Charlton v Arsenal

The Valley
Saturday, 30 September
Kick-off: 1500 BST

Andy Reid is in line for a return to the Charlton side to ease the injury crisis at the Valley.

Jerome Thomas, Souleymane Diawara and Omar Pouso are poised to return to training, while Jonathan Fortune (toe) and Gonzalo Sorondo remain sidelined.

Arsenal defender William Gallas will have a fitness test on his hamstring ahead of his side's trip to The Valley.

Johan Djourou (foot) is also a concern and a decision will be made as late as possible, so Justin Hoyte stands by.

Charlton (from): Carson, Young, Hreidarsson, El Karkouri, Fortune, Rommedahl, Kishishev, Faye, Ambrose, Reid, Holland, M Bent, D Bent, Hasselbaink, Holland, Ashton, Myhre, Sankofa, John, Walker, Lisbie.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Hoyte, Djourou, Gallas, Hleb, Baptista, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Van Persie, Flamini, Adebayor, Almunia, Ljungberg, Walcott, Song, Henry.

Charlton manager Iain Dowie:"We will have to be very resilient. It is a myth that you can bully Arsenal - but you have got to get close to them.

"If you stand off and allow Cesc Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky or Alexander Hleb time they will pick out a pass.
"We have to attack them when we get the opportunity. Arsenal are not unbeatable, but you have to win enough of the one-on-one individual battles."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:"I am like the players, I am only good if I win the next day.
"For me what is important is not what I have done.

"Maybe I will reflect on it one day, when I stop work - but at the moment what is important for me is to win at Charlton."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

CHARLTON ATHLETIC take on Arsenal in their third London derby of the season, looking to avoid a fourth successive Premiership defeat against a side whose midweek Champions League victory over FC Porto was their fourth win in a row.

Iain Dowie has overseen the Addicks' worst start in Premiership history with five defeats from six matches, and a loss here, coupled with three points for Sheffield United home to Middlesbrough, would see Charlton at the foot of the table.

The Addicks have lost their last five Premiership matches with Arsenal, and have not beaten them since a 2-4 success at Highbury on 4 November 2001. Their only home win in this League, against the Gunners, was 1-0 on New Years Day 2001 when Jonatan Johansson scored the winner.

ARSENAL set out on an 11th year with Arsene Wenger at the helm, having hit form after an inauspicious opening. They aim to make Charlton their third Premiership victims on the bounce in the wake of the 0-1 win at Manchester United and 3-0 trouncing of Sheffield United - their biggest margin of victory to date in this League season.

Eight points from five matches is Arsenal's worst start in six seasons. They go into their 550th Premiership fixture and 275th away from home, looking to score in the first half of a League game for the first time this season.

The Gunners travel in search of a fifth win in six Premiership visits to Charlton, and a third in a row. Arsenal are unbeaten in nine against Charlton, winning eight of them.

REFEREE

Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

Premiership referees' table

Mark Clattenburg's 2006-07 Premiership card count

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Club stats

Fixtures 19th 3 pointsHighest achievable after Saturday's matches: 14th Lowest could fall:

BOTTOM

1. Last lost more than three Premiership matches in succession between 29 October and 4 December when defeated in five consecutive games.

2. Lost more Premiership matches this season than any other club - five.

3. Iain Dowie is searching for his third win in all competitions as Charlton manager, and second in the League.

4. Victory would be Charlton's 1,200th in their League history.

5. Won one of the last nine Premiership matches (2-0 against Bolton in their last home match on 26 August), and lost the other eight.

6. Managed one clean sheet in 11 League games.

7. Conceded more goals in the highest echelon than any other club - eleven. On average that is one every 49 minutes.

8. Nine of the 11 League goals shipped have been conceded in the second half and two of those in stoppage time. That's more than any other club on both counts.

9. Lost both London Premiership derbies this season (3-1 away to West Ham, and 2-1, away to Chelsea). Not won a League capital derby in 2006. Drawn two and lost five, since beating West Ham 2-0 at home on 31 December 2005.

10. Iain Dowie is the second shortest-serving current Premiership manager behind Martin O'Neill of Aston Villa. Dowie was appointed on 30 May 2006.

ARSENAL

Club stats

Fixtures 9th 8 pointsHighest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7thLowest could realistically fall: 10th

1. Ended last season with three Premiership victories on the bounce.

2. Won the last four in all competitions against Hamburg (CL), Manchester United (PL), Sheffield United (PL) and Porto (CL).

3. Lost only one of nine League and Cup games this term (1-0 at Manchester City on 26 August).

4. Completed 23 Premiership matches since a goalless draw (0-0 v Manchester United at Highbury on 3 January).

5. Ten different scorers have netted 15 goals in Champions League and Premiership matches to date this season.

6. Won both Premiership matches in which they have scored first.

7. Won four, drawn three and lost three London Premiership derbies last season.

8. Won two and drawn one Premier League capital derbies since losing 2-3, home to West Ham on 1 February.

9. Arsene Wenger is the second longest-serving manager of a Premiership club, behind Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United. Wenger was appointed 28 September 1996.

10. Used fewer players in Premiership matches than any other club, with the exception of Bolton. Both have fielded 17.

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Squad profiles

Jerome THOMAS began his professional career with Arsenal.

DARREN BENT has scored four of Charlton's five goals so far this season - three of the four in the Premiership. Jimmy Floyd HASSELBAINK got the other.

MARCUS BENT is a hat-trick short of 100 club career goals.

ARSENAL

Squad profiles

Thierry HENRY has scored 11 goals in 11 meetings with Charlton.

If he plays, Alexander HLEB will be making his 50th appearance for Arsenal.

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Charlton Athletic 0-1 Arsenal26 December 2005 - Ref: Steve BennettArsenal scorers: Reyes 58Sent Off: Murphy (Charlton) 72

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and awayLeague: Charlton 9 wins, Arsenal 30, Draws 11Prem: Charlton 2 wins, Arsenal 10, Draws 2

at Charlton onlyLeague: Charlton 4 wins, Arsenal 15, Draws 6Prem: Charlton 1 win, Arsenal 5, Draws 1

From : BBC Sports

Arsenal v FC Porto

Emirates Stadium
Tuesday, 26 September
Kick-off: 1945 BST

Arsenal have slight doubts over midfielder Freddie Ljungberg (knee) and centre-back Johan Djourou (foot).

However boss Arsene Wenger said he is optimistc that Ljungberg, who missed training training on Monday, and Djourou will both be available.

Captain Thierry Henry is expected to start after playing on Saturday.

But Philippe Senderos (shoulder), Gael Clichy (foot), Lauren (knee) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are all still a few weeks away from a return.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Hoyte, Djourou, Gallas, Hleb, Baptista, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Van Persie, Flamini, Adebayor, Almunia, Ljungberg, Walcott, Song, Henry.

BIG MATCH STATS

Definitions of terms used:-

Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.

Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).

Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

Head-to-heads

Arsenal and FC Porto have never met before. Arsenal have hosted Portuguese opposition twice, winning once and losing once. Most recently they lost 4-2 on aggregate to Benfica in the 1991-92 Champions Cup.

FC Porto travel to England for the ninth time. They have failed to win in their eight previous trips, drawing once and losing seven. Honours were even in the 2003-04 CL match at Old Trafford, when they drew 1-1 with Manchester United.

European history

Arsenal - last season's beaten finalists - are making their ninth appearance in the CL main competition and their seventh consecutively.

FC Porto are competing in their 45th European campaign. 1973-74 was the last season in which they did not participate in Europe.

Current European form

Arsenal are unbeaten in 10 CL home matches and have kept a clean sheet in their last five.

