Macedonian on his way?

Arsene Wenger insisted yesterday that he will be keeping a close eye on the transfer market as it reopens and that can only mean one thing, that he will be strengthening his squad with at least one addition come the end of the month.

A number of players have been linked to the club in recent weeks, the majority of which are strikers, understandable given the injuries to Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo.

Wenger said that there may be bargains available during the window and he is right. Brazilian international Adriano is scoring goals for fun at Flamengo in his homeland and may be worth a gamble on a free transfer. Luca Toni, meanwhile, who led the line for the victorious Italian 2006 World Cup team, will be allowed to leave Bayern Munich for a nominal fee after falling out with Louis van Gaal, the coach. Another Arsenal target, Marouane Chamakh, the Bordeaux forward, may also be available for a bargain price as his contract expires in the summer. But there is another name to add to the list who may prove to be the bargain of the year.

Goran Pandev has today be granted release from his contract at Lazio after a contractual dispute ongoing since last summer. The Macedonian international has not played in Serie A all season and will therefore be a little rusty, but also very fresh. The 26 year-old has scored 22 goals in 52 internationals and 48 in 159 games for Lazio. Pandev is seen as one of his country's leading players and his two recent goals against Spain has seem him become his country's leading scorer. Although smaller than van Persie, Pandev has the skill element to match his game.

The likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham, as well as Arsenal, have been linked to the forward in the past and Wenger may now look to revive his interest.

Lukaku worth a gamble

Romelu Lukaku is a name many in England would not have heard of, but the young Belgian is certainly becoming a prominent figure in his own country.

Dubbed the "new Didier Drogba", Lukaku is making waves in Anderlecht's first team, scoring eight goals in 14 appearances, all from the bench, and this is despite him being only 16 years-old.

The powerful forward, of Belgian-Congolese decent, has long been thought of as a future star, but many would not have expected his reputation to have grown quite so quickly. Despite assertions from the forward's father that he will not move before he finishes school at the age of 18, Anderlecht will be bracing themselves for bids during the January transfer window.

Arsenal could well be at the head of the queue for the £15 million-rated player as key striker Robin van Persie is out for five months, second-choice frontman Nicklas Bendtner is currently injured and Eduardo continues to succumb to niggling injuries since returning from his leg-break.

Arsene Wenger keeps a keen eye on Belgian talent, in the past insisting that he knows all about the best young Belgians coming through the system. The likes of Lille's Eden Hazard and Standard Liege's Steven Defour and Axel Witsel have been linked with a move to Arsenal to join fellow countryman Thomas Vermaelen in recent months and Lukaku could be another name to add to the list.

Some would argue that Arsenal already have enough young strikers and an experienced forward is needed if the club is to win some long-awaited silverware this season, but Lukaku could be a gamble worth taking if he continues his development at the vast rate he has so far in his career.

Arsene Wenger admits to missing out on Drogba having waited too long to bid for the striker while at Guingamp, surely he wouldn't want to make the same mistake again.

Watch more of Lukaku below:

Bendtner key to Arsenal's fortunes

A year ago, Nicklas Bendtner was being derided for some lacklustre performances in an Arsenal shirt, he even admitted himself that he played like a "schoolboy."

Now, though, Bendtner will face the burden of carrying an Arsenal team, replacing it's most potent weapon, Robin Van Persie. It was confirmed this week that the Dutchman will be out for around five months with ankle-ligament damage.

Eduardo and Carlos Vela, both undoubtedly top-quality finishers have been given the chance to fill Van Persie's boots, but with neither hitting the target since Van Persie's injury, doubts remain as to their ability to play as a lone-striker - a position where physical presence is needed, something which is sadly lacking in these two alternatives. Didier Drogba's match-winning performance against Arsenal on Sunday just highlighted this fact even more.

The truth is, only Nicklas Bendtner can be an adequate alternative to Van Persie.

Often thought of as just an old-fashioned target-man, the Dane is actually more than just height and strength. His performances in World Cup qualifying for Denmark, in which he scored three goals, prove he can keep calm in front of goal. The Copenhagen-born striker has also improved markedly on his link-up play after being played in wide areas by Arsene Wenger.

Bendtner is, however, currently sidelined with a groin injury, and expected back in around four weeks time.

The responsibility will therefore fall on Eduardo and Vela for the time being, but Van Persie's absence will be the opportunity Bendtner has been waiting for, and one he has to make the most of if he is to make a career at the club, and ultimately if Arsenal are to end their five-year wait for silverware.

Traore will soon know where his future lies

Armand Traore has long been earmarked as a first team regular at Arsenal, but he has slipped down the pecking order in recent months. The injury to Kieran Gibbs - and Arsene Wenger's reaction to it, will however, give the young Frenchman an indication of where his future lies.

Before his loan spell at Portsmouth last season, Traore was Arsenal's second choice left-back, but while he was on the south coast another young contender emerged to take his crown. Gibbs' performances for Arsenal last season, bar an unfortunate slip in the Champions League semi-final, were extremely impressive and with his stock risen dramatically, some even suggested that he should be included in the World Cup squad.

The young Englishman took his club form into the international arena during the summer helping England Under-21s to the final of the European Championship in Sweden.

Clichy's recent injury - a fractured vertebrae in his lower back - had given Gibbs a chance to impress further and maybe even give Wenger a dilemma as to who the first choice left-back would be upon Clichy's return. The 19 year-old, however, has now succumbed to injury and Arsenal have a number of options for his replacement.

Traore would be the obvious replacement given his youth and exuberance in defence and attack, something Wenger values in his full-backs. His performances for struggling Portsmouth last season were solid, but he was often deployed further forward, but he has shown in the past he is capable of performing well in the full-back position.

Traore has competition from fellow Frenchman, Mikael Silvestre who can also cover the problem spot. His lack of pace and advancing years led some Arsenal fans to dub him "gereatric" in last season AGM, and although he is a solid defender he may struggle with pacey and tricky wingers, in particular the likes of Joe Cole who could be linking up against him when Arsenal face Chelsea in a couple of weeks.

Another possibility includes shifting Thomas Vermaelen to left-back, a familiar position to the Belgian, having played there for Ajax, but Wenger would be reluctant to split up the relatively successful central defensive partnership. Emmanuel Eboue could also step in, but a right-footed left-back is not ideal.

It therefore looks to be a choice between Traore and Silvestre for the starting berth and if the young frenchman is not included then it looks increasingly likely that he has no future at the club.

Going for another Song?

Alex Song has not always been as well-loved at the Emirates, many fans condemning him to the scrapheap before his Arsenal career had even started, but now he is proving his doubters wrong and has become a key element of Arsenal's play.

His burgeoning ability to control midfield from deep allows his teammates to push further forward in the knowledge that he will cover. Last night with two very attacking full-backs Song's job was even harder than usual. When Kieran Gibbs joined the attack from the left, Song moved to left-back to cover, when Eboue joined the attack he moved to right-back and when Gallas or Vermaelen went on marauding runs forwards he dropped back.

Song's stamina is impressive and his distribution is improving at an alarming rate, no wonder Wenger was reluctant to splash the cash on a defensive midfielder in the summer.

As always though, there is a problem, one which has hit Arsenal hard in the past- the African Nations Cup.

The decision to offload Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure would seem to be a wise move given the start to the season, but even more shrewd given the two players will be missing for most of January while they take part in the competition. Eboue and Song will also travel to the competition in January to represent the Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively.

Eboue will be a loss, but one for which Wenger has adequate cover, Song's absence meanwhile will have more of an impact.

Alternatives include Denilson, Abou Diaby and youngsters Francis Coquelin, Craig Eastmond and Emmanuel Frimpong.

Denilson has been injured for much of the season, but would remain the prime candidate to cover Song. The Brazilian started last season as Cesc Fabregas' defensive foil but his lack of strength allowed teams to dominate us at times. The former Brazil under-19 captain is undoubtedly a good player but not in the key defensive midfield role.

Abou Diaby has the strength Denilson lacks, but his lack of discipline - dallying on the ball - would be suicide on the edge of our own box. His bursts forward would expose our defence and also increase the defensive responsibilities of Fabreags, curbing the Spaniard's effectiveness in attack.

Craig Eastmond surprised many starting ahead of Francis Coquelin in the Caring Cup, but his assured performance against Liverpool could be enough to give him a chance. Eastmond keeps things simple and has the intelligence, stamina and strength to play in the position, but some may suggest he would lack the experience to play in such crucial games at this stage.

Francis Coquelin has been earning rave reviews from Steve Bould, the under-18, and Nick Banfield, the reserve team, coaches in recent months. Coquelin has incredible stamina and surprising strength for his size. He is a tough-tackling all-round midfielder and has shown he is capable in the reserves, but the step-up to the first team is always a more daunting task.

Emmanuel Frimpong was hailed as the key holding midfielder for years to come last season, but niggling injuries and a slight loss of form have seen his reserve team opportunities limited so far this season, he would be the outsider.

