Friday 18 November 2011
Monday 14 November 2011
RVP to leave? England vs Spain and all else.
This weekend brought upon a shock result of England beating Spain. Who would've guessed? A Frank Lampard goal sealed the deal for the 3 Lions. From there everything went downhill. England defended with everything they had.
What surprised me about this was not the result that much but the way England played. This game was an international friendly, it allows the coach to have a better look at the team and what will work and what wont work. How the hell could Capello do that when all 11 players were back defending.
That type of play has really infuriated former Gunner, Cesc Fabregas, and he went on record to state that England is nothing without Jack Wilshere. I think all Gooners will agree with that one. He also stated that England's play was boring. To me, this was just a confidence booster for the 3 lions.
What shocked me most, was the fact that Fabregas urged the one and only RVP to look at options outside of the Emirates. This after RVP failed to put pen to paper on a new deal. Wenger should offer all his got to keep RVP happy.
At this rate, losing RVP could be detrimental to our campaign............
What surprised me about this was not the result that much but the way England played. This game was an international friendly, it allows the coach to have a better look at the team and what will work and what wont work. How the hell could Capello do that when all 11 players were back defending.
That type of play has really infuriated former Gunner, Cesc Fabregas, and he went on record to state that England is nothing without Jack Wilshere. I think all Gooners will agree with that one. He also stated that England's play was boring. To me, this was just a confidence booster for the 3 lions.
What shocked me most, was the fact that Fabregas urged the one and only RVP to look at options outside of the Emirates. This after RVP failed to put pen to paper on a new deal. Wenger should offer all his got to keep RVP happy.
At this rate, losing RVP could be detrimental to our campaign............
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Why I hate international friendlies
International friendlies are a complete waste to me. It's always good seeing your country in action but at what cost?
Over the past few years it seems that Arsenal players go out there and give their all for their country only to return injured. And this usually happens at the most important times of the league. A player who is well known for returning is our captain, Robin Van Persie. Losing him due to an injury at this stage will be detrimental to our current vein of good form.
Injuries at this stage could turn the league table around completely due to the high number of games expected in the December period. At the moment we cant afford to add any more injuries to Wilshere and co at the operating table.
So we go into this weekends games with fingers crossed hoping that all will return with no real problems and ready to face Norwich.
Over the past few years it seems that Arsenal players go out there and give their all for their country only to return injured. And this usually happens at the most important times of the league. A player who is well known for returning is our captain, Robin Van Persie. Losing him due to an injury at this stage will be detrimental to our current vein of good form.
Injuries at this stage could turn the league table around completely due to the high number of games expected in the December period. At the moment we cant afford to add any more injuries to Wilshere and co at the operating table.
So we go into this weekends games with fingers crossed hoping that all will return with no real problems and ready to face Norwich.
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Who should Wenger buy?
With the transfer season soon approaching us, transfer rumours have been running crazy on various sites.
My favourite thus far has got to be Wenger linked to Ac Milan star Pato.
Just imagine the possibilities of Pato and RVP tearing EPL defences apart? This would definitely make a formidable partnership. With Walcott whipping in magnificient balls for the two of them.
Another player thats been linked to The Gunners is Hazard. Unfortunate not to have signed him last season but the January transfer window seems more likely? Where will he fit in the team though? Having him in the squad will mean that some of our other top performers would need to be benched?
Another Arsenal target, Rennes' playmaker Yan M'Vill will also not move in the January transfer period if all rumours are to believed. But the right amount of cash can definitely change that. Is Wenger willing to splash the cash for this player?
In my opinion we should have a look at the current Swedish player of the year, May Mahlangu, the South African will be a great buy, firstly he wont cost as much as all the other players on our radar. Once signed, we should loan him out for one season to an EPL club thus enabling him to gain valuable experience that no other league can offer. He has turned the Swedish league upside down with masterful ability.
What do you guys think?