FC Porto have recorded two successive goalless draws and failed to win any of their last four matches in the Champions League. Their last victory dates back to 19 October 2005 when they beat Inter Milan 2-0 in the group phase.

Player and disciplinary info

The Gunners squad contains four players with 50 or more CL appearances - Jens Lehmann (50), Lauren (53), Fredrik Ljungberg (60) and Thierry Henry (79). Henry is Arsenal's most prolific CL striker with 41 goals.

Veteran goalkeeper Vitor Baia is Porto's most experienced CL player with 56 matches.

Following Benni McCarthy's departure, Croatian striker Sokota is their top scorer in this competition with three goals. If he plays, Ricardo Quaresma will be playing on his 23rd birthday.
Other miscellaneous facts

Thierry Henry is fourth on the all-time top scorers list of Champions League with 41 goals, trailing Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andriy Shevchenko (both on 43) and Raul (51).

Both of these clubs enjoyed victories over the weekend. The Gunners defeated Sheffield United 3-0 in the Premiership on Saturday, a day after Porto beat SC Beira-Mar (3-0) with goals from Helder Postiga, Lisandro Lopez and Tarik Sektioui. It was a fourth successive League victory, leaving Porto top of the table.

Big Match Stats source: Infostrada Sports

From : BBC Sports

Euro experience frustrates Wenger

Emirates Stadium
Tuesday, 26 September
Kick-off: 1945 BST

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he will always have unfinished business in the Champions League - even if the club go on to win it three seasons in a row.

He has never won the trophy in his 10 years with the Gunners and saw them lose to Barcelona in this year's final.

He said: "No matter when I stop, I will always feel I have not done enough.

"I will always have that feeling - even if I won the Champions League three seasons running, I'd still think it. It is in me, I don't know why but it is."

Although the Gunners boss has not himself re-run every minute of last season's final, Wenger admits a sense of what might have been will always remain.

"I have not intentionally watched it again but I have seen it again," added Wenger, whose side lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

"When I come in to training, we always have people who watch videos. Even when you do not want to watch it, you get to training and people are looking at it.

"We should have won it, yes, because we had the chances to score the second goal and also because we lacked a bit of experience in the way we conceded the goal.

"However, you cannot say it was a big failure on the day, that the team did not turn up.
"We gave absolutely everything, were a bit unlucky and a bit lacking in experience."

Wenger accepts his side have now become something of a scalp in European football - given their exploits last season.

"The fact we believe we can go into the final again is compensated by the fact that we will not surprise Real Madrid or Barcelona now if we play them," he said.

"They would expect a different game, for us to be strong. But, on the other hand, we would be stronger and believe more we can do it."

From : BBC Sports

Gunners inspired by Euro heartache

Arsene Wenger believes last season's Champions League final heartache only served to make his squad hungry for more European success.

The Gunners were just 13 minutes away from victory over Barcelona in Paris, having played most of the match with only 10 men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

The determination of the emerging side to succeed against the odds proved one of the reasons why captain Thierry Henry pledged his future to the Barclays Premiership club.

Having come through qualifying and victory in their opening Group G match, Wenger's men will take a big stride towards reaching the second phase should they beat Porto at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow night.

The Arsenal manager is in his 10th season at the north London club, and has every faith in the current crop of first team talent.

Wenger declared: "I want to win it every year. We were very close last year.

"It has motivated us even more so to come back and win it.

The Gunners boss added: "For a long time people said: 'Okay, Arsenal you do well in the Premiership - but not in Europe.'

"Now we have convinced everyone we can do well in Europe as well.

"To win it, however, we first have to come back to the final.

"It is still a very long way and fortunately for us, I feel the team has the first ingredient and is motivated to do it.

"Everyone takes us very seriously."

Wenger feels "the belief is much higher than two weeks ago" following morale-boosting wins over Hamburg, at Manchester United and then recording a first victory in the Emirates Stadium against struggling Sheffield United on Saturday.

The Arsenal manager, however, will not be taking the challenge of the Portuguese champions and 2004 European Cup winners lightly.

Wenger insisted: "We know we play against a big opponent in Porto, who always makes it very difficult.

"They have good technical level, with great experience in the Champions League.

"For us it is a big, big scalp tomorrow because they are always to difficult to beat."

Arsenal are likely to come up against former Tottenham striker Helder Postiga tomorrow.

Spurs signed the Portugal international for £6.25million from Porto in June 2003 - but he was on his way back home just over a year later after failing to settle at White Hart Lane.

Wenger noted: "Postiga is a good player - maybe Tottenham gave him up too early.

"He has shown ingredients of a very good player."

The Arsenal boss added: "Porto have a strong midfield and at the back, Pepe and [Bruno] Alves look technically very strong.

"They are buzzing down the flanks and have many dangerous positions.

"Under the new coach [Jesualdo Ferreira], they look a bit more cautious in their approach - but it does not mean they are less dangerous."
From : Football 365

Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd

William Gallas scored his first Arsenal goal since moving from Chelsea to help overcome Sheffield United's resistance.

Thierry Henry, back after injury, chipped a pass into the box, Cesc Fabregas half-controlled it and Gallas smashed the aloft ball into the corner.

Henry was involved in Arsenal's second when Phil Jagielka diverted the Frenchman's cross into his own net.

And Henry sealed Arsenal's first Premiership win at their new Emirates Stadium when he headed home late on.

But for long periods it had looked as though the visitors would be the latest team to leave Arsenal frustrated at their new home.

And that was despite Gunners' skipper Henry's return to the team.

The talismanic striker was soon into the action - yet in unfamiliar fashion - using his head to connect with Kolo Toure's deep cross to the far post.

But Blades' keeper Ian Bennett managed to get his fingertips to the Frenchman's point-blank effort and turn the ball around the post.

Yet it was the visitors, despite them lying bottom of the table and without a Premiership win, who were first to have an attempt on goal.

Chris Armstrong struck a decent free-kick, but Jens Lehmann proved equal to the shot, diving low to his right.

It was clear that Blades manager Neil Warnock - celebrating the 1,000th match of his managerial career - had sent out his men with orders to snap in the tackle and get forward when they could.

Alan Wright demonstrated United's fighting spirit after a tangle left him needing attention to a cut on his head.

And Freddie Ljungberg found Bennett equally stubborn when his shot was saved by the Blades' keeper.

Earlier, though, Bennett should have been beaten when Gallas was put through by Tomas Rosicky's pass, but the defender screwed his shot wide.

As United grew in stature and continued to stifle Arsenal, so the game became more scrappy - the midfield became congested and chances were scarce.

It was a pattern that continued for a while the interval, albeit with United pegged back a little more, but remaining resolute in defence.

Particularly Bennett, who produced a fine save to divert Ljungberg's shot over the bar.

But Arsenal began to dominate and Bennett was powerless to prevent Gallas scoring the goal his all-round play deserved when Arsenal's emergency left-back cracked his shot into the roof of the net to finish off a delicate move on 65 minutes.

It was a blow to United, who had fought bravely - and it appeared to knock them out of their stride.

Just four minutes later, Henry worked his way down the left flank and his low centre was fluffed by Jagielka who could only watch his intervention divert the ball beyond his own keeper.

And Henry rounded off a victory, with a score line that was a little flattering, when he headed in Emannuel Eboue's cross from the right.

Steve Kabba almost snatched a consolation for United, when he rose at the back post, but Lehmann made an athletic save to ensure a clean sheet.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:"We had to fight and Sheffield United played a very good game. They defended well and didn't hide when they had the chance to come out.

"We needed to make sure we didn't become too nervous and to continue to do things properly.

