Arsenal - Aston Villa 3-2 all goals and highlights FA CUP 2012 (HD)

Madrid to step up Wenger interest

Arsenal transfer news: Real Madrid's interest in Arsene Wenger set to swell

Real Madrid are set to step up their interest in Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, according to The Daily Express.
Despite leading Barcelona in La Liga by five points, Jose Mourinho's inability to topple the Catalans during head-to-heads in the league and recently in the Copa del Rey quarter-final have led to frustration on the part of the Madrid board.
Wenger has often been linked with a move to Madrid, amid a seven-year trophyless spell at the Premier League outfit.

As reported on Wednesday, Wenger is reportedly one of two managers on Madrid's shortlist to take over from Mourinho, who has won just one trophy last season as Barcelona scooped the European Cup and the La Liga title.
Their is evidence that Wenger's lack of success at Arsenal is starting to grate on the fans, after the Frenchman was booed for replacing Andrey Arshavin with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Manchester United, a reaction that was compounded by Danny Welbeck's late winner.
In addition, Wenger's transfer policy has often come under fire from fans and pundits alike, following a frenzy of spending late in the summer transfer window.
Many have attributed those late purchases to Arsenal's uncertain start in the Premier League, which as as result now sees them five points off the pace in the race for the fourth Champions League spot.
The 62-year-old is widely regarded as one of the world's best manager's having become the first foreign boss to win the Premier League title in 1998.

Source: givemefootball

Arsenal stars still believe in Wenger

Oxlade-Chamberlain and Szczesny speak in support of Gunners boss

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says that he respected Arsene Wenger's controversial decision to substitute him in Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United.
The 18-year-old making his first Premier League start gave a standout performance but much to the dismay of Arsenal was hauled away by Wenger  just minutes after he had assisted skipper Robin van Persie in getting the equaliser.
Wenger cut a forlorn figure after he replaced the impressive Oxlade-Chamberlain with Andrey Arshavin in the 73rd minute with the score at 1-1.
Fans exploded in a cacophony of disapproval which grew louder when Wenger's decision backfired spectacularly as Arshavin lost Antonio Valencia, who set up Danny Welbeck for United's winner.

Even Robin van Persie mouthed his shock at the substitution though he was unaware that the teenager had a calf strain.
"It was hard not to hear it (the jeers for Wenger), there were a lot of fans," Oxlade-Chamberlain said. "It is always nice to know that the fans enjoyed your performance or whatever but at the end of the day, it's the boss's decision. He's Arsène Wenger, a top-quality manager. He's done a lot for this club so whatever he does and whatever decision he makes towards me and the team, I'll have to respect and I do respect that.
"The fans pay to come and watch us so they have the right to have their own opinions and to show their frustration but all we can guarantee is that we're working very hard and we're completely focused on the task in hand. We'll do all we can to try to put it right."
Goal stopper Wojciech Szczesny also suggested it was ridiculous for the Arsenal manager to have his position called into question.
The club's dressing room remains behind Wenger and there is the belief that they can still finish the season in a Champions League place.
Sunday's defeat, their third in succession in the Premier League, left Arsenal fifth, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Szczesny said: "No one will ever forget what the boss has done for this club. He's still doing a fantastic job and that's not a question, really, his position at this club. I don't think his position at this club should ever be questioned. We've been here before (in a difficult situation) and we've reacted very well. We'll do the same thing again and make sure that this club goes in the right direction and we finish the season where we should."
Arsenal supporters have been urged to keep the faith and much hope is being invested in the return of key players from injury.
"It should be a big confidence boost for us, the likes of Jack Wilshere and Bacary Sagna coming back, Kieran Gibbs as well," Szczesny said. "It will help us to get the results that this club deserves."
Oxlade-Chamberlain's eye-catching performance against United came on his full Premier League debut.
"It's a stride in the right direction for me but I realise that there's quality players on the bench and with the boys that are away (at the Africa Cup of Nations), like Gervinho … it's not going to be easy to keep that position. All I can do is keep working hard and try to repay the boss's trust.
"I'm definitely confident in the team. You just have to look around the dressing room. There's quality players wherever you look. We know we've got what it takes and it's just about sticking together from now on and coming out of the sticky patch as a better team."

