How Arsenal players fare in 2010/2011?

I was kinda bored with nothing to do when suddenly it came across my mind to see how did most of Arsenal's players fare against the top team during the 2010/2011 season. So I went to Goal.com to collect Arsenal player's rating against the Top 6 team in the Premier League + the League Cup Final + vs Barcelona and + an average rating for the whole season which I took from thegunninghawk.com.

And surprisingly, despite most people say that Nasri gone missing when facing the big guns, he end up being top of the rank, followed by Fabregas and Wilshere. With Fabregas again being linked with Barcelona and Nasri being linked with Man City, no wonder Wenger is "willing" to lose just either one of them. But of course, it would be even better if both of them stay.

While the worst rated player goes to Rosicky, followed by Eboue and Diaby. I guess that is the end of Rosicky, he no longer look like the player he was before being plagued by injuries.

Anyway, here are the full listing of the rating...

Nasri - 6.98

Fabregas - 6.92

Wilshere - 6.86

Walcott - 6.84

Szczesny - 6.67

Djourou - 6.66

Persie - 6.66

Fabianski - 6.41

Sagna - 6.36

Koscielny - 6.34

Song - 6.30

Chamakh - 6.28

Squillaci - 6.16

Almunia - 6.12

Arshavin - 6.08 (yepz, surprisingly he is rated below the like of Squillaci)

Bendtner - 5.95

Clichy - 5.92 (so no problem of him leaving to Man City eh?)

Denilson - 5.91

Diaby - 5.83

Eboue - 5.75

Rosicky - 5.55

And for further analysis, I even add up all the rating during Arsenal defeats and list down those that have fallen below the 6/10 rating...

Song (mf) - 5.27

Denilson (mf) - 5.35

Rosicky (mf) - 5.44

Clichy (df) - 5.53

Gibbs (df) - 5.55

Koscielny (df) - 5.60

Squillaci (df) - 5.71 (surprisingly, he is rated better than Koscielny during the defeats!)

Arshavin (mf) - 5.72

Diaby (mf) - 5.72

Ramsey (mf) - 5.88 (can't blame him, he just got back from a long-term injury)

Eboue (df/mf) - 5.88

Djourou (df) - 5.99

Comments?

Boy joins Arsenal after miracle recovery

A six-year-old has joined Arsenal despite nearly losing a leg to a rare bone disease.

Fletcher Toll was left unable to walk when osteomyelitis paralysed his right leg when he was 17 months.

The disease left him with a 1cm hole in his hip, and doctors feared they might have to amputate his leg.

But he made an incredible recovery and has been snapped up by the Gunners, beating 40,000 rivals for a place at the Arsenal Soccer School.

He now trains once a week at the club's base in Spalding, Lincs, where coach Mark Angel told The Sun: "I see him having an excellent future in the professional game.

"His dribbling skills are excellent. His free kicks remind me of a young Beckham."

Fletcher's mother Lisa, from King's Lynn in Norfolk, said: "Doctors didn't think he'd ever be able to play football or walk."

Via: Eurosport

Ramsey surgery 'a success'

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has undergone successful surgery on a double break of his right leg, but the club cannot predict when he will return to action.

The 19-year-old was injured in a tackle from Stoke midfielder Ryan Shawcross in Saturday's 3-1 Premier League victory at the Britannia Stadium.

The Wales international went under the knife on Saturday night but it is still too early to speculate when the player might return.

A club statement read: "During yesterday's match against Stoke City, Aaron Ramsey sustained fractures to the tibia and fibula in his right leg. Yesterday evening he underwent surgery.

"The operation successfully reduced the fractures and whilst it is too soon to state an exact timescale for recovery, Aaron will certainly miss the remainder of this season.

"Our thoughts are with Aaron at this time and everyone at the club wishes him all the best in making as speedy a return to action as possible."

Via Yahoo! Sports

The six million mile man

Football is a labour of love for many fans, but Arsenal supporter Nesan Sinnadurai has upped the bar of commitment with his show of devotion.

