Bleacher Report - Articles by Mike Griffin

Arsenal Dominate AZ Alkmaar in 4-1 Champions League Win

Mike Griffin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:16:35 -0500

Arsenal moved closer to winning its group in the opening phase of the 2009-10 UEFA Champions League, with Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin orchestrating a scintillating display as the Gunners romped to a 4-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Arshavin played the role of creator throughout the match, assisting on three goals as Arsenal dominated their Dutch visitors from the opening moments. Fabregas continued his fine form by scoring two goals, with Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby also hitting the back of the net.

With two games left in Group H, Arsenal now sit on top with 10 points, four more than Olympiacos and six ahead of Standard Liege, who will visit the Emirates on Nov. 24. Victory in that match will not only assure that the Gunners qualify for the competition's knockout rounds but also guarantee a first-place group finish.

The Gunners were in full flight from the kickoff, with Robin van Persie narrowly missing two early chances for Arsenal, sending a right-footed effort just wide of Sergio Romero's goal before blasting a short free kick against the Alkmaar wall moments later.

Fabregas' first goal came in minute 25, slotting one into the near corner after receiving a pass from William Gallas. Just before the break, Nasri doubled Arsenal's lead after being played in on goal by a fine through-ball from Arshavin.

The home side's dominance continued after the break, with Arshavin again the provider as the Russian found Fabregas for a one-time finish in the 52nd minute.

And while the first three goals were quality, Arsenal's final tally may have been the most brilliant of the bunch. On the counterattack, substitute Eduardo da Silva sent Arshavin down the right side with a sumptuous backheel before the Russian centered a ball for Diaby to collect and fire home.

The only blemish on the scoreline was a late consolation goal for Alkmaar on the counter six minutes from time, after what appeared to be a handball claim for Arsenal in the visitors' 18-yard box.

The 4-1 win extends Arsenal's unbeaten streak to 12 games in all competitions, and marks the first time Alkmaar manager Ronald Koeman has lost to the Gunners.

Koeman, whose PSV side knocked the Gunners out of the Champions League three seasons ago, believes Arsenal can go far in this year's competition. "They have a lot of qualities but it's very young and maybe they miss a little bit of experience that other teams like Chelsea and Barca have,'' said the Dutchman in his post-match comments to the press.

"One bad day and you can lose against everybody. It's not one team better than the rest -- it's very close," added Koeman. "But Arsenal can go a long way in this competition.''

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also has belief in his squad and was impressed with the night's result. "It was a brilliant performance because we dominated our subject technically, tactically and overall we felt never under threat. We played with the needed confidence, technically astute, overall very happy.

"We are consistent and this season it looks like we go for game to game and get stronger and stronger," continued Wenger (in an interview featured at www.arsenal.com). "It's important to keep that attitude to progress, to improve and to play for each other even more. Then we can believe in our future."

While the Gunners are now all but assured of a spot in the Champions League knockout stages, the manager admits that "the competition gets more difficult the further you go on. I believe we have quality and I said before the season started that I believe in this team. But it will be down to us to grow as we do at the moment and be consistent. Then we see how far we can go in the competition," he said.

For now, Wenger would rather "focus on ourselves and be as good as we can. If we meet somebody who is better, we will see," added the Frenchman. "At the moment, it is more important for us to focus on how we want to play, and we have played the game tonight like we love."

Six Goals from Six Players Provide Arsenal's Sixth Win in Last Six Games

Mike Griffin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:43:51 -0400

Arsenal continued its winning ways with another scintillating, free-flowing performance in defeating Blackburn 6-2 on Sunday at Emirates Stadium.

Six different Gunners scored on a day when Arsenal twice came from behind to overtake Sam Allardyce's side. But it was Cesc Fabregas who played the starring role, as the team's captain assisted on four Arsenal goals while also hitting the back of the net once himself in a dominating performance.

Things didn't start so well for Arsenal in this Premiership match, as Blackburn opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Steven Nzonzi headed the visitors in front off of a long free kick from just beyond the center circle.

Yet the home side didn't panic and began creating chances straight away, with the equalizer coming just after the quarter hour. Thomas Vermaelen's left-footed strike from more than 20 yards out was a goal more worthy of a forward than a central defender, but Arsenal fans are beginning to expect such efforts from the Belgian, who remains the club's top scorer so far this season.

The Gunners continued to attack, with chances for Fabregas and Robin van Persie kept out by keeper Paul Robinson. On a counter attack in the 31st minute, Blackburn took the lead again when David Dunn's shot deflected off William Gallas and into Vito Mannone's goal.

Arsenal only needed two minutes to level things again, as Fabregas slotted a perfect through ball into the left-side channel for van Persie, who fired past Robinson into the far corner for the equalizer.

A similar goal eight minutes before the break saw Fabregas feed Andrey Arshavin for a left-footed shot that beat the Blackburn keeper, giving Arsenal the 3-2 lead after an entertaining first half.

Dunn could have been awarded a penalty in the opening minutes of the second half, but luck turned against him this time after receiving the fortunate bounce for his goal earlier in the game.

After Mannone saved a Martin Olsson volley, the Gunners began to again dominate possession and opportunities on goal. After van Persie almost scrambled one home from close range, Fabregas got his goal shortly after, lofting his own left-footed shot past Robinson to give the home side a two-goal cushion after 57 minutes.

Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby soon had chances to extend the lead, but their attempts were denied by Robinson, who had a number of fine saves on the day. With Blackburn now having to make some forays forward, the Gunners had numerous chances to build on their league-leading goal tally.

Theo Walcott came on to replace Rosicky in the 70th minute, and the substitute, who was seeing his first action of the season, scored Arsenal's fifth goal. In a match featuring some brilliant goals, this might have been the best, coming off a counter attack that saw Arshavin center a pass for Fabregas, who laid off beautifully for the England winger to slot home with a first-time touch.

Playmakers Fabregas and Arshavin then came off, but Arsenal's chances on goal did not. Walcott had a shot cleared off the line before fellow sub Nicklas Bendtner scored his own belter of a goal, rocketing home a shot from distance after collecting the ball on the left wing.

So, six goals from six different players resulted in Arsenal's sixth win in the team's last six matches (in all competitions)—and it all came in front of the club's greatest-ever goal scorer, as former Gunner Thierry Henry was in the stands on Sunday.

"Thierry inspired today our goal scoring because they wanted certainly to show Thierry they can score goals and they are good followers of him," said Arsene Wenger in his post-match comments. "We are happy to have him with us. He would have scored today certainly."

The mantle of team leader at the Emirates has moved from Henry to Fabregas, and the Spaniard's play impressed his manager. "We know that in every game he creates chances," stated Wenger, in an interview featured on www.arsenal.com. "What is important for him—what he misses—is to score goals, and today he scored as well so that's a relief for him certainly.

"When we go forward as a whole team we always look like we could score, and when you look he is always in the middle of it, at the start or at the end," continued the Frenchman. "A team goes always naturally through its strong points, the way of the game. So it goes, therefore, through Fabregas."

Arsenal Dominant in Champions League Win over Olympiacos

Mike Griffin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:44:09 -0400

Arsenal romped to its fifth straight win in all competitions with a dominating display in a 2-0 Champions League victory over Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

While in control of the group stage match from the opening minutes, the Gunners needed late goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin to overcome the stubborn Greek side, who were kept in the game by some fine saves from keeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

Cesc Fabregas did beat the gray-haired Greek with a strike as early as minute 17, but his effort struck the crossbar. The rebound came out to Tomas Rosicky, who fired back on goal only to be denied by Nikopolidis. That chance was set up by some fine interplay beginning with van Persie and Arshavin, who each had additional efforts in the opening half that were saved by the visiting keeper.

Just after the break, Olympiacos had a header off of a corner saved by Vito Mannone, in what amounted to its best chance on goal for the evening. After that, it was all Arsenal, as the hosts looked to capture its second group win in as many matches in this season's Champions League opening stage.

As the match passed the hour mark, the Gunners continued to apply attacking pressure. But like a number of occasions in recent years, the home crowd were urging on their Gunners in search of an opening goal during a game in which they should have been ahead by a couple goals by that point in the proceedings.

Eduardo da Silva soon replaced Rosicky, who looked his old creative, energetic self with a fine return performance in European competition. And just one minute after Carlos Vela was brought on to add more spark for Arsene Wenger's side, the Gunners were finally able to break the scoreless deadlock.

The 78th-minute goal was set up by a through ball from Fabregas to Eduardo, whose timely run and cutback pass led to a goalmouth tap-in by van Persie. Relieved to have finally broken through, Arsenal's players continued to control possession while looking for a second goal, which came four minutes from time.

Substitute Aaron Ramsey controlled a stray Olympiacos pass and fed a ball down the right-side channel to Fabregas, whose low cross was directed in by Arshavin's crafty back heel flick.

The Russian looked to be slightly offside on the replay, but the goal was allowed. And considering the domination by Arsenal throughout the evening, no one was complaining with the decision on the play. And though the goals came late, Wenger was not complaining either.

"I'm very happy because we had a great first half with outstanding quality," said the French manager in his post-match comments, according to arsenal.com. "Unfortunately we couldn't take advantage of it and at half time it was 0-0. It's difficult to maintain that pace and quality for 90 minutes.

"In the second half our physicality dropped a little and our fluency went a little bit as well. It's important then not to make a mistake and to dig deep and hope that they die a little bit more than us and take advantage in the last 20 minutes. I think we dominated from the first to the last minute and Olympiacos defended very well. They were well organised and disciplined and gave absolutely everything for 90 minutes."

That effort from the Greeks could have frustrated a young team such as the Gunners, yet Wenger was pleased with his team's desire throughout.

"I felt that for them to keep that focus, that concentration, and the goalkeeper that quality for 90 minutes would be difficult," Wenger said.

"I always had hope but it's true that we played 4-2-4 at one stage and that is always a gamble because you can be caught on the break. I felt we kept composure and kept going. What I liked in our performance tonight was that we always played with a desire to keep the discipline in the team because that is very satisfying. We did not do anything crazy. We have matured and a game like that shows it."

Arsenal Goalkeeper Was A 'Mannone Mission' In 1-0 Win Over Fulham

Mike Griffin — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:25:45 -0400

The majority of Arsenal supporters in the U.S. are probably familiar with ESPN's Chris Berman, the former Sportscenter studio host who would come up with catchy nicknames for some of the athletes featured in highlight reels on ESPN's nightly broadcasts.

His amusing monikers usually involved some funny wordplay incorporating a player's name, and I can recall some examples from years past that included NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler "On The Roof," and baseball players Nomar "Mr. Nice Guy" Carciaparra and Julio "Take Me On A Sea" Cruz.

Well, now that ESPN has begun airing Premier League matches in the States and some highlights of game action from England and Europe have begun to creep into Sportscenter broadcasts, I've got the next great nickname for Mr. Berman, based on the strong performance by Arsenal's fill-in keeper during the Premiership match against Fulham on Saturday.

How about ... Vito Mannone Mission?

Adding that one word after the correct pronunciation of the Italian goalkeeper's name certainly describes the incredible and spirited effort put forth by the Gunners' third-string keeper, which earned him "Man of the Match" honors in the 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage yesterday.

Whether Mannone’s objective was to disprove some critics who questioned his presence between the posts for big matches, or to show manager Arsene Wenger that he has the ability to compete for first-team status, the young keeper played brilliantly on the road Saturday to earn his second consecutive clean sheet in the league.

A moment of first-class skill from Robin van Persie off a fine pass from Cesc Fabregas early in the second half provided the lone goal that separated the two London sides on the evening. But the true hero for Arsenal was Mannone, who did play like a “man on a mission” and kept Fulham scoreless with a number of great saves on various efforts from Bobby Zamora, Zoltan Gera, Clint Dempsey, and Andy Johnson.

In grading Mannone’s display during his post-match comments, Wenger told reporters: "I believe we will give him 10 out of 10 because everything he did was right. For a goalkeeper that is most important. He stopped everything he had to stop, didn't make any wrong decisions and overall he has shown he has the potential to be a very good goalkeeper.”

While the 21-year-old Italian began the season as the third option in goal for Wenger, his current form and injuries to Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia will keep him top choice. "Until the next game he is No 1. In this job, you have to go from game to game,” explained Wenger. “He has played a fantastic game today and the consistency is the first sign of quality.

"He is a quiet boy but he has outstanding physical qualities and fantastic reflexes. You saw that today. He kept us in the game in some unbelievable situations,” said the French manager. “You say that a keeper sometimes look unbeatable. Today he looked like he could make the save needed every time."

