Injuries stack up for FA Cup replay at Blackburn

By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger has been forced to make numerous changes in his squad for the FA Cup Fifth Round replay at Blackburn on Wednesday night.

The Arsenal manager could be without as many as 10 first-team players and, as a result, may take some of his ‘Carling Cup youngsters’ to Ewood Park.

“There are plenty of changes but it will still be a strong team,” the Frenchman told Arsenal.com on Tuesday.

“We have lots of injuries. We don’t have Adebayor (suspended), Thierry Henry (foot) and Tomas Rosicky (groin). At Cardiff on Sunday we also lost Abou Diaby through an ankle injury and Kolo Toure who was sent off. Fabregas will be rested as well.”

The injuries don’t end there. Justin Hoyte is troubled by a hamstring strain picked up at the Millennium Stadium, Johan Djourou is struggling with an ankle complaint while Mathieu Flamini is doubtful with a foot problem.

Robin van Persie will definitely miss the game of course. His prognosis is still anything between four and eight weeks because of the broken metatarsal he suffered against Manchester United on January 21.

Fortunately Wenger has some experienced players in need of games.

“William Gallas is coming back,” he said, “so are Hleb and Ljungberg. They will be involved. Denilson will be there aswell. Clichy (foot) is in the squad but I am not sure he will play.”

Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see a video interview with Arsène Wenger on Wednesday morning. In it the Frenchman talks about: his reflections on the Carling Cup Final on Sunday, the disciplinary issues that have arisen from the game, his faith in his youngsters, the danger of David Bentley, the emergence of Shabani Nonda and much more.

Baptista - Cup run shows I can do the business

By Richard Clarke

Julio Baptista believes that the Carling Cup could be the making of his Arsenal career.

The burly midfielder-cum-striker is on loan from Real Madrid this season and hoping to impress Arsene Wenger enough to gain a permanent deal at the end of the season.

With six goals in two games, the Carling Cup appears to be the tournament he has chosen to stake his claim.

“This is the competition I'm having most opportunity,” said the 25-year-old Brazilian. “It's the one in which Arsene Wenger is really giving me a chance, the only one where I've been able to show how I am able to play.

“It has been very important to me, as much as anything for my own self-confidence. It shows that when I'm needed I can do the business.

“I think I've definitely shown what I'm capable of and now it's the decision of the Club [over whether to keep me or not].”

Baptista goes by the nickname of “The Beast” but he was also called “Batigoal” during his free-scoring spell at Sevilla. However, although the match ball from the 6-3 win at Anfield is sitting on his mantelpiece, his four-goal performance that night was one of the few in which he has started up front. He has flitted between roles as an attacking midfielder and supporting forward.

“My favourite position is as second striker,” he said, “but a free-roaming one, ideally about five metres behind the striker.

“Arsene knows that's my best position but sometimes the situation arises that I am needed in other positions and I'll play there. But really the one I want to play in, and know I'm best at, is the second striker role.

“Of course it has been frustrating not to play more but you're competing with international players in every other position.

“When I arrived the team was pretty much formed already, everyone had their positions. But of course I want to be playing in the main team.”

Sunday is Baptista’s chance to bridge that divide.

Walcott - My days as a Chelsea ballboy

By Richard Clarke

Theo Walcott has gone from Chelsea ballboy to Arsenal poster boy in the space of six short years.

The 17-year-old winger is set to play the biggest match of his burgeoning career on Sunday when the two teams contest the Carling Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. And Jose Mourinho’s side are intent on biting the hands that used to feed them - footballs that is.

Walcott might have been playing for Chelsea on Sunday. Even before he had reached his teenage years they had spotted his talent and invited him to Stamford Bridge to help out.

“Yeah I was 10 going on 11 when I was a ballboy there,” he said. “There was always a chance I could have gone to Chelsea.

“I was playing in Jersey and their scouts were there. They invited me to come down for the Liverpool match because I was a Liverpool fan.

“I remember Liverpool lost 2-0 and I didn’t get a touch of the ball but at least I got to watch it. And I met some of the players - Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen - afterwards in the dressing room. It’s funny because when I went to the World Cup I showed Michael a picture of it.

“But I was more interested in the Academy then to be honest. At a young age you just want to play football. It was always going to be Southampton.”

Walcott’s selection in Germany only added to the hype that has surrounded him ever since he signed for Arsenal last January. The player himself accepts the past year has not been a smooth ride but opportunity has knocked loudest in the Carling Cup.