Every other weekend, Sinnadurai makes a round-trip from the US state of Georgia to the Emirates, clocking up 9000 air miles in the process.

For a Saturday trip to north London, the 63-year-old self-employed IT consultant will board a Friday morning flight from Atlanta for the 15-hour journey to Heathrow via Houston.

The Sri Lankan has been a fan of Arsenal since 1967 and claims to have amassed six million air miles.

He claims to spend £20,000 a year on watching Arsenal and says he lost his job and £400,000 home on account of taking so much time off work.

Sinnadurai is married with children and says of his wife in The Sun: "She thinks I'm crazy."

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Devoted or crazy?

Arsenal slump to Valencia defeat

Two goals in the final 15 minutes ensured that Arsenal's pre-season campaign ended in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Valencia at the Mestalla.

Michel opened the scoring after 75 minutes and David Villa added the second on the stroke of full-time after Villa had earlier seen his penalty saved by Lukasz Fabianksi.

The hosts started out the brighter of the two sides in pouring rain, and they had the first decent opportunity of the match after just two minutes.

The ball was worked out to the right hand side of the penalty area where Pablo Hernandez was well placed, but the midfielder dragged his effort wide of Manuel Almunia's right hand post.

Arsenal's only early effort of any note came from Robin Van Persie who fired a fierce cross shot in from the right wing that flashed narrowly wide of Miguel Angel Moya's upright.

It was the home side that continued to create the better first half chances, however, with the outstanding opportunity of the first 45 minutes falling to Juan Manuel Mata after 20 minutes.

A Valencia corner was worked back into the box, where Mata slipped past Arshavin and had only Almunia to beat, but a brave stop from the Arsenal keeper at point blank range denied the forward.

Immediately afterwards Arsenal launched a swift counter attack from which Abou Diaby found himself with one-on-one with Moya, but his footwork let him down at the vital time.

Both sides made wholesale changes at half time, with Arsenal making seven substitutions - and it was the new-look visitors who began the half the brighter.

Theo Walcott almost made an immediate impact after just five minutes of the second period when he found himself unmarked on the edge of the Valencia penalty area, but his first time effort flew inches wide.

Valencia's own substitute Villa was causing Arsenal all sorts of problems with his movement and he should have scored twice before the hosts were awarded a penalty after 69 minutes.

Michel went down somewhat theatrically in the box, but the spot kick was saved by Fabianski diving to his right to deny Villa.

The hosts took the lead some six minutes later when a right wing cross found its way to Michel around 15 yards out and he made no mistake with a precise finish past the Arsenal substitute keeper.

The Gunners attempted to get back on level terms, but were caught on the break in the last minute when Villa sprang the offside trap and finished from a tight angle past the helpless Fabianksi.

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Arsenal lift Emirates Cup

Arsenal won the Emirates Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Scottish champions Rangers.

A Jack Wilshere double and an Eduardo (pictured) first half effort were enough to hand the Gunners their first trophy of the new season and consign Rangers to the runners-up berth.

It was all Arsenal in the first half, but the visitors were much more competitive in the second period until Wilshere finished them off with 20 minutes remaining.

The hosts took the lead in the north London sunshine with the first meaningful attack of the game when Andrei Arshavin set up Wilshire, whose left footed finish should have been stopped by Allan McGregor.

The ball found its way to the 17-year-old via Cesc Fabregas and the youngster's second minute effort was too hot for the Rangers keeper to handle.

Arsenal doubled their advantage after 10 minutes when a cleverly disguised through ball from the industrious Fran Merida found Eduardo, who advanced into the area before calmly side-footing the ball past McGregor.

The hosts were carving out chance after chance with their slick passing and movement with Wilshere impressing in front of watching England manager Fabio Capello.

Indeed it was Wilshere who created the moment of the opening half when he took the ball casually past three Rangers defenders before hitting a chip that had McGregor scrambling to make a fingertip save three minutes before the interval.

Rangers closest opportunity of the opening half came after 27 minutes when Mikael Silvestre sliced a clearance narrowly wide of his own goal.

