POOM POOM POOM POOM I Want You In My Room....

It is being reported that Le Boss has ended his search for a keeper by swooping for Sunderland's Mart Poom.

A loan deal has been agreed until 1st December after which a permanent move will be discussed.

This guy apparently needs four more weeks on the treatment table...so WHO IS GOING IN GOAL FOR THE FIRST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GAMES?!?!?! ALMUNIA?!?!


What the hell is going on people....?!?

Vieira: "...They Will Get Even Stronger Without Me"

Patrick Vieira believes that with Titi as our new captain, the likes of Gilberto, Cesc and Matt Flamini in the middle of the park and Le Boss's managerial brilliance we will go on to be stronger than ever;

Talking to NUTS magazine he said:

"It still hurts to have left Arsenal. I was there for ten years and I owe everything to the club. It will always be close to my heart.

"Wenger has a great eye for talent and I am sure he is already looking - they will get even stronger without me."


Lets hope he's right....

Cesc Still Believes

Cesc believes our young guns are more than capable of filling the void left by Patrick Vieira...and with only a matter of hours left before the close of the transfer window it doesn't look like we've much choice!

“For me, it is a good challenge for the young players.” Cesc said

“Patrick has left and we have to demonstrate we can be like him one day, just to try to play our game as we know we can.

“I will just try to do my best and play for the team.

“We are all working hard and we will see what happens. We have great players he and I am sure we will do well.”

Hoyte to Join Cats

Hi people! No posts for the last few days because a) It was Bank Holiday weekend and I was on a bit of a sesh, and b) there has been F*CK ALL news!

Anyway, normal service has now resumed....!


Defender Justin Hoyte is set to join Sund*rland on a year long loan, with their Estonian keeper, Mart Poom coming to us.

Poom has a wealth of experience at international level, but has apparently broken off from international commitments to hold talks with us...

In other news Sol featured in a reserve game last night against Leicester, which the boys won 5-2.

Le Boss has insisted however that he is not going to rush Sol back too quickly.

Robson: Gunners Will "Fall Down"

Bryan Robs*n believes we stand no chance in challenging Chel$ki for the Premiership title this season...

"In all honesty I believe Vieira and Edu are massive losses for Arsenal." he said

"You look at the Chels*a squad and the depth they have now is incredible. But United have started quite well this season and the younger players are going to improve that little bit more again.

"Ro*ney and Ron*ldo and people like that come into that category and I also think that P*rk Ji-S*ng is a good signing for them.

"United will definitely be so much stronger this year compared to last season and, for me, they are the ones that can challenge Chels*a.

"I just think Arsenal have lost a little bit of strength in the midfield area and do think they will fall down a bit because of that situation."


Let's hope he does a Hansen....remember? "You'll never win anything with kids!"

How wrong he was....

Den Targets Euro Success

It is almost certainly Dennis's last season at Arsenal - and he is determined to go out in style....by winning the Champions League;


"In my mind, the Premiership is always the most important but if you look at a list of titles which I haven't won, then that is something I would like to win and I am not the only one," he declared.

"We all realise that you don't get the chance to do it with a big team so many times in your career. The closest I have been is the last eight twice with Arsenal."

CL Fixture Dates

Wednesday 14th September 2005
Arsenal FC v FC Thun


Tuesday 27th September 2005
AFC Ajax v Arsenal FC


Tuesday 18th October 2005
AC Sparta Praha v Arsenal FC


Wednesday 2nd November 2005
Arsenal FC v AC Sparta Praha


Tuesday 22nd November 2005
FC Thun v Arsenal FC


Wednesday 7th December 2005
Arsenal FC v AFC Ajax

DD Pleased With CL Draw

DD has stated that the CL draw we have received will give us a chance to improve our so far poor European record.


"I know it's an unfulfilled ambition for Arsene and the boys to do well in the Champions League," he said.

"But all the teams here are here for a reason, and that's because they've done well in their domestic competitions."

Although the Swiss side are something of an unknown quantity, he joked it would be easy for us to do our homework.

