Category: FA Cup

Phil Brown is talking rubbish – listen to his radio interview today

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup19 Comments

The BBC interviewed Phil Brown today, and he sounded rather sheepish about the furore Hull have caused. Click here to listen to the interview. There are no witnesses to the alledged Fabregas spitting incident. He is now bringing up superfluous facts about Fabregas wearing inappropriate clothing. He can’t even remember what he said last night, he sounds very uncomfortable during the interview.

Another one of his claims, that Wenger has never shaken his hand after games this season is also clearly untrue. See the photos below for proof of Wenger shaking his hand after the 2-1 defeat in the league in September. Also click here for the Eurosport photo.

He is quoted:

“He wouldn’t shake my hand when we beat them fairly 2-1 at the Emirates, he wouldn’t shake my hand when they beat us, fairly, 3-1 at the KC Stadium.”

Arsenal.com have posted Wenger’s reaction here, you can listen to his response on the BBC today. Wenger has a perfectly reasonable explanation for not shaking hands, and the spitting allegations seem to be out of the blue totally. Fabregas vehemently denies them.

This is Brown’s post match press conference:

One word is going through my head – bull***t. This is another Sam Allardyce in the making. Phil obviously learned a lot during his time with ‘Big Sam’.

The FA have now written to Hull to ask them what exactly is going on. This all seems very strange. To be honest Phil Brown sounds like he is suffering from the pressure he is under at the moment.

I think we need to know the truth, these allegations are just Hull’s bitterness towards us for winning. Look at the evidence Phil, it just isn’t there, and you sound like a very, very sore loser.

Arsenal 2 – 1 Hull City Highlights. Bitter Brown’s spitting controversy

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup5 Comments

Arsenal 2 – 1 Hull City: Barmby 13, Van Persie 74, Gallas 84. Highlights here.

Morning all! Last night provided a satisfying win in controversial fashion. Hull’s early lead, through a lucky Barmby goal, was cancelled out by typically late Arsenal goals, from RVP and Gallas. Arshavin was the all-important factor again in this win; this was the sort of game we would have lost a few months ago.

A twisted Phil Brown had a bit of complaining afterwards which focused on three points:
1. He claims Gallas’ goal was offside, as Djourou headed it last – this is debatable.
2. He was unhappy that Wenger didn’t shake his hand
3. Most controversial of all – his assistant Horton, claims that Fabregas spat on him in the tunnel, and he is taking this to the FA.

Firstly the Gallas goal – it looked like it did come off the goalkeeper’s fist last, so Gallas probably wasn’t offside, but it may have come off Djourou. In either case it has been given, we were looking like scoring a second at some point, and luck, which we have lacked, finally came our way. So I can understand his frustration.

Wenger saw the goal afterwards on the Setanta interview and looked very awkward, the questions asked also focused on the fact he didn’t shake Brown’s hand – this was because Brown had gone off to the away fans and players at the final whistle, that is all.

The most crazy claim is the spitting accusation. Wenger told the post-match interview that this was the first he had heard of it. A very bitter Phil Brown said that Fabregas had spat at Horton:

“I was there and I witnessed it, he spat at my assistant manager down the tunnel, that’s their club captain. Hopefully he’s proud of himself. He spat at his feet.”

Fabregas has now put out an official statement on Arsenal.com.

“I categorically deny that I spat at anybody after the match. I have never done this in my whole career on the pitch, so why would I do it when I am not even playing?

“I can understand the frustration of losing a game to a dubious goal, that has happened to me many times in my career as well. But this is not the fault of me or any of the Arsenal players.”

I can believe Fabregas, I see no reason for him to spit, but we don’t know the whole story. It may be some sort of mix up, which has been misinterpreted. It would be in our best interest to get this sorted out as soon as possible. It would be very sad it if it has happened, but equally stupid if bitter Hull have fabricated this story.

Anyway a great result, with a good performance from Song yet again. I was happy with Walcott who looked dangerous at times too, even though his delivery wasn’t the best. Our best player by far was Arshavin, he created most moves, again showing his value, whilst Nasri and Bendtner showed their class, coming on in the second half and changing the game.