Samir Nasri has also been mentioned as a possibility but like Denilson, he may lack the strength to play the position.

If Wenger does sign anyone in January it would probably be a straight replacement for Song, but someone who, when Song returns would be willing to move aside. A loan-deal may be the best option but possible candidates include Marcos Senna, who is currently playing for a Villarreal side languishing in the bottom half of La Liga, while Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieria has also been mentioned.

Midfield key to Arsenal's success

Following the derby-day mauling of Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend fans and players alike could be forgiven for a rather lifeless match against AZ Alkmaar.

Despite the 4-1 scoreline, Arsenal's players never really moved out of second gear putting Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar to the sword in what was a completely one-sided encounter. The fans also seemed content to sit quietly, in stark contrast to Saturday's atmosphere.

AZ are undoubtedly a weaker team this season following their surprising title triumph in May, having lost a number of key personnel during the summer transfer window, but the gulf in class was enormous. To think Arsenal didn't even have the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Gael Clichy and Theo Walcott available for the match shows why many are opposed to Michel Platini's policy to favour the inclusion of smaller clubs in the competition.

The fluidity of Arsenal's midfield was too much for Alkmaar to handle, as it has been for most of the teams who have faced the Gunners so far this season. It was again the midfield who weighed in with the goals with Cesc Fabreags scoring twice, Samir Nasri netting on his Champions League return and Abou Diaby weighing in with a goal of his own.


It was so comprehensive that Wenger was able to rest his three-key players, Robin van Persie, Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin midway through the second half, bringing on Eduardo, Aaron Ramsey and Thomas Rosicky, three equally-able players. The trio showed their worth causing a dejected AZ all sorts of problems in the dying embers of the match, Eduardo sublimely backheeling to help set-up Diaby's goal and Ramsey making a number of bursts into the penalty area.

The match has once-again shown Arsenal's strength in depth, particularly in midfield, something many pundits still refuse to acknowledge.

Playing with a lone striker particularly one of van Persie's technical calibre allows the midfielders to push forward in support - hence the likes of Fabregas, Nasri and Diaby getting on the scoresheet. With Alex Song increasingly looking like a world-beater in the holding role, and Thomas Vermaelen proving to be the buy of the summer, players can push forward in the knowledge there is ample and trustworthy cover behind them.

With the players constantly in a state of flux, swapping positions, it is immensely difficult to defend against.

This shows that Arsenal are on the verge of "total-football" something only the Invincibles have reached under Wenger and there are murmurs that this team, given time, can be just as good and then the pundits will surely change their minds.

Fabregas and Van Persie serve up a treat

As Club Level members tore themselves away from the a la carte selection on offer, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas were serving up a treat of their own, and unlike last weekend there were no tricks in store for the Gunners who held on to their lead on what was ultimately a comfortable match at Halloween.

Van Persie's excellent touch and Fabregas' poise in midfield helped to light up what was a lacklustre and nervy first 40 minutes, but two goals in a minute towards the end of the half changed the game.

Just as the fans were contemplating the half-time rush for free beer, van Persie put Arsenal one up, a deft touch dispatching the ball past Heurelho Gomes from a pinpoint low-cross from Bacary Sagna. Cue delirium even among the most corporate of the corporate section.

There was hardly time for members to lift their coat-tails and de-crease their scarves than it was two. Van Persie stole the ball from Wilson Palacios and Fabregas raced onto it, first dancing around Tom Huddlestone then cheekily sliding it through the legs of Ledley King. As he raced towards goal Gomes came out to narrow the angle but the Catalan dispatched a delicious shot into the bottom corner. It was a treat even El Bulli, Catalonia and indeed the world's most acclaimed restaurant would be proud of.

There was much discussion at half-time as to whether Arsenal could hold onto their two-goal lead given last week's collapse against West Ham and famously having let a 4-2 lead slip in the same fixture last season.

What also struck me was the number of 'football tourists' at the match. Travelling to the match by tube I struck up conversation with a group of Norwegians just here for the match, there were also a number of German and Spanish-speaking guests obviously going to the Emirates for the first time. I also spoke to a Taiwanese gentleman who was also here just for the game. I was slightly worried that this would have a negative impact on the atmosphere, but it was better than it has been for a long time, even Arsene Wenger agreed, throwing his jacket down in frustration at his inability to converse with his players due to the noise of the fans, now that must be a first.

The Gunners came out in the second half to rapturous applause, shamefully however, as always with a swathe of red seats visible in Club Level. They were filled far quicker than usual though as members sensed a special victory over their closest rivals, not in squad quality Mr Keane, but in terms of distance.

Fabregas continued to control the tempo of the game from midfield and van Persie's control and strength upfront continued to cause problems. While at the back Thomas Vermaelen, commanding as ever, and the vastly improved Gallas stifled the threat of Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane which had threatened on occasions in the first period.

A comeback looked unlikely, and it was extinguished completely on the hour. Eduardo was fouled on the Arsenal right, Mark Clattenberg, the referee, waved play-on but the players all seemed to hesitate, Sagna was the quickest to realise and took one touch before sending a low cross into the box. Gomes seemed certain to take control but could only palm it away and van Persie tapped into an empty net. Game over.

Eduardo could and really should have scored two of his own soon afterwards. First he had an effort blocked by Gomes and then he was through one-on-one with the goalkeeper but opted to shoot low instead of lofting the ball over the Brazilian.

Ramsey also had a late chance, racing onto a long ball by Fabregas, Sebastien Bassong pulled up and the Welshman seemed unaware of the time he had and put in a tame cross instead of taking the ball closer to goal.

In the end though Arsenal fans would not complain at the scoreline and were left to savour the taste of another victory of Tottenham.

Further proof of the virtues of Wenger's ethos

Arsene Wenger must again have been stifling an "I told you so" when facing journalists after Wednesday night's match.

Wenger has repeatedly been criticised by various sections of the media over his lack of spending and reliance on untried youth players. This malaise has rubbed off on a small section - emphasis on small - of fans, with some attacking their manager's ethos during last years annual general meeting.

With a number of his prodigies putting in impressive performances in the 2-1 win over Liverpool, Wenger must have looked on like a proud parent seeing his children graduate from University with a distinction.

Fran Merida, long predicted to be a star, put in another impressive display scoring one and helping to set up the other. The Spaniard has recently come back from the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt where he was Spain's best player, scoring three goals in three games, before being knocked out of the competition.

Aaron Ramsey added to his burgeoining reputation showing Fabregas-esque vision and range of passing. With Fabio Capello, the England manager, watching on from the stands, Kieran Gibbs also impressed at left-back. Capello must also have noted down the name of Craig Eastmond, making his debut in the defensive midfield role, as one for the future.

Another criticism of Wenger has been his recruitment from abroad which has, according to some, stifled the development of young English players. Gibbs, Eastmond, Gilbert all started, as did Welshman Aaron Ramsey, while Sanchez Watt and Mark Randall, both English, came on. Kyle Bartley and Emmanuel Frimpong made it eight British players in the Arsenal squad. Liverpool by contrast had three in their squad, with only Jay Spearing starting.

There arguably would have been more homegrown players had Jack Wilshere been fit and had Samir Nasri and Eduardo not have been needing minutes following injury lay-offs.

With many of the FA Youth Cup winning team also eligible to play for England there is an exciting and English look to the future of Arsenal, but fortunately for fans of football there will also be foreign stars such as Fran Merida who will be lighting up the Premier League for years to come.

Eastmond justifies starting berth

Craig Eastmond must have been as shocked as many at the Emirates on Wednesday night as his name was read out in the starting line-up against Liverpool.

The tough-tackling midfielder put in a commanding performance to subdue Liverpool's Jay Spearing and Damien Plessis, helping Arsenal into the quarter-finals of the competition for the seventh consecutive season.

Arsene Wenger continued his policy to select from his hand-picked group of youngsters for the Carling Cup tie with teenagers Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey, Fran Merida and right-back Kerrea Gilbert joining Eastmond in the starting line-up. The surprising selection was, however, Eastmond's.

Eastmond was part of the FA Youth Cup and FA Academy League-winning team last season but he was often overlooked when the praise was being passed around.

Playing in his less-favoured position of right-back, Eastmond put in solid performances without really setting the world alight while the likes of Kyle Bartley and Jack Wilshere were recognised as future Arsenal and England regulars.

Francis Coquelin who has been earning rave reviews within the club was also in the squad and many expected the eighteen year-old Frenchman to claim the defensive midfield role, while Emmanuel Frimpong - who was Coquelin's midfield partner in the victorious under-18 team - was another alternative having previously been in Carling Cup squads. Both Coquelin and Frimpong were lauded as the next Makelele at various time last season but it seems as though Eastmond has now leapfrogged them in Wenger's thinking.

The former Millwall youngster has been promoted to the reserves this season along with a number of the of the Under-18 team and with right-back Kerrea Gilbert returning from the wilderness, Eastmond has been shifted to his more natural defensive midfield position.