“I just think we’ve got better every round,” he said. “To go away to Tottenham and get that result was brilliant, I thought. It’s not an easy place to go to I’ll tell you that now. I thought Portsmouth was bad but we showed character at 2-0 down with all the fans against us. I thought our supporters were brilliant, Julio’s two goals were brilliant and the whole squad were brilliant.

“But overall it has been hard because you just want to play. I’m only 17 and playing in the first team at Arsenal, probably the best club in the world I’d say. So I’ve got a long way to go yet.

“Still to be here in my first year and be in a cup final so early, I didn’t expect that. It is a dream come true.”

Denilson - Carling Cup is like a kickabout

By Richard Clarke

Denilson has vowed to treat the Carling Cup Final like a kick-about on the backstreets of Brazil.

The 19-year-old midfielder, signed from Sao Paulo on transfer deadline in August, has been a revelation in this season’s competition. The West Brom and Everton games served as his apprenticeship, he then went on to put in professional performances against Liverpool and Tottenham in the latter rounds.

It should be no surprise, Denilson is a mature individual. He played for Sao Paulo in the Inter-Continental Cup at the age of 16 and has been the Brazil Under-19s captain for the past year. That experience is helping him take Sunday’s game in his confident stride.

“I am hoping to finish off this wonderful season on a gold standard in the Carling Cup and also the FA Cup and the Champions League,” he said. “Why not?

“I don't feel any pressure at all. I am playing as though it is a kick-about in the street.

“I have already played before 80,000 a few times including against Liverpool when I came on as a substitute in the Inter-Continental Cup.”

Denilson is no relation to the player of the same name who moved from Sao Paulo to Real Betis for a then world record fee of £22 million in 1998. This Denilson is the son of a jobbing Brazilian professional and grew up with Zinedine Zidane as his hero. Like any overseas player he has needed an adaptation period. On the pitch it has been surprisingly short, off the pitch it is still ongoing.

“One thing that is very different here in England is that football is a lot faster than Brazil,” he said. “But I like that. You can get a battering but you have to have the body to withstand that and although I am small I am very fit.

“The biggest issue for me has been to learn English, but I am getting there. I live here on my own, not with a family. But that is OK for me. I can follow English television and listen to American music. I can't cook but I don't drink. I respect what other individual people want to do but it is not for me.

“Gilberto has been very helpful to me while I have been here. He does not tell me what to do but he suggests good things and when we have a day off we go to places of interest like Madame Tussauds.

“I like it there. I have never met Pele but he is there in wax. It is one of the places I will go if we win on Sunday.

Then he corrected himself: “After we win on Sunday.”

Carling Cup Final :Chelsea - Arsenal

By Richard Clarke

The Carling Cup Final on Sunday will be Arsène Wenger’s most prestigious talent show ever.

For many years, the Arsenal manager has used this particular competition as his fame academy; a chance to blood unknown and untested players in a first-team environment.

In the build-up to this game the Frenchman suggested this season’s run to Cardiff was a footballing version of the X-Factor talent show. But can his fledglings really out-perform a Chelsea side with an unrivalled £-factor of their own? Jose Mourinho certainly has no intention of sending out a weakened side after all.

Sunday will see the two managers, the two teams even the two clubs singing from entirely different songsheets. But Wenger has always been happy to whistle his own tune in this tournament.

"You have singers in England going on the X-Factor show for their talents to be discovered,” said Wenger. “If they don't organise it, you don't find them.

"I like it because people are brave enough to come out and say they want to achieve something in their life. They are ready to be committed to do it. They have a target.

"I like people who turn up and are ready to fight for something, like our young players are. And this competition is the X-Factor Academy for us.

“People say never judge a team on a cup run because it depends who you play. But in this competition we have played Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham so it would be a great reward for us to win it.

“Liverpool was a tough test, Everton was a tough test and no-one can ever predict how difficult it will be against Chelsea.

"Their game is based on experience and power, ours will be based on mobility and movement. It will be very important for us to try and stop them in decisive moments in the game by taking over that physical power."

Wenger will keep faith with the side that has taken him to Cardiff. William Gallas, Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg are omitted. Jens Lehmann (suspended) and Robin van Persie (foot) would not have played either as they had not featured in the earlier rounds of the competition.