Mannone’s heroic efforts were needed on a day when Arsenal’s usual flowing passing game sputtered a bit against a determined Fulham side who had just as many chances on goal. And while the match again exposed some weaknesses of Wenger's young side, it also perhaps answered a few critics who have argued that this Gunners team can not grind out results when not at their best.

Like the dramatic, comeback win at Standard Liege in its opening Champions League group encounter two weeks ago, Arsenal again exhibited the ability to survive a scrappy affair and earn all three points from a less-than-impressive performance.

"It is good for us to know that you can win that way. People always want us to play well and dominate, but when we do not win they are not happy too. Today I am happy,” stated Wenger when asked for this thoughts on “winning ugly.”

“We had a difficult first half and we only found our game in the second. But I give a lot of credit to Fulham they played very well,” continued the manager in his postgame interview. “You could not see one player who did not tackle and fight. They tried everything. We would not have gone away with three points if we had not shown attitude and spirit."

Standard 2-3 Arsenal: Bendtner's Boys Battle Back Bravely In Belgium

Mike Griffin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:49:52 -0400

Arsenal avoided a third-straight loss by coming from two goals behind to defeat Standard Liege 3-2 in the opening group stage match of this season's Champions League campaign on Wednesday.

Hoping to steady the ship after back-to-back Premiership losses in Manchester, the Gunners only made things tougher on themselves with a couple of early mistakes that had Standard Liege 2-0 up less than five minutes into the game at Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Belgium.

With the home supporters in a frenzy before the match—this being the first-ever CL group stage appearance for their team—even they were surprised by the shocking developments in the opening moments.

After Eduardo da Silva failed to clear a corner for the hosts two minutes in, Eliaquim Mangala collected at the edge of the area and fired a shot past Vito Mannone, the young keeper starting only his second first-team game for Arsenal.

The 21-year-old Italian keeper's next touch of the ball was again to pick it out of the net, courtesy of a penalty struck by Milan Jovanovic. The Standard striker converted from the spot in the fifth minute after referee Eduardo Gonzalez ruled that he was clipped in the box and brought down by William Gallas.

Caught cold in the initial European encounter, the Gunners continued to struggle throughout the first half, as their vaunted passing game failed to take hold. While beginning to control possession, Arsenal had few solid chances on goal until the last minute of the half.

Abou Diaby's surging run just before the break led to a fine goal from Nicklas Bendtner, who slotted the ball past Sinan Bolat and cut the lead in half, giving Arsenal hope for the second half.

The second period almost began like the first, as a blunder by Alex Song gave Standard a chance in the first minute, only for a Gael Clichy tackle to thwart the opportunity. Seconds later, Tomas Rosicky almost played Bendtner in for an equalizing chance, but the Dane was stopped by a perfectly-timed challenge from Mangala.

Arsenal soon gained control, with the home side content to retreat and look for chances on the counter. Although the visitors' pressure didn't lead to many chances, the Gunners were beginning to wear down the Standard defense.

Aaron Ramsey replaced Rosicky just before the 70-minute mark, and just as two more substitutes were set to be inserted nine minutes later, Arsenal leveled the match from a free kick.

A goalmouth scramble off a floated ball in from Fabregas saw Thomas Vermaelen bundle home after a touch from Song, who could have been ruled offside on the play.

But the goal was allowed, and with Standard's players looking a bit deflated, the Gunners continued to apply pressure for the game-winning goal. The next few minutes saw an Eduardo strike saved superbly by Bolat, while a Vermaelen effort from a corner was cleared off the line by a defender.

Another Arsenal corner (in the 83rd minute) did produce the deciding goal, with the Gunners' third coming off the knee of Eduardo, who was only allowed to play when UEFA annulled its two-game ban of the Croation one day prior to the match.

The visitors then held on in the closing minutes for the spirited 3-2 comeback win, ending the losing streak while opening its Champions League campaign in winning fashion.

And while the match again exposed some weaknesses of Arsene Wenger's young side, it also perhaps answered a few critics who have argued that this current Arsenal team can no longer grind out results when not at their best.

Wenger believes the dramatic win will boost the spirit of the squad, telling reporters after the match, "I believe it was important. When you are at a big club, you cannot afford to have too many defeats on the trot. It was important to respond, after being 2-0 down. This will strengthen belief within the camp."

"We know that inside we are strong enough to turn games like this, and that is what we proved in Liege," added Tomas Rosicky, who started his first match in a year-and-a-half for the Gunners. "We knew that after the two defeats in Manchester, we needed a result."

After the long spell on the sidelines, the Czech midfielder admitted in an interview (featured on ESPN's soccernet.com) that he is not yet in peak form. "I am not anywhere near my best, and still have plenty of room to improve. I will get better."

"I am fired up to win a trophy and enjoying being back. It is good that I can be part of this team back again," continued Rosicky. "Offensively, we are very strong and I can help with that.''

The strong, flowing offensive attack is certainly evident at Arsenal, yet some critics still argue the North London side needs an improvement in defensive steel along with an added mentality to "win ugly" at times to be considered true challengers for trophies this season.

Wednesday's initial Champions League match was certainly one in which the Gunners prevailed when not at their best, suggesting that winning mentality could emerge at Arsenal in the team's quest for domestic and European honours this 2009-10 season.

Arsenal Again Dominant In 4-1 Home Win: Who Needs Goals From Strikers?

Mike Griffin — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:37:50 -0400

Well, the football pundits may have been correct earlier this summer when predicting that Arsenal's strikers might struggle to score goals with Emmanuel Adebayor gone and no replacement yet brought in.

With rumors throughout July and August that more of Arsene Wenger's stars were considering to leave the Emirates, and with a supposed lack of cash available to bring in big-name signings, the Gunners were viewed by many to lack the talent to challenge for the Premiership title and fall outside the league's top four places this season.

After three games against league and European competition, Gunner forwards have netted only once thus far, with Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, and Andrey Arshavin all yet to score a goal.

But it's only their personal goal tallies that seem to be suffering, as Arsenal certainly look like trophy contenders after a third successive dominant performance in a 4-1 win over Portsmouth on Saturday.

The goals again came from the midfield and defensive positions, with Abou Diaby's early brace setting the stage for another convincing win in the Gunners' first match in front of home supporters.

Defender and former captain William Gallas scored for the third time in three games, while substitute Aaron Ramsey rounded out the scoring with his first Premiership goal for Arsenal.

Looking dangerous from the start, Arsenal opened up the Portsmouth defense at will to create chances on David James' goal in the opening half. Eduardo da Silva, employed on the left flank of a three-man front, set up the first goal by sprinting past his fullback before cutting the ball back for Diaby to blast home.

Three minutes later, a classic Arsenal counterattack provided the 2-0 advantage. Arshavin collected to the right of Manuel Almunia's box, finding Cesc Fabregas near the center of midfield. The Arsenal captain then floated a perfect pass out wide for the streaking Emmanuel Eboue, who centered for Diaby to slot home.

The match then looked more like an exercise on the training pitch for Arsenal, with Fabregas, Arshavin, and van Persie all having excellent chances to build on the lead. The Dutch striker had a number of chances throughout the match, but was thwarted by some solid saves by the Portmouth keeper.

Against the run of play, it was Pompey who netted next, as Younes Kaboul rose above a slow-reacting Almunia to head home a cross in the 37th minute.

Fabregas was replaced at the break due to precautions related to a hamstring problem (more on his condition will be announced on Monday), but the Gunner attack was not slowed down. Arsenal continued to dominate possession and chances on goal, though John Utaka and Frederic Piquionne each had opportunities on the break for the visitors in the opening minutes of the second half.

Gallas' goal in minute 51—coming off yet another deflection at the end of a free-kick situation—restored the two-goal advantage and the sense of comfort for Arsenal.

Playing their free-flowing game with confidence again, the Gunners looked capable of equalling the six goals put past Everton the previous Saturday. Ramsey was put through by van Persie midway throught the half to rifle one past James for the 4-1 advantage, but that served as the final tally in a comfortable home opener for Arsenal, putting them top of the league (on goal differential), if only for 24 hours.

Still, the four scored against Portsmouth bring the total to 12 goals in three matches—all wins—for Arsenal. And while only one has been netted by a recognized striker, no one is complaining, including manager Wenger. "I feel we create good space for our midfielders to run in and to go into the box. On that front we look more dangerous."

"Our strikers at the moment are providers. For me, in a good team everybody can score and a good striker scores and provides," added Wenger in an interview on arsenal.com. "At the moment, they provide more than they score, but I know that Eduardo and Robin van Persie will score so I am very happy that at the moment they don’t score and we still score goals."

Asked whether he would like to prove the critics wrong who predicted Arsenal's drop down the table this season, he said: "It would give me a lot of satisfaction, but you have to accept in our job the opinion of everybody and there is only one way to respond: win your next game. In our games it’s ‘shut up, let everybody talk and win your game’. That’s the best you can do."

Lucky or Not, 2-0 Victory over Celtic an Ideal Result for Arsenal

Mike Griffin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:57:21 -0400

Arsenal will take a two-goal advantage home to the Emirates Stadium for next week's second leg of its Champions League qualifier with Celtic, thanks to a 2-0 win over the Scottish giants at Parkhead on Tuesday night.

After scoring some wonderfully attractive goals in the 6-1 romp over Everton Saturday, Arsenal's tallies in this European tie were far from beautiful. The first goal came just before the half, when a Cesc Fabregas free kick took a wild deflection off the back of William Gallas and ended up in the corner of the net. The Gunners' other goal was courtesy of Celtic defender Gary Caldwell, whose stretch to block a dangerous Gael Clichy cross could only divert the ball into his own net.

Some viewers might consider the result a bit lucky for Arsenal, who did benefit from some fortunate breaks on both goals. But if either team looked more likely to secure a lead from this first leg it was the visiting Gunners, who now seemingly have one foot in the Champions League group stage with the road win, which represents the first victory in a European tie by an England side at Celtic Park in more than 25 years (since Nottingham Forest in 1983).

“We have a good advantage but it’s 180 minutes; we’re ahead after 90," said manager Arsene Wenger in the postmatch press conference. "When you want to go through you want to play well for 180—that’s our purpose. Even with an advantage of two goals we want to finish the job at home.”

Admitting that the match was a fierce battle within a tough setting, Wenger added: "I felt collectively we dominated the game, but Celtic were always willing, fighting and counter-attacking. In the end, despite being in control, we scored two lucky goals. It was a big fight tonight and we needed a strong Arsenal side to win the game. The crowd and players were absolutely up for it and I believe with an average performance we would not have won the game today.”

While Celtic manager Tony Mowbray felt the nature of the goals was very disappointing for his side, he told Sky Sports, "But you can't take it away—Arsenal were very good on the night, exceptional with the ball but brilliant without the ball.

"We struggled to pass the ball against very high pressure and I think Arsenal really gave us a lesson with the ball and without the ball," added Mowbray.

That heightened pressure and slight formation change employed by Wenger's side this season has proven very effective, even if none of the front three (of Robin van Persie, Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bentdner) have yet to score a goal in these first two games. Each has been effective in creating chances for themselves and for teammates.

Instead, the goals have been coming from the midfielders and defenders, areas considered to be weak spots by various pundits in their pre-season predictions. But more impressive than the goals from these positions has been the defensive roles performed by these players, with Alex Song and Thomas Vermaelen particular standouts in Arsenal's opening fixtures.

New boy Vermaelen again looked strong and confident in the center of defense versus Celtic, and his pairing with Gallas already seems solid. Song, maligned in the past as not being up to the standards required for title contenders, displayed strength in the defensive/holding role in the middle of the park, consistently breaking up the attacks of the Scottish opponents.

Fellow midfielders Fabregas and Denilson, who were both mentioned as doubts a day before the match, each played the full 90 minutes in effective fashion. One benefit the two-goal advantage could offer to Arsenal is the opportunity for Wenger to sit out one of the hard-working midfield trio in the second leg next week, to have them fully rested for the Premiership match at Manchester United the following Saturday.

As the two-legged Champions League playoff falls within a demanding opening-month schedule for the Gunners, the 2-0 away scoreline is ideal. For it now forces Celtic to score at least two goals at The Emirates to even have a chance at overcoming Arsenal, and it also takes some pressure off next Wednesday's return date, allowing Wenger to juggle his personnel to set things up to his liking in preparation for the massive league encounter at Old Trafford.

