By Richard Clarke
"In our mind it's a game that we want absolutely to win, I tell you," said Arsène Wenger with a steely stare at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"We love to win, we want to reduce the gap to Manchester United as quickly as possible and we want to continue our run because we're in good form. We're still involved in nearly every competition, even the championship, and you never know what can happen."
If Premiership fixtures between Arsenal and Manchester United have lost some of their intensity in recent years then it appears that no one as told this particular Frenchman.
It is now two-and-a-half seasons since either of these two pillars of the Premiership have taken the title. In the intervening years Chelsea have dominated domestic honours and even Liverpool have scooped Europe’s top prize.
Despite his opening salvo, Wenger did admit this particular fixture is not quite the be-all and end-all it used to be.
"I feel the fact that Chelsea came in took a little bit of the focus off Arsenal and Manchester United," said Wenger. "Before the last two years a game between Manchester United and Arsenal was a game nobody could afford to lose.
"Now even if you lose one there is still Chelsea there and then Liverpool joined in so there is less focus only on Manchester United and Arsenal."
You only have to look back to the first game between these sides this season for an illustration. Arsenal went to Old Trafford in September without Thierry Henry, any decent form and, it would seem, much chance of victory.
They pulled off a wonderful 1-0 win but it was Manchester United who kicked-on after that. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side flourished despite losing a must-win game and Wenger's men have had to play catch-up.
Arsenal’s ankle injuries are likely to have healed by Sunday — Emmanuel Eboue is certainly back, Robin van Persie should follow suit after a test on Saturday. However Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) and William Gallas (thigh) are still out while Gilberto is suspended.
Throughout his media work on Friday, Wenger skirted the issue of the title race. It was like he wanted to suggest a victory on Sunday could open a fissure in the rockface of United’s lead but, ever the economist, the Arsenal manager knew the figure of 15 points was set in stone.
Twice he was asked who would win the title, each time he replied: "I have an idea in my head but if I give you my idea you won’t believe me."
"I cannot say we will," he added later, "because we are 15 points behind Manchester United. But I think we have the ingredients and potential to become the best team.
"At the moment we are not because we cannot deny we lost at Sheffield United, Bolton, Manchester City. Even if they are games we could and should have won.
"But this is a good opportunity for us to close the gap a little bit. They've had the advantage of having stability and players in form at the right moment, but it's still not over. Don't forget they must go to Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Portsmouth. They have a difficult schedule."
On Sunday we’ll find out if those traditionally tough trips to Arsenal are still the most arduous for Manchester United.
Arsenal.com
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Wenger says Beckham alone cannot lift soccer in U.S.
By ROBERT MILLWARD
Updated: 9:30 a.m. PT Jan 12, 2007
LONDON - David Beckham alone won't transform soccer in the United States. It will take an influx of other European stars to make a real impact.
That's the view of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, one of the most successful coaches in the English Premier League.
Beckham agreed to the biggest deal in soccer history Thursday and will join the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer after his current contract with Spanish club Real Madrid ends in June.
"Football will only take off (in America) if Beckham's not the only one," Wenger said Friday. "You need a few. Is that the opening road for more to come? If you want a real influx of big stars that's what will be needed if you want to create a big lift for American football. One player will not be enough."
The next could be Dutch star Edgar Davids, who has lost his place in the starting Tottenham lineup in England and is holding talks with FC Dallas.
Beckham's estimated $250 million five-year deal could prompt other 30-something European-based stars to consider moving to the MLS now that the salary cap rule has been relaxed.
According to Wenger, that's the only way the MLS can stand a chance of matching the big European soccer leagues and attract young Americans away from baseball, basketball and football.
The Arsenal manager, who has made his reputation nurturing young talent rather than making big money signings, said that Beckham had dropped down a level in soccer terms.
"On the other hand it can give a big boost to American football because they now have a basis," he said. "They had no elite and to have great players like David Beckham in the professional league can give a big boost."
Big-name players such as Ronaldo, Pavel Nedved and Alessandro del Piero might be tempted to go to the U.S. Although Zinedine Zidane has retired, a big-money deal in the United States could persuade him to make a comeback, especially after his finale at the World Cup ended with a headbutt and a red card.