Emmanuel Eboue (foot) is likely to be out while Justin Hoyte (hamstring) and Gael Clichy (foot) were due for tests on Friday. Armand Traore will step in at left back should his fellow Frenchman not make it.

Along with Denilson, the 17-year-old defender is the discovery of this year’s run. Cesc Fabregas, Van Persie and Clichy — now first-team regulars - are among the previous recipients of this imaginary award. Top-flight starts are the point of this competition for Wenger but that does not mean Sunday’s trophy will be simply handed over to the more experienced side.

“I'm very proud of what these players have achieved this season,” he said. “We have not just won we've won with style which is our philosophy.

"But for me the biggest achievement is always the next one. What you have done in your life is not important. If you think what you have won is not as important as the next one then you are finished.

"I want to achieve what is front of me as well as I can and I really want to win this trophy on Sunday.

"It will be an unusual achievement if we do it.”

And an highly uplifting one too.

Result: PSV 1 - 0 Arsenal

By Richard Clarke in Eindhoven

Arsenal face a nerve-racking night at Emirates Stadium in two weeks time after losing 1-0 at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday in the Champions League Knockout Round first leg.

The all-important strike came in the 61st minute when a skidding effort from Edison Mendez beat Jens Lehmann and found its way into the corner of the net. Defeat was perhaps harsh on Arsène Wenger’s side who, until that point, had given as good as they got.

However Champions League football is all about making the most of scarce opportunities, something Arsenal amply demonstrated at the sharp end of this competition this year.

In the build-up to this game the Mayor of Eindhoven had promised Arsenal fans ‘the Mardi Gras of the Netherlands’ as the city’s inhabitants celebrated their big annual festival. He certainly delivered.

The question now is whether Arsenal can do likewise in the second leg.

Before kick-off there was only one real issue regarding Wenger’s line-up for his 600th game in charge — who would play at right back after Justin Hoyte (hamstring) joined Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) on the injured list.

The manager had spent the night mulling over playing Johan Djourou or William Gallas. In the end he went for experience. Otherwise the side pretty much picked itself. And, notably, the 4-4-2 formation was back. Last year Wenger had adopted 4-5-1 on the road in Europe. It took them desperately close to winning the whole tournament. In his pre-game press conference the Frenchman suggested the confidence gained from that experience had prompted the change. He felt his side were more likely to impose their game on the opposition.

PSV came into this game with a canny, cagey reputation. Their coach, Ronald Koeman, had been perfectly happy baton down the hatches when his Ajax side needed a point to qualify against Arsenal at the Amsterdam ArenA a few years ago.

No-one really expected them to go for the jugular this evening especially as their leading striker Jefferson Fanfan, as expected, was ruled out before kick-off with a foot injury.

In fairness, PSV did show their fair share of attacking intent in the opening stages. Arouna Kone and Diego Tardelli each provided moderate threats to the Arsenal goal.

The visitors took until the 12th minute to conjure up their first attack — and it very nearly gave them the lead. Rosicky exchanged passes with Henry and darted into the area. His left-foot drive was half-saved by Gomes and trickled towards the unprotected goalline. Carlos Salcido hoofed the ball away from danger before the onrushing Arsenal attackers could force the ball home.

However PSV regained the ascendancy playing neat, tidy yet utterly unpenetrative football. Mendez and Philippe Cocu called Lehmann into action from distance but that was it. Henry’s drive and Rosicky’s curler were equally speculative for the visitors. Each side was giving one another considerable respect.

But all the main flashes of invention were still coming from Arsenal and they had two chances to take the lead before half time. Three minutes from time Henry teed-up Rosicky’s flick for himself and volley goalwards. Unfortunately it was directed straight at Gomes, who batted the ball down and Alex cleared the danger.

With the final kick of the half, the Arsenal captain curled a shot inches beyond the angle of post and bar.

The second half started at the same lukewarm temperature as the first half. However, seven minutes in, PSV nearly grabbed a surprise lead when Salcido’s raking cross drifted over the head of Gael Clichy and was met by Kone on the volley. Fortunately the Ivorian striker ‘shanked’ his effort harmlessly across goal.

It seemed like a momentary lapse by the Arsenal defence and little to worry about.

Not so.

In the 61st minute Kone found Mendez 25 yards out and the Ecuador international sent a low, skidding shot past Lehmann and into the far corner of the net.

