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Christmas wasn't that bad after all, with only droping 2pts against Portsmouth and still finishing 2007 at the top.
Unfortunately, we will miss Kolo Toure and Eboue as they are away in the African nations Cup.
I really can't see Wenger buying anyone in the Janurary window to strengthen our squad as we already have Hoyte to replace the right side with Walcot. As for center of defence we still have Senderos and Gilberto and maybe the recall of Djourou who is on loan.

Looking at the draws this week, what can I say?
Arsenal have drawn AC Milan for the last 16 of the European Champions league and that unpleasent smell in the Carling cup.
The smell is no problem put that to side, but as for Milan ,that a different story.
The two teams I fear most are AC and Barcelona.
Gandini Ac Milan's director said “There were better draws,”.
“We got the most difficult side that we could have been given.
But he believes they've got what it takes for them to win.
Hope he is wrong.
Milan have struggled for form so far this season, they are currently mid table, and Wenger believes we will be ready for them when the time comes.
Match is due to be played on the 20th Febuary 2008 7.45pm Emirates Stadium.

Frank Lampard has admitted he likes and enjoys watching Arsenal playing their fanstastic football.
But he also said after the defeat against Middlesbrough that Arsenal haven't got the depth to win the title.
We'll see today as we are only human in losing an odd game.
Wenger says his side has performed well against the top teams in recent seasons. He says the players have shown they can play very well against all the top three teams and therefore they have a great belief.
Watching the game against Bucharest during the week has given me belief again, with Van Persie back, lets hope Fab, Flamini, and Hleb are back too.

Arsenal are going into this game still unbeaten in the premiership.
Although we are four key players down (Fabregas,Hleb,Flamini and Van Persie)with the depth we've got in this squad, Arsenal are good enough to get the 3pts.
Bearing in mind Middlesbrough have not won a game in their last nine and haven't kept a clean sheet in sixteen.
Diara seems to be improving all the time and with the experience of Gilberto, midfield is covered.
Defence is solid and Attack is varable with Bendtner,Walcott or Eduardo with Adebayor.

International Tresor Mputu who was on trial with Arsenal,has impressed Wenger.
An offer is believed to have been put in place to Mputu's club TP Mazembe and could be concluded as early as next week.
Arsenal are not the only ones inerested in this talented player,Sevilla are said to be, with Arsenal as favourites.

Sam Allardyce thinks he knows how to stop Arsenal's unbeaten run.
He believes with the efforts he applied with Bolton on previous games, he can do the same with Newcastle.
He wants the same commitment against Arsenal as the game he had against Blackburn.
One thing I can say We are not the Arsenal of the past and that's history.

Arsenal have been drawn against Burnley away for the 3rd round of the F.A.Cup.
Burnley's Manager Owen Coyle is looking forward to playing us and has said
"As a player, coach or manager, you want to play against the best players, the best team, and Arsenal provide that.
After being asked by a sky sports rep on how their pitch condition was Coyle replied it's good but they can soon change it for the game against Arsenal, meaning as a joke that it may halt Arsenal if their pitch was bad.

The tie will be played on either Saturday January 5 or Sunday January 6.

Gallas and Adebayor will be rested in tonights game against Sevilla.
Arsenal who are through to the next round already, still want to finish top of the Group but are taking a slight gamble in not playing these two players.
Instead they will give Bendtner a start.
Wenger said on the Arsenal official webpage “I see it as a compulsory problem to rest some of the players,”
“For example, Gallas has played all the games recently and two France games. And we’ll be playing three matches next week.

“Adebayor has as well played all the games until now and the national games. He travelled back on Thursday morning and he was very tired then he gave a lot on Saturday. So I thought why should I play him?

With our game against Wigan approaching , Arsenal are left short in midfield .
Flamini has injured himself on international duty with France and Fabregas has a suspension.
Looks more and likey that Gilberto and Denilson or Lassana Diarra would be the replacements.
That's the bad news, the good news is that Van persie is back in full training and might play.Yessssss!

