Tag Archives: Arsenal

Arsenal to gun down Blues dreams

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The Carling Cup has been much maligned by football supporters in its history, but things have changed in recent seasons and the clash between Arsenal and Birmingham City (4pm) is an intriguing battle of differing styles.

Both teams will look to end trophy droughts, with more pressure on the Gunners to deliver the goods at Wembley having gone six years without a major honour.

Birmingham though will look to upset the odds and Alex McLeish has plenty of experience in winning cup finals during his time in charge of Rangers.

The Gunners are 8/15 to win the first piece of silverware on offer this season, while Blues are 6/1. All the omens point to Arsene Wenger’s men enjoying a comfortable day out, but nothing is ever straight forward with the Gunners.

A quick look at the form guide shows Arsenal have lost one of the last 17 in all competitions, including a comfortable win over Chelsea and their dramatic turnaround against Barcelona. The Gunners are trying to do the quadruple this season and have already beaten Birmingham twice in the league on their quest for the Premier League.

However, it isn’t all doom and gloom for Blues, who have shown some fighting spirit since a 5-0 drubbing at Manchester United. Alex McLeish’s men have lost just one of the last seven, a run of results which includes five wins.

They will have also been boosted by the news Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott are out as they go in search of their first bit of silverware since the 1963 League Cup. Birmingham are unlikely to roll over and let Arsenal cruise to victory so don’t expect a one-sided final.

Match Bet: Draw HT/ Arsenal FT @ 3/1

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Can Arsenal better Invincibles feat?

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Ask Arsenal supporters what their favourite moments of Arsene Wenger’s reign are and you might get a few different answers. Beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in 2006, winning the title at White Hart Lane or Sylvain Wiltord’s league-winning goal at Old Trafford might all come up.

However, the majority of fans will point to Arsenal’s unbeaten season as the crown glory of Wenger’s time in charge. The Frenchman is now on course to complete another history-making feat as he looks to steer the Gunners towards four trophies. We examine whether Arsenal can win all or any of the trophies they are going for over the next four months.

Carling Cup

Let’s start with the most pressing matter, which will be on most Arsenal fans’ minds and that is this Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Birmingham.

The Gunners are 1/4 to win the first piece of domestic silverware on offer this season and will fancy their chances of climbing the steps to the balcony of the new Wembley for the first time since it was re-built. In Birmingham they are facing a side who are struggling in the league, mainly due to a lack of goals, and who have already been beaten comfortably by Arsenal home and away this season in the league.

Wenger’s men are unbeaten in the last eight matches between the two teams but, as the old cliché goes, anything can happen in a cup game. The pressure is on Arsenal to win and end a six-year wait for silverware, while Blues are expected to lose so can maybe play with more freedom. Arsenal’s cause hasn’t been helped by injuries to Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas but even without the duo they should have enough star power to end their barren spell.

Premier League

Wednesday’s win over Stoke has put Arsenal just one point behind league leaders Manchester United, although they have played a game more.

However, some will say it is better to have the points on the board rather than have to games in hand and if so then the Gunners are in decent shape for a title-winning surge.

They have the better of the two run-ins when compared with Manchester United – away at Tottenham, home to United and Liverpool are the toughest of their remaining 11 games. Arsenal are 7/4 to win the Premier League and that looks a decent bet with United now being odds-on at 4/7.

Over recent years the Gunners have choked when it comes to the run-in and droped points when they shouldn’t, last season’s fall from grace coming in the form of a 3-2 defeat at Wigan after being 2-0 up. You feel that the there is another mistake in the current Arsenal team and for that reason it looks as though it will be another year at least before the Gunners can call themselves the kings of England again.

FA Cup

Based on what Arsenal have done in the FA Cup this year you’d have to say ‘no’ if asked whether you think the north London outfit can win this historic competition.

The Gunners are 18/5 for the FA Cup, but having taken a replay to beat Leeds and struggled past Huddersfield you get the sense it isn’t their biggest priority. Wenger’s selection for the game with Leyton Orient demonstrates that and a replay against their fellow Londoners is the last thing they need. While they should crush the League One outfit at the Emirates Stadium a trip to Old Trafford will await them.

United have had Arsenal’s number in recent meetings and the last time they played each other in the FA Cup Wenger’s men were embarrassed 4-0 by Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges.

While you could look at it as Arsenal owing United one, the season the Red Devils are having suggests that they will do just enough to get by and march on to the semi-finals at the Gunners’ expense.

Champions League

This is the one all Arsenal fans are aching to win, the one trophy that Wenger wants more than any other. The small problem is they need to go to the Nou Camp and maintain a slender one-goal advantage against the favourites Barcelona.

