Arsenal v Aston Villa Preview: No More Slip-ups, Warns Andrei Arshavin

It is almost a month since Arsenal lost 3-0 at home to Chelsea. Two goals from Didier Drogba either side of a Thomas Vermaelen own-goal sparked the general consensus their title aspirations were over.
However, as we go into the Christmas period, Arsenal sit just six points behind league leaders Chelsea, and still have a game in hand. So they are still in with a chance of landing the title.

Merry Christmas – bring on Villa

Very quick one tonight, as it has gone midnight (hence the Christmas message), and having spent the whole evening doing the parental thing of trying to work out how kids toys fit together, I’m spent.
It has been a big year for the blog, and I’d like to extend a sincere thanks to everyone who reads, comments, emails or just passes a quick glance this way. It has been much appreciated, and I hope you enjoy some of what you see.
2010 should be another interesting year for the blog, I have a whole bunch of new ideas up my sleeve, most notably a podcast which will start early in the new year. I’ll touch on that more after the festive season is done.
Until then, have a great Christmas break, enjoy the Villa game, eat, drink and be Arsenal.
Take care, and I’ll see you on the other side.

AW: No trophies but my best years as boss

None of us need reminding of the silverware drought at the Emirates over the past four years. But reminded we are this morning in today's Sun as AW claims the trophyless years at Arsenal have been his best as a boss.
The paper says the Frenchman insists moving to a new stadium and keeping the team challenging at the top on a budget has given him more satisfaction than winning trophies.

Cesc Fabregas says Andrey Arshavin can make a difference in the side

Russian midfielder Andrey Arshavin has become a pivotal element in Arsenal’s side and captain Cesc Fabregas confirmed that the 28-year old can indeed make a difference, even when things are not going according to plan for the Gunners.

Fabregas upset by injury

Cesc Fabregas has spoken of his disappointment at going off injured in the Burnley game.

The Arsenal captain scored a well-taken goal early in the game, and his side seemed to lose their way after he hobbled off late in the first half.

Abou Diaby ready to replace Alex Song, “I have done it before”

Arsenal will lose Alex Song when the Cameroon International leaves for the African Nations Cup and one man who could replace the 22-year old is Abou Diaby.

Arsene Wenger confirms he could sign cup-tied striker this January

During a webchat session with Arsenal TV Online, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger spoke about his plans ahead of the next transfer market. In particular, when asked if he would be willing to sign a striker who could not play in Europe, the Frenchman replied:

Samir Nasri escapes punishment but Arsenal and Hull City may be charged for fracas

Samir Nasri has escaped further disciplinary action for his part in the 21-man fracas that erupted between Arsenal and Hull City on Saturday, but both clubs are still facing the prospect of a Football Association charge for failing to control their players.

Ban For Nasri?

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Samir Nasri could be handed a three-game suspension for his stamp on Hull’s Richard Garica.
It appears that referee Steve Bennett did not see the incident, which means the FA will go to the dreaded “video evidence”. If Nasri is charged with violent conduct, he could be rubbed out for the Gunners’ holiday fixtures against Aston Villa, Portsmouth and West Ham United.

Arsenal V Hull Preview

I think Arsenal are doing their “usual thing” again. They’re just flattering to deceive, dropping points when least expected, and it’s causing them to drift away further from the title race bit by bit. Last midweek’s draw at Burnley was an example of unnecessarily dropped 2 points after they had seemingly switched on all gears, managing to conquer Liverpool at Anfield in the weekend.

Wenger keen for Wilshere loan

Manager Arsène Wenger says that he is keen for midfielder Jack Wilshere to go on-loan to a Premiership side, and Burnley look to be the favourites.

However any loan would be agreed on the condition that the teenage star actually gets to play regularly.

Man City want Wenger or Hiddink to replace Mark Hughes

After Manchester City were beaten by Tottenham on Wednesday, the rumours are flying about again that Mark Hughes is not the right man to keep his star-studded dressing room in check. The fantastic win against League leaders Chelsea only served to emphasise the inconsistency at the club, as that is their only win in the last eight league matches.

Fabregas boost for Gunners

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Cesc Fabregas' hamstring injury will not sideline him for a lengthy period.

Fabregas picked up the injury in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Burnley in midweek and was forced to limp off at Turf Moor.

Fabregas set for swift return

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is awaiting scan results on Cesc Fabregas' hamstring injury but is optimistic the problem is "not long term".
Fabregas limped off before the break during the draw with Burnley in a match that left Wenger fuming at the fixture compilers and the Premier League defending their schedule.