Source : Emirates247

Rwandan chief wants Wenger to leave Arsenal

Chorus of criticism mounts against Frenchman after latest setback

By : AFP

The growing army of Arsenal fans who argue that Arsene Wenger has served his time received heavyweight support from one of the club's most high-profile supporters: Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The former rebel leader - who once received a signed banner from Wenger for his birthday - felt moved to call for change at the Emirates in a series of tweets following Arsenal's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday.
"I very much support Arsenal - but to be honest Wenger needs to coach another team now and Arsenal needs another coach," Kagame wrote.
Wenger's inability to address his side's defensive woes was already testing fans' patience but a decision to bring on out-of-sorts Andrey Arshavin for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - who had made a sparkling start to the game - turned the crowd against him.
Wenger has coached Arsenal since 1996 but after being celebrated as the London club's greatest ever, he has gone six years without a major trophy and his aura is fading.
"When a good team (players) and a good coach fail for long to deliver, one of them has to change, or even both!!," said Kagame, who came to power in the small central African nation in 1994.
"The real/main danger is for anyone to get used to mediocre/lacklustre performance and/or results and accepts to live with it ... or keeps finding excuses for it!!!," Kagame wrote.
Kagame's tweet was a reply to Philip Etale, a communication officer for the ODM party of Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, another celebrity "gooner", as Arsenal fans are known.
Players also reacted with dismay at Wenger's decisions Sunday and Kagame argued that the Frenchman risked alienating supporters.
"I am a loyal and patient fan but I am not sure about others!!! I would not blame them at all if they were v different," the head of state wrote.
At a bash for his 50th birthday in 2007, Kagame was handed an Arsenal banner signed by the entire squad and a letter in which Wenger told him of his pride at learning that the Rwandan head of state was a keen supporter.
The annual CECAFA Club Cup which involves clubs from eastern and central Africa was renamed the Kagame Inter-Club Cup in 2002 when the Rwandan leader started bankrolling the tournament almost single-handedly.
Arsenal's worldwide fan base is also believed to include Cuba's Fidel Castro.

Walcott: Wilshere can better Cesc

Arsenal news: Theo Walcott claims Jack Wilshere can better than Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has compared fellow Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere to former captain Cesc Fabregas.

The England speedster was full of praise for Wilshere, who has become an Emirates Stadium favourite and crucial part of Arsene Wenger’s side in little over a year.
Walcott also spoke of how the team had missed the influence of the 20-year-old after being absent for the whole first half of the season.

“I’ve seen Jack every day. He’s always got a little smile on his face because he wants to be back in this team,” said Walcott in an interview with the Telegraph.
“We’ve missed him. He’s an important player even after just that one year.
“It’s just a shame that he had that massive injury, proper serious. It could have been career-threatening. Hopefully he will be back in the next few weeks.”
The injury Walcott is referring to is a stress fracture in Wilshere’s ankle that he had been attempting to manage.
It came to a head in a pre-season friendly against New York Red Bulls and the England international had to leave the game early.
He has subsequently not featured since then and was expected to return to action by the middle of February – a date that is now reportedly under threat due to a set back in training this week.
Walcott went on to speak of the excitement surrounding Wilshere’s potential and even went so far as to claim he could be better than Fabregas.
“He’s a player who spots something that others can’t. People compare him to Cesc,” he added.
“I think he can be better than Cesc. Definitely. He has that character. He wants to improve, win things. He’s a good leader, a good person in the dressing room.”

 

Miquel: It’s my dream to play at Wembley

By Rob Kelly

Ignasi Miquel hopes to fulfil a lifelong dream by playing at Wembley this season - but for now he won’t look beyond Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa.

Ignasi Miquel

Arsenal host Alex McLeish’s side in the FA Cup fourth round, and with Manchester City already out and Manchester United due to face Liverpool, a number of bigger clubs could have fallen by the wayside by the last 16.

All the same Miquel says that the Gunners squad are taking nothing for granted and must remain focused ahead of a big test against Villa.



"Anyone can beat anyone in the cups. You saw in the Carling Cup that Manchester United lost at home to a Championship team [Crystal Palace],” he told Arsenal.com.

“These games are completely different from the league, so anyone we play will be a hard game. Of course the big teams have a good chance in the FA Cup, but you have to stay focused and make sure you beat who is in front of you.

“It is a dream to play at Wembley in a big final. First, we have to go step by step, but obviously if we can get to Wembley it would be a big, big thing for us.

“We have not won a title for quite long, so it would be great for us. But our next game is on Sunday against Aston Villa and we must focus on that. If we keep working and stay mentally strong we can get through it.”

Miquel made his Arsenal debut in the FA Cup last season and featured against Leeds in the memorable third-round match that saw Thierry Henry score the winner on his return to the Club.

"That was amazing. It was the best crowd I have ever seen at the Emirates. The last 10 or 15 minutes were unbelievable,” the Spanish defender said.

“Everyone knows it is a hard time for us but if you get the supporters behind you, you feel more comfortable. After Thierry scored, Leeds had a couple of chances but we stayed strong at the back and the supporters were with us, so that helped a lot.”

Source: Arsenal

Gourcuff going nowhere

Arsenal transfer news: Lyon playmaker Yoann Gourcuff will fight for his place in France

Yoann Gourcuff's agent has rubbished claims the France international could be set for a move in the January transfer window amid reported interest from Arsenal.