Not everyone is as happy as Fabregas. Jens Lehmann is not.
Lehmann who had his birthday spoilt by Wenger not picking him, is looking likely to leave Arsenal in the next transfer window. The Arsenal keeper turned 38 years old on Saturday was hoping to have his place back by now but has been overlooked.
It is said that Manchester City, Schalke and Borussia Dortmund are interested in the keeper.

Cesc Fabregas originally intended to go back to Spain one day, but as time has gone on he is clearly liking London,the people and where he is at Arsenal.
With teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona constantly persuing him, he has spoken out and said " I am going to say the truth, every day I have more desire to stay here for a long time,for the rest of my career.He also said "I haven't had the fortune in playing in Spanish league and right now I really identify with football in the Premier League because it is so passionate,fast,attacking and vibrant.It is the football I like the most.

Four of Arsenal's key players won't be travelling to Slavia Prague,
Fabregas,Rosicky,Hleb and Toure,are all being rested for one reason or another.
Rosicky has a slight groin problem,Toure calf after being kicked.
Fabregas and Hleb just rested.
They should all be ok for Arsenal's next premiership game against Reading on Monday.
Arsene Wenger will be looking to qualify tomorrow to ease the games for his mainstream players, and also give the chance for the rest of the squad to play.

The papers are not really slagging off Arsenal, but are praising them although still expecting Man utd to win the league. This in it's self means the pressure is not on us at all, it's on Man utd.
After Saturday's game I knew the truce would be off , Sir Ferg blaming the ref, Hargreaves adding his two bob, all ifs and buts, my saying is If my nan had Bo*#~Ks she would be my Grandfather.
Can you imagine if they lost.

With the Arsenal Man U game approaching , it seems different this time round, the actual managers haven't been at each others throats, if anything they have been in full admiration for each other.
Sir Fergie admitted on the Man U website Arsenal are genuine contenders for United's crown.

"I know challenging for a title is a new experience for a lot of their players, but some of them have been there before and the manager has, and that is a big help," he said.

"People said the same about us last year, but we led the league for three-quarters of the season, so I don't think it's a handicap."

After the game against Liverpool, Arsenal have proved themselves as true contenders for the premiership. They outplayed Liverpool for most of the game and considering we were among one of the most atmospheric grounds, the young guns kept their heads together and should have won, from being one nil down.
So I say , bring on Man U and do your best, Because for the first time in a long time I have got a very strong feeling about us winning.
Again not saying it will be easy with players like Roony,Ronaldo and Teves,but we do have similar players throughout the team.

Rafael Benitez thinks Liverpool will be able to turn around their bad run of late, against Arsenal.
He said "Arsenal are a really good side with some good young players but we are at home in front of our supporters"
He also said "There are positives for us to take into this match despite losing in Besiktas. We were attacking all of the time against them and Steven Gerrard was back to his best".
Personally I think their best is n't good enough for the form we are in, not only are we scoring goals but our defence is pretty strong this year.
Not saying it will be easy, far from it, but i do think we will get the win. Come On Arsenal!!!

Slavia coach Karel Jarolim has said that they cannot afford to make the same mistakes they made against Arsenal as in the last meeting. He wants to tighten the defence and also have the opportunity to attack.
He also said  “Arsenal have a great team with superb attacking qualities. We must not give them any space in our own half of the pitch.

Wenger has promised that Arsenal will have English players in the near future.
He said "I feel we have produced some good work from the behind as well, with good young players," he said.

"We have good first year [scholars], and it is a good young English generation.

"It is very promising and very good.

"We hope that in a few years we will have some very strong English players who can of course be a good mixture with players from abroad."

Promising youngster's are Henri Lansbury, Gavin Hoyte and Mark Randall.

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Cesc Fabregas have been named the Premier League's Manager and Player of the Month for September.
Arsene Wenger achieved the award for four wins out of four in September and for taking Arsenal to the top of the league.
As for Fabregas, he achieved his award for scoring against Portmouth, Tottenham and Derby and for his improvement on performance.