Arsene Wenger’s new injury update on Cesc Fabregas, Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger provided his first injury update ahead of next Saturday’s game at the Emirates against Hull City. Speaking on Cesc Fabregas, the Frenchman declared that it’s too early to understand how serious the injury is but provided the good news that it is not a long term injury.

Wenger – Arsenal were jaded and Burnley gave everything!

On a bad night for the Gunners, Burnley recovered from a goal down to take a point of Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger lost his captain Cesc Fabregas to a hamstring injury.
Wenger praised the home team for fighting for everything and playing like it was a cup match.
“The most difficult part was to start well and be 1-0 up.” said Wenger. ”

Chelsea could face points deduction after Arsenal protest!

It has been reported in Africa today that Arsenal are considering an official complaint about Michael Essien playing for Chelsea when he should have been on international duty with Ghana.
Essien played against Wolves (and scored twice in the 4-0 win) on November 21st, but under FIFA rules he was ineligible to play for them as he had refused to turn up for Ghana’s friendly game against Angola on the previous Wednesday.

Wenger – Liverpool played with fear in the second half!

The Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger feels that Liverpool outplayed his team in the first half, but after failing to kill the game off, some “fear” crept int their game, while Arsenal had nothing to lose!
“I believe first of all Liverpool played very well in that period and we played with a handbrake because of our fear.” Wenger said.

Liverpool 1 Arsenal 2: Andrei Arshavin Does it Again at Anfield

Arsenal took advantage of the slips by Chelsea and Manchester United to close the gap at the top of the Premier League by coming from behind against off-colour Liverpool, who lost for a sixth time in the league this season.

The hosts went in with a deserved lead at the break after Dirk Kuyt fired in from close range.

Liverpool vs Arsenal preview: Chelsea and ManUtd slip again, let’s take advantage! Plus favourite line-up

I never expected Everton to take something away from Stamford Bridge this afternoon, yet a side which improved so much since they played against us in the first game of the league managed to draw and help the cause of those chasing Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Wenger - Never say never with Sol

Arsene Wenger has revealed he would consider re-signing Sol Campbell if Arsenal lost one of their current centre-halves.

Campbell is currently training with his former club after leaving Notts County and is aiming to join a new team in January.

Bendtner blow for Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects to be without Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner until the new year.
The 21-year-old international had been recovering from a groin injury sustained in the 3-0 win over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on October 31.

Olympiacos 1 Arsenal 0

Olympiacos joined Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League with this uninspiring Group H win on home turf.

Leonardo brought the Athens crowd to life after a dull first half when he raced through from 40 yards out to beat Lukasz Fabianski with a low shot (47).

Carlos Vela squandered two chances to equalise and Fabianski saved well from Leonardo and Kostas Mitroglou before Aaron Ramsey went close at the death.

Young Gunners go down in Greece

Arsene Wenger's young Gunners put on a brave display but were defeated 1-0 by Olympiacos in their final Champions League Group H clash in Athens.

With safe passage to the last 16 already secured, Wenger chose to rest most of his first-team regulars - with 18-year-old left-back Tom Cruise handed a debut and reserve captain Kyle Bartley playing alongside Mikael Silvestre, 32, in central defence.

Wilshere 'would ponder' loan exit

Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere has admitted that he would be happy to join a Premier League club on loan, should the opportunity arise.

The 17-year-old continues to be a fringe player at Arsenal, with Arsene Wenger reluctant to rush his development.

Arshavin answers attacking problem

Arsene Wenger believes he may have stumbled upon the perfect to solution to Arsenal's injury problems up front after Andrey Arshavin starred in the Gunners' 2-0 Barclays Premier League win over Stoke.

The Russia international scored the opener and Aaron Ramsey added a second as Wenger's team climbed to third in the table.

Arsene Wenger’s injury update after Stoke on Eduardo, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott and more

It seems Arsenal cannot enjoy a win without any injury problems ruining it. Emmanuel Eboue, Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo all suffered injuries on Saturday and Arsene Wenger provided his update on this, together with news on Abou Diaby, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner.

Arsenal 2 Stoke 0

Arsene Wenger celebrated his 500th league game as Arsenal boss with a deserved victory at the Emirates.

Andrey Arshavin failed to capitalise on a one-on-one chance and mishit a shot when put through, while Cesc Fabregas had a penalty saved for the hosts.