Rangers began the second period with a restructured team and considerably more passion in front of their sizeable travelling following and Steven Naismith had two chances to pull a goal back within 15 minutes of the restart.

Manuel Almunia had to be alert to thwart Naismith on each occasion however and the Glasgow side were made to pay by man of the match Wilshere after 71 minutes.

Madjid Bougherra attempted to usher an Arsenal through ball out for a goal kick, but was dispossessed and Aaron Ramsey and Sanchez Watt combined to set up Wilshere, who made no mistake with a confident finish from close range.

Kenny Miller could have pulled one back for Rangers late on, but the striker dragged his shot wide from a good position inside the Arsenal penalty area.

This was a satisfactory pre-season run out for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, who may just have unearthed another gem in Wilshere.

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Arshavin earns Arsenal victory

Andrei Arshavin scored two goals in the final five minutes, either side of German Pacheco's effort, as Arsenal claimed a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Emirates Cup.

Arsenal fashioned a host of chances but required the talents of the Russian to secure victory and top spot in the table and it could be a sign of things to come for the season ahead.

Sergio Aguero is a striker out of the very top drawer, but the Atletico man's predatory instincts deserted him early on as he somehow headed against the woodwork after finding space at the back post three yards from goal.

All eyes were on Tomas Rosicky on his return to the Arsenal side and he almost marked the occasion with a stunning goal. The Czech, seemingly over the leg troubles which have threatened his career, curled a sumptuous effort into the top corner but the strike was ruled out for offside.

The game was played at a frenetic pace but for all the attacking endeavour, chances were at a premium in the first half.

Arsenal's best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to the unlikely figure of Emmanuel Eboue. The Ivorian collected a pass from Robin van Persie, cut inside onto his right foot and thundered a shot on target that Sergio Asenjo did well to push to safety.

Arsene Wenger made changes at the break and Jack Wilshere, a teenager tipped for greatness at The Emirates, made an instant impact by fashioning a couple of chances.

Van Persie's back heel was smuggled off the line by John Heitinga and Nicklas Bendtner flashed a shot over the top from a tight angle.

Cesc Fabregas, Arshavin and Eduardo were thrown on with 25 minutes remaining but it was Wilshere who continued to catch the eye and he fashioned a chance for Fran Merida but he could not turn the ball goalwards.

Atletico threatened to cause a shock as Maxi forced Vito Mannone into a good save, but Arsenal edged ahead five minutes from time when Arshavin volleyed home from Fabregas' cross.

Arsenal's defensive shortcomings reared their head again seconds later as Pacheco skipped clear and rolled the ball beyond Mannone.

It appeared as if Arsenal had squandered the points, but no-one had told Arshavin who seized on some sloppy defending to race past the keeper and slip the ball in from a near-impossible angle.

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Arsenal edge to victory in Hanover

Arsenal continued their winning pre-season form with a 1-0 victory over Hanover at the AWD-Arena in Germany, with captain Cesc Fabregas (pictured, left) scoring the game's only goal.

The Gunners may have lost defensive lynchpin Kolo Toure shortly before kick-off, but confirmation of the Ivorian's departure for Manchester City in the lead-up to the game did little to dampen his former team-mates' preparations.

Arsene Wenger's side came to the match fresh from their 5-0 drubbing of Hungarian outfit Szombathelyi Haladas on Monday, but fielded a noticeably changed side with Eduardo dropped to the bench following his two-goal salvo.

Hannover started well and scared their illustrious visitors, with triallist Nelson Cuevas doing himself no favours as he skied a gilt-edged chance to make his mark in only the eighth minute, leaning back and pumping a cut-back from the by-line over the crossbar from 12 yards.

The close call seemed to kick Arsenal into gear, however, and they took the lead a minute later through a well-worked move finished by Fabregas.

Nicklas Bendtner, who retained his starting spot after a brace against Szombathelyi, started a move which saw Robin van Persie cut a magnificent reverse pass to Fabregas - taking three Hannover defenders out of the game in the process. The Arsenal captain then rounded Robert Enke with ease to slot the ball in for 1-0.