Robin Van Persie will be out for a month with a knee injury after playing on international duty.
As much as I am going to miss him , this is a chance for Da Silva to shine as he seems to be on form and scoring for Croatia.
Hope Robin's back soon.

The Brazilian youngster Denilson has extended his contract with Arsenal.
Denilson was praised by Wenger who said
“I am pleased, very pleased,” Wenger told Arsenal’s official website.

“Denilson is a great player, For me he is underrated.

“He does not get all the praise his performances suggest but that will come very quickly.

“He is the youngest player of our squad along with Armand Traore. But he has played big games and he has shown he can cope with the pressure and produce quality performances.

“I expect him to make a big impact.”

                 
     
          Mathieu Flamini                                       Gattuso

The Arsenal teamates of Mathieu Flamini have dubbed him as their new Gattuso.
Flamini who nearly left Highbury in the summer, has had a turn around for the better.
He has slotted well in midfield partnering Fabregas and has taken the role of being our hardman.
Kolo Toure was quoted saying "He does such a huge job in midfield. Having such a player in your team is just great.

"Thanks to him, in defence we are rarely put in trouble. That is why we call him Gattuso.

Wenger must be pleased with the news of his strikers, Eduardo Da silva scores again for Croatia in their 1-0 win over Israel.
And he must be over the moon that Adebayor won't be in the African nations cup , as his country got knocked out in their last game.
Tell you what I'm pleased.

Young Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida was sued by Barcelona Football Club for breaking his contract with them, when he signed for Arsenal last year. It is said to be around 3 million.
Merida can still appeal against this.

Arsenal have put a bid to host Uefa Cup Final at the Emirates Stadium 2011.
They will know next week if they are on the short list.
Arsenal have the support of Ken Livingstone.

The Mayor has pledged more than £100,000 to support their bid, which also has the backing of the Football Association.

Rosicky has told iDnes.cz.of his ongoing problems with his injuries.
Since going off with a hamstring problem against Sevilla, the Czech has seen a specialist to make him an insole for his boots to prevent him from getting more injuries to his groin and hamstring.He hopes to be available for his country against Germany.

Arsenal's William Gallas, Lassana Diarra, Bacary Sagna, Mathieu Flamini and Abou Diaby have all be called up for the France's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Faroe Islands and Lithuania.

Wenger said "I am proud to provide Les Bleus with so many players,"
He also spoke about the number of Arsenal players that are getting the nod to represent their country.

Gallas has apologised to all members of the Arsenal staff and players for the way he has been due to his groin injury which happened on the 19th August against Blackburn.
He said "Sometimes I have been okay, but other times I have been very unhappy. Because of that, I know it might have been difficult for the rest of the group because I wasn't always smiling when I was in the dressing room.

"I have experienced it before. The first week or so you can deal with it, but three, four, five weeks later? It's hard to keep smiling. So I want to say sorry to all the players and all the staff."

Gallas is now fit and is hoping to play for France against the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

      Verses  ???

Arsenal chairman Peter Hillwood invited Stan Kroenke last wednesday for a meeting to persuade
the 12% shareholder to join forces with the club, to prevent a takeover by the russian business man Alisher Usmanov.
Hillwood, who was hostile to Stan Kroenke earlier this year, is trying his best to have him on his side.
Hillwood was quoted in the Daily Telegraph saying "I think it would be rather nice if he (Kroenke) would join the lockdown,"
"He now sees the benefits from a long-term relationship with us and is not remotely interested in making a bid.
I myself personally think that Arsenal do need backup in fiances in time ,as the Richest club in England is only a glitch, Because the profits showing are coming from the sales of the property developments.
Alright agreed we are better off than we were, but is it enough?.
And when I say takeover, it all depends who with.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini almost walked out on Arsenal in the summer, because he wasn't getting enough first team appearances.
However since then he has had a change of heart with no regret, as he has played in all 7 of this seasons premiership games.
He has grown in his positon and become a key figure, he reads the game well and is never scared of a hard tackle.

