Arsenal vs. Celtic Second Leg: Fabregas out, expect rotation – Ramsey?

On August 26, 2009September 4, 2010 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Champions League, Injuries4 Comments

Fabregas is out for the CL Second Leg Qualifier tonight against Celtic with a hamstring problem. The injury is not serious according to Wenger though.

Fabregas was taken off at half time against Portsmouth, and went for a scan afterwards which showed that the muscle was not strained. I expect he will be back for the game at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, but if he needs more time then the club should allow him to recover.

Wenger said that he will be rotating the squad, as we saw in the Portsmouth game with several changes in defence and midfield. The players who need a rest will be rested but Wenger insisted that his selections will not be influenced by the Man Utd tie on Saturday.

“I will rest the players who need to rest. “Some players have played many, many games; if I feel they need to rest, I will do it. It is not as a result of that game [against Manchester United on Saturday], it’s just if you have a player tired, you play the player who is fresh. I will play the team who I think is most efficient to win the game considering the level of some players.”

Expect a 4-3-3 formation yet again, with Ramsey stepping up to replace Fabregas. He already has the passing quality to fit into the first team, and his goal on Saturday was well taken. What Ramsey lacks is experience so tonight will be a big test if he gets the chance.

Wenger knows that we will have to be on our game tonight, Celtic have spirit, but their awful European away record, and our 2 – 0 lead away from home definitely give Arsenal the advantage.

“I thought Celtic did well in Moscow, it makes us more on alert, we know they had a very good away performance. To be strong at the Emirates is vital for our season. Any time you show weakness at home can have consequences for the game and also your season.”

Highlights on Arsespeak after the game!

4-3-3 is the way forward, plus another Gooner signs for Citeh

On August 24, 2009September 4, 2010 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Injuries, Transfers4 Comments

The aftermath of the first home game of the season seems to be positive. A 4-1 victory over Portsmouth highlighted the flexibility of the 4-3-3 formation, which has brought us 12 goals in 3 games so far.

The goals are coming from all over the park which is good, as in the past we have suffered from a lack of goals from midfield. Our top scorers in all competitions are now Gallas – 3, Cesc – 2, and Diaby – 2. The strikers we have are proven goalscorers too, the likes of RvP and Eduardo for example.

Defence also seems strong, with new signing Vermaelen looking particuarly solid in the air and on the ground on Saturday.

The 4-3-3 formation looks solid, allowing midfielders to get forward, and the likes of Eduardo and Arshavin to be creative in attack.

Song, Cesc, Arshavin and Wenger all discussed the new system in the Portsmouth matchday programme, and emphasized the redefined roles they will play. They also pointed out that we can switch back to a 4-4-2 when needed.

I think the formation also suits our players, as we have many attack minded midfielders, and a fluid style of passing and movement. The new formation allows us to keep balance in the team, not too defensive, but not leaving the defence exposed either.

On the transfer front things are still pretty quite for Arsenal, but I expect we might see one more face come in the next week or so.

City have signed Silvinho from Barca, increasing their numbers of ex-Arsenal men. I don’t blame him for taking the opportunity, his playing days are nearing an end and he will most likely be on generous wages.

Joleon Lecott is also set to sign for City today, becoming the 3rd most expensive defender on record. I wouldn’t say he was worth £20m plus, but if they have the money then why not.

Thats all for today, should have more stories and a Celtic preview tomorrow. check out Untold Arsenal for a great review of Premier League club debt, makes interesting reading as always.

Is Arshavin the man to hand Arsenal European glory?

On August 18, 2009September 4, 2010 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal6 Comments

One of the most frustrating aspects of last season was Andrey Arshavin’s lack of involvement in the Champions League. Despite signing for Arsenal in January, the Russian was unable to take part in European games because of his involvement for Zenit St. Petersburg in the group stages of the Champions League.

This season though, Arshavin is available to help Arsenal’s European bid and Arsene Wenger believes this could be crucial to the team’s chances of success and just what they need to upset the odds. The Gunners boss says that the 28-year-old can ‘make the difference’ for Arsenal in Europe.

As we all know, Arshavin has been very impressive since joining the club with many predicting that the current campaign will be a hugely successful one for the former Zenit man. Can this conclude with Arshavin lifting the Champions League trophy though?

Well, much could be decided after tonight’s game with Celtic. Arshavin is set to start for Arsenal at Celtic Park in the first-leg of the Champions League qualifier, a game where many expect his quality to shine through.