One more advantage that last night's result may bring is an additional signing or two for Arsenal by the end of this summer's transfer window. This writer is among those who believe that Wenger and Ivan Gazidis were hesitant to spend the cash taken in from the Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure transfers before being certain that the team had qualified for the Champions League group stages.

With participation in Europe's top club competition—and the money it brings in for a club—not yet totally assured with the 2-0 win at Celtic, the Gunners do look a solid bet to make the group stage and therefore profit from some of the massive Champions league revenues for yet another season.

So, after the bulk of the summer without any incoming player since June, perhaps we will now see more focused attempts at bringing in that additional defender or hard-type midfielder that pundits and supporters alike believe is required for Arsenal to seriously challenge for trophies this season.

We'll know soon enough, as the transfer deadline is less than two weeks away. Judging by the impressive way the Gunners have been performing on the pitch lately, maybe that one additional piece to the puzzle will be all that's needed for Arsenal to capture some long-awaited silverware in the 2009-10 campaign.

Scintillating Scoreline To Start Season: Arsenal Win 6-1 at Everton

Mike Griffin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:31:24 -0400

Arsenal completed a walk in the (Goodison) Park on Saturday, winning its Premiership opener with a scintillating 6-1 scoreline over Everton to assume the top spot in the league table for this initial round.

On a day that saw six visiting teams win on their opponent's home grounds, the Gunners were most impressive in romping over a Toffees side that finished fifth in the Premiership last season.

Arsenal's passing, movement, and finishing were in mid-season form on this opening day, putting three past keeper Tim Howard in each half as the points and result were decided early in favor of Arsene Wenger's side.

Denilson opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a strike from 25 yards out, set up by a nifty run by Nicklas Bendtner and nice layoff by Cesc Fabregas.

And shortly after the goal-scoring Brazilian cleared an Everton header off the line, Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen directed an open header into the net for a 2-0 Gunners lead. A second headed goal off a free kick came minutes before the break, as William Gallas nodded home a Fabregas offering.

A classic Arsenal counter attack just two minutes into the second half sealed things, with Van Persie sending in Fabregas who slotted the ball through the keeper's legs for a 4-0 lead.

The Gunners' Spanish captain then had space to run half the distance of the pitch before driving a belter from outside the box past Howard in minute 70, with Arsenal supporters already singing "We are top of the league!"

The stunning five-goal differential grew to six two minutes before time, with Eduardo tapping in after Arshavin’s effort had bounced off the post.

And although Luis Saha snatched a late consolation goal in injury time, the result still represented Everton's worst home defeat since 1958, when Arsenal also inflicted a similar 6-1 win at Goodison that year.

Few supporters would have predicted such a scoreline prior to the match, with most looking forward to the season opener yet perhaps also a bit more apprehensive than confident about Arsenal securing such positive results from its tough opening stretch of games.

This Gooner was only able to follow the match in real-time by listening online. But I did get to see the entire match video on tape Saturday night, and like most supporters was fully impressed with a number of Gunners.

It was great to see Song, Denilson, and Bendtner all put in excellent performances, as the critics have questioned the manager's reliance on the roles of these three young players amid Arsenal's quest for silverware this season.

New boy Vermaelen also put in a fine display on his league debut, confidently dealing with Everton's forwards and looking strong in the air both in defense and in heading home his own opportunity off a Van Persie free kick.

Fabregas started quietly but his influence grew as the match progressed, and the captain looked quite the leader with his second-half brace.

Upon his departure, the armband was passed to Eduardo, who looked dangerous late and joined the goalscoring in the final minutes—his first Premiership goal since that terrible injury 18 months ago.

Even manager Arsene Wenger stated to reporters that he was "surprised with the result, especially at Goodison. Everton were not at the level we usually face. The international week clearly disrupted them and their preparation.

"But we showed cohesion, attitude, team spirit, and desire to play together, all these things were the reasons that we won," continued Wenger in the post-match press conference.

"We have lost two good players...but when great players leave that allows space for other players to come in and prove they are good enough. People have been writing us off. But what is important is not what others say, but what we do."

Yet the Arsenal manager also refused to get carried away after the rout, adding:

"From being told we were not competitive before the game to now being told we are super-favourites is strange. But it is right to say that this is just the first game and we aim to continue to give our best. We have matured and this is a good basis to continue like that and to show what we want to do."

Arsene Wenger Advises Caution with Expectations for Young Star Wilshere

Mike Griffin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:28:54 -0400

The youngest player on the pitch was the star man in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Rangers on Sunday, as 17-year-old Jack Wilshere scored two goals to lead the Gunners in recapturing the Emirates Cup trophy in the club's annual preseason tournament.

Named "Man of the Match" for the second day in a row, Wilshere put Arsenal 1-0 up inside of two minutes with a 12-yard strike set up from some fine interplay between Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin, as the home side looked in fine form from the start.

Wilshere, Arshavin and Fabregas were all second-half substitutes in Saturday's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid yet had places in Sunday's starting lineup, which saw nine changes from the previous day as only William Gallas and Emmanuel Eboue kept their places in the starting eleven.

Looking dangerous in attack early on, Arsenal doubled its lead just after the ten-minute mark. More fine buildup play saw Arshavin nod the ball into space for Fran Merida to pick out Eduardo on the edge of the box. The Croatian cooly stroked one in off the post for a two-goal advantage.

While Rangers recovered a bit afterwards and had some chances on goal, Arsenal were in their comfort zone and could have extended the lead later in the half with Merida, Eduardo and Wilshere all denied.

Arsene Wenger only made two changes to the squad at the break, bringing on Armand Traore and Denilson to replace Gallas and Gael Clichy. Rangers' changes included the addition of Nacho Novo, who was involved in one of his team's better chances early in the second when his cross was directed by Steven Naismith towards Manuel Almunia's far post where Alex Song had to make a lunging block from the onrushing Steven Davis.

Wilshere then worked his magic in the next minute but his curler went just wide. Soon fellow teenagers Sanchez Watt and Aaron Ramsey joined Wilshere on the pitch and helped set up his second and Arsenal's third goal of the day as he directed a volley into the top corner in the 72nd minute.

Describing Wilshere's continued growth as a player (after the match), Wenger said, "He always had his football ability but he has gained some power now. A year ago he had to go across the pitch and now he can go straight.

At that age that is normal and you can see that he is comfortable on the ball, he can take people on. You have seen that on both days."

When asked if the 17-year-old would appear more regularly on the pitch with the first team in the coming season, the manager cautioned: "Let's not make stars in just two games. You have to respect the development of the players.

"I don’t know how much he will play. I speeded him up, I put him at 16 years of age in the dressing room and gave him a chance to practice everyday with the first-team players," continued Wenger in the interview appearing on www.arsenal.com. "If I had taken him out of the youth team now you would not have seen what you have seen today.

"That means he has benefited a lot from special treatment and an acceleration of his education because he plays for one year with the first team," admitted the Frenchman. "But how many games? I don’t know. The only problem in England is knowing the impatience of the people is that it will be difficult to keep the right pace in his progress."

Van Persie Signs New Arsenal Contract As Club Maintains Its Operational Approach

Mike Griffin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:45:16 -0400

In official news from Arsenal that confirmed some media reports leaked over the weekend, Robin van Persie has joined a number of Gunner teammates by signing a new, long-term contract with the club.

Arsenal's leading goalscorer this past season with 20 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions, van Persie is the sixth player to renew terms this offseason. Theo Walcott and Lukasz Fabianski signed new deals in June, while youngsters Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs all committed to Arsenal within the past week.

Joining Arsenal in 2004, van Persie is an FA Cup winner with the Gunners (in 2005) and played a major role last season in leading the North London club to the semifinals of the FA Cup and the Champions League. In the 2008-09 season, he notched 11 Premier League goals, scored five times in the Champions League and added four goals in the FA Cup run.

“It’s fantastic news that Robin van Persie has committed his long-term future to Arsenal Football Club; we’re all delighted," said manager Arsene Wenger, in the official announcement on arsenal.com.

"Robin is a hugely gifted player and has the talent and goalscoring ability to win matches at the very top level. We have already seen many times what Robin is capable of on a football pitch, but at only 25, there is still much more to come from him. Robin has the potential to become a true Arsenal great.”

Speaking of himself on the new deal, van Persie said: "My heart is with Arsenal and I just can’t picture myself in a different shirt. I just can’t see it now because I love this club so much.

"If you look at the last five years, look at the steps I have made every season, if you look at the support the Boss and the whole club gave me, the fans gave me, my team mates gave me—this is the right decision."

"We have a top class manager, a squad full of superb young players, a world class stadium and brilliant supporters," said van Persie. "Arsenal Football Club has a very bright future and I want to be part of it.

While supporters naturally clamor for new signings for their club each offseason in hopes of attaining titles, Wenger and Arsenal have seemed to focus on re-signing current players this summer.

The club aims to continue its established approach of building talent within its ranks to pursue success on the pitch, a point made by new CEO Ivan Gazidis when discussing this latest renewal.

"We’re very happy that Robin has committed his long-term future to the club. He is a world-class footballer and an important part of the team we are building," stated Gazidis in an interview on the club's official Web site.

"He is 25 years old and will now be with Arsenal through the peak years of his career. Robin is also a very popular member of the squad — with supporters, team mates and staff—and, to accompany his skills, he’s a fierce competitor," he said.

"Sometimes, understandably, the public focus is on new signings, but, especially as the football world becomes more and more competitive for the best talent, re-signing a current member of the squad is as important as actually, usually more important than—making a new signing," added Gazidis. "This is another indication that we are focused on keeping our best talent here and are building a strong foundation for the long-term success of the club."

Arsene Wenger Snubs the 'Spectacle' Of Real Madrid To Remain At Arsenal

Mike Griffin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:20:32 -0400

It seems that Real Madrid may be close to signing another big name to add to its stable of superstars, as some media outlets are reporting that a deal to land Karim Benzema has been agreed to by Madrid and the striker's current club, Olympique Lyonnais.

Once the deal is finalized, Benzema will join Kaka—introduced last night in front of a huge crowd at the Bernabeu—and Cristiano Ronaldo as the newest of "galacticos" at Madrid, meaning that Florentino Perez' new reign as club president has begun with close to £200 million splashed out for summer signings.

But one target of Perez not heading to Madrid this off-season is Arsene Wenger, who has snubbed the superclub's advances and will remain as manager at Arsenal for the foreseeable future.

Supposedly offered a £6 million annual salary in addition to a seemingly limitless transfer war chest at Madrid, Wenger has revealed his reasons for rejecting the offer in articles published Wednesday in both The Telegraph and the Daily Mail.

Explaining one of the main reasons for his decision was that he simply does not agree with the Perez philosophy, Wenger said: “What Real wants to do is produce what I would call a spectacle of football, a spectacular team.”

“But I believe that when it comes to creating a team and a squad there is another dimension that exists, and that is my way of thinking," continued the Arsenal manager. “I want to have success by building a team with a style, with a know-how, with a culture of play specific to the club and its fans, and with young people."

According to the Daily Mail's Martin Lipton, Wenger came out of a long meeting with Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis convinced that he should continue at Arsenal, receiving some reassurance of support from the club's board regarding "his ideas of building a young squad and turning them into genuine challengers both domestically and in Europe, rather than simply trying to buy success."

The Frenchman added that, “I am in a construction project with a young team, but my intention is to take that project to the ultimate end. For me, pleasure comes from watching those players showing the football I like to see played."

Believing that the transfer amounts relating to Real Madrid "can appear shocking," Wenger said, "it is necessary to disregard moral judgement and to simply ask whether the operation will be profitable. In my opinion, to recruit more than three players in a transfer window, as Real plan, is taking a technical risk."

The Arsenal manager has added Thomas Vermaelen to his squad this summer but has stated his focus is on retaining the services of his current players, as a number of Gunner first-teamers have been lured by other clubs this off-season.

Captain Cesc Fabregas, linked with possible moves to Madrid and Barcelona, has made a number of statements committing himself to the Arsenal cause. Theo Walcott has signed a contract extension to remain at the Emirates, and Robin van Persie is reportedly close to his own renewed deal after publicly stating his preference to also stay as a Gunner.

One Gunner who some thought would be headed out this summer has even revealed his loyalty to remain with Wenger, as defender William has told Sky Sports on Tuesday that he has no intention of leaving Arsenal this off-season.

Replaced as Gunners captain after a difficult period early in the season and a rumored bust-up with defensive partner Kolo Toure, Gallas responded with strong and consistent performances during the second half of the campaign.

"I am at Arsenal, my contract is still valid for a year, so I am an Arsenal player," said Gallas. "We have not talked about renewing the contract, but I am relaxed and looking forward to next season with Arsenal."