According to skysports.com, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder's mixed form for Lyon this season has been the key contributing factor to the constant speculation that currently surrounds Gourcuff's future.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the former Bordeaux and AC Milan star, and has considered an attempt to bring him to north London in a bid to strengthen his Emirates Stadium squad.

 

However, any hopes Arsenal may still have had of securing Gourcuff's signature have been dealt a significant blow, after Jean-Pierre Bernes confirmed their would be no activity concerning his client this month.
"We talked about that, [but] it would be nonsense to leave," he told France Football. "I can't see any benefit to finding a new club three months before Euro [2012]!"
Gourcuff is in his second season at Lyon, but has struggled with injuries so far this campaign, having been restricted to just seven outings in Ligue 1.
But the talented midfielder is happy to keep plugging away at Stade Gerland, especially as his thoughts are starting to turn towards possible involvement at this summer's European Championships.

Source : givemefootball

Arsenal: 5 stars of the future

Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday was a third-straight loss in the league for Arsene Wenger's side, and with things not going the Gunners way at present it would be easy to forget the progress the club has made under the Frenchman.

Wenger is renowned for bringing young players through the ranks in north London, taking academy prospects and moulding them into senior stars for the Gunners over relatively short periods of time.
And there is a handful of players just waiting for their chance to make the senior leap at the Emirates Stadium, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showing the way to others after his inspiring performance against the Red Devils at the weekend.

Taking inspiration from his display, GiveMeFootball picks five others who are on the cusp of big things under Wenger, and could make an impacts sooner rather than later.
Nicholas Yennaris (Full back)
The England youth international has earned his big break in recent weeks, coming off the bench against Leeds in the FA Cup and United two days ago.
At 18, the versatile youngster is still eligible for the youth team, but appeared six times for Neil Banfield's second-string in last season's campaign.
Comfortable in central defence and midfield, the teenager is eligible to play for China or Cyprus as well as the Three Lions, and recently penned a contract extension keeping him at the club until the summer of 2013.
Oguzhan Ozyakup (Midfield)
A 19-year-old Dutch youth international, Ozyakup moved to the capital from AZ Alkmaar in 2008 and signed a contract extension at the Emirates last season.
Another junior plying his trade for the reserves, the teenager appeared 15 times at that level, and has since made two senior appearances as a substitute in the League Cup.
Technically gifted and most comfortable in a central midfield role, the No.53 skippered his country to the U17 European Final in 2009.
Hector Bellerin (Full back)
The Spanish teenager hit the headlines last summer, completing a controversial move from Barcelona to the Emirates alongside Jon Toral.
Whilst the first-team is someway off for the 16-year-old, his progression has been impressive for the English outfit, switching from a winger to right back and challenging for a regular place in Steve Bould's U18 side.
Schooled in the style of football often on show at the Nou Camp, Bellerin is technically gifted with great pace, and has previously been called-up to the Spanish international youth setup.
Chuks Aneke (Midfield)
An attacking midfielder who can also play in a deep-lying central role, Aneke joined Stevenage on loan in November, and has since agreed to stay at Broadhall Way until the end of the season.
The England youth international shot to prominence at the club after impressing at youth, and then reserve team level last term, becoming a regular for the second string whilst knocking on the senior door.
A first chance came in the League Cup against Shrewsbury earlier this term, and Aneke will be hoping to be in the fold for the Gunners next season after gaining senior experience in Npower League One.
Ryo Miyaichi (Forward)
Signed in January 2011, the anticipation surrounding the Japanese forward's potential impact for Arsenal has been huge, with the fires stoked during a successful loan period at Feyenoord last season.
Pre-season appearances on the tour of Asia suggested Wenger might look to involve the speedster in first team activities this season, although the Frenchman has only used the player sparingly in the League Cup.
An injury put him out of action in November, but the former Chukyodai Chukyo High School starlet will be hoping to get his chance to shine at some stage this season.

Source : Givemefootball 

Henry ’n Mik are Gunner return

THIERRY HENRY and Mikel Arteta are set to return for Arsenal against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Both on-loan striker Henry, 34, and £10million Spanish midfielder Arteta missed Sunday's 2-1 loss to Manchester United with calf injuries.
It is understood Henry could have faced United but, as he was not 100 per cent fit, boss Arsene Wenger did not want to take the risk.
Arteta, 29, has been out for the last two games but has told Wenger to count him in for the fourth-round tie at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
Defenders Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs, who have both been sidelined with injuries, are also set to return to training this week — but midfielder Jack Wilshere is still out after ankle surgery.

Source : 7m

Rosicky future in doubt

Player's agent in London for talks with Arsene Wenger

 

Tomas Rosicky's agent, Pavel Paska, has travelled to London for talks with Arsene Wenger over the player's future.

