Arsenal 1-1 Everton

Robin van Persie's curling free-kick claimed a point for Arsenal as Everton hung on to frustrate the hosts.

Tim Cahill blasted the Toffees in front after 11 minutes when some woeful Arsenal marking allowed the Australian to volley home Mikel Arteta's corner.

Everton looked set to become the first team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates after a resolute defensive display.

But the defenders could only watch as van Persie bent in his curling set-piece, despite Tim Howard's touch.

Arsenal were looking for their six successive victory and quickly pegged back the visitors when Johan Djourou burst from defence and was bundled over inside the box by Phil Neville.

Referee Mike Riley waved away appeals for a penalty after the Swiss defender had exchanged a neat one-two with Thierry Henry.

But after 11 minutes the hosts fell behind after some appalling Arsenal defending from a corner.

Arteta's whipped set-piece found the unmarked Cahill who strolled through a cluster of red shirts and rifled his close-range shot into the roof of the net.

The goal forced Arsenal to increase the tempo and Everton spent the majority of the first period camped inside their own half.

But for all the Gunners' neat build-up and intricacy around the Everton box, a tame Fabregas effort and Henry's drilled shot from 25 yards were the only occasions in which Howard was forced into action.

And shortly before the break Arsene Wenger's side suffered another defensive setback as Justin Hoyte hobbled off injured.

Despite showing precious little going forward, the Toffees disrupted Arsenal's rhythm and stubbornly contained the Gunners midfield by packing five into the middle of the park.

Arsenal flew out of the blocks after the break as Henry's cushioned header brought a fine full-stretch save from Howard while Tomas Rosicky curled an effort on to the roof of the net.

Desperately seeking an equaliser, Wenger threw on Theo Walcott in place of Djourou.

But it was from a set-piece that Arsenal responded as Howard failed to keep out Van Persie's fierce free-kick from 25 yards. The American got a firm palm to the ball but could only tip the effort into his own net.

Arsenal bombarded the Everton goal in the last 15 minutes but the Toffee's defence held firm under the intense pressure.

David Moyes was sent to the stands for contesting the amount of added time at the end of the match, but seconds later referee Riley blew for time to give the Scot's side a hard-fought point.

---

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
"It was very frustrating, but we shouldn't have conceded the goal in the way we did.

"Everton deserve the credit for the way the defended. They were very intelligent and once they went 1-0 up they never came out. But I was not pleased with the way the gained time from goal kicks and free kicks.

"When you play like we play we have the ability to open up teams and punish them, but unfortunately we weren't able to do that today."

Everton manager David Moyes:
"The lads showed great character and there is a bug doing the rounds and I may have to give them a few days off to recover.

"All the lads who have played with injuries and illness need a pat on the back for their performances.

"It's great for the lads to come here and get a result, especially the way they played against Reading last week."

---

Arsenal: Lehmann, Hoyte (Flamini 39), Toure, Djourou (Walcott 67), Gallas, Silva, Hleb (Aliadiere 79), Rosicky, Fabregas, Van Persie, Henry.
Subs Not Used: Almunia, Senderos.

Booked: Gallas, Fabregas.

Goals: Van Persie 71.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Stubbs, Yobo, Lescott, Davies, Cahill, Carsley, Osman, Arteta, Johnson.
Subs Not Used: Turner, Hughes, Beattie, McFadden, Anichebe.

Booked: Arteta, Osman, Cahill.

Goals: Cahill 11.

Att: 60,047

Ref: M Riley (W Yorkshire).

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

Robin van Persie's curling free-kick claimed a point for Arsenal as Everton hung on to frustrate the hosts.

Tim Cahill blasted the Toffees in front after 11 minutes when some woeful Arsenal marking allowed the Australian to volley home Mikel Arteta's corner.

Everton looked set to become the first team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates after a resolute defensive display.

But the defenders could only watch as van Persie bent in his curling set-piece, despite Tim Howard's touch. Arsenal were looking for their six successive victory and quickly pegged back the visitors when Johan Djourou burst from defence and was bundled over inside the box by Phil Neville.

Referee Mike Riley waved away appeals for a penalty after the Swiss defender had exchanged a neat one-two with Thierry Henry.

But after 11 minutes the hosts fell behind after some appalling Arsenal defending from a corner.

Arteta's whipped set-piece found the unmarked Cahill who strolled through a cluster of red shirts and rifled his close-range shot into the roof of the net.

The goal forced Arsenal to increase the tempo and Everton spent the majority of the first period camped inside their own half.

But for all the Gunners' neat build-up and intricacy around the Everton box, a tame Fabregas effort and Henry's drilled shot from 25 yards were the only occasions in which Howard was forced into action.

And shortly before the break Arsene Wenger's side suffered another defensive setback as Justin Hoyte hobbled off injured.