It was less than Arsenal deserved at that point in proceedings and they immediately they set about restoring parity. In the 69th minute, Gomes palmed a rasping drive from Fabregas over the bar. The Brazilian keeper then clutched Adebayor’s looping header after Fabregas had flung over a free-kick from the left.

Julio Baptista replaced Hleb as Wenger tried to chase the game. But, of course, that only played into the hands of PSV’s counterattacking style and Arsenal were nearly caught out 14 minutes from time when Kone roared down the right. Mendez met his cross with a sidefoot shot fortunately Gallas was on hand to boot the ball clear.

Henry’s free-kick was gathered at the second attempt by Gomes but that was about as much as Arsenal could muster in the final stages.

They have it all to do in the second leg.

Preview PSV - Arsenal

By Richard Clarke in Eindhoven

Recollections of Real Madrid crept into Arsène Wenger’s thoughts as he looked forward to tonight’s Champions League Knockout Round first leg at PSV Eindhoven.

On Wednesday, it will be exactly a year since Arsenal’s season-altering win at the Bernabeu at the same stage of Europe’s top competition.

Twelve months ago, Wenger’s side had just been knocked out of both domestic cups and were doggedly pursuing Tottenham for fourth place in the Premiership. They overtook their neighbours on the final day of the campaign and a few days later so nearly took home the Champions League trophy from the Stade de France. The manager later identified the first game of the Knockout stage as the catalyst for change.

This year Arsenal return to Continental action after the winter hiatus in much better shape. However, football is a fragile sport. With Chelsea coming up in the Carling Cup Final on Sunday, Wenger was prepared to admit that this was a “make or break” week in the Club’s season. A pair of sound defeats would certainly burst the bubble of optimism floating over Emirates Stadium at the moment.

“It is fair to say that [it is a make-or-break week] yes,” he said. “But remember that we had the same question when we played at Real Madrid and it made our season.

“Since December I feel my team has taken off. The understanding in the squad is good and the spirit is very high.

“Now we are ready for a new challenge - like the last 16 of the Champions League.”

PSV will never match the glamour of the Galacticos but the town itself has at least tried to put on a show this week. It is festival time in this industrial Dutch city and it appears most of the inhabitants have decided to don fancy dress by way of celebration.

However their team are likely to show off rather fewer frills this evening. Ronald Koeman’s side has fashioned a compact, counter-attacking unit and their efficient style has taken them five points clear at the top of the Dutch League.

PSV will be anxiously waiting on news of Jefferson Farfan this evening. The Peruvian striker, who has hit 15 goals in 21 games this season, hurt his foot on Saturday and did not train on Monday.

For his part Wenger named an 18-man squad on the eve of the game. Justin Hoyte’s hamstring injury, coupled with Emmanuel Eboue's lingering ankle problem, means Johan Djourou or William Gallas will fill in at right back. Expect Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor to be paired up front in a 4-4-2 formation. Wenger adopted a 4-5-1 in Europe last season but the manager is expected to revert to a more attacking system tonight as he goes in search of the crucial component in last season’s Champions League run — a first leg lead.

"We will try to win,” said Wenger. “We have to try to win. Koeman will try to win aswell but in his own way. They are a team built to play counter-attacking football. They are quick so I feel they might sit off a bit and try to catch us on the break.

“In Holland you always get intelligent football with a good technical level. But we have learnt through the years that, at this stage of the competition, it is a game of 180 minutes and every minute is vital

“I know we may be a fraction the favourites. But we have enough experience to know that is only dictated by your environment, how well you prepare mentally and how you focus.”

Wenger ponders right-back options for Eindhoven clash

By Chris Harris

Arsène Wenger will be without his two regular right backs when Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Emmanuel Eboue is still sidelined by a persistent ankle problem and Justin Hoyte has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Wenger earmarked two potential replacements before his 18-man squad left for Holland on Monday afternoon.

"We have Eboue out and Hoyte is out with a hamstring problem, but he should be back for [the Carling Cup Final on] Sunday," explained Wenger.

"Gallas has responded well to the weekend game [against Blackburn] and he is in the squad. It will be Johan Djourou or Gallas at right back.

"Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby have been left behind with Sunday in mind."

Alexander Hleb (cold) and Djourou (knee) return to the squad after minor ailments ruled them out of the FA Cup tie against Blackburn. Jens Lehmann, Gilberto and Julio Baptista are also back in contention after being rested at the weekend.