Wenger explained his decision to move Eastmond into midfield on the Arsenal website, he said: "We always felt that he is very intelligent in his reading of the game but he lacked a little bit of pace so we put him in midfield.

His performances so far this season have shown that the switch has been a masterstroke. He has cemented a regular place in the reserve side alongside the likes of Mark Randall, Francis Coquelin and Fran Merida and has even weighed in with a goal. Wenger said: "He has blossomed there in the Reserves and that is why we gave him a chance tonight."

With Alex Song expected to travel with Cameroon to the African Nations Cup in January the race will be on for one of the young players to step into the squad and it looks like a race that Eastmond is currently winning.

We're back!

Due to the minor matter of a thesis to hand in and a brief sojourn to the European Under-21 Championships in June, Payne in the Arsenal has sadly been left abandoned by it's creators in recent months, however we're now back, bigger and better than ever before.

Russian to link up with Arshavin at the Emirates?

Rumours circulating in today's press have seen Pavel Pogrebnyak linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.

Pogrebnyak, 25, a tall and powerful striker has scored 4 goals in 12 games for Zenit this season and has also managed 5 goals in 14 games at international level. He is a potent finisher with both feet, he is also good in the air and also a free-kick taker.

The Zenit St.Petersburg striker formed a potent partnership with Andrey Arshavin while the winger was in St Petersburg and they have also linked up at international level,although an injury prevented Pogrebnyak from taking part in last years' European Championships.

Emmanuel Adebayor has been linked with a move to AC Milan this summer and if that move materialises, Arsenal could be tempted to raid Zenit for the second time in six months.

Arshavin has been a revelation since his move to London, the highlight being his four-goal haul against Liverpool at Anfield last month. If he could link up with Pogrebnyak again, the pairing could be a handful for Premier League defences next season.

Click on the video for more of Pavel Pogrebnyak in action:

Walcott signs a new long-term Arsenal deal

With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal have arguably made their biggest signing already as Theo Walcott today penned a new long-term contract with the club.

Walcott was delighted to have committed his future to the club, he said: "I’m absolutely delighted to have signed a new long term contract. I’m so happy here and just want to say thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career. Together with the belief of my team mates, the boss and everyone on the staff, everyone has got behind me here at Arsenal which is brilliant."

The 2o year-old has made significant strides since his arrival at the Emirates in 2006 as a fresh-faced 16 year-old. After a run of games in the Carling Cup side, in which he scored against Chelsea in the Carling Cup final in 2007, The Middlesex-born winger started to make a major impact in the first team towards the end of last season. Walcott most notably set up Emmanuel Adebayor in a fast-paced Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool with a 40-yard run.

With the departure of Alexandr Hleb last summer, Walcott made the right wing position his own at the start of this season. Despite a shoulder injury, which put the England forward out of action for three months, Walcott has managed to score six goals in 25 starts, including important goals against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final and Villarreal in the quarter-final of the Champions League.

His pace provides Arsenal with an attacking threat which is difficult to defend against, something which has been lacking when he has not been in the team. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger said: "We are absolutely delighted that Theo has committed his long-term future to Arsenal Football Club. Theo is an intelligent player with amazing ability and speed, and has developed extremely well this season."

The former-Southampton man's hat-trick against Croatia in England's World Cup qualifier in September also affirmed his potential as a potent goalscorer and thrust him onto the world stage.

At 20 he still has a lot of time for improvement according to Wenger. "At still only 20 years of age, Theo has huge potential for the forthcoming years and we are all looking forward to see him grow even more in an Arsenal shirt,” he said.

View this video for some of Walcott's best moments:

Ex-Arsenal star 'fondly remembers' his time at the club

Sitting in his garden overlooking a stream in the peaceful surroundings of Whitley Bay, Newcastle, it is hard to imagine Malcolm Macdonald as one of the most feared predators of the seventies.

His affable and articulate manner is something sadly lacking in many of today's players, but his passion for the game is clearly still there as he chats about everything from Arsenal to Luton Town.

Macdonald, nicknamed "Supermac", scored 57 goals in 108 appearances for the Gunners before a serious knee injury cut his career short at the age of 29. The Fulham-born forward had earned his move to Arsenal in 1976 after an impressive tally of 95 goals in 187 games in five seasons for Newcastle. He also famously scored 5 goals in a game for England against Cyprus in 1975, a feat which has not been bettered.

Macdonald, 59, looks back on his time at Arsenal fondly and describes the negotiations over his move to the club in detail.

Talks took place at the home of Sir Denis Hill-Wood [the then Arsenal chairman] alongside Terry Neil [the Arsenal manager]. Macdonald said: "his back lawn was bigger than Lords and I'm not exaggerating, and we felt like opening batsmen walking out, Terry Neil and I"

According to Macdonald, Newcastle United "were playing silly beggars" over the move, and two requests for his transfer had been turned down after initial agreements.

Before he made a third and final offer, Hill-Wood asked Macdonald what he wanted to do. "I said Mr chairman the honest truth is I’ve looked at Arsenal and you’ve got this wonderful blend of experienced, great players and coming through you’ve got the most phenomenal group of kids, I said this club I think is going to be the club of the seventies and eighties."

Macdonald notes that Hill-Wood agreed the deal with Lord Westwood, the Newcastle chairman, in a "gentlemanly way" and he was soon on his way to Highbury for a fee of £333,333.33.

"That was how the business was concluded, it was a lovely gentlemanly way in which it was done in wonderful surroundings and that's how I fondly remember Arsenal. Nothing ever changed, it was always the best of business done in the best of ways, a fabulous club, absolutely was and is," he said.

So what does he make of the current team? With promising young players coming through, does he see any similarity to the team he played in the seventies?

"Yeah a little bit, but you see when you play youngsters you’re always going to find they hiccup at some point, and the best thing to do as a manager, and it may sound harsh, is to anticipate it and where you think it’s going to come, get the players out.

"They may say 'I’m playing well,' but you would say, 'have a couple of games in the reserves and then we’ll think about putting you back in.' You can create too much of a loyalty with players so that when they’re playing well you leave them there to then falter and go downhill and then of course its too late."

Although he's a Londoner by birth, his life remains tied to Newcastle. He currently presents a daily football show on north-east regional radio and fears for the immediate future of the club. Does he think they will stay up? "I'd be very surprised if they do, very surprised indeed." he said. "If they do, it will mean that they have put in performances in these three remaining home games of Portsmouth Middlesbrough and Fulham, they will need to put performances in there that they haven’t shown for a very long time."

Another of his old clubs, Luton Town, have been relegated from the Football League after being docked 30 points for financial problems. He fears for the long-term future of the club and said "I don’t know if it was right, I don’t know the precise rule breaking, but what I do know is they did some really stupid things and what made them think they’d get away with it... It's such a shame as well because a football club like that will not recover."



Macdonald is number 44 of Arsenal's top 50 greatest players: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gunners-greatest-players-44.-malcolm-macdonald

Arsenal Youth 4-1 Manchester City Youth, FA Youth Cup semi-final, Wednesday 22 April 2009

After a 2-1 away victory at Eastlands, Arsenal's youth team appeared to be in the driving seat going into the second leg of the FA Youth Cup semi-final at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

Over 9,000 fans turned up to see the young gunners play, a somewhat disappointing number given the record attendance at the same stage of last year's competition against Liverpool.

Those that did turn up however were treated to another Arsenal masterclass as Steve Bould's men made a very good City side look very ordinary.

The tie was effectively over after half an hour. In their first attack of the game, captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas floated a sumptuous ball over the top for Sanchez Watt to chase in the first minute, some hesitation from the City defence meant the young Englishman was through one on one with Joe Clegg in the City goal. Watt calmly sent the 'keeper the wrong way and celebrated in true Arsenal style with a touchline dance.

Arsenal's players were quick to every ball with Emmanuel Frimpong putting in challenges at every opportunity and the diminutive Jack Wilshere was starting to find space in the midfield. The most well-known man in the Arsenal side then doubled the home teams advantage from the penalty spot in the twentieth minute.

Watt was brought down by the city goalkeeper after a misunderstanding between him and defender Reece Wabara. Wilshere stepped up to drill it in the bottom corner, although Clegg managed to get a hand on it low down to his left.

Wilshere was to have a say in Arsenal's third. His corner from the Arsenal right was met firmly at the back post by Kyle Bartley, the young Englishman added to the goal he scored against Tottenham in the previous round. It was 3-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate after only 29 minutes of play.

It was all too easy for Arsenal, and they didn't need any extra help from the City defence, but it duly arrived. Two minutes after Bartley's goal, Watt capitalised on some horrific defending to slide in his second and Arsenal's fourth on the night. Clegg passed to Wabara on the edge of the City box, the defender seemed to get it stuck under his feet and Watt took easily dispossessed him to put the ball under the despairing Clegg.

Arsenal looked like they could score at every opportunity. Emmanuel-Thomas had too much pace and power for City to handle, Wilshere was orchestrating play from the middle of the park and Francis Coquelin and Frimpong were controlling midfield.