A younger Gunner can also look forward to more seasons with Arsenal, as midfielder Aaron Ramsey has signed a new long-term contract extension with the club, according to a statement on Arsenal's official web site.

The 18-year-old Welsh international joined the Gunners from Cardiff City last summer, making 22 appearances in all competitions during the campaign. Ramsey’s appearances included nine in the Premier League and six in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored his first Arsenal goal in a 5-2 victory at Fenerbahce in October.

In the announcement, manager Wenger said: “We’re delighted that Aaron has signed a new long term contract. He made a very good contribution in his first season and he showed that he is a very intelligent player with great quality.

"He is still only 18 and we’re really looking forward to seeing him develop with us in the forthcoming years," added Wenger, who believes that his team -- like Ramsey -- will continue to grow and build on this past season, which saw Arsenal advance to two semifinals in both domestic and European Cup competitions.

"We just missed that final step, but I believe the team is getting that now as it becomes more mature," Wenger told The Telegraph last week. "The team has matured tactically a lot over the season, and they are ready to challenge on all fronts next season."

Arsene Wenger Rules Out Player Departures At Arsenal This Summer

Mike Griffin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:20:48 -0400

Amid all the recent speculation about Arsenal players leaving the Emirates to join other European clubs this summer, have come stories in the press that manager Arsene Wenger is basically ruling out any departures by first-team members this off-season.

Quoted in The Telegraph on Tuesday, Wenger said he does not want to sell off any players and intends to complete all of his business in the transfer window before the Arsenal squad return for pre-season training on July 6.

"We lost Hleb and Flamini last summer and we have had to rebuild," said Wenger. "But we have done that now and the future looks bright. We don't want to have to rebuild again so I want to keep all the players together for next season. I don't want to lose anyone.

"I want to add to the squad and I have identified one or two targets. But identifying players and buying them are two different things. Ideally I would like to bring everybody in before we start back in pre-season training in July. I don't want to leave it until the end of August."

Wenger also plans to vary his team's formation in the coming season, according to an article by Darren Lewis in Tuesday's Daily Mail. "Next season we will play the formation and system that most suits the players and the balance of the team," said Wenger. "That means it's not rigid. It can evolve throughout the season, depending on circumstances and personnel.

"If you play with Theo Walcott for example, you are more tempted to go for three midfielders because Theo is more of a forward than a midfielder in a 4-4-2."

Calling on supporters to keep faith in his methods, Wenger added that, "We are at a stage where we need to convince people that this team does a lot of things right. It does not need to be transformed. When you go on a long unbeaten run in the Premier League and reach two semifinals, common sense should tell you that."

Even with that, there have been remarks by fans and pundits alike calling for personnel changes. And the rumor mill has seen some of Arsenal's stars being linked to other teams. Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Toure, Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor, and even Nicklas Bendtner have been reported to possibly be on the move, but player rebuttals and reports of renewed contracts have come out since.

Just today, Fabregas reiterated his commitment to Arsenal after again being linked to clubs in Spain based on some of his comments after his national side lost to the U.S. in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup on Wednesday.

"For anyone who is unclear or may have misunderstood what my position is, let me make myself absolutely crystal clear," read a statement from Cesc on the club's official website. "I am wholeheartedly committed to Arsenal and my future lies with this great club."

Bendtner has played down any reported links to Roma that surfaced after he was spotted in Rome on holiday. And van Persie is close to renewing his contract with Arsenal. In fact, the Daily Mirror reported Wednesday that the Dutch forward has agreed to terms on a new deal to stay in North London, a fact not yet officially noted on the club's site.

The article from the Daily Mirror's John Cross also mentions that "Wenger is now closing in on Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh, who is his No.1 target to replace Emmanuel Adebayor," which is interesting to read as seeing how Adebayor has not even left the club—at least not yet.

There has, of course, been plenty of rumor and speculation that the Togo striker would be heading away from Arsenal. AC Milan have certainly expressed an interest for Togo international Adebayor in the past, but even officials at the Italian club admit such a move might not occur.

"We had a meeting with Wenger, but they didn't offer him (Adebayor) to us,'' said AC Milan club administrator Adriano Galliani, in an article seen on soccernet.com. "Had they done that, we would have entered talks.''

So, maybe supporters can believe the comments about no first-team departures from Wenger, who thinks his team will continue to grow and build on this past season. "We just missed that final step, but I believe the team are getting that now as it becomes more mature," said the Frenchman. "The team has matured tactically a lot over the season, and they are ready to challenge on all fronts next season."

Will Arsenal's Next Transfer Period Melo-Drama Center on Brazilian?

Mike Griffin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:40:56 -0400

With the official announcement last Friday that Arsenal has completed the transfer and signing of defender Thomas Vermaelen from Dutch club Ajax, focus among the club and its supporters turns to the next potential target to bring to the Emirates Stadium for the 2009-10 season.

Most "experts" believe that a defensive midfielder needs to be added to the Gunners squad for it to be considered a legitimate threat for the Premiership title next season, and rumors have made the rounds in the media as to just whom Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis may be after in that regard.

One of the potential names is Brazilian Felipe Melo, a midfielder I've had the chance to see in action (on TV) with his country's Confederations Cup team in South Africa. He played in all three group games this past week—scoring with a header against the United States—as Brazil advanced to the semifinals, where it will meet the host nation.

The 25-year-old robust midfielder plays for Fiorentina in Italy's Serie A and has been on Wenger's radar for a while now. Reports from some media outlets have linked Melo with an eventual move to Arsenal since before the January transfer window last winter.

But, as usual, recent transfers completed by Arsenal have been anything but straightforward, with Andrey Arshavin's move even extending a day past the January deadline after a month-long saga.

It seems that the requisite pieces are in place for the potential Melo signing to become another drama-filled scenario this summer—with the player and his agent offering mixed signals in regard to the Gunners' interest, his current club reporting that he's under contract and not for sale, and other major European clubs indicating interest amidst rumored bids for the Brazilian.

Wenger may miss out on the midfield enforcer after reports in the Italian press indicate that Inter Milan had offered Fiorentina a large cash bid, and/or a cash-and-player deal, in an attempt to steal away Melo.

There are even rumors of interest from Real Madrid. Melo did spend a few seasons in Spain, playing for Mallorca, Racing, and Almeria between 2005 and 2008, before joining Fiorentina. So, those in the know at Madrid must be cognizant of his capabilities, though they seem intent on luring more high-profile names to the Bernabeu at the moment.

Some of the latest on this transfer possibility includes a recent article in the Daily Mail that Fiorentina are "keen on Philippe Senderos," which could pave the way for Arsenal's bid for Melo to be preferred. According to the report, "Switzerland international Senderos has been on loan from Arsenal to AC Milan and admits he would welcome a return to Italy next season."

Monday evening, Talksport Radio also included a segment on possible summer transfers with Italian pundit Gabriele Marcotti, who believes that a deal between Arsenal and Fiorentina for Melo is in the works.

Even if that's the case, Arsenal would have to wait for Brazil to finish the Confederations Cup before they can speak to Melo. Yet Marcotti believes that Melo's agent has spoken to Arsenal and is happy with their proposal.

Far from a done deal then, expect this to be drawn out over the coming days and possible weeks. The potential signing could be affected by a number of things, including the financial clout of the other European giants interested in the Brazilian's services and the potential impact of Senderos on the transfer proceedings.

In other words—and with a play on words—we're sure to see another melo-dramatic saga play its way out this summer, as Arsenal is among a number of clubs pursuing the talented Brazilian midfielder.

The Ten Most Surprising Wimbledon Champions During The Open Era

Mike Griffin — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:32:51 -0400

Last year’s Wimbledon marked the 40th year of “Open Era” tennis at The Championships, culminating with what many consider one of the greatest-ever men’s final matches as Rafael Nadal outlasted Roger Federer in five grueling sets — and nearly five hours — to end the Swiss star’s reign of five straight titles at the sport’s grandest tournament. It had been four decades since the Grand Slam tournaments abandoned their long-standing rules of amateurism and allowed professionals back in to compete in 1968, the year that two of the biggest names in tennis — Rod Laver and Billie Jean King — claimed the singles titles at Wimbledon. Winners at this most prestigious of events certainly include some other legends of the game, such as Bjorn Borg, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf. But the list of Wimbledon champions over the last 40 years is also comprised of surprise titlists who were not the favorites at the time or considered dominant among peers on the grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. From unseeded youngsters to baseliners whose game was more suited to clay courts to players considered past their prime, the unlikely winners have added some spice to Wimbledon’s traditional sweetness of strawberries and cream. In an attempt to revisit some of those memorable moments, the following countdown of “The Ten Most Surprising Champions at Wimbledon During the Open Era” highlights some of the unlikely singles winners who thrilled the crowds with surprising runs over a fortnight in London while adding plenty of color to the tournament that requires all-white attire from its participants.

Begin Slideshow

Thomas Vermaelen Is First Summer Signing For Arsenal

Mike Griffin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:42:43 -0400

Arsenal have made its first major transfer signing of the summer, as the club have officially announced that Belgian international defender Thomas Vermaelen has joined the Gunners from Dutch Eredivisie side Ajax.

“Thomas is a great signing for Arsenal Football Club, and we are all delighted that he is joining us," said manager Arsene Wenger. "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."

Speaking on Vermaelen's versatility, Wenger added that "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.”

Agreeing to a long-term contract with Arsenal for an undisclosed fee, the 23-year-old Vermaelen was club captain at the Ajax this past season, and made 143 appearances with the Amsterdam side.

Upon completing his move to the Gunners, Vermaelen told arsenal.com: “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," continued the Belgian defender. "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.”

Speaking of Arsenal defenders and transfer talk, both Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna have been rumored to be among Real Madrid's transfer targets this summers, yet each has made efforts to quash the links.

While Clichy spoke of his commitment to Arsenal earlier this week, Sagna responded yesterday to stories in the French press linking him with a move to Spain, telling arsenal.com that “I have seen the quotes attributed to me in the French media today and I just want to put the record straight. These comments are not accurate and I’m not aware of any speculation linking me to another club. I am 100 percent committed to Arsenal.

"This is a great club and I’m proud to wear the shirt. I’m looking forward to returning for pre-season training in July and preparing for the challenges that next season will bring," continued Sagna. "We have a great squad of players at the club and I know that we can achieve something together at Arsenal; my focus is nowhere else.”

Arsenal's 2009-10 Premiership Fixture List Announced

Mike Griffin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:17:37 -0400

Arsenal will open the 2009-10 Premiership season by visiting Everton at Goodison Park on Aug. 15 and conclude the league campaign by hosting Fulham on May 9, as the initial list of Premiership fixtures has been announced by the league this Wednesday morning.

The first league match of the season at Emirates Stadium looks to be a visit by Portsmouth on Aug. 22, as the Gunners' earlier, midweek league encounter on the schedule will have to be moved due to Arsenal's Champions League commitments at the time.

The Gunners' North London derbies with rivals Tottenham will take place at Emirates Stadium on Oct. 31 and at White Hart Lane on Apr. 10.

The first of the matchups between England's "Big Four" will take place before the end of August, when the Gunners visit Manchester United at Old Trafford on Aug. 29. The return fixture with Arsenal hosting the three-time champion Red Devils is set for Jan. 30.

That fixture will mark the start of a tough period in the league very early in 2010 for Arsenal, scheduled for successive matches against the other three teams from last season's top four. In the space of 10 days, the Gunners will host Manchester United (on Jan. 30) and then visit Chelsea (for a Feb. 6 match) before returning to the Emirates to battle Liverpool (on Feb. 9).

This initial fixture list is a draft lift and is subject to change, according to the Premier League, and does not yet take into account games selected for television (expected to be announced before the end of June).

In fact (as noted above), one Arsenal match will already have to be rescheduled; the Aug. 18 home date with Bolton will have to be postponed, as the Gunners will be involved in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round that midweek.

The following is a list of Arsenal's fixtures for the 2009-10 season, taken from the club's official site at arsenal.com, and including dates for Champions League matches and domestic Cup competition encounters.

