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.

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.

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

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

Preview Carling Cup: Arsenal V Tottenham Hotspur

By Richard Clarke

Arsene Wenger has urged his young side to be quick off the blocks in tonight’s Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg at Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal scholars had a bad case of exam nerves in the opening 20 minutes of the first leg at Tottenham last week. They conceded two early goals and, at one point, you feared they might be handed the sternest of lessons. However, by half time, Arsenal had steadied themselves and were beginning to ask questions of the home defence. Two goals from Julio Baptista drew them level and they might have even won the tie at the death.

It was the 11th time that Wenger’s side had trailed this season before coming back to get a result. No 12 came a few days later against Bolton in the FA Cup. No Arsenal fan would complain about a 13th successful comeback this evening — remember their team only need to avoid a defeat or a high-scoring draw to go through — however it is hardly a strategy for long-term success.

“At the Emirates we have sometimes made a hesitant start,” Wenger told Arsenal.com.

“Once we get into the game we can roll over any team and that is what we have to learn to do now.

“In the Premiership we are the team who concedes less in the second half and scores more. The numbers tell you that. But we must start better, stronger and be more focused.

“This tie is basically a match of 180 minutes and we are only at half time. You know you want to win the second 90 minutes no matter what happened in the first. The best way to be surprised tonight is not to deal with the problem mentally.

“Of course Tottenham are in the same situation. They know they cannot protect an advantage so it is not so much a first or second game this evening, it is just a game everybody will want to win.”

Wenger has vowed to replicate his selection formula at White Hart Lane. The starting XI will be the usual mix of young players, first-team squad players along with a couple of regulars. However the bench will be smothered with experienced players. They are the manager’s insurance policy.

The major omission from the first leg is Julio Baptista, who injured his groin against Bolton on Sunday. However Gilberto is back after a ban and will come straight in to the side. Otherwise, broadly speaking, it is ‘as you were’ from the first leg. Alex Hleb and Emmanuel Eboue came off the bench to have a huge influence on the Arsenal fightback a week ago. Unfortunately they picked up injuries in the process. As a result Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Adebayor have been drafted into the squad this evening. In addition Gael Clichy replaces Mark Randall.

Wenger made no apologies for sticking with his ‘Young Guns’.

“It is part of the learning process,” he said. “You know once you are a player at Arsenal Football Club only the best will be expected of you. That is why it is very interesting to continue to play and deal with the pressure.

“At White Hart Lane we had to deal with being 2-0 down. But the team stuck to their game and did it well. They will have to do it again this evening.”

* If the scores are level tonight after 90 minutes, two periods of 15 minutes extra time will be played. If the scores are still level after this extra half-hour, whoever has scored the most goals away from home will progress. If the teams still can’t be separated, there will be a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner.

Final Score : Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham

(Arsenal win 5-3 on aggregate)

By Richard Clarke

Cardiff here we come.

Arsenal reached their first League Cup Final in 14 years with a fraught, frantic 3-1 win over Tottenham at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Arsene Wenger’s side had drawn 2-2 in the first leg at White Hart Lane last week and appeared to be through when Emmanuel Adebayor planted his shot past Paul Robinson in the 77th minute. However substitute Mido equalised with a close-range header five minutes from the end of normal time.

Arsenal wobbled in the dying seconds but, as they have proved so often in this run, Wenger’s Young Guns have composure beyond their years. Jeremie Aliadiere, a veteran at 23, hooked home a second with the final kick of the first half of extra time. Seven minutes into the second period, Rosicky’s shot bounced off the post — and then Pascal Chimbonda — before going in.

The sight of the assistant referee indicating to Alan Wiley that the ball had crossed the line was a blessed relief. It had been a night of unremitting tension.

However it ended wonderfully for Arsenal, who now meet Chelsea in the Final on February 25, and sealed perhaps the first truly historic win at Emirates Stadium.

As expected, Wenger stuck with the policy he had employed in the first leg - youngsters, squad players and first-teamers in equal measure. Julio Baptista, scorer of both Arsenal goals at White Hart Lane, was out with a groin injury so Adebayor came in up front. Gilberto returned after suspension therefore Cesc Fabregas was left on the bench. Otherwise the starting XI was exactly the same as the first leg.

For Tottenham, Aaron Lennon was surprisingly listed on the bench. It turned out the England winger had been taken ill just before the game.

Arsenal’s youngsters had the weight of pressure on their shoulders for the first time in the competition. A greater than usual away allocation — the norm for Cup games — only added to a crackling atmosphere.

As at White Hart Lane, Tottenham held the initiative early on. Their first clear chance came in the 10th minute. Robbie Keane timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and race through. But by the time he had collected the ball on the corner of the area, Almunia was upon him. The keeper not only smothered the Irishman’s shot but also, chased him, tackled him and slid the ball out for a throw.

It acted as a wake up call for Arsenal. In the 14th minute Denilson’s shot was fumbled by Paul Robinson and Kolo Toure was first to the follow-up. His connection was poor but the ball did bounce over the prostrate keeper only to trickle agonisingly wide.

Midway through the half Adebayor sent Walcott down the right and his cross was hooked past the far post by Aliadiere. The Togolese frontman then slashed a shot over the bar. Arsenal were starting to flex their muscles.