The Czech Republic international has only started five league games for Arsenal this season and is out of contract in the summer.
He has been linked with a move to Fulham and Wolfsburg but his agent has denied any talks have been held with other clubs.
"Fulham is just press speculation," said Paska.
"I am now going to have a meeting with Arsen Wenger but won't comment on anything before that. I don't like to give any prognosis to the press.
"I react on facts and that means I will express myself only when we know the result of this meeting."

Source : SkySports

 

 

´No problem´ with Wenger, says Van Persie

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has denied there is any rift between himself and Arsene Wenger.
Reports of a disagreement in the camp surfaced after the striker's negative reaction to the manager's tactical decisions in Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United.

The Frenchman has received widespread criticism from fans for substituting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had just created Van Persie's equaliser, and replacing him with Andrey Arshavin, with the Russian failing to properly mark Antonio Valencia in the build-up to United's winning goal.

Robin Van Persie

The Dutch forward appeared to mouth the words 'no' when Chamberlain's number came up on the board, but he insists he was not questioning Wenger, just revealing his disappointment at the 18-year-old's exit.

"I was not having a go at the boss on Sunday - I was just sad to see Alex leave the pitch as he just gave the assist for our only goal," the 28-year-old told The Sun.

"I was not questioning his judgement - I know it's not my place to challenge what Arsene Wenger does. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain had a calf injury. We did not know that but the boss did and brought Andrey Arshavin on."

"The manager and I are fine and my relationship with the club is good. There is no problem, there is no conflict and there is no controversy."

"The boss knows that, I know that and the players know that."

Source Soccerway 

Ox targets Arsenal run

Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hoping to become first team regular

 

Arsenal starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is hoping to gain many more first chances after starting in the league for the first time against Manchester United yesterday (Sunday).
The 18-year-old has featured in a handful of League Cup and Champions League games this term, and was one of the Gunners' brightest sparks in the 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, contributing an assist to Robin Van Persie's second-half equaliser.
It was the all-round performance of the England U21 international which was most impressive however, and after being eased into the side gently by Arsene Wenger, Oxlade-Chamberlain is ready for a run in the first team.

"I was happy to get a start and obviously against opposition like Man United - it doesn't come any better than that," the former Southampton starlet told Arsenal Player post-match.
"I guess it does [show Wenger has faith in him] and that is a positive for me to take away, having the boss' trust. I've got to make sure I repay that with my performances, working hard in training and when I'm on the pitch.
"Overall I was happy with my performance and happy to contribute to Robin's goal. It was positive for me and mentally it puts you in a good position."
Oxlade-Chamberlain is well aware that things can change quickly in football though, and is keeping his feet on the ground ahead of a next potential change against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday.
"Things can always change in football - you can have one good game and the next game is a bad one. You've got to deal with the highs and the lows. It was a nice performance from me and I've got to make sure I keep my place now."
The teenage talent moved to north London in August, and ironically made his first appearance for the north London outfit in their 8-2 defeat to the Red Devils at Old Trafford in the same month.
Fans have been calling for the player to get a first-team chance after a run of poor performances, and Oxlade-Chamberlain did his chances of a more regular spell in the side no harm with the outing against the champions.

Source : Givemefootball

 

Ferguson: Two goals were not enough

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson felt his team should have beaten Arsenal by a more comfortable margin than one goal on Sunday.
United led in the Premier League match through a goal from Antonio Valencia in first-half stoppage time at the Emirates Stadium.
Robin van Persie levelled for Arsenal on 71 minutes, but United claimed all three points when Danny Welbeck scored to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes remaining.
"We created an amazing amount of chances and to only score two is a bit disappointing," Ferguson said.
"We should have rammed home our advantage in the first half, and in the first 15 minutes of the second half they had three great chances and missed them all, so we rode our luck."
"When they put (Per) Mertesacker up and kept tossing the ball into the box, you never know what's going to happen but we coped well with that, (Chris) Smalling was fantastic in that period and we managed to see it out."
Ferguson felt the victory was particularly important after league leaders Manchester City had beaten Tottenham 3-2 earlier in the day.
"Winning after City had won was the important thing but we've done it in the right way," he said.
"We were really adventurous, positive and had a great belief in ourselves."
According to their manager, Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal players began the match apprehensively following consecutive league defeats to Fulham and Swansea.
"We had a difficult first half, we were a bit nervous due to the fact we lost the last two games and we played under pressure today," he said.
"In the second half we had chances to win the game, we made a defensive mistake on the second goal but we had a good second half and at 1-1 it looked like it would be us to win."
"We are in a fighting position, let's be inspired by the second half today."
The Arsenal fans made no secret of their displeasure when the influential Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was withdrawn for Andrei Arshavin with 16 minutes to go.
The Gunners boss cited fitness concerns as the motivation behind the unpopular switch.