"I think Philip Senderos can be our scout for the Thun game," he said.

"We've played Ajax in Europe before and played a pre-season game out there, and Sparta Prague will be interesting too.

"We played them before in 2000-2001 and beat them both times, so let's hope we can do it again."

Looks Like a Trip to Amsterdam Again. Woohoo!!!

The results of the Champions League draw are below:


Group A

Bayern Munich
Juventus
Club Brugge
Rapid Vienna


Group B

ARSENAL
Ajax
Sparta Prague
FC Thun


Group C

Barcelona
Panathinaikos
Werder Bremen
Udinese


Group D

Manchester United
Villarreal
Lille
Benfica


Group E

Milan
PSV Eindhoven
Schalke
Fenerbahce


Group F

Real Madrid
Lyon
Olympiakos
Rosenborg


Group G

Liverpool
Chelsea
Anderlecht
Real Betis


Group H

Internazionale
Porto
Rangers
Artmedia Bratislava


Not a bad group at all. We've got Ajax (as usual!), Sparta Prague and FC Thun (WHO???!?!?).

I don't see any problem with us qualifying.


Your thoughts please ladies and gents....

More On the RVP 'Rape' Story

The woman who is accusing RVP of rape has now changed her story somehwat; She says that she now WANTED to have sex with the "nice" footballer, but didn't fancy a fours-up with him and his pals. Shame.

"I really would have wanted to sleep with him if it had all passed off peacefully," she is quoted as saying.

"But all three wanted sex with me, which wasn't really in my plans," she said Thursday.

She said she cried rape "so the police came quickly. At no moment did I think I was being raped."

She called the police from the Rotterdam hotel room where she was and was later discovered naked and dazed.

According to De Telegraaf, the woman changed her testimony to police: "I have some doubts about everything that has been said."

Doesn't sound like rape to me people...

Dennis: Last Night Was the Perfect Response

DB10 has stated that last nights 4-1 thrashing of Fulh*m was just what the team needed to give them a boost.

“We had to react,” said Dennis. “It is normal that if you lose a game like that, when we thought you should have got more out of it, you try to come back with a good win and a good performance.

“We need games like this to realise we are a good team. Although we have lost players and did not win the League last year, it doesn’t mean we are a bad side. And it is these sorts of games that get you back to that level.”

“When you look at the team, with all the young players and how hungry they are, it is a great example of a team in progress,” he said. “They can learn a lot and they are learning it at the highest level which means they will be ready quite quickly.

“This is only one game of course and we’ll see if we can keep it going. But we are a good team and scoring goals like this gives you your confidence back.”

AW Has New Signing "In His Sights"

Story taken directly from Arsenal.com;


Ahead of the Fulham game, the Arsenal manager suggested that he would acquire only a goalkeeper before the transfer window closes on August 31. But, following the collapse of the deal to sign Sebastian Viera, he did not have a specific player in mind.

After Wednesday night’s victory, Wenger was a little more precise. “We are chasing a player, yes,” he said. “I’ll try to bring him in.”

When asked if this was to be a squad member or a first-team regular, the Frenchman replied: “We usually make them high-profile once they are here.”

Of course, the target in question could be an outfield player. The manager is keeping his cards close to his chest at this stage.

When any deal is officially completed, the first announcement will be on Arsenal.com. (or here!!!)

Super Rob Out in the Cold

RP7 has once again been left out of the French national squad by coach Raymond Domenech.

Bobby has not played for his country since last October after he took a swipe (not literally) at Domenech and the French FA for being fined for wearing the wrong shirt!!! (I'm sure you all remember the Puma/Adiadas saga.)

Anyway, the full squad looks like this;

Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Nantes); Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle), William Gallas (Chelsea), Gael Givet (Monaco), Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Sebastien Squillaci (Monaco), Lilian Thuram (Juventus), Jonathan Zebina (Juventus); Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris St Germain), Alou Diarra (Lens), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Jerome Rothen (Paris St Germain), Patrick Vieira (Juventus), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid); Djibril Cisse (Liverpool), Ludovic Giuly (Barcelona), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Florent Malouda (Lyon), Sylvain Wiltord (Lyon).