Nasri is looking increasingly effective in the central role late on in games, while Bendtner can drop off into the hole, and Arshavin drift in the wide left area. Our attack looks very convincing even if we were poor in the first half, I think that was down to the suprising nature of Barmby’s deflected goal. The fact that we have so many players who can switch from attack to the flanks and midfield is very exciting. We have kept the momentum up with that win, and now we need a result at Newcastle on Saturday.

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Arsene, learn the lessons from this season. Trophies anyone?

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup, Injuries, Transfers11 Comments

Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Allardcye’s Blackburn this Saturday was impressive, it was like watching the Arsenal of old, and it was just what the club needed. Arshavin seems to have brought the team out of the mire, and I hope it stays that way!

This season has been tough, the hardest that Arsenal have experienced under Arsene Wenger. We have seen a lot of inconsistent form, and a small squad stretched to the bare bones through injury. Yet now it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The way the midfield of Walcott, Song, Denilson and Nasri/Arshavin performed on Saturday was fantastic. The goals were sublime, and Eboue capped it off for me! I know there will be setbacks ahead, but now the defence has tightened up and the team aren’t taking games for granted I think that we can salvage some pride from this season.

Arsenal are in the FA Cup and Champions League QFs and 4th in the League, with the top three still to play. We should relish that, because we are good enough to beat all three, and that gives us the chance to move higher up the table than we already are. As long as we can maintain form, which has been the struggle this season, then we will finish the season with some self-respect.

Next season we will hopefully start the season injury-free, and Wenger add one or two players to the squad. Our team is very good, but Wenger needs to learn the lesson of the last few years and add some depth. Hopefully younger players like Song and Denilson will have matured further and be playing top football this season, which they have begun to show glimpses of.

In any case I don’t want to get too carried away, it’s just nice to see the team play well and score some goals. The best realistic finish I can see is 4th place and the FA Cup in our trophy cabinet. I would settle for 4th though, and that will be a big enough challenge in itself.

Arsenal are in a position now to save themselves from UEFA Cup anonymity, and allow Wenger to begin to plan for next season. I just hope he learns the lessons from this year.

Here’s to a win against Hull tomorrow night and a Semi at Wembley!

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Arsenal 4 – 0 Cardiff Highlights. A great night, and the new Arsenal Nike advert

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup, Transfers

Arsenal 4 – 0 Cardiff City: Eduardo 20, Bendtner 34, Eduardo 60 pen, Van Persie 89. Goal highlights.

After a short hiatus Arsenal were back in form last night at the Emirates, against a poor Cardiff side. It was the first game in ages that I haven’t seen, I was travelling, but reports, highlights and the word on the street all point to it being a pleasurable game to watch.

I can’t say that much about the game obviously, you can find extended ITV highlights here though. I would like to congratulate Eduardo on a fantastic return game, two goals is a great start and it will lessen the pressure on him considerably, we won’t be waiting for his first goal after a lengthy injury spell!

Wenger on Eduardo:

“He had a good game for his first game back. When you have such a long time out, it’s difficult to be patient, to come in every day and see everyone else play. He had to deal with a lot of frustrations.

“I believe – as any striker – he can contribute and help us to win games. He has the perfect spirit, he is talented and is intelligent.”

Well said Mr. Wenger.

I don’t know when our game against Burnley in the 5th Round is scheduled, but hopefully we can get it out of the way as soon as possible, avoiding any fixture pile ups, what with the Champions League games coming up.

So a good night for Arsenal, bring on Sunderland this Saturday, and hopefully a glimpse of Arshavin!

Here’s the new Nike advert, Arsenal vs. Mancs. I think you will agree it is pretty good, but what happens next??

Wenger has his say on managerial departures as Arsenal finally prepare to host Cardiff

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup

This is a guest post by sports writer Thomas Rooney

It has been a very busy week in the Premier League with Tony Adams and Luiz Felipe Scolari both leaving their respective roles as manager of Portsmouth and Chelsea. Many have had their say on both decisions, but now it is the turn of Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal manager’s opinion is very significant for both men as he once managed Adams and Scolari was boss of one of Arsenal’s biggest rivals in the Premier League.