"He (Oxlade-Chamberlain) started to stretch his calf and he had given a lot, he is not used to that intensity," Wenger said.

Source: Soccerway

Oxlade-Chamberlain - I want to keep my place

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to repay Arsène Wenger with quality performances after being handed his full Premier League debut on Sunday.

The 18-year-old was one of Arsenal's brightest performers in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United and capped an encouraging display with the assist for Robin van Persie's second-half equaliser.

Wenger has eased Oxlade-Chamberlain into the first-team picture since he joined the Club from Southampton last summer. And the teenager is determined to keep his place in the starting line-up.

"I was happy to get a start and obviously against opposition like Man United - it doesn't come any better than that," Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player.

"I guess it does [show Wenger has faith in him] and that is a positive for me to take away, having the boss' trust. I've got to make sure I repay that with my performances, working hard in training and when I'm on the pitch.

"Overall I was happy with my performance and happy to contribute to Robin's goal. It was positive for me and mentally it puts you in a good position.

"That can always change in football though - you can have one good game and the next game is a bad one. You've got to deal with the highs and the lows. It was a nice performance from me and I've got to make sure I keep my place now."

Source : Arsenal.com

Wenger says 'sorry' to Arsenal fans

Yet Frenchman defends decision to substitute Chamberlain

Arsene Wenger was forced to quell talk of a mutiny at Arsenal after his costly mistake led to the Gunners' 2-1 defeat against Manchester United.

The Frenchman made a huge blunder when he decided to send on Russia winger Andrey Arshavin in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the closing stages at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

A lacklustre first-half performance from Arsenal ended with Antonio Valencia heading United into the lead, but Wenger's injury-hit side gave a far better account of themselves in the second period and equalised when Robin van Persie finished off a move that swept the full length of the pitch.

Arsenal looked capable of snatching a winner at that point but Wenger took the wind out of his team's sails by replacing Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had marked a dynamic first Premier League start by setting up van Persie's goal, with Arshavin.

The Russian has infuriated Arsenal fans with his lacklustre displays over the last 18 months and the home supporters responded to the switch with a torrent of abuse for Wenger.

Even Gunners captain van Persie was seen shouting 'No' while gesturing towards his manager as Arshavin came on.

Arshavin then showed Wenger exactly why there was such an angry reaction as his sloppy defending allowed Valencia space to set up Danny Welbeck's 81st minute winner.

This may not have been as humiliating as Arsenal's 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford in August, but the consequences for Wenger could be even more damaging if he is unable to stamp out such open signs of dissent from players and fans alike.

"I can understand that the fans are upset about the substitution, especially when it doesn't work, but he (Oxlade-Chamberlain) had started to fatigue," Wenger said.

"He was sick in the week and Arshavin is captain of the Russia national team.

"You have an 18-year-old kid making his first Premier League start and a player who's captain of his country and they are querying the substitution? Let's be serious.

"I've been a manager for 30 years and have made 50,000 substitutions. I do not have to justify every decision I make to you (the press). I stand up for it.

"People pay for their tickets and express their emotions. We have to deal with that, it doesn't mean they are always right."

Van Persie's frustration should be even more concerning for Wenger.

The Dutch forward's contract expires in 18 months and he has indicated he is in no rush to extend it, so it was no surprise Wenger was coy about how he would deal with van Persie.

"I didn't see that. I do not want to come out on every reaction. I don't have to explain what I will do about this," he said.

"I will not blame one individual. We win together and we lose together. If I made a mistake I am sorry. But it could have happened if Oxlade-Chamberlain had stayed on."

Arsenal have now lost three successive league games for the first time in five years and lie five points behind fourth placed Chelsea with 36 points after 22 games - their worst total at this stage of Wenger's entire 16-year reign.

Wenger now faces the nightmare prospect of missing out on the Champions League places and he acknowledged they are in a tricky situation.

"We had chances to win the game, but this Man Utd team is a bit more mature in every position than we are," Wenger said.

"It leaves us in a very difficult position. It was a game we couldn't afford to lose."

In contrast, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson left north London confident that Premier League leaders Manchester City remain firmly in their sights.

United kicked off six points behind City after their dramatic win over Tottenham, but Welbeck's winner reduced the gap to three.

It was the ideal statement of intent from the champions in the first of a testing run of away fixtures that could decide the destiny of the title.

"I said before the game that we had four massive away games (Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and City) to come and that's one out the way," Ferguson said.

"What we need to do is stay on City's coat-tails. Things can happen and there will be changes before the end of the season."

United are now five points clear of third placed Tottenham and Ferguson believes it is a two-horse title race between the two Manchester clubs.

