Arsenal FC ~ General Chat & Latest News

[Amo-te Benfica]

Arsenal's injury list and latest news on injuries to be posted in this thread please.

[Amo-te Benfica]

Injury list as of 25/08/07

Gallas- Groin, Sept 15th

Lehmann- achilles, Sept 8th

Eboue- ankle, Sept 1st

[Boodz]

Which Team Is Stronger?

I Seriously Don't Know The Answer ..?
What do you think?

[Amo-te Benfica]

Liverpool in my opinion have the capability to challenge for the Premier League title this season. Even though I believe Arsenal is getting stronger they are still in a period of transition and won't be winning naything big for a few years yet when their youngsters have deveolped. Liverpool has signed some real talent.

So, to answer your question, Liverpool.

[kevindoyle9]

Even though I hate both of those teams, I still think Liverpool are stronger.

[Amo-te Benfica]

Arsenal

• Founded: 1886
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VITAL STATISTICS

Highest Gate: 58,462 Sparta Prague
Smallest Gate: 58,462 Sparta Prague
Average Attendance: 59,844
Aggregate Attendance: 418,909

Biggest Home Win: 5 - 0 Derby
Biggest Away Win: 3 - 1 Tottenham
Worst Home Result: 1 - 0 Man City
Worst Away Result: 1 - 1 Blackburn

Games Won By...
1 Goal Margin	2
2 Goal Margin	4
3 Goal Margin	2
4 Goal Margin	0
5 Goal Margin	1

Games Lost By...
-1 Goal Margin	0
-2 Goal Margin	0
-3 Goal Margin	0
-4 Goal Margin	0
-5 Goal Margin	0

[Amo-te Benfica]

Current league position:

Barclays Premier League Table

Barclays Premier League Table - September 23 2007

Pos	Team	P	Pts
1	Arsenal	6	16
2	Manchester United	7	14
3	Manchester City	7	13
4	Liverpool	6	12
5	Newcastle United	6	11

[MrsPodolski]

see.....see.............I can bet this is started in the beggining of the season and people are writing Arsenal off


NOW YOU SEE WE ARE WAY BETTER!!!

[St. Anger]

The one higher in the table.

[Freddy Adu]

I went with Liverpool. Arse are strong. But their strength will run out.

[St. Anger]

From what I've seen, Liverpool are the ones getting weaker... they have started poorly in the Champions league and just got beaten comprehensively at Anfield by Marseille who are not even in the top ten of the French League.

Arsenal on the other hand are getting stronger, with squad depth too. Gallas is back from injury and Rosicky will be available next week.

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal
Full name	Arsenal Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Gunners
Founded	1886 as Dial Square
Ground	Emirates Stadium Holloway London England
Capacity	60,432[1]
Chairman	Peter Hill-Wood
Manager	Arsène Wenger
League	Premier League
2006–07	Premier League, 4th
Home colours 　 Away colours

[Oscar Cardozo]

Arsenal are on top of the table.

[Hipirok]

Yay!

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal vs Bolton

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 10

Arsenal Bolton

Date 2007-10-20 15h00 City London Stadium Emirates Stadium Referee

Last Matches

League	Home	Result	Away	Tournament
PL	Arsenal	2-1	Bolton	Premier League 2006/2007
FA	Arsenal	1-1	Bolton	The FA Cup 2006/2007
PL	Arsenal	1-1	Bolton	Premier League 2005/2006
PL	Arsenal	2-2	Bolton	Premier League 2004/05
PL	Arsenal	2-1	Bolton	Premier League 2003/2004
PL	Arsenal	2-1	Bolton	Liga Inglesa 2002/03
PL	Arsenal	1-1	Bolton	Liga Inglesa 2001/02
PL	Arsenal	4-1	Bolton	Liga Inglesa 1997/98
PL	Arsenal	2-1	Bolton	Liga Inglesa 1995/96
PL	Arsenal	2-0	Bolton	Liga Inglesa 1979/80

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal's Rosicky attempting to shake off injury problems

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has revealed that he has seen a specialist in a bid to resolve his ongoing injury problems.

The Czech Republic international made just 22 starts in the Premier League last season after suffering from a number of hamstring and groin problems.

In May, Rosicky had four of his wisdom teeth removed in an effort to resolve his troublesome injuries.

The 27-year-old explained that a specialist insole is currently being made for his football boots.

"After the training, I had to visit a clinic where they will be making a special insole for my shoes," he told iDnes.cz.

Rosicky also confirmed that he hopes to be available for the Czechs' Euro 2008 qualifier against Germany on October 17.

"I could play already against Sunderland on Sunday but it did not turn out for me. Now Germany is on the list, so we'll see," he added.

***

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal boss Wenger proud of his France internationals

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

And manager Arsene Wenger has spoken of his pride at the number of Arsenal players that are getting the nod to represent their country.