The travelling squad is as follows:

1 Jens LEHMANN (GK)
4 Cesc FABREGAS
5 Kolo TOURE
6 Philippe SENDEROS
7 Tomas ROSICKY
8 Fredrik LJUNGBERG
9 Julio BAPTISTA
10 William GALLAS
13 Alexander HLEB
14 Thierry HENRY
15 DENILSON
16 Mathieu FLAMINI
19 GILBERTO
20 Johan DJOUROU
22 Gael CLICHY
24 Manuel ALMUNIA (GK)
25 Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
30 Jeremie ALIADIERE

Merida - I want to be just like Fabregas

By Adam Clark

Arsenal Under-18s midfielder Fran Merida says he aims to be just like the Club’s current Spanish sensation Cesc Fabregas.

The 16-year-old arrived from Barcelona in the summer just as Fabregas did in September 2003 and Merida hopes he can emulate his compatriot’s rapid rise to fame.

The midfielder has already caught the eye with some instrumental displays for both the Under-18s and the Reserves and puts his form down to studying Fabregas’ every move.

“Cesc for me is like my mirror — he’s the player I want to be,” Merida told Arsenal.com.

“When I go to watch the first team I’m always watching him, the way he plays and the way he passes the ball. I am only 16-years-old and to watch him and learn from him is so important. I’m going to keep working hard and, of course, one day I would love to play alongside him.”

Merida could make his first appearance at Emirates Stadium tonight as the Under-18s take on Cardiff City for a place in the FA Youth Cup Semi-Finals. It’s a big step up from Barnet’s Underhill Stadium where the previous rounds have been played and the prospect of walking out at Arsenal’s new home excites the young Spaniard.

“For us it’s amazing,” said Merida. “It’s the biggest stadium many of us have played in. I didn’t know the FA Youth Cup was so important when I came here but now here I am possibly about to play a game at Emirates Stadium.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet but it’s going to be a special day and hopefully there will be a lot of people there to cheer us on. I’d like the whole stadium to be full but I think we all just want to play in front as many people as possible.

“I think we’ve had very difficult games so far but we’ve done very well to overcome the challenges and that’s why we are here.

“I’m happy with how my season is going personally and I’m really enjoying living in England. Now I’d love to go and win this competition."

Gallas - We are going to be the team to beat

By Richard Clarke

During his long injury lay-off William Gallas had the opportunity to assess the potential of his young Arsenal team-mates — and he liked what he saw.

The 29-year-old ended almost three months on the sidelines on Saturday in the 0-0 draw with Blackburn at Emirates Stadium. The Frenchman admitted that his road to recovery has been a bumpy one but he did salute his youthful colleagues for their fine form throughout his absence. Gallas firmly believes the future belongs to Arsenal.

“My team-mates have played very well while I have been away,” he said. “They are very young but they have a lot of qualities and are very mature. You can only say congratulations for what they did.

“We are still in the FA Cup, we are going to play the Final of the Carling Cup and you never know in the Premiership and the Champions League.”

Gallas was then asked if Arsenal will be “the team to beat in the next few years”.

“Definitely,” he replied immediately. “This year we have beaten Manchester United twice, we beat Liverpool and we drew at Chelsea. When we have played against the big teams, we were not afraid and at the end of the game normally we have won.

“The only thing is that we have not been consistent - that has been the problem. But Arsène is a good manager because he thinks about the future. Not maybe this year but next year Arsenal will be a very very big club.”

Turning to his comeback, Gallas revealed his withdrawal after an hour on Saturday was pre-planned. He also talked about the darker days of his time spent on the treatment table.

“I could have played 90 minutes against Blackburn,” said the former Chelsea star. “But it was important for my injury that I only played 60 minutes. It is normal.

“It has not been easy being out so long because I like to be on the pitch. I was not depressed [when I was injured] but I was down. However I spoke to the boss and he told me to be patient. Also all the players and everybody at Arsenal asked me how I was doing every day, that helped me a lot.”

Arsenal.com

Final Score : Arsenal 0 - 0 Blackburn

By Richard Clarke


Arsenal face another FA Cup replay after their Fifth Round tie with Blackburn ended in a frustrating goalless draw on Saturday.

Arsène Wenger’s side are not prone to scoreless matches. This was the first domestic 0-0 in 56 games. However they were kept at bay by a resolute Rovers side and in particular keeper Brad Friedel.

