Arsenal - Wednesday Round up

Big Fat Sam has a rant on how Double D made it to the top of the committee that selected the English manager and wants to know the extent of Double D's influence on the FA.

In an another news, two candidates fighting for the post of Real Madrid’s president have cited bringing Arsene Wenger to Real as their immediate priorities. This has now become a pretty boring issue given the fact that Wenger has on numerous occasions turned down this offer from both Real and Barcelona and has committed himself to the cause of Arsenal just before the Champions league finals…

Theo impresses Sven

No interesting news to talk about today. Although there is little about that Theo, Jens and Sol.

Theo has impressed Sven-Goran Eriksson while training in the English camp and in an England B' sides friendly match against Belarus.

Theo's pace has caught Svens eye who said: "I am happy for him. There has been a lot of discussion about him and he has handled himself well. He did two or three things extremely well against Belarus and showed the pace he has is incredible."

And has encouraged Theo to play as if he has got nothing to lose!

"I have tried to give him the message he has nothing to lose and the only person who has something to lose is me. He is very calm, a little shy maybe, but I understand from Arsene Wenger he is like that at Arsenal. I am not worried about him."

"He fits in very well and he is not in awe. In training he is not waiting for others to give him the ball, he is shouting 'Give me the ball!'."

Jens,

Jens is desperate to seek glory in World cup after his cruel sending off in Paris saw his aspirations for European glory fall apart and wants Henry to score plenty of goals against everyone but Germany.

and Sol has declared himself to be over his past troubles and ready for the World Cup by saying: "I have been through a lot so it has been difficult but I'm through it now. It's all sorted now. "I'm much better, much happier and much more alive. Now I just want to play football. "The World Cup is football's biggest prize and I want to play a part in it."

I have been through a lot - So has Arsenal, because of you in the defeat against West Ham at Highbury, when you gave away two goals and walked out on the team in half-time.
It's all sorted now - No it isnt! You are yet to be included in the next seasons squad
Now I just want to play football - Except for Arsenal, that is !

Wenger showers praise on Pires

Yesterday it was conformed that Pires has left Arsenal to join Villareal on a two years contract. The loss of Pires is a big one. And the Manager knows it.

Wenger knows the magnitude and class of Pires very well and has paid tributes to Bobby when he says: "He had class, humility and was always available to help people."

“At the end of the day [his leaving] was not down to money and it was not down to the length of the contract. Robert is a guy who loves to play. You can practice two, three four or five hours and it is never enough for him. He felt that he would play less. I think it was that which convinced him to go."

“For me the moment that summed up Robert was at the end of the season of 2002 when he came on the pitch [on crutches] and the whole team kneeled down for him.

“That tells you a lot about what people thought about him as a player and a person."

Best of Luck, Bobby!! :)

A Gunner departs! Pires leaves Arsenal.

From the news confirmed by Arsenal FC it's sad to note that Pires has left Arsenal and joined Villareal on a two years contract. He played for Arsenal for six seasons and in the meanwhile contributed immensely to the Clubs success.

Wenger certainly wanted to retain Bobby at Arsenal and Pires' contribution to the Club is reflected in Wengers own words here: "Robert has had six tremendous years with us and made a huge contribution to the team’s success during his time here. He is not only a great footballer but a good man, so of course, we are sad to see him go. It’s difficult to pick out one or two highlights but he was superb in our double winning season during the 2001/02 campaign and contributed hugely to our unbeaten season with 19 goals. I would like to thank Robert for the dedication, determination and passion he has shown and wish him well in his career.”

His appreciation is best expressed by Arsene Wenger as : "He is not only a great footballer but a good man, so of course, we are sad to see him go".

Of course his experience was very very vital for the emerging crop of young but immensely talented Arsenal players to learn from while he would have been here but obviously the Club hasnt retracted from its stance of not offering players above 30 a two year contract which has ultimately led to Bobby;s departure. We wish Bobby the best of luck in his future endeavours.

