Arsenal Season 2010/11

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Fulham 2 Arsenal 2
23 May 2011

Theo Walcott’s late equaliser spared Arsenal’s blushes as Arsene Wenger’s men twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against 10-man Fulham.

The England international's ninth goal of the season bounced in off the post after a trademark mazey run in the 89th minute.

But it was not good enough to cement third spot in the Premier League table, with Manchester City's win over Bolton enough for them to overtake Arsenal.

Fulham started brightly with Steve Sidwell side-footing the ball home in the 25th minute to put Mark Hughes' side in front.

Bobby Zamora looked sharp and he did well to keep possession before setting up Sidwell, whose shot nut-megged Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Robin van Persie made it seven goals in his last eight games of the season when he drew Arsenal level just three minutes later; Abou Diaby rolling the ball for the Netherlands forward to slot home from the edge of the box.

Zamora - whose season was wrecked by a broken leg sustained in August - will head into next term with confidence after scoring in the final game.

His powerful header hit the net just before the hour mark following Jonathan Greening’s pinpoint cross - and looked to have secured all three points for the home side.

And Simon Davies should have made the game safe when he toe-poked wide from close range as Fulham continued to press - and leave gaps at the back.

Zoltan Gera was red-carded with 15 minutes left, giving Arsenal hope, and super-sub Walcott duly obliged, doing what he does best to ensure honours were even.

His weaving run from the right flank left the Fulham defenders dazed and confused, and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer could only stand and watch as the ball drifted into the far corner.

 

[Dodomeki]

Disappointing finish for Arsenal
23 May 2011

After drawing 2-2 away to Fulham on Sunday, Arsene Wenger readily conceded that Arsenal have suffered a disappointing end to the season.

The Gunners levelled twice in the match at Craven Cottage, with goals from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott cancelling out strikes from Steve Sidwell and Bobby Zamora.

Taking just one point from their last two matches means Arsenal finish fourth in the English Premier League table, requiring them to enter the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.

"It was an average game and in the end we felt the disappointment with fourth place because three weeks ago we were in the position to win the league," Wenger said.

"Of course we didn't lose our top-three place today, we lost it last week and that is why in the end we have to go through a qualifier," Wenger added, referring to a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa last week.

Wenger believes the pain of losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham, as well as exiting the Champions League and FA Cup against Barcelona and Manchester United respectively, proved too much for his team to bounce back from.

"We had accumulated disappointments which had a big impact on the morale of the team," he said.

"We are frustrated, disappointed, but as well we have not to go overboard and think that our team is not good."

"We have to rectify some things in our squad and will try to do it but it's not easy, even with money, but we will try to do it."

"Even if people say you have to spend money we have to be realistic.We can't buy players for 50 million pounds. That is a fact."

"The amount of money is not always linked with the quality of player."

"First you have to find the right players and then turn up with the money - but if we find the right players we will spend the money."

The home side had midfielder Zoltan Gera sent off just four minutes after coming on as a substitute, jeopardising Fulham's bid to enter the Europa League courtesy of their fair-play ranking.

"I am hopeful it (the red card) won't have too much impact because it's factored over 38 games," Fulham manager Mark Hughes said.

"It is some achievement this season - eighth is an achievement and European football counts as an outstanding season. There is the intention and the will to do well in the competition."

 

[spotter542]

another disappointing season for the Gunners
It's about time Arsene Wenger get the sack.
6 years without any silverware is really not acceptable
Time to get a good keeper , some good defenders , a reliable striker and a good manager.

 

[Dodomeki]

 

[Dodomeki]

Wenger takes blame but sticks by his principles
13:15 BST, Mon 25 Apr 2011

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal need to tighten up defensively rather than change their entire philosophy, manager Arsene Wenger said after taking the blame for his team's Premier League title chances shrinking to "minimal".

A 2-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday left their hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads as the London side trail leaders Manchester United by nine points with four games to go.

Wenger's side have won admirers for their neat passing game and fluid attacking play but with the trophy cabinet lacking any new silverware since 2005, some former players have questioned the approach. "If you ask most Arsenal fans they'd maybe forgo the easy-on-the-eye free-flowing football to be able to grind out results and have a different way of playing to win trophies," ex-Arsenal winger Perry Groves told Sky Sports.

Groves was at the north London club from 1986 to 1992, during the "boring, boring Arsenal" days under George Graham and while many fans are glad to see the back of the defensive style of play, they would welcome a bit more solidity. "I am convinced we are a very good footballing side," Wenger said on the club's website (www.arsenal.com).

"We have not been stable enough defensively. We have conceded six goals this week at a moment where you cannot afford to concede six goals in three games and win the championship. "If you can convince me that the principles are wrong, then I am ready. But I feel we try to play football the proper way ... I think if something is wrong in our team, it is not the principle of playing our football."