Arsene Wants Achille

We are apparently set to challenge Lyon for the signature of Toulouse midfielder Achille Emana.

Lyon are desperately searching for a replacement for the recently departed Michael Essien. However, former Skipper Tony Adams was in the stands on a scouting mission from Le Boss.

"I am here for Emana," the former England and Arsenal captain told L'Equipe.

"Arsene Wenger asked me to come and see him play.

"I believe he is looking for a midfielder to replace Patrick Vieira."


More as it happens...

Ali Returns to the Premiership

Jeremie has cut short his loan spell at Celtic, as he felt he wasn't being given a chance to prove his worth...

"My mind was made up against Rangers on Saturday," said Aliadiere. "I’m upset I never got the chance to show why I signed.

"I was on the bench again and Adam Virgo was given a chance for the final few minutes.

"That’s when I thought, ’The manager is just taking the piss out of me.’

"I’m now looking forward to life at West Ham and the chance to play first-team football."


Fair play son...

AW: "Thierry's Record Is Tremendous"

Le Boss hailed Thierry last night as he stepped closer to Wrighty's all time goal scoring record.

Thierry struck twice last night against Fulham, taking his goal tally to 184...


Afterwards AW said: "Thierry's record is just tremendous, I can't say more than that. He is what you dream of as a centre-forward. That's why I want him to play centre-forward. Sometimes when you get this kind of new responsibility, you can lose a bit of focus on your own game.

"Thierry wanted to play everywhere, he wanted to help on the left, right and in the midfield, and you lose a bit of energy. But he was doing what he does best. When he's playing like that, there's no better player in the world. He was focused on his job."

Cygan Closes In On Wrighty's Record!!!

What odds would you have got on Pascal Cygan scoring once last night, let alone twice!?!

Well as you all know he did, along with another two from our Skipper. The final score, 4-1. Hleb was very good - an excellent signing, I'm looking forward to seeing more of him...in fact the whole team looked better (except for Lauren's penalty cock up)!

You can read a full match report

here

Le Boss: Senderos Can Do It

AW believes that Phil's recent mistakes against Chel$ki will not hinder the youngsters progression at the club...

“He is 20 years-old and he will make mistakes,” said Wenger. “I felt he had a good game on Sunday apart from the fact that he made the mistake and it affected him afterwards.

“Tony Adams has made mistakes but it did not affect him even a minute after he made them. It is all part of learning your job.”

Thierry Is the Man

AW has insisted that Titi is the natural successor to Patrick Vieira as Captain of our club...


Le Boss declared: "I am convinced Thierry has the qualities to be the leader of the team. Just give him a bit of time to adjust to the responsibility. It's early days for him. It took a while for Patrick as well but it became natural after two or three months.

"Of course, as a striker, Thierry is in a different position but I believe he's adjusting very well to the role. Don't forget that he was out for four months through injury and he is now getting slowly back.

"He has worked very hard and once he is back to his natural level, we will have a natural leader. You feel him in the dressing room, he analyses quickly what is happening and he responds very well."

Coleman: "You Never Write Off Arsene..."

Fulh*m manager Chris C*leman has insisted that we should never be underestimated...

"You never write off Arsene Wenger," said C*leman, ahead of Fulh*m's trip to Highbury.

"He knows exactly what he is doing. Wenger has been there before. He has sold great players, replaced them and been proved right.

"I remember when [Sir Al*x] Fergus*n sold the likes of Mark H*ghes and Paul In*e after M*n United had just won the title, then Alan Hansen then said 'you never win anything with kids' - and they went on to win the double.

"Wenger will produce another good team and they will win things again.

"They have lost to Chels*a in the second game of the season, well anyone can lose to Chels*a at Stamf*rd Bridge.

"The title is not over - that is rubbish."

Le Boss: Chel$ki Have a Long Way to Go...

Le Boss has taken a swipe at Chel$ki by insisting they have a long way to go before they become the dominant force in English football.