Begkamps departure was inevitable but Bobbys could have stalled. But Sadly! that was not the case to be!

Vieira, Edu, and now Pires! In the midst of changing but promising times at Arsenal Football Club another beloved Gunner departs for pastures more greener!

Arsenal Football Club - 25May, 2006

More news about Arsenal Football Club, Arsenal Players and Fans to come !

Arsenal Football Club - 24May

Arsenal Unveils Tom-as the New Gunner!

Arsenal have made the first signing for this summer and have unveiled a new Gunner named Tomas Rosicky. Tomas is a Czech international and joins Arsenal from German side Borussia Dortmund.

Rosicky, 25, is an attacking midfielder and has considerable experience under his belt having had already played in the Champions Legaue 31 times and has earned 53 caps for his country. As such he is not a fresher but one who is already successful and has a proven track record.

Arsene Wenger has his words for Rosicky. He says: "“We are delighted to welcome Tomas to our squad. He has great technique, skill on the ball and sharp passing. Tomas has good experience at all levels for club and country, and we look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal after what will hopefully be a successful summer for him at the World Cup.”

The complete details and statistics of Rosicky's club and international career is available here.

Wenger had remarked a couple of days back that he shall making 2 to 3 big signings this summer. One is done, we await for the other two!

Henry Going Nowhere!

It was heartbreak in Paris but sheer joy embraces Gunners in London. Henry has come out with his decision that he has stalled the whole last year.On the verge of signing a new 4 year contract. Says will play for Arsenal until he can run.Henry going nowhere. So is Pires!

Henry is staying at Arsenal

It was heartbreak in Paris but sheer joy embraces Gunners in London. Henry has come out with his decision that he has stalled the whole last year.

On the verge of signing a new 4 year contract. Says will play for Arsenal until he can run.

Henry going nowhere. So is Pires!


Posted by aragorn for Arsenal News

Heroic Gunners

It’s heartbreak that we lost yesterday in the finals.

In a game as big as a Champions League final we played for 72 minutes with ten men after Jens Lehman was red carded as early as the 18 minute. Jens had to come off and Almunia replaced him while Pires -who seems to have played his last match for Arsenal yesterday - had to make way for Almunia.

But in spite of being one man down we took the lead in the 37 minute through a brilliant Sol header to a free kick from Henry after Eboue was fouled on the right hand side by Puyol. Even before the lead Barcelona couldn’t impose themselves upon us. We managed the deficit in number of players very bravely and didn’t gave anything.

We could have taken the lead within two minutes through Henry. Eboue passed the ball to Henry in the area and Henry with one deft touch freed himself of Marquez but when he should have scored from so near his shot was saved by Valdes, the Catalan goalkeeper. In such epic finales chances come at a premium and are to be taken whenever they come. This was the first that Henry wasted.

But the sending off had certainly ruined the game as a spectacular and prevented the game to turn into as big a thrilling encounter as much it was pitted to be. We had to foray very cautiously and after the red card our focus shifted naturally form attacking to defend first and surge ahead on the counter. A player less when playing against a team like Barcelona meant we were deprived of that attacking flow of play which we are capable off and that could have seen us win this game.

In first half stoppage time Barcelona came close to equalize through Eto who after receiving a pass with Sol at his back spurned quickly enough to beat Sol Campbell and struck a vicious shot which had it not been for a wonderful reflexive save from Almunia was destined to meet the back of the net. That was a sigh of relief!

Barcelona kept going after we took the lead but we seemed to absorb their pressure well especially the likes of Ronaldinho and Eto were taken well care of. It was to remain so until the 76th minute when Barcelona leveled through Eto. He got behind our back four and when left with only Almunia to beat he put the ball in Almunia’s right post. Though the Gunners claimed offside but the goal stood and Barcelona had equalized.