Despite showing precious little going forward, the Toffees disrupted Arsenal's rhythm and stubbornly contained the Gunners midfield by packing five into the middle of the park.

Arsenal flew out of the blocks after the break as Henry's cushioned header brought a fine full-stretch save from Howard while Tomas Rosicky curled an effort on to the roof of the net.

Desperately seeking an equaliser, Wenger threw on Theo Walcott in place of Djourou.

But it was from a set-piece that Arsenal responded as Howard failed to keep out Van Persie's fierce free-kick from 25 yards. The American got a firm palm to the ball but could only tip the effort into his own net.

Arsenal bombarded the Everton goal in the last 15 minutes but the Toffee's defence held firm under the intense pressure.

David Moyes was sent to the stands for contesting the amount of added time at the end of the match, but seconds later referee Riley blew for time to give the Scot's side a hard-fought point.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:"It was very frustrating, but we shouldn't have conceded the goal in the way we did.

"Everton deserve the credit for the way the defended. They were very intelligent and once they went 1-0 up they never came out. But I was not pleased with the way the gained time from goal kicks and free kicks.

"When you play like we play we have the ability to open up teams and punish them, but unfortunately we weren't able to do that today."

Everton manager David Moyes:"The lads showed great character and there is a bug doing the rounds and I may have to give them a few days off to recover.

"All the lads who have played with injuries and illness need a pat on the back for their performances.

"It's great for the lads to come here and get a result, especially the way they played against Reading last week."

Arsenal: Lehmann, Hoyte (Flamini 39), Toure, Djourou (Walcott 67), Gallas, Silva, Hleb (Aliadiere 79), Rosicky, Fabregas, Van Persie, Henry. Subs Not Used: Almunia, Senderos.

Booked: Gallas, Fabregas.

Goals: Van Persie 71.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Stubbs, Yobo, Lescott, Davies, Cahill, Carsley, Osman, Arteta, Johnson.Subs Not Used: Turner, Hughes, Beattie, McFadden, Anichebe.

Booked: Arteta, Osman, Cahill.

Goals: Cahill 11.

Att: 60,047

Ref: M Riley (W Yorkshire).

From : BBC Sports

Lauren remains out until new year

Arsenal right-back Lauren has been ruled out for a further two months as he continues his comeback from injury.

The Cameroonian, 29, has been sidelined since undergoing surgery last January to correct a long-term knee problem.

"I don't think you will see Lauren in the team before January," manager Arsene Wenger told the club website.

"He's making good progress but he has four or five weeks before he comes back to normal training and then it'll take a month to come back into the team."

Lauren last played for Arsenal on 21 January when the Gunners beat Wigan 2-1 in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg.

"He played up to the limit of his pain and then maybe he played a little too long," added Wenger.
"That created some damage in his knee, which had to be repaired, but he is a tough, tough boy. He works hard and he will come back."

From : BBC Sports

Fabregas signs new Arsenal deal

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has signed a new eight-year contract.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger revealed last month that the 19-year-old had agreed a long-term deal and he has now committed to Arsenal until 2014.

"I am so happy here and I am delighted to have signed this new contract," the Spanish international told the Arsenal club website.

"I wanted to pay back the club, especially Arsene Wenger for the support and faith he has shown in me."

He added: "What is important now is for the team to realise its potential and win trophies. That is our main aim, that is my aim as well."

Real Madrid had expressed an interest in signing the midfielder during the summer, but Fabregas made it clear he was happy in London.

The teenager, who played for Spain at the World Cup in the summer, joined Arsenal from the youth ranks at Barcelona in July 2003. From : BBC Sports

Henry fumes at disallowed strike

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was "fuming" after having a late goal disallowed for handball in their 1-0 Champions League loss at CSKA Moscow.

Henry said: "The referee saw a handball when there wasn't a handball. You will have to ask him why this is so.

"He gave me a yellow for a deliberate handball but if you can see that on the replay I'll give you whatever you want.

"I know it was a clean and clear goal. The keeper and defenders did not call it, only a linesman 60 yards away."

Henry, who has no right of appeal against the booking, added: "I asked the referee and the linesman at the end what they saw and they could not tell me what they saw.

"I was fuming, he should have given me a red card for deliberate handball, that would have been the cherry on the cake.

"I just hope that what goes around comes around and it'll be our turn next time."

Arsene Wenger also hit out at referee Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez after Henry's effort was ruled out.

Wenger said: "The referee has not seen anything, I felt it was a goal. We have to accept sometimes that referees give goals because they do not see things.

"Now we have something new - they cancel goals because they saw things which did not exist. That's a problem."

Wenger, though, admitted his side had been outplayed for large spells of the match which saw CSKA knock Arsenal off the top of Group H in the Champions League.

"We do not depend on decisions, we depend on our own quality of play," added Wenger.