"Winning after City won their game was the important thing. And we've done it the right way, being adventurous and positive. I'm delighted with that," Ferguson said.

"I think it is going to be hard for both us and City to collapse in the run-in now." 

Source: Emirate 247 

Arsenal fans no longer trust Wenger

Decision to substitute Chamberlain with Arshavin jeered

 

In Arsene We Trust. No longer. At least Arsenal fans feel Wenger is not always right. Not after the 73rd minute substitution the Frenchman made that had even his captain Robin van Persie mouthing his disbelief.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had just set up Van Persie's equaliser and the Gunners were poised for a stirring comeback against champions Manchester United.
Yet Wenger's decision to replace Oxlade‑Chamerlain's youthful cut and thrust with the slumbering Andrey Arshavin, a player Arsenal fans love to hate, brought jeers and derision in virtually all corners.
It was vindicated when Arshavin showed his defensive frailities by allowing opening goalscorer Antonio Valencia into the box to set up Danny Welbeck for United's second, sealing a 2-1 win for the visitors.
Wenger hurled his water bottle down in disgust but behind him in the stands, there were vociferous shows of dissent.
Perhaps for the first time in his 15 years in charge, his authority was being questioned by fans who have stood by him despite the 8-2 mauling handed by United at the beginning of the season.
They have endured the frustration of seeing an end to their six-year trophy drought despite being in the hunt for a quadruple last term.
They have even trusted in his vision to bring in young players instead of big names to fill the boots of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
The Frenchman seems to look every bit his age and feeling the strain of resurrecting Arsenal from the abyss as he was seen holding his head when Van Persie missed a chance in front of goal before he got the equaliser eventually.
But the ultimate insult for Wenger was when home fans at the Emirates vociferously questioned his decision to bring Arshavin with some supporters applauding him sarcastically at the end and taunting him to spend some money.
He refused to dwell on the sub blunder but admits the change was costly.

"When it was 1-1 it looked like we would win but in the end one tactical mistake lost us the game," he told Sky Sports.

"I do not want to dwell too much on that now but one second of inattention can cost you."

Despite his admission, Wenger went on to defend his decision to bring off Oxlade-Chamberlain in a frosty post-match press conference.

"I can understand that the fans are upset about the substitution, especially when it doesn't work, but he (Oxlade-Chamberlain) had started to fatigue," he said.

"He was sick in the week. Arshavin is captain of the Russia national team.

"You have an 18-year-old kid making his first Premier League start and a player who's captain of his country and they are querying the substitution? Let's be serious.

"I've been a manager for 30 years and have made 50,000 substitutions. I do not have to justify every decision I make to you (the Press). I stand up for it."

The Frenchman concedes the result leaves his team in real danger of not making the top four this season, adding: "It leaves us in a very difficult position. It's a game we couldn't afford to lose."

Wenger thought his players took too long to hit their stride but was pleased with their display in the second half, despite the result.

"Overall I would say we had a great second half," he added. "We had a difficult first half where we were a bit nervous.

"In the second half I thought we had chances to win the game. We made a defensive mistake on the second goal but overall we had a great second half. We created chances, we were a bit unlucky.

"You could see we played under pressure today and it took us 45 minutes to get into the game. In the second half when we played with more freedom we were very dangerous."

Source : Emirate 247

Man Utd pay heavy price for Arsenal win

ones out for 'a few weeks' while Nani, Rooney, Evra and Carrick pick up knocks

Manchester United's victory against Arsenal seems to have come at a cost with Sir Alex Ferguson revealing defender Phil Jones will be out for "a few weeks" after suffering ankle ligament damage.
The teenage stopper was stretchered off just 15 minutes into United's 2-1 triumph at Emirates Stadium after suffering the knock.
Jones had only just returned after missing last weekend's win over Bolton due to injury.
This comes on top of injuries to Nani, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick who all picked up knocks.
Nani boarded the team bus wearing a protective boot on his right foot, Rooney also limped his way out of the stadium and Carrick played through the pain of a hamstring strain.
Ferguson, who was already without Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Michael Owen and long-term absentees Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic, said: "It's not good news for us.
"I think Jones will be out for a few weeks - it's ankle ligaments.
"Carrick was feeling his hamstring in the second half and he just had to sit in the middle of the pitch."
The win took United back to within three points of City.
"It was important to win after City had won their game, but the manner in which we won was the more pleasing thing for me," Ferguson said, before looking ahead to even tougher trips to Chelsea, Tottenham and City.
"I said before the game that we had four massive away games to come and that's one out the way. What we need to do is stay on City's coat-tails."
Ferguson singled out match-winner Danny Welbeck for special praise after the England striker scored for the third successive game.
"Danny was fantastic. His work-rate and movement are great," he said. "He could have scored five. He was unlucky in that sense, but he's got the important goal and continued his run of scoring in the first team. For a 21-year-old, he's doing really well."
Welbeck revealed United had watched City's win over Spurs in their dressing room, telling MUTV: "It was on in the changing room but we couldn't let it affect us or the way we played - we just played our normal game.
"I'm over the moon, but the team worked tirelessly all the way through. A few people were cramping up towards the end - I was one of the victims. To get a starting berth up top with Wazza (Rooney) in behind me, we're forming a great partnership and I'm just looking forward to carrying that on."
United skipper Evra said: "We're still behind City but we have to keep winning. When we play with the United spirit, it's difficult to beat us."