"I am proud to provide Les Bleus with so many players," he added.

"There are five at Clairefontaine (France's training camp) and it could have been six if Gael Clichy didn't have two players like Eric Abidal and Patrice Evra in his position."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal boss Wenger ends Domenech feud

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger appears to have calmed his feud with France coach Raymond Domenech.

The Gunners manager has openly admitted his frustration with Domenech's decision making.

Wenger's annoyance centralises around his belief that in the past some of his players were not fit enough to play the full 90 minutes in some internationals, specifically in friendly games.

"I repeat, I am absolutely not an opponent of the French team," he told L'Equipe.

"My reactions have always been linked to the misunderstandings during friendlies, where we could give some rest to the internationals who play most often for their clubs.

"To prove my commitment to Les Bleus I am keen to accept for a decisive qualification match an Arsenal player, who is slightly injured, can play.

"My relationship with the French boss so far? There is no need to make a great fuss about it anymore.

"Everyone will benefit if things are going smoothly between Arsenal and the French national team."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Wenger insists English rules at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has refuted allegations that English is not the common language in the Arsenal dressing room.

Click Here!
Ashley Cole's wife Cheryl Tweedy said her husband left Arsenal as English was no longer the native tongue in the dressing room, claiming he felt like 'an outsider'.

Wenger has just two Englishmen, Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte, in his first-team squad - but he has refuted suggestions that English is not the common language.

"The common language is English but you cannot stop six or seven players speaking French if they are French - sometimes detrimentally to a player who is English," said Wenger.

"But I cannot stop that as I have not found any player who can express themselves better in any language but English if it is not their own. It is difficult to fight against that.

"We pay the teachers (when players arrive at the club). If I speak to the group it is in English."

And Wenger says he has sympathy for players who struggle to speak the language within a dressing room, having experienced a similar problem when in Japan with Grampus Eight.

"Don't forget I was in Japan where I understood nothing," said Wenger. "You sit there, and I know what it is not to understand what people speak about. It is good not to be paranoid!"

**

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal captain William Gallas has apologised to his team-mates after what he describes as having been a "difficult time".

The centre-half has not played a competitive match for the best part of two months following a groin injury suffered against Blackburn on August 19, but the Gunners are flying high at the top of the table in his absence.

"The last few weeks have been very difficult for me. Sometimes I have been okay, but at other times I have been very unhappy," said Gallas

"Because of that I know it might have been difficult for the rest of the group as well because I wasn't always smiling when I was in the dressing room.

"It's difficult for everyone. I have experienced it before when I have been injured, and it's always the same.

"The first week or so you can deal with it, but three, four, five weeks later? Trust me it's hard to keep smiling.

"So I want to say sorry to all of the players, and also the staff at the training ground, because they could see I wasn't always happy. It's just that I really want to play.

"Hopefully now this is behind me, and maybe I will play for France."

***

[GloriousReds]

ARSENAL are ready to fork out £2.3million in compensation for 17-year-old Barca whizkid Fran Merida.


An independent tribunal in Spain ruled against Merida and in favour of his old club Barcelona — leaving the teenager with the bill.


The furious Spaniards said Merida signed a pre-contract agreement with them when he was 14 but quit days before his 16th birthday. He joined Arsenal as a trainee once he was 16.


There is no dispute between the Gunners and Barca but the Premier League leaders are happy to pay up for a kid they reckon will become a superstar.

[GloriousReds]

MATHIEU FLAMINI has been dubbed Arsenal's answer to AC Milan hardman Genaro Gattuso.


The French ace has been at the heart of the Gunners' surge to the top of the Premier League.


Flamini, who almost left North London in the summer after handing in a transfer request, has formed a formidable midfield partnership with Cesc Fabregas.


With the Spaniard providing the creativity, Flamini has built up a reputation for doing the Gunners' dirty work.


The midfielder's success in that role has lead to his Arsenal team-mates giving him the nickname 'Gattuso'.


Skipper Kolo Toure revealed: "He does such a huge job in midfield. Having such a player in your team is just great.


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


"He is a real marathon runner, he runs everywhere. He has a fantastic heart and fights for everyone.


"He is involved in any clash, but only for the good of the team."

[GloriousReds]

ARSENE WENGER wants to buy £6million-rated West Ham keeper Robert Green.


The Arsenal boss hopes to cash in on Green’s growing frustration at Upton Park with a New Year bid.


Green, 27, is fed up at being consistently overlooked by England boss Steve McClaren and knows a move to one of the big four clubs would boost his chances of getting an international call-up.


Wenger remains unconvinced about current stopper Manuel Almunia.


The Spaniard took over by default from German No 1 Jens Lehmann, whose days at Arsenal are numbered.


The only sticking point could be that Green will demand first-team football.