Wenger himself admits that Arshavin ‘can turn up at any moment’ and make something significant happen. In fact, he could end up being one of the main differences between Arsenal and Celtic. The Scottish club don’t have anyone with Arshavin’s quality and Wenger knows it.

It seems as though Celtic manager Tony Mowbray knows it as well. The Bhoys boss describes Arshavin as a ‘typical Arsenal footballer’ who is ‘very gifted, bright and intelligent’. Mowbray went on to admit that he ‘sat in awe’ of the Russian while watching his four goals at Anfield last season.

Arsenal are by no means a one man team though and Wenger was keen to point this out. He finished by saying that the target is to ‘develop the team play and not focus too much on individuals’.

Regardless of this though, considering the views on both managers, it seems as though all eyes will be on Arshavin this evening as Arsenal head to Celtic Park.

By Thomas Rooney

Arsenal 5 – 0 Szombathelyi Haladas. Highlights and Eduardo Interview

On July 28, 2009September 4, 2010 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Highlights, Interviews4 Comments

First Half: Mannone Eboue Traore Toure Djourou Denilson Ramsey Song Wilshere Eduardo Bendtner

Second Half: Szczesny Sagna Silvestre Vermaelen Gallas Senderos Ramsey Van Persie Wilshere Eduardo Arshavin

Thanks to the brilliant Arsenalist for the highlights.

Arsenal won 5-0 yesterday against the Hungarians Szombathelyi Haladas, with Bendtner and Eduardo grabbing two goals each and Van Persie finishing up with a penalty.

The win was straightforward with good performances from Bendtner and Wilshere. It was interesting to see Traore playing, he is another quality left sided player.

The other interesting development is whether Toure will play a part in the next few games, as there are reports that he will sign for Man City by this weekend.

Eduardo gave an interview after the game where he seemed in high spirits, and denied that he has been injured in pre-season. It would be good to see him come into form this season and fulfil his potential now that Ade is gone.

All in all looking at the line-up it seems our team is stronger than we think, seeing as top quality players such as Cesc, Rosicky, Walcott, Clichy, Nasri and Almunia did not play. Even if Toure is leaving there is still quality in the squad which can come to the fore. This season has to be the one where our young talent matures.

Was Man City Adebayor’s first choice? Loyalties exposed by Sir Alex

On July 26, 2009September 4, 2010 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Transfers14 Comments

Player loyalty is a quality which is not always apparent in football today. The case of Emmanuel Adebayor, one good season, hold the club to ransom, and then leave whilst blaming the manager and fans is a brilliant example of what fans don’t want to see.

According to Fergie who has been sniping at City for the last few weeks, Adebayor stooped even lower while in negotiations with Man City; trying to get offers from Man Utd and Chelsea.

“At the last minute, from what I can gather, either Emmanuel Adebayor or his agent phoned us after they had agreed a deal with City and then did the same with Chelsea. He was desperate to get to either Chelsea or us.”

“When someone offers you that kind of money, it’s a big attraction to people nowadays. That is the reason they have gone there.”

If this is true it shows you the lack of loyalty Ade has for any club. Man City offered a lot of cash so he went, no more reason than that. I’m sure he would have much rather joined a club which will be playing European football next season. Personally I think £25 million is a great price for him, as long as the money is reinvested in the team.

The fact is that we have several very good forwards at Arsenal, the best of which is Robin Van Persie, if he can stay fit, then he has plenty of options to partner him, Bendtner, Arshavin, Eduardo being first in line. Adebayor wasn’t our best striker, his departure should benefit the club. Ferguson’s comments have only exposed him for what he is.

Martin Keown and Steve Bould – Where are they now: Part 3

On June 19, 2009September 23, 2012 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal2 Comments

We have come to the last part of our ‘Where are they now’ feature and today we will be focusing on two of Arsenal’s greatest ever central defenders Martin Keown and Steve Bould. What did they achieve at Arsenal? What type of players were they? What have they done since leaving? What does the future hold for them?

It is fair to say that Keown was one of the most solid centre backs of his generation. Often taking the ‘no-nonsense’ approach, Keown would use his pace and tremendously powerful tackling to be a thorn in the side of every attacking player in the country.

The former England international signed off his Arsenal career in style as well as his last season was the ‘invincible’ campaign when he and his team went unbeaten throughout their 46 Premier League games. It was a fitting end to a tremendous career where Keown won six major honours.