Beckham's move to the Galaxy bucks a trend of top American players coming to Europe. The latest is Clint Dempsey, whose transfer from the New England Revolution makes him the 13th American in the top flight of English soccer.
"It looked until now like the players were coming from the States to Europe to play," Wenger said. "The major thing was that the top level football is played in Europe. The secondary thing was they could not pay the wages we can pay here in Europe. And suddenly, in this individual case, it looks like it's going the other way.
"It needs to be followed by other examples, incite other people in the United States to do the same with other teams. They have salary caps until now, but the salary cap exploded in this case."
Dallas coach Steve Morrow said his club has been in talks with Davids for two weeks.
"We were excited to hear about his availability, so we spoke to his agents and have been told he is available," said Morrow, a former Arsenal midfielder who played 39 times for Northern Ireland.
Davids, who wears protective glasses on the field because he has glaucoma, has won domestic and European club titles with Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus and Barcelona. He is nicknamed the "Pit Bull" because of his aggressive style.
If Davids moves to Dallas, he is unlikely to receive anything close to the huge deal negotiated by Beckham, who makes much of his money from commercial sponsorships and image rights.
Married to "Posh Spice" Victoria of the former Spice Girls, Beckham has become a brand name as well as a soccer star. With many lucrative endorsements, he has become one of the most marketable sportsmen in history.
MSNBC.COM
Updated: 9:30 a.m. PT Jan 12, 2007
LONDON - David Beckham alone won't transform soccer in the United States. It will take an influx of other European stars to make a real impact.
That's the view of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, one of the most successful coaches in the English Premier League.
Beckham agreed to the biggest deal in soccer history Thursday and will join the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer after his current contract with Spanish club Real Madrid ends in June.
"Football will only take off (in America) if Beckham's not the only one," Wenger said Friday. "You need a few. Is that the opening road for more to come? If you want a real influx of big stars that's what will be needed if you want to create a big lift for American football. One player will not be enough."
The next could be Dutch star Edgar Davids, who has lost his place in the starting Tottenham lineup in England and is holding talks with FC Dallas.
Beckham's estimated $250 million five-year deal could prompt other 30-something European-based stars to consider moving to the MLS now that the salary cap rule has been relaxed.
According to Wenger, that's the only way the MLS can stand a chance of matching the big European soccer leagues and attract young Americans away from baseball, basketball and football.
The Arsenal manager, who has made his reputation nurturing young talent rather than making big money signings, said that Beckham had dropped down a level in soccer terms.
"On the other hand it can give a big boost to American football because they now have a basis," he said. "They had no elite and to have great players like David Beckham in the professional league can give a big boost."
Big-name players such as Ronaldo, Pavel Nedved and Alessandro del Piero might be tempted to go to the U.S. Although Zinedine Zidane has retired, a big-money deal in the United States could persuade him to make a comeback, especially after his finale at the World Cup ended with a headbutt and a red card.
Beckham's move to the Galaxy bucks a trend of top American players coming to Europe. The latest is Clint Dempsey, whose transfer from the New England Revolution makes him the 13th American in the top flight of English soccer.
"It looked until now like the players were coming from the States to Europe to play," Wenger said. "The major thing was that the top level football is played in Europe. The secondary thing was they could not pay the wages we can pay here in Europe. And suddenly, in this individual case, it looks like it's going the other way.
"It needs to be followed by other examples, incite other people in the United States to do the same with other teams. They have salary caps until now, but the salary cap exploded in this case."
Dallas coach Steve Morrow said his club has been in talks with Davids for two weeks.
"We were excited to hear about his availability, so we spoke to his agents and have been told he is available," said Morrow, a former Arsenal midfielder who played 39 times for Northern Ireland.
Davids, who wears protective glasses on the field because he has glaucoma, has won domestic and European club titles with Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus and Barcelona. He is nicknamed the "Pit Bull" because of his aggressive style.