Things could have been otherwise if just six minutes before Barcelona equalized, Henry had not squandered his second chance of the night and put the game beyond the reach of already trailing Barcelona. Hleb sent Henry clear on the right side and from where he had a clear sight of the goal he took a weak low shot which was too close for Valdes who dived to his right and averted the ball to safety.

Soon they took a lead. Four minutes after Barca equalized, Larson fed the ball past Ashley Cole to the on rushing substitute Juliano Belletti on the right and Belletti took a shot that met a deflection from Almunia’s legs before the ball settled into the net.

It was 2-1 to Barcelona in the 80th minute and too much for us to battle against with ten men. We couldn’t come back into the game from there onwards and the match ended with Barcelona emerging victorious.

Our dreams are shattered and it’s obviously hard for us to take this defeat but we are indeed very proud of our brave performance. Barcelona were made to be such a great side before the pre-match hype that it seemed that they had only to turn up for the game. But that was not the case to be. We didn’t let lose our hopes when reduced to ten instead kept fighting and eventually took the lead. That says lots and lots about us. Fairly speaking Ronaldinho was supposed to be the difference tonight but what he did. We managed to keep him pretty low which is a huge credit to us.

Yet playing with ten men, against a side as capable as Barcelona who had a referee who kept making decisions in their favor was a difficult task. It just goes to show our spirits and determination. But we have gained a lot from this final and from the whole Champions League season this year. We are confident that we shall be back next year.

However disheartened we maybe but one can’t deny that Barcelona are a truly great side. If not the victory they truly deserve their position as worthy finalists.

Congratulations to Barcelona!!

It was a heroic effort by The Gunners. And it won’t be long enough before we are back!

The Champions League Final

The day has arrived for the biggest ever match in Arsenal’s history and with it the chance to crown ourselves and become Champions of Europe.

There has been so much written and said about this game that I fail to imagine where to start from. We start with the team news. As speculated before Wenger has chosen Sol ahead of Senderos. It’s unfortunate that the player who has been so instrumental in getting us where we are today shall not be able to start because of being short of match-fitness. Also Cole comes ahead of Flamini. So Eboue, Toure, Sol and Cole are the back four. News is that Pires has got a nod ahead of Reyes. So Pires and Hleb are to start alongside Cesc Fabregas, Freddie Ljungberg and Gilberto while Reyes should start form the bench. We know that the formation is most probably going to be 4-5-1. The complete 21-man Arsenal squad can be found here.

Ahead of the game an assistant referee has been substituted after he was punished by UEFA for portraying a partial stance when in a newspaper his photo wearing a Barcelona shirt had been published. Meanwhile woes don’t tend to end for Spurs. Tests conducted by the Health Protection Agency have given a clean sheet to the kitchen of the hotel in which the Spurs had stayed before their final match of the season and had allegedly been food poisoned.

Now for the game tonight!

What used to be a distant dream is now a reality that’s staring right into our eyes. The Champions League final is just round the corner or should I say a few hours apart. It’s a big big night for the fans, the players, the manager and the Club. Those who can witness this in the Stadium, those watching it on TV where you maybe it’s going to be a treat for the eyes. We the Gooners, as fans of Arsenal Club wish our Club and the players very best.

We obviously do have the potential to match any team and its time for us to get one last time into our act and clear this one last hurdle. The feeling in the squad is optimistic. The players are confident so is the manager. We may be underdogs and Barcelona may be the favorites but so was the case with us against Real Madrid and Juventus. At that time, we defied the odds and played as one strong unit. We played collectively and defended collectively. We felt confident and played with a determination. Did not lose our nerves and in the end emerged victorious. Barcelona may be the odds on favorites but that should pose a good challenge to us. If we are to win the Champions League then why not win against the best?

We have everything needed to win tonight and truly merit our position as finalists. We have players who are immensely talented, skillful and raring to go. In Wenger, there is an ambitious manager who can certainly motivate the payers to achieve this monumental victory and in Henry there is certainly an inspirational leader, a captain who leads by example. We have all the ammunition required. If we can put up a determined effort and play to our potential and get into our rhythm early on then undoubtedly we have as good a chance to grab this one as Barcelona have.