Arsenal are 14/1 to win the Champions League and that might not be such a crazy bet when you consider that if they do survive in the Nou Camp there aren’t too many sides left the Gunners will fear. If Arsenal can get rid of Barca that will open up the competition massively.

If you gave Wenger a choice between winning the Champions League and Premier League you’d think he would pick the first one. Most Arsenal fans will be dreading the second leg in Barcelona, but shouldn’t. They should see it as the best opportunity they are going to get at winning the Champions League because without the Spanish champions Arsenal will fear no one.

While the Gunners have a better chance of winning the Premier League or FA Cup this is the one they want and you shouldn’t look beyond them getting their wish.

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Arsenal to cruise crunch contest

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Arsenal couldn’t have asked for easier opponents to guarantee a place in the last 16 in the Champions League as they look for three vital points against Partizan Belgrade (25/1 to beat the Gunners) on Wednesday night.

Arsene Wenger’s side looked like they would be strolling into the knockout stages of the competition after winning their first three matches, scoring a record-breaking 14 goals in the process.

However, the Gunners’ European campaign has come unstuck recently and two defeats on the bounce – against Shakhtar Donestk and Braga – have drawn the north London outfit into a three-way fight for the top two spots.

The loss to Braga two weeks ago really hurt Arsenal and Shakhtar Donestk look as though they will secure top spot after victory over Partizan Belgrade, with the Gunners priced at 4/1 to be Group H winners.

Arsenal are only ahead of Braga in second because of their head-to-head record and now must win on Wednesday night to make sure they avoid the embarrassment of going out in the first round.

Fortunately, for Arsenal fans of a nervous disposition, they are facing a side who haven’t picked up a point from their previous five Champions League matches.

The Gunners cruised to victory in Serbia earlier this year and with the most fearsome thing about Partizan being their supporters, Wenger’s men should have no problems.

They look as though they will be without Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Cesc Fabregas, but with Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh in good form they will have too much for Partizan.

Elsewhere, things are a little more relaxed for Chelsea who have already secured top spot and will view the trip to Marseille as a chance to blood some youngsters in Europe.

But having only just squeezed past MSK Zilina with a young side at Stamford Bridge last time out in Europe, Marseille might be well worth a punt to beat the Blues at 5/4.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Everton that his side have a problem at the minute having won just one of the last six Premier League matches.

Wednesday’s match against the French champions has nothing riding on it, with Marseille having secured second spot last time out, and the only thing that might save Chelsea is Didier Drogba’s determination to get one over his former team.

Drogba (9/2 first goalscorer) is a slight injury concern but will be desperate to play at the Stade Veledrome, the ground where he made a name for himself before moving on to Stamford Bridge.

Looking a little further a field and with top spot in Group E having been sorted on matchday five there could be the potential for an upset when Basel travel to take on Bayern Munich.

The Swiss champions must win in Germany and hope Cluj beat Roma to have any hope of snatching second from the Italians.

With Bayern having already made it through to the knockout stages expect the German outfit to drop some of their big names as they continue their recovery from an injury crisis.

Basel are 19/5 to beat Bayern and with so much on the line for the Swiss outfit look for them to push Bayern close at the Allianz Arena, much like they did at home earlier in the competition.

Bayern just snatched victory thanks to Bastian Schweinsteiger in Switzerland but don’t be surprised if the result is a little different in Germany.

Elsewhere it looks as though the rest of the big names in action should have a comfortable night, with AC Milan and Real Madrid looking to round off the group stages with wins against Ajax and Auxerre respectively.

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Wenger seeks Arsenal belief

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Arsene Wenger hopes the 3-0 win at Manchester City will give Arsenal (11/2 Premier League Outright) the belief they need to go on and win the Premier League title.

The Gunners showed their title credentials with a strong performance at Eastlands, with goals from Samir Nasri, Alex Song and Nicklas Bendtner.

Although City were down to ten men after just five minutes, following the dismissal of Dedryck Boyata, Wenger was delighted with the way his side took full advantage.

The Frenchman said: “It was important to us to get a win in a big place to strengthen belief and continue our march forward. I think collectively we completely dominated the game.”

The Gunners (1/7 Top Four Finish) have moved up to second in the table, five points behind leaders Chelsea, who are one of two teams to beat Arsenal this season.

One major plus in recent weeks has been the performances of Lukasz Fabianski, following the Gunners’ early-season goalkeeping issues.

The Polish international kept an impressive clean sheet and has conceded just two goals in three games – during which time Arsenal have scored ten.

Fabianski will have to battle to keep his place when Manuel Almunia returns to full fitness, but Wenger is pleased with the form of the 25-year-old.

The manager stated: “From game to game, he shows what we see in training. Sometimes in our job you have to be steady and fight against opinions.

“It is easier when you know a player has the talent and I believe he has the talent.”