My favourite thus far has got to be Wenger linked to Ac Milan star Pato.
Just imagine the possibilities of Pato and RVP tearing EPL defences apart? This would definitely make a formidable partnership. With Walcott whipping in magnificient balls for the two of them.
Another player thats been linked to The Gunners is Hazard. Unfortunate not to have signed him last season but the January transfer window seems more likely? Where will he fit in the team though? Having him in the squad will mean that some of our other top performers would need to be benched?
Another Arsenal target, Rennes' playmaker Yan M'Vill will also not move in the January transfer period if all rumours are to believed. But the right amount of cash can definitely change that. Is Wenger willing to splash the cash for this player?
In my opinion we should have a look at the current Swedish player of the year, May Mahlangu, the South African will be a great buy, firstly he wont cost as much as all the other players on our radar. Once signed, we should loan him out for one season to an EPL club thus enabling him to gain valuable experience that no other league can offer. He has turned the Swedish league upside down with masterful ability.
What do you guys think?
Arsene Wenger states Manchester City could have unassailable lead by December
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has heaped the pressure on title chasers Manchester City, insisting they could have the Premier League title within their grasp come Christmas.
City currently sit five points clear at the top of the table, ahead of local rivals Manchester United and with a healthy goal difference to boot.
Wenger believes the Etihad Stadium outfit have bolstered their position with impressive away performances and says Roberto Mancini may have one hand on the Premier League come the end of the year.
He told reporters: “Man City had some impressive away results, especially at Tottenham and Manchester United.
“The potential is there, but we will see on a longer period. If they are still there with that difference in December, then you can say it’ll be difficult to catch them.”
However, the Frenchman warns that while no team is unbeatable, the FA Cup holders do possess the stars to carry them through to the end of the season.
“No team has no vulnerability in our league or any other league,” said Wenger. “Man City have quality. They can score goals and be efficient. They are the ones to catch.”
On his own team’s chances of domestic glory, Wenger believes a few more victories might put them back in the chase.
“It’s too early to say we can still win the league," he said, "but, if we win a few more games, why not?”
Wilshere steps up recovery.
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is set to step up his rehabilitation from ankle surgery after x-rays revealed he was on course in his recovery.
Wilshere went under the knife six weeks ago after suffering a stress fracture in his right ankle during the summer. The teenager had originally hoped the injury would heal itself with the help of a protective boot, however, he was forced to undergo an operation that is set to keep him sidelined into the new year.
After the initial frustration Wilshere, who is yet to make an appearance this season, is apparently now on track in his recovery after Monday's x-ray results.
For more on this story click here.
Wilshere went under the knife six weeks ago after suffering a stress fracture in his right ankle during the summer. The teenager had originally hoped the injury would heal itself with the help of a protective boot, however, he was forced to undergo an operation that is set to keep him sidelined into the new year.
After the initial frustration Wilshere, who is yet to make an appearance this season, is apparently now on track in his recovery after Monday's x-ray results.
For more on this story click here.
Sunday 6 November 2011
Wilshere: I’ll stay at Arsenal for life
Arsenal’s injured midfielder Jack Wilshere has reassured fans that he will stay with the Gunners for life. When asked after the West Bromwich Albion match if he could promise he would stay with Arsenal ‘forever’, the 19-year old England international responded with a promise that all Gunner fans will be proud to hear.
Wilshere, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury that has kept him out for all of this season so far, is eager to return to action and help continue Arsenal’s current blistering form and aims to be part of the clubs long term future.
He told iFilm London:
"
Wilshere, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury that has kept him out for all of this season so far, is eager to return to action and help continue Arsenal’s current blistering form and aims to be part of the clubs long term future.
He told iFilm London:
"
I promise that, yeah [will stay with Arsenal for his career]. I’ve been at the club since I was nine and learned to love it. From the [Patrick] Vieira days, to [Dennis] Bergkamp, [Cesc] Fabregas, I’ve watched them come through and move on.