Looks like the war is moving to another level now between Alisher Usmanov and the board. Alisher has increased his Arsenal stake to 23% and says he will continue to buy.
Although Hill-Wood and Edelman told Moshiri,Alisher's partner, that none of the current board - including the majority shareholder Danny Fiszman - want to sell the club.
Usmanov is confident he will be able to make or pass the 25 per cent 'blocking stake' by the time of the club's AGM on October 18 - and will then launch a full-scale takeover bid next spring.
Still scratching my head on this one, specially after Wenger said he will not, just for the sake of it, go and buy a 30 million pound player who doesn't fit in and jeopardise what he has built over the years with his youngsters.Until they have a meeting and tell the fans what the intentions are I'll stay on the fence with this one , as I have faith in David Dean who is Arsenal through and through.

Alan Curbishley is gettig ready for Arsenal's visit,although West Ham did the double over Arsenal last season, they know it's a different now.
Curbishley quoted on West Ham's official site "There were so many games where they did great but missed chances,".
"This year they look a lot more direct".
"They've got a different make up to their team.
Looking at that their approach is more sceptical,and it should be.

Arsenal's goalkeeper Almunia is at the moment very happy with himself.
He has played six successive games since Lehmann's injury and only let in two goals,making it hard for Lehmanns comeback.
He has waited and been patient for his turn for nearly 3 years now and has improved all the time.
Personally, I myself would prefer Almunia, as he is faster off the ball and makes less mistakes.

It's a shame I didn't get to see this match,but from I have read The Arsenal youngsters done us proud.Reading one of the Magpies unofficial sites they surely were praising Arsenal and their young guns.
Arsenal were playing with a style of continuity as the first team did on Saturday against Derby.
So really we have enough talent to replace virtually any position without affecting the style of play.
Future is certainly looking good.

Arsenal managing director Keith Edelmen is delighted with the
financial performance of Arsenal as a club.
Arsenal are now officially the richest club in Britain, topping Chelsea and Man Utd.
Because of this Arsene Wenger has 70 Million pounds to play with.
Lets put it this way, he can buy 30 players for that, and almost make three more teams.
As much as I like David Dean, I am in two minds now wether I like the idea of a takeover, we'll just have to wait and see.

Jose Mourinho was a major part of this league, he brought charisma, style and versatility,
What a load of Bo**##Ks , I am I glad he's gone , one more bighead out of the way.Lets hope Chelsea fall to pieces now and that would make my day. Hah!

Kanoute has said on the Seville website,that he has high respect for Arsenal and thinks Seville can beat Arsenal and go a long way in the competition.
He also states Arsenal are very quick and fast upfront and are attack minded, and by stopping Cesc Fabregas they can beat us.
The Mali international believes that this year's squad is stronger than last years that's why.
Thanks for the respect, But I don't think so.

Question? why is it that everytime we play the scum , its their cup final and to us, just another game?
Is it because they envy us? or fear us maybe? or is it hope that someday they will beat us.
God help us if they do, we won't hear the end of it.

Darren Bent reckons We sold Henry cheap compared to his price tag, well I tend to agree with that, we did sell him cheap and Darren Bent was too expensive, even if the age gap was a big difference.
But although Henry was my Idol, Wenger did the right thing in selling him.
I personally think Henry will have maybe 1 more season before starting to have injuries on a regular basis.
Lets see what Bent is worth at the age of thirty.

Arsene Wenger has put pen to paper and signed the extention on his contract.
He has signed an additional 3 years to his current contract.
He is set to become the longest serving Manager in Arsenal history.
Arsène said: “My heart is tied to this football club so signing a new deal was always my intention. Arsenal is the club of my life.
Good news now lets hope he can double his trophies for us.

Always this time of the season we have a mini break from the premiership,this is the time I hate the most.
Dont't get me wrong I enjoy the international games, but just as we are getting into the swing of things, we are put on hold.
All of a sudden we are getting rumours and speculations, because there is a lack of news coming through.It's hard to keep the website updated without following suit.
I'm itching to get some good info, but unless the wheels are turning you can only rely on rumours.