As for what he is up to now, well we occasionally see him working as a pundit on BBC Sport. Often alongside Lee Dixon on MOTD2, Keown offers his views on all things football and normally talks a great deal of sense.

There is the possibility that Keown will move into coaching eventually, but after he reportedly turned down the chance to join Tony Adams at Portsmouth, it seems that he is happy on the BBC Sport sofa for now.

As for Steve Bould, the one time Stoke City defender was an integral part of the ‘famous four’ that helped George Graham’s Arsenal keep so many clean sheets in their time. Bould’s excellent defensive ability and cool head helped him make over 300 appearances for Arsenal, winning seven major honours along the way.

The final of these was the FA Cup in 1998 when Arsene Wenger’s men completed the double. Age wasn’t on Bould’s side at this point, but he still played his part. In fact, his chip that set Tony Adams on his way during the victory that secured the Premier League title will be remembered forever by Arsenal fans.

After leaving the club, Bould had a brief spell at Sunderland where he was made club captain by Peter Reid. He helped the Black Cats finish 7th in the Premier League before injury forced him to retire from the game.

These days though, he is back where he belongs, with the Arsenal. Bould returned to the club in 2001 in a coaching role and is now the coach for the Youth Team. In this role, his reputation as a coach has grown rapidly and there is a distinct possibility he could become a manager himself one day.

This completes the look at David Seaman, Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn, Tony Adams, Martin Keown and Steve Bould. All of these players made a huge impact at Arsenal and it seems a safe bet that they will remain part of the club for years to come.

By Thomas Rooney

Tony Adams: Where is he now? Part Two

On June 15, 2009September 23, 2012 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal2 Comments

On Monday, I cast an eye over the careers of David Seaman, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon with a brief look at what they have been up to since retiring from football. Today, it is the turn of Tony Adams. I am giving him an article on his own, simply because of how busy he has been since leaving Arsenal!

What type of player was he? What did he achieve at Arsenal? What have he decide to do with himself after pulling on an Arsenal shirt for the last time?

Often referred to Mr Arsenal, Adams is one of the best defenders to have ever played for the club. He is also one of the best captains ever to have led the team. The term ‘rock at the heart of the defence’ was only used when people saw Adams play for Arsenal. He made 669 appearances for the club over 18 years and won 10 major trophies along the way. Absolute legend.

Since retiring from football, Adams has tried his hand a few times at management. After studying a degree in Sports Science, he became manager of Wycombe Wanderers in 2003. He only lasted a year in this position though and was forced to add a relegation to his managerial CV.

The former Gunners captain’s next move was to take a trainee coaching role at Feyenoord before becoming Harry Redknapp’s Number Two at Portsmouth.

In this role, Adams enjoyed his most successful period since retiring from playing. Pompey finished 9th in the Premier League and went on to win the FA Cup. When Redknapp left for Tottenham though, Adams became manager and things didn’t go well. He lasted a little over three months before being sacked.

Since this happened, he has made the occasional TV appearance and bizarrely put his name forward for the Celtic job by saying that former Bhoys manager Wim Jansen was going to join him in a role at the club. This was described as ‘complete garbage’ by Celtic, to leave everyone wondering where Adams was getting his information from.

Overall, things have been a bit stop – start for Adams since his playing days. He is obviously keen to become a successful manager and I hope he does one day. What he needs is a bit of consistency. He needs to be at the same club for at least a couple of years to show everyone what he can do.

What did you think of Adams as a player? Can he reach anywhere near these heights as a manager? Or should he stick to doing some scouting for Arsenal to avoid more managerial embarrassment? Next time, Martin Keown and Steve Bould.

By Thomas Rooney

Gibbs’ Goals for England U21 Video + Vermaelen and Dzeko

On June 9, 2009January 12, 2011 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Highlights, Transfers6 Comments

Kieran Gibbs put on a lovely performance last night for England U-21s in their friendly against Azerbaijan, and was in a class of his own. He took two goals, and you can see them in the videos below. Good stuff from the young guy, cue newspaper articles on Arsenal’s ‘production line’ of quality left backs..

A friendly against Azerbaijan isn’t much to go by, but I think we all know that Gibbs is quality, and the more experience he gets the better he will get. I’m not expecting too much next season from him though, Wenger won’t be putting undue pressure on him.