Frimpong was maybe a bit too eager at times though and earned a yellow card for a succession of fouls.

City's players did not give up however and they almost pulled one back when the lively Alex Nimely-Tchuimeni seemed certain to score, only for Craig Eastmond to get there ahead of the Liberian striker.

Nimely-Tchuimeni and Slovakian Robbie Mak were starting to cause problems in the Arsenal defence but James Shea thwarted city on a number of occasions.

Ironically it was an injury to Nimely-Tchuimeni which led to City's goal. The Liberian's replacement, Jack Redshaw burst into the penalty area in first half stoppage time, he pulled the ball across to Ahmad Benali who fired past Shea.

With Arsenal in emphatic form, the crowd surely expected ore in the second half, but in all truth it was 45 minutes to miss. City put more pressure on the Arsenal backline, but Shea saved Arsenal's blushes by saving a number of attempts. Redshaw should have scored ten minutes after the restart but he shot well-over when it seemed easier to score.

Wilshere who was on the end of some petulance by City right-back Kieran Tripper earlier in the half, found space outside the area and curled an effort towards goal but it was always rising, and sailed just over the bar. It was to be his last contribution of the game as Luke Freeman replaced him with 10 minutes left.

Bould had also replaced Frenchman Gilles Sunu, who had a quiet night by his standards, with the prolific Benik Afobe and also took left-back Thomas Cruise off and replaced him with Cedric Evina in a like-for-like swap.

Arsenal saw the game out and can look forward to a meeting with either Liverpool or Birmingham in the final, which will give fans another opportunity to see this impressive group of youngsters in action, as one leg will be played at the Emirates.

Arsenal 3-0 Villarreal, Wednesday 15 April 2009

The Emirates was buzzing as the teams came out of the tunnel. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Villarreal, Arsenal fans sensed a place in the semi-finals for only the second time under Arsene Wenger, the players duly obliged.

Arsenal's players moved the ball around effortlessly like a toreador baiting a bull. Villarreal, efficient and dangerous for long periods in the first leg had lost Marcos Senna, their prize bull, ahead of the game. With another of their star turns, Santi Cazorla out injured, The Yellow Submarine were lacking creativity and Arsnenal,s passing and inventiveness was too much for the Spanish side.

Arsenal had problems of their own. Injuries to Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, William Gallas and Johann Djourou and Bacary Sagna's illness meant that Arsenal were left with only one of their first-choice back five but the defence was rarely troubled.

The home side started the brighter of the two teams and took the lead within ten minutes as Theo Walcott latched onto a Cesc Fabregas flick to lift the ball over the advancing Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

Emmanuel Adebayor calmly made it 2-0 on the hour mark after some good work by Robin Van Persie, then after Walcott was fouled in the area, Van Persie stepped up to blast a penalty into the back of the net to make the game safe at 3-0.

Lukasz Fabianski replace the injured Almunia in goal and Kieran Gibbs came in for Gael Clichy at left-back to make his first start in the competition. Mikael Silvestre replaced Gallas and Eboue slotted in at right back after Sagna was taken ill earlier in the day.

Andrey Arshavin remained cup-tied for the competition so Samir Nasri took up the left-wing berth. The in-form Alex Song kept his place in the side ahead of Denilson in the holding midfield role alongside captain Cesc Fabregas, while Theo Walcott started on the right.

Van Persie recovered from a groin strain to partner Emmanuel Adebayor upfront.

There was a return for Arsenal legend Robert Pires in the Villarreal midfield and Bruno replaced their captain Marcos Senna.

The game started at a fast and frantic pace with both teams creating early chances. Theo Walcott's dangerous cross caused panic in the Villarreal defence. Fabreags picked the ball up on the left and chipped a cross in to Van Perise who could only head over under pressure from Gonzalo Rodriguez.

Villarreal had an earl chance to score. Ex-Manchester United striker, Giuseppe Rossi, floated a free-kick into the area, it reached Diego Godin, but the defender's scissor kick was straight at the Polish 'keeper.

Arsenal had another chance soon afterwards, Fabregas cut the ball back to Adebayor who seemed to be caught in two minds when he'd maybe should have shot first-time.

The home side were starting to build up momentum and it showed in the 10th minute. Eboue's pass was cleverly back heeled by Fabregas to Walcott, wrong-footing Godin. The England winger raced onto the ball and as Villarreal goalkeeper Lopez rushed out, Walcott deftly lifted the ball over the Spaniard and into the far corner. It was a finish worthy of such an occasion

Arsenal looked to build on their advantage, but it was Villarreal who responded better after the goal. Pires and then Bruno both tired their luck but the Arsenal defence stood firm.

Twenty minutes after their first goal, Arsenal almost scored again. Van Perise curled a free-kick towards the corner of the goal and Lopez parried it, but only as far as the onrushing Adebayor. The Togoleses hitman seemed certain to score but his weak header was almost turned into his own net by Pries but Rodriguez saved the ex-Gunners blushes and cleared off of the line.

Arsenal fans and players alike thought it was in, but replays showed the referee made the correct decision.

Just before the break, Villarreal had a guilt-edged chance of their own. Godin broke free from his marker as a corner was swung in, and the centre-back directed a header towards goal. Luckily for Arsenal it cleared the crossbar.

The general feeling at half-time was one of optimism among the Arsenal faithful, but with Arsenal's defence looking less than convincing at times and with the pressure of away goals, the team needed to concentrate in the second period.

Arsenal and Villarreal continued trade neat moves with Pires, elegant as ever, moving to a more central position. But Arsenal were starting to turn the screw.

The pace and movement was starting to cause problems for the away defence, and fifteen minutes after the restart, it was 2-0 to the Arsenal.

Cesc Fabregas' powerful header was picked up by Van Persie, who jinked onto his left-foot. As two Villarreal defenders closed him down, expecting a shot, the Dutchman released Adebayor in the area, who coolly passed the ball past Lopes into the corner of the net with the outside of his boot.

Abedayor has been criticised at times for his lack of instinctive finishing but this finish which was his sixth in sixth Champions League games would prove many doubters wrong.

The players celebrated with a jig in the corner bizarrely matched on the bench by Arsene Wenger.

Villarreal now needed two goals to advance to the semi-finals, a task which looked virtually impossible given Arsenal were starting to get into an ominous rhythm.

The away players heads seemed to drop and Arsenal continued to play attacking football. Theo Walcott was proving to be Arsenal's best outlet and when the young winger turned, Godin made a challenge. The defender seemed to make contact with the ball first and then Walcott but the referee awarded a penalty, much to the disdain of the Villarreal players.

Sebastian Eguren took his protests too far, however, and after touching the referee was awarded his second yellow card of the game. It seemed to take an eternity for the Uruguayan to leave the field, but Van Persie was not put off and powered the penalty past Lopez, cue more dancing.

With the game seemingly over, Wenger replaced all three goalscorers with Saturday's FA Cup semi-final in mind. Nicklas Bendtner, Abou Diaby and Denilson came on.

The fans, in the comfortable knowledge that they were through to the semi-final of this competition, started to honour Robert Pires with the traditional chants of "Super, super Rob..."

The man who was withdrawn by Wenger in Arsenals Champions League final defeat to Barcelona would be disappointed once more but as the final whistle went the ex-Gunner was given a standing ovation befitting of his legendary status as one of the invincibles.

Arsenal youth continue their good run to reach the playoffs

While Arsenal's first team have been making headlines with a run of 18 games unbeaten in the Premier League, the youth team have arguably been even more impressive creating a run of their own which has seen them win nine league games in a row.

The latest 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace saw the young Gunners stretch their winning run to 10 games in all competitions and their unbeaten run to 13.

The under-18's take on Tottenham tonight in a league game before their crucial second leg of the FA Youth Cup next Wednesday at the Emirates against Manchester City, with the Gunners winning the first leg 2-1 in Manchester.

Steve Bould's side are sitting comfortably at the top of their league with 63 points out of a possible 75. They stretched their lead over second place Crystal Palace to 23 points and in the process qualified for the end of season playoffs against another academy league winner.

With the Gunners in blistering form, a first leg advantage and an Emirates crowd behind them, it would be difficult to bet against them making it into the FA Youth Cup final next Wednesday

Kroenke ups his stake

American shareholder Stan Kroenke has acquired a third of Danny Fizman's shares it was announced yesterday.

Kroenke bought 5,000 of Fizman's shares at a price of £8,500 each meaning the American has now spent £42.5 million making him the second highest shareholder on the Arsenal board with 20 per cent of shares. Alisher Usmanov's Red and White Holdings owns 25 per cent of shares.

The American tycoon said: "After having been invited to join the Board last year I am delighted to be able to increase my shareholding in Arsenal. I will continue to work closely with my Board colleagues to maintain the stable environment in which the Club operates and to preserve the self-sustaining business model enjoyed by the Club.”