In injury time, the American made a superb double save from Thierry Henry and Justin Hoyte. It was the highlight of a largely forgettable match.

After 120 minutes of unremitting entertainment in the Fourth Round replay at the Reebok Stadium in midweek this was definitely a case of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s Show’.

The replay will take place at Ewood Park on Wednesday, February 28.

Last Wednesday’s win at Bolton had been as tiring as it had been exhilarating. Therefore, as expected, Wenger rotated his squad.

He retained only Manuel Almunia and Kolo Toure from his starting line-up at the Reebok Stadium. Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Denilson and Tomas Rosicky all dropped out of the starting XI and onto the bench. Abou Diaby, Gilberto and Julio Baptista were left out completely while Alex Hleb (virus) and Johan Djourou (knee) had minor ailments.

Freddie Ljungberg, Thierry Henry, Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Philippe Senderos, Mathieu Flamini and Jeremie Aliadiere, Justin Hoyte were called upon to start. As was William Gallas; the former Chelsea defender was fit after almost three months out with a thigh problem.

Emirates Stadium was swaddled in sunshine for this lunchtime kick-off. Given the Stakhanovite schedule of the last few weeks, you could have forgiven the Arsenal players for having leaden legs this afternoon. However you could not tell at the start of the game.

Arsenal were sprightly, sparky. In the opening minutes, Henry volleyed over the bar from an acute angle and Gallas put a header wide at the far post. Flamini thumped a long-range effort wide and then Friedel clutched Walcott’s deflected flick after Henry had sent a free-kick over from the left.

Blackburn were compact and solid but lacking invention. Their only effort in the entire first half was David Bentley’s wild pot-shot over the bar.

Arsenal had the territorial advantage but the massed ranks of the Rovers defence were quelling their attacks. It was as if Hughes had told his side to keep the game tight until the latter stages in the hope that the home side would tire. It did not make for an entertaining game.

Wenger’s men rather lost their way as half time approached. In injury time Gallas thumped over but, overall, it had been a poor first period.

The second half followed the same pattern early on. Arsenal attacked, probed for an opening, Blackburn’s snuffed out the opportunity and played an optimistic ball forwards. The home defence would collect easily and the whole process would start again.

The first chance of note came 13 minutes in. Aliadiere slipped the ball to Walcott inside the area and the 17-year-old cracked his effort into the sidenetting.

Something had to change and, on the hour, Wenger made his first substitution. Clichy came on for Gallas.

Blackburn attacks had been so rare they were becoming an endangered species. However in the 63rd minute Bentley’s free-kick was nodded towards the far post by the giant Christopher Samba and Clichy hooked the ball away from danger.

Wenger responded with his last two subs — Adebayor for Walcott and Rosicky for Ljungberg. Obviously the Frenchman was intent on winning this game in the 90 minutes.

In fairness, the game did start to yield some opportunities. Matt Derbyshire’s chip was hurriedly tapped over the bar by the stretching Almunia. Then Aliadiere had a realistic shout for a penalty when Stephen Warnock brought him down. Referee Martin Atkinson waved play on.

Seven minutes from time, Rosicky burst clear in the area but Friedel rushed out to save his shot with his legs.

The Blackburn keeper would keep Rovers in the tie a minute later. Adebayor found space down the left and crossed. Henry flicked the ball up and sent a lofted shot goalwards, the American keeper saved it with his fingertips then recovered to block Hoyte’s follow-up with his legs.

Given Arsenal’s crammed fixture list, it was a save — and a result — they did not need.

Walcott - We can’t give up on the title race yet

By Richard Clarke

Theo Walcott has not given up on the Premiership title yet.

It will be a very tall order of course. This weekend’s results saw Arsenal fall 17 points behind Manchester United with only 13 games left to play. But, despite the enormity of the task, the 17-year-old winger believes his side’s spirit should not be underestimated.

“We can’t give up,” he told Arsenal.com after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough. “I feel we’ll definitely be there for the Champions League places and hopefully we can push on for the top three. But we still can’t forget about the Premiership [title].

“There is a good spirit through the whole camp at the moment and we are full of confidence.

“This result may set us back a little bit. We were expected winners but don’t take credit away from Middlesbrough. They played really well. It was tough for us but I think we battled well with 10 men.”