Wenger has been known to blood the Gunners’ youngsters in the Carling Cup (Newcastle 14/5, Draw 13/5, Arsenal 10/11 – Match Betting) , but has indicated that he will send a strong side to Newcastle on Wednesday.

England international Theo Walcott is expected to start at St James’ Park, while Nicklas Bendtner could start after scoring as a substitute at Eastlands having recovered from injury.

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Adebayor could face Arsenal

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Emmanuel Adebayor is in line to start for Manchester City (13/10 – 90 minutes) against Arsenal at the weekend after his Europa League heroics, according to manager Roberto Mancini.

The Togo striker bagged a hat-trick at Eastlands to secure a 3-1 win over Lech Poznan in the Europa League. It was the first-ever European hat-trick by a City player and the first time he had found the back of the net so far this season.

Adebayor, who joined City from Arsenal (2/1 to win, draw 11/5 – 90 minutes) in the summer of 2009, is now set to start against his former club on Sunday, according to Mancini.

It was around 12 months ago that Adebayor angered Arsenal fans at Eastlands as City ran out 4-2 winners, back in Mark Hughes’ time as manager. He raked his boot down Robin van Persie’s face and also ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Gunners fans after scoring.

The striker got a three match-suspension for the stamp on van Persie and was given a £25,000 fine and suspended two-match ban for after the Football Association cited “extremely provocative abuse” as a key factor in his controversial celebration.

After breaking his goal duck against the Polish side, Adebayor (5/1 – first goal scorer) now looks likely to be handed a starting spot when the teams meet again on Sunday.

Mancini said: “It is possible he could play against Arsenal.

“For a striker it is important to play well and his performance was excellent. But it is very important for them to score.

“Now he has a good chance to play against Arsenal.”

It looks a certainty that Carlos Tevez (Evens – to score anytime), City’s top scorer this season with seven goals, will come back into the team for the highly-anticipated Premier League clash with the Gunners, but Mancini is confident the duo can play together on Sunday.

“It is not a problem,” he added.

“They played together against Blackpool. It is normal for my teams to play with two strikers. That is what I usually like to do.”

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas recently stoked the fires ahead of the game by claiming it is not possible for a team to just “buy the spirit” of champions with cold, hard cash (City 11/2 – Premier League outright, Arsenal 15/2).

The Spaniard knows City sit only two points behind Chelsea at the top of the Premier League but yet he has said it is impossible for a team to be put together “in one season or two” and it will take a long time to make the club serious title contenders.

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Ancelotti back for Arsenal clash

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected back in England for the Premier League home clash with Arsenal on Sunday following the death of his father (Blues 8/11 to win the game).

Ancelotti Snr passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 87 and his funeral will take place on Saturday in Italy which means his son will miss the build up to the weekend.

But the former AC Milan coach is set to be back in London when the Gunners make the short trip to Stamford Bridge.

A Chelsea statement read: “Carlo Ancelotti’s father Giuseppe passed away in Italy last night aged 87 with his son at his side.

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Carlo and his family. They are all in our thoughts at this time.

“The funeral will take place in Italy on Saturday. Carlo will return to London for Sunday’s match versus Arsenal.”

Blues striker Didier Drogba has already described Sunday’s game as one the Blues cannot afford to lose following last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City (Drogba 4/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).

He told Sky Sports: “When I was playing in France, Arsenal was an example for us because there were all these French players who used to play in the French league and went abroad to play for Arsenal with a French manager.

“So to play against them for me means a lot.”

Drogba added: “I don’t think we can afford to lose a second game, especially against Arsenal

“People have to know, and we know, that we’re going to lose some games this season.

“But again, it’s always good to win, it’s always better to win.”

Arsenal also lost last weekend – 3-2 at home to promoted West Brom – but like the Blues they also bounced back in midweek in the Champions League (Gunners 10/1 – Champions League Outright).

Gunners understudy Lukasz Fabianski looks likely to keep his place in goal with Manuel Almunia struggling with an elbow problem.

The Pole was impressive against Partizan Belgrade during Tuesday night’s 3-1 win but will know he needs to back that display up if called on at the Bridge.

The 25-year-old said: “Overall, I am pleased with my performance.

“I am not talking about just saves, but reading the game, coming for crosses or playing with my feet.

“Every aspect of goalkeeping is important for me, so I am pleased with my performance in general.”

Fabianski added: “I am ready to play against Chelsea. I was always ready, so we will see.

“I was never really bothered by all the things said. I was always trying to focus on my job and my work.

“That is what I was always doing and that why I am grounded.”

With or without Fabianski, Arsenal are 18/5 for the away win.

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Wenger commits to Arsenal

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has given the Gunners a boost ahead of their season-opener with Liverpool by signing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium (Arsenal 19/10 to beat Liverpool).