Potential, talent, form etc are the important ingredients necessary to win these epic finals but the most vital factor that determines the outcome is your thirst. You have as much big a chance of winning a final as big is your thirst to win it. If you have the thirst then you know what shall quench it.

It’s a big occasion in Arsenal’s history. You don’t land everyday in a European Cup Final. We cannot go down without giving a fight. And we trust our players to do exactly the same tonight. A fight to finish!

Whatever may be the odds and however well placed Barcelona may be than us to win this final but victory will favor the side with the bigger thirst.

Come on u Guuuunnnnnnnnnneeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrsssssss !

Countdown To Paris - 1 Day

Champions League Final staring at us!

More on Team News, Selection Policy, Formation, Determination, Thirst and quench. Wenger, Eboue, Henry & Lehmann.

Countdown To Paris - 2 Days

2 days Left for our showdown with Barcelona in Paris!!

Shaun Shunned! Walcott Stunned

Congrats to Henry!! He has one Football Writers Player of the Year award for the third time and deservedly so. Wenger surprised at the inclusion of Theo Walcott while Walcott himself is still shocked at his call to the English Squad. There is a deal between Wenger & Sven that THeo would not play in the Champions League final in Paris. Instead he will be travelling to Portugal along with other english players for training.

Also Steven Gerrad has welcomed the Svens decision to include Theo and remarks that Theo may be the 'ace' in the pack. Thats it for now... More on the preparations for the finals later!!

Arsenal: Richer By £52M

Try as they might! But all in vain! The Premier League has outrightly rejected Suppppurs plea to replay their match against West Ham and have thereby quashed any last remaining hopes of Spurs to qualify for Europe next season.

While Wally still continues to come to terms to the stunning but pleasant news that he is amongst the ones who shall board the plane to Germany some financial crunching has revealed that the Gunners have just earned themselves as much as £52.7 million by way of prize money and TV cash from all competitions. And in that, we have surpassed money-bags Chelski, ManU & Pool. Half of that amount has come from Champions league its believed. Europe does pay!! Makes sense of Spurssss frustration over failing to qualify for Europe!

We all know that Wenger is a genius. Theo Walcott is the latest to learn that.

Upon discovering that current Highbury seats MAY leak a toxic called cadmium the authorities at Arsenal have helplessly decided to drop previously planned auctions for the seats to be sold to fans. So those who had already payed upfront shall now get their money reimbursed.

Winning anything is itself sweet! Wininng it at the expense of Suppurs makes it more sweeter! Until then let us the fans of Arsenal Club rejoice and bask in the glory of our qualification for Champions league next season - at the expense of Spursss!!

Shauns Boycott! Arsenal's Walcott

In a stunning move made by Sven Goran Erikkson, to select players for the English squad to play in the forthcoming World Cup in Germany, the Swede has boldly given Arsenal's wonderkid Theo Walcott the call to the squad and has snubbed the likes of Darren Bent, Shaun Wright Philips and Jermaine Defoe in the process. Whooooaaaa!!

Its absolutely amazing especially given the fact that Theo is not only too young but has never even played in the Premiership before. He is yet to appear for the Gunners. Though Wenger had named Walcott many a times recently but situations that were favourable enough to give Theo is debut never arose. Obvioulsy, this unprecedented / shockening selection has raised many a eyebrows but Sven stands by his decision which he portrays as a gamble that he is willing to take. So do we gooners.

Most importantly, Sven himself is the sole responsible for the selection of Theo. He didnt arrived at this crucial decision on somebodys else's say or jointly. We all know, that Wenger does surely rates Walcott highly and when approacched by Sven Wenger promptly recommended Theo to Sven as World Cup material. That was it! Nothing more! Sven then himself took this all important decision.