There’s a crop of new players, [Aaron] Ramsey, myself, Kieran Gibbs…hopefully we can really create something special.
I love the club and I want to be part of its future.
It’s going really slow at the minute and obviously I’m really frustrated. I should be back in training by mid-December, then I can crack on and it’s up to the boss when he picks me.
It’s massively frustrating, especially after last year when we were so close to winning a trophy.
We beat Barcelona at home and everything seemed to be going well and it ended sadly.
I was looking forward to this season, I really thought we could push on and do something. To get a setback is massively frustrating but I’ll be back in December and hopefully we can push on from then.
We seem to get better and better every week. We had a bad start to the season and everyone knows that. I’m not going to lie and say we did well, we didn’t.
The boys had to play together, they’re new players some of them. We seem to be getting better and better every week.
Today [vs WBA] was probably one of our best performances. We passed it around like the old Arsenal and we seem to be back to winning ways. "
Frimpong looking for loan move?
According to the daily mail, youngster Emmanuel Frimpong is seeking a loan move in January in order to gain regular first team football.
Norwich and Swansea are reportedly keen to take the 19-year-old who has only just broken into the Gunners’ team this season, however has impressed when given the chance.
Arsene Wenger will only allow Frimpong to leave to another premier league side, just as Wilshere did last season which greatly aided his meteoric rise to the Gunners first team.
With the number of midfield options available to Wenger, including youngster defensive midfielder Coquelin, Frimpong’s chances will be restricted to Carling Cup and FA Cup matches unless Song suffers an injury or suspension. This is a great opportunity for the Ghanian/Englishman to gain some quality first team experience in the Premier League and string a series of matches together to impress Wenger.
Norwich and Swansea are reportedly keen to take the 19-year-old who has only just broken into the Gunners’ team this season, however has impressed when given the chance.
Arsene Wenger will only allow Frimpong to leave to another premier league side, just as Wilshere did last season which greatly aided his meteoric rise to the Gunners first team.
With the number of midfield options available to Wenger, including youngster defensive midfielder Coquelin, Frimpong’s chances will be restricted to Carling Cup and FA Cup matches unless Song suffers an injury or suspension. This is a great opportunity for the Ghanian/Englishman to gain some quality first team experience in the Premier League and string a series of matches together to impress Wenger.
Arsenal News: Gunners stepping up interest in German wonderkid Gotze
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are beginning to indicate how serious they are about a swoop for German wonderkid Mario Gotze in the January window.
With the January window two months away, it has been reported that Arsenal sent chief scout Steve Rowley to watch the German play for Dortmund in their victory over Olympiakos on Tuesday night. Along with Rowley it has also been reported that another Arsenal senior spy was alongside him at the BVB Stadion in Germany, indicating the seriousness of Arsenal’s interest.
According to claims by the Daily Mail, gunners manager Arsene Wenger rates the German as one of the best creative talents in Europe and is willing to break the previous transfer record of £15 to try and acquire this exciting prospect. No doubt the Arsenal scouts and spies will be watching closely over Goetze when Arsenal come up against the German club in the Champions League.
What do you guys think? Should Wenger break the bank and try and sign the German?
With the January window two months away, it has been reported that Arsenal sent chief scout Steve Rowley to watch the German play for Dortmund in their victory over Olympiakos on Tuesday night. Along with Rowley it has also been reported that another Arsenal senior spy was alongside him at the BVB Stadion in Germany, indicating the seriousness of Arsenal’s interest.
According to claims by the Daily Mail, gunners manager Arsene Wenger rates the German as one of the best creative talents in Europe and is willing to break the previous transfer record of £15 to try and acquire this exciting prospect. No doubt the Arsenal scouts and spies will be watching closely over Goetze when Arsenal come up against the German club in the Champions League.
What do you guys think? Should Wenger break the bank and try and sign the German?