The current "lockdown" agreement at Arsenal means that the directors cannot sell their shares until April except to fellow members. After April the agreement means that directors have the first option on shares until October 2012.

Fizman's stake is now 16.1 per cent and he said: "I am pleased that Stan Kroenke has made a further substantial commitment to the Club by acquiring approximately a third of my holding. Stan’s long term commitment to sport in general and football in particular has been well documented. I am therefore delighted that he has shown this desire to deepen his ties with Arsenal. I will of course continue to work for Arsenal with the best interests of the Club at heart and have no intention of selling any more of my shareholding."

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood said: ""Stan Kroenke has proved to be a valuable member of the Board and I am pleased that he has demonstrated further commitment to the Club by adding to his shareholding. Danny Fiszman remains a driving influence on the Board and is fully committed to the Club’s long term future."

Kroenke was admitted to the board last September as an non-executive director. His group KSE also owns Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids, Denver Nuggets basketball team and the Colorado Avalanche ice hockey team.

Arsenal to play Villarreal

Arsenal have been drawn against Villarreal in the quarter-final of the Champions League with the winners facing either Manchester United or FC Porto in the semi-final.

The two clubs met in the 2006 semi-final with the Gunners going through to face Barcelona in the final. The tie was famous for Arsenal 'keeper, Jens Lehmann's last minute penalty save to deny Juan Roman Riquelme and his team from reaching the final. Kolo Toure's goal in the first leg was enough to take Arsenal to their first Champions League final.

The first leg will be played on 7/8 April in Villarreal's stadium El Madrigal. There will be a return of Ex-Arsenal favourites Robert Pires and Pascal Cygan who will undoubtedly gain a good reception at the Emirates in the second leg due to be played on 14/15 April.

The "Yellow Submarine" finished second behind league winners Barcelona in La Liga last season and currently lie fourth.

Arsenal will have to be wary of ex-Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi who has scored 15 goals so far this season. The team from the region of Castellon, near Valencia, also include European Champions Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla in their ranks.

The winners of the tie will play either Manchester United or FC Porto in the semi-final. The other semi-final will be between Barcelona or Bayern Munich and Liverpool or Chelsea

English clubs dominate Champions League draw

The quarter-final draw for the UEFA Champions League will take place in Nyon, Switzerland today with all four Premier League clubs making it through to the last eight, for the second year in a row.

Liverpool met Arsenal at this stage last season, with the Merseysiders coming out victorious. Last year’s final was contested between Chelsea and Manchester United, with the latter winning a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Moscow.

English teams will have a 43 per cent chance of drawing one of their Premier League rivals in the draw to be held at 11am.

Dan Johnson from the Premier League said; “We are clearly very pleased that all four clubs have made it through to this stage. It reflects well on the Premier League as a competition that we have four clubs progressing once again.”

Manchester United, top of the Premier league and newly crowned world club champions, beat Italian Champions Inter Milan two-nil on aggregate. They will be the name to avoid for most teams.

United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson believes the pace of the English league has helped to improve the quality of English teams and make them difficult to play against in European competition, “The quality, intensity and speed of the game in England is far beyond other countries,” he said.

Last season’s runners up are in the hunt again as they overcame Juventus 4-2 on aggregate after a spirited performance by the Italians, who were reduced to ten-men in the second leg.

Liverpool, who have reached two finals under manager Rafa Benitez, will be looking to make an impact once again after demolishing Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield to win 5-0 on aggregate.
Their emphatic four-one win last weekend against Manchester United at Old Trafford will have sent shockwaves around Europe and many clubs wouldn’t relish a trip to Merseyside.

The quarter-inals are due to take place on April 7/8 and April 14/15. Meanwhile UEFA have insisted that Liverpool will not be made to play their quarter-final on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy in which ninety-six fans died.

Michel Platini, UEFA President said: “"We are aware of the huge significance of the 15th April date for both Liverpool FC and their fans, and that is why we will do our utmost to make sure that the club does not have to play its Champions League second leg quarter-final match on that day.”

After a faltering start to the campaign, Arsenal are starting to find their feet. After dominating possession in the two legs against Roma they eventually came out winners after a tense penalty shoot-out. Of the four English teams, many would rather draw Arsenal who have not shown consistency this season and they are languishing in fourth place in the league.

The remaining four teams include Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Porto and Villarreal.

Barcelona have been setting the pace in Spain, twice winning seven games in a row in the league. They overcame Lyon to make it through to the quarter-finals, but their form has faltered in the league losing two games in the last month. Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger still believes, however, that Barcelona are the team to beat, he said: “"Perhaps Barcelona are the favorites because they had the most convincing win and have scored more goals than anyone else in Europe."

German heavyweights, Bayern Munich, demolished Sporting Lisbon 12-1 on aggregate after a second-leg 7-1 win in Germany. Although a similar scoreline would be unlikely at this stage, teams would be wary of the free-scoring Germans who have made a return to the competition this year after missing out last season.

Porto will be familiar to Arsenal fans, the Portuguese champions lost four-nil to the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium in the group games last September but they beat Wenger’s team in the return fixture by two goals to nil.

Villarreal, often underestimated, finished second to Barcelona in La Liga last season. They knocked-out Panathinaikos in the last sixteen to make it into the hat for the quarter-finals. They will hope to make it through to the semi-finals for the second time in three years after losing to Arsenal in 2006.

The Champions League draw takes place as rumours of a European Super league resurface with Platini refusing to rule out any changes to the Champions League format in the future.

Arsenal 2-1 Hull City, Tuesday 17 March 2009

The emphatic 4-0 win over Blackburn at the weejend gave Arsenal fans hope that the team were coming good at just the right time, just as well with a FA Cup quarter-final against Hull on the agenda tonight.

A win at the Emirates would put Arsenal through to an all London semi final against Chelsea at Wembley on April 18th, the first taste of the ground for most of the Arsenal squad.

Hull had beaten Arsenal at the Emirates earlier in the season, with midfield maestro Geovanni proving to be their main tormentor and scoring the winning goal. The little Brazilian again proved to be a slippery customer tonight, pulling the strings as Hull almost pulled off another major shock.

It was ex-Tottenham player Nick Barmby though who was to provide the most telling contribution for the visitors, putting them into a 13th minute lead.

Arsenal fought back though and managed to pull level through top scorer Robin Van Persie, before a controversial goal by William Gallas put the Gunners through to the semi final.

Arsene Wenger made a few changes to the team that beat Blackburn. Manuel Almunia still suffering from a rash challenge by El-Hadj Diouf was replaced by Lukasz Fabianski in goal, Kieran Gibbs replaced Gael Clichy at left-back, while Johann Djourou replaced Kolo Toure. In midfield Abou Diaby came in for Denilson while Carlos Vela and Robin van Persie replaced Nicklas Bendtner upfront with AndreyArshavin moving to the right wing in place of Samir Nasri.

The opening stages of the match saw both teams sparring, creatingopenings but nothing of note to trouble the two goalkeepers.

The thirteenth minute was unlucky for Arsenal though as Bacary Sagna cleared a hopeful punt upfield, but only as far as hhhdfhg who threaded a ball to Nick Barmby. Johann Djourou closed on the veteran but his block deflected the ball wickedly over Fabianski, one nil to Hull, again.

The crowd rallied behind the team, but as has been the custom in recent months, every move which broke down was greeted with a collective sigh.

Arsenal kept probing for an opening but the Hull defence stood firm. Arsene Wenger patrolling the touchinline started to become agitated at the length of time it took Hull players to take free-kicks, goalkicks and throw-ins, met by the crowd with eardrum-bursting whistles.

It could have been two on dffdgfd minutes as Geovanni, lined up a freekick twenty yards form goal. His curling effort was acrobatically tipped over by the young Pole.

Arshavin looke the most likely to create a chance, and his shot ot on fgddgg minutes was cleared by Anthony Gardner.

Hull could have added to their lead soon afterwards as Kamil Zayatte's header looped agonisingly over the bar from a corner.

But as half-time approached Arsenal, and Arshavin in particular started to turn the screw. He first had a shot cleared and then placed a volley a foot wide of the post.

Arsenal continued their pressure in the second half, without creating many chances. Arshavin thought he was free as he approached a loose ball in the penalty area, only for Sam Ricketts to produce a terriffic challenge to thwart the Russian.

Abou Diaby then came close to equalising, he met an Arshavin header, but could only aim it at the man on the line, Song reacted to the rebound but could only steer it wide of the post.

Van Persie seemed isolated upfront and Wenger soon made some changes. Niklas Bendtner whom Wenger praised for his performance against Blackburn took up the target-man role, replacing Carlos Vela, with van Persie dropping just behind him. Samir Nasri came on for Alex Song who had an effective game but offered less of an attacking threat than the Frenchman.

The substitutions brought Arsenal and Van Persie in particular to life. Now with much-needed support, the Dutchman first fired a free kcik at goal which Boaz Myhill could only thrust out a flailing arm to tip around the post, and then he planted a header onto the bar.

The crowd sensed a goal was coming and it soon did.