"I felt that all we need to do was keep calm and patient."

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock:"The players gave me everything and I could not have asked for more - it's all a manager can ask.

"Thierry Henry said to me when we were coming off, 'it was a very hard game and your boys have done very well' - and I think that was true.

"In the end, the difference was their quality. They were better than us."

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Gallas, Ljungberg (Julio Baptista 78), Fabregas, Silva, Rosicky (Hleb 71), Adebayor (Van Persie 71), Henry. Subs Not Used: Almunia, Flamini.

Booked: Fabregas, Eboue.

Goals: Gallas 65, Jagielka 69 og, Henry 80.

Sheff Utd: Bennett, Sommeil (Alan Quinn 78), Jagielka, Davis, Geary (Kozluk 78), Gillespie, Leigertwood, Armstrong, Wright, Kazim-Richards (Kabba 89), Hulse. Subs Not Used: Bromby,
Akinbiyi. Booked: Hulse.

Att: 59,912

Ref: A Wiley (Staffordshire).

From : BBC Sports

Wenger delighted with Arsenal win

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has conceded that defeat at Manchester United could have been "decisive" as far as their title chances are concerned.

However, the Gunners won 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Emmanuel Adebayor.

"A loss could have been decisive but this win reinforces the belief that we are a very strong side," said Wenger.

"I would never have thought that our challenge would have been over if we had lost but psychologically it might have been difficult for the players."

Wenger added: "We controlled the game and created chances. We always looked good technically. Everyone in the team played well, gave everything and showed quality.The Gunners had a great chance to take the lead earlier in the match but Gilberto had his penalty saved by Tomasz Kuszczak.

The Brazilian slipped as he took the kick, making it easier for the keeper to save the effort.

"I've seen a lot of big players miss penalties," said Gilberto.

"Afterwards a lot of my team-mates came over and gave me support. It helped me keep calm.

"A lot of reports said that we were out of the title race but those people are completely wrong."

Meanwhile, Manchester United skipper Gary Neville said Arsenal made his side pay for their sloppy play.

"We are disappointed. When you make mistakes in midfield they are as good as anybody in making you pay," he said.

"Our passing wasn't good and we looked tired. We gave the ball away too many times. We would have accepted 0-0.

"We had two or three clear-cut chances, but didn't take them. They had three good chances too."

From : BBC Sports

Man U 0 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal gained their first Premiership win of the season and halted Manchester United's four-match winning start in an absorbing contest at Old Trafford.

Cesc Fabregas caught United's Cristiano Ronaldo in possession and Emmanuel Adebayor scored from his threaded pass.

United debutant keeper Tomasz Kuszczak had earlier saved Gilberto's penalty after he had brought down Adebayor.

Arsenal needed keeper Jens Lehmann to preserve the win, with an astonishing late save from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

With Thierry Henry unfit, Arsenal strung five across midfield, with Adebayor asked to plough a lone furrow up front.

But Arsenal's midfield quintet were completely bypassed by Mikael Silvestre's diagonal ball in the first minute, which found Darren Fletcher breaking into the box, but William Gallas blocked the shot with a well-timed challenge.

Edwin van der Sar's failure to shake off a stomach bug handed Kuszczak a debut and his initial action in a first-team shirt was to haul down Adebayor for a penalty.

Gilberto's standing foot slipped as he struck the kick, allowing Kuszczak to atone for his error by plunging to his right to save.

The Polish keeper's stock rose even further when he parried Adebayor's powerful header against the post and Paul Scholes was on the line to clear the ball away from Gallas.

With Freddie Ljungberg, Aleksandr Hleb and Rosicky pushing on from midfield, Arsenal worked the ball slickly to make light of Henry's absence - and Kuszczak was called into action to beat away Tomas Rosicky's powerful shot.

Both goalkeepers were hogging the action and Lehmann's sloppy throw led to the ball ending up at Ronaldo's feet and the German had to redeem himself with a sharp save.

United's major players were struggling to make a first-half impact, although Ronaldo made one on Lehmann, whose half began with him seeing a yellow card and ended with him seeing stars as he blocked the Portugal winger's shot with his face, knowing little about the save.

Arsenal's management of the ball was sublime at times and their five-man midfield made it difficult for United to pick their way through, forcing them to play long balls.

The direct route almost paid off when Louis Saha flicked the ball on to Fletcher and hared into the box to meet the cross and glance a header inches wide.

Adebayor was given a chance to run on goal by Ronaldo's sloppy pass but the Togo striker's finish was unconvincing, providing Kuszczak with an easier save than he might have expected.

John O'Shea then gifted the ball to Julio Baptista and watched with his heart in his mouth as the Brazilian substitute drove on to thump a shot inches wide.

There was no hint of either side settling for a draw and in a gripping finale Arsenal took the lead.
Fabregas caught Ronaldo in possession 45 yards out and - following a twisting run - threaded a perfect pass for Adebayor to slide the ball past Kuszczak.

But Arsenal owed a debt of thanks to Lehmann, who produced an astonishing full-length save to fingertip away substitute Solskjaer's shot.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre (Evra 23), Fletcher, Scholes (Carrick 78), O'Shea, Ronaldo, Rooney (Solskjaer 77), Saha.Subs Not Used: Heaton, Vidic.

Booked: Brown, Scholes.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Djourou, Toure, Gallas, Rosicky, Ljungberg, Silva, Fabregas, Hleb (Julio Baptista 68), Adebayor (Flamini 88).Subs Not Used: Almunia, Hoyte, Walcott.

Booked: Lehmann, Toure.

Goals: Adebayor 86.

From : BBC Sports
Att: 75,595
Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire).

Man Utd v Arsenal

Old Trafford
Sunday, 17 September
Kick-off: 1600 BST

Cristiano Ronaldo is back after missing the Champions League match through suspension, but Ryan Giggs is out.

Park Ji-Sung's ankle injury means he is also a non-starter but Nemanja Vidic and Alan Smith are back in the frame.

It looks certain Arsenal will be without captain Thierry Henry, who has with a foot injury, and Robin van Persie, who is nursing a hip problem.

But defender Kolo Toure is expected to start and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is pressing for a recall.Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, Silvestre, Evra, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Jones, O'Shea, Richardson, Smith, Rooney, Saha.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Hoyte, Djourou, Gallas, Hleb, Baptista, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Van Persie, Flamini, Adebayor, Almunia, Ljungberg, Song, Walcott, Henry.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:"Historically, our matches against Arsenal have always been feisty affairs.

"When you have clubs with such great histories, who have been competing against each other for titles for so long, I don't think you can avoid that.

"What you want is to make sure the games are being played fairly."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger speaking to Arsenal TV Online:"Don't forget as well that we have a game in hand.

"We do not go there to lose, we go there to win, and I am confident we have a good chance to do it.

"Let's focus on us and play at our best level and continue to do what we do and try to improve our defensive record."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

MANCHESTER UNITED and old adversaries Arsenal face up to each other at Old Trafford in their 199th competitive meeting and 175th in the League. The all-conquering Red Devils have made their best ever start to a Premiership season, while the Gunners have made their worst.

The eight times former Premiership champions are coming off a midweek odd goal in five victory over Celtic in the Champions League. They've not won five League games from the outset of the season since reeling off 10 successive victories in 1985, when Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford in the third match of that sequence.

United hold an eight match unbeaten Premiership string against the Gunners of four wins and four draws.

ARSENAL go to the Theatre of Dreams eager not to lose a 50th League match on enemy territory. The managers stand all square in their 31-match head-to-head standings at 11 wins a piece with nine draws. But of those drawn encounters, United won the 2003 Community Shield on penalties, and Arsenal the 2005 FA Cup final on penalties.