"Until they went 1-0 ahead, Moscow were sharper than us, winning more fights than us and finally got the advantage they deserved at that point of the game.

"We tried to attack after that, and they defended in an intelligent way.

"They got a bit of luck with their goal which, but overall they have shown great quality."

Wenger was also unhappy about the playing surface at the Lokomotiv Stadium. He said: "We battled hard to come back, but the quality of the pitch was a handicap as well.

"Uefa has to look into that because it is not acceptable that you play on pitches like that in the Champions League.

"They deserve a much better pitch, and that can make them better."

From : BBC Sports

Ribery agent makes Arsenal claim

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to bring French World Cup star Franck Ribery to the Emirates Stadium, according to the winger's agent.

Ribery, 23, was linked with a £10m move to the Gunners in the summer but stayed at Marseille.

His agent Bruno Heidersheid told the News of the World: "Wenger likes Ribery a lot. He wanted to take him this summer but Marseille refused to sell.

"Arsene has made it clear he wants to take him next year."

Ribery moved to Marseille from Metz last summer and still has four years left on his contract.

Heiderscheid insists the France international is keen to join up with Wenger in the Premiership.

However, he has not yet had any official contact with the club.

"Franck would very much like to join Arsenal because of Arsene, the style of football they play and because his very close friend from the France team, Thierry Henry, plays for them," said Heiderscheid.

"I can categorically deny there is any agreement with Arsenal at this stage or even negotiations.

"These would have to take place in January at the earliest as we see how the season progresses with Marseille.

"Franck is now a very big player in Europe and it's true the biggest clubs want him badly."
Ribery was handed his international debut just before the World Cup and impressed with his pace and flair on the flank.

He is expected to take the role of the retired Zinedine Zidane for Les Bleus.
From : BBC Sports

CSKA Moscow v Arsenal

Champions League Group G
Dynamo Stadium
Tuesday, 17 October
Kick-off: 1730 BST

With midfielders Freddie Ljungberg and Julio Baptista out through injury, Arsenal have called up Denilson for the Champions League trip to Russia.

The Brazil Under-19 captain, who has yet to make his debut, joined from Sao Paulo on transfer deadline day.

Left-back Emmanuel Eboue is still sidelined by a knee problem, but on the opposite flank there is positive news with Gael Clichy included after injury.

Philippe Senderos, Lauren and Abou Diaby remain sidelined through injury.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Almunia, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Toure, Hoyte, Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Denilson, Song, Van Persie, Walcott, Henry, Adebayor, Aliadiere.

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

CSKA Moscow and Arsenal have never met before in any European competition.

CSKA have lost all three of their matches against English opposition. In the 2004-05 CL they were beaten twice by Chelsea (2-0 away, 0-1 home). Their last match against an English side was the European Super Cup in 2005 which they lost 3-1 to Liverpool. Arsenal have played
Russian opponents six times before, winning twice and losing three times. Three matches in Russia resulted in two defeats and a draw. The stalemate dates back to September 2003 when the Gunners' CL group phase match at Lokomotiv Moscow finished 0-0.

European history

This season is CSKA Moscow's 13th in European football but only the third in the Champions League. They played in the inaugural Champions League in 1992-93, finishing bottom of Group A. In the 2004-05 season they were third in Group H behind FC Porto and Chelsea, and went on to win the Uefa Cup that year, which remains their only European silverware to date.
Arsenal are making their ninth appearance in the CL main competition and their seventh consecutively. Last season's beaten finalists have won two European trophies: the 1970 Fairs Cup and the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup.

Current European form

CSKA have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four European matches, including two in the CL. They are one of five teams yet to concede a goal in this season's competition, along with Bayern Munich, Lyon, PSV and AC Milan.

Arsenal are on a four match winning run in Europe, and unbeaten in seven. Their last away defeat came on 22 February 2005 at Bayern Munich (3-1).

Player and disciplinary info

Sergei Ignashevich is CSKA's most experienced player and top scorer in this competition with 31 matches and two goals. Brazilians Vagner Love and Dudu are the only other players in CSKA's squad who have scored in a CL match.

Thierry Henry has made 80 Champions League appearances. He is the Gunners' most experienced player is this competition and most prolific scorer. His goal in the last match marked his 50th in all European competitions and 42nd in the CL.

Other miscellaneous facts

Arsenal are three goals shy of conceding their 100th goal in the Champions Cup.

CSKA Moscow won 2-1 at home to Rubin Kazan at the weekend to remain top of the Russian Premier League, two points ahead of city rivals Lokomotiv and Sparta. Arsenal continued their rise up the Premiership table with a 3-0 home win over Watford. It was their sixth successive victory in all competitions.

Big Match Stats source: Infostrada SportsFrom : BBC Sports

Wenger confident on European bid

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is confident his team can clinch the Champions League crown for the first time as they prepare to play CSKA Moscow.