If that does happen and we as fans do hope that it does happens so then what a Gunner will Walcott be!! The news is made more sweeter by Svens snubbing of Chelseas Shaun Wright Phillips on the pretext of not having enough first team exposure this season. The same being the case for Defoe. Incredibly for Walcott, he has already beaten two players belonging to our arch rivals without even kicking a ball for Arsenal yet. Hahahahahaha!!

Wenger has again pulled off a hat. Only this time, the hat was one that, if not for Wenger's brilliance in talent-spotting and magnetic personality, could have been worn by of Morinho and Jol.

Goodbye Highbury

The Sun has set at Highbury!

With a heavy heart and fond memories we wish Higbury goodbye!!

A Gunner called Henry and an arsenal called Highbury!

Arsenal 4 – 2 Wigan Match Report
Barclays Premiership
Arsenal Stadium, Highbury
Sunday, May 07, 2006, 3pm

In the last ever match to bid farewell to Arsenal football clubs’ home since 1913 what else could the Club, the manager, the players and the fans would have desired for. Everything they desired they got it. They got everything they desired.

In The-Gunners bid to qualify for Europe and mark the farewell to Highbury in the most spectacular of fashions, magnificent Henry rose to the occasion and struck a sensational hat-trick that left Wigan & Spurs in tatters and the Highbury crowd mad & jubilant.

No doubt the moment belonged to those who witnessed this great carnival with their own eyes but wherever you may have been and however you may have viewed this match if you are a true Arsenal fan at heart THAT ARSENAL FEELING in this momentous match at Highbury would surely have touched your hearts.

All throughout the match eyes were fixed on the Highbury happenings but ears were craving for the news of proceedings elsewhere at Upton Park. The feeling was there to sense, feel and caress. The memories were there to cherish.

Highbury - The Final Salute!!

Alas! The day has finally arrived for Arsenal to finally bid goodbye to this amazing, beloved and historic stadium – Highbury!

What remains that Highbury has not seen? All. Everything. Premiership Titles, The Invincibles, FA Cups, Carling Cups, Community Shields and what not. Extraordinary players, magnificent managers, wall-like defenders, one-of-their-kind strikers, thrilling encounters, sensational matches, phenomenal victories, breath taking goals, legends, unforgettable moments, ecstasy, joy, pride and glory. I know Champions league remains but that dream is not far away too from being a reality. It’s never been so near for us in the case of European conquest and in reality, in this fabulous journey of ours to the final in Paris, the major steps we took forward came at Highbury! The destruction of Real was completed here, Juventus were demolished 2-0 at Highbury and lastly, though, the yellow submarine sank in Spain but The Gunners torpedoed them at Highbury. Let’s mark the end of this spectacular and glorious era with a 9-0 victory against Wigan. Let’s depart from Highbury with style, elegance, goals, victory and perhaps with a fitting end; by qualifying for Europe.

It doesn’t matters whom we play today! Because whoever they maybe we HAVE To win this last game at Highbury. It will be interesting to see who all of the gunners will be able to play their part in today’s last game at the Highbury. Obviously everyone will want to but obviously not everyone will be able to. Cole is likely to be continued alongside Toure, Sol and Eboue while Reyes, Cesc, Pires and Gilberto should all start in this all important match. Sadly Flamini, Clichy & Senderos will miss it so shall the permanent absentees Lauren & Abou Diaby.

A lot is riding on this match apart from a must-win performance required to leave Highbury in style and on a winning note. With our champions’ league qualification hinged to the hopes that elsewhere in London, at Upton Park, West ham defeat or at least take 2 points from our fourth place rivals Spurs, equally important for us is a favorable result for us there as much as it is for us to win today. While West Hams’ victory will just kill spurs European aspirations even a draw there will see us win this race to fourth by virtue of our goal difference. We as fans can only hope!!