Like United, the Londoners were victorious in their midweek Champions League match (1-2 at Hamburg). They have never failed to win at least one of the first four matches in the Premiership era, and go back 24 years since last failing to win any of their opening quartet of League fixtures.

The Gunners have failed to score in five of the last six meetings with United in all competitions, including both last season's Premiership meetings. They last beat the Red Devils in the Premiership 0-1 at Old Trafford on 8 May 2002, when Sylvain Wiltord got the winner.

REFEREE

Graham Poll (Tring, Hertfordshire)

Premiership referees' table
Graham Poll's 2006-07 Premiership card count

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

MANCHESTER UNITED

Club stats
Fixtures Going into the weekend: 1st 12 points(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premiership fixtures)

1. Bidding for a sixth successive Premiership maximum.
2. Not dropped a point since the goalless home draw with Middlesbrough on 1 May.
3. Not lost a top flight clash, since Chelsea's 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge on 29 April.
4. The only remaining club with a 100% winning Premiership record, and one of four unbeaten clubs in the highest League.
5. Lost only one of the last 18 top flight duels, winning 15 of them.
6. Boasting the strongest attack in the top table, and the only club to have double figures in the "goals for" column (11 in four).
7. Their 11 goals have been scored by seven different players, and in addition one of the 11 was an own goal.
8. Set a new Premiership attendance record of 75,453 last Saturday, against Spurs.
9. Looking for a 195th win in United's 275th home Premier League outing.
10. Conceded just one goal in nine Premiership games on home turf (5-1 v Fulham on the opening day, 20 August), and completed 23 top flight matches since a score draw.

ARSENAL

Club stats
Fixtures Going into the weekend: 17th 2 points(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premiership fixtures)

1. Must win to avoid this still being Arsenal's worse start to a Premiership season.
2. The previous lowest points total after the first four games was four in 1994-95 - the season in which they finished 12th.
3. The Gunners began their 1982-83 top flight campaign with one draw and three losses in the first four games.
4. Arsenal's club record of League matches without a victory from the season start is eight in 1953-54 (two draws, six defeats).
5. Conceded one goal in each of the first three matches this term.
6. Completed 21 Premiership matches since a goalless draw (0-0 v Manchester United at Highbury on 3 January).
7. Searching for a first away League point this season.
8. Seven different scorers have netted nine goals in Champions League and Premiership matches to date this season.

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

MANCHESTER UNITED

Squad profiles

If on the field from the outset, Wayne ROONEY will be making his 100th career Premiership start (Everton and Manchester United).

If he plays, Cristiano RONALDO will be making his 100th Premiership appearance for Manchester United.

If involved, Louis SAHA will be making his 50th Premiership appearance for the Red Devils.

ARSENAL

Squad profiles

Cesc FABREGAS and Gilberto SILVA are Arsenal's joint top scorers with two scorers each.

Only FABREGAS and Johan DJOUROU have been on the field for every minute of every one of Arsenal's six League and Cup games to date.

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Manchester United 2-0 Arsenal
9 April 2006 - Ref: Graham Poll
Man United scorers: Rooney 54, Park Ji-Sung 78

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and awayLeague: Man Utd 71 wins, Arsenal 63, Draws 40

Prem: Man Utd 12 wins, Arsenal 7, Draws 9

at Man United onlyLeague: Man Utd 49 wins, Arsenal 14, Draws 24

Prem: Man Utd 8 wins, Arsenal 2, Draws 4

From : BBC Sports

Henry and Van Persie doubtful for Old Trafford clash

By Richard Clarke

Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie are doubtful for Arsenal’s vital Premiership clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

The Dutchman hurt his hip in the 2-1 win at Hamburg on Wednesday while his French colleague missed the game in Germany after picking up a foot injury in training the day before.

On the plus side, Kolo Toure should be fit after a hip injury forced him off in the first half at the AOL Arena. The injured quartet of Philippe Senderos (shoulder), Gael Clichy (foot), Lauren (knee) and Abou Diaby (ankle) all remain four to six weeks away from fitness.

“Kolo Toure will have no problem to play on Sunday,” Arsène Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon. “Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie are a bigger problem. We have to wait a little bit but there is a doubt about both of them.

“Robin has a hip problem. His [foot] got stuck in the pitch when he wanted to keep the ball on. There is a major doubt about him.”

Senderos, Clichy, Lauren and Diaby have not featured all season. However it seems the long wait is nearing an end.

“You need to allow four to six weeks for all of them” said Wenger. “[The first one back] will be between Clichy and Senderos. Maybe Senderos will be earliest with Clichy just behind.”

From : Arsenal.com

Hamburg 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal recorded a morale-boosting win in their opening Champions League Group G fixture against 10-man Hamburg.

The German side lost goalkeeper Sascha Kirschstein early on after he was sent off for bringing down Robin van Persie.

Kirchstein was replaced by Stefan Wachter, who was unable to save Gilberto's expertly taken penalty.

Tomas Rosicky's superb strike made it 2-0, before Hamburg mounted a late comeback with Piotr Trochowski hitting the bar and Boubacar Sanogo tapping in.

In reaching the Champions League final last season Arsenal prospered in Europe in a manner they found difficult to replicate in the Premiership.

This season might only be a month old for Arsenal but already there are parallels between their European and domestic performances.

This was Arsenal's third win in Europe and yet they have still to record a victory in the Premiership.

Admittedly they were playing a side with only 10 men for most of the match, but there was a freedom to Arsenal's football - as well as a cutting edge - that they have yet to display in the league.

If Van Persie provided the thrust for Arsenal in attack, Cesc Fabregas and Rosicky did their utmost to provide the Dutchman with plenty of possession.

Van Persie's astute runs caused Hamburg all sorts of problems throughout the game.

In the opening minutes the former Feyenoord forward emerged from the right wing to volley wide from a tight angle.

And it was the fleet-footed Van Persie who won that early penalty, after he was picked out by Emmanuel Adebayor's pass.

Kirchstein came out quickly to close down the danger, but Van Persie was quicker, deftly manoeuvring the ball round the Hamburg keeper, who tripped the Arsenal forward with his hand.

Substitute goalkeeper Wachter guessed correctly the direction of Gilberto's spot-kick but the Brazilian's swept shot had too much power.

In the game's closing stages Gilberto might have had a second only for his header to go narrowly wide from a corner.

At a numerical disadvantage Hamburg neverly really tested Arsenal's defence.

Before the penalty award Danijel Lljuboja left Jens Lehmann's flat-footed with a low shot and later in the half another effort from the Serbian forward drew an agile save from the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Early in the second-half some clever ball juggling skills from Sanogo set up a good chance for Joris Mathijsen but the Dutch defender's volley went wide.

Soon afterwards Rosicky picked up the ball just outside the box before he unleashed a shot that dipped at the last moment.

In the game's closing stages Hamburg finally pierced the Arsenal defence when David Jarolim skips pulled the ball back for Sanogo to finish easily

The only downside for Arsenal was the loss of central defender Kolo Toure, who went off with a thigh injury in the first-half.

Hamburg: Kirschstein, Demel (Mahdavikia 55), Reinhardt, Kompany, Mathijsen, Jarolim, De Jong, Wicky (Wachter 11), Trochowski, Sanogo, Ljuboja (Guerrero 82).Subs Not Used: Fillinger, Berisha, Laas, Benjamin.

Sent Off: Kirschstein (10).