"The two games that Chelsea have played do not suggest to me they are the dominant force in English football," AW said.

"It's all Chelsea right now but it shows you how funny it is because they could have had no points and now they have six.

"Yes, Chelsea are a good side, the greatest team in the world who try to hit you on the break home and away.

"It is up to opposing teams to find answers to the way Chelsea play and it is up to me to find the right balance and get my players to express the potential they have.

"But what I feel makes sport beautiful is the teams who stay in your heart. The teams who make your child go to a game to see something special, teams who make sport become an art.

"I remember Real Madrid with Di Stefano and Puskas, the great Ajax team and the great Brazil team.

"Why do you love football? Because of that. That's why I feel we, as a club, have to take the initiative to play the game and to play it better."

Wenger is adamant he is not panicking having succumbed to Chelsea last weekend, and believes his charges will come good.

"You get quickly buried in football," he continued.

"There is a lot of earth covering our heads but that's part of the hype nowadays.

"There are always quick conclusions on one side or the other and that does not worry me - we have to live with that."

One More Signing to Come

Arsenal.com have just published a story regarding our activity (or lack of it) before the end of the transfer window.

Apparently the only signing we will be making is that of a new goalkeeper, and it looks like it won't be Rene Adler. AW said: “We will sign a goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window but I do not know who yet.”

When asked about the possible signing of any more outfield players Le Boss simply replied "No."

Dennis Might Miss Fulh*m Game

Le Boss has revealed that Dennis might miss tomorrow's game against Fulh*m. Speaking earlier he said;

"...Dennis had a problem with his back today and we'll see how he is tomorrow morning."

Watch this space...!!!

Ash: Ref Cost Us

Ash reckons that the failure to award him a penalty after he was tripped in the box by Gall*s cost us the game;


"We are really disappointed with what happened out there," said Ashley.

"I was tripped in the box by William Gall*s. Everyone knew it was a foul apart from the referee.

"If we'd been awarded a penalty and taken the lead we would have won.

"I don't want to get into trouble with the authorities but Dr*gba's goal was offside and it's not the first time this sort of thing has happened to us.

"We told the ref and linesman but maybe they missed it. You see them every week. It's hard for officials but things like this can kill a game.

"We played well in patches but couldn't break them down.

"Winning at Stamf*rd Bridge would have given us a lot of confidence but we've just got to keep going, work hard on our game and I'm sure we'll get the results to get us back up to the top of the table."

Freddie OK

Mornin' guys and gals - I've been up in Lincoln since Saturday - hence the lack of posts.

I watched the Chel$ki game in a little boozer up there. They won by a VERY lucky goal that bounced off Dr*gba's shin, which he knew nothing about. However, we didn't look half the team we did a year ago. Something needs to be done. Fast.

On a more positive note, it turns out that Freddie's injury isn't as bad as initially feared.

A statement from Arsenal.com revealed...

"Scans on Freddie Ljungberg's knee have revealed just bruising.

"He left Stamford Bridge on crutches but the damage has not turned out to be as bad as it first appeared."

500 Not Out

The Gaffer has revealed how he has lasted so long at Highbury ahead of Sunday's grudge match against Chel$ki...

"You go from game to game," said Le Boss. "That was always my attitude and, of course, when you win you have a chance to come back for every game.

"I'm not very good at looking backwards. I use history most of the time to prepare for the future.

"I'm not very good at sitting down and looking at how well it has gone.

"Of course I'm very grateful at having had so many good years with my staff but what is good in our job is that you are always forced to look forward to what you want to achieve and how well you want to do.

"I've not really had a high point: a perfect game does not exist. The high point is lifting trophies at the end of a period you think is successful but none of the games have been completely perfect.

"When you have bad games you still have glimpses of good football as well.

"I feel you strive for perfection and the closest we got is when we played the whole season unbeaten - that is as close as you can get.

"You get many good memories but many big disappointments as well for the trophies you miss. It's part of life as a manager."

Are We Gonna Bayer Keeper?