Also, it is interesting to see what Wenger – who has been at Arsenal for many years – makes of managers getting the chop after just a few months.

So, what does he make of it? Well, speaking about Adams, he says that the former Arsenal defender will make a good manager eventually and that his spell at Portsmouth was extremely unlucky.

Wenger said that he didn’t believe Adams was given the ‘needed time’ at Fratton Park and that it was a ‘big surprise’ to see him sacked after only 16 Premier League games. Overall, Wenger believes that a young manger has to be given time to show what they can do.

As for his views on Scolari and Chelsea, Wenger has questioned how ‘the atmosphere inside the club’ affected the decision to sack such a ‘well-known manager’ after just six months. The Arsenal boss then went onto admit that he believed the whole process to be a ‘massive surprise’.

Despite Scolari’s exit though, Wenger thinks that Guus Hiddink will do a good job at Stamford Bridge because he rates the Russian boss ‘very highly’.

Onto more relevant Arsenal matters, well there is no football for the Gunners this weekend. Instead, they will have to wait until Monday evening where they can finally take on Cardiff in the 4th round of the FA Cup.

The original game at the Emirates was postponed because of the weather, but now that it is finally time to play the match, Arsenal will be determined to book their place to face Burnley in the next round.

As we all know, Arsenal are without a trophy for a while now and if they are to achieve one this season, the FA Cup is probably their most realistic chance. It is a competition that Wenger’s men should put lots of effort into because they have the ability to go all the way.

In terms of team news, well Monday night should be the first chance for Arsenal fans to see long-term injury victim Eduardo make his first-team return.

Overall, it could be a very special night at the Emirates, but this would only be the case if victory was achieved so that the aim of winning a trophy come May is still a very realistic one.

Cardiff City 0 – 0 Arsenal Highlights: Replay at the Emirates

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup, Video

FA Cup 4th Rnd. Cardiff City 0 – 0 Arsenal: Highlights here

Arsenal went to Ninian Park with a reasonably strong line up yesterday and came away with a draw from a match that we could have won.

I missed the first 20 minutes, but it seemed to be a reasonably even first half. Cardiff spurred on by their fans at Ninian Park, and trying their best to close Arsenal down. They had some good chances but I don’t think they ever looked like winning.

After half time Arsenal came out with renewed vigour and we dominated possession and chances as Cardiff tired.

There were good performances from Gibbs and Song, but Ramsey looked off colour on his return to his old club.

In the end after having many good chances to score the game ended 0-0. Bendtner, RVP and Adebayor all had good opportunities, and I thought we were good going forward, it’s just a pity we couldn’t finish Cardiff off.

Wenger said after the game:

“We could do without the replay, 100%, but let’s not complain because we play football.

“It’s one more game to play. If that’s the price we have to pay to stay in the hat, we’re happy to do it.

“We are short at the moment and cannot rotate much. I could rest a few players in this game but not as many as I had wanted.”

Hopefully we can do the job on 3rd Feb at home now.

Jay Simpson scores for West Brom: Loan Update

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Carling Cup, FA Cup, Video14 Comments

Jay Simpson scored West Brom’s first goal last night against Peterborough in the FA Cup 3rd Round replay, which helped them to a 2 – 0 win.

He scored on 17 minutes,and was was replaced by Craig Beattie in the 71st minute, but great to see him get his first Baggies goal.
Jay has got me quite excited this season, his goal in the Carling Cup against Wigan was sublime, and the experience he will get with West Brom is invaluble. He is performing well for them and the more goals and games he gets the better!

Next season I think he could be challenging for a place in the Arsenal first team.

What are your opinions?

Update: Watch the highlights here, at ITV. (Thanks to Dosboss for the link)

Transfer Rumours: Eboue, Yaya, plus Adebayor gives Gallas his backing

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup, Transfers2 Comments

Inter Milan have been linked with a bid for Emmanuel Eboue, this is a transfer rumour many of you won’t have been expecting! It seems pretty unfounded – we don’t need to sell players during this window, our squad is threadbare enough already.