source Emirate247

 

Wenger has no plans to buy

Gunners boss in no rush to spend money

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he will not rush into the transfer market to bolster his squad.

Fans were calling for Wenger to make a foray into the transfer market to bring in some new faces during Sunday's defeat to Manchester United.
Wenger is short of options in defence with Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou both forced to play out of position at full-back against United with Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos all sidelined.
Wenger has had no fit recognised full-backs since before Christmas, but the Frenchman refuses to enter the market and is prepared to wait for his injured players to return to fitness.
Asked whether he agreed with the view that Arsenal must spend to improve, Wenger replied "I don't. Spending money is not the target. It never has been in life.
"We need our players back. We missed 10 players. When you see what we created in the second half, it's important for us to get the players back."

Source : Sky Spots 

 

Wenger issues Arsenal rallying call

Gunners boss wants his team to end blip in form with a win over Man Utd on Sunday

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says next weekend’s match against Manchester United is the perfect opportunity for his side to bounce back from two straight Barclays Premier League defeats.

The Gunner s were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage at the beginning of January while on Sunday, they took an early lead against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium only to lose the contest 3-2.
But Wenger believes that his side can use Sunday's match against Manchester United to rejuvenate their attempt to cement a place in the top four.
"It is a massive opportunity because you feel we have given six points away in the last two games in a way that is unbelievable," Wenger told the official Arsenal website.

"It is time for us to wake up and be focused - we have a good opportunity to do that against Manchester United."
And Wenger says his team will need to show a big improvement if they are to overcome Manchester United,  who currently lie second in the League table.
"That's now twice - at Swansea and at Fulham - where we have given the game away," added Wenger.
"At our level that is frustrating and not good enough.

"It is down to a lack of composure and the right decision-making. It is alarming because at Fulham we were 1-0 up and we lost the game.
"[Against Swansea] we came back to 2-2 and straight away we gave the third goal away. It is really a concern."

"That's now twice - at Swansea and at Fulham - where we have given the game away."
- Arsene Wenger

Source : premierleague 

 

Arsenal tracking RVP´s son, 5

Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Robin van Persie's five-year-old son.
Shaqueel van Persie has already shown talents in both football and golf and has been playing for a club near to the family home, and the Gunners have seen enough of the youngster to invite him to a couple of sessions.

However, Van Persie senior is happy for his son to stay with his current side and insists he does not need to answer Arsenal's calls just yet.

"I honestly have to say that he has got a lot of talent for football," Van Persie said.

"I recognise a lot of stuff of myself in him. His coach is really great. Arsenal has invited him a couple of times to come and play there but he likes it at his club. He's sensitive for a good atmosphere. Just like me."

"He loves to play golf. You've got some great golf courses here. He's taking lessons and we regularly play a round. Sometimes he beats me! He's got a great gift for where the ball has to go. My shots sometimes end up in the bush; his always go straight. He says: 'Dad, I'm going to chip now, gimme my this or that club'. He can do that perfectly as well."

The Dutchman has halted talks on extending his own career at Arsenal and will continue discussions in the summer, when he will have 12 months left on his current contract.

A handful of clubs are keeping tabs on the prolific goalscorer and Van Persie himself has spoken of his admiration for Barcelona.

"I still think you can achieve most by playing beautiful football," he told NUsport magazine.

"Look at Barcelona. Their football is something unique, beautiful to watch. We will never forget it. But sometimes, they also depend on the individual actions of (Lionel) Messi or somebody else."

"Nobody can play beautiful football all the time. That's what I tell the boys (at Arsenal). When it doesn't go smoothly, just try to kill the game."

"I'm still a lover of the game and I will always be but I've become more realistic. It's too romantic to think you can only win by playing beautiful football. Barcelona is the exception."

Source : Soccerway

Henry sorry for swearing at Arsenal fan

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has apologised for swearing at one of the club's fans after they suffered defeat at the hands of Swansea.
Arsene Wenger's team had lost the match 3-2 at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday, as goals from Scott Sinclair, Danny Graham and Nathan Dyer gave Brendan Rodgers' side the three points.