"We can do it this year," said Wenger, whose team lost to Barcelona in the Champions League final last season.

"I've said that since the start of the season. We've shown, and this is most important, that we can believe we can do it through our results.

What we need now is the consistency," added Wenger.

The Arsenal manager praised the way his new signings had started the season.

"I believe that first of all you need the new players to integrate into the team.

"Frankly I considered at the start of the season that we would see the real impact of a guy like Emmanuel Adebayor this year. He has made a big improvement.

"Tomas Rosicky has settled in quickly and he is a very impressive player, William Gallas of course brings something special to the team.

"The challenge of course is massive - but the quality is there."

Despite his confidence, Wenger warned his side to expect a tough test against CSKA Moscow.

"They are a good side," said Wenger. "They've some good Brazilians and also seven players from the Russian national team, which is a solid combination.

"While I feel we can beat them, you always have ingredients in Moscow during October that you cannot master.

"I've heard the quality of their pitch has been destroyed by a tournament, and it is already cold there now."

Having won their opening two games Arsenal top Group G and are two points ahead of CSKA.

Wenger added: "A victory would nearly qualify us, so of course we will really go for it.

"We want to qualify as soon as possible, because it is always a relief. You can go into the winter and focus on what is coming next."

From : BBC Sports

Arsenal 3-0 Watford

Arsenal sealed a fourth straight Premiership win but were grateful for some woeful Watford finishing.

Theo Walcott was handed his Premiership debut after his two midweek goals for England's Under-21's in Germany.

And the Gunners went ahead when Watford's Jordan Stewart put into his own net before Thierry Henry slotted home the second just before the break.

As winless Watford wasted more chances, Emmanuel Adebayor sealed Arsenal's win with a tap-in from Henry's pass.

Having gone into the game on an impressive 10-match unbeaten streak, a pitch-side presentation was made to boss Arsene Wenger to mark his 10-years as Gunners boss.

And it set the scene for a mood of celebration at the Emirates Stadium.

It allowed Walcott to settle early and set the pace of the match with some incisive running from the inside left channel.

He first set up Tomas Rosicky, whose crisp shot was well blocked by Watford's Ben Foster before the keeper then got up to brilliantly block the rebounded effort from Adebayor with his
legs.

Walcott then slotted a dream ball through for Fabregas, who rounded Foster but failed to slot into an empty net.

But after surviving the early storm, Watford, who have yet to score a Premiership victory this season, carved out two excellent chances to break the deadlock.

Smith collected a poor clearance from Lehmann and fed Marlon King, whose cross was met by Damien Francis at the far post but he saw his effort well blocked.

From the resultant corner, Francis should have put the Hornets one-up but he volleyed over from six yards.

Arsenal continued to push forward and were finally rewarded with the opening goal after 33 minutes.

Febregas's floated free-kick was headed goalwards by Adebayor but deflected into his own net by Stewart under pressure from Kolo Toure.

With Arsenal missing their player-of-the-month for September, Emmanuel Eboue, the hosts certainly looked shaky at times in defence.

But when Henry left two defenders stranded with a cheeky piece of footwork and then fired his shot just inches wide, he clearly signalled his intent to take command.

The Frenchman effectively wrapped the game up in the 43rd minute when he held off Jay Demerit to latch onto a flick from Adebayor and stroked passed Foster.

Arsenal seemed more determined after the break, but clearly looked to be keeping some in some in reserve ahead of Tuesday's Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow.

Rosicky rifled a fierce drive, which was turned around the post by Foster, before Henry headed just over a minute later.

Walcott was taken off just on the hour mark to a standing ovation as Wenger tightened up his midfield, replacing him with Alexander Hleb

And the hosts ensured they took maxium points with a goal straight out of the passing text book.

Fabregas slotted through a slide-rule pass to again set Henry free and the striker eased the ball inside for Adebayor to knock home into an empty net.

The Hornets battled on manfully with King, especially, causing the Gunners defence plenty of problems.

But the promoted side were left still searching for their first win in the top flight this season and their first ever Premiership point against the Gunners, who moved up to fourth place in the
table.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:"It was a match against a very good Watford side, who made it very difficult for us at time and we needed a great performance to win. I think we gave that
today.

"Overall we did well with the problems they gave us. They are a good team and they look like they can score goals but I was happy with the way we coped.

"Theo Walcott is a young boy, only 17, but he handled his first Premiership start very well and he did well."

Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd:"I am very pleased we are making chances and I'd be more upset if we weren't creating those. But at this level, if you don't take your opportunities you will
be punished.

"We thought we could have upset Arsenal's party but it I was still very proud of my team.

"A lot of teams come here and just lay down but we kept going and created a lot of openings. But against these sort of sides you have to take them.