In other news it looks like we may have signed Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen. The rumours surrounding the story have been growing, and now the Guardian are reporting that we are going to spend around £10 mill on the 23 year old.

We’ve needed a new central defender for some time, and I think everyone knew that Silvestre’s signing last season was not the answer. I think that defence is the key for a successful title challenge next season, lets just hope that if he does come in that Vermaelen can do the job.

Meanwhile it looks like Milan are going to snap up Dzeko, the striker linked with us, and Senderos apparently wants to stay at AC too. If we get some cash from him then it should go straight into reinvesting in another defender.

“As far as I am concerned I would like to stay in Milan because I do not think that there is a place for me at Arsenal.”

If Senderos stays at Arsenal it wouldn’t be a bad thing, but I think we should look for someone of higher quality.

The Famous Back Four: Arsenal’s defence – Where are they now?

On June 8, 2009September 23, 2012 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal7 Comments

The close season is a time to take a look into the history books and reflect on what Arsenal have achieved. This doesn’t mean that we are going to take a look at the most recent season though. I think the ‘two players short of challenging again’ and the ‘injuries hurt us’ arguments have been done enough on the blogosphere.

What I want to do today is go back some years and take a look at arguably the best back five that ever graced Arsenal football club. Let’s remind ourselves of David Seaman, Nigel Winterburn, Lee Dixon, Tony Adams and Martin Keown. What did they achieve? Where are they now?

David Seaman – After signing from QPR in 1990, Seaman went on to become a true Arsenal legend. He may have had his moments along the way (Nayim and Ronaldinho!), but there is no hiding from the fact that he won 8 major trophies with the club and made over 500 appearances along the way.

These days, he isn’t up to a great deal. There is the odd television appearance where he is interviewed about Arsenal and England matters, but other than that he appears to be keeping himself to himself and enjoying family life.

Nigel Winterburn – Arsenal have had many excellent left backs in their history, but Winterburn has to go down as one of the best. He served the club for 13 years with great success, winning 7 trophies along the way. His tackling ability, aggression and energy was superb during his time at the club and it is a shame he only won a couple of England caps.

As for what he is up to now, well he still works in a broadcasting capacity for the club. In fact, he is regularly on our TV screens giving his opinion on all things football. He did have a brief coaching spell with Blackburn last year, but when Sam Allardyce took over, he was asked to move on. Overall, it seems likely that he will pursue the pundit’s path rather than the coaching one.

Lee Dixon – This right back made an incredible 619 appearances for Arsenal over a 15-year period that made him one of the most respected defenders in the game. His consistency, loyalty and defensive ability ensured that he was a favourite with the Arsenal faithful. He was also
threatening on the break though and managed to net 28 times during his career at the club. Dixon won eight trophies with Arsenal, the last of
which was the league title in 2002 just before his retirement.

In terms of life after football, he has been very busy indeed. As well as playing golf regularly, he has pursued a number of business interests, including one with TV Chef Heston Blumenthal. Elsewhere, he is a regular as a pundit on Score, Match of the Day and Football Focus. His analysis of games can often be seen on the BBC Sport website as well. Overall, it is fair to say that he is doing OK for himself since retiring from football!

So, that’s it for this article. On Friday, I will be taking a look at Tony Adams and Martin Keown. I might even glance an eye over what Steve Bould is up to these days.

Until then, what do you make of what these players have done with themselves since leaving Arsenal? Which of them was your favourite player at the time?

By Thomas Rooney

New Arsenal Away Kit 09/10 – Good or bad?

On June 1, 2009January 14, 2011 By jamesgillespIn Arsenal37 Comments

A few weeks ago we got the official released pictures of the Arsenal away kit for 09/10 season. Personally I think it is pretty average. It is disappointing that they went for a blue away kit, I generally prefer, like most Arsenal fans to be in Yellow.

I was excited to see the rumours of a green away kit going round, but now I see that Nike opted for the boring blue pin-stripes.

I don’t buy new shirts often, generally I stick to my old home top or the famous bruised banana away kit from the Nineties, and I see even less reason to fork out £40 for this kit.

Surely the club saw how popular this season’s away kit was. I know that they have to vary the colour a bit, but how many people do you see wearing the yellow away kits of the past versus the blue ones? It would be interesting to see their sales figures.

Secondly the kit itself is pretty boring. If you ask me the design is mediocre, and I would have preferred something a little more streamlined.