After the game Henry wanted his team-mates to applaud the travelling supporters.

Despite his best interests, when the Arsenal players went over to thank their fans, what came the way of the players was a barrage of abuse, something Henry was perplexed and shocked by.

"I was really shocked and disappointed on Sunday, and not just at the result," the Frenchman told The Sun.

"After the final whistle of a very tricky game, I insisted the whole team go and applaud the Arsenal supporters."

"When I arrived in front of our own fans, I couldn't understand the abuse the team were getting from one of them."

"I wanted to tell the fan in question that we need their support not abuse. The sentiment was right, but in hindsight could have been better expressed."

"So I would like to first and foremost apologise for using inappropriate language to that particular 'supporter'."

"I didn't intend to be malicious or threatening and am aware that it could have been said in a calmer manner."

Arsenal's first opportunity to eradicate the Swansea defeat will see them face Manchester United on Sunday, a match that also represents the opportunity to get revenge for the 8-2 loss at Old Trafford earlier in the season.
Source: Socceway

Result Arsenal 1-0 Leeds FA Cup

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Henry may stay at Arsenal till end of season

Arsene Wenger is mulling the prospect of retaining Thierry Henry till the end of the season as Arsenal target a top-four finish in the league.
The New York Red Bulls striker has rejoined Arsenal on a two-month loan but there is a possibility a longer deal could be agreed.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup third-round clash against Leeds on Monday, the Gunners boss revealed his main priority was qualifying for the Champions League.
Wenger mauy be under pressure to end Arsenal’s seven-year wait for silverware but the Frenchman will always put the Champions League first.
He said: "The basis of our life at the top level is dictated by the championship.
"If we can add on top of that the FA Cup it is fantastic.
"If, on the last day of the season, you ask me do you play the final of the FA Cup or do you play for the final game that qualifies for the Champions League.

"For us it's not comparable, the FA Cup and Champions League.
"The Champions League is compulsory. The FA Cup is for enjoyment."
Should Henry hit the ground running in his spell back at the Gunners then Wenger is almost certain to try to make the Frenchman stay.
When David Beckham joined AC Milan in similar circumstances from LA Galaxy three years ago he ended up staying until the end of the season.

And Wenger said: "Milan might have negotiated that in advance but we have not done that.

"We have promised that we send the player back so we have not spoken about that at all."

But the Gunners boss is still hoping he may have to broach the subject — and ask New York for an extension.
Wenger revealed he will rest top scorer Robin van Persie against Leeds so in the absence of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh, Henry may even start against the Yorkshire side at the Emirates.

Arsenal have not won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup but Wenger insisted that the club's lack of silverware did not mean failure.

He added: "It has always looked like 'Ah, you have not won a trophy so you have been nowhere for five years'.

"But in the same five years we have been in the semi-finals of the Champions League and final of the Champions League.

"You will realise one day that it is not as easy as it looks and this year we are again one of the two teams who qualified."

Wenger, who has won three titles and the FA Cup four times with Arsenal, claimed he does not even know where any of his medals are.

He said: "I don't know where I have my medals.
"I don't think I keep them. I don't know where 'The Invincibles' medal is because it's more important what is in front of you."

Wenger admits the players want winners’ medals especially after losing the Carling Cup final last season.
“That’s why we fight for it,” he said.

 Emirate247

Nasri, Cesc exit made Arsenal stronger: Walcott

Gunners more united outfit despite horrible start to season

Theo Walcott believes Arsenal have emerged stronger following the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri during the summer transfer window.
Arsenal suffered a difficult start to their Premier League campaign, with the nadir taking the shape of an 8-2 drubbing by Manchester United at Old Trafford in August.
However Walcott told Arsenal Player magazine that the Gunners were now a more united outfit after Fabregas was sold to Barcelona and Nasri headed north to Manchester City.
"I'm not saying that Cesc and Samir were individual players, they were great team players, but when you lose two top players everyone needs to come together," Walcott, 22, said.
"The manager has brought in some good additions and we are a bit more of a team, we work harder when we haven't got the ball.
"We have a lot more clean sheets as well, and having (Thomas) Vermaelen back is very important as he is a massive player for us.
"The next thing the whole team needs to share the goals more. Samir and Cesc used to get quite a lot of them and Robin van Persie has been getting most of them so that's our next step."
Walcott hopes that the return of Jack Wilshere from injury could help give Arsenal's season fresh impetus when the 20-year-old comes back next month.
"Seeing Jack in and around the dressing room and treatment room, he is as happy as ever," Wilshere added.
"He won the Young Player of the Year award last year which was deserved. He's also played for England and now he just needs to get back out on that pitch."

By: AFP

Published Wednesday, January 04, 2012
source:

Nasri, Cesc exit made Arsenal stronger: Walcot