And there was no one more muscular than Abou Diaby. The 20-year-old’s start in the first leg was his first in almost nine months. However his surging run and shot in the 36th minute suggested that nasty ankle injury was a thing of the past.

A couple of minutes later, Hossam Ghaly skipped past Traore on the right and Steed Malbranque send a stooping header just past the far post. A bad miss.

Arsenal regained their composure and, with it, a measure of control before the break. In injury time, Adebayor had space to turn in the area but his hurried shot flew high over the bar.

The second half began at breakneck pace. Tottenham now had added urgency, Arsenal had a little extra space. Seven minutes in, Denilson sent Walcott clear on the right and he drifted a shot over the bar.

The speed of the game combined with its importance was always going to lead to bookings. Yellows for Diaby and Ghaly early in the second half only added to the atmosphere.

The play was stretching now. There was little midfield control and the game flowed from penalty box to penalty box.

Just before the hour, Adebayor nodded over. Five minutes later, Walcott was replaced by Rosicky. Before play had restarted, Armand Traore went down with what appeared to be cramp. Fortunately Clichy was the perfect replacement.

Denilson had been growing in stature since the first whistle of the first leg. The Brazilian was efficiency personified this evening and even showed a little Samba shuffle as he ghosted past two defenders before hitting the sidenetting 22 minutes from time.

As at White Hart Lane, Arsenal’s substitutes had made a difference. The home side were exerting greater control though it did little to dissipate the tension in the air.

But the opening goal did.

In the 77th minute, Rosicky swapped passes with Aliadiere and fired in a shot. Robinson batted the ball away but could not clear his lines. The Czech midfielder eventually collected and slipped a clever ball to Adebayor, who slotted it past the Tottenham keeper.

Arsenal appeared to have one foot in the Final. However, five minutes from time, Spurs won a free-kick on the right of the area. Jermaine Jenas whipped the ball in and Mido rose among a ruck of players to nod the ball home.

Game on once more.

Suddenly Arsenal were rattled. Spurs began piling forward and, just after the fourth official had indicated five minutes of injury time, Mido shuffled himself into space on the edge of the area and curled an effort inches wide.

However Arsenal would still have two chances to win in normal time. Robinson tipped over Denilson’s piledriver and parried from Toure’s drive.

The Brazilian produced another hand-stinger just after the start of extra time. Understandably, the pace of the game had now dropped — but not the tension.

To be honest there was little to report in the first half. That was until Arsenal scored with the final kick. Denilson’s crossed was nodded into the path of Aliadiere by the stumbling Ricardo Rocha. The Frenchman whipped his shot past Robinson and into the net.

Cue pandemonium.

The emotion was more like relief in the 112th minute when Toure’s long ball was nodded down by Adebayor for Rosicky in the area. The Czech midfielder waltzed around Rocha before shooting goalwards. The ball smacked off the post and then Chimbonda before going in. The former Wigan defender hooked it out but the goal was given.

Alaidiere might have hit a fourth and Defoe worried Almunia at the other end.

However the night belonged to Arsenal.

YouTude Video

Valentine Day Match : Replay FA Cup

Toure's Goal has been call Gunners back to get replay match on Valentine Day

FA Cup match Report Arsenal : Bolton
By Richard Clarke

It’s official. Arsenal are this season’s ‘comeback kings’.

Last Sunday, Arsène Wenger’s side scored twice late on to beat Manchester United and, on Wednesday, a second-half brace brought their youngsters a wonderful draw at Tottenham. This afternoon they completed the hat-trick in this FA Cup Fourth Round tie.

It seemed the Bolton bogey was going to strike when Kevin Nolan put the visitors in front five minutes into the second half. However 13 minutes from time, Kolo Toure nodded home a free-kick from Cesc Fabregas.

It was the 12th time this season that Arsenal had trailed before coming back to get a result. And, of course, the Ivorian’s goal also protected the team’s unbeaten record at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal will have their work cut-out at the Reebok in the replay. They have registered only one win up there in the last seven visits.

But that came in 2005, the last year Arsenal lifted the trophy. Omens have been made of much less.

In the build-up to this game, Wenger had stated his FA Cup side would be the same as his Premiership side. It suggested the Frenchman another run in this famous old competition. Remember Bolton had ended Arsenal’s stunning sequence in recent years with a 1-0 win at the Reebok Stadium in this round last season.

Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) and Alex Hleb (hamstring) picked up injuries in the midweek fightback at Tottenham while Gilberto sat out the last of his three-game suspension. It meant Justin Hoyte and Theo Walcott retained their starting places from White Hart Lane while Mathieu Flamini stepped in having been a substitute at Spurs.

This was Emirates Stadium’s first FA Cup tie and, as ever, the competition injected an edge into the afternoon’s proceedings. Bolton’s billing as Arsenal’s nemesis did the rest.

The visitors did little to undermine that reputation in the opening half hour.

In the third minute, Stelios floated a corner to the edge of the six-yard box and Kevin Davies, worrying unmarked, guided a header down. Manuel Almunia clutched the ball on the line and the subsequent seconds of hush around Emirates Stadium suggested the crowd knew it was a wonderful opportunity.