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that we are looking to make a move for their talented 20-year-old goalkeeper Rene Adler.

Leverusen's MD, Michael Reschke said: "We know about the interest from Arsenal. Rene is a strong, young goalkeeper whose contract is running out in 2006 and it's obvious that clubs are interested in him."

Chel$ki (surprise surprise!) and Feyenoord are also interested in the youngster.

Jose Antonio "We Have the Best Team"

JAR believes that the recent, and very public row between Jose Moaninho and Ricardo "Dodgy Barnet" Carv*lho is gonna help us no end...

"Every Arsenal player is talking about the great opportunity we have to end Chelsea's 18-month unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge on Sunday," Jose Antonio told The Sun.

"We have a lot of belief and I'm confident this is a perfect moment for us to beat them.

"It's interesting to see a player like Carv*lho criticising the manager. Clearly everything is not happy inside the Ch*lsea dressing room, which is a good sign for everybody else."


"The rivalry between Arsenal and Ch*lsea is getting bigger and bigger," he continued.

"Ch*lsea were excellent last season, but I still think the Arsenal team which won the title the season before was better.

"We were more offensive and played much more spectacular football.

"This year we have the most compact team and, in my opinion, the best one."

Lamp*rd: Henry Has "Everything"

According to the Daily Mirror Frank Lamp*rd has stated that Thierry is the Premiership's best player of the 21st century.

He is quoted as saying: "Thierry is a great man and I really like him. As a player I think he has been the most outstanding player in the Premiership for the last three or four years.

"He scores goals, creates goals, has pace, skill, everything."

Dein: AW Is Best Signing Ever

David Dein insists that Le Boss is the best signing we have ever made. AW takes charge of his 500th game on Sunday and he has no plans of quitting yet...


"To manage that number of games at this level is an outstanding achievement," DD told the Daily Mail. "There's no doubt he's the best signing we've ever made. He's an extraordinarily committed professional and the future of the club is in safe hands.

"He is developing a new team and they are all part of the long-term future at the club."


Nice...

Sol Not Searching

Arsenal.com have just released an official statement saying that Sol Campbell has not requested a transfer.

Read the full statement

here...

Quincy's Learning

Qunicy believes that by training alongside such legends as DB10 and TH14 that he is learning his trade from the best possible teachers;

"I want to play well everywhere, be it a full stadium or if I am playing at Barnet with the reserves," Quincy told Algemeen Dagbladet.

"When I train, it is alongside Henry and Bergkamp and this is stimulant enough right?

"The World Cup was really beautiful. I learned a lot and it has aided my development.

"I have to be patient at Arsenal. Of course sometimes that is hard, but I can do it.

"I am now playing at Arsenal and you know that there is a lot of competition for places.

"But also you become better in every training session because of the presence of the manager and all the team-mates.

"Just look at Robin van Persie - even he has no first team place at the club."


He went on to add;

"Just looking at Henry in training makes me better, Mostly because of the choices that he makes.

"Henry knows precisely when he can take a chance and when he needs to keep it simple, and that has to better me personally."

Tel: Chel$ki Are Scared

Titi believes Chel$ki fear us - and that is the reason for their defensive (and boring!) style of play;


"What did Chels*a do that day? Only defend," insisted the skipper.

"Besides, they defend each time they play against us whereas it's different with other rivals.

"The way Chels*a played against us the other day is, for me, a form of respect. So they fear us.

"When there are five minutes left and [Hernan] Cr*spo makes for the corner flag to gain time, what does that mean to you?

"For me, it's clear. They were afraid of being pulled back and tried everything not to be so.

"Five minutes from the end, and in a charity match, what's more.

"Without taking anything away from Chels*a, I'd like to think that Arsenal play football, more than our opponents.

"It's true we haven't made any signings but we have a real team and many hours of work together at training.

"That has to come out in our football. It's a challenge. It's this cohesion that interests me."

Ralph's Up For It

Lauren believes that lessons have been learned after our 2-1 loss to Chel$ki in Cardiff ten days ago - and he reckons it's all down to mental strength and focusing...