August

Sat Aug 15 at Everton
Aug 18/19 UEFA Champions League play-off round (first leg)
Sat Aug 22 vs. Portsmouth
Aug 25/26 UEFA Champions League Play-off round (second leg)
Sat Aug 29 at Manchester United

September

Sat Sep 12 at Manchester City
Sep 15/16 UEFA Champions League Matchday 1
Sat Sep 19 vs. Wigan Athletic
Wed Sep 23 Carling Cup third round
Sat Sep 26 at Fulham
Sep 29/30 UEFA Champions League Matchday 2

October

Sat Oct 3 vs. Blackburn Rovers
Sat Oct 17 vs. Birmingham City
Oct 20/21 UEFA Champions League Matchday 3
Sat Oct 24 at West Ham United
Wed Oct 28 Carling Cup fourth round
Sat Oct 31 vs. Tottenham Hotspur

November

Nov 3/4 UEFA Champions League Matchday 4
Sat Nov 7 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sat Nov 21 at Sunderland
Nov 24/25 UEFA Champions League Matchday 5
Sat Nov 28 vs. Chelsea

December

Wed Dec 2 Carling Cup fifth round
Sat Dec 5 vs. Stoke City
Dec 8/9 UEFA Champions League Matchday 6
Sat Dec 12 at Liverpool
Tue Dec 15 at Burnley
Sat Dec 19 vs. Hull City
Sat Dec 26 vs. Aston Villa
Mon Dec 28 at Portsmouth

January

Sat Jan 2 F.A. Cup third round
Wed Jan 6 Carling Cup Semi-Final (first leg)
Sat Jan 9 vs. Everton
Sat Jan 16 at Bolton Wanderers
Wed Jan 20 Carling Cup Semi-Final (second leg)
Sat Jan 23 F.A. Cup fourth round
Wed Jan 27 at Aston Villa
Sat Jan 30 vs. Manchester United

February

Sat Feb 6 at Chelsea
Tue Feb 9 vs. Liverpool
Sat Feb 13 F.A. Cup fifth round
Feb 16/17/23/24 UEFA Champions League Knockout Round (first leg)
Sat Feb 20 vs. Sunderland
Sat Feb 27 at Stoke City
Sun Feb 28 Carling Cup Final

March

Sat Mar 6 vs. Burnley (also F.A. Cup sixth round)
Mar 9/10/16/17 UEFA Champions League Knockout Round (second leg)
Sat Mar 13 at Hull City
Sat Mar 20 vs. West Ham United
Sat Mar 27 at Birmingham City
Mar 30/31 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final (first leg)

April

Sat Apr 3 vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Apr 6/7 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final (second leg)
Sat Apr 10 at Tottenham Hotspur (also F.A. Cup Semi-Final)
Sat Apr 17 at Wigan Athletic
Apr 20/21 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final (first leg)
Sat Apr 24 vs. Manchester City
Apr 27/28 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final (second leg)

May

Sat May 1 at Blackburn Rovers
Sun May 9 vs. Fulham
Sat May 15 F.A. Cup Final
Sat May 22 UEFA Champions League Final

To be arranged

Bolton Wanderers (home match from Aug. 18)

Will Arsenal's Gael Clichy Join the 'New Galacticos' at Real Madrid?

Mike Griffin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:02:56 -0400

The news that Real Madrid splashed out about £140 million last week to secure the services of two star players, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, was featured in a major sports article in my hometown newspaper here in Connecticut, as the Spanish giant's recent exploits in the transfer market seem a major story, even here in a nation that normally pays little attention to European football.

The fact that such a huge amount of cash has resulted in Madrid breaking the transfer fee record amount twice in the same week, within such a shaky global economy and at a time when an entire, storied English club is offered for sale at less than that amount, is mind-blowing for many a soccer/football fan.

A more amazing development seems to indicate that the outlay of cash and influx of big-name stars being lured to Madrid may apparently continue this summer. Newly re-elected club president Florentino Perez has vowed to create a "New Galacticos" era at the Bernabeu, to rival the squad there earlier this decade that featured such superstars as Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo, and David Beckham.

That, of course, leads to the question: which big-name star among the top European leagues is next on the list to join Real Madrid? Could it be Valencia's David Villa? Maybe Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich? Or perhaps another Premier League star will follow Ronaldo to Spain?

Most Arsenal supporters would certainly be concerned that its own Spanish captain Cesc Fabregas would be the big-name Gunner to be lured away from the Emirates for major cash, whether to Madrid or rival Barcelona where he spent time as a youngster in their academy.

Yet it seems Perez and Madrid have their eyes on Gunners' Gael Clichy as one of its targets this summer. Reports have emerged in the London Evening Standard, among other publications, that new Madrid manager Manuel Pelligrini considers the left fullback position as one to address this offseason, with the Gunners' 23-year-old French international deemed a possible solution to Madrid's defensive problems.

Since moving to Arsenal from Cannes in 2003, Clichy has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and has made 177 first-team appearances for manager Arsene Wenger's side.

Now considered one of the stalwarts in the Gunners' first team, Clichy recently admitted that it is flattering to hear his name linked with Madrid, but also insisted that he is committed to Arsenal, having signed a long-term deal with the club just last year.

"I heard there is an interest from Real Madrid, but I have a contract with Arsenal which I intend to respect unless the club says otherwise," Clichy told Sky Sports. "It is great to be linked with Real, but I want to win things with Arsenal."

We've all heard these customary quotes from players being courted by big clubs before, yet Clichy's rapid rise in status must have supporters wondering if the talented young Frenchman will remain at Arsenal long enough to see out his current contract there.

This writer's take is that Madrid's pursuit of Clichy could easily follow the path of its previous efforts to raid the talent of other clubs. As both Thierry Henry's move from Arsenal to Barcelona and the more recent Ronaldo courtship saga have exhibited, such scenarios begin with rumored interest one summer leading to continued banter over the course of a season before a deal becomes finalized the next offseason.

If this is the case with Clichy, that would give both Armand Traore and Kieran Gibbs another season to develop to then be counted on to fill the left back slot for Arsene Wenger's side in the 2010-11 season. One would think that most Arsenal supporters might be comfortable with such a situation in 12 or 14 months' time, with the Gunners possibly receiving somewhere in the range of £15 to £20 million for Clichy while having two able replacements already in the squad to fill his slot.

With the maturing Traore and Gibbs backing up Clichy, left back is now arguably the most solid of the four defensive positions at Arsenal. And that's saying something, considering that Wenger has the capable Bacary Sagna and Emmanuel Eboue on hand for right fullback.

Therefore, Gooners could find it hard for their club to resist big-money offers for Clichy, even this summer, as long as the transfer amount was significant and veteran leadership remained in the center of Arsenal's defense.

Yet rumors are swirling this offseason that either or both of Kolo Toure and William Gallas might soon be leaving the Emirates, which could leave a void of experience and continuity at center back for Arsenal, putting more pressure on the Gunners defense and its young replacements at left fullback.

And the departure of Clichy along with either Toure or Gallas could also damage the club in another way, by potentially initiating a domino effect of a number of Gunner stars leaving Arsenal for greener pastures and higher salaries elsewhere.

If stories are to be believed, both Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas seem intent on remaining at Arsenal only if the club's board matches their commitment and desire for trophies by spending for some established players to bring to the Emirates.

The Dutch forward van Persie is currently in negotiations to renew terms of his contract, which has one year remaining. He and Fabregas are among the Gunners being courted by other clubs, so the departure of several long-time teammates might see these two also leave the north London club.

A number of Arsenal stars leaving to join Real Madrid or other major European clubs would severely damage manager Wenger's own efforts to bring back the glory days from earlier this decade at his club, when "The Invicibles" of Arsenal ruled the Premiership and challenged for top honors in European competitions.

Reaching the semifinals of both the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup this past season, the current Arsenal side is considered by various pundits as being just a couple of players away from challenging for and winning more trophies in upcoming seasons.

So, if even a fraction of what Madrid has paid out thus far is spent by Arsenal this summer, the question we may be asking come August might just as well be which players will be making up the "New Invicibles" at Arsenal, as finding out the stars who will be comprising the "New Galacticos" at Real Madrid.

While One 'Fab' Signs, Another Pledges Loyalty to Arsenal

Mike Griffin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:12:38 -0400

News at Arsenal this Friday concerns the tale of two Fabs—Lukasz Fabianski and Cesc Fabregas. While one has agreed to a long-term contract with the club, the other has reaffirmed his commitment and loyalty to Arsenal, amidst rumors he may head back to his native Spain in the near future.

With June now upon us, the silly season of high-priced transfers has taken hold, with Real Madrid defying the current state of the global economy by first shelling out £59 million to AC Milan for Kaka, and then offering £80 million to Manchester United for the services of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Breaking the world transfer fee record twice in one week, Madrid seem certain to snatch some other big names away from clubs throughout Europe, and have also now put pressure on Spanish rivals Barcelona to lure more star players to Camp Nou.

Arsenal's Fabregas has been—and will be—a target for both, but the Gunners captain told Arsenal TV Online just days ago that he is committed to staying at the North London club.

"Of course I see my future at Arsenal. I have a long contract with the club," stated Fabregas in an interview on the club's official site. "I would have never signed that if I did not think I was capable of making it (to the end of the deal, which runs until 2014). The boss knows that I really want to stay here."

Made team captain by manager Arsene Wenger this past season, Fabregas added, "You cannot stop what people say about you. The press can write or say whatever they want. Since I was 18, they have been saying 'he is seeking a transfer,' but I am still here.

"I hope I can be at Arsenal for many years and lift trophies like the Champions League, the Premier League, FA Cups," continued the 22-year-old Spaniard. "I am really looking forward to it because I am sure the future is bright here."

Another player that will remain part of Arsenal's future is Lukasz Fabianksi, as the club has officially reported that he signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper joined Arsenal in 2007 from Legia Warsaw, and has since moved up to second-choice keeper at the Emirates. As stated in an article on arsenal.com, Fabianski "has quickly established himself as an able deputy to Arsenal’s first choice keeper Manuel Almunia, making 18 first team appearances in the 2008-09 season across all competitions with nine clean sheets to his name."

Recent years have also seen Fabianski become more prominent for his national team after being a regular his country's U-21 squad. He was included in the Poland squad for the 2006 World Cup before appearing in goal at Euro 2008, and, more recently, in 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

The official release included a statement from manager Wenger, who rates Fabianski highly and is “very pleased that Lukasz has committed his future to the club. I believe he is a top competitor, he’s intelligent and reads the game very well and has all the ingredients to be successful in his position.”

On signing his new deal with Arsenal, Fabianski said, “I’m very happy to sign my new contract with Arsenal, it’s a big motivation for me to keep working hard and shows that the club believes in me. I’ll be doing everything I can to repay that belief by helping Arsenal to win trophies in the coming years.”

Arsenal Int'l Update: Andrey Arshavin Now Russia Captain; Cesc Fabregas Injured

Mike Griffin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:07:04 -0400

After an impressive display in his national team's 3-0 win over Finland on Wednesday, Andrey Arshavin was named Russian captain for the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign by coach Guus Hiddink.

Formerly captaining the Russian side during European qualifying prior to last summer's Euros, Arshavin was stripped of those duties after a sending off against Andorra.

The new Gunner filled the role while regular skipper Sergei Semak was out injured for last night's match. Afterwards, Hiddink told reporters that Arshavin would remain captain even with Semak in the starting lineup.

Creating a number of opportunities for his side against Finland, Arshavin set up Aleksandr Kerzhakov for the first goal in the 27th minute before two second-half goals for the visitors put last night's game out of reach. Russia moved to within a point of Group Four leaders Germany with the win over Finland.

Arshavin was among just four Arsenal players seeing international action this midweek, including Theo Walcott playing all 90 minutes in England's 6-0 thrashing of Andorra at Wembley.

A clever cut-back from Walcott led to Frank Lampard's goal on the half-hour for an England side that scored three goals in each half. They now sit basically one win away from qualifying for next year's World Cup.

Robin van Persie's Holland had already qualified for South Africa 2010 prior to its 2-0 win over Norway on Wednesday, which saw Arsenal's No. 11 play 83 minutes before being substituted.

While unable to notch any of the goals, van Persie did hit the back of the net but was ruled offside on the play. He and Arjen Robben were effective leading the Netherlands' attack, with the Real Madrid star scoring once and assisting on the second.

In Spain's rather easy 6-0 win over Azerbaijan in a friendly on Tuesday, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas had to be replaced at halftime after suffering a head injury. He was fouled in the area just prior to the break, and the resulting gash on his forehead needed immediate treatment from Spanish trainers. In the end, it was considered just a minor injury.

“It was a scare...a good scare. But the important thing is that it’s nothing more than a minor incident,” Fabregas told reporters during the post-match press conference.