The 60-year-old tactician joined Arsenal from Japanese side Grampus Eight in 1996 and has become the club’s longest-serving manager with 14 years in north London.

He has guided the club to three Premiership titles, while also claiming the FA Cup on four separate occasions.

The fiery Frenchman has yet to win the Champions League but did lead his troops to the final in 2006, only to see them beaten 2-1 by Barcelona.

The former Monaco boss has been linked with a number of managerial posts during his time at Arsenal, with Real Madrid mentioned as a possible destination over the past few years.

But Wenger has always remained loyal to his current employers and has now penned a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2014.

It is not known whether the Strasbourg-born manger intends to carry on in management when his new deal runs out but it seems likely that he will remain with the Gunners for the rest of his career as he appears as enthusiastic as ever about his current charges’ chances of bringing trophies to the Emirates.

“My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware,” he said. “My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever. Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential. Trust me, they are ready to deliver.

“With my staff and players we are in front of an exciting challenge and we are looking forward to achieving much success.”

Wenger is the Premiership’s second-longest serving manager behind Sir Alex Ferguson but he has not delivered any silverware for five years and there were rumours that he was keen to try his luck elsewhere.

However, the latest news will end any speculation and means the players can now focus on the job of trying to break the duopoly of Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premiership table.

With Liverpool under new management and Manchester City spending money like it’s going out of fashion, the Premiership could be a more open affair this season, with Arsenal looking to win domestic football’s biggest prize for the first time since the 2003/04 season.

Having the likes of Robin van Persie fit for the whole season will be key to Wenger’s chances of winning the Premiership crown and he should be fit to face the Reds on Sunday at Anfield (Van Persie 5/4 to be Gunners top goalscorer in Premier League).

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‘Messi’ Barcelona approach for Fabregas: Arsenal to fight it?

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Cesc Fabregas 300x199 Messi Barcelona approach for Fabregas: Arsenal to fight it? Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has publically expressed his desire to fend off Barcelona and keep Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates Stadium, saying that the club will fight tooth and nail to keep their captain.

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Hill-Wood has said that the club are so adamant that Fabregas’ future lies at the North London club that the board have refused to even discuss a fee that would be needed to tempt them to sell.

La Liga champions Barcelona have made no secret of the fact that they want to sign the 23-year-old and they believe that the midfielder’s desire to play for the Catalan outfit will be the deciding factor in any move.

Speculation about Fabregas has been the talk of the back pages in both England and Spain in recent weeks and Hill-Wood has described Barcelona’s tactics of trying to tempt the player via the Spanish media as “a funny way of doing business.”

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The Spanish sports media is renowned for creating high-profile transfer speculation among Europe’s elite players, but this is one occasion when they may be justified.

Fabregas has publically acknowledged his desire to return the club he supports and progressed through the youth system as a boy.

Barcelona’s well documented interest in the Spain international could be made official today if they make their predicted initial bid of £30m – a figure that will do little to prise Fabregas away as Arsenal are thought to value their captain at around £50m.

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How Spurs can beat Arsenal to Premiership third spot

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Arsenal FC 150x150 How Spurs can beat Arsenal to Premiership third spotAll the midweek excitement in the Premiership centred on Tottenham’s win over Manchester City which guaranteed the North London club their first crack at the Champions League. However, they still have something more to play for.

Spurs win took them to within two points of Arsenal who lie in third place. If Harry Redknapp’s side could overtake the Gunners it would be worth more than just bragging rights in North London.

Though finishing fourth in the table offers a shot at the main European competition, the fourth English participant has to go through tough qualifiers to reach the lucrative group stage.

Arsenal had to go via that route in this campaign and Arsene Wenger would desperately like to avoid that again, as the games take place almost before the league season has begun and new men are being bedded in.

  • You can bet on this outcome: Can Arsenal Finish Third?

The new rules adopted for the Champions League qualifiers mean that the last English side could face opponents from top leagues like Italy, Spain or Germany.

Harry RedknappThe Gunners still hold the advantage over their bitter rivals, although they have to assume that Spurs will take maximum points from their trip to Burnley on the final day of the season.

Unless Burnley suffer a complete collapse, a point in their home game against Fulham will be enough for Arsenal as they are currently ten goals to the good on goal difference.

With the Europa League Final coming up, Roy Hodgson is very unlikely to send out a full strength Fulham team but that can have its dangers for Arsenal. There will be players trying to clinch a place on the bench for the final against Athletico Madrid- and they will be more motivated than is normal for a mid-table side.

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Other members of the side will relish the chance to start at the Emirates and players like striker Erik Nevland could see this as his last game in the Premiership- and want to go out in style.

The pressure is all on Arsenal to make sure they don’t slip up at the death. Their players will be kicking themselves for allowing this situation to develop when third place seemed a certainty just a few weeks ago.

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