"This is a whole new level for us and it's only a matter of time before we get that first win."

Arsenal: Lehmann, Djourou, Gallas (Clichy 81), Toure, Hoyte, Walcott (Hleb 64), Fabregas, Silva, Rosicky (Van Persie 74),Adebayor, Henry.Subs Not Used: Almunia, Song Billong.

Goals: Stewart 33 og, Henry 43, Adebayor 67.

Watford: Foster, Doyley, DeMerit, Shittu, Stewart, Smith (Henderson 45), Mahon, Francis, Bouazza (Powell 54), King, Young.Subs Not Used: Lee, Mackay, Spring.

Booked: Smith.

Att: 60,018.

Ref: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

From : BBC Sports

McClaren shoulders blame for loss

Steve McClaren blamed England's 2-0 defeat to Croatia on his tactical plan to try to stifle Slaven Bilic's side.

"We lost the game so obviously the tactics didn't work," said England coach McClaren as he reflected on his decision to deploy a 3-5-2 formation.

"We'll look at it more thoroughly and I always believe we do need to change systems and we do need another one.

"It was my decision to change and we lost the game so it's my responsibility," added McClaren.

The England boss admitted he is bracing himself for a media mauling after the embarrassing Euro 2008 Group E qualifying defeat, his first since he succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"I knew that was part of the job when I took over," McClaren told BBC Radio Five Live. "I've seen it for the last five years.

"I have to accept that criticism, because it is my responsibility. I pick the players and I pick the system.

"If we win I accept the plaudits, but if we lose I accept the criticism. I'm not going to shy away from it."

McClaren added: "But it just makes me and the players more determined to turn it around."
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic believed England's tactics helped rather than hindered his side.

"I hoped they'd play 3-5-2 as it would give us more room to attack on the wings," said Bilic.

"I knew if we could switch the play quickly we'd be two-on-one.

"I expected England to come out and pressurise us but it was more a question of whether we'd get a third."

England have picked up just one point in their last two Group E games, but McClaren remained bullish over his side's chances of reaching the Euro 2008 finals.

"There are enough points to play for so we'll be okay.

"It's going to be difficult. Everyone has opinions, but I've said to the players we've got to stick together.

"Their attitude has been magnificent and we'll turn it around."

Croatia's second goal summed up England's lacklustre performance.

Gary Neville's back-pass struck a divot as goalkeeper Paul Robinson went to clear, with the ball rolling over the line.

"It was a freak goal," said Robinson. "It happened where the Croatian goalkeeper was taking his kicks and it left divots in the pitch.

"He had been taking goal-kicks in the first half and there were huge holes in the pitch.

"I went to kick Gary's pass, there was a bobble and then the ball wasn't there. It was an absolute freak and there was nothing I could do about it."

From : BBC Sports

Croatia 2-0 England

Paul Robinson was left embarrassed as England crashed to a dismal defeat against Croatia in the Euro 2008 qualifier in Zagreb.

Eduardo's header had given Croatia a deserved 61st-minute lead before keeper Robinson was involved in a nightmare moment eight minutes later.

Gary Neville's back-pass struck a divot as Robinson went to clear, and he watched in agony as the ball rolled in.

Robinson had previously produced a string of saves to keep Croatia at bay.

England coach Steve McClaren's tactical re-shuffle to a 3-5-2 formation was brutally exposed as his side barely mounted an attack worthy of the name.

And on the back of a poor performance in the goalless draw against Macedonia at Old Trafford, it left McClaren's supposedly brave new era looking distinctly underwhelming.

England's revamped system produced few serious attacking options in a first 45 minutes in which only the excellence of goalkeeper Robinson kept England on level terms.

He was in action as early as the sixth minute, diving low to save from Eduardo.

Robinson produced a wonderful block to stop England going behind midway through the first half when Niko Kranjcar stole in on Milan Rapaic's cross with a volley from only eight yards.

Rapaic was causing real problems for Ashley Cole, and it needed a desperate block from Rio Ferdinand to stop Kranjcar's shot after a cross was only half-cleared.

Croatia continued to dominate after the break, and it needed another fine save from Robinson to keep out Mladen Petric's header.

Wayne Rooney had been quiet again, but he almost broke his lengthy international goal drought with a trademark burst on to Peter Crouch's header, but he shot over the bar.

Croatia deserved to be ahead, and they finally broke the deadlock after 61 minutes, when the diminutive Eduardo rose easily above the disappointing Cole to head home Niko Kovac's long
cross.

And Croatia doubled their lead in farcical fashion after 69 minutes in a remarkable incident involving the previously outstanding Robinson.

Robinson moved to clear Neville's back-pass, but the ball hit a divot on the six-yard line and bobbled embarrassingly over his foot.