“I was frightened upon seeing the blood pouring down after taking the knock, but after the medics stitched me up, I could have continued playing. But seeing that this was only a friendly, and I was still a little dizzy, we thought we better not push it," added the Arsenal captain.

Even with the injury, Fabregas also noted that the friendly win was a very positive game leading up to next week's Confederations Cup, featuring Cesc's Spain among eight national teams competing in South Africa a year before the World Cup there.

“We want to return to Spain with a trophy in our hands for a second consecutive year," said Fabregas. "We want to give joy to the fans, and we feel that we have a good enough team to win it.”

Ex-Gunners Address Arsenal's Team Needs for Next Season

Mike Griffin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:42:01 -0400

A number of former Arsenal players have been in the news recently, speaking on the state of Arsene Wenger's squad and what type of improvements may be needed for the Gunners to re-emerge as title threats in the Barclays Premier League.

Arsenal have gone five seasons without capturing the league crown, falling to fourth spot this past season while seeing Manchester United claim its third straight Premier League trophy.

But ex-Gunner Perry Groves believes that despite the North London side's slip below Liverpool and Chelsea in the standings, Arsenal is better equipped than any club to topple Manchester United next season.

Speaking to arsenal.com's Chris Harris, Groves said, "When you lose players like Flamini, Lehmann, Gilberto, and Hleb—four senior players—it does create a hole because younger players who come into the side haven't been in that situation before. That's what happened last season, but the youngsters matured during the campaign, and they will be better for the experience.

"United have a maturity about them, they are physically mature," added the former Gunner, who played at Highbury from 1986 to 1992.

"They have been together for a number of years now, and this is their third title in a row, so they know how to win championships. They have players who know how to perform in the big games.

"If you look at the age of our squad, it's very young, and sometimes as a youngster you need a few experienced players around you when things aren't going well to galvanise everybody," continued Groves. "But I actually think as a squad we're closer to challenging Manchester United than Liverpool or Chelsea because I think we are only two players away.

"The squad looks strong, and they are all excellent players technically. I think if we make the right signings, we'll be up there challenging again."

Another former Gunner, Alan Smith, agrees that a few shrewd buys will make the difference for Wenger's men in the upcoming season.

Smith, who helped lead Arsenal to league championships in 1989 and 1991 during his playing days in North London, told arsenal.com's Harris that some "astute signings can turn Arsenal's potential into tangible reward."

"There were periods last season in which they produced some outstanding football, but they never looked like a title-winning team in my book," stated Smith. "I suppose that was hammered home in the games against Manchester United in the Champions League and then Chelsea. They were just a bit short."

Smith added that "there is so much talent, so much potential, but the mix isn't quite right at the moment. Everybody is telling Arsene Wenger that, so I think it will be interesting to see who arrives in the summer. I think one or two will come in to give the squad a better balance."

As far as the types of players offering such a boost to the squad, Smith would like to see "a commanding stopper brought in. He doesn't need to be technically brilliant, but someone who can head balls away and command the box. It would be nice to see a holding midfielder too, someone to work alongside Cesc Fabregas when we need someone to sit there and break up the play."

With Arsenal's defensive inconsistencies this past season, a Tony Adams type in the center of the defense would surely stabilize things for the Gunners. Adams, the Arsenal legend who was part of Wenger's double-winning sides in 1998 and 2002, expects the manager to bring players in but wonders if the sufficient financial backing is there.

Speaking at a Nationwide event this week and quoted in The Daily Mirror, Adams said that "people on the board—and the fans—want more. But they can't actually back it up with the financial weight to do it. "

The former Gunner captain and Portsmouth manager even went as far as saying, ''I don't know who it is, but I think there's someone on the board who's not pro-Arsene. I don't know who it is, but that's what I've heard.

''The fans have got very high standards now," Adams continued. "They're crying out for experience, and the fans are not silly. They know the team needs experience at the back and in central midfield.

''Arsene knows, too. He's not a silly man. But you tell me a player they can get for the money they've got. It's unrealistic. Some of the fans have got frustrated and he will be too, but with a couple of signings I don't think we'll be far off next year.

"I expect the manager to spend, without doubt. He will get money, and they are quite rightly being cagey about how much, because he's not a fool and doesn't want to put the price up on his transfer targets," added Adams. "I'm sure he'll go out with a determined mind to try and strengthen in certain areas."

Adams' former teammate in defense, Lee Dixon, has heard the criticisms of Wenger for his club's recent drought without silverware, but he believes the Arsenal manager is still the best in the business.

"Everyone has got their opinion and some have been critical, but Arsene Wenger is still Mr. Arsenal, as far as I'm concerned," Dixon told Arsenal.com.

The former Gunners right back mentioned the rousing reception given by home supporters to Wenger before, during, and after the final game at Emirates Stadium as a sure sign that Arsenal fans still have faith in him.

"He can do little wrong for me; I still rate him hugely as a manager, and what he's done for this football club has been phenomenal," stated Dixon. "It was disappointing to end the season with no silverware, but I don't think the team needs a huge amount of surgery. It just needs strengthening in certain areas.

"We can all have our opinion where that is, but I'm not the Arsenal manager, and I'm certainly not one to criticise Arsene Wenger in who he buys and who he sells."

It Was 20 Years Ago Today: Arsenal's Bould Seeks Youth Trophy at Anfield

Mike Griffin — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:45:53 -0400

Steve Bould and his Arsenal side will take to the Anfield pitch tonight against Liverpool in search of a trophy, precisely twenty years to the day when Bould and his teammates claimed the most dramatic and historic of Arsenal's titles at the same Merseyside stadium.

Arsenal's young Gunners play in the FA Youth Cup Final tonight, their first in the competition since 2001. And while a win would help to end their own period without such silverware, it's a stretch of years much shorter than the league drought seen by the North London club through most of the 1970s and 1980s that ended on this day a couple of decades ago.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of May 26, 1989, when Arsenal snatched the league trophy away from Liverpool with a stunning 2-0 win, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Michael Thomas that sent Gooners everywhere into wild celebration.

Needing to win by two goals on the road on that final night of the season (in England's First Division), the Gunners weren't given much of a chance to claim the title against a Liverpool team that very rarely conceded more than one goal a game.

The Anfield side were the dominant club of the 1980s, and a 24-match unbeaten streak to end the '89 season had overtaken Arsenal in the league's final weeks. Liverpool were aiming to pair the league crown with a recent FA Cup Final win over Everton to help its supporters overcome the Hillsborough tragedy of that season.

After a scoreless first half, a glancing header from Alan Smith in minute 52 found the net and put Arsenal into the lead. But as the game wore on, the Gunners had few chances at a second goal until Thomas flicked one past Liverpool keeper Bruce Grobbelaar in the game's 93rd minute.

Like most Arsenal supporters, Bould still remembers the historic night. But he didn't think "Any of us really went there expecting to win—not least 2-0," said the former defender who now manages the Under-18 side for Arsenal. "We had a belief in the team we could do OK. There was a strange atmosphere—completely different to any game I have played in before or since.

"The Hillsborough effect on the game was massive and it was a balmy red-hot night—a fantastic atmosphere but a really strange occasion," added Bould, whose header on goal was cleared off the line by Liverpool defender Steve Nicol in the opening half.

Arsenal manager George Graham had "told us before the game that if it was 0-0 at half-time, we would win 2-0. We sort of laughed it off," said Bould, who was substituted in the second half and on the bench when the dramatic second goal was scored.

"I didn't see much of the goal at the end," he noted, "as there was police all in front, chaos going on." The goal came at the stadium end holding the bulk of Arsenal's travelling supporters, who erupted once the ball crossed the line.

In a coincidence relating to that most historic of moments for Arsenal, Bould will be on the Anfield pitch on this 20th anniversary of that special night, yet the task at hand for Arsenal will be much simpler this time around.

The young Gunners hold a three-goal advantage going into the match, after dominating Liverpool 4-1 in the final's first leg at the Emirates on Friday. Gilles Sunu, Jack Wilshere, Sanchez Watt, and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas all scored for Arsenal, who can afford to lose by two clear goals but still claim the FA Youth Cup trophy.

But, manager Bould is not taking his side's advantage for granted, telling arsenal.com's Declan Taylor that "The problem now is it’s ours to lose. That creates different pressures and different things to handle. We have to guard against that and do it properly because the game isn’t won."

“But we have got a great start and we would have taken that win all day long before the game," he added. "The thing that pleased me the most was the performance. I thought the kids were all fabulous."

“With the watching public, the manager, and 33,000 in the crowd, I thought they performed at as high a level as we could have asked.”

Van Persie Stokes Final-Day Victory For Arsenal

Mike Griffin — Mon, 25 May 2009 08:08:16 -0400

Arsenal ended its season in impressive fashion with a 4-1 victory over Stoke City at the Emirates on Sunday. All the scoring came in the first half, with three quick strikes by the Gunners inside the first 20 minutes sealing the three points early on for the home side.

Robin van Persie scored two goals for the Gunners in a match controlled basically from the start by Arsenal, who end the 2008-09 Barclays Premier League season at fourth place in the table.

An own goal by James Beattie following a Cesc Fabregas cross opened the scoring on 10 minutes. Six minutes later, van Persie was taken down by defender Ryan Shawcross in the box, resulting in a penalty. The Dutchman converted from the spot, giving him 19 goals for the season.

In minute 18, van Persie sent in a deep free kick that Abou Diaby headed into the net, providing the 3-0 lead. Stoke keeper Steve Simonson then limped off four minutes later, replaced by Thomas Sorensen. But the Gunners continued to dominate the rest of the half, save for one positive moment for Stoke.

That came when Ricardo Fuller was tripped by Denilson on the half hour. And the Stoke striker put the penalty shot past Vito Mannone, who was in the Arsenal goal for the season’s final match.

That only seemed to re-energize the Gunners, who had chances to build the lead. Van Persie hit the post on with a fine free kick just before the Stoke goal, and Theo Walcott had a couple efforts saved by Sorensen.

Arsenal’s fourth came off a mistake by Rory Delap, whose back pass toward goal was collected by van Persie, who fired past Sorensen for the 4-1 lead at the break.

There were plenty more chances for Arsenal in the second half, with van Persie narrowly missing out on a hat trick and Carlos Vela denied late. But the damage had already been done early on, with the Gunners providing a positive finish for manager Arsene Wenger.

Chants of “There is only one Arsene Wenger” could be heard from the Emirates crowd before and during the match, as the home fans made their support known for the Arsenal manager.

The Frenchman has endured through recent criticism after a fourth straight season without a trophy, but those on hand seemed to offer their continued faith in Wenger for the coming seasons.

“It makes me feel appreciated and even more regretful that we could not give them what they wanted this season,” said the Arsenal manager, who had earlier this week allayed fears he was set to quit for Real Madrid. “I am very respectful for the faith they have in me and it makes you even more determined to pay them back.”

Wenger praised van Persie’s performance in the post-match press conference, and added that it is crucial to make sure the likes of the team’s leading scorer to remain at Arsenal as he looks to lift the Gunners back into contention for the Premier League title.

Wenger also admitted that some new personnel might have to be added to the squad, but does not see the need to make any quick judgments on players.

“The question we have to analyse now is: are we strong enough like that to win the championship next year? If not, what do we need to add to the squad?” asked Wenger. “That is the basic question we need to answer.

“There is some great quality here, that is for sure, the squad is very young, so it is about what is needed to be added next year to challenge for the championship.” Wenger added: “It is important not to go into conclusions today. I have to analyse well and then make decisions after.”

Leaving Arsenal Is 'Not An Issue' for Arsene Wenger

Mike Griffin — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:05:16 -0400

The main stories in the media surrounding Arsenal Football Club in this final week of the Premiership season include some reports in recent days that manager Arsene Wenger might leave the London club for Real Madrid this summer.

Such rumors have emerged since last week's shareholder meeting when Arsene Wenger voiced his criticism over questions directed to him from club supporters who were attending.

Heated exchanges at the event, along with a pledge from Madrid presidential candidate Florentino Perez to make Wenger his first choice as the club's new manager next season should he be elected this summer, led to stories in the British press that the Frenchman would be looking to leave Arsenal.

But according to more recent quotes from Wenger in such places as a Daily Mail article, he will continue as Arsenal manager and spurn the advances of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Even while previously admitting that the advances from Madrid were ''strongly interesting,'' Wenger is quoted in Wednesday's Daily Mail insisting that he has no plans to quit the Emirates.

''There's nothing to worry about, it's not an issue for me,'' he told the newspaper. ''I'm staying here. If that changes I will let you know, but don't worry about that. It's not an issue.''