Wenger – Arsenal are improving and the teams above are catchable .
It is always good to see Arsene Wenger in a good mood after an
Arsenal game, and you find him more satisfied that when the Gunners
totally dominate a match, score three goals AND keep a clean sheet.
It has given him further confidence that his team are still heading to challenge for a top four position. He said after the game: “Overall it was a controlled performance where we had complete domination of the game. It was a good pace in the first half – in the second it was a little bit off – but we were never really in trouble. We are getting stronger and overall it is a positive afternoon. We scored five goals last week, three goals today and didn’t concede.
“We put ourselves with a good handicap with the 8-2 [defeat] at Manchester United! It’s good but I was not used to seeing that before. It was a shock every time I saw minus in front of our goal difference. We know that can make a difference at the end of the season. Not only is it the first time we have had a positive goal difference but if you look at the teams above us there is not much difference – they are plus two or four maybe. That is catchable.
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“The spirit of the squad was right from the first to the last minute. We worked well together. I was always positive with the team because of course we were in a very bad position – but you felt the desire to do well. Now that we are doing better it is still there.
“The team wants to improve, to work hard and get better and better. That is the most satisfying thing today. In the dressing room at half time you feel that they don’t switch off at 2-0. That was not always the case.”
Arsenal are now level on points with Liverpool and Tottenham in joint fifth, and if Fulham beat Spurs 3-0 today the Gunners will go above them for the first time this season.
Come on Fulham!
It has given him further confidence that his team are still heading to challenge for a top four position. He said after the game: “Overall it was a controlled performance where we had complete domination of the game. It was a good pace in the first half – in the second it was a little bit off – but we were never really in trouble. We are getting stronger and overall it is a positive afternoon. We scored five goals last week, three goals today and didn’t concede.
“We put ourselves with a good handicap with the 8-2 [defeat] at Manchester United! It’s good but I was not used to seeing that before. It was a shock every time I saw minus in front of our goal difference. We know that can make a difference at the end of the season. Not only is it the first time we have had a positive goal difference but if you look at the teams above us there is not much difference – they are plus two or four maybe. That is catchable.
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“The spirit of the squad was right from the first to the last minute. We worked well together. I was always positive with the team because of course we were in a very bad position – but you felt the desire to do well. Now that we are doing better it is still there.
“The team wants to improve, to work hard and get better and better. That is the most satisfying thing today. In the dressing room at half time you feel that they don’t switch off at 2-0. That was not always the case.”
Arsenal are now level on points with Liverpool and Tottenham in joint fifth, and if Fulham beat Spurs 3-0 today the Gunners will go above them for the first time this season.
Come on Fulham!
Arsenal 3-0 West Brom
Arsenal comfortably beat West Brom 3-0 as Robin
van Persie scored his 29th Premier League goal this calendar year and
set up the other two strikes in a dominant performance from the Gunners.
Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta were the beneficiaries from their captain's creative display, though a fine performance from Carl Jenkinson at right back did not go unnoticed.
The home side started brightly, dominating possession as is customary at the Emirates.
A real buzz came over the crowd whenever Van Persie came into contact with the ball, but the home side failed to trouble Ben Foster in the opening stages, Andre Santos hitting over from a free kick with the only effort of the first 10 minutes.
West Brom was momentarily down to 10 men as Jonas Olsson went off to receive treatment for a facial injury after colliding with Thomas Vermaelen, but the defense held strong with Steven Reid dropping into center back until Olsson was ready to resume.
But in the 23rd minute, Arsenal was rewarded for the calm buildup play, as Mikel Arteta beautifully sliced open the West Brom defense to find Theo Walcott.
The winger tried to slot through Ben Foster's legs, but his attempt was stopped, only for Van Persie to tap in for his 11th goal of the Premier League season.
That goal served to buoy both the Arsenal team and the fans, with Jenkinson putting in some dangerous crosses down the right wing, and generally impressing.