The same goes for the rumour that Barca are bidding £45 million for Cesc and Van Persie this summer. Fabregas will be linked with Barcelona as long as he is at Arsenal. The club cannot realistically sell him or RVP and this is just another tactic to unsettle him. If we don’t finish 4th this season things could look rather different though.

Yaya Toure’s agent has told the press that he is going nowhere:

‘Toure is happy at Barca, currently the best team in Europe and he has no intention of moving,’

I wouldn’t disagree with him, if anything it is more likely that Man City will sign him. If Arsenal do sign a holding midfielder then I doubt he will be such a big name.

Adebayor has backed Gallas’ comments earlier this season about our form:

“Gallas has always been like that – he has experience, he has won titles, played in a World Cup final. He doesn’t throw these thoughts around lightly. He said something because it was necessary to do it. “He is indispensable to the team. He is Arsenal’s rock – his behaviour since the armband was taken off him proves that.”

Update: Gallas is now out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury, as well as Silvestre, so Toure will get his chance.

Ade went on to explain our recent form:

“At the moment, when we take the lead, we are scared. We tremble until the final whistle because the team is young and we have conceded several goals in the last few minutes of matches.

I think he is right there, but with results will come confidence. We have looked shaky after taking leads in games, and this is a problem that began last season, at the beginning of 2008 when we lost our lead at the top of the table. If we can regain our confidence we can definitely perform better in the second half of this season.

With injured players like Walcott, Eddy and maybe ??Rosicky?? returning in the next few weeks we should be able to maintain some consistency. As long as we get 4th place this season I’ll be happy, but serious investment is needed for next season.

Ahead of the Cardiff City 4th Round tie Arsenal have been allocated 4000 seats at Ninian Park.

Arsenal 3 – 1 Plymouth Highlights. Cardiff next in the FA Cup & Walcott’s contract frustration

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup, Video4 Comments

Arsenal 3 -1 Plymouth: Van Persie 47, Gray 50 og, Duguid 53, Van Persie 85. Highlights here.

Arsenal put themselves through to a 4th Round tie at Ninian Park in the FA Cup after a 3 – 1 victory over Plymouth.

The first half was all Arsenal, but to little effect. We had few shots on goal and the possesion we had didn’t have an impact. It was good to see Ramsey play, I thought he had a good game, Gunnerblog has a few points about him here.

The second half started with a bang, two Arsenal goals, RVP got the first from a corner and then a Gray own goal just minutes later.

Plymouth came back with a goal and their 8,500 fans went mental. It was quite refreshing to see some more enthusiatic support in the Emirates this season. The sombreros went flying through the air to shouts of ole! when Vela came on, and to good effect.

Our third goal was deserved, RVP attempted a lob, the keeper deflected it, and RVP went round him to put the ball in off the underside of the bar.

In other news, all is quiet on the transfer front, but Walcott’s agent claims Theo is frustrated that Arsenal have not continued contract talks started in November. He still has 18 months remaining, but it would be sad to lose another player on a free.

Arsenal’s FA Cup Campaign Starts Today & Wenger has located a player!

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, FA Cup, Transfers

Forget the League today. It doesn’t matter how your team is playing in the Cup anything can happen. The FA Cup is a very realistic chance for us to get a trophy this season, and I would take it right now.

Plymouth aren’t playing great, they’re 15th and have only won 1 game in the last 8, but they’ve got 8,500 fans at the Emirates today, and they’ll be up for the occasion. Still, I think most people won’t be expecting any upsets today.

I think Wenger should really go for the FA Cup this season, it is still a prestigious trophy and there’s no way we are winning the League!

Wenger has also been talking about potential transfer targets, he isn’t giving anything away, but he says we have at least ‘located’ some players!

“First of all you have to find the player, identify him, convince him to come here and at the moment that is not easy. We have located a few though.”

The highlights will be up after the game!

Update: Highlights post here