Wenger’s comments reportedly came after a day in which he had a three-hour meeting with Ivan Gazidis, the club's new chief executive, at Arsenal’s training ground at London Colney to discuss transfer targets and budgets.

Since arriving at the club in 1996, Wenger has impressively transformed Arsenal's playing style along with the club's fortunes, leading his charges to three Premiership titles, league and cup doubles in 1998 and 2002, and into the UEFA Champions League final in 2006.

But a drought without any trophies the past four seasons has caused concern among some Arsenal supporters who have seemed to lose patience with the manager and his policies this spring.

While conceding the team has considerable young talent, the naysayers and doubters believe the side lacks both experience and strength in depth to challenge for titles with rival clubs who seem more willing to "splash the cash" for big-name player signings.

Considering the manager's record, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has stated that the criticism of Wenger is "out of order," and that he believes the Frenchman will remain in charge at the Emirates at least until 2011, when his current contract expires.

Former Gunner defender Lee Dixon agrees, telling the London Evening Standard that "I am gob-smacked that people have started calling for his head. People are very short-sighted. It is the modern-day supporter who wants success yesterday."

"Yes, we have gone four seasons without a trophy and have been off the pace in the Premier League this season, which is Wenger's trophy priority, but he is as frustrated as anyone else," continued Dixon, who maintains Arsenal will soon deliver silverware once again.

"He feels the frustration just like anyone else," Dixon added. "He has produced one of the best training grounds in the world, one of the best stadiums in the world and some of the most attractive football ever been played. And people still just say 'we haven't won anything.' They just have to be a bit more patient."

Support is also coming from fans who feel that fellow supporters should remain faithful to the club and its successful manager as it heads forward for the 2009-10 season.

In fact, hundreds of Arsenal supporters will take part in a march before Sunday's home match with Stoke City to show their support for Wenger and help persuade the manager not to leave for Real Madrid this summer. This "march of solidarity" is being organized by the supporters group RedAction.

And the Arsenal Supporters Trust, which was established in 2003 to promote the interest of facilitate involvement of supporters who own shares in the club, has released a statement on its web site on the matter, saying, “Arsene Wenger is one of the greatest managers Arsenal has ever had.

"In the last few years he has performed arguably his best work by continuing to deliver Champions League football within the financial constraints created by the move to the Emirates stadium.

"Arsene must stay but if there is a need for change it is to the parameters within which he has been forced to work. The Trust met with impressive new chief executive Ivan Gazidis last week.

"He understands the importance of providing both the funds and hands-on support for the manager in the transfer market so that Arsene can complete his work and take Arsenal back to the top. All shareholders, large and small, should unite behind this plan and play their respective parts in it."

Arsene Wenger's Approach Turns "Defensive" As Arsenal's Season Winds Down

Mike Griffin — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:36:31 -0400

While his Arsenal teams are known and praised for their attacking, offensive flair, and attractive passing game, manager Arsene Wenger's approach turned a bit "defensive" yesterday when addressing the differences between his side and the Premiership champions and when meeting with supporters gathered for an annual shareholders meeting to voice their comments and concerns with club management.

Arsenal travel to Old Trafford tomorrow to take on Manchester United in their second-to-last Premiership match this season. While the Gunners' place in the final league table has already been determined (at fourth), the North London side does have one thing to play for, as a road win would spoil United's party of clinching the league title in front of home supporters.

With his team going into the contest having suffered heavy defeats in their last two outings, Wenger believes the Gunners "have a point to prove" when facing the team that ousted them from the Champions League a week ago. But they'll need to earn more than "a point" from the match to keep Manchester United from clinching the title tomorrow, as all the home side needs is a draw at Old Trafford to retain the Premiership crown.

With the disappointment still lingering among the club and its supporters after being denied a chance to play in the Champions League final, Wenger views Saturday's clash "as more a matter of pride than a desire to poop the title party."

"We have a point to prove, definitely," said the manager at Thursday's press conference. "It looks like it will be Man United who win the league, but we can still delay it. We want to play for our pride and be respected for who we are, that is people who love the game they play.

"We promised ourselves on the first of January we would give everything in every game until the end of the season," he continued. "This is where we can show we are capable to do that."

Wenger also believes his side are closer to United than the 18-point gap currently seen between the two teams in the league table, citing defense as the difference for the side from Manchester.

"What people forget is that we were very far behind and we dropped too many points. Man United are world champions, European champions, and will be champions of England," claimed the manager. "Everybody has to cope with that, not accept it, and come back next year and beat them.

"We have a very promising team who can deliver very soon," added Wenger. "If you look at the statistics of the two teams, for example, we have scored a similar amount of goals. In the passing quality in the final third and in the opposition half, we are as good as Man United. We have conceded more goals, and that's where the difference lies.

"We have conceded 36, they have conceded 24; we have scored 64, and they have scored 67. Offensively, I do not believe there is a difference. Defensively, there was a difference."

Speaking of the Arsenal defense, first-choice players Manuel Almunia, William Gallas, and Gael Clichy are all unavailable for tomorrow's match at Old Trafford. Defenders Gallas and Clichy are out for the season, while keeper Almunia does have a chance to return in the final league match versus Stoke City, according to Wenger.

The Gunners' attack will see the return of Andrei Arshavin, who missed the Chelsea match with the flu and is now fully fit. This gives the Russian his first opportunity to face Manchester United in an Arsenal shirt, as he was Cup-tied for the Champions League this season and thus missed both semifinal round matches against the Red Devils.

Arshavin has been impressive in his first half-season at the Emirates after arriving in January for what has been reported as the club's record transfer signing. Many Arsenal supporters are hoping the club splashes more cash this summer to bring in additional players to help improve the club that has gone four seasons without a trophy.

Wenger's preferred youth policy and frugality in regard to transfers while managing the club were among the concerns voiced by supporters frustrated with the lack of silverware in recent years, who attended a shareholders meeting at which Wenger spoke on Thursday evening.

Addressing the issue, the manager criticized the negativity among supporters but did admit that his team must deliver in the coming campaigns. "It is easy to sit in the stands and say that they are not up for the fight," he said. "But what they have done in this season in a negative environment shows what they can do.

"If they don't deliver in one or two years, then you can say that it was not the right thing to do. But at the moment this club needs the support of the people who love it," claimed Wenger. "We want to run the club by respecting our financial values, respecting the game we want to play, and developing the players that we have had for five years at this club.

"If we do not get there, then I will stand up and be responsible," added the manager. "But no one has done what this team has done at the average age they are now."

Arsenal's Veteran Stars Are Looking for Love...and Continuity

Mike Griffin — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:15:01 -0400

With just two league matches remaining to be played in Arsenal's 2008-09 season, talk concerning the club has already begun turning to year-end reviews and outlooks on player transfers for the next campaign—with views expressed by everyone from TV pundits to obscure Web bloggers to a large Russian man whose shares in the club have grown considerably in recent years.

Yes, Alisher Usmanov has surfaced again, with the Russian billionaire claiming (through a spokesperson) that Arsenal must step up its transfer dealings in order to remain competitive with England's and Europe's other big clubs.

Now owning 25 percent of the club's shares, Usmanov has supposedly even offered to provide some funds, saying, "the debt at the club appears to be an impediment...and we are ready to help address that if the board asks."

But Arsene Wenger has again reiterated this week that he doesn't feel the need to splash the cash for big-name signings to improve things at the club.

Instead, the manager says he is looking to find just a couple replacement players who will fit the right areas for improvement, while also focusing on retaining the services of some current Arsenal stars who may be coveted elsewhere.

One such Gunner is veteran Kolo Toure, who was rumored to possibly head to Manchester City in the recent January transfer window. The Ivory Coast defender endured a dip in form during the first half of the season, while his defensive partnership—and personal relationship—with William Gallas seemed to suffer.

Reports even surfaced that Toure had put in for a transfer request, which was withdrawn after some talks with Wenger.

But since that time, the Ivorian has certainly returned to form, serving as a rock at the back during the team's 20-plus match unbeaten streak and leading a patched-up back four in these final months.

In an interview that first appeared in Arsenal's official matchday program, Toure claims his love of Arsenal remains strong, though he did question his future with the club at points earlier in this campaign.

"I have been here a long time, and when I saw some players leaving the club last year, that was difficult for me," he said. "Then when we didn't start the season well, I was scared. You start to think that maybe the club don't need you anymore. When it's like that and you are 28, you have to think about yourself as well.

"But I came back, I'm playing at the moment, and I hope that will carry on. There is still time on my contract, and I hope the club will show me that they need me.

"When you love somebody, it's important that they love you back," continued the Ivorian. "I have loved this club for years, and I always give everything for the team. Since I've been here I've just tried to do my best, but you can't be at the top all the time. Sometimes your level will drop a bit.

"That's when you need to be strong and bounce back, and that's what I tried to do this season."

Toure added that he believes "you can only truly love one club in your career, and my club is Arsenal. It doesn't matter if I ever move on to another team, Arsenal will always be the one in my heart. When my career is finished and I'm older, I will always think of myself as an Arsenal man."

While Toure is "looking for love" from his club, Robin van Persie is hoping for some continuity to remain as the club looks forward to the 2009-10 season.

Calling on Arsenal to keep its top players this summer after losing the likes of Mathieu Flamini, Alex Hleb, and Gilberto Silva in the offseason a year ago, van Persie believes "the main thing for me is that we stay together. If we lose three or four every year, it is hard to get the spirit in. Hopefully we can stay here and have a real go at it."

The forward from Holland added (in an interview with arsenal.com), "If we can produce games like we did this year there is room for improvement—if you look at our midfield, it is between 20 and 22."

The recent news that one of Arsenal's young stars—Theo Walcott—has already signed a new contract to remain at The Emirates should be encouraging for van Persie, who is in talks with club executives to renew his own contract with the club.

Securing the services of the young England international Walcott before season's end, along with attempts to finalize van Persie's contract, do provide evidence that Wenger and club officials are intent on maintaining that continuity at the club—by keeping and rewarding its current stars as Arsenal looks to overcome its four-year drought without silverware and bring more trophies to North London in the near future.

Second Successive Home Defeat Marks a Symbolic End to Arsenal's Season

Mike Griffin — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:33:07 -0400

Just 22 short days ago, things were looking very promising for Arsenal Football Club. Gaining in momentum on a number of fronts, the Gunners were heading into both the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League semifinal rounds with some major confidence.

At the time, the team's unbeaten league run was building impressively, a number of injured stars were seemingly returning at just the right time, and the opportunity to make something out of a disappointing season looked promising.

Boy, what a difference a few weeks can make!

Yesterday's 4-1 home league defeat suffered at the hands of Chelsea will probably be remembered not only for the game's final margin but for symbolically bringing a very frustrating season to a close for Arsene Wenger's young side.

The loss Sunday has ended Arsenal's 21-match unbeaten streak in the league, ended the Gunners' chance to finish third in the Premiership this season, and also ended one of the worst weeks in recent memory for the club—having been eliminated five days earlier in the CL Semis by Manchester United.

Things looked rather promising for Arsenal in the opening half hour of Sunday's match, with the Gunners basically dominating things. If not for some subpar finishing from Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby and Alex Song, the home side could have been a couple goals up on Chelsea.

But like we have seen far too many times lately, a goal from the Gunners' opponents against the run of play turned the match around and in Chelsea's favor.

On this occasion it was Alex heading home off a free-kick for the Blues in the 28th minute. Disgusted and already running a bit late for a family gathering I had to attend, I turned the match off and left home, retaining the hope that Arsenal would come back to win and keep alive its slim hopes of finishing third in the league.

But, as the match wore on, that was far from the case. Like Tuesday's debacle against United, it wasn't long before the Gunners were two down, thanks to a fine 20-yard effort from Nicolas Anelka.

The second half brought two more Chelsea goals sandwiched around a Nicklas Bendtner header for Arsenal's lone reply, resulting in the home team's worst defeat to date at the Emirates.

So, the lost opportunities in some big matches over these past three weeks has meant the Gunners will go trophyless for a fourth straight season. And now there is no chance for overtaking Chelsea for third, with Wenger not too disappointed in that regard.

“We had a small opportunity to come third but three months ago everybody said we would finish tenth so I would have signed at that point to finish fourth," the manager told reporters after the match.

"I don’t feel we have to be too disappointed with that, but what is very disappointing for us is in the games that mattered in the last three or four weeks we couldn’t win. That’s where we have to analyse. But today there were a lot of positives in the game and we have to take a little distance from the defeat because it’s not a 4-1 game today.”