And five minutes before halftime, the Gunners doubled their lead. West Brom failed to clear its lines after a corner, and Alex Song drifted a cross over to the back post where Van Persie was waiting to cut the ball back across goal for Thomas Vermaelen to apply the finish.
After Chris Brunt missed the Baggies' best chance of the game, volleying well over from the edge of the box, Arsenal almost made it three as Gervinho found Aaron Ramsey in the box before the Welshman turned and dragged a shot just wide of the post.
The game was well and truly put to bed after a double change from Arsenal, and Tomas Rosicky played a key part, finding Van Persie in the box, where his layoff was perfect for Arteta to sweep a shot into the corner.
West Brom did cause some trouble as Somen Tchoyi came on and had a shot blocked with a sliding tackle from Vermaelen, but the striker really should have done better, as Vermaelen was already on the floor when his shot was struck.
The rest of the match fizzled out with Szczesny occasionally called upon to make a stop, but rarely troubled as the Gunners sealed another win.
Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta were the beneficiaries from their captain's creative display, though a fine performance from Carl Jenkinson at right back did not go unnoticed.
The home side started brightly, dominating possession as is customary at the Emirates.
A real buzz came over the crowd whenever Van Persie came into contact with the ball, but the home side failed to trouble Ben Foster in the opening stages, Andre Santos hitting over from a free kick with the only effort of the first 10 minutes.
West Brom was momentarily down to 10 men as Jonas Olsson went off to receive treatment for a facial injury after colliding with Thomas Vermaelen, but the defense held strong with Steven Reid dropping into center back until Olsson was ready to resume.
But in the 23rd minute, Arsenal was rewarded for the calm buildup play, as Mikel Arteta beautifully sliced open the West Brom defense to find Theo Walcott.
The winger tried to slot through Ben Foster's legs, but his attempt was stopped, only for Van Persie to tap in for his 11th goal of the Premier League season.
That goal served to buoy both the Arsenal team and the fans, with Jenkinson putting in some dangerous crosses down the right wing, and generally impressing.
And five minutes before halftime, the Gunners doubled their lead. West Brom failed to clear its lines after a corner, and Alex Song drifted a cross over to the back post where Van Persie was waiting to cut the ball back across goal for Thomas Vermaelen to apply the finish.
After Chris Brunt missed the Baggies' best chance of the game, volleying well over from the edge of the box, Arsenal almost made it three as Gervinho found Aaron Ramsey in the box before the Welshman turned and dragged a shot just wide of the post.
The game was well and truly put to bed after a double change from Arsenal, and Tomas Rosicky played a key part, finding Van Persie in the box, where his layoff was perfect for Arteta to sweep a shot into the corner.
West Brom did cause some trouble as Somen Tchoyi came on and had a shot blocked with a sliding tackle from Vermaelen, but the striker really should have done better, as Vermaelen was already on the floor when his shot was struck.
The rest of the match fizzled out with Szczesny occasionally called upon to make a stop, but rarely troubled as the Gunners sealed another win.
Thomas Vermaelen on squad rotation.
Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is ready to play alongside whoever it takes as long as he’s on the pitch to help the Gunners.
One of the best players for Arsenal against West Bromwich Albion, the Belgium International explained that footballers should be professional enough to be ready to play alongside different players when asked about his relationship with Per Mertesacker after the mid-week game against Olympique Marseille in the Champions League.
On the Germany International, the 25-year old explained that before the game the two only trained together for a few minutes adding that he is ready to play alongside him again or as it was the case today with France’s Laurent Koscielny.
On target at the Emirates Stadium, Vermaelen was indeed fantastic against West Brom as the Gunners eased past the Baggies and continued their positive run as they registered their seventh consecutive positive result.
On the Arsenal defensive department, Vermaelen said:
You have to pair with everybody. It doesn’t matter for me who is playing or who I am playing with.
We know each other’s qualities and we know that because we are training every day with each other.