Aston Villa / Man City - Fixture dates announced

Aston Villa v Arsenal
Barclays Premiership
Villa Park. Wednesday, March 14, 2007. Kick-off: 7.45pm
This was postponed on Saturday 24th February due to Arsenal’s involvement in the Carling Cup Final. This fixture will be played as above.

Arsenal
Manchester City

Arsenal v Manchester City
Barclays Premiership
Emirates Stadium. Wednesday, February 28, 2007. Kick-off: 7.45pm
This match has been provisionally dated for above. However, in the event that either Arsenal or Manchester City (or both teams) are participating in an FA Cup 5th Round Replay on 27th / 28th February, this match will be postponed to a new date (as yet unconfirmed).

We will know whether either Club is due to feature in an FA Cup 5th Round Replay after the 5th Round games have been played over the weekend of 17th / 18th February.

There is also another scenario whereby the above game would be postponed. If after the weekend of 17th / 18th February, both Arsenal and Manchester City have been knocked out of the FA Cup, Arsenal versus Manchester City will be postponed from the above date and will be played as under:

Arsenal v Manchester City
Emirates Stadium
Saturday 10th March 2007
Kick Off 3pm

Randall signs professional terms with Arsenal

Mark Randall has signed professional terms with the Club.

The highly-rated central midfielder made seven appearances for the Reserves last season while still a schoolboy and has continued to make excellent progress this term.

Randall came on during the first-ever game at Emirates Stadium last July - Dennis Bergkamp's Testimonial. He also travelled with the first-team squad to Austria for Arsenal's pre-season training camp and featured in the 3-0 friendly win over AZ Alkmaar.

The 17-year-old has made two substitute appearances in the Carling Cup this season. He came on for the final 17 minutes of the Third-Round victory at West Brom and emerged from the bench 20 minutes from time in the Fourth-Round win at Everton.

Gilberto so impressed by fast-learner Denilson

By Chris Harris

It's a good time to be a Brazilian at Arsenal. Gilberto has won plaudits for his goals and captaincy, Julio Baptista has emerged as a Carling Cup hero and now Denilson has nudged his way into the first-team picture.

The Brazil Under-19 captain has spent much of his first season at Emirates Stadium studying one of his compatriots. "Gilberto makes football look simple and I want to follow that example as much as possible," he told Arsenal TV Online. It seems the admiration is mutual.

Gilberto was hugely impressed by Denilson's display in the first leg of Arsenal's Carling Cup tie against Tottenham last month. The World Cup winner had the chance to play alongside his fellow countryman in the second leg and had no reason to change his opinion.

"Denilson is a great character," Gilberto told Arsenal.com. "Like many of the youngsters he's not scared of playing in the team. It's amazing to see such young players show such great performances, great character and great ability on the pitch.

"Denilson has adapted so quickly to the system of the team in the short time he's been at the Club. It's great to see."

When Gilberto arrived in the summer of 2002, fresh from Brazil's triumph in the Far East, he relied on another compatriot, Edu, for guidance. The former Gunner helped Gilberto adapt to a new culture, a new language and a new life. Now Gilberto is doing the same for Denilson.

"Edu helped me to settle and I am trying to help Denilson feel comfortable," he said. "He is enjoying his time at the club, he is enjoying living here and he is learning the language like I had to do when I first came here.

"I have tried to help him as much as I can can to make him feel comfortable in the Club and he's doing very well."

Arsenal.com

Wenger - I use Carling Cup to see the future

By Richard Clarke

The Carling Cup is becoming Arsène Wenger’s crystal ball.

For a number of years the Arsenal manager has put out a youthful side in the competition with some success. However this season they have surpassed themselves; reaching the Final and putting out three Premiership teams en route.

Youngsters like Denilson and Armand Traore have hit the headlines this year. In previous seasons Cesc Fabregas, Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Eboue and Johan Djourou have emerged in this competition. It means that Wenger can limit his transfer outlay to those truly exceptional — and highly costly — players.

"The Carling Cup is almost like looking into the future,” said Wenger. “That’s what I use it for.

“I look at the Carling Cup team to see where we are going as a Club. Do we have enough to fight for the Premiership and Champions League? Or do we have to buy because they aren’t good enough? This year they have shown me they are good enough.

"To work well in the future, a club like ours should only have to buy the exceptional players. We should have a good enough squad to fight for the rest.

"I didn’t buy anybody in the transfer window because there’s no point bringing average players in.”