Fabregas played in Arshavin for a great finish (26) and the Russian also hit the bar with a deflected shot, before Aaron Ramsey sealed the win (79).

Robin Van Persie Injury Update.

Arsene Wenger has received some welcome news on the injury front, with the Arsenal boss revealing Robin van Persie and Kieran Gibbs both had successful surgery.

Van Persie, 26, suffered an ankle injury while on international duty with Holland and will be out for around five months, but Wenger is relieved that there were no complications with his operation. Left-back Kieran Gibbs, who has gone under the knife for his fractured foot, also came through as well as could be hoped.

Senderos tipped to make Atletico move

Out-of-favour Arsenal defender Phillipe Senderos is hoping to bring an end to his troubles at the Gunners by securing a move elsewhere.
The Swiss defender was loaned out to Italian giants AC Milan last season after struggling to hold down first-team football at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger: Why I didn't shake hands

Manager Arsène Wenger has responded to the criticism levelled at him by the British press over his refusal to shake Manchester City manager Mark Hughes' hand.

The English press have literally condemned the Frenchman as being a sore loser, but Wenger says that even if his side had won the match, he would still have walked straight down the tunnel.

Fran Merida, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere included in 18-man squad for Manchester City game

Fran Merida is part of the 18-man squad for tonight’s Carling Cup game away at Manchester City. The Spaniard’s suspension will not start before December the 9th so the 19-year will have another chance to shine for the Gunners, just as he did at the Emirates against Liverpool.

Balotelli's Gunners link cools

Internazionale president Massimo Moratti has slammed reports suggesting that striker Mario Balotelli could leave the club in the January transfer window to join Arsenal.

The talented 19-year-old has struggled to hold down a starting spot at the San Siro this season, but Moratti insists that Balotelli has a big future with the club, as long as he impresses coach Jose Mourinho.

Arsenal to look for a striker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger accepts the loss of striker Robin van Persie means he will have to buy when the transfer window opens in January - but only at the right price.

The Gunners will be without their main creative attacking threat until at least April after the Holland forward suffered ankle ligament damage while on international duty which turned out to be worse than first thought.

Defeats disturb bitter Arshavin

 Russia international Andrey Arshavin is concerned that Arsenal always seem to lose the key matches.

The Gunners slumped to a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea on Sunday and have also lost to Manchester United and Manchester City this season.

Wenger: Young Guns must go for it

Arsene Wenger has challenged his latest generation of young Gunners to follow in Cesc Fabregas' footsteps by impressing in the Carling Cup
Despite the disappointment of Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Premier League leaders Chelsea, which left Arsenal some 11 points off the pace, Wenger will stick to his policy of giving youth a chance, conceding the Carling Cup is "not one of our priorities".

Manchester City vs Arsenal preview: It’s Adebayor, it’s away from home, it’s not easy, plus favourite line-up

Based on what we’ve been reading yesterday but also today, the Chelsea defeat will not be forgotten easily by Arsenal supporters and that’s understandable.
But, Chelsea is history. It doesn’t make sense to keep on asking questions about what went wrong on Sunday. As Tomas Rosicky, Bacary Sagna and Arsene Wenger said, the title race is not over and we have to look forward.

Sagna set to win fitness race

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that Bacary Sagna should be fit in time to face Stoke this weekend.

The French full-back sustained an ankle injury as the Gunners crashed to a 3-0 defeat against rivals Chelsea, but Wenger will be hoping to get him back in the side as soon as possible.

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "It is an ankle problem, but he should be OK for Saturday."

Arshavin unhappy with form

Andre Arshavin has admitted that he is unhappy with his performances for Arsenal this season.

The Russian has scored four goals for the Gunners in the current campaign but is determined to improve his game.
He told the Evening Standard: "It doesn't matter where I play, I don't think I've played that well. Only sometimes have I shown my full skills and I'm not sure why that is."

Rosicky keen on Gunners stay

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky is keen to sort out a new deal at Emirates Stadium.

The Czech Republic international's current contract expires at the end of the season and he could leave on a free transfer.

Talks are ongoing between both parties and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has expressed a desire to keep the 29-year-old schemer.

FA to investigate Emirates incident

The FA are to investigate the throwing of an object - believed to be a camera - on to the pitch during Chelsea's win at Arsenal on Sunday.
There was a brief stoppage in play midway through the first half at the Emirates Stadium when referee Andre Marriner removed the item, which came from a section of the home crowd, and appeared to be thrown towards Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.
The referee has mentioned the incident in his match report back to FA officials, who will now contact Arsenal for further information. 

