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.