Goals: Sanogo 90.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure (Hoyte 28), Djourou, Gallas, Hleb (Flamini 70), Fabregas, Silva, Rosicky, Van Persie (Julio Baptista 69), Adebayor.Subs Not Used: Almunia, Ljungberg, Song Billong, Walcott.

Goals: Silva 12 pen, Rosicky 53.

Att: 51,258.

Ref: Peter Frojdfeldt (Sweden).

From : BBC Sports

England 4th in FIFA rankings

England have equalled their all-time high of fourth place in the Fifa rankings, underlining Steve McClaren's successful start as England boss.

Post-World Cup victories over Greece, Andorra and Macedonia have led to England leapfrogging
world champions Italy, who have slipped to fifth.

McClaren said: "There is still a long way to go. You have done nothing until you win something."
England were last ranked fourth under Glenn Hoddle in December 1997.

Meanwhile, Scotland's promising start to their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign has led to a jump of six places to 34th, while Northern Ireland have moved up 14 places to 58th after their impressive win over Spain.

Northern Ireland managed to overtake Wales, who have slipped six places to 62nd and the Republic of Ireland are down five to share 43rd place with Iran.

At the top end of the table, France moved up two places to second - behind long-time leaders Brazil, with Argentina still in third.

But McClaren's England have been able to take advantage of Italy's poor form after winning the World Cup to claim the next place.

Holland, Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal and Spain make up the top 10.

The rankings act as a strong endorsement for McClaren, who took over as England boss from Sven Goran Eriksson after the World Cup finals in Germany this summer.

But the former Middlesbrough manager has been quick to play down England's disappointing quarter-final exit, labelling fans' expectations as unrealistic.

"People said we should have done better but, for me, the expectation was too high and we have to get some realism into it," said McClaren, who has claimed three straight wins as England manager.

"The realism is we have got a lot to prove and have got a lot of improving to do. We know we can do better.

"So far in each game there have been things we weren't pleased about. We won't become a better team or win anything unless we improve on these things."

Despite Italy's slip to fifth in the rankings, McClaren was full of praise for Marcello Lippi, who stood down as coach of the Italian national side three days after leading them to World Cup glory in July.

He and Lippi are among 72 national coaches in Berlin for a Fifa conference looking back at the World Cup - and the England manager was impressed by the World Cup-winning Italian's presentation.

McClaren said: "Players win tournaments but coaches affect games by tactics and substitutions and Lippi proved to be a master of that.

"In his presentation, he stressed the team ethic and said it was important that France or Italy were both nations who had a point to prove.

"He said the adversity, the (match-fixing) scandal in Italy, had brought the players closer together and that they were stronger as a unit for that, plus the flexibility and adaptability of his players."

England play Macedonia at Old Trafford on 7 October and then face an intimidating trip to Croatia, one of the stronger teams in Group E.

Latest Fifa rankings:

1. Brazil
2. France
3. Argentina
4. England
5. Italy
6. Holland
7. Czech Republic
8. Germany
9. Portugal
10. Spain

Selected others:

34. Scotland
43. Republic of Ireland (shared with Iran)
58. Northern Ireland
62. Wales

The next rankings will be published on 18 October 2006

From : BBC Sports

Wenger wants patience in Hamburg

AOL Arena
Wednesday, 13 September
Kick-off: 1945 BST

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is hoping for a patient display in Hamburg in the Champions League as the Gunners look to put their poor recent form behind them.

Wenger's team have yet to win in three Premiership games but he said: "I feel this team is one of the strongest squads I have ever had.

"But we need a bit of patience, keep our nerves and find the right balance in our attacking and defending.

"We look strong everywhere, but we are making it difficult for ourselves."

Arsenal reached the final of the Champions League last season, losing to Barcelona in Paris.

Wenger said that it was difficult to prioritise between the Premiership and European competition.

"We want to do well in the Champions League, but the Premiership means a lot to us this season as well," he added.

And the Gunners boss refused to be drawn when asked whether he would accept a defeat at Hamburg if it meant a victory over Manchester United in the Premiership on Sunday.

"We do not trade," he said. "We want to win every game. It is not buy and sell, you want quickly to win.

"To win at Hamburg will give us a stronger chance to do well at Old Trafford."

From : BBC Sports

Hamburg v Arsenal

AOL Arena
Wednesday, 13 September
Kick-off: 1945 BST

Arsenal's Thierry Henry has been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League game at Hamburg after suffering a foot injury in training on Tuesday morning.

Teenage forward Theo Walcott is back in the squad after being rested and new boy Julio Baptista is also included.

Keeper Jens Lehmann is back from suspension, while William Gallas should continue at left-back, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie up front.

Hamburg welcome back Vincent Kompany and David Jarolim from injury.

But they will have to do without the sidelined Rafael van der Vaart, Timothee Atouba and Juan Pablo Sorin.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Almunia, Gallas, Toure, Djourou, Eboue, Hoyte, Fabregas, Song, Ljungberg, Gilberto, Flamini, Hleb, Baptista, Walcott, Rosicky, Van Persie, Adebayor.

BIG MATCH STATS

Definitions of terms used:-

Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.

Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.

European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).

Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

Head-to-heads

Hamburg and Arsenal have never met before. Hamburg have hosted English opposition on two previous occasions and won both. In total they have a balanced record against English clubs with two wins, one draw and two defeats.

Arsenal have a good record against German clubs (10 wins, three draws, seven defeats). But the Gunners struggle in away matches against German clubs having won just two of 10. Their last win in Germany dates back to 23 March 2000 when they defeated Werder Bremen 4-2 in the Uefa Cup.

European history

Hamburg return to the Champions League for the second time following their debut in the 2000-01 season. That year, they failed to survive the first phase, finishing third in their group. Hamburg's best result in Europe dates back to 1983 when they won the Champions Cup. In 1977 they lifted the Uefa Cup.

Arsenal's best result in the CL is reaching the final of last year's competition. They lost 1-2 to Barcelona. Arsenal have won two European trophies: the 1970 Fairs Cup and the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup. The Londoners are making their ninth appearance in the CL main competition and their seventh in succession.

Current European form

Hamburg are unbeaten in their last seven European Cup home matches. Their last home defeat dates back to 7 December 2000 when they were beaten by AS Roma (0-3). They have failed to win any of their three home matches in the CL so far.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six Champions League away matches and kept a clean sheet in the last five. The record for keeping a clean sheet in consecutive away matches is seven and was set by Ajax between 1995-96. Both these clubs entered the third round qualifying stage to secure a ticket. Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb twice (5-1 agg.) whereas Hamburg progressed on goal difference against Osasuna following two draws.

Player and disciplinary info

No players are suspended nor will any be upon receiving a yellow card. Dutchman Nigel de Jong is the most experienced player and most prolific scorer in the CL in the Hamburg squad. He has so far scored five goals in 26 CL matches, all for Ajax. De Jong scored in the away leg against
Osasuna (third round qualifying) to send Hamburg through.

Arsenal's Jens Lehmann will make his 50th appearance in the Champions League if he plays, becoming the fourth player in Arsenal's squad with 50 or more CL appearances.

Other miscellaneous facts

Hamburg are one goal shy of scoring their 300th goal in European Cup football. They have so far netted 299 in 161 matches.

Arsenal's Thierry Henry is fourth on the all-time top scorers list in the Champions League, with 41 goals. He trails Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andriy Shevchenko (both on 43) and Raul (51).

Big Match Stats source: Infostrada Sports

From : BBC Sports

Arsenal board let me down - Cole

Ashley Cole claims he joined Chelsea because he was angry that Arsenal made no serious attempt to keep him.

The England defender wanted £60,000 a week but says the Gunners board were only prepared to offer him £55,000.