"In the Community Shield, we had a lot of possession, and we just have to concentrate more at the back," he stated.

"We know that going forward we are fantastic, but that we have to be more tight at the back, and not to let mistakes spoil the result."

Vieira: "They Will Be Fine"

Former skipper Patrick Vieira insists we will have no problems without him;


"They will be fine," declared Vieira.

"Something that will never change at Arsenal is that the quality at the club is not about individual players - it is about the team and the spirit they have."


Patrick has also been impressed by the way we have played pre-season....


"I watched the Community Shield and I thought they looked sharper than Chelsea to be honest," Vieira said in the Arsenal matchday programme.

"I thought they passed the ball really well and Chelsea only had two chances which [Didier] Dr*gba took well."

Kolo Tips Cesc to Shine

Kolo has insisted that there is most definitely life after Patrick Vieira - and that Cesc is the lad for the job;


Vieira is a big player," Kolo told Sky Sports News. "In football everything can happen.

"Now, he is only playing for Juventus and that's nice for him and we'll try to do our best to lift and take the Arsenal team up.

"I think we've got some good players like Cesc Fabregas and Gilberto and that's really good for us as well.

"It's definitely difficult for him (Fabregas) as he is such a young player yet he's really clever, intelligent and is learning.

"He can get there definitely."


Kolo also went on to praise Le Boss....;


He added: "Mr Wenger is a great guy and a great manager as well.

"He's really clever and helps the young lads like me, Cesc and Senderos.

"For us he is a really, really big manager. He brings us to the top level and he helps us to be focused on it and play well as well.

"We are happy to have that kind of manager with us."

Le Boss: "I Am Still Looking..."

The Gaffer has not ruled strengthening the squad before the end of the transfer window.

Speaking to Arsenal.com earlier he said;

“My only target was Julio Baptista. I wanted to get someone who can add goals and can be a force in the midfield. I did not want a technical player because we have technical players in the middle.

“I am still looking but you can’t easily find these players. I don’t want to buy a player just to buy a player. In my opinion this team has a super talent and we will only buy if someone will get the team to a different level.”

Phil's Ready

After the greasy haired twat Dr*gba got the better of 'Big' Phil in Cardiff, our defender found out how the media works in this country first hand.

He was initially the best thing since sliced bread according to the papers - after breaking into the first team and keeping Sol out. But after the match in Cardiff, Phil received some harsh criticism from the tabloids.

However, in true Gooner spirit Phil is not gonna let it get the better of him;


"Even last season I didn't do everything very well," he said. "I had ups and downs, that's why footballers ask questions of themselves and try to react to that.

"In every game you can't do everything well so you have to think about it, work on what you did wrong and get better next time. You should always watch yourself and try to get better every day."


He also went on to talk about this Sundays game against the (temporary) champions...


"It's a different game, it's going to be a big game as well," he said. "[The Community Shield] was a difficult game for both teams. We had the ball more than Chelsea and we had more opportunities but Chelsea scored twice.

"We have to do our job and concentrate on Sunday. I will try to do my best and do my job out there. With the help of the other players I can be at my best."



COME ON YOU REDCURRANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sven: "Sol Will Have the Same Oppourtunity As the Others"

England manager Sven Goran Eriksson has stated that he will give Sol a chance to get back into the England team.


Sven insisted: "Sol is still in my thoughts for sure. Three years ago in Japan, he was selected as the best defender in the world.

"He is not yet 31 and is just as good. It is just for him to get fit, play some football and he will be selected.

"The problem will then come as to who to play but that is my problem. He will have the same opportunity as the others."

Christanval: "Campbell Asked to Leave"

Phillipe Christanval has claimed Sol wants out of Arsenal. The french defender, who spent pre-season training with us had this to say;


"I am still waiting for an answer," he stated about his prospects with Arsenal.

"I know Arsene confirmed on the club's website it won't be settled but he didn't call me yet.

"During the pre-season period, Arsene told me he was keen to sign me but only if he parts with one of his central defenders.

"Sol Campbell asked to leave.