On the quarter hour, Stelios again found Davies from a corner and his flick on fell to Ivan Campo at the far post. He hacked over from five yards when he should have at least hit the target.

Inbetween those chances, Henry and Flamini had prodded half-chances at Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskenlainen. However the first real opening for the home side came in the 20th minute when Walcott roared down the right and fired low at the Finn, who gathered at the second attempt. Arsenal had been distinctly second best for the first quarter of the game.

Hoyte’s tempting cross towards Henry at the far post and Flamini’s hoisted shot soon afterwards suggested they were starting to stir. However it did not really materialise.

Four minutes before the break, Arsenal did nearly grab an opportunistic goal. Henry nipped in to collect Ricardo Gardner’s return header to his keeper. The Arsenal captain’s back-heel beat Jasskenlainen at the near post but Abdoulaye Meite slid in to stop the ball trickling over the line.

Adebayor had claims for a penalty almost immediately but referee Mike Dean rightly waved play on. Arsenal continued to press until half time but the best they could muster was a couple of inquisitive corners.

However if Arsenal ended the first half in some sort of ascendancy they would have their wings clipped after the interval.

Within five minutes, they were behind. Nolan flicked to ball to Anelka on the edge of the area and he spread it wide to Davies. The striker fired a cross-cum-shot to the far post. The unmarked Nolan collected, turned and fired a shot between the backtracking Toure and the upright.

Suddenly, we had a game. Almunia made a superb one-handed side to prevent Nolan skipping through then at the other end an unmarked Walcott volleyed wide when he might have scored.

Arsenal were still struggling with Bolton’s traditional weapon — the high, hanging ball into the area. The perfect illustration came in the 54th minute when Davies flicked on for Nolan to hook the ball over the bar.

However, in general, the home side responded well. Henry’s free-kick deflected over the bar then he just failed to lift the ball over Jaaskelainen after good work from Adebayor down the right.

In the 63rd minute, the Bolton keeper failed to hold a long-range drive from Fabregas and the Togolese striker flailed the rebound wide.

With games stacking up, Wenger knew he could ill- afford a replay. That is why he had packed his bench with attacking options. Julio Baptista came on for Hoyte, a defender, after 70 minutes. Jeremie Aliadiere would follow him off the bench in the latter stages.

By that time, Arsenal were chasing a winner. They got on level terms in the 77th minute when Fabregas put a free-kick into the heart of the Bolton area. The ball skimmed off the head of Gary Speed and Toure ghosted in at the far post to plant home a diving header.

Baptista’s late far-post header was as close as they came to a winner.

Result : Bubtista Hatrick Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Julio Baptista blasted 3 goals by 1 og goals then get Arsenal flight back for 2 more goals to Help the Gunners Back to Final of Carling Cup Road

Macth Report from Asenal.com

By Richard Clarke

Julio Baptista blasted two more Carling Cup goals as Arsenal produced an incredible comeback against Tottenham in the Semi-Final first leg at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night.

Arsène Wenger’s Young Guns have already won well at Everton and Liverpool in this competiton this season but were caught in a Spurs maelstrom in the opening 20 minutes tonight. Dimitar Berbatov’s header and an own goal by Julio Baptista left the visitors reeling.

However, as the senior side demonstrated on Sunday, Arsenal do not know when they are beaten. Baptista, scorer at four goals at Anfield in the last round, bulldozered through to score in the 63rd minute and then tapped home after great work from Justin Hoyte 13 minutes from time.

Given the nature of the two sides, the occasion and the opponents, it was an utterly astonishing reverse.

Having almost been knocked out in the opening rounds, Arsenal are now well ahead on points at the halfway stage of this particular fight.

If they box clever in the second leg at Emirates Stadium next week, they will secure a place in the Final against Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium on February 25

Wenger remained true to his Carling Cup principles and put out a side heavy with youth. Armand Traore, 17, Theo Walcott, 17 and Denilson, 18, all made the first XI while Mark Randall, 17, was on the bench. Abou Diaby, still only 20, started his first game since suffering a broken and dislocated ankle at Sunderland on May Day last year.

However the presence of Emmanuel Eboue, Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini on the bench suggested that Wenger was well aware a Cup Final appearance was at stake.

For their part, Tottenham were at full strength — and the first half would certainly reflect that.

Aaron Lennon and Berbatov dominated the opening stages. In the third minute the England winger skipped past Traore and Diaby only for Hoyte to hack his cross away. Almost immediately, Berbatov drove the ball into the sidenetting.

Aliadiere burst through for Arsenal allowing Fabregas and Denilson to unleash shots at goal. Both were charged down.

However by this time Tottenham had taken charge. It was no surprise to see them snatch the lead in the 12th minute. The simple nature of the goal was much more of a concern.

Defoe floated a cross from the right to the far post. It flew over Kolo Toure and an unmarked Berbatov had the simplest of headers past Manuel Alumina.

The Spanish keeper then blocked from Defoe as Spurs pushed for a second. They would only have to wait until the 19th minute.

This time the ball came from the left. Tom Huddlestone fired at free-kick low to the near post, Michael Dawson jumped over the ball and a surprised Baptista deflected the ball past Almunia. Again it was a highly preventable goal and Arsenal’s youngsters were in danger of leaving themselves far too much to do.