The players are bound to give their very best and give the fans a treat to watch. Henry is the man to watch out in this match. I have a feeling that he might even get a hat-trick. He is the captain. It’s the last match. We NEED a must win performance. We HAVE to qualify for Europe. All this sets the mood for Henry to just explode to his phenomenal best and sign off in a spectacular manner by leading the team to victory by his heroics in this momentous match for Arsenal football club.

Lots and lots could be written about the memories, joy and passion of everyone associated with this great stadium and Club and the sadness that the departure may ensue. But the bottom line is that we the fans, the players the Club will just miss it. Needless to say it will be an emotional game. Emotional for Wenger, the players, the fans and every Highbury faithful. A sensational victory coupled with qualification for Europe should just be the fitting and perfect achievements with which we can bid farewell to The Home Of Football!

Reyes of hope !

Coming off the bench Jose Reyes scored a brace in the second half to keep our hopes of European play next season alive!

Another important win yesterday night leaves us with everything to play for in the last ever game to be played at Highbury against Wigan come Sunday. That everythinig includes, Champions’ league qualification, retaining our pride by winning over our enemy spurs in the race to fourth place and above all - victory in the last game at Highbury.

A goal from Freddie and two from Reyes saw us leave Manchester with 3 more crucial points that shall well be enough for a Champions league place in case West Ham snatch two points from Spurs on Sunday AND we win against Wigan.

As reported earlier Cole started for the first time since 7 months while Hleb, Reyes, Freddie Ljungberg, Gilberto and Van Persie were the absentees from Sunderland that returned in the line-up.

The game was hardly any appealing until when in the 20 minute Van Persie struck the bar but had been ruled offside before the shot. Then Sol made a block from Georgios Samaras in the 21st minute. Then at the half hour we broke the deadlock. Henry after controlling a pass moved square but in the process threaded a pass to Ljungberg who took one touch before steering the ball towards the inside of James’ left-post to make it 1-0 Arsenal. At that moment a smooth victory looked assured. But not so the case to be! By another 8 minutes City had drawn level with us with a scrappy goal from a set piece.

Joey Barton took a corner which went to Sinclair, who headed the ball towards the goal for Sommeil to equalize. The goal gave a balance to the match and City reasons to be optimistic. However, the magnitude of this match was clear to every Gunner and chances began to be created immediately. From a Henry corner when unmarked Sol should have scored he nodded wide

From a Henry corner unmarked Sol nodded wide when he should have scored. Very soon Henry after dribbling past three city defenders gave the ball to RVP. He intelligently laid it back for Henry in the area to see the captain uncharacteristically send it wide past the post when he should have at least tested James. So that was to be before half-time.

We started the second half well and could have taken the lead again within a minute from the restart if James wouldn’t have saved Persie’ shot. Soon it became quite an affair as City looked determined to gain something out of the game whilst we couldn’t settle for less than a win to remain in the reckoning for the fourth place. We had to step up the pressure. Henry sent Freddie clear in the area on the left in 53rd minute when Freddie went for it only to see his shot hit the post. At the other end Eboue saved a shot from Albert Riera. James again saved from RVP. Campbell stopped Vassell in the area. Then Hleb let fly from distance before James guided the ball clear at the eleventh hour. At the other end Jens saved two headers from Richard Dunne & Micah Richards each. In the meantime Wenger had substituted Cesc in place of Song in the 58th minute. Later he brought Pires & Reyes in place of Hleb & Persie respectively in the 72 minute. The substitution or one can fresh legs paid off immediately. Pires sent the ever energetic Eboue down the right who after reaching the byline cut the ball back to find Reyes to whose side-footed shot James managed to get hands to but not a grasp before it squeezed past into the corner of the net. The Gunners had the lead again. Soon Henry after brilliant play with the ball on the left squared to Reyes who dispatched a fantastic shot into the top corner of the net to seal the match and precious three points for us at 3-1.

