everybody.
“If you go to Old Trafford without belief you make it very difficult from the start.
“We will go there with belief, desire and enjoyment because we enjoy to be where we are. Sir Alex knows us and what he will think is that it will be an exciting game between two teams who like to play.
“We know each other well but the talent on the pitch always surprises you. I believe that both teams will go for it. We will be faithful to the game we play and everywhere we go in Europe we try to win the game.
“If we play at our best we have a good chance, we can do it.
“Sir Alex was here? I thought he was coming to watch Middlesbrough! But we do have good red wine here in the directors’ box so that was maybe why he came to watch us,” Wenger joked.
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate’s team, who tackle United next week, are now three points from safety.
The former England centre-back saw Fabregas end Middlesbrough’s resistance in the 26th minute after good approach work from Russia’s Andrei Arshavin.
Middlesbrough’s best chance came five minutes into the second-half through Jeremie Aliadiere when the former Gunner was released by Stewart Downing but he was denied by an alert Manuel Almunia, who saved his shot at his feet.
Fabregas later rounded Brad Jones with 23 minutes remaining to set the seal on a comfortable victory, before he and Theo Walcott were both substituted in a bid to make sure they were fit for Wednesday’s match.
An upbeat Southgate said: “There is no way of knowing how many points we need to stay up but clearly if we can beat the world champions next weekend it leaves it wide open again.
“Results were kind to us on Saturday and we wanted to capitalise on that.
“We’ve been in this position for 10 weeks now and we are used to the pressure. We will be underdogs for our remaining four matches but we’re still in there fighting.”
He added: “You could drive yourself crazy worrying about the other teams.
“There’s no disgrace in how we performed today (Sunday) but when you get half-chances you have to take them.
“It’s been our problem all season, we have created more chances than we did last season but we haven’t been able to convert them.”
Tags: Andrei Arshavin, belief, Brad Jones, cesc fabregas, champions league, CHELSEA, crunch, Emirates Stadium, England, Europe, european titles, gareth southgate, good chance, gunner, gunners, league victory, london, Manchester, manchester united, Manuel Almunia, Mikael Silvestre, old trafford, premier league, red wine, Scot, Sir Alex, sir alex ferguson, stewart downing, theo walcott, UEFA Champions League, wednesday nightRelated posts
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