If Davids moves to Dallas, he is unlikely to receive anything close to the huge deal negotiated by Beckham, who makes much of his money from commercial sponsorships and image rights.
Married to "Posh Spice" Victoria of the former Spice Girls, Beckham has become a brand name as well as a soccer star. With many lucrative endorsements, he has become one of the most marketable sportsmen in history.
MSNBC.COM
Wenger - We have the quality to cope without Gilberto
By Chris Harris
Gilberto will pay a heavy price for his red card at Blackburn but Arsène Wenger believes that his team can cope with the loss of their influential midfielder.
The Brazilian will miss the Premiership clash with Manchester United, the Carling Cup Semi Final first leg at Tottenham and the FA Cup tie against Bolton. However Wenger is confident that his squad will rise to the occasion once again.
"Gilberto will be missing but we feel that with the spirit and quality we have we can cope with that," he said. "We have had three different teams in our last three games but produced the same quality. We are very proud of that at the Club."
Wenger described Gilberto's dismissal at Ewood Park as "harsh" but praised Robbie Savage following reports that the Rovers midfielder, whose foul provoked the Brazilian's reaction, asked referee Rob Styles not to send the Arsenal midfielder off.
"It is very fair from him and if he has done that I thank him because from the outside the red card looked harsh," said Wenger. "You have to accept it because Gilberto retaliated and really he should not have retalitated at all.
"Savage could have stayed on his feet but I think he realised he made more of it than he should have. He said to the referee 'don't send him off' because I think he realised he should not have gone down.
"But if you ask the referee he will tell you he sent Gilberto off for retaliating and he will gain his case at the FA because [the rules say] it is a red-card offence."
Arsenal.com
Gilberto will pay a heavy price for his red card at Blackburn but Arsène Wenger believes that his team can cope with the loss of their influential midfielder.
The Brazilian will miss the Premiership clash with Manchester United, the Carling Cup Semi Final first leg at Tottenham and the FA Cup tie against Bolton. However Wenger is confident that his squad will rise to the occasion once again.
"Gilberto will be missing but we feel that with the spirit and quality we have we can cope with that," he said. "We have had three different teams in our last three games but produced the same quality. We are very proud of that at the Club."
Wenger described Gilberto's dismissal at Ewood Park as "harsh" but praised Robbie Savage following reports that the Rovers midfielder, whose foul provoked the Brazilian's reaction, asked referee Rob Styles not to send the Arsenal midfielder off.
"It is very fair from him and if he has done that I thank him because from the outside the red card looked harsh," said Wenger. "You have to accept it because Gilberto retaliated and really he should not have retalitated at all.
"Savage could have stayed on his feet but I think he realised he made more of it than he should have. He said to the referee 'don't send him off' because I think he realised he should not have gone down.
"But if you ask the referee he will tell you he sent Gilberto off for retaliating and he will gain his case at the FA because [the rules say] it is a red-card offence."
Arsenal.com
Friday, January 12, 2007
Aliadiere wants to stay - and Wenger wants to keep him
By Chris Harris
Jeremie Aliadiere wants to stay at Arsenal and fight for his first-team place - and Arsène Wenger wants to keep him.
The French striker has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium but he insists his priority is to establish himself at the Club he joined in 1999 as a 16-year-old.
"I never said I wanted to leave the Club," Aliadiere told Arsenal.com. "All I said was that I wanted to play. That's my priority. I want to play football.
"I want to be involved every weekend but I haven't played a lot in the last six months since I came back from my loan last season. Obviously if I can't play here then I will have to play somewhere else, but Arsenal is my priority.
"There's a lot of competition, a lot of great players and it's really hard to get your place in there but I think every time I've got the opportunity to play I've done my best and in training every day as well. That's all I can do."
Aliadiere did his prospects no harm whatsoever with an outstanding performance in the Carling Cup at Anfield on Tuesday. He scored one goal, won a penalty and set up three of Julio Baptista's quartet in that incredible 6-3 victory over Liverpool.
Aliadiere's excellence did not go unnoticed. Wenger sympathises with his compatriot's plight but he wants the 23-year-old to remain in a pool of strikers which also includes Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor.