However their response was rousing. And the sight of Berbatov hobbling shortly afterwards certainly helped their cause.

They began to push Tottenham back for the first sustained period in the game. However it only produced one real chance. In the 27th minute Hoyte combined well with Walcott and then Aliadiere to give himself a clear sight of goal. Dawson raced across to charge down his drive. It was a vital intervention.

Lennon was still lethal however. On the half hour Toure was booked for illegally ending his rampaging run through the middle. Steed Malbranque cracked a shot over the bar and then an unmarked Dawson missed a header from close range.

However Arsenal might have hauled themselves back into contention with the last kick of the half. But an unmarked Baptista miscued five yards out when trying to turn in a corner by Fabregas.

The visitors were invigorated at the start of the second period. They pinned Tottenham back in their half but crucially could not force Paul Robinson into action.

Wenger made changes. He brought on Eboue and Hleb for Diaby and Aliadiere in search of a goal. Walcott was switched up front. It made an immediate difference. Dawson had to nod off his own line after Senderos had beaten Robinson in the air to a free-kick from Fabregas. Baptista had a shot blocked and then a dangerous drive by Fabregas was cleared.

Arsenal snatched their lifeline in the 64th minute. Eboue cut in from the right and crossed low into the heart of the area. The ball ran loose in the area as the challenges flew in and Baptista picked himself off the floor to power past Dawson then poke the ball home.

Suddenly Arsenal were in the ascendancy. Hleb and Fabregas both had efforts blocked and Tottenham’s forays forward were becoming rare. The most dangerous they got was when Hoyte hacked clear from Defoe’s low cross.

However the Arsenal right back would make a crucial intervention at the other end in the 77th minute. Fabregas sent Hoyte clear on the right hand side. He burst to the byline and measured a cross to the far post. Baptista arrived on time to bundle the ball home.

Tottenham were not spent. Almost immediately Defoe forced a decent save from Almunia.

However, after Flamini had replaced the limping Hleb, Arsenal might well have nicked a win at the death when Walcott volleyed wide from a deep hanging cross by Fabregas

That would have been the perfect finish to the fightback.

Arsenal.com

Final Score : Gunner shot Red Devil back to the grave

By Super Goal of Thery Henry Header let Arsenal Shot Manu and still keep no lost stat in Emirates Stadium

This is match Report from Arsenal.com

Full time - Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United - Thierry Henry's injury-time header secures all three points for the Gunners. When Rooney put the visitors ahead early in the second half with a quality header of his own, Arsenal's unbeaten record at Emirates looked in doubt. But substitute Robin van Persie turned in with seven minutes to go before the rejuvenated Henry completed a memorable turn around at the death.

90 mins - GOAl! Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United - Thierry Henry! An unbelievable finish here at Emirates! Deep into injury time, Eboue centres and Henry climbs above Vidic to power a header over Van der Sar. It was a superb cross from the Ivorian and an even better header from the captain. A memorable winner.

88 mins - It's full steam ahead Arsenal! The ball just gets ahead of Henry as he tries to turn in the box but the clearance falls only as far as Rosicky. Unfortunately the midfielder swipes his shot wide.

83 mins - GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United - Get in! The ball is played in low from the right, Henry tries a flick but misses, allowing the ball to roll through to Van Persie who slides it in at the back post. A fine finish from the Dutchman. Game on...

77 mins - Van Persie pumps in a free-kick. Ferdinand clears. Then he whips in a corner. Ferdinand clears. The United defender has been fantastic this afternoon. Nonetheless Arsenal are giving it a go and not a second is being wasted as they continuly probe the visitors' backline.

73 mins - A goalmouth scramble presents two opportunities to Adebayor. Neither are easy though and Van der Sar makes it difficult before the bouncing ball is finally cleared away.

68 mins - Rosicky tries to cleverly bend the ball up and over Van der Sar. He caught the Dutch keeper flat footed but his effort drifted high and wide.

67 mins - Wenger makes his first substitution as Alexander Hleb makes way for Robin van Persie.

62 mins - Henry looks to get in on goal but Ferdinand does well to get his body between the Arsenal captain and the ball. The Frenchman feels he was impeded but it was solid defending from the United centre back.

55 mins - The ball falls for Rosicky on the edge of the box but his rasping drive skids marginally wide of the upright.

53 mins - GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United - Patrice Evra's cross from the left takes the slightest of touches off Adebayor into the path of Wayne Rooney. The England striker stoops to guide his header inside Lehmann's near post.

51 mins - Rosicky tries to thread in Adebayor but the United defence stand firm. Ferdinand and Vidic deserve credit for restricting the number of balls through to our strikers.

47 mins - A positive start to the second period from Arsenal. Their early pressure results in a chance for Fabregas but the Spaniard's shot from the edge of the box is comfortbably held by Van der Sar.

Half time - Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United - Still goalless here at Emirates. After a positive start from the visitors Arsenal began imposed themselves on the game and created a handful of half chances. United always looked threatening however and Jens Lehmann had to be alert to prevent efforts from Wayne Rooney and Henrik Larsson on the half time whistle. Both managers will probably want more from their sides after the break.