Naïve Arsenal 0 – 3 Efficient Chelsea

I guess all of us are feeling different emotions like frustration, anger, dejection and even hopelessness. What else can you feel after such a performance!? It’s sad to see the team so out of depth and the fault lies entirely with the manager.
How can Arsene send out a team that plays right into the opposition’s hands? I don’t know whether it was a tactical disaster or sheer stupidity. For 90 minutes we played football that was right up their alley and if this game lasted another 900 minutes we wouldn’t have scored a goal.

Rosicky does not fear Blues

Tomas Rosicky has urged Arsenal to show more aggression in their Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

The Czech Republic midfielder believes the Gunners are the most gifted side in the division but admits they do have weaknesses.

They have struggled at times in the past when opponents have adopted a physical approach, with Sunderland battling hard for a surprise 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light last weekend.

Van Persie devastated by injury

Robin van Persie has admitted he is devastated by the ankle injury which may have ended his season.

Van Persie damaged his ligaments playing for Holland against Italy last month.

However, initial reports suggested six weeks at worst for the Dutch striker - who also went to Serbia for revolutionary placenta treatment, to try and speed up his recovery.

But further checks have now revealed that van Persie has ruptured his ligaments and now requires surgery.

Wenger questions Kakuta action

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Chelsea have got off lightly over the controversial signing of young Frenchman Gael Kakuta.

Chelsea were banned from signing players until January 2011 after Fifa found them guilty of inducing Kakuta to cancel his contract with Lens.

Fabregas not leaving

Captain Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his desire to stay at Arsenal.

Outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hinted a deal is already in place to sign Fabregas next summer, but the midfielder wants to stay in London.

He told the Daily Mail: "I am so happy here. And I want to continue to be part of what is happening here. Definitely. If not I would have left when I had the chance. I don't want to fail here."

Arsenal set to lose target Marouane Chamakh as he could leave Bordeaux in January

One of Arsenal’s summer targets, Marouane Chamakh, may end up joining a different side as he’s ready to move away from Bordeaux this January.

With Arsenal facing injury problems after the announcement that Robin van Persie will be ruled out for five months, manager Arsene Wenger may make a move for a new striker in January although in an interview published last week, he clearly said he will not move for the French-born Moroccan player who however believes a move in January would be beneficial for both the club and his career.

Arshavin not over loss

Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin is having trouble switching his attention to club matters after missing out on a place at the World Cup with Russia.

Russia saw their hopes of reaching South Africa crushed by Slovenia in the World Cup play-offs this month.

He told the Mirror: "When Arsene Wenger asked me what state I was in, I honestly told him that at the moment I just don't want to play football."

Thomas Vermaelen ahead of Chelsea, “If we lose though I still think we can win the league”

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen believes the Gunners will still be in the title race if they lose to Chelsea on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the game, the Belgian International declared the home advantage will definitely play an important role for Arsene Wenger’s side.
He said:

Gallas a doubt for Chelski clash

Gallas may or not play against Chelsea after his clash of heads with Andrey Arshavin in Tuesday's Champions League win over Standard Liege and the doubts over his fitness only serve to remind us that we are short of decent cover in central defence.

Drogba, Ballack, Lampard and Ashley Cole all fit to face Arsenal

Just last week it was assumed that Chelsea’s injury list meant that Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard would not be fit enough to face Arsenal in Sunday’s crunch match at the Emirates, but the news today is that all three of them, plus Michael Ballack, will all now be able to play.
Didier Drogba broke a rib against Man Utd and was expected to be out for another fortnight, but he was fit enough to play against Porto last night.
Michael Ballack was injured while on international duty with Germany but yesterday managed to play over an hour as well, and will be fully fit for Sunday.
Ashley Cole has had a miraculous recovery from his fractured tibia. He was left on the bench last night but having resumed full training is fully expected to start against the Gunners.
Frank Lampard is the latest to recover early after his injury with the England squad was expected to keep him out for another week or two at least, but Carlo Ancelotti now thinks he will be ready this week.
“He has trained for the last two days and will train again on Thursday. We hope he will be fit,” said Ancelotti.
Lampard is the latest in a long line of Premiership players that have benefited from the “miracle cure” of placenta being massaged into the damaged muscles.
He flew to Serbia last week to see the controversial doctor Marijana Kovacevic, and yet again she seems to have been successful.