"Considering what I know, he hasn't had any concrete propositions yet.

"But the transfer window is not closed yet. I still have hope for Arsenal.

"England has the most exciting league to me. Arsenal asked me to join them for a training period - that is not for nothing."

Titi v Toure

TH14 will come face to face with Kolo tonight as France take on the Ivory Coast in an international friendly.

"He’s a solid and tough player," said Thierry. "I play with him every day on the training ground and I can tell you he wakes me up."

"We talked about the game with Kolo. They want to show their qualities against France as many of them play in the French league.

"I am sure they will be the next African champions,"

Cesc Tells It How It Is

Young Cesc has hit out at Chel$ki's big spending tactics ahead of our clash at Stamf*rd Bridge on Sunday...


"At Arsenal, we don't just get out the chequebook to sign players," he said. "We believe in our youngsters.

"The manager had faith in Patrick Vieira ten years ago. Now he is one of the best players in the world.

"Chels*a may have more money but you don't win matches with money. Arsenal are different. We are all about playing properly and controlling the ball.

"This concept hasn't worked too badly for us. We have won lots of trophies in the past decade.

"There's the outstanding matter of winning something big in Europe but this season could be the one when we have a change of luck in the Champions League."

RVP Doing the Right Thing

RVP is apparently doing all the right things to impress his national coach Marco Van Basten;

Van Basten said: "He left a good impression in his last few caps both as a football player and as a human being. A lot happened with him this summer and we'll have to wait and see how that ends."

Nice...!

Stadium Of Light

As we all know, we have been punching above our weight financially now for some time. However, with our new 60,000 seater home close to completion it won't be long before the cash starts rolling in and we'll be able to compete with the likes of ManUre...

“Potentially we are financially at a different level,” Wenger said yesterday.

"The project was vital because it was that or we would die on a longer term at the top level. It is a lot of money. It will increase the potential of the club. The board were brave and crazy and the gamble has paid off.

“When I arrived, I did not know if a 60,000 capacity was too big for us. I’m now convinced that, if we have a super team, it could be small. You feel we need a good team to keep the people happy. If we have a good team that plays quality football, we will have 60,000 every week.”

We will apparently need to draw crowds of at least 55,000 per week if we are to keep up the repayments on what we borrowed.

Tel's Getting Closer

Thierry is within touching distance of equalling Wrighty's all time goalscoring record.

"People will now say 'only three to go' so I'll think about it. But don't get me wrong - when I stepped up to take the penalty, I was only thinking about getting 1-0 up!" Titi said.

"I was just concentrating on the penalty. Sometimes if you miss one, it can be even more difficult with 10 minutes to go. Fortunately Shay Given went the right way but the ball went in.

"I made a little sign for my daughter. It was the first time that she had been in the stadium, so it was a special day for me - the first time that she came to see her dad play."

Tel added: "A lot of people have been asking me about the chance that I have of breaking the goalscoring record at the club, but to be honest, I'd rather that others spoke about it and I just got on with my football.

"What I will say is that it will be more than amazing if I could achieve the record, especially when you consider what a special season this is for the club, being the last at Highbury.

"My dream is to break the record at Highbury - to do it here would be the cherry on top of the cake. I don't think it would be quite the same to do it away from Highbury."

And We're Off!!!

Thank God! The season has finally started - and it wasn't a bad start as 3 points were secured at home to the Geordies.

Two late goals from Titi (pen) and RVP secured the victory, but as you all know the match was not without controversy.

I'm not gonna sit here and type a match report - 'cos we all know what happened and who did what etc. but on the whole I thought we looked OK. Newcastle came for a draw. They packed out the midfield and tried to frustrate us but in my opinion we always looked like scoring.

In other news Freddie is a doubt for Sweden's friendly against the Czech Republic.

"I got a kick on my calf after four minutes in Sunday's Premiership game with Newcastle and now the calf is like a dead leg," Freddie told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

"I must wait and see. I will not risk anything if I'm not 100% fit."


Good. I'd rather none of our boys play and risk injury in these pointless friendlies, but what do I know?!?