Citing his team's many chances on goal, Wenger felt Arsenal "should have been 2-0 up before they had a shot on goal. On the first free-kick we made a mistake and they scored. Today we missed seven or eight clear-cut chances and on every single mistake we made we were punished.”

When questioned on his side's defense and the number of goals let in during recent matches, the French manager did admit that "We have to improve the way we defend. You wouldn’t like to come out when you lose 4-1 and say ‘listen, we are going to buy four defenders.'

I believe we have quality defenders and it’s more a case of balancing the team defensively than the quality of our defenders.”

The two rather heavy home defeats have left many supporters voicing concerns with the current Arsenal squad and clamoring for some major summer signings to improve the team.

Yet Wenger has remained calm on the matter, telling arsenal.com's Richard Clarke that he "does not feel his side needs major surgery. He wants improvements 'in the right areas' but has ruled out a raft of signings."

“I don’t think the squad needs major investment,” said Wenger. “At the moment I don’t know what funds will be available (anyway). But I just believe we need to continue to improve. I’m not as doom-and-gloom as everybody wants to make it after a defeat."

Arsenal 1- Man U 3 CL Semi: "Over Before It Started"

Mike Griffin — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:40:55 -0400

Settling in at my desk at around 10 minutes before 3 p.m. yesterday after a short meeting at the office, I quickly got online to find a live video stream for Arsenal's "biggest match of the season."

The second leg of the Champions League semifinal at the Emirates had already begun five minutes earlier.

I was anxiously awaiting the game for most of the day and expecting to be a bundle of nerves throughout the next two hours. I hoped to see the Gunners overcome a 1-0 deficit to advance past Manchester United and into the Champions League Finals on May 27.

Yet only 10 minutes into my viewing, this huge European tilt between the two footballing giants of England was basically decided.

The final 80 minutes of the encounter weren't really even required.

My hopes were devastatingly shot.

The air was out of the stadium, and the Gunners' last chance at a trophy this year was gone.

Goals from Park Ji-Sung after a Kieran Gibbs blunder and Cristiano Ronaldo (on a free kick from 40 yards out, believe it or not) gave the Red Devils a quick 2-0 lead and commanding 3-0 aggregate just 11 minutes into the match.

Gooners everywhere began lamenting another season without silverware for their team.

By the time the full 90 minutes were through, Ronaldo had slotted home another goal after a fine counter attack.

Robin van Persie smashed home a penalty shot in minute 75 after Cesc Fabregas was taken down by Darren Fletcher (who was harshly given a red card and will thus miss the Final in Rome).

Arsenal played the rest of the game a man up, but the fans—those who remained in the stands until the end, anyway—hardly noticed and the tie ended anticlimactically at 3-1 to United.

As manager Arsene Wenger noted afterwards, "the most disappointing thing tonight is that we don’t feel like we’ve played the semifinal of the Champions League because we were out of it after 10 minutes. We were in a position where we had to take all the gambles after having started quite well. The most disappointing thing is that the game was over before it started, that is most difficult to swallow."

Admitting that Manchester United were the better side over the two legs, the manager added, "it’s very, very disappointing to fight such a long way to get where we have been but to give the game away like we did tonight. I felt the fans were really up for a big night and to disappoint the people who stand behind the team so much tonight hurts really.”

Even with the unfortunate slip by Gibbs prior to the opening goal or Manuel Almunia's failed attempt to save the Ronaldo free kick, Wenger stuck by his team.

He stated, "We do not want to blame any player individually. It is like that and in two minutes we conceded two goals which was too much on a night like that against a team who defends well and comes out on the counter-attack."

Much of the resulting discussion appearing online was angry. It was primarily directed at Wenger's lack of action adding experience and physicality to his team this year.

Many expressed comments believing that to be the reason for another trophy-less season.

Others wondered what types of changes in personnel would boost this club back to its high-flying status so evident earlier this decade.

Post-match questions for Wenger from reporters included that query on potential changes this offseason, but the Frenchman considered it "a difficult question to answer tonight because I am too disappointed."

"I need to take some distance with this season. We are on a consistent run of 21 games unbeaten but recently in the games that have mattered, like Chelsea and tonight, we couldn’t win. That of course needs thinking."

“It’s easy to say that we need a bit of experience," he continued, "but I am convinced that we have the quality and we’ll continue to develop. If you look at the average age of the team it is still very young. To reach that level deserves a lot of credit but tonight we were caught by a team who has the art to kill and take advantage of mistakes."

Veteran defender Kolo Toure agreed that Manchester United "are a cut above the rest of the Premier League."

But he told arsenal.com's Chris Harris that his Gunners can soon close the gap on their European conquerors.

"I think they [Man United] are the best at the moment," admitted Toure. "They have really experienced players, they are really strong physically, they are tactically fantastic. I think they are good defensively as well."

But Toure also noted that "when you see the first five minutes of the game you could see it was not so far between the teams. We put pressure on them and we could have scored with Cesc’s deflected shot. That can make the difference—whether you have luck or not.

"We have been together for a long time but we have not won trophies yet. When you win trophies it becomes like a habit for you," added the Ivory Coast defender.

"At this time we did not win anything and at the moment we do not know what is happening. But I think when we get the first trophy you will see more from Arsenal."

Unfortunately, that first piece of silverware since May of 2005 will not arrive during the this season.

Club supporters have to endure another summer of "what if's" all the while wondering when the potential of this young and talented team will be realized and result in more hardware for the Arsenal trophy case.

Arsenal-Manchester United: Who Will Emerge As Tonight's UEFA CL Hero?

Mike Griffin — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:51:14 -0400

Well, the day has finally come. May 5 (a.k.a. Cinco de Mayo) dates a historic regional holiday in Mexico that has seemed to spread to other parts of the world into another one of those occasions for people to gather, drink and carouse—simply because the day has some significance to someone somewhere else on the planet.

But if things go right tonight at the Emirates Stadium, Cinco de Mayo could have a hugely important and historic meaning for Gooners worldwide this year. This is because tonight marks the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal, and represents a chance for Arsenal to advance past rivals Manchester United and into the Final in Rome on May 27.

That date later this month would be almost twenty years to the day of the team's most historic victory—on May 26 in 1989 Arsenal traveled to Anfield on the final day of their season, knowing that a 2-0 victory over Liverpool would make them champions of England's First Division. "There then unfurled a night that turned one match into myth, and eleven players into legends," states noted blogger GilbertoSilver in his "Gunnerblog" today.

The match tonight represents a similar two-goal task to overcome, and the question we all are asking is "Will this May night turn the current group of Gunners into heroes?"

There is not necessarily a trophy at stake tonight, but the victory would offer a chance for the Gunners to take the field in another Champions League final, and build the confidence and experience of this young and talented side, which has been coming up on the wrong side of scorelines of major matches in recent years.

Halfway through this season the pundits would have written off this Arsenal team when predicting league and Cup winners for the campaign.

But after enduring injuries, unrest and a mid-term scoring slump, somehow Arsene's Wenger's squad have recovered to find themselves still within a shot of being crowned Champions Of Europe for 2009.

As the French manager stated yesterday, "If I had said in November that we will be in the semifinals of the Champions League and the FA Cup, and go 21 (league) games unbeaten, you would have called an ambulance.”

It's true, having emerged from such a disappointing first half of the season—and such a poor performance just a week ago in the first leg of this CL semifinal at Old Trafford—it would seem amazing to see Arsenal sitting 90 impressive minutes away from lifting the Champions League trophy.

And to steal a bit more from Gunnerblog today—a great post that you should check out at www.gunnerblog.com—"We have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. And whilst failing to gain everything could hurt, the point remains that we ought to go out and play without fear. Everybody needs to have a big game tonight—that ought to go without saying. It’s going to have to be a mighty performance to overturn United’s one goal advantage, but it is certainly possible."

As Gunnerblog continues, "Whether we go through or not, I’m confident we’ll go out with all guns blazing. And if enough guns blaze in the direction of Edwin Van Der Sar’s goal, then you never know. You just never know. Ring the alarm bell. It’s here. And it’s time for some of these Arsenal boys to become men."

And in a prediction relevant to today's holiday, I am tipping our own Mexican national, 20-year-old Carlos Vela, to emerge as that boy who'll become a man tonight by scoring the goal to put Arsenal into the Final.

That would certainly make for a fitting Cinco de Mayo celebration in North London (and here in the U.S.) for Arsenal supporters tonight.

Come On You Gunners!!

Arsenal's Young Thoroughbreds Win Big On A Different "Derby Day"

Mike Griffin — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:05:26 -0400

The term "Derby Day" has a different meaning here in the United States than it does in England or Europe, referring not to local soccer rivalries but to the first Saturday each May when a group of young thoroughbreds speed around a mile-and-a-quarter track at Louisville's Churchill Downs in that most famous of horse races, the Kentucky Derby.

The annual "Run For The Roses" featured an upset winner in the 2009 edition of the Kentucky Derby yesterday. A 50-to-1 longshot named Mine That Bird waited until late in the race before impressively weaving its way through most of the field over the final stretch to win by a wide margin.

Approaching "the homestretch" of the horse race that is the 2008-09 Barclays Premier League, it seemed an outsider (either Aston Villa or Everton) was poised to earn its own upset and outlast one of the Big Four clubs to "win" Champions League status for the upcoming season by finishing fourth or higher in the final league standings.

But in the last month or so, with Villa losing speed after a strong start and Everton also fading a bit late in this race, it has been the "young thoroughbreds" at Arsenal who have made the impressive run late in the season to overcome the two challengers by a wide distance. The Gunners officially secured fourth place on America's Derby Day by winning 3-0 at Portsmouth, with Nicklas Bendtner scoring twice and Carlos Vela notching his first Premiership goal.

Strong performances from a number of its younger stars that also include Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey highlighted the victory and allowed manager Arsene Wenger to rest some of the team's top guns for Arsenal's Champions League semifinal on Tuesday against the "biggest of horses," Manchester United.

And while fourth spot in the league may not seem much like a "win" to the club's supporters who had been used to seeing their side capture league or Cup trophies earlier in Wenger's reign, it has to feel comforting that this injury-depleted Arsenal team has confidently recovered from a mid-season slump to maintain Champions League status for next season, and still be among the European sides left with a chance to lift this season's trophy.

Keeping that hope alive will require some doing at the Emirates Stadium in mid-week, as Arsenal have to overcome a 1-0 deficit after a disappointing first-leg semifinal performance at Old Trafford. But Wenger believes his young team has the character and skill to advance past United and into the final.

Such is the faith and belief in the overall squad that he made eight changes from the starting lineup of the CL game on Wednesday for the Saturday league match at Fratton Park. Yet the quality shown from what some termed "a collection of kids" on the Gunners' team sheet was evident throughout the match, with a few players perhaps even earning a spot in the lineup for the return leg of the European semifinal with United.

"I have not decided on the team for Tuesday but some could play from today," Wenger told reporters after the Portsmouth match. "I think we were dominant apart from a patch in the second half. They had the potential to make it 2-1 but we scored on the break and that finished the game for us. We prepare now for our next game, which is a big one, but we will be ready for it and you will see a very strong Arsenal team," he added.

The Gunners did take control of the Portsmouth match early, with Bendtner's header in the twelfth minute getting through the hands of keeper David James to provide the 1-0 lead. The opener came off a cross from Andrey Arshavin, who was later taken down on a run into the box five minutes from the break for a questionable penalty decision against Sean Davis. Bendtner side-footed the penalty shot into the right side of the net, giving the Gunners a 2-0 halftime lead.

Portsmouth began the second half well, but a left-footed strike from the Mexican Vela in minute 55 secured the victory and the points, pleasing manager Wenger. "I never have any doubts about these young players," he told www.arsenal.com. "I see them everyday and you can see there is a good communication, a good connection and we showed some good combination play. We work a lot on that; these players have talent."

So, on a day that Arsenal's London neighbors Chelsea were prevailing in a "local derby" match against Fulham to remain six points ahead of the Gunners for third place in the Premiership, Wenger's stable of young talent displayed its potential once again to remind rivals that the Emirates is still home to one of the strongest and deepest squads in the league and in Europe.

Arsenal fans may be growing upset with the prospect of another trophy-less year at the Emirates, but the late-season form for this Gunners team after an injury-riddled campaign has offered a number of positives, showing supporters that they "still have a horse in the race" for this year's Champions League trophy, for a potential final-weekends steal of third place, and—as evidenced once again in Saturday's impressive display against Portsmouth—as one of the favorites for trophies in the near future.