It is up to the boss because he makes the selection of who is going to play.
It was the first time for me [alongside Mertesacker on Tuesday] and I haven’t been training with him a lot – maybe once for a few minutes.
For me, it is not a problem. I watched him play alongside Koscielny and I have a good idea of his qualities and what he is like as a player.
You have to be professional enough to cope with that.
Friday 4 November 2011
Everton Prepare January Move to Sign Arsenal Flop
Everton are interested in Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh.
The Daily Mail says Sevilla are ready to make a January move for Chamakh.
Sevilla sporting director Monchi is keen on the Morocco forward, 27, but much may depend on what cover Arsenal have for Robin van Persie.
Everton are also interested but would be more likely to request a loan.
SOURCE: Tribalfootball
Marouane Chamakh and Arsenal may both benefit from this deal and it may well be that this speculation could result in an actual offer from the Toffees. David Moyes is as always having to deal with a very strict transfer budget, indeed the Merseyside club was the only side in the Premier League to not spend a single penny on players in the summer.
Everton have struggled up front this term, netting just 10 goals in nine Premier League matches this season and only three of those goals have come from recognised strikers. Other than French international Louis Saha and newly arrived James McFadden, Moyes has doesn’t have much in terms of experienced striking options. Among those available to the Scot are Denis Stracqualursi, Apostolos Vellios, Victor Anichebe and Magaye Gueye who have scored nine Premier League goals between them.
Arsene Wenger can probably afford to allow Chamakh to leave on a loan deal given that as well as Robin Van Persie and Gervinho, his current first choice strike pairing, the Gunners boss has the likes of Park Chu-Young and the option of using the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Theo Walcott as a withdrawn striker behind a more orthodox forward.
There is also reported interest from PSG and Marseille and several sides in La Liga.
Chamakh started well at Arsenal, scoring seven goals in his first 15 Premier League outings but has managed just one goal in his last 19 appearances in the English top tier.
The Daily Mail says Sevilla are ready to make a January move for Chamakh.
Sevilla sporting director Monchi is keen on the Morocco forward, 27, but much may depend on what cover Arsenal have for Robin van Persie.
Everton are also interested but would be more likely to request a loan.
SOURCE: Tribalfootball
Marouane Chamakh and Arsenal may both benefit from this deal and it may well be that this speculation could result in an actual offer from the Toffees. David Moyes is as always having to deal with a very strict transfer budget, indeed the Merseyside club was the only side in the Premier League to not spend a single penny on players in the summer.
Everton have struggled up front this term, netting just 10 goals in nine Premier League matches this season and only three of those goals have come from recognised strikers. Other than French international Louis Saha and newly arrived James McFadden, Moyes has doesn’t have much in terms of experienced striking options. Among those available to the Scot are Denis Stracqualursi, Apostolos Vellios, Victor Anichebe and Magaye Gueye who have scored nine Premier League goals between them.
Arsene Wenger can probably afford to allow Chamakh to leave on a loan deal given that as well as Robin Van Persie and Gervinho, his current first choice strike pairing, the Gunners boss has the likes of Park Chu-Young and the option of using the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Theo Walcott as a withdrawn striker behind a more orthodox forward.
There is also reported interest from PSG and Marseille and several sides in La Liga.
Chamakh started well at Arsenal, scoring seven goals in his first 15 Premier League outings but has managed just one goal in his last 19 appearances in the English top tier.
Could this Arsenal transfer target be just what they need?
It is being reported that Arsene Wenger is looking to renew his interest in Mario Gotze in the January transfer window.
Wenger was closely linked with the German midfielder over the summer, but nothing transpired. However, the Frenchman looks set to reignite his interest in the German youngster and this time intends to land him.
With the signing of Per Mertesacker at Arsenal over the summer it could help ease Gotze into the Arsenal side and would certainly soften the move. With Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League still at a stuttering period, Arsenal could end their dreams by beating them at the Emirates in 3 weeks time.