City had put up a fight but couldn’t stop us from winning. Spirited they were but not anxious enough as The Gunners.

Manchester City Vs Arsenal Preview

Thursday, May 04, 2006

The deserving gets the accolade! Jens has been announced as the Player of the Month in Arsenal.com’s poll for April’s player of the month. And rightly so! For the remarkable and outstanding performances Jens has delivered for the Club this season, in the Champions league and especially after his historic penalty save in the 88 minute of the Champions league semi final match against Villareal there is nobody else more worthy of this award. Congrats!!

Another must win game for us against Manchester City tonight to make the race to finish fourth go down the wire. A win will surely mount pressure on Spurs which is good for us.

Cole is set to start for the first time since October 2 in this game while Clichy has been rested and so is Dennis Bergkamp. Reyes (wisdom teeth), Gilberto (ankle) & Freddie – who was rested – are the absentees from the Sunderland match that are again in the squad. While Diaby has started a long spell on the sidelines after his horrific injury at the hands of Sunderland player Smith, Hleb is back in the squad and Adebayor is not available due to a sinus infection.

ManCity have been in an awful form both away and at home off late so they don’t appear to be as threatening as they might be on another day. Having lost even of their last eight matches speaks enough of their poor form but we have to kill the game as soon as possible. For us to play Champions league next year nothing less than a win would suffice.

Two more wins and a hope that West Ham can extract something for themselves against Spurs is the remaining arsenal we have to beat Spurs to fourth place after we left nothing in our hands with draws against Portsmouth & Spurs.

Wednesday Round Up

Right from the beginning Villareal looked the team with more spark. If worthy of credit for creating numerous chances they own discredit too for being wasteful with them.

Records
Lehmann broke the record for longest defense. Edwin Van Der Sars record.10 clean sheets on the trot

Sunderland Vs Arsenal Match Report

Sunderland 0 - 3 Arsenal

Barclays Premiership
Stadium of Light
Monday, May 1, 2006. Kick-off: 5.15pm

Another easy victory for us as we cruised along the match and won 3 – 0. With another three points in the bag our hopes are dim but yet alive to beat Spurs in the race to the fourth & final spot for next seasons Champions League qualification.

The match was a stroll for us as a goal from Henry, Cesc each and an own goal all arriving in the first 45 minutes wrapped the match for us in the first half itself.

Adebayor, Song, Pires, Diaby & Clichy started the match for us while Ashley started the match from the bench and come on midway in the second half. Everything went smooth for us except that in the dying minutes of the match Sunderland substitute Dan Smith made an awful two-footed lunge at Diaby which saw him to be stretchered out of the pitch. Later he was diagnosed to have a dislocated fractured ankle and can cause him to miss the remainder of the season. The tackle was bad and Wenger is furious about it insists that the defender should have been sent-off. Though further news on the extent of the injury should arrive later in the week the injury is cruel and has come at a crucial time.

So, with this victory, the club is still the race for the fourth spot and apart from winning against Man City & Wigan we hope that West Ham steal something from Spurs.

Sunderland Vs Arsenal Preview

We have few injuries ahead of this match. While Gilberto (ankle), and Flamini (hamstring) are definitely out Hleb has a chances and Reyes too misses this fixture as he has had his wisdom tooth extracted. Although Ashley Cole has a strong chance of making a comeback to first team action after he came unscathed in the reserves 3-1 win over West Ham last Thursday and played for full 90 minutes.

Here

Wenger sheds light on his views and thoughts about the English coaching job and explains why it’s not the one that’s suitable for him though it makes him feel honoured when he is referred to as a possible candidate.

Though Sunderland who have already been confirmed as relegated should be not a tough one but the players should seriously see off this fixture as a mild slip up could cost us our Champions league qualification. You never know as Sunderland did draw at Old Trafford. Yesterdays Spurs win over Bolton not doing any favor to us; a win is not only required to reduce the deficit between them & us but also to keep a check on Spurs.