Fran Merida to miss Man City game after straight red card last night

The Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida was given a straight red card in last nights Reserve League top-of-the-table clash with Aston Villa, and will now not be available for the Carling Cup clash against Man City.
Arsenal were 1-0 up through Sanchez Watt just past the half-hour mark, when Merida gave him a perfectly placed centre from a freekick 25 yards out, but within four minutes Arsenal were educed to ten men.

Arsenal's Champions League progression marred by injury worries

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left counting the cost of qualification for the Champions League knockout stages as full-back Kieran Gibbs suffered a fractured metatarsal in the 2-0 win over Standard Liège and centre-half William Gallas was left facing a race to be fit for Sunday's crunch showdown with Chelsea.

Kroenke edges closer to takeover

Kroenke's latest acquisition, at a cost of some £85,000, continues the trend of picking up stock at regular intervals, recently buying 100 from chairman Peter Hill-Wood, yet without making a formal bid for overall control at the Premier League club.
A statement to the PLUS Market, where Arsenal's parent holding company are listed, read: "On 20th November 2009, Arsenal Holdings plc (the "Company") received notification that on 19th November 2009 Stan Kroenke, a director of the Company, acquired 10 ordinary shares of £1.00 each in the Company at a price of £8,500 per share.

Arsenal v Liege preview

Arsenal can clinch their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League by avoiding defeat to Standard Liege at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners moved to the brink of qualification with an impressive 4-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar earlier this month and need just one more point from their remaining two games.

Arsene Wenger will want his men to finish the job against Liege and secure top spot with a win ahead of the trip to second-placed Olympiakos in a fortnight.

Wenger – The reasons Arsenal lost…

The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was not overly impressed with his players yesterday, and thinks that they had more than enough chances to beat Sunderland.
There were many reasons why Arsenal lost, according to Wenger.
1. Arsenal didn’t score!

Sunderland shock Arsenal

Arsenal crashed to their first defeat in two months as the Gunners fired blanks at the Stadium of Light.

The Londoners started the brighter of the two teams, but their final ball was missing and the hosts stood up to defend everything the away side threw at them.

Once again it was Darren Bent who popped up with the decisive strike to seal the victory.

There was a bit of luck about the strike which saw the Black Cats claim their second top-four scalp of the season on Wearside, and there wasn't a beach ball in sight.

Wenger no fan of placenta cure

Arsene Wenger may not agree with Robin van Persie's choice of treatment but he will not block his players from using alternative means to recover from injury.

The Arsenal striker travelled to Serbia for a radical treatment on his ankle ligament injury which involves massage with placenta.

Holland international Van Persie is expected to be sidelined for six weeks after sustaining what was first thought to be a season-ending injury in the recent international friendly with Italy.

Denilson, Traore and Vela are all fit for Sunderland game - Wenger

The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is relieved that Robin Van Persie and Kieran Gibbs will not be out of the team for as long as was first feared, and he can now take heart that there will be at least four players returning from injury for this weekends game against Sunderland.

Wenger boosted by duo's injury news

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger breathed something of a sigh of relief after learning the damage to Robin van Persie and Kieran Gibbs during the international break was not as severe as first feared.

The loss of Holland striker Van Persie for at least six weeks with ankle ligament damage is a major blow, while Gibbs looks set to be back in action for the visit of Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea at the end of the month

Bruce - Wenger a genius

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has praised Arsene Wenger and labelled him a 'genius'.

The Black Cats take on Wenger's Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and will be hoping to continue their excellent home form, but will be up against a Gunners outfit who have been deadly in front of goal so far this season.

Bruce revealed that he gets on extremely well with Wenger, and said the French tactician was one of the all-time great managers.

"I get on well with Arsene and, of all the managers, he's probably helped me the most," he told the Sunderland Echo.

Chiellini denies van Persie intent

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini insists he did not deliberately intend to hurt Holland forward Robin van Persie in the friendly on Saturday.
Arsenal striker van Persie is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering torn ankle ligaments in a challenge with Chiellini during Italy's goalless draw with Holland last weekend.

My dream is to win titles with Arsenal - Fabregas

Captain Francesc Fabregas has once again quashed speculation about his future by stating that he has a responsibility to his club and that his dream is to win titles with Arsenal.

The 22-year-old also told Spanish radio station Onda Cero that he was happy in London and that the season was shaping up nicely.

Arsenal are currently second in the league with a game in hand and 5 points behind leaders Chelsea, who they play later this month.