A Victory for The Gunners against the Germans would see them qualify for the knockout stages.
Wenger still has money available from the summer sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri , which would be used to bring Gotze to Arsenal. Dortmund will find it hard to keep hold of their star if they fail to progress in the Champions League, as they will miss out on the financial rewards for remaining in the competition.
Who would you like to see Wenger making an offer for?
Wenger was closely linked with the German midfielder over the summer, but nothing transpired. However, the Frenchman looks set to reignite his interest in the German youngster and this time intends to land him.
With the signing of Per Mertesacker at Arsenal over the summer it could help ease Gotze into the Arsenal side and would certainly soften the move. With Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League still at a stuttering period, Arsenal could end their dreams by beating them at the Emirates in 3 weeks time.
A Victory for The Gunners against the Germans would see them qualify for the knockout stages.
Wenger still has money available from the summer sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri , which would be used to bring Gotze to Arsenal. Dortmund will find it hard to keep hold of their star if they fail to progress in the Champions League, as they will miss out on the financial rewards for remaining in the competition.
Who would you like to see Wenger making an offer for?
Arsenal to maintain winning run?
Arsenal are on their best run of the season with 3 straight wins in the Premier League. All 9 points have been picked up in London, with victories at the Emirates over Sunderland and Stoke City before last weekend’s exciting 5-3 win at Stamford Bridge.
The anti-Arsene Wenger club have been quite in recent weeks with Arsenal winning 8 of their last 9 prior to Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at home to Marseille.
Arguably a one-man team with Robin van Persie running the show up front. The Dutch ace, who has scored 27 goals in 28 Premier League games for the Gunners this calendar year because the first player to score a hat trick against Chelsea in the league since Kanu in 1999; also for Arsenal at the Bridge.
Arsene Wenger left van Persie out of the starting lineup midweek but brought him on for the final 30 minutes. Assuming this was enough rest for the player who was notably absent from the recent Ballon d’Or shortlist, he should have a successful time against a poor West Brom defence.
West Brom’s record on the road is better than their performances. They were fortunate to take 3 points away from them against Norwich in September, and then threw away a 2-0 lead to draw with an out-of-form Sunderland side. Their 2-1 victory at Aston Villa in their last away game was helped by playing nearly an hour with an extra man following Christopher Herd’s wrongful and rescinded red card.
Roy Hodgson’s side rarely threatened Liverpool last week and were outplayed by a side that even included Andy Carroll. Coming up against an attack which has all three forwards on form; van Persie, Theo Walcott and Gervinho does not bode well for the visitors in this one.
Yes, Hodgson’s side will no doubt sit back and look to hit Arsenal on the counter. In Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal do have a couple of players capable of unlocking defences. And with the way he’s playing of late, van Persie does not need much of a sight on goal to find the back of the net.
Gervinho’s dribbling down the left flank should have Steven Reid on his heels all game. The Ivorian is capable of winning penalties and assisting van Persie.
In Peter Odemwingie, West Brom have a striker with pace and who likes to have a go from long range. Wojciech Szczesny has conceded 6 goals from outside the area this season, so expect Roy Hodgson to tell his side to shoot on sight as they did against Manchester United earlier this season. Chris Brunt has a tasty left foot and James Morrison too likes an effort from outside the box.
What's your opinion on it?
US winger training with Arsenal.
Highly-rated FC Dallas winger Brek Shea will spend a month training with Arsenal in a bid to earn experience of the European game.
Shea, 21, is one of the best young players in Major League Soccer and has revealed that he would love to play in Europe one day. The USA winger will now join up with Arsene Wenger's men after playing international friendlies in France and Slovenia on November 11 and 15, and will return to Texas in December.
"The decision to send Shea to train with the Gunners was made after USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann encouraged his MLS-based players to spend the off-season training overseas to enter January camp in top shape," said a statement from FC Dallas.