45 mins - Jens Lehmann makes two superb saves in quick succession to deny the visitors. First he tipped over a swirling long-range effort from Rooney before palming away Henrik Larsson's header from the resulting corner.

44 mins - Henry blasts a free-kick into the United wall but the rebound falls invitingly back to the Frenchman. His drive is low and hard but Van der Sar watches it into his arms.

40 mins - Ryan Giggs tries to lob Jens Lehmann from the right of the box but the German keeper's having none of it. Moments earlier the ambitious Mathieu Flamini had fired over at the other end.

36 mins - Thierry Henry goes down in the penalty area under a challenge from Gary Neville. Referee Steve Bennett waves play on but replays suggest Arsenal have been hard done by.

32 mins - Adebayor floats a fantastic cross towards Thierry Henry at the far post. The French striker gets his head on the ball but directs it straight into the arms of Van der Sar.

30 mins - Cesc Fabregas has a go from 25-yards. His vicious strike looks goalbound until it strikes Vidic and deflects out for corne, which United clear.

27 mins - Arsenal have definitely stepped it up after United threatened to take the game to them early on. Tomas Rosicky whips in a corner but the commanding Van der Sar punches clear.

22 mins - Adebayor's cross is flicked out of the penalty area and Tomas Rosicky races forward to meet the ball on the half volley. Unfortunately, the Czech midfielder's effort was always going over.

21 mins - The visitors win a corner but Philippe Senderos does enough to stop Nemanja Vidic getting his header on target.

18 mins - It's getting a bit scrappy. A string of free-kicks for both sides have disrupted the flow of play in the last few minutes.

12 mins - Thierry Henry darts in from the left before trying his luck from an impossible angle. Catching practice for Edwin Van der Sar.

8 mins - Arsenal have their first meaningful spell of possession but the United reaguard stands strong.

5 mins - Manchester United have had a good opening five minutes. Ryan Giggs digs out the first effort on goal but it sails harmlessly wide.

2 mins - We're underway here. There's been little to report on the pitch so far but the Emirates crowd are in fine voice.

Welcome to Emirates Stadium for this afternoon’s crunch Premiership encounter with Manchester United.

Arsène Wenger names Mathieu Flamini in place of the suspended Gilberto while Emmanuel Adebayor and Emmanuel Eboue come in for Robin van Persie and Justin Hoyte, who are both named on the bench.

Manchester United's most notable inclusion is that of Henrik Larsson alongside Wayne Rooney in attack.

4 Day 9 Goals : Last Score Liverpool 3 - 6 Arsenal

By Chris Harris

No, you didn't mis-read the scoreline. It really did finish Liverpool 3 Arsenal 6. This was an incredible game and an incredible night for Julio Baptista.

The Brazilian arrived at Anfield without a goal to his name in English domestic football and, some might say, with plenty to prove. He left Merseyside a few hours later with the match ball and an enhanced reputation after his four-goal salvo propelled Arsenal into a Carling Cup Semi-Final showdown with Spurs.

The outstanding Jeremie Aliadiere got the ball rolling in the 26th minute. Robbie Fowler levelled but Baptista curled home a sumptous free-kick to restore Arsenal's lead and added another seconds before the break after Alex Song had broken his duck. Jerzy Dudek saved Baptista's penalty early in the second half but the Brazilian soon completed his hat-trick. Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypia scored to hint at a Liverpool comeback but Baptista put the seal on a famous victory with his fourth - and Arsenal's sixth.

Baptista's goals grabbed the headlines but this performance spoke volumes for the quality and depth of Arsenal's squad. From front to back they were excellent. For Liverpool though this was a humiliation. They haven't conceded six at Anfield for 77 years and are now licking their wounds after two Cup exits at the hands of Arsenal in just four days. Rafa Benitez must be sick of the sight of them.

As expected Arsène Wenger made wholesale changes from the side which won so impressively here in the FA Cup. In came Cesc Fabregas, Baptista, Denilson, Song, Johan Djourou, Aliadiere, Justin Hoyte, Armand Traore and Theo Walcott. Manuel Almunia kept his place in goal while Toure took the captain's armband for the first time in the absence of Thierry Henry and Gilberto. And on the bench sat Henri Lansbury, a 16-year-old who joined Arsenal's academy at the age of nine.

With Liverpool equally unrecognisable from the side which succumbed on Saturday, it took a while for the game to get going. In fact much of the opening stages were taken up by a nasty injury to Mark Gonzalez, who was stretchered off after a seemingly innocuous tackle on Fabregas.

The Spaniard's misfortune made for a muted atmosphere around Anfield, in stark contrast to the booming noise which accompanied Saturday's tie. The home fans were even quieter after Aliadiere gave Arsenal the lead.

Toure showed good vision to pick out the French striker's diagonal run, Aliadiere beat the offside trap and a fantastic first touch gave him the chance to test Dudek as the keeper rushed out. His first effort bounced off Dudek's chest but Aliadiere rolled in the loose ball. One-nil to the Arsenal.

Until then Liverpool had been the better side. Stephen Warnock looked sharp on the left and tested Almunia with a handful of whipped crosses. Craig Bellamy, offering the pace the home side lacked on Saturday, looked menacing. Gerrard lashed a low shot straight at Almunia and Toure made a vital interception after Bellamy and Danny Guthrie linked up well on the right.