"Players like Aliadiere are sometimes difficult to keep because I cannot give him the number of games he wants and deserves," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"But I do not want to lose him because I have worked for seven years with him now. He is a super player and I do not want to sell him. He does not want to go on loan, he wants to play somewhere and I can understand that.
"He has three more years on his contract and I hope he will see that out."
Arsenal.com
Jeremie Aliadiere wants to stay at Arsenal and fight for his first-team place - and Arsène Wenger wants to keep him.
The French striker has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium but he insists his priority is to establish himself at the Club he joined in 1999 as a 16-year-old.
"I never said I wanted to leave the Club," Aliadiere told Arsenal.com. "All I said was that I wanted to play. That's my priority. I want to play football.
"I want to be involved every weekend but I haven't played a lot in the last six months since I came back from my loan last season. Obviously if I can't play here then I will have to play somewhere else, but Arsenal is my priority.
"There's a lot of competition, a lot of great players and it's really hard to get your place in there but I think every time I've got the opportunity to play I've done my best and in training every day as well. That's all I can do."
Aliadiere did his prospects no harm whatsoever with an outstanding performance in the Carling Cup at Anfield on Tuesday. He scored one goal, won a penalty and set up three of Julio Baptista's quartet in that incredible 6-3 victory over Liverpool.
Aliadiere's excellence did not go unnoticed. Wenger sympathises with his compatriot's plight but he wants the 23-year-old to remain in a pool of strikers which also includes Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor.
"Players like Aliadiere are sometimes difficult to keep because I cannot give him the number of games he wants and deserves," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"But I do not want to lose him because I have worked for seven years with him now. He is a super player and I do not want to sell him. He does not want to go on loan, he wants to play somewhere and I can understand that.
"He has three more years on his contract and I hope he will see that out."
Arsenal.com
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Player of the Month:Gilberto Silva
Gilberto has been named as Arsenal.com's Player of the Month for December.
The industrious Brazilian excelled as stand-in captain in the absence of the injured Thierry Henry and enjoyed arguably his most productive month for the Gunners, scoring five goals.
The 30-year-old is not renowned for his potency in front of goal but he kicked off the month with two emphatic spot kicks in the North London derby as the Gunners put Tottenham to the sword.
Full involvement followed as Arsène Wenger’s side earned vital draws against Porto in the Champions League and against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In the latter Gilberto made a crucial intervention to deny Didier Drogba a goal.
Perhaps his most important contribution however was in the 2-2 draw with Portsmouth at Emirates Stadium. Two goals down after 47 minutes, Gilberto pulled Arsenal level just moments after Emmanuel Adebayor had leapt off the bench to reduce the deficit.
That equaliser sparked a run which saw Gilberto score in three successive games as Blackburn and Watford both suffered the wrath of the free-scoring Samba star. It seemed everything that went right for Arsenal in December was in some way down to the deputising skipper.
Adebayor was another to flourish in the absence of Henry and truly earned his place as runner-up in this month's poll with strikes against Spurs, Wigan, Portsmouth and Watford. Dutchman Robin van Persie was another to hit a purple patch over the festive period and fans voted him third thanks to a clinical brace against Blackburn and a fine solo effort at Watford. Arsenal supporter Alex Green will present Gilberto with his award before the game against Manchester United on Sunday, January 21.
"Gilberto has been fantastic for us, especially in Henry's absence,” said Alex.
“He's a true unsung hero for the Gunners, who simply goes about his job with the minimum of fuss, scores important goals and inspires the rest of the team."
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Wenger - Ljungberg still has 'a lot to offer' at Arsenal
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger has responded to media reports about Freddie Ljungberg's future by insisting that the Swedish midfielder still has "a lot to offer" at Arsenal.
"There has been much speculation about Freddie Ljungberg in the media over the last few days," Wenger told Arsenal.com, "but given his dedication and contribution to the team's success since joining the Club I feel it is important to state that Freddie is a valuable member of our squad.
"Although I can't predict the future, Freddie's experience and winner's attitude means he still has a lot to offer us."
Arsenal.com
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
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