However, according to Wenger, such a policy does require strength from the Club’s manager and its directors.

“The problem is you have to combine two things,” he said. “You have to install enough in the club to go with that policy. If it’s done in the short term and the manager changes every two years then why should he go for a policy of five years?

“Secondly, you have to be strong enough to play the young players when there’s a big demand. You have to stick to it. If you want to know how good your players are then you have to play them.”

Final Score : Boro 1-1 Gunners

By Richard Clarke

Thierry Henry struck 13 minutes from time as 10-man Arsenal brought back a valuable point from Middlesbrough on Saturday evening.

Arsene Wenger’s side were edging a pedestrian Premiership game when Philippe Senderos was adjudged to have fouled Yakubu in the area after 63 minutes. It would be the key incident of the game for both sides. The Arsenal defender was sent off and the Middlesbrough forward scored from the spot.

However this week has proved that you simply cannot doubt the fighting spirit of any Arsenal side — whatever the competition. Last Sunday, they battled back to earn an FA Cup replay against Bolton, on Wednesday the Carling Cup team completed a wonderful comeback against Spurs and on Friday the Under-18s threw away the lead twice and yet still triumphed in the FA Youth Cup.

Tonight it was the turn of the Premiership side.

After the sending off, they dusted themselves down and rolled up their sleeves. In the 77th minute they got their reward when Emmanuel Adebayor knocked the ball down for Henry to slot home in style.

A decent end to a decent week.

After those Carling Cup heroics, Wenger returned to his normal Premiership line-up for the trip to Teesside.

Arsenal’s last League game had been that wonderful late win over Manchester United at Emirates back on January 21. There were only two changes from that side that day and both of those were because of injury. Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) and Alex Hleb (hamstring) dropped out. Justin Hoyte and Gilberto came in.

Middlesbrough had struggled early on this season but, to their credit, were unbeaten in 2007. In addition, the Riverside had been a graveyard for the big teams in the past two seasons. The home side had taken 14 points out of 21 at home to Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. They had tasted defeat only once.

They started this evening’s game with the intention to sustain that good run. In the second minute, Stewart Downing’s overlap caught out Hoyte but Gael Clichy anticipated well to hack clear his cross.

Middlesbrough held the whip hand in the opening 15 minutes. Their aim was to get the ball forward quickly through the centre and throw in early crosses from the flank. Jens Lehmann dealt with everything pretty comfortably. The bulldozering runs of Yakubu caused also mild consternation but Toure and/or Senderos dealt with them well.

Arsenal gradually grew in stature as the half went on. Their first chance came midway through when the onrushing Toure nearly got on the end of Thierry Henry’s free-kick at the far post.

In the 31st minute Rosicky sent a rocket shot toward to the top corner but it drifted high and wide at the final second.

Suddenly it was Arsenal who were pushing back Middlesbrough. Toure prodded goalwards and Henry ended a marvellous passing move with a tame shot into the hands of Brad Jones.

But, in truth, the same term could have described the whole of the first half.

There was, at least, more pace after the restart. Arsenal still had the better of the game but never Jones. Too often decent passing moves lacked a final ball. Toure slashed wide and Henry’s long-range effort was easily save by Jones. That was about it.

They would be made to pay in the 63rd minute. George Boateng sent Yakubu roaring through the middle with Senderos in pursuit. Referee Mike Riley deemed that the Swiss centre back to have brought him down in the area and the Nigerian striker beat Lehmann from the spot.

Between those incidents, Senderos was sent off for a professional foul and Lehmann was booked for disputing the decisions. Arsenal had their backs firmly against the wall.

They rallied as best they could as Middlesbrough were bubbling. Mark Viduka turned Toure at the near post and forced a wonderful low save from Lehmann.

It would prove to be another pivotal moment as, seconds later, Arsenal equalised. Adebayor rose high to knock the ball down to Henry on the corner of the six-yard box. The captain controlled the ball with one touch and dispatched low into the far corner of the net with the next.

It was trademark Thierry Henry.

In the build-up to that goal, Jeremie Aliadiere and Theo Walcott had appeared at the side of the pitch. Wenger was throwing on his two, pacy young attackers to try and grab a goal.

After Henry’s strike both went back to the bench and instead, Denilson came on for Hoyte. It was clear the manager was now happy with what he had.

In the dying seconds Rosicky fired off an optimistic snap-shot from distance.

But a draw was a fair result