REAL THREAT

Wenger, criticised by fans for failing to sign a centre back in the January transfer window they were struggling with Thomas Vermaelen's long-term injury, is likely to make that position a priority in the close season. Local media have reported that prospective new owner Stan Kroenke will make 40 million pounds ($63.75 million) available for transfers.

"They need a presence of a centre half, an organiser," former Arsenal forward Paul Merson told Sky Sports. "There's not a million things to do, just a little bit of tweaking here and tweaking there and that would be the difference between them being a real threat next season."

Pictures of Wenger crouching on the touchline with his head in his hands dominated the British newspapers on Monday after the last-minute defeat in Bolton and the Frenchman was quick to shoulder the blame for the collapse in the season.

"If somebody is to blame, it's me. I pick the team. I choose the players," Wenger said. "I feel the players had an outstanding attitude this season. They are not to blame. "The (title) chances are very minimal now, that is for sure, but we have to continue to fight."

Two months ago Arsenal were chasing four trophies but since their League Cup final defeat by Birmingham City on Feb. 27, they have been knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup and won only one of their last seven league games.

"Psychologically the defeat against Birmingham had a massive effect," said Groves. "The lack of trophies and silverware has added to their problems ... At the moment they haven't got that mental toughness and ruthlessness you need to be successful."

Arsenal have been overtaken by resurgent champions Chelsea and sit third in the table with 64 points from 34 matches. United are heading towards a record 19th title on 73 points, while Chelsea, who visit Old Trafford on May 8, have 67.

 

[Dodomeki]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc


Benzema in Gunners´ sights
25 May 2011

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly interested in capturing the signature of Real Madrid's French striker Karim Benzema.

The 23-year-old scored 15 times in 33 appearances for Real this season, with the France international valued between 15 and 35 million pounds.

There have been rumours the forward is unsettled at the Bernabeu under Jose Mourinho, and Wenger was quoted in British newspaper The Sun as saying he was interested in Benzema.

"Signing (Benzema) does not seem impossible," Wenger said. "He's a player that I like."

The Arsenal boss has been reluctant to part with large sums of money in recent years on a single player, and it is believed Real would consider a possible swap for defender Gael Clichy as part of the deal.

Wenger may need to bolster his front line, with Nicklas Bendtner and Andrei Arshavin reportedly on the way out of the club.

 

[mollusk]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

Damn..even before the start of the new season..news for Arsenal does not look good. Why Wenger..why...why don't you spend..KNNCCB

 

[jw5]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

Damn..even before the start of the new season..news for Arsenal does not look good. Why Wenger..why...why don't you spend..KNNCCB

They have lost Clichy already, but have a capable replacement in Kieron Gibbs.
Fabregas is as good as gone, Nasri possibly as well.
Wenger is too relaxed, Liverpool have already signed Henderson and Adam, Man Utd Jones, Young and De Gea.

If Arsenal can sign a good goalie, 1 central defender and 1 top midfielder, they should be ok provided no one else leaves.

 

[mollusk]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

They have lost Clichy already, but have a capable replacement in Kieron Gibbs.
Fabregas is as good as gone, Nasri possibly as well.
Wenger is too relaxed, Liverpool have already signed Henderson and Adam, Man Utd Jones, Young and De Gea.

If Arsenal can sign a good goalie, 1 central defender and 1 top midfielder, they should be ok provided no one else leaves.

If Arsenal can sign.....haizz...

 

[mollusk]

If only this is real.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-make-27m-bid-Real-Madrids-Karim-Benzema.html

Arsene Wenger will launch a £27million move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in an attempt to offset the likely loss of Arsenal stars Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Fabregas is close to a £34m move to Barcelona while Sportsmail revealed on Wednesday that Manchester City believe they have clinched the £19m signing of Nasri, having already landed Gael Clichy from the Emirates for £7m.
On his way to Arsenal? Arsene Wenger has launched a bid to sign Real Madrid star Karim Benzema

On his way to Arsenal? Arsene Wenger has launched a bid to sign Real Madrid star Karim Benzema

Benzema is the man Wenger wants to help Arsenal forget about the pending departures of their midfield duo and he is willing to smash the club's transfer record to do it.

The Arsenal boss knows losing Fabregas and Nasri will have a detrimental effect on supporter morale, although he will make one last bid to keep Nasri with the offer of a £100,000-a-week contract.
In demand: Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring for France against England at Wembley last year

In demand: Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring for France against England at Wembley last year

Arsenal are expected to announce the £10.7m signing of Lille striker Gervinho on Friday. The 24-year-old passed a medical on Wednesday but confirmation of the signing has been delayed by a small problem with paperwork. However, Wenger is still keen to sign another top-class forward to take the goalscoring burden off the injury prone Robin van Persie.