"I don't believe the board gave a damn about keeping me, it preferred to haggle over a difference of £5,000," said Cole in his new book, My Defence.

After weeks of wrangling, Cole, 25, eventually signed for Chelsea just before the transfer deadline shut.

As part of the deal, William Gallas moved the other way, with Arsenal receiving an additional £5m from the Blues.

Cole, who is thought to have agreed a five-year deal with the Premiership champions, claims in his book that Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had initially agreed to the wage demand with his agent, Jonathan Barnett.

The 25-year-old left-back was told of the board's refusal to sanction the deal while he was driving his car and says he "nearly swerved off the road".

"I was trembling with anger. I suppose it all started to fall apart for me from then on," he added.
At a subsequent meeting at Dein's house, Cole told the vice-chairman: "I feel betrayed and let down by a club I've given my heart and soul to."

Cole said his relationship with the club further soured when fitness coach Tony Colbert suggested the defender was faking an injury.

He told Colbert he was feeling OK as he walked into the changing rooms at Arsenal's training ground one day only to feel a sharp twinge in his thigh shortly afterwards.

When Colbert heard Cole now complaining of an injury, he said: "What do you expect me to do, Ash, when you tell me you're OK and then come in here like you've just been shot?

"Be honest with me, are you just making out that it's worse than it actually is because you've got an eye on the World Cup?"

Cole also felt he had been poorly treated in comparison to striker Thierry Henry, who eventually signed a new deal with the Gunners despite interest from Barcelona.

"The club made Thierry feel wanted and special, wooing him, wining and dining him, speaking in public about how much they wanted him to stay, going on a deliberate charm offensive," stated
Cole.

"But me? I didn't have one dinner, one meeting or one phone call from anyone.

"That's not sour grapes, it's just a sad truth. The truth is that the Gunners had done nothing all season to hold on to me."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has refused to be drawn into a war of words with Cole over his controversial exit.

"We wish him well," said Wenger. "He is a good guy but he was in a situation where his feelings towards the club changed.

"Is it his fault? Is it our fault? Is it his agent's fault? That today is not really important.

"At the end of the day the most important thing is that he is happy and the club is happy."

From : BBC

Gallas shrugs off chelsea row

William Gallas insists he is not bothered by criticism from former club Chelsea - and is just looking forward to getting on with life at Arsenal.

Following his departure on transfer deadline day as part of the deal which took England left-back Ashley Cole in the opposite direction to Stamford Bridge, the versatile French defender was accused by the Barclays Premiership champions of threatening to score an own goal if selected.

Chelsea also alleged he twice refused to play during his long-running contractual dispute with the west London club.

Gallas had already rejected Chelsea's claims.

And after making his debut for the Gunners in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Sunday, the 29-year-old was determined to draw a line under the whole saga.

Gallas declared: "For me, the past is the past.

"They have said something about me, but I do not mind.

"I am just focused about my future, and my future is with Arsenal. That is it.

"Everybody can say what they want, I do not mind.

"I know what I said."

Gallas spent the final days of the transfer window away on international duty with France and maintained the situation did not cause him to lose focus.

He said: "I signed my contract with Arsenal and I was happy.

"I did not feel about anything, only that I wanted to play for them. That is it."

The continued use of his services at full-back by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was understood to be one of the reasons why Gallas was unhappy at Stamford Bridge.

However, the 29-year-old made his Arsenal debut in exactly that position against Middlesbrough.

Gallas is just happy to be playing football again.

He said: "I want to do my best for Arsenal.

"I wanted to come here as well, and now I have to play, to enjoy it and do my best to try to win something."

Gallas added: "The players were very kind with me when I arrived and the atmosphere in the club is very good, everybody laughs.

"For me it was easy to adapt with Arsenal."

However, the Frenchman admitted it may take a couple of matches for him to be back to his best.

"It has been a long time since I played in England," Gallas said.

"Here the game is very fast and sometimes it was difficult for me, but I know that after a few games I will be better."

From : Football 365

Henry : "Season will lift off soon"

Thierry Henry feels it will only be a matter of time before Arsenal start to kill off teams.

The Gunners find themselves with only two points from their opening three Barclays Premiership matches following Saturday's 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at the Emirates
Stadium - where the visitors had just one shot on goal, converted by James Morrison after 22 minutes.

Despite all of their possession, Arsenal's only reward was a second-half penalty from Henry - that coming after Boro skipper George Boateng had been dismissed for two quick yellow cards.

With his team fourth bottom of the fledgling table, it represents the worst start to a Premiership campaign for Arsene Wenger's men.

Captain Henry, however, firmly believes the Gunners can soon get back to winning ways.

"We are not killing the teams we are playing against and they are taking advantage of that," the Frenchman declared.

"[Goalkeeper] Jens [Lehmann] has touched the ball more with his feet than his hands, but that is football.

"For once we would like to be 1-0 up rather than 1-0 down and chasing the game all the time.

"At the moment we are not finishing well what we are producing. I hope it will come.

"We are creating stuff, but every time we get there we concede a goal and we have to start again.

"It is frustrating because you go home knowing you were not outplayed or outmuscled, but it is a draw again.

"It is not a lack of concentration, maybe we are just not quite there yet.

"We can not be disappointed with the way we are playing even though we are not putting the ball in the net, which is the most important thing."

Henry reflected: "It is an in between feeling. If you look at our three games, you can not say we deserved to draw or lose - but we did.

"We need to get our head up and keep working. If we carry on like that, it will come."

The Arsenal captain refused to use the new stadium as an excuse for not punishing the opposition.

He said: "There is nothing to hide behind, we are not putting the ball in the net. I would think we would benefit from the big pitch we have here.

"All the teams that have moved stadiums have struggled in the first year, but I hope we will not struggle that much.

"It is weird for everybody.

"I would love us to take benefit of it by going ahead and then we will see some stuff."

Arsenal head to Hamburg for their opening Champions League clash on Wednesday night, before returning to domestic action with a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Henry said: "It is a big game versus Man United, no matter what position you are in the league.

"It is always a tough game, but it will be even more tough.

"We have one [Premiership] game in hand and we need to get back on track."

William Gallas made his debut for Arsenal on the left side of defence, but despite a relatively composed display for someone who had not played this season, the Frenchman will not have been happy with the way Boro went in front.

Youngster Morrison made progress down the right flank, before playing a neat one-two with new signing Jason Euell and then dispatching a fine finish past Jens Lehmann.

From then on in, Boro - thrashed 7-0 at Highbury last season - seemed content to sit back and defend their advantage.

That job was made more difficult following Boateng's dismissal on 64 minutes, cautioned again by Rob Styles after smashing into Freddie Ljungberg not long after he was shown a yellow card for protesting a quickly-taken Arsenal free-kick.

Eventually the Gunners got a break-through when Stewart Downing tripped Emmanuel Eboue in the box, and Henry made no mistake from the spot for his first Arsenal goal of the season.

Overall, it had been a resolute defensive display from Boro, which was lead at the heart of the back-line by Jonathan Woodgate.

The former England international has come home on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, where his time was blighted by injury.

"The pace of the game is a lot quicker here than it is in Spain, but I think I did well," said
Woodgate, whose last game came against the Gunners in the Champions League back in February.

"I got a bit of cramp late on, which is only normal as I have not played that much.

"I have done a full pre-season, but I will get fitter."

Woodgate added: "We knew what Arsenal were going to throw at us and we all worked really hard."