Arsenal have signed Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra on a long term contract.
Arsene Wenger has had an eye on Diarra for a while now and finally swooped in for him in the last minute of the transfer window.
Diarra said “I have great respect for the manager Arsène Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays. Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come.”

”I’m the Arsenal fan for eight years already and think the company has the best coach in Britain’s Premier League, but this purchase is not the strategic or the political investment, but rather the portfolio one. Arsenal business was obviously underestimated” Alisher Usmanov told Kommersant yesterday. “I intend to gradually widen the stake, as I expect its worth to go up and reach the fair level before long. The club has everything to attain it.”

Not as bad as you think, Mr Dein (Mr Arsenal)has created a company called Red And White with two other Multi Billionaires one being Alisher Usmanov who has a box at the Arsenal.
Mr Arsenal has sold his shares to the company to which he is Chairman,now what this means is that he is ready to buy every share going with the backing of the two Russians at whatever price. So before long he could be back in charge at Arsenal.Dein's part to try to force his way back into the club and has reignited the battle for control of the boardroom.
Come on Dein Hope it works for you.

Arsene Wenger has said he will not be buying Diarra or loaning Adriano.
He also said there will be no movement in or out before friday's deadline.
There is no financial problems at the club and he has money to spend whenever he wishes.The club's finances are very good but the important thing is for the team to do well all round.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 2:04 PM BST

Dunn Has responded to Wenger's comment about Blackburn using dirty tactics by saying, Committed, yes, aggressive, yes, but they have better players than us with more ability going through the team so we have to close that gap and make it into a little bit of a battle.

"It's getting a little bit funny because every time we play Arsenal, they're the ones who say we're violent. But we're not, we're committed .

Ok Dunn (KEY) didn't Blackburn have a fine? £100,000 for their disciplinary record last season,.
Didn't Blackburn recieve seven red cards and 111 yellows last season. Say no more

Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 4:28 PM BST

How funny was this?

Repka was seen on local television on the eve of the match, apparently saying the way to unsettle Arsenal, to destroy the fluency of play, by kickng them. Repka's boast was interpreted to Arsenal by Rosicky.Well we all know what happened to Repka , Hmmmmmmmmm lol.

Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 4:08 PM BST

After Arsenal's game against Sparta, Arsene Wenger said he was pleased to see goals from his midfielders, Alex Hleb and Fabregas he also said that this was his aim for the new season.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 4:05 PM BST

Credit where credit due

The Fulham manager, Lawrie Sanchez Has admitted he was wrong for accusing Arsenal players of diving during the 2-1 defeat his team suffered from Arsenal.

Sanchez told Sky News "I've got to hold my hands up and say I was wrong to a certain extent,"

"The incident regarding Hleb was probably a good shout for a penalty" .

Lawrie Sanchez had not seen the replays before his comment

Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 3:26 PM BST

Looks like Arsenal are already chasing points with our Champions League qualifier starting next week on the same day the premiership play their second game.

Ah well that'll teach us for finishing 4th and not 1st.

Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 5:29 PM BST

Sparta Prague has increased security for their game against Arsenal.

They are trying to keep out the racist behavior they have among their fans.

Obviously they are trying to avoid punishment from UEFA. Among the fans there will be 30-40 undercover officers keeping an eye on things.

Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 5:05 PM BST

I didn't expect Gallas to be captain, I thought maybe Gilberto, but as Wenger said, he is a strong believer in someone running the team from the back and being Gallas is the most experience he was chosen.

Gilberto and KoloToure are vice-captains.

Lets hope he will be as good as Tony Adams.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 6:22 PM BST

By the looks of it, alot of the Arsenal players are looking positive for next season.

They seem to be strong in all positions and have the strength to withstand hard tackles , they also have a high sprit.

Even hard to please Gallas is positive at last.

So lets hope we finish well and win something this season and least of all we finish above the Scum.