On 74 minutes, Bendtner picked the ball up on the byline on the right hand side of the penalty area, and crossed low for Arshavin, the Russian, unseflishly pulled the ball back and Van Persie lashed the ball into the net.

The fans went crazy and they could sense a winnner, and it almost came soon afterwards, but ironically for Hull. Geovanni raced onto a through ball and shot past the advancing Fabianski, but he could only find the side netting.

It was to be Hull's last major chance and soon Arsenal did have their lead.

After sustained pressure, William Gallas, so often Arsenal's saviour with crucial goals popped up again to put Arsenal through to the semi-finals.

Nasri took a free kick from the edge of the area and Johann Djourou leapt to meet the ball, his header deflected off Myhill's glove and went to Gallas, who looke dto be in an offside position. The Frenchman didn't worry though and calmly nodded the ball into the empty net.

It could have been three afterwards, as Bendtner, then Eboue could have scroed but 2-1 was enough to send Arsenal through to an all-London semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley, job done.

Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn, Saturday 14 March 2009

After another goalless performance in midweek Arsenal fans could have been forgiven for expecting another 0-0 draw at the Emirates yesterday afternoon. The 11/1 odds for a 0-0 must have been tempting for many, particularly as they faced a Blackburn side manged by their nemesis, Sam Allardyce, who always kept things tight with his Bolton side in previous years.

However, the celebrations of Wednesday night's penalty win over Roma must have given Arsenal a lift as they crushed a poor Blackburn side with a rather fortuitous own-goal from Andre Ooijer, a wonderful strike from new-boy Andrey Arshavin, and two from Emmanuel Eboue.

Arsenal fans didn't have to wait long to celebrate their first Premier League goal at the Emirates for over three games. Nicklas Bendtner's clever turn and pass on two minutes put Walcott clear on the right, his ball eluded Alex Song but Andrey Arshavin nipped in. His shot was going wide but it hit Blackburn's Dutch international, Ooijer and rebounded into the net.

With the pressure off, Arsenal could now relax. Bendtner, Arshavin and Walcott were causing trouble in the Blackburn defence, but Blackburn had a few chances of their own.

Soon after being on the receiving end of a El-Hadj Diouf lunge, Manuel Almunia was called into action to make a wonderful save from a looping Morten Gamst Pedersen header.

But it was Arsenal who were making all of the running. Bendtner, wearing his pink boots, leapt at the far post to meet a Sagna cross but he couldn't get his effort on target and it drifted wide of the post.

Arsenal came even closer a few minutes later, Samir Nasri, Arsenal's free-kick taker in the abscence of Robin van Persie, curled a free-kick onto the bar. The young Frenchman almost scored again minutes later, but his shot was saved unconvincingly by Paul Robinson.

Pedersen then managed to wriggle free of the Arsenal defence but Bacary Sagna did enough to put the Norwegian off.

As the whistle blew to signal the end of the half, Blackburn's players must have been thanking their goalkeeper for keeping them in a game they really should have been out of.

Arsenal started the second half as they finished the first. Walcott, proving to be a constant thorn in Blackburn' side, raced down the right and shot across the goal, unluckily for him, his effort went well wide.

Seconds later, Walcott again was clear on the right, and his inch-perfect cross was met by Bendtner - the Dane however didn't make enough contact and it went wide.

Walcott then had another shot of his own. Unmarked in the penalty area, the England international's scissor kick was too close to Robinson who made a good reaction save to thwart his England colleague.

Nicklas Bendtner then missed two more guilt-edged chances adding to the crowds nervousness, but shortly afterwards, Andrey Arshavin settled their nerves.

The £15 million January buy, went clear on the left, cut inside the area near the byline, jinked his way past Simpson and fooled goalkeeper Robinson by shooting high into the net from a tight angle. If the first goal was luck this was certainly sheer brilliance.

Arshavin then gave Bendtner his best chance of the match, after a good run by Walcott, the Russian released the striker but he could only shoot well over when one-on-one with Robinson. You sensed that today was not his day.

Surely the most bizarre incident of the game followed soon afterwards. Pedersen ran onto a through ball on the left of the penalty area, with Bacary Sagna gaining ground but still a couple of yards away, the Norwegian dived. Clearly there was no contact and the referee didn't give a penalty, but he wasn't booked for his efforts.

Soon afterwards he was substituted along with Walcott and replaced by Carlos Vela and Abou Diaby. Samir Nasri who had another good game for the Gunners was also replaced by Emmanuel Eboue.

It was to be the Ivorian who made the game safe. After failing to connect to an Arshavin cross, Eboue then made it 3-0 with three minutes to go.

Arshavin shot straight at Robinson from inside the box, but Eboue raced in to touch it into the net, the often derided midfielder couldn't hide his delight and ran into the corner to dance with the fans.

Soon afterwards he had his second. Carlos Vela's pace and trickery was too much for Martin Olsson who pulled him down inside the area. Eboue grabbed the ball and placed it on the spot - like most of the penalties taken earlier in the week, he coolly placed it past the goalkeeper into the net.

The final whistle went soon afterwards.With Arsenal looking more and more like their old selves and moving up to fourth in the process, the ground was finally filled with optimism after a number of recent stale performances.

Ex-Gunner wants to stay in England

Arturo Lupoli, once one of Arsenal's brightest prospects, aims to finally make a name for himself in England.

The Italian striker who is currently on loan at Sheffield United from Serie A side Fiorentina, told skysports.com: "If there was a good chance to stay in England I would love to stay here because I am enjoying my football."

Lupoli left Arsenal in 2007 on a free transfer to join the Florence-based oufit. He had spent four years at Highbury and went on loan to Derby after his good goalscoring record at reserve level. On his return to Arsenal he found his options limited and decided to go back to his homeland.

At Fiorentina, with strikers Alberto Gilardino and Adrian Mutu in hot form, Lupoli has again found it difficult to break into the first team. He joined Norwich on loan earlier in the season, scoring two goals, but now has an opportunity with the Blades to show what he can do.

Lupoli scored in the steel city derby against Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month and will hope for more opportunities in the first team.

Lord Coe joins 2018 World Cup Bid team

It was announced today that the man who helped to bring the 2012 Olympics to London, Lord Coe, will give an added push to England's 2018 football World Cup bid.

Sebastien Coe has taken up his role as a non-executive board member but he will continue in his role in the Olympic team.

Coe said: "Winning the World Cup would be the hat-trick in a golden era for the UK following the Olympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014."

Great Dane starting to make an impact?

Nicklas Bendtner has not always been at the top of the list of Arsenal fans' first-choice strikers, but things are starting to change.

The 21 year-old Dane has been on a good run of form recently. Having been misquoted by some sections of the press at the weekend, which published that he said he should be playing every game, he formed a good partnership with Eduardo on Monday night, scoring a headed goal from a corner.

This goal takes his tally to 9 for the season, equalling his goals scored for the whole of last season. He has also made more starts than substitute appearances this season, showing Wenger's faith in the forward. Bendtner has now scored 18 goals in 34 starts for the club, which on the face of it is an impressive strike rate.

Bendtner has found himself deployed in wider positions than normal of late, but he said: "Obviously it's not my favourite position but I'm happy to do a job there if the boss asks me to. When I look back though I think I have done quite well there so it's been good for me, it's helped me develop as a player."

With Emmanuel Adebayor out and Eduardo still regaining full-match fitness, Bendtner may be given more opportunities to add to his tally in the next few games.

Arsenal could face Hull or Sheffield United in the quarter-finals of the cup

Arsenal have been handed a home draw in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup against either Hull or Sheffield United provided they can beat Cardiff and Burnley.

The Gunners have been playing catch-up in the cup as their sceduled replay against Cardiff two weeks ago was postponed due to heavy snow in the London area. They face the Bluebirds tomorrow night with a home tie against Burnley at stake.

If Arsenal can overcome the two Championship teams they will play another in the form of Sheffield United in the quarter-final provided they can overcome Premiership opposition in the shape of Hull.

Arsenal fans would prefer Sheffield Untied to visit the Emirates seeing as they beat the Blades 6-0 earlier this season in the Carling Cup. Hull on the other hand beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates this season.

The next seven games are crucial to Arsenal's season

After a credible 0-0 stalemate at White Hart Lane last Sunday with ten men, Arsenal remain five points behind Chelsea in fourth spot and seven behind Aston Villa in third. Arsenal fans the world over are understandably concerned that their beloved club will not make it into the all important top four, which brings with it Champions League football.

The next seven games are vital to Arsenal's season. First of all let's look at our competitors fixtures:

Aston Villa's next seven games are:

Chelsea (H)
Stoke (H)
Manchester City (A)
Tottenham (H)
Liverpool (A)
Manchester United (A)
Everton (H)

Villa play the remaining clubs in the top four during this period and play host to Everton who are impressing in fifth place, Tottenham who are improving and Stoke who are fighting for their Premiership status. They also face a difficult trip to Manchester City who on their day could beat anyone.