A chance followed immediately for Denilson to make it two, but Enke stood tall to deny the Brazilian on the angle as he cut in off the left wing.

Emmanuel Eboue continued raiding upfield at every opportunity, and laid on Fabregas for a flashed delivery from the right which fizzed across the face of goal.

With Wenger's team showing glimpses of their characteristic slick passing movement and one-touch play, Bendtner very nearly sent them in with a two-goal advantage as his header was hacked desperately off the line just before half time.

Hannover took their first-half mauling on board and emerged for the second half with far more energy, instantly taking the game to the English side.

After Karim Haggui was booked for raising his hands to Van Persie, Jiri Stajner won a corner with a dangerous cross before Mike Hanke won a free-kick which Sergio Pinto curled just wide of Vito Mannone's left-hand post.

Mikael Forssell made an entrance from the bench and forced a save from Arsenal substitute keeper Wojciech Szczesny with a header back across goal, and Valdet Rama tested the Pole from 25 yards with a pacy shot, albeit at a comfortable height.

Eduardo came on for Van Persie - who had come close to a sending off after making a rash late challenge whilst already booked - and claimed a shirt tug as he tumbled while trying to turn the ball in from close range.

At the other end the hosts might have grabbed a late equaliser as Szczesny and Alex Song almost made a hash of a simple near-post cross.

Both went for the same ball, but the keeper gathered at the second time of asking to avoid a soft Hanover equaliser and ensure Arsenal their victory.

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Szombathelyi 0-5 Arsenal - Eduardo scores two goals in his first pre-season appearance

Eduardo celebrated his first pre-season appearance of the 2009/10 campaign with a classy brace as Arsenal brushed aside Szombathelyi Haladas 5-0 in Hungary on Monday night.

A few days earlier, it had been rumoured that the Croatian striker was injured and would miss the first two months of the season. However he seemed extremely fit and well this evening, firing home a low shot in the 24th minute and a free-kick five minutes before the break.

Nicklas Bendtner also poached a pair before the interval. The great Dane nodded in a delightful cross from Armand Traore in the 17th minute and slotted home a simple second, the fourth for his team, just before half time.

The flood of goals dried up somewhat after the interval but Robin van Persie did add to Arsenal's tally, scoring with a penalty in the 66th minute. He also had a late header ruled out.

Haladas did have a chance for some consolation from the penalty spot seven minutes from time but Brazilian defender Barbosa slipped in his run-up and could only trickle the ball past the post.

It was a slightly comical end to a serious run-out for Arsenal and a very, very straightforward win.

It was a bright and breezy night in Western Hungary. The team coach made the winding, hour-long trip from the Club’s Austrian training carrying a team in good spirits.

It had been a week of tough-but-necessary double sessions in practice plus that notable 7-1 thumping of SC Columbia last Tuesday.

However while that side played in Austrian division four, Haladas had finished third in the Hungarian top flight last term and had won themselves a place in the Europa League.

Unfortunately for them, four days before this fixture the Rohonci úti Stadion had witnessed their exit from that competition to Elfsborg in the Third Qualifying Round. Despite that, this was still a significant increase in pre-season standard for Wenger’s side.

The opening stages were cagey. Haladas keeper Daniel Rozsa rushed out to deny Bendtner and, in the ninth minute, captain Peter Toth thumped the ball into the Arsenal net at the far post. However the whistle had long since blown for offside.

Keeper Vito Mannone nearly copied Manuel Almunia’s mistake at SC Columbia when his clearance was charged down by Marton Oross and flew a few yards wide of goal.

The Italian keeper had to rush out again in the 17th minute to deny two breakaway Haladas strikers. It was nearly an immediate response for the home side because, a few seconds earlier, they had fallen behind to the simplest of goals. Troare flew down the left and crossed for the unmarked Bendtner to steer home a header at the near post.

In the 24th minute, Arsenal doubled their advantage when Eduardo found some space in the corner of the area and drove home a low shot off the base of the far post.

Left back Toth seemed the most attacking outlet for the hosts and blasted over an effort shortly afterwards.