Monday, August 06, 2007 at 3:10 PM BST
Six days and counting
Gilberto Silva is going no where, Arsene Wenger is belived to have turned down an offer from Valencia

for £10million.Valencia are after a midfielder before the end of the month and had Gilberto was top of their list.

Tuff I say,

Arsenal win opening match
Arsenal played a fast pace game with some good football, the combination play of some of the younger players is certainly getting there. Bendtner had a very good game, although he missed a penalty.

Bendtner was very much involved, Keeping play and having chances.

Arsenal's goalkeeper, Almunia also had an excellent game.

Wenger is ready
Arsene Wenger is ready to talk to Arsenal about renewing his contract, he also said that he would like at least two more players to strengthen his squad.

Problems with Eduardo have arisen with his work permit
Eduardo da Silva's work permit has been turned down by the Home Office.

The Home office confirmed last night that Da Silva has not met the criterion of playing in 75 per cent of Croatia's games over the past two years. Although he has played 50%.

Wenger has appealled and is waiting,

Dean holding on
An artical in the Daily Mail states that David Dean has turned down offers from Newcastle, Everton and now recently Manchester City.

What do we make of this , Is he planning to come back with Kroenke soon in a takeover, Watch this space.

What do we know about Stan Kroenke?

Apart from looking like Tom Sellick, Kroenke is a very successful bussiness man and he is in the top 400 richest list, with a wealth worth more than $2.1 Billion, His wife also is an Heir to Walmart.

He owns a real estate development firm that has constructed numerous shopping centers and apartments.

Kroenke also owns a Hockey team, an Americian soccer team, an American sports Channel and other bussinesses. But obviously he wants the Best Arsenal.

Rumours has it, that a link with David Dean could see him coming back to Arsena

Arsenal beat Genclerbirligi Comfortably
Arsenal have beaten Genclerbirligi 3-0 with goals from Van Persie 2, Theo Wallcot, 1

I know we played a team I can't pronounce , let alone spell , but in my opinion we are starting to look sharp, With Edwardo Da Silva showing some quick feet ,with a few good crosses, linking well with Freddie. Although he only played the last 20 minutes he has given us taste of what's to come.

Van Persie also looked sharp with good links from Walcott and Adebayor

The story which went round yesterday, about Rodrigo was a hoax.

Apparently certain tabloids picked up the story in an Argentinean forum and placed the news on the backpages.(Great reporters).

Arsenal are set to smash their transfer record with the £15million signing of Argentinian striker Rodrigo Palacio from Boca Juniors. Rodrigo is due at the club for a medical on tuesday, with the two clubs agreeing the fee.

Apparently Barcalona was ready to buy him, but opted for Henry when he became available.

Good luck Freddie
Freddie is on his way to Italy , Ljungberg, 30, who is on £60,000 a week is heading for Fiorentina after having agreed a £5m deal with Arsenal and offered Ljungberg a four-year deal worth £30,000 a week.

Freddie has been loyal to us and I'll be sorry to see him go, I've actually met the guy and he took time to talk football to us.

Good luck Freddie.

Sagna the 24-year-old right-back is currently in London and is ready to complete a medical once the two clubs agree on a fee.
Apparently he is highly rated and could be an Arsenal player by Tuesday.

I know I'm sounding negative, but Gallas has only been with us a short period of time and his outbursts are very hard to take.

It sounds like he could be disrupting the Youngsters in the team with his comments

What is it with these Spanish clubs
Don't these clubs ever give up,trying to get players to them.

I don't know if it's only me, but I find this very fustrating, what is going on?

I was watching sky sports news, when a few scum supporters came out of their closet after buying Bent and being interviewed, saying, without Henry we are very venerable, and they would finish above us.

This made me laugh ,did we have Henry for half the season. Did we have our youngsters playing and maturing for this season, did we reach a final, did we make europe, did we have injuries on Van Persie and Gallas,did we have Da Silva, shall I carry on ,or Have I made my Point.