The desperate McClaren then made a triple change, sending on Jermain Defoe, Kieran
Richardson and Shaun Wright-Phillips for Crouch, Scott Parker and Jamie Carragher.

It was a clear sign of just how poor England had been - and McClaren's game-plan will rightly attract a torrent of criticism.

Croatia: Pletikosa, Simic, Simunic, Robert Kovac, Corluka, Rapaic (Olic 76), Nico Kovac, Modric, Kranjcar (Babic 89), Eduardo (Leko 81), Petric. Subs not used: Runje, Knezevic, Seric, Klasnic.

Booked: Nico Kovac.

Goals: Eduardo 61, Gary Neville 69 og.

England: Robinson, Carragher (Wright-Phillips 73), Ferdinand, Terry, Gary Neville, Carrick, Parker (Defoe 72), Lampard, Cole, Rooney, Crouch (Richardson 72). Subs not used: Kirkland,
Jenas, Bent.

Booked: Ferdinand, Cole.

Att: 38,000.

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

From : BBC Sports

McLaren demands England passion

Steve McClaren has called for England's players to prove their "pride and passion" when they take on Croatia in Zagreb on Wednesday.

"The sign of a good team is the reaction after a disappointing result," said McClaren, who saw England stumble to a draw with Macedonia on Saturday.

"The reaction has to be positive. That's what I'm looking for.

"We're looking for pride, passion, attitude and character and I'll be picking a team that epitomises that."
McClaren said he already knows his team, providing "one or two niggles" clear up.

Reports suggest Scott Parker could win his first international start in a five-man midfield and while the England boss would not confirm this, he was full of praise for the Newcastle skipper.

"He has really impressed me in training this week," he said. "He has come on and matured in the last couple of years.

"He epitomises what the English game is all about: he can play, he can pass, he can tackle and he's got character and attitude."

If he plays, Parker will line up alongside former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard, who will win his 50th cap.

With Steven Gerrard unavailable through suspension, Lampard is ready to take on more responsibility.

"With experience, you have to take on more responsibility," said the 28-year-old.

"Every time I play for England I try to be a good influence on the team, rather than just one individual."

He added: "It's obviously a big loss for us, any team misses Steven Gerrard because he's such a fantastic player.

"But when you talk about the England squad you have to look further than any individual. It's a moment for someone else to come in and show they are worthy of a place in the team."

England skipper John Terry says the players are desperate to prove that the performance against Macedonia was a one-off.

"We know it will be a tough match against Croatia," said the Chelsea defender.

"It is a hostile place to come and they have a good record but we are very much looking forward to it now.

"The game cannot come soon enough for us because we want to bounce back straight away from Saturday's draw.

"We have come here for three points and to get our campaign under way again."

From : BBC Sports

McClaren in need of fresh ideas

Steve McClaren probably decided against reading the Sunday newspapers this week.

Until Saturday, the England coach's relationship with the back-page press had been strangely cosy.

Strange, because his predecessor Sven-Goran Eriksson was never afforded such a luxury - even when he was winning.

Prior to the game against Macedonia at Old Trafford, McClaren had won all three of his competitive games as England boss.

His trademark grin was getting broader by the day.

But after England's insipid performance against their Group E rivals, that smile all but disappeared.

Last month, there was a hint of what was to come in Manchester, when England struggled to a 1-0 victory over Macedonia in Skopje.

That day, McClaren's blushes were spared by Peter Crouch, whose strike plastered over the cracks in the performance.

But at Old Trafford there were no acts of England heroism. Frankly, if there had been it would have been an unfair reflection on the game.

Apart from a bright opening 10 minutes, the home side were on the back foot throughout.

Macedonia played well, harrying and hustling England with no respite, but McClaren's men looked decidedly stale and devoid of ideas.

Wayne Rooney and Crouch did their best to ignite attacks, but that was not their job.

Their role was to feed off the midfield quartet of Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing and Steven Gerrard.

But apart from the impressive Gerrard, the contribution from the men in the middle was pitiful, especially from the central midfield pair of Carrick and Lampard.

Carrick was too cautious in his play and played safe, short passes, which, against a side of Macedonia's ilk, was not good enough.

Lampard's communication with his fellow midfielders was poor, too.

Instead of making those well-timed surging runs we see for Chelsea, Jose Mourinho's star pupil was content to sit at the back of the class.

What was more disconcerting was that Carrick and Lampard consistently failed to win the first ball.

Against Croatia on Wednesday, when Gerrard will be missing because of suspension, that lack of bite will be all the more evident.

So what does McLaren do?

Central defender Rio Ferdinand should have recovered from his back problem and is likely to return, pushing Ledley King aside.

But perhaps King should not be discarded entirely.

Maybe he should replace former Spurs team-mate Carrick, a move that would allow Lampard to roam and dictate.