From : Football 365

Wenger: 'We put ourselves in trouble'

Arsenal 1-1 Middlesbrough
Barclays Premiership
Emirates Stadium
Sat, Sep 9, 2006, 3pm


on a poor start to the season:

"I feel it was a game where it looks a little bit like Villa and Man City, where we had always the ball. The teams refuse to come out and play and we put ourselves in trouble because we are one-nil down, every time. That gave ourselves a mountain to climb, every time we made a defensive mistake, from then on it's the usual game where you have always the ball, they are a bit luck, have a good keeper, and we lack sharpness because half the team has been away."

on reasons for Arsenal's current form:

"I still feel at the moment we are playing better in every game but we just cannot finish off the teams. For one reason - the main reason - is maybe a little bit physical. The second is we give the other team confidence by being one goal down, and the third reason is we are not completely used to how to use our pitch."

on William Gallas:

"Overall, [he did] well. You could see that sometimes he was in trouble, he used well his experience, but sometimes he was a bit hesitating to cross the ball with his left foot. But overall I think he played well, he's not completely ready to play in this position - centre-back would suit him better because he has physically he lacks a few games."

on the visit to Manchester United:

"I believe at the moment, let's focus on Europe, if we do a good result in Hamburg we'll go in good condition to Man Utd."

From : Arsenal.com

Arsenal 1 - 1 Boro

By Richard Clarke

This game turned on four minutes in the middle of the second half.

Just before the hour, Arsenal were starting to run out of ideas as they sought to avenge James Morrsion’s shock opener in the 21st minute. Arsène Wenger’s men were dominating the game but had been frustrated by a mean Middlesbrough defence.

However, in the 62nd minute, George Boateng fouled Freddie Ljungberg in front of the dug-out and received his second yellow card. Four minutes later, Stuart Downing tripped Emmanuel Eboue in the area and Thierry Henry gratefully stroked home the equaliser.

It was due reward for Arsenal because they controlled huge portions of the game. However, as in every game at Emirates Stadium so far, they had to come back after going behind in the first half.

In that sense this is a valuable point. But it fails to lift Arsène Wenger’s side from the lower echelons of the Premiership table.

The Frenchman selected both major new signings in the squad for this game. William Gallas was preferred to Justin Hoyte at left back while Julio Baptista had to settle for a place on the bench.

Johan Djourou had recovered sufficiently from a shoulder injury to retain his place at the heart of the defence.

Emirates Stadium was drenched in September sunshine this afternoon and the crowd seemed eager for a return to Premiership action after the international break. They certainly roared on Arsenal, and particularly Gallas in the opening stages. The home team more than merited their support with a stirring start full of snappy passing and energetic bursts forward.

Gilberto flicked a header wide of the far post early on then Henry’s optimistic long shot was fumbled past the post by Schwarzer.

In the 18th minute, Henry teased Woodgate inside the area before tapping a pass to Ljungberg on the edge of the six-yard box. His shot was blocked by Andrew Davies, but not by his hands according to the referee. The ball fell to Hleb who lashed it goalward but Schwarzer pulled off a stunning save.

It seemed like Arsenal were back on form, in-tune and looking likely to take the lead. But, as so often, the opposite happened.

Middlesbrough had barely registered an attack when Morrison put them ahead in the 21st minute. The youngster cut in from the right flank, exchanged passes with Yakubu then clipped an effort past Jens Lehmann with the outside of the right foot.

Despite the goal, Arsenal were still playing well and created three chances for Van Persie to level in the next eight minutes.

First he slid a shot over the bar then he saw his free-kick punched over by Schwarzer and finally he prodded an effort past the post from Hleb’s lay-off.

Others soon joined in. Fabregas’ had a snap shot saved, Eboue galloped into the area before seeing his shot blocked and Gilberto toe-poked an effort past the far post.

There was little Arsenal could do but more of the same and they continued to pressurise before half time. However they went to the break with certain anxiety.

The pattern remained the same after the interval. Arsenal retained the advantage in possession and territory however they continued to find the Middlesbrough defence as secure as a Bank of England vault.

Just before the hour, Henry tried to slip home a cheeky free-kick and, crucially, Boateng received his second yellow card in the 62nd minute for a foul on Ljungberg just in front of the dug out.

It went from bad to worse for Middlesbrough as almost immediately Downing tripped Eboue and Henry tucked away his first Premiership goal of the season.

While this drama unfolded Baptista, Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Adebayor had assembled at the side of the pitch. The triple substitution was completed just before the game re-started.

The game was now different. Arsenal’s patience and confidence had been wearing thin but now there was renewed purpose. In the 72nd minute, Henry and Rosicky combined on the left and
Fabregas saw a threatening-looking shot charged down. Then the Frenchman miscued his effort at the near post after Gallas rifled a low ball across the area and his Czech team-mate saw his rising drive batted clear by Schwarzer.

Arsenal were still lively and purposeful. Henry planted a free on the top of the net and Gallas cracked long-range effort just over the bar. But they still seemed to have trouble breaking through the visiting defence.

They ended the game as they had played it — controlling the game, pouring forward and yet more than a little frustrated.

From : Arsenal.com

Gallas in Gunners reckoning

Arsene Wenger maintains he would have no qualms about throwing William Gallas straight into action with his new Arsenal team-mates against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Gallas joined the Gunners as part of a player-plus-cash deadline-day deal which took wantaway left-back Ashley Cole in the opposite direction. It has, though, turned out to be an acrimonious departure.

The France defender was accused by the Barclays Premiership champions of threatening to score an own goal if selected, and also alleged he twice refused to play during his long-running contractual dispute.

Gallas has already rejected Chelsea's claims and is contemplating taking legal action.

However, he showed little evidence of the controversy affecting his game as he helped France to a well-deserved 3-1 victory over world champions Italy in Paris on Wednesday night.

The versatile 29-year-old is certainly an option for Wenger at left-back on Saturday, given Gael Clichy remains sidelined and Justin Hoyte's natural position is on the other flank.

However, a shoulder injury to Johan Djourou suffered on international duty with Switzerland Under-21s against England in midweek may force the Arsenal boss into a re-think.

"Gallas can play in different positions at the back and that is what we need," Wenger reflected.

"He is used to the Premiership, he knows what it is all about and what it is to go to difficult places. That is why I am happy to have him."

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "He can play left-back and there is a possibility he may play there [on Saturday].

"At the moment we have problem there.

"Justin Hoyte prefers to play at right-back, so Gallas is the most capable to sort that out.

"He could play [there], but I do not know yet.

"Djourou came back injured, and I will have to assess it."

From : Football 365

Cashley : "I'm not in it for da cash" !

Ashley Cole is determined to prove that trophies rather than money was the motivating factor behind his move to the Barclays Premiership champions.

The England defender moved from Arsenal to London rivals Chelsea in a deadline-day switch that also took unhappy Blues defender William Gallas to the Emirates Stadium.

Cole, who could make his debut against Charlton on Saturday, linked up with his new team-mates this week for the first time since the deal was completed.

The left-back's switch to Stamford Bridge had been one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer with Arsenal putting a £20million price tag on his talents.

The Gunners twice rejected Chelsea's straight cash offers but they finally agreed a deal which
saw them receive £5million plus Gallas in return for allowing Cole to move across the capital.

Now the defender is determined to prove to Chelsea's fans that he has joined the club for all the right reasons.

Cole said: "Coming from a rival club, you are always going to have doubters thinking you are here for certain reasons.

"But I can definitely say I am here for the good reasons - to win things. I have always been a winner and always will be. I think coming here I can prove to them that I am here for the good reasons."

Cole, 25, is not expecting to walk straight into Jose Mourinho's side after a good start to the season from his fellow England left-back Wayne Bridge.

Bridge has had to settle for a place in the England squad as understudy to Cole and now looks set to do the same at club level.