While Wenger recognises the goalscoring impact Benzema could have on the pitch, the Frenchman also hopes that signing his 24-year-old compatriot will prove to the club's current crop of stars that they can achieve their career ambitions with the Gunners.
Likely to leave: Cesc Fabregas
On his way? Samir Nasri

Likely to leave: Arsenal stars Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are on the verge of departures

Benzema was in and out of Jose Mourinho's team last season due to injuries and a lack of form. Real president Florentino Perez and his adviser Zinedine Zidane are keen for the France striker to stay in Spain. But Mourinho wants to offload Benzema to fund a move for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero.

Fabregas hopes to complete his move to Barcelona by the end of Friday after making it clear to Wenger that he wants to return to the Catalan team.The clubs are still haggling over the finer details of the deal, with Barca keen to use Brazilian left back Maxwell as a makeweight.

Wenger wants Leighton Baines to replace Clichy but has balked at Everton's £15m price tag and Barca hope the inclusion of Maxwell, 29, in the deal will be enough to finally land Fabregas.
Making an offer: Arsene Wenger wants to bring top talent to Arsenal as he hunts for a first trophy since 2005

Making an offer: Arsene Wenger wants to bring top talent to Arsenal as he hunts for a first trophy since 2005

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...Real-Madrids-Karim-Benzema.html#ixzz1RP5a6JVK

 

[Gallego99]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

They have lost Clichy already, but have a capable replacement in Kieron Gibbs.
Fabregas is as good as gone, Nasri possibly as well.
Wenger is too relaxed, Liverpool have already signed Henderson and Adam, Man Utd Jones, Young and De Gea.

If Arsenal can sign a good goalie, 1 central defender and 1 top midfielder, they should be ok provided no one else leaves.

Kieron Gibbs for all his talent will not make it. My guess is he will not last the whole season. Wenger still needs to find cover for the left back position.

I am not sure if the coach is relaxed. I think he'll spend no more than 40 million pounds this time. I believe he has a player list (not the A list) and is already actively engaged in negotiations. He will surprise many.

 

[Gallego99]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

They bought Gervinho who impressed in the last WC but I very much doubt his endurance for the English game. On the subject of Fab, I reckon he would prefer selling the player to REAL if only to sent a message to the Barca hierarchy that Arse is not going to put up with any more 'harassment' for their players.

 

[jw5]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

Kieron Gibbs for all his talent will not make it. My guess is he will not last the whole season. Wenger still needs to find cover for the left back position.

I am not sure if the coach is relaxed. I think he'll spend no more than 40 million pounds this time. I believe he has a player list (not the A list) and is already actively engaged in negotiations. He will surprise many.

The cover for both full back positions is Emmanuel Eboue. :o

He needs someone like Gary Cahill, british player who will give his all even when things are looking bad. Should even consider making him captain.
Fabregas will never go to Real, he started off at Barca when he was 10 yo.
If Nasri and Fabregas both leave, they will need another top class midfielder to partner Wilshere and Diaby/Song.

Gervinho is not a great player, but they still have RVP, Walcott and Chamakh, which should be enough upfront.

 

[zeddy]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

Read in the Daily Mail today that Wenger is eyeing Benzema... He will be a good new addition to the team..

 

[mollusk]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

Read in the Daily Mail today that Wenger is eyeing Benzema... He will be a good new addition to the team..

They also bidding for Juan Mata which is a good investment..

 

[jw5]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

They also bidding for Juan Mata which is a good investment..

Juan Mata is a good player, he can play in the midfield 3 or in the attacking 3, can play the Arsenal style.
Barcelona were considering buying him too.
I'll be surprised if Benzema joins, he plays the same way and position as RVP, neither will take kindly to sitting on the bench.

 

[zeddy]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

Juan Mata is a brilliant young player...For around 25 million, he is much worth the money than over rated English players like Stewart Downing.. Can't believe Liverpool going all out to buy Downing for 18 million..!!!

 

[jw5]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

Juan Mata is a brilliant young player...For around 25 million, he is much worth the money than over rated English players like Stewart Downing.. Can't believe Liverpool going all out to buy Downing for 18 million..!!!

They need players who can play on the left flank mah.
Not many around, so they go for what they can get.
Adn Dalglish prefers british.

 

[wrcboi]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

They need players who can play on the left flank mah.
Not many around, so they go for what they can get.
Adn Dalglish prefers british.

the liverpool area is a very english area..indirectly u can call them rac**t....they wld prefer english than a foreigner...a white rather than a black....ask any english bloke and they will tell u...its the liverpool culture...but of coz with the internet, asian and black and hip hop revolution , the younger generation are changing but the older ones still maintain the white english spirit...

 

[jw5]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

the liverpool area is a very english area..indirectly u can call them rac**t....they wld prefer english than a foreigner...a white rather than a black....ask any english bloke and they will tell u...its the liverpool culture...but of coz with the internet, asian and black and hip hop revolution , the younger generation are changing but the older ones still maintain the white english spirit...

The scousers are very "areaist".