However, having barely extended themselves to create a 2-0 lead, Arsenal were playing well within themselves. Eduardo fired straight into the chest of Rozsa and, shortly afterwards, Bendtner would have headed home had he not collided with the Croatian in mid-air.

The duo would become much more cohesive as the end of the first half approached. First Bendtner was fouled five yards outside the area and Eduardo’s low free-kick crept inside the far post with keeper floundering. Then, two minutes from the whistle, Bendtner had time and space on the edge of the area to pick his spot. He chose to beat the keeper with shot into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Wenger made eight substitutions at the break. Only Jack Wilshere, Eduardo and Aaron Ramsey stayed on.

It seemed almost cruel bringing on a fresh Andrey Arshavin and Van Persie against a side already 4-0 down. Within a few minutes of the restart, the Dutchman had headed on to the top of the net and the Russian had blasted just wide.

In the 53rd minute, Wilshere got in on the act. The winger scooped a shot over the keeper and back off the bar. A cheeky effort.

Eduardo made way after 62 impressive minutes and Bendtner came back on. Five minutes later the 21-year-old was needlessly felled by Rozsa in the area and Van Persie scored with a perfect penalty into the top corner.

Wilshere nearly nudged home a delightful third but, with 15 minutes left, Haladas did at least threaten a goal. Something they had failed to do since the first quarter of an hour. Wojciech Szczesny pulled off fine double save from Norbert Lattenstein and Roland Ugrai then tipped over a free-kick from Szabolcs Schimmer.

Normal service was nearly resumed as Van Persie nodded home from Mikael Silvestre’s steepling cross 11 minutes from time. However his effort was ruled out.

Haladas should have troubled the scorers in the 83rd minute when Gallas was adjudged to have impeded Matel Skriba. However Barbosa slipped in his run-up and could only send the ball scuttling past the post.

Arsenal’s goal-hungry pre-season continues.

Via: Arsenal.com

Nasri breaks leg in training

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri will miss the start of the Premier League season after breaking his leg in training.

The France international fractured his fibula during the Gunners' pre-season camp in Austria. Club medics expect the 22-year-old to be out for between two and three months.

He is also set to miss France's World Cup qualifiers against Faroe Islands in August and September's clashes with Romania and Group Seven leaders Serbia.

Nasri arrived at Arsenal a year ago from Marseille for around £15 million and immediately established himself as Arsene Wenger's first-choice on the left wing, scoring on his full debut in the 1-0 win over West Brom.

In all, he scored seven goals in his first season at the Emirates, including a decisive brace in the 2-1 win over Manchester United in November.

The injury blow is not as harsh as it could have been for Wenger as another left winger, Czech Tomas Rosicky, returned to action for the first time in 18 months in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Barnet.

Wenger is yet to boost the attacking contingent of his squad this summer, despite the recent sale of striker Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City. So far, Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is the only major addition to the Gunners' squad during the transfer window.

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Adebayor completes City move

Manchester City continued their spending spree with the signing of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £25 million.

The 25-year-old Togo international, who has penned a five-year contract, joins an impressive City forward line.

The big-spending Premier League club already boasts Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz, also signed in the close season, plus Robinho, Craig Bellamy and Benjani Mwaruwari.

City are bankrolled by wealthy Arab owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan and considered the richest club in the world.

"I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters. It's what the chairman and the manager told me they want too and I can't wait to get started," Adebayor said.

City manager Mark Hughes added: "Emmanuel has been one of the top forwards in the Premier League since he arrived from France and we are delighted he has agreed to come and join us.

"His arrival is another clear indication that we are determined to augment the players we have here with the best of international talent."

Adebayor joined Arsenal in 2006 from AS Monaco as a relative unknown and began attracting interest from other clubs after a career best tally of 30 goals in 48 games in the 2007-08 season.

The lanky frontman was deprived of a strike partner at Arsenal for much of last season following injury lay-offs to team mates Robin van Persie and Eduardo but still hit 16 goals, including 10 in the Premier League.