But Cole is under no illusions that he will have to battle it out with Bridge for the left-back role.

Cole added: "I have got a hard fight on my hands with Wayne. A lot of Arsenal fans have told me how good he is playing but I am here for a battle.

"I didn't just come here and expect to play. I had it at Arsenal - I had to fight for my place there. There will definitely be a fight here."

Cole admitted that other clubs were interested in signing him but the opportunity to play with England stars John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips, had made his decision a lot easier.

He added: "Two or three days before the transfer window, Chelsea came in with their final bid and I'm here now.

"Before I went to the World Cup I spoke to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. He asked me where I would like to go and I told him I would rather concentrate on the World Cup.

"They have won the league for two years running and have a great captain in JT (Terry) as well as a lot of English based players. They are a very ambitious team with the players they have brought in like Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack. Hopefully coming here, I can win more medals and the Champions League.

"The England players made it easier for my decision. I play with JT, Lamps, Wayne, Joe Cole and Shaun, so that did influence my decision a little bit more as well."

Cole says he is fit enough to play Premiership football even though he has only taken part in one reserve game for Arsenal and three England internationals so far this season.

"My fitness is good," he declared. "I didn't have the greatest pre-season, I think I went back a week late. I trained on my own and tried to keep fit.

"I have played three England games now and a reserve game for Arsenal so I am getting the fitness. Hopefully I can be involved in the next couple of games.

"I feel good in myself. In the last game I didn't play too well for England but in the games before I felt fit enough and was getting up and down, so if I get the chance, I can do well."

Cole has already set his sights on helping Chelsea to win the title for a third successive season but regards winning the Champions League as the biggest prize.

"I've won the league twice now so winning the Champions league would be a great achievement.

I have been to the final once and I am eager to keep playing and hopefully one day I can pick it up.

"Chelsea have won the league two years on the trot and I think to go to the Champions League final and to actually win it would be a great achievement for them and me as well."

From : Football 365

McClaren expects Downing to shine

England coach Steve McClaren has backed Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing to prove his critics wrong in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Macedonia.

McClaren said the 22-year-old deserved more credit for his display in the 5-0 win over Andorra on Saturday.

"He crossed nine balls during the game, which was double anyone else on the park," said McClaren.

"It's all about production. Yes, we can play football but at the end of the day it's about production."

McClaren, who was Downing's club manager at Boro, said it was important not to undervalue the winger's contribution to the England team effort.

"Stewart is there to provide the width, to give space to other people, to give space to Ashley Cole to overlap and exploit, if he has doubled up, and Ashley provided two of the goals," added McClaren.

"Stewart's balls were quality balls into the box so he is doing his job for the team and that's the most important thing - the team."

McClaren said the width provided by Downing on the left and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard on the right was essential to the balance of his team.

Gerrard is in line to win his 50th England cap against Macedonia and McClaren said he expected the 26-year-old midfielder to make an even bigger impact for his country during the second half of his career.

"Steven can get better. It is a tremendous achievement, 50 caps at his age, and he has got great experience and is using that experience really well with England and Liverpool," he said.

"I think he can improve and get better but he is one of those inspirational players whose performance inspires everyone else and he is one of those who at any moment can win a game for you. People like that in your team are invaluable."

McClaren also backed Frank Lampard, after the Chelsea midfielder's performance against Andorra was criticised.

"He had more touches of the ball than anyone else, he had more passes than anyone else," said McClaren.

"His success rate was higher than anyone else on the park and he received and passed the ball more than 100 times.

"That is a phenomenal number of times. I've never know anyone else achieve that amount."

McClaren has warned his side they must combat a hostile atmosphere and dangerous opponents when they face Macedonia in Skopje.

England's last visit three years ago resulted in Sven-Goran Eriksson's side winning 2-1 in a match marred by racist taunts towards England's players and the burning of the flag of St George on the terraces.

"In qualifying for tournaments, you have to play away and deal with everything that is thrown at you," he said.

"We are going to get quite a few things thrown at us and we have to handle that and make sure
we come out and win the game."

Skipper John Terry has urged England's players to demonstrate their professionalism in the
tough atmosphere of Skopje.

"The fans were very loud here three years ago, singing and chanting and were quite close to the pitch," he said.

"I'm sure it will be the same again on Wednesday.

"We noticed the flag being burned. Someone mentioned it and we turned around and saw a glimpse of it happening. That's still in the memory and I felt a little bit angry at the time.

"It's our country and we are all out there feeling proud. But we are all grown up and experienced enough to know what we will be coming into on Wednesday. We know what to expect."

McClaren added right winger Aaron Lennon's performances were helping the Tottenham youngster move closer to a starting berth in the team.

"Aaron is definitely knocking on the door," he said. "He made an impression at the World Cup and he has continued that since. He has made an impact when he has come on.

"What we are looking for in this squad is competition and people are looking over their shoulder at Aaron Lennon.

"The 11 who start know they have to perform because there are people like Aaron on the bench who can come on and perform. It is great for me as a coach.

"Aaron is that type of impact player. Whenever he receives the ball, there is a buzz of excitement from the fans. "We see it every day in training. He is some player, a young man with great potential. At the moment he is coming on as a sub and filling that role very well. In the future, who knows?"

From: BBC

Arsenal swap Reyes for Baptista

Arsenal and Real Madrid have agreed a deal to swap midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes for forward Julio Baptista.

The terms agreed are for a season-long loan deal but the switch could become permanent at a later date.

Reyes, 22, had long campaigned for a move back home and Real and Atletico Madrid had both been linked with swoops for the forward.

Arsenal had hoped to sign Brazil's Baptista a year ago, but he chose Real where he has failed to settle down.

Baptista did not train with Madrid on Thursday, with reports suggesting he was in London taking a medical and processing a work permit.

Reyes joined Arsenal from Sevilla in January 2004 and last year extended his contract to 2011.
Last month, the midfielder told the Spanish press he was keen to leave Arsenal for Madrid, saying he had not adapted to life in England.

Reyes has not played for Arsenal so far this season with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believed to have not used him in the Champions League in order not to cup-tie the midfielder and reduce his value. From : BBC

The Prem longest transfer saga ends!

Chelsea have ended a long-running saga by signing England full-back Ashley Cole from Arsenal in exchange for £5m and France defender William Gallas.

The deal was completed just before the transfer deadline with Cole, who was with the England squad in a Manchester hotel, having his medical nearby.

Cole, 25, is understood to have signed a five-year deal.
The 29-year-old Gallas had one year left on his contract but made it clear he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge.

The versatile French international did not turn up to pre-season training on Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States and did not receive a shirt number this season.

He had reportedly been unhappy at the terms Chelsea offered him in a four-year contract extension, and wanted to establish himself at centre-back.

Neither player has featured for his previous club this season, and both are eligible to play in the Champions League for their new teams.

Chelsea had been linked with Cole - who had two years left to run on his contact with Arsenal - all summer, but disagreements over the transfer fee stalled the move.

A joint statement from the clubs said: "Chelsea FC and Arsenal have agreed terms for the transfers of Ashley Cole and William Gallas.

"Chelsea will also pay Arsenal £5m. Both players have agreed personal terms and passed their respective medicals."

Although all the relevant paperwork had been lodged with the Premier League, neither club had made an announcement by the time the midnight deadline passed.

It was not until 0125 BST on Friday that the statement was finally issued.

Gallas, a £6m signing from Marseille, made more than 200 appearances for Chelsea in five years, while Cole made 228 appearances for the Gunners since making his debut in 2000.

Cole has won 51 England caps, with Gallas earning 44 caps for France.

From : BBC