Kieran Gibbs injury gives Wenger more problems

More bad news has arrived for Arsenal from the international break as Kieran Gibbs limped off the field during the England U21 match against Lithuania.
Gibbs was only on the field for 20 minutes before he was taken off with a suspected broken foot.
It was deemed bad enough for him to have left the stadium on crutches after the game, and Arsene Wenger will be waiting anxiously for the results of todays x-rays to find out bad it is.
A dreaded metatarsal is the expected prognosis, and as Wenger already has Gael Clichy out for the next three weeks with his back problem, Wenger must be cursing the November injury jinx.
But at what cost to Gibbs? He was looking forward to an extended run in the Arsenal first team in Clichys absence, and with a good run was hoping to play himself into contention for a World Cup place with the England senior side, but if he doesn’t return to fitness until after Clichy, he may find that his main chance has gone out the window.

Gunners on target

Former Arsenal midfielder Stuart Robson claims Arsene Wenger has finally rediscovered the magic formula that proved so invincible during the Bergkamp and Henry era of the club.

Arsenal have been in majestic form this season, losing only twice on their way to scoring a record 36 league goals at this stage of the season.

Signs are suggesting Wenger may finally have formed a team capable of ending The Gunners' five-year wait for silverware, and with Chelsea on the horizon Robson warned The Blues to be prepared for a much more direct Arsenal side.

Revenge! Arsenal to poach Barcelona starlet

It is time for Arsenal to get revenge on Barcelona for their incessant tapping up of Cesc Fabregas! Yesterday we had another statement from a Barcelona player (Xavi) saying they couldn’t wait for Cesc to move to the Spanish giants, and today the Sun reports that Arsenal are chasing the “new Messi” from the Barcelona “B” team.

Arsenal to snap up Palace starlet in January – for just £1m!

 Crystal Palace are suffering from big financial problems lately and have come close to being put into administration this season, so their chairman Simon Jordan is willing to let Arsenal have the England U19 star Victor Moses at a cut-price £1m this January.
Today’s Daily Star says that Arsene Wenger tried to buy Moses in the summer, but Jordan was holding out for a massive £5m for the winger, which Wenger refused to pay as he is unprove at Premiership level.

November niggle no issue - Wenger

Arsene Wenger hopes Arsenal will put their traditional November niggle behind them as they look to catch Chelsea at the top of the league.
The second-placed Gunners are five points behind the Blues at the summit with a game in hand and face their London rivals at the end of this month.
But Wenger is acutely aware November has been a frustrating time during his tenure, which began in September 1996.

Wenger states he is no fan of rotation

Arsene Wenger as gone some way to explain his rotation policy and in fact has stated that it is not something that he favours.
Wenger is reknowned for rotating through different competitions but sees the importance of keeping stability when it counts.

“At the moment, I am not tempted to rotate [my centre backs].

Gibbs admits World Cup dream

Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs believes he can win a place in England's World Cup squad.

Gibbs, who has been named in the England Under 21 squad for this weekend's game with Portugal, has been tipped to break into Fabio Capello's squad by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Capello has confirmed his admiration for Gibbs and the 20-year-old admits he is working hard to try and win a spot for next summer's World Cup finals by performing well for Arsenal.

I hope all the players come back in one piece! - Wenger

The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a little worried ahead of the international break as it is a rare event for all his players to return to the club uninjured.
He thinks November is not normally good for Arsenal, and this is usually the month when Arsenal suffer the most from injuries. Already he has lost Gael Clichy and Nicolas Bendtner this month.

Draws check City progress

Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook has admitted the Blues have lost their way since their stormy Premier League win over Arsenal in August.

City started the campaign in fine form, winning their opening four games, including that one against the Gunners, and challenging for the Premier League leadership.

However, a run of five successive draws coincided with Emmanuel Adebayor's return from a three-match ban for his attack on Robin van Persie.

Arsenal takeover gets closer by the day

While Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner prepares to go under the knife in Germany for a groin surgery, the Arsenal community is far more concerned about the future of the whole club rather than the 21 year old with a minor injury.
It looks like Stan Kroenke; one of four major shareholders in Arsenal intends to takeover the majority of shares through small unnoticed purchases. Bit by bit, Kroenke has –of late- been regularly accumulating

Robin van Persie, “I have only won two trophies at Arsenal, that’s not enough”

In a complete interview given to the News of the World, Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was speaking about his childhood, important decisions he took as a youngster and also of Arsenal.

On the Gunners, the 26-year old revealed his hunger for trophies as the FA Cup and the Community Shield are simply not enough, and how Arsene Wenger’s side can aim for silverware this season.