The ploy has worked to good effect before, most notably against Poland last year.

And how about Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right and Kieran Richardson on the left?

Too much of a radical shake-up or perhaps the England people want to see?

It is down to McClaren to come up with a winning solution.

But if England fail to deliver a noteworthy performance in Zagreb, he may be wise to avoid reading the back pages for a little while longer.

From : BBC Sports

Arsenal wait on Ljungberg injury

Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg will have tests on Monday to determine the extent of the calf injury he picked up during Sweden's 2-0 win over Spain.

Sweden skipper Ljungberg, 29, was forced off in the second half of his side's Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.

He is "highly doubtful" to face Iceland on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Swedish Football Association.

If the tests show Ljungberg cannot play, he will return to England to be treated by Arsenal's medical team.

The Gunners will be hoping he recovers in time to feature in their next Premiership game, which is against Watford at home on Saturday. From : BBC Sports

Terry backing Rooney to come good

England captain John Terry has urged for calm over striker Wayne Rooney's loss of form.

Rooney, 20, has failed to score in a competitive international since June 2004 but should still start in the Euro 2008 qualifier in Croatia on Wednesday.

"Wayne is still such a young lad and there is so much pressure and hype surrounding him," said Terry. "Perhaps we expect too much.

"But I don't sense there is any frustration building up within Wayne."

Centre-back Terry echoed midfielder Steven Gerrard's sentiments that Rooney has been in excellent form during training. But the Manchester United forward has failed to transfer that practice ground form to games for both club and country so far this season.

He has not scored for United since August and was taken off after 74 minutes of England's goalless Group E tie against Macedonia on Saturday after rarely threatening to add to his tally of 11 goals in 33 for his country.

Ironically, his last goal in a competitive game for his country came against Croatia in the group stages of Euro 2004, although he has scored twice in friendlies against Denmark and Argentina.

"Wayne sets such high standards and his goals-per-game ratio for England is still very good," said Terry.

"When he sets such standards and it doesn't come together for a few games, everyone starts questioning him.

"I am sure if he gets one goal, the rest will follow. We are talking about him as a world class player and he certainly is that.

"Once that first goal comes, there certainly won't be a problem for him banging more in. They will start flowing."

Terry also believes a player like Rooney should not be judged solely on how many goals he scores as he also brings more to England's attack than just goals.

"Sometimes everyone looks at the strikers for goals but a player like Wayne can create as well as score his own goals, especially with him coming off the other striker which has worked so well for us," said Terry.

"You have Peter Crouch up front and the other striker pulling off and creating space for the midfielders in Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard who get forward very well.

"It's wrong for people to just look at his goals. Look at his play and team-work, the way he brings other players into play as well."

He added: "He is a grown man but if he needs me, he knows I am here to help as much as possible."

From : BBC Sports

England 0-0 Macedonia

England's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign stuttered after a disappointing draw against Macedonia at Old Trafford.

Steve McClaren's side wasted several chances, with Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard hitting the woodwork.

Macedonia keeper Jane Nikoloski saved well from Frank Lampard and Peter Crouch, but Igor Mitrevski's header was only inches away from shocking England.

Wayne Rooney was substituted on his return and Gerrard will miss the clash with Croatia after a yellow card. England suffered a blow before kick-off when Rio Ferdinand was forced to pull out of the starting line-up with a back injury - allowing Spurs captain Ledley King to step in.

They made a lively start, with the returning Rooney prominent, but once Macedonia settled to their task they were more than a match for England in the first 45 minutes. Goran Pandev tested the England defence after 10 minutes with a twisting run that ended with a shot into the side-netting.

England's attacking attempts were few and far between, although Lampard almost forged an opening four minutes before the interval when he burst into the Macedonia penalty area, but keeper Nikoloski plunged bravely at his feet.

And Nikoloski then denied Lampard an opener after 47 minutes when he palmed away his header from Stewart Downing's free-kick.

England suffered a blow seconds later when Gerrard picked up the yellow card that keeps him out of the clash with Croatia for a foul on Pandev.

But Macedonia were proving accomplished opponents, and Mitrevski gave England their biggest scare seven minutes later with a header that was only inches over.

The game was being played at a higher tempo, and Aco Stojkov tested England keeper Paul Robinson at his near post after stretching away from King.

England had their best opportunity to go ahead in the 58th minute, when Nikoloski saved brilliantly from Crouch's diving header as he met Downing's excellent cross.

The rebound fell invitingly for Gary Neville, who glanced the bar with a rising angled drive from only eight yards.

England were forced into changes in a bid to break down Macedonia's resistance, with Shaun Wright-Phillips replacing Downing after 69 minutes.

The Chelsea winger almost scored within seconds, only to shoot straight at the excellent Nikoloski.

Rooney had been a subdued figure after a good start, and he was replaced by Jermain Defoe with 16 minutes left.