Adebayor did not win a trophy with Arsenal, the closest he came was in the 2007 League Cup final during which he was sent off in the defeat by Chelsea.

He was cup-tied for Arsenal's 2006 Champions League final after playing in earlier rounds for Monaco.

"We'll miss him but, of course, we want to focus on the players who are with us at the moment and want to wish him well and thank him for what he has done for the club," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

"I'm sure he will give something special to Man City," he added just before the deal was announced.

City manager Mark Hughes has set about creating a side ready to challenge for Champions League qualification next season.

Adebayor is City's fourth major signing of the transfer window following Tevez, who joined from Manchester United with a reported fee of £25.5m paid to his representatives, Santa Cruz who arrived from Blackburn Rovers and England midfielder Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

"He adds vital balance and power to our attack," added Hughes. "He has everything a top forward needs. He is versatile, powerful, quick and agile on the ball.

"I am looking forward to working with him as are the rest of the staff. He will definitely add a new dimension to our play. I have been a great admirer for a long time."

The 2008 African Footballer of the Year, who will now head out to South Africa to join City's tour, scored 62 goals in 142 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Arsenal held on Rosicky's return

Tomas Rosicky made his first appearance in 18 months as Arsenal began their pre-season preparations with a 2-2 draw in their traditional curtain-raiser at Barnet.

The Gunners twice lead through goals from Andrei Arshavin and Nacer Barazite, but were pegged back first by Ismail Yakubu and then again late on by Elliot Charles.

Sidelined since January 2008 due to persistent fitness problems, Czech midfielder Rosicky joined summer signing Thomas Vermaelen in the starting line-up at Underhill as the Belgian defender enjoyed his first taste of English football.

While the focus was naturally on the returning hero and the new arrival, it was the star of the second half of last season, Arshavin, who edged Arsenal in front after 43 minutes with a finish from close range.

Barnet claimed a shock equaliser on the stroke of half-time when Yakubu headed past Manuel Almunia but Barazite, one of ten Arsenal substitutes who appeared after the break, converted with a fine finish after 51 minutes.

Arsenal's second-half line-up resembled their youth team, Vermaelen aside who had been handed the captain's armband, and a dogged Barnet side clung on before scoring a late equaliser through Charles.

With Rosicky and Vermaelen both finding their feet, the first half initially took on a subdued nature although Arshavin and youth team forward Sanchez Watt did test goalkeeper William Viner with two early efforts.

Arsenal's League Two opponents were far from overawed and 40-year-old striker Paul Furlong sent one effort flying just over the crossbar after 41minutes as The Gunners struggled to take a grip on the game.

Arshavin looked to have given Arsenal a first-half lead though when his excellent movement saw the Russia star burst into space in the box and convert from close range following Watt's clever cross.

However, Barnet showed great spirit to respond almost immediately when Yakubu met a Danny Hart set-piece with a flicked header that beat Almunia in first-half injury time.

Only Vermaelen survived half-time as Wenger made ten changes at the break but instead of resulting in a disjointed start to proceedings, the manager's tinkering brought immediate reward.

Barazite, having had one shot blocked from inside the box, controlled the ball and measured a fine curling effort into the far corner for his third goal in three years at Underhill.

The Dutch youngster, who enjoyed a spell on loan with Derby County last season, showed some neat touches but Arsenal's young side were unable to extend their lead and Barnet duly equalised with seven minutes remaining.

A combination of some poor defending and a distinctly unconvincing piece of goalkeeping from Vito Mannone allowed substitute Charles to sweep the ball home just three minutes after his introduction.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas should have won the game for Arsenal when spurning a superb chance in the final minutes, but with Rosicky back in action and Vermaelen making his bow, it was still a very welcome afternoon for Wenger as he prepares to embark on his 13th full season as Arsenal manager.

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Vermaelen completes Arsenal deal

Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen has completed his move to Arsenal.

The Belgium international has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "Thomas is a great signing for Arsenal and we are all delighted that he is joining us.

"Thomas is a solid performer with good experience of Champions League and UEFA Cup football and is also a regular with the Belgium national team.