Given their early pressure, it was no great surprise when Liverpool equalised five minutes after falling behind. Song was penalised - somewhat unfairly - for a tackle on Fowler, Fabio Aurelio fired in the free-kick, Almunia parried, Luis Garcia showed good presence of mind to cut the ball back and Fowler netted his 12th goal in 16 games against Arsenal with a cheeky backheel.

Arsenal had to dig in as Gerrard took a brief grip in midfield but six minutes before the break the visitors restored their advantage. Aliadiere won a free kick 25 yards out; Baptista and Toure plotted while the Liverpool wall formed. Dudek, apparently expecting a piledriver from the Arsenal captain, shuffled to his left. Baptista curled the ball into the net to the keeper's right. Not a bad way to open your domestic account.

Wenger would have taken a 2-1 lead at the break. In the event his team led 4-1, scoring twice in the six minutes of stoppage time which was added on, ironically, because of Gonzalez's injury. Song grabbed Arsenal's third in fortuitous fashion as Hyypia's attempted clearance bounced in off the midfielder after Fabregas' corner had cleared a bunch of players at the near post.

Then, in the final seconds of the first half, Aliadiere broke the offside trap again and sensibly squared the ball for Baptista. The Brazilian tapped in and the away fans celebrated again, hardly believing what was unfolding in front of them.

Baptista, finally showing the promise which tempted Wenger to bring him to Emirates Stadium, had a chance to complete his hat-trick 10 minutes into the second half after Aliadiere had been tripped by Hyypia. Dudek, who knows a thing or two about saving spot-kicks, pushed Baptista's penalty away. But the Brazilian was soon celebrating again. Aliadiere, growing in confidence with every minute, picked out Baptista with a fizzing pass and he fired low into the corner. An hour gone, and Arsenal were 5-1 up. Incredible.

By now Benitez had brought on Xabi Alonso and the Spaniard, alongside Gerrard, started to exert his authority in midfield. It wasn't long before the Liverpool comeback began. With 67 minutes on the clock Hyypia headed the ball into the Arsenal box. It was half-cleared and a fortunate ricochet took it into the path of Gerrard, lurking on the edge of the area. The England midfielder executed a perfect volley to give Liverpool hope.

That hope turned to something approaching expectation when Hyypia nodded in Gabriel Paletta's cross with 11 minutes left. Surely Arsenal couldn't throw this away? No, they couldn't. With seven minutes left Aliadiere got to the byline again and squared for Baptista again. The Brazilian scored again to end Liverpool's resistance.

So, six goals, a place in the Carling Cup Semi-Finals and, just as importantly, a substitute appearance from Abou Diaby after eight months on the sidelines with a fractured and dislocated ankle. It was good to see the Frenchman back and he looked assured during his nineteen-minute cameo.

But the night belonged to Baptista. As the Anfield crowd streamed out at the final whistle, a recent hit by The Automatic was played over the tannoy: "What's that coming over the hill, is it a monster?". Not exactly. It was The Beast.

Arsenal.com

Preview Chelsea - Arsenal

By Richard Clarke

One man’s problem is another man’s opportunity.

While many would regard Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea on Sunday as injury-hit and ill-timed, Arsène Wenger believes the Stamford Bridge excursion has come right on cue.

His side might be without three of their most experienced players but, make no mistake, the Frenchman is still actively pursuing the Premiership title. Having taken three points off leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Arsenal manager argues pulling off the same trick against the second place team would kick-start their long-range pursuit of England’s top prize.

"I think it is a very good circumstance for us,” said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “It is a relief for the team to qualify for the Champions League [Knockout Stage] and we responded well last week with a good win over Tottenham.

"The morale in the squad is very high and I feel we can go there and beat them.

“I want to win the Premiership and it is a good chance on Sunday to reduce the gap between us and Chelsea. It is up to us to do it.

”It is always difficult to win there but I would give everything for us to do it and go on to win the title.

”It looks crazy, but the next game is Chelsea and it is a good opportunity for us. Man United are still a long way away but we have done well in the big games until now. This is an opportunity for us to show we have the character and the quality. I trust my players to deliver something special on Sunday.”

Thierry Henry (sciatic nerve) will be out for at least another week while Kolo Toure is suspended. William Gallas (thigh) failed a fitness test on Friday morning but Johan Djourou has recovered from his hamstring strain and will take his place alongside Philippe Senderos at centre back. Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Eboue will complete arguably the youngest backline Wenger has ever fielded in a game of this magnitude.

The manager admits that his emphasis on youth has temporarily hampered his team title ambitions. In their stead, Chelsea have scooped back-to-back Premiership crowns. The Arsenal manager acknowledges that, in the starkness of the Premiership table, Jose Mourinho’s side have stolen a march on their North London neighbour. But, he adds, Arsenal are on the rise again.

“Chelsea have become better in recent years,” he said. “It is a side that has been slowly growing and maturing. All their players are between 26 and 32 so they know how to handle big games and be efficient.

“Three or four years ago it was a young side with Lampard and Terry but they are better now. They have also had an injection of good players and they have a good manager. That has made a difference.

”You can only go with the table and think that we have regressed a little bit in comparison but we have rebuilt now and we have huge potential.