[Freddy Adu]

Kahn slams Arsenal keeper Lehmann

Oliver Kahn has renewed his rivalry with Jens Lehmann and claimed the Arsenal goalkeeper is lucky to be in the Germany team.

Lehmann criticised Kahn in Monday's Spiegel magazine, saying he does not like the way the Bayern keeper considers "himself to be so important".

That was in reaction to Kahn's comments that there would never again be an era like his in which one goalkeeper is the dominant German number one.

With Lehmann's place in doubt after Manuel Almunia took his place at Arsenal, Kahn has taken the opportunity to have another swipe at the 37-year-old.

"Instead of showing no style in having a go at his former colleagues, he should be thankful that he even has the chance to play for the national team when he is not playing for his club," said Kahn in Thursday's Kicker magazine.

"This scenario has never arisen in the history of German football."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Bierhoff warns Lehmann over Arsenal stay

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has told Jens Lehmann to quit Arsenal if he cannot win back his No1 place.

"I can't believe that Jens is out of favour at Arsenal after his performances over the past few years," he told Kicker magazine.

"It is a difficult situation, especially for a goalkeeper. In the short-term it isn't a problem for us, especially as Jens feels that he will soon be back between the posts.

"Many things can happen between now and winter, but if Jens isn't playing regular first team football then I would advise him to look for a new club."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Lehmann admits final Arsenal season

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admits he's preparing to return to the Bundesliga next season.

With his 38th birthday just a month away, Lehmann said this would probably be his final season at Arsenal prior to a swansong in the Bundesliga.

He vowed to bow out on a high, though, as he said: "I know I will play for Arsenal again and think it may well be in our next game.

"Maybe this break has been good for me. Maybe I needed it. I never like being out of the team, but look what happened last time.

"The manager left me out for a few weeks three years ago and when I got my place back, I ended up having the best season of my career.

"I feel ready to come back and play to the same level again. Playing is important, of course, but there is no substitute for quality.

"My wife and I miss Germany and if I still feel able to play at a high level after the Euro finals, I would like it to be with a Bundesliga club."

Back in Germany, though, Oliver Kahn appears to be carrying on his long-running feud with Lehmann even in international retirement.

The former Germany goalkeeper said: "He should be thankful that he even has the chance to play for the national team when he is not playing for his club."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Bierhoff warns Lehmann over Arsenal stay

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has told Jens Lehmann to quit Arsenal if he cannot win back his No1 place.

"I can't believe that Jens is out of favour at Arsenal after his performances over the past few years," he told Kicker magazine.

"It is a difficult situation, especially for a goalkeeper. In the short-term it isn't a problem for us, especially as Jens feels that he will soon be back between the posts.

"Many things can happen between now and winter, but if Jens isn't playing regular first team football then I would advise him to look for a new club."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Agent: Arsenal's Cesc would welcome Barcelona offer

The agent of Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas won't rule out a return to Barcelona for the midfielder.

Joseba Diaz told Marca: "I have spoken with Cesc and neither of us know anything about interest from Barca.

"And if there is interest... hopefully there is, because they're a great club, a team that plays the best football and Cesc was very happy there.

"If an offer arrived from Barca, clearly we would listen to it, it is the club that has taught Cesc everything when he was small."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Cesc's Agent Won't Rule Out Barcelona Move
Marca's attempts to liven up the international break continue apace as they speak to Francesc Fabregas' agent regarding a possible move from Arsenal to the Nou Camp...

Francesc Fabregas' agent admits that he's not heard of any interest from Barcelona regarding his client's services, but won't rule out such a move in future should the blaugrana make an approach for the midfielder.

"I've spoken with Cesc and we're not aware of anything from Barcelona," Joseba Diaz told Radio Marca.

"We have hope, because this is a big, big team that plays superb football, and Cesc was very comfortable there."

Indeed, before joining Arsenal, Cesc made his name in the youth ranks at the Nou Camp, although he did not manage to play a first team game for the Culers.

Still, for now, Cesc remains an Arsenal and Spain player, with priorities to match.

"Neither the player nor I have considered the news, really, and all we're thinking about is the match against Denmark. What will be, will be," continued Diaz.

"But if we do hear of an offer from Barcelona, the club that taught him so much, then that would be a real compliment to Cesc."

Nonetheless, Fabregas himself seems reluctant to commit to any move, given the current state of affairs at the Emirates.

Cesc has well and truly established himself as a key midfielder for the Gunners and, what's more, shares a fantastic working relationship with Arsene Wenger, the man who brought him to London.

The player said of his boss and mentor, "He left his vacation and his family to come and see me in Barcelona before I was a somebody. That was special for me."

Joseba Diaz, too, may complicate the deal by virtue of being involved in a dispute between Fran Merida and Barcelona, the 17 year old player - now of Arsenal - being forced to pay massive compensation for derelicting his contract at the Nou Camp. Diaz, who represents the player, has said that Merida will contest the decision.

*******