"Thomas is primarily a left-footed centre back, but he's multi-functional and can also play at left back.

"He is strong technically with a positive winner's attitude and I have no doubt his arrival will strengthen our team. Thomas Vermaelen will be a huge asset to Arsenal."

Vermaelen, who is 23 and was Ajax captain, commented: "I'm just so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a great club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium.

"Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this Club because I know Arsenal will be challenging for trophies.

"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal.

"I'm also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world. Also, I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."

Via: Eurosport

In Arsene We Trust...

The calls for Arsene Wenger's head from some Arsenal fans after four trophyless seasons are as boneheaded as they are barking. As ignorant as they are impetuous, and as mad as they are moronic.

Wenger has obviously made mistakes. His lack of love for players over 30 is baffling, as is his seeming inability to sort out his defence. And the less said about Franny Jeffers the better.

But you could also quiz Alex Ferguson on why he once considered Roy Carroll a worthy successor to Peter Schmeichel, and spent £28 million on Juan Sebastian Veron. The point is, all managers make mistakes.

Third and fourth place finishes in the Premier League and 'only' reaching the Champions League semi-finals might not represent the glut of silverware Gooners desire.

But imagine what would happen with a manager with less ability to unearth gems for minimal cost, less authority to stand up to the board, and without a reputation that makes Arsenal the preferred destination for youngsters around the world.

Do you honestly think they would stay in the Big Four for long? Could they really stay ahead of a youthfully exuberant Aston Villa, a superbly disciplined Everton and a filthy, filthy, FILTHY rich Manchester City?

Wenger has not yet discovered the new Patrick Vieira, but has anyone? ED would suggest there is not a player in his early 20s anywhere in the world with the Frenchman's combination of physical strength, technique and intelligence.

And if Vieira mark II ever does appear, ED would back Wenger above every other manager in the game to bring him to his club. It is not Arsenal who attract outstanding youngsters, it is Wenger.

If Arsenal fans really want to see how they would get on without him, there are plenty of clubs willing to take him off their hands.

Via: Early Doors

Criticism of Wenger 'disgraceful'

Shareholders who criticised Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and his players at a meeting were "out of order", according to Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood.

In the wake of a Champions League semi-final mauling by Manchester United which confirmed a fourth trophy-less season for the north Londoners, the French boss suffered the wrath of some fans during the forum at the Emirates Stadium on May 14.

"Frankly, some of the questions were quite disgraceful," he said.

"There you have the most successful manager in our history and two or three of the shareholders made the most negative and somewhat hostile and sarcastic comments, which I think were completely out of order."

Wenger's youngsters were accused of lacking backbone, defender Mikael Silvestre was branded "geriatric" and striker Emmanuel Adebayor also came in for fierce personal criticism over his performances this term.

Reports this week have suggested Wenger could be tempted by a move to Real Madrid after he refused to rule out the possibility when quizzed on French television this week.

Hill-Wood added: "I was very upset by the questions, I have to say. We, and he, kindly agreed to have this meeting and whether we have another one is a moot point.

"Arsene was very diplomatic and honest in his answers and deserves great credit for that. But I wouldn't have been anything like as polite if they had asked me."

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Arsenal Ladies win League Cup

Kelly Smith's hat-trick was the highlight as Arsenal beat Doncaster 5-0 in Scunthorpe on Thursday to win the FA Women's Premier League Cup.The Gunners' triumph at Glanford Park marked the seventh time they have lifted the trophy.

Alex Scott was also on target - making it a perfect send-off for the pair in their last domestic final with the club before they head off to America to join Boston Breakers.

Smith gave the Gunners the lead after only five minutes, tapping in a Kim Little shot - and the same duo combined for Smith to double the lead with a classy finish in the 32nd minute.

She completed her hat-trick in the 58th minute with a stunning 25-yard effort and the game was effectively ended as a contest when Scott found herself in acres of space on the right flank and lifted a cool finish over advancing Belles goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs.

Substitute Susanne Grant sealed a convincing victory a minute from time.

Via: Yahoo! Sport