“We got to the Final of the Champions League without losing a game and we had a good run after Christmas. That is why I feel the team is ready to take off again.”

Sunday would be the perfect time for the youngsters to spread their wings.

Preview Arsenal - Humburg Gallas out Silva in

Today macht is important for the Gunners because if we win over Humburg we will take 80% chance to get the ticket to 16 team round with last report from Arsenal.com
we will out of William Gallas but Gilberto Silva , Freddie Ljungberg,Van persie and two young center back Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou are vying to get into first squad

the report from Asenal.com here

By Richard Clarke

William Gallas injured his thigh in the last few seconds of training on Monday and will be out for “a few weeks”.

The French defender was practising free-kicks ahead of the crucial Champions League game with Hamburg. He suffered the injury in the process of striking the ball.

Arsène Wenger admitted the 29-year-old’s absence was “a blow”. Fit-again Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou are vying to fill in against the German side.

Apart from that, the manager reported only good news in Monday’s pre-match press conference. Gilberto will be in the squad after his trip home to Brazil for family reasons while Robin van Persie has recovered surprisingly quickly after a foot injury forced him off at half time on Saturday. Freddie Ljungberg will be in the squad but Wenger indicated he may leave him on the bench after six weeks out.

“We lost William Gallas with the final shot of training,” said the Arsenal manager. “He has pulled a thigh muscle and will be out for a few weeks. It is a blow because he stabilises our defence but at the same time it is a good chance for a young player to come in and show he is good enough.

“Robin van Persie’s injury is not serious at all and Gilberto is back in the squad. He has returned from Brazil. He had a family problem but it is sorted out. I have to decide yet but I think he will start.”

Final Score : Arsenal 1 - 1 Newcastle

Henry's Freekick had help us from the hell
with good play but no goal today Henry come into 2nd half and his freekick can help the gunner back to the game agian but still on the small road to get the trophy because Man u and Chelsea still get 3 point in their hands

Macht Report from Arsenal.com

By Adam Clark

Full-time - Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle - It was a frantic finale at Emirates Stadium but Arsenal just couldn't beat the magnificent Given for a second time. Kieron Dyer opened the scoring with a sublime finish on the half hour mark but Thierry Henry upped Arsenal's tempo after the break and it was he who curled in a wonderful free-kick to level the game. Wenger's men pushed forward in search of a winner but Newcastle's goalkeeper produced a heroic performance to deny them all three points.

92 mins - Adebayor misses a golden chance to win it for Arsenal. The Togo striker was left unmarked at the back post but headed straight into the ground to give Given his easiest save of the afternoon.

87 mins - Hleb cross from the byline and Adebayor is one of a cluster of players who somehow bundle the ball wide from inside the six-yard box. It's been an enthralling few minutes here at Emirates Stadium.

85 mins - Again Henry carves out a chance. This time he tries to curl the ball up and over given but the keeper turns away brilliantly. Arsenal have met a truly magnificant goalkeeper this afternoon.

84 mins - Henry bursts into the box and attempts to play the ball across the box. His clipped pass is deflected goalwards by Scott Parker however and cannons off Given's post and out of play.

83 mins - Fabregas takes aim from 25-yards but his shot deflects off Craig Moore and rolls agonisingly wide.

80 mins - Henry tries an acrobatic overhead kick from the edge of the box but it drifts harmlessly wide. The captain's introduction has certainly added a much-need spark to Arsenal's play.

75 mins - Is a point enough? Henry's goal has brought Emirates Stadium to life but Arsenal have just 15 minutes to find a winner.

70 mins - GOAL! - Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle - A free-kick is given after Steven Taylor brings down Henry just outside the box. Arsenal's captain takes one step before curling the ball over the wall and in off the underside of the bar. Another great Henry goal.

64 mins - Henry has taken Arsenal up a gear since replacing Van Persie at half-time and now Wenger has turned to Theo Walcott to save the match and arguably out title challenge. The young speedster replaces Julio Baptista.

59 mins - This time it's Fabregas who tests Given but again the the Irish stopper is alert to claw away.

57 mins - Gael Clichy slips the ball through toThierry Henry on the left-hand side of the box and although the Frenchman finds himself at a tight angle he brings a magnificent diving save from Given.

54 mins - There's definitely more urgency from the home side since the interval but Newcastle are defending doggedly. At the other end Dyer provides a scare, shooting marginally wide from just outside the box.

46 mins - An early chance falls the way of Adebayor but Given does well to palm away his driven effort.

Half-time - Arsenal are behind at the break. We've not seen the effervescent football we know Wenger's side can produce but they looked comfortable from the kick off. That was until Kieron Dyer, the Magpies' forgotten man, produced a low, curling finish of the highest quality to give the visitors a shock lead. The Gunners boss will undoubtedly want more from his side when play resumes.

44 mins - Now Arsenal have stepped it up. Van Persie turns equisitely in the Newcastle area before attempting to curl the ball beyond Given from close range. The technique is a joy to watch but unfortunately for the Dutchman the ball drifts the wrong side of the post.

42 mins - Adebayor climbs well but sends a bullet-header over the bar.

40 mins - Arsenal have not reacted to the goal with any great urgency. Obviously time is on their side but an equaliser before half-time would surely give them Wenger's men the psychological edge after the break.