Chelsea's next seven fixtures are:

Aston Villa (A)
Wigan (H)
Portsmouth (A)
Manchester City (H)
Tottenham (A)
Newcastle (A)
Bolton (H)

On paper, these fixtures look easier than Aston Villa's. Difficult trips to Villa, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Newcastle, are all traditionally difficult places to visit. Home games against Wigan, Manchester City and Bolton shouldn't cause too much trouble but Chelsea's home form has been erratic so far this season. The Blues also have the added problem of not currently having a manager as Phil Scolari was sacked yesterday.

Arsenal's next seven games are:

Sunderland (H)
Fulham (H)
West Brom (A)
Blackburn (H)
Newcastle (A)
Manchester City (H)
Wigan (A)

The four home games are 'must win' fixtures but Arsenal would feel confident that they can. Away games against West Brom, Newcastle and Wigan could cause some problems, but Arsene Wenger would probably hope to come out of this period unbeaten.

With Aston Villa facing difficult games ahead and managerless Chelsea also facing a tough period, the next seven league games will make or break Arsenal's season, you would feel if they have not caught up by the time they've played Wigan at the JJB Stadium, their season would be over

So Wenger has purchsed the "special talent" he has been looking for, but what will Arsenal get?

Andrey Arshavin has officially signed for Arsenal after a day of protracted negotiations. It was on, then off, then on again and finally Arsenal have their man.

Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board are generally very reluctant to spend big money unless the player is worth it, so should Arsenal fans be excited at the prospect of the 27 year-old Russian racing through the Tottenham defence this weekend?

The video below showcases a compilation of the Russian's undoubted talents. The directness and penetration that the Russian possesses has been lacking in the Arsenal team since Theo Walcott and Thomas Rosicky suffered injuries, and he could become the key to gaining ground on the top four.

Arsenal sign Russian wizard

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Russian playmaker, Andrey Arshavin for a reported fee of £15 million from Zenit St. Petersburg

The 27 year-old passed a medical and agreed personal terms on Monday after Arsenal and Zenit agreed a fee, however the move was still in question overnight as the paperwork needed to complete the deal had to be rubber-stamped by the FA. This was duly finalised this morning and the Russian is free to join his new team-mates at London Colney for training.

Arshavin rose to stardom at Euro 2008 producing scintilating displays against Sweden and Holland. He also helped Zenit to win the 2008 UEFA Cup alnd has been on Arsene Wenger's radar for a long time.

Wenger said, on Arsenal's website "“We are delighted to have signed Andrey Arshavin, he is a player I have admired for a long time. He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad. Andrey is an exciting impact player with a huge amount of ability and has been an influential force with both Zenit St Petersburg and the Russian national team in recent seasons.”

The Russian said of his move to the Emirates, "I am so happy to be joining Arsenal. They are one of the leading football clubs in the world, with a group of fantastic young players and a great manager. I am looking forward to making the Arsenal supporters happy and helping this great Club win trophies."

The signing could be seen as a major coup for the Gunners with Arshavin attracting attention from other heavyweights such as Barcelona last summer. It is also the first deal finalised by Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal's new Chief Exectutive.

Arshavin will wear the no.23 shirt as his favoured no.10 is currently worn by William Gallas.

Time to give Jack Wilshere a chance?

A lot has been written about Jack Wilshere since he burst onto the scene during the pre-season tour of Austria last July.

Calls for him to be put into the team from the moment he tormented Michel Salgado and Christophe Metzelder during the Amsterdam tournament, were in truth, rather far-fetched.

We have all been excited by his rapid rise to the first-team squad, but he has not been ready to play a big part.

His match-winning performance against Stoke reserves, in which he scored another wonder goal; a curling effort from the edge of the area with the outside of his left-boot; and notched up another in the second half has shown that he needs to be used more by Mr Wenger.

With Theo Walcott out injured, the timing is perfect for him to make an impact. He came on against Cardiff at the weekend for a 10 minute stint in place of Abou Diaby, but he hardly had a touch of the ball.

With a number of home games looming, Wilshere could be given more opportunities and I would not be surprised to see him a cement a permenant place in the matchday squad.

Comment: Nasri and Van Persie are vital to our success

Wenger builds great teams. The 'Invincibles' were arguably the most entertaining team in Arsenal's history. Robert Pires and Thierry Henry were almost telepathic in their understanding and Dennis Bergkamp and Freddie Ljungberg also had a chemistry on the pitch which helped to propel us to the heights which may never be seen again.

There is, however, a new double-act on the scene. Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie have started to create an understanding shown to devestating effect against Hull at the weekend. Van Persie made three assists, including one to set up Nasri to put Arsenal in the lead in the 81st minute.

Van Persie seems to be in the run of form all Arsenal fans knew he could reach. The Dutchman has shown glimpses in the past, but injuries have always stopped him in his tracks. This season though, he has got better and better.

Samir Nasri, bought in the summer to replace Alex Hleb, has added a class and directness Arsenal were previously lacking. He is small, but difficult to knock-off the ball, and although he has been deployed on the left, he, like Pires, cuts in on his favoured right.

Nasri seems to be moving inside more than usual in Cesc Fabregas' absence which has so far produced good results.

More encouraging is the link up with Van Persie, which shows signs of being similar to that of Pires and Henry and Bergkamp and Ljungberg. If we can get Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor linking up to a similar effect, we could be onto a winner.

With rumours of Arshavin arriving, maybe Nasri will be moved inside until Fabregas is fit. With Walcott returning, a midfield of Arshavin, Nasri, Denilson and Walcott looks very interesting indeed.

Arsenal Youth 3-1 Wolves Youth, Tuesday 13 January 2009

Gilles Sunu continued his good form with a neatly-taken hat-trick at Underhill on Tuesday night to put the young gunners into the next round of the FA Youth Cup.

With the youth team on top of the league, there was much optimism surrounding the fourth round tie.

Arsenal started brightly and could have gone into the lead on a number of occasions, Henri Lansbury, Emmanuel Frimpong and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas all could have put Arsenal infont in the first half.

Wolves were being over-run in midfield, presumably as they often had two markers on Jack Wilshere. Frimpong and Coquelin provided the cover for Wilshere, Lansbury and Emmanuel-Thomas to attack.

Rhys Murphy had been in top form coming into the game and could have scored early on, but then disaster struck; a committed challenge on Murphy left the England youth international in agony. It took almost 10 minutes before he was stretchered off the field of play.

Soon after his introduction, Sunu reminded us of his instinctive finishing. Lansbury floated in a corner and Sunu applied the finish to make it one nil.

Wolves' front-two looked dangerous but they were being looked after well by Luke Ayling and Kyle Bartley in the heart of the defence. Thomas Cruise and Craig Eastmond also looked comfortable in the full-back positions surgung forward in support of the midfield when needed.

Lansbury then supplied Sunu for his second, Jack Wilshere relaeased Lansbury and crossed to Sunu who controlled the ball with his right-foot, and turned onto his left, to dispatch a neat finish in the bottom-left corner.

Sunu really should have had a hat-trik soon afterwards but the goalkeeper denied him in a one-on-one position, but the Frenchamn soon made up for it, he latched onto a through ball and put the ball past the Wolves 'keeper.

Wolves pulled back a consolation near the end, but the young Gunners are through to the next round where they will face Sunderland.

Arsenal 1-0 Bolton, Saturday 10 January 2009

Thankfully football won today, but only just. It took Arsenal 85 minutes to break through Bolton's stubborn defence. Bolton never make it easy for Arsenal and today was no exception, the game was heading for a dull 0-0 until substitute Nicklas Bendtner nipped in at the far post to give the Gunners a much-needed win.

It was a bitterly cold day and the game kicked off in a flurry of snow, and gradually the game warmed up even if the conditions didn't.

Arsenal welcomed back Kolo Toure who had been flirting with an Arsenal exit, Diaby partnered Denilson in midfield and Eboue took up the right-wing position.

Bolton were without their dominant captain Kevin Nolan due to suspension, but Kevin Davies, a constant thorn in Arsenal's side over the years started on the right.

Within the first 10 minutes the diminutive Samir Nasri started to pull the strings in midfield, and the in-form Robin Van Persie looked lively upfront.

Van Persie shot just over after controlling a loose ball, and then headed straight at Bolton 'keeper Jussi Jaaskalainen. He then volleyed a ball into row Z, but the Arsenal faithful were confident of the breakthrough.

Bolton offered little of attacking threat, and Arsenal continued to have most of the possession. The visitors continued to stifle the Gunners putting most of their players behind the ball and Kevin Davies became the scapegoat with a few niggly fouls.

The half-ended 0-0, which provided everyone time for a couple of cups of tea to stave off the Arctic conditions.

Arsenal started the second-half brightly but were just finding it difficult to break down the Bolton defence.

Johan Elmander, the Bolton striker, limped down the tunnel and was replaced by Mustafa Riga.

After some quick passing with Adebayor, Van Persie again seemed to make a chance out of nothing as he held off a couple of defenders to toe-poke an effort onto the post.