Shea revealed that he was looking forward to working with Wenger, telling Reuters: "To see how he does things ... he has had so many young players over the years and turned them into who they became, that experience will be pretty cool.
"[Jurgen's] been pushing and wanting us to train in Europe in the off-season and it is good to get that experience. It's just strictly training, [getting] that experience and hopefully raising my game to another level. I think, obviously I am happy where I am, but I want to, eventually when the time is right, try it out and give it a shot."
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman gave his blessing to the arrangement, which doesn't disrupt his club's plans. "Affording Brek the opportunity to continue to work on improving his game and measure himself among the best players in the world is something we are all excited about," he said.
Shea, 21, is one of the best young players in Major League Soccer and has revealed that he would love to play in Europe one day. The USA winger will now join up with Arsene Wenger's men after playing international friendlies in France and Slovenia on November 11 and 15, and will return to Texas in December.
"The decision to send Shea to train with the Gunners was made after USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann encouraged his MLS-based players to spend the off-season training overseas to enter January camp in top shape," said a statement from FC Dallas.
Shea revealed that he was looking forward to working with Wenger, telling Reuters: "To see how he does things ... he has had so many young players over the years and turned them into who they became, that experience will be pretty cool.
"[Jurgen's] been pushing and wanting us to train in Europe in the off-season and it is good to get that experience. It's just strictly training, [getting] that experience and hopefully raising my game to another level. I think, obviously I am happy where I am, but I want to, eventually when the time is right, try it out and give it a shot."
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman gave his blessing to the arrangement, which doesn't disrupt his club's plans. "Affording Brek the opportunity to continue to work on improving his game and measure himself among the best players in the world is something we are all excited about," he said.
Plenty of options- Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has a welcome selection headache in central defence with a number of options at his disposal for Saturday's Premier League clash with West Brom.
Injuries were part of the problem in recent weeks but Wenger now has Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci fit to challenge Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
"The balance is vital," Wenger told Arsenal Player
Koscielny and Vermaelen can play together and Mertesacker can play with Vermaelen and Koscielny.
"It gives us a bit of an opportunity to rotate a bit when needed and people are tired.
"Ideally, Vermaelen will play on the left (of central defence). But Koscielny can play on the left as well so we have a good potential and balance there.
"I think that all the three can play at any moment, and we still have Djourou and Squillaci as well.
"People wanted us to buy a centre-back so much and then suddenly you realise we have plenty."
Top 4 finish?
After a great weekend for all Gooners, we suddenly start thinking about a top 4 finish. Does one victory turn everything around?
I certainly believe so, but this could also be our "Keep the faith" optimistic side. Like when we reached the Carling Cup final we had a weight lifted off our shoulders. Many of us were relieved. I heard talks of finally, our long awaited trophy drought is now over, this was said as soon as we heard who our opponents are.
Is the same thing happening now? I just got back from the local deli and chatted to a fellow Gooner and said 'we will be right back in it, especially after our next 5 games are practiaclly walkovers'. There's no such thing as a walkover in the Premiership and Chelsea proved that after their humiliating loss to QPR.
I think what we need is get behind our boys and take it one game at a time. The only important game at the moment is the next one?
Gooner out.... for now
Let me know what you guys think.
I certainly believe so, but this could also be our "Keep the faith" optimistic side. Like when we reached the Carling Cup final we had a weight lifted off our shoulders. Many of us were relieved. I heard talks of finally, our long awaited trophy drought is now over, this was said as soon as we heard who our opponents are.
Is the same thing happening now? I just got back from the local deli and chatted to a fellow Gooner and said 'we will be right back in it, especially after our next 5 games are practiaclly walkovers'. There's no such thing as a walkover in the Premiership and Chelsea proved that after their humiliating loss to QPR.
I think what we need is get behind our boys and take it one game at a time. The only important game at the moment is the next one?
Gooner out.... for now
Let me know what you guys think.
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