Wright-Phillips had started to commit Macedonia's defenders - and he was the instigator as England were denied by the woodwork with five minutes left.

He set up Gerrard from 20 yards and the Liverpool captain rattled the bar with a powerful drive.

Crouch then missed another chance with a header in injury time, and England's last opportunity had escaped.

England: Robinson, Gary Neville, Terry, King, Cole, Gerrard, Lampard, Carrick, Downing (Wright-Phillips 70), Rooney (Defoe 74), Crouch.Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Phil Neville, Carragher, Parker, Bent.

Booked: Gerrard.

FYR Macedonia: Nikolovski, Noveski, Petrov, Sedloski, Lazarevski, Igor Mitreski, Aleksander Mitreski, Sumulikoski, Maznov, Naumoski (Stojkov 45), Pandev (Tasevski 83).Subs Not Used: Pacovski, Jancevski, Vasovski, Popov, Sakiri.

Booked: Petrov.

Att: 72,062.

Ref: Markus Merk (Germany).

From : BBC Sports

Charlton 1-2 Arsenal

Robin van Persie scored two - including a contender for goal of the season - as Arsenal earned their third league win in a row by beating Charlton.

Charlton took the lead after 21 minutes as Darren Bent tapped in from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's low cross.

But Van Persie levelled with a low drive before half-time after good work from Alexander Hleb inside the box.

And the Dutchman hit a breathtaking left-foot volley just after the break from Emmanuel Eboue's right-wing cross.

It was a goal worthy of winning any match, although Charlton will feel aggrieved that they did not win a penalty after 71 minutes when Kevin Lisbie's overhead kick struck William Gallas' arm inside the box.

A scrappy opening offered little indication of the drama to come. But Charlton took the lead on 21 minutes with their first shot on target.

Bent had the easiest of tasks, tapping in Hasselbaink's ball across the six-yard box after the Dutchman was sent clear by Hermann Hreidarsson's long ball.

The goal seemed to galvanise Arsenal and they began to exert pressure on the Charlton defence.
The equaliser materialised just after the half-hour mark.

Van Persie's low finish was smart, but the Dutchman owed much to Hleb's excellent close
control, as the midfielder held off three Charlton defenders before crossing.

Despite the two goals, there was a lack of finesse in the opening period.

But Van Persie single-handedly made up for it by firing in one of the strikes of the season four minutes after the restart.

Eboue found space down the right and sent in a high cross which found the leaping Van Persie, who showed brilliant technique to send an unstoppable volley flashing past Scott Carson.

The match opened up and Carson saved from point-blank range from Henry after a dreadful mix-up in the Charlton defence involving the goalkeeper and Jonathan Fortune.

Moments later, Jens Lehmann showed extraordinary reactions to save at the near post from Andy Reid's low drive.

Van Persie then missed a chance to complete his hat-trick as he failed to connect with Henry's dangerous ball across the box.

Charlton were incensed with 20 minutes to go as Lisbie's overhead kick struck Gallas' outstretched arm, but referee Mark Clattenburg was unmoved.

The incident seemed to unsettle the Gunners, and Hasselbaink should have done better when he headed wide while unmarked with 10 minutes to go.

Cesc Fabregas then missed the chance to make the game safe, the Arsenal youngster firing at Carson as he broke clear in the box.

Substitute Tomas Rosicky saw a shot saved from Carson in a frantic finale.

Charlton boss Iain Dowie on Mark Clattenburg's decision not to give a penalty to his side:"It's one of those decisions - it's a mistake and we all make mistakes

"As long as we're open enough to admit we got it wrong, I have got no problem. I'll see if I get that phone call."

Arsene Wenger on Robin van Persie's second goal:"It was the goal of a lifetime. He's played for a long time and I'm not sure he's scored one like that.

"I feel the cross was fantastic from Emmanuel Eboue. Robin took the ball at full pace and full power and his technique and his movement was perfect.

"The ball looked like it would go over the bar so when it came down and in the corner it was unbelievable."

Charlton: Carson, Young, Fortune, El Karkouri, Hreidarsson, Lisbie, Faye (Kishishev 45), Hughes, Reid (Ambrose 78), Darren Bent, Hasselbaink.Subs Not Used: Myhre, Holland, Ashton.

Booked: Hreidarsson, Lisbie, Hasselbaink, Kishishev.

Goals: Darren Bent 21.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Gallas, Hoyte, Hleb (Djourou 90), Fabregas, Silva, Ljungberg, Henry, Van Persie (Rosicky 77).Subs Not Used: Almunia, Julio Baptista, Adebayor.

Booked: Van Persie, Fabregas, Toure, Hoyte.

Goals: Van Persie 32, 49.

Att: 26,770

Ref: M Clattenburg (Co Durham).

From : BBC Sports