30 mins - GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle - Not for the first time this season Arsenal have fallen behind at Emirates Stadium. The ball was pumped up-field and Nolberto Solano nodded the ball into the path of Kieron Dyer. The midfielder burst towards the edge of the box before turning Emmanuel Eboue onto his weaker foot and placing a sublime shot to the left of Jens Lehmann.

30 mins - Van Persie curls a dipping free-kick inches over Given's bar but referee Mr Atkinson orders a re-take following some pushing in the box. The Dutchman crosses into the middle this time but Newcastle clear.

23 mins - Arsenal come close. The classy Fabregas plays a well-worked one-two with Hleb but sees his first-time drive fly inches over the bar. It was a great move and hopefully it will prove a catalyst.

19 mins - Fabregas blasts another long-range effort over the bar. Newcastle have done well to restrict the Gunners to speculative shots from distance.

14 mins - Emmanuel Adebayor has done a lot of early running but the Gunners are yet to produce a clear opportunity to open the scoring. Arsène Wenger's side will be disappointed not to have made more of some early set pieces.

9 mins - The ball falls for Alexander Hleb 20-yards out but he drags his shot wide of the upright.

7 mins - Arsenal have been patient in their build-up play so far. They've yet to test Shay Given in the Newcastle goal but their having the best of the possession.

2 mins - We've kicked off and the two sides are feeling their way into the game. Not a flying start but it's early days.

Welcome to Emirates Stadium for this afternoon’s Premiership clash with Newcastle United.

Arsène Wenger has been forced to make a change in midfield with Brazilian Gilberto returning to his homeland for family reasons. Julio Baptista is the man to benefit and comes in for his first Arsenal start.

Captain Thierry Henry is named on the bench so Emmanuel Adebayor joins Robin van Persie in attack. Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann also returns after missing last Sunday's win over Liverpool with a throat infection.

Next Match 11/18/06 Arsenal - Newcastle Review

VS



The Saturday 15.00 11/18/2006
Big match come agian in Emirates Stadium
After victory over Liverpool last week The Gunner will be back on Emirates to play with Newcastle agian

last update from Arsenal.com about the team

Arsène Wenger will welcome back three players to his squad for the visit of Newcastle on Saturday - but Gilberto will be missing.
The Brazilian midfielder has returned to his country for “family reasons” and, according to his manager, has an 80 per cent chance of missing the match at Emirates Stadium.
On the upside, Julio Baptista is available after six weeks out with a hamstring injury and Jens Lehmann is back despite missing international duty on Wednesday with a throat infection. Freddie Ljungberg had recovered from his calf injury and was due to figure for Sweden in midweek before he went down with a late case of food poisoning. But the midfielder called on Thursday morning to reassure the manager he’ll be OK to play.
“It looks quite good,” Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday. “We have quite a good choice. Nobody has come back from the internationals with any trouble. We have Julio Baptista back in the squad and Freddie Ljungberg is available too. We have had him on the phone and he says he is perfectly alright. Jens Lehmann is available again.
“But I believe we have a family problem with Gilberto. He has had to go back to Brazil. We hope he will be back in time [for Saturday] but we are not completely sure. He had to pull out of the Brazil squad this week and I’d say there is an 80 per cent chance he’ll miss the Newcastle game.”


Head to head
P 157 W 59 D 33 L 65

Last Five meeting

PL, 10-12-05
Newcastle Utd 1-0 Arsenal

PL, 14-08-05
Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle Utd

PL, 23-01-05
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle Utd

PL, 29-12-04
Newcastle Utd 0-1 Arsenal

PL, 11-04-04
Newcastle Utd 0-0 Arsenal

Final result : Easy play to Win >>Arsenal 3-0 Liverpool

Arsenal moved up to third in the Barclays Premiership and all but ended Liverpool's title hopes with a 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners had suffered a difficult spell of late with home draws against Everton and CSKA Moscow followed by a defeat at West Ham which saw manager Arsene Wenger involved in a touchline bust-up with Alan Pardew.But there were no such problems on Sunday with goals from Mathieu Flamini, Kolo Toure and William Gallas securing a sixth Premiership win and close the gap on leaders Manchester United to eight points with a game in hand.Following an impeccably observed minute's silence on Remembrance Sunday, there was an electric start to the match when Robin van Persie was shown a yellow card inside the opening two minutes by referee Mark Clattenburg.The Dutchman looked to latch onto a quick pass on the edge of the area but clearly handled the ball past advancing Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina before netting.The visitors then had an effort disallowed for offside when Peter Crouch touched in Xabi Alonso's low centre and neither side were able to dominate possession.Arsenal eventually took the lead on 41 minutes. when Cesc Fabregas cut the ball back across the six-yard box and Flamini got ahead of Jamie Carragher to stab his side in front.Liverpool started the second half brightly but were
2-0 down on 56 minutes following a fine move - van Persie, delaying his pass to Toure who kept his nerve to produce a cool finish.Arsenal wrapped up the points with 10 minutes left when Gallas was left unmarked in the six-yard box to head home from a corner.Craig Bellamy's header was then ruled out for offside which just about summed up the afternoon for the visitors.