Wenger sensed he needed to do something, and he brought on Carlos Vela for Abou Diaby who despite playing well in recent games, had had a fairly ineffectual game today.

The crowd, who have warmed to the young Mexican, were suddenly expectant, hoping his pace and directness could give the team something it had been lacking up until now.

They were right, with Nasri now in the centre pulling the strings and Vela and Clichy on the left, Arsenal were suddenly finding more space.

Nasri's exquisite pass let in Adebayor who almost had too much time. Just as he shot a defender lunged in and blocked the ball.

It seemed only a matter of time, but time was running out.

Nicklas Bendtner was brought on in place of Emmanuel Eboue who had one of his better games, to add some height and an extra attacking threat.

He could have scored with his first touch. Nasri floated in a corner and the Dane connected with the ball but not well enough to trouble Jaaskalainen.

Arsenal had Bolton pinned in their box and the pressure finally told. Clichy slipped Van Perise in with a fantastic ball, the Dutchman chipped a cross to the back post and Bendtner slid in to half-colley the ball past Jaaskalainen.

The Dane, who has not had the best of times recently, could not hide his delight.

After all the hard work, Arsenal almost let it slip. Bolton went straight up the other end and created a guilt-edged chance. Chris Basham raced down the right and pulled the ball back to Kevin Davies; unmarked he had time to place the ball, but luckily for Arsenal fans shot stright at Manuel Almunia.

Aaron Ramsey was brough on to replace Eboue, as Arsenal looked to tie things up. Carlos Vela almost made it two, but decided to shoot as he ran into the box, when he should really have passed to the unmarked Van Persie.

But it did not matter, at the final whistle the sense of relief so often felt in home games this year filled the ground, and Arsenal had won another must-win game .

Magpies to lose their feathers?

With Newcastle, Portsmouth and West Ham stating recently that they are strapped for cash and need to sell players, who would be good for the Gunners?

Newcastle:

Shay Given would have been a perfect replacement for Jens Lehmann a few years ago, but with Manuel Almunia in top form and Lukasz Fabianski growing in stature, spending £8 million on a 31 year-old goalkeeper would seem a bit excessive.

Steven Taylor, the Geordie skipper would hate to leave his hometown club, but with Newcastle struggling, a move to the capitol would be appealing. He has all the attributes Arsenal have lacked in central defence this year including aerial ability and strength. He may not come cheap but could solve Arsenal's defensive problems.

Charles N'Zogbia has been on the Arsenal radar for a few years, with Arsene Wenger being a keen admirer of the Frenchman. He has pace and power which Wenger loves and could be a useful wide player when injuries hit.

Michael Owen is reported to be stalling on a new deal and could be brought relatively cheaply. A proven goalscorer, he would be an able replacement in attack when needed.


West Ham:

Robert Green has been linked to Arsenal, but less experienced than Given and arguably less talented, this will probably be a no-go.

Matthew Upson was sold by Wenger after being on the fringes of the team for a few years. Now with experience and maturity, Upson would slot into the Arsenal defence with ease providing much-needed strength, power and technique.

Mark Noble is another West Ham youth graduate making it in the big time. A hard-working and technically-gifted young player, he would be an attractive prospect for Wenger either to replace Fabregas or to be moulded into the new Flamini.

Scott Parker did enough to gain a move to Chelsea, but his first-team chances were restricted. His time at West Ham has seen him become an accomplished holding midfielder, something Arsenal have severly lacked this season. A good passer, he could team up with Fabregas upon his return to create a deadly combination.

Dean Ashton was coveted by Wenger while he was at Crewe as a 17 year-old. A target man who scores goals, he could be an able replacement for the misfiring Niklas Bendtner if he is sold. The only concern would be his poor injury record.


Portsmouth:

Already depleated, it is hard to see who Wenger could buy apart from the skillful Croat, Niko Kranjcar. Struggling to get into the Pompey team in recent months, the ex-Zagreb player could be useful back-up for Arsenal but not much more.



Taylor or Upson could solve Arsenal's defensive problems and Parker or Noble could slot into the midfield, with N'Zogbia providing extra width. With quite afe strikers already Wenger would be reluctant to sign Owen or Ashton unless he sells one, Bendtner being the most likely to go.

Do we really need Arshavin at £20 million?

Andrei Arshavin is undoubtedly a class-act, he helped Zenit St.Petersburg in their victorius UEFA Cup campaign and has proved to be a star turn for Russia.

The Russian has been linked from here to Timbuktu with a move to the Gunners during January. So if we do actually sign the Russian would it be a good move?

Firstly with Wenger saying we have little money to spend, the touted figure of £20 million, or even £14 million as some have suggested seems a bit excessive.

Secondly, Arshavin is 27, and is therefore not a typical Wenger signing, £20 million for a 27 year-old is a bit much for a club with the transfer policy of a team of Scrooges.

Thirdly, Wenger has time and again said he doesn't want to stunt the development of the young players growing at Arsenal. Bringing in Arshavin, who at the very least should have 4 or 5 years left in him, would undoubtedly hinder the chances of Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Carlos Vela and Jack Wilshere from getting into the team, as I'm assuming he will be deployed in a wide position.

On the other hand, Arsenal have seemed to be lacking an experienced figure in midfield at times this season, and Arshavin would add this to the side.

There has also been a lack of pace on the wings while Walcott has been out injured. Denilson, Diaby or Ramsey have been deployed on the wings, none of them are natural wingers and none have blistering pace. Eboue has at times filled in well, but is obviuosly lacking in confidence at the moment.

Arshavin would be a good signing for Arsenal, but is he really worth the prices being banded about?

Would it not be better to spend the money on a defensive midfielder or a centre-back?

What do you think?

Arsenal 3-1 Plymouth, Saturday 3 January 2009

Arsenal kicked-off the new year in the same way that they ended 2008 with a home win in a less than convincing style, beating Championship side Plymouth Argyle 3-1.

Robin Van Persie, captain for the day in the absence of Cesc Fabregas and Manuel Almunia, proved to be the hero with two goals.

Van Persie stuck just after half-time as Samir Nasri floated in a corner, and all the unmarked Dutchman had to do was to head past Roman Larrieu in the Pilgrims' goal. An own goal by David Gray three minutes later and then another Van Persie strike with six minutes left completed the scoring for the hosts. Plymouth had pulled a goal back through Karl Duguid to make it 2-1 after some good work by Gray.

There was a rather subdued start to the afternoon with Arsenal probing around the visitors in their usual unhurried style, with no openings appearing in the visitors' defence. The Plymouth players wanted to make their presence felt with a few strong challenges in the first few minutes.

Van Persie had a double-effort saved by Larrieu and then up the other end Jamie Mackie had a shot blocked. Aaron Ramsey sped through the defence and set up Emmanuel Eboue who's shot was saved by Larrieu.

Arsenal were dominating but Plymouth looked dangerous from set pieces and also on the break capitalising on a few loose passes from Arsenal's midfield.

Mikael Silvestre, who had replaced Gael Clichy for this game at left-back, was himself replaced after 30 minutes with Kieron Gibbs coming on in his place, while William Gallas rushed down the tunnel with a head injury but re-appeared a few minutes later.

Arsenal almost went into half-time one nil down when Paul Gallagher picked up a pass from Eboue and tried to chip Lukasz Fabianski in goal, but the Polish 'keeper tipped the cheeky lob over the bar.

The Arsenal faithful had been quiet for much of the first half, but less than three minutes after the restart Van Persie had them singing. Samir Nasri played a delightful corner into the danger area and Van Persie arrived unmarked to power a header past Larrieu. Suddenly the Gunners sprung into life and five minutes later made it two-nil, Van Persie turned inside the box and crossed towards the onrushing Niklas Bendtner, but Gray beat him to the ball and put it into his own net. The 9,000 Plymouth fans must have been fearing the worst, Arsenal had upped the pace and were playing with some of their usual vigour.

It was the visitors who scored the next goal, however, Gray collected the ball from a corner and ran down the right-hand side of Arsenal's box, he crossed and Duguid arrived late to slide the ball past Fabianski, the Plymouth fans seemed to enjoy this moment and went delirious, hoping for an upset.

It wasn't to be however, despite a few scares Arsenal continued to dominate, and as the game went on, exploited the ever-growing spaces in the Plymouth defence. Samir Nasri continued to be a thorn in the side of the visitors and on 84 minutes he chipped a ball through to Van Persie, who lobbed the onrushing Larrieu who got a hand to it, but Van Persie was on hand to coolly slot in off the bar.

The impressive Kieron Gibbs and Carlos Vela continued to rattle the home defence down the left-hand side and the some neat link up play let Gallas in, but he couldn't slot past his former French Army colleague Larrieu.

It ended 3-1 and both sets of fans couldn't be disappointed as they left the Emirates, Plymouth had put up a good fight but had been in the trenches too long and in the end the pressure paid and the Gunners artillery was just too strong.