Bobby Blown Out

Bobby Pires has once again been left out of the French National side.

Coach Raymond Domenech had this to say;.


"The basis of a national team is to eliminate [people],"

"That is the law of selections, clubs and football.

"There are probably 300 players I can call.

"It is up to each of them to show they have the potential to play in the French team.

"Pires is part of the 300 players who can be called!"

Bentley's Off

David Bentley is to leave Arsenal after having had his transfer request accepted;

"I will let him go," said AW.

"It's a bit of the risk you take when you send a player out on loan and he gets the taste of what it's like to play every week in the Premier League.

"He comes back and thinks it will not be easy to play the same number of games this season as last season. Then he comes impatient and a bit nervous about the situation.

"I understand that as David Bentley is a flank player or a second striker.

"In these positions, we have Robert Pires, Jose Antonio Reyes, Alexander Hleb, Freddie Ljungberg, Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp."

RVP in Orange Squad

RVP has been included in Marco van Basten's Holland squad when they play Germany in a friendly on August 17th.

This is surely a good sign....!


Full Squad: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Henk Timmer (AZ Alkmaar), Johnny Heitinga (Ajax ), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Jan Kromkamp (Porto), Barry Opdam (AZ Alkmaar), Khalid Boulahrouz (HSV Hamburg), Wilfred Bouma (Eindhoven), Theo Lucius (PSV Eindhoven), Nigel de Jong (Ajax ), Hedwiges Maduro (Ajax), Wesley Sneijder (Ajax), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Phillip Cocu (PSV Eindhoven), Ryan Babel (Ajax), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Roy Makaay (Bayern Munich), Arjen Robben (Chelsea), Dirk Kuyt (Feyenoord), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United).

Le Boss: "I Am Still Looking to Bring in a Goalkeeper"

As we all know by know, 22 year old Uruguayan 'keeper Sebastian Viera will not be joning the ranks at Highbury;


“Sebastian Viera has not joined us, the deal is over,” said AW.

“We could not find an agreement in the end. But I am still looking to bring in a goalkeeper.”


Who do you think the Gaffer has in mind?

Cesc Signs On

Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday peeps. I was in bed for most of the day, diagnosed with a severe case of over-training. (going to the gym too much!) I'm now feeling fine again and shall crack on!!!

This is kind of old news now, but our 18 year old wonderkid Cesc has signed a new six year deal to keep him with us until 2011.

The player's agent, Joseba Diaz, revealed: "With this gesture, Arsenal wanted to reward the hard work of Cesc who at 18 is a Premiership regular and very appreciated by his club."

Good stuff!!!

Ash Loses Appeal

Ash has lost his appeal against the fine he received after being seduced by the Tappers of Stamf*rd Bridge.

In a statement, the Premier League said:

"In regard to the appeals by Ashley Cole and J*se Mourinh*, the Premier League appeals committee has reminded themselves of the evidence in both cases and received submissions from the respective legal representatives.

"In both cases, the Premier League appeals committee has dismissed the appeals on findings.

"However, in respect of Ashley Cole's appeal on sanctions, the committee found in favour in part and, in doing so, reduced the fine imposed from £100,000 to £75,000.

"The committee also found favour in part in J*se Mourinh*'s appeal on his sanctions, deciding that although he had a greater responsibility as a manager and senior club representative, he was less culpable for the arranged meeting.

"As such, his fine is reduced from £200,000 to £75,000."

Tel: "I'll Do It My Way"

Our new skipper has stated that he will not be the same as our last two captains;


“Tony Adams had his way,” said Henry. “He was shouting and screaming in a good way to give a lift to the team. Patrick was kind of quiet on the pitch. He was showing them what to do. I am something inbetween.”

“Ashley is a leader, Dennis is a leader, Jens and Freddie too. So yes I think I’ll be an inbetween kind of guy. I will let the players know but I also have to do what I do on the pitch.

“I mean I don’t know if you have seen but I have been shouting even without the armband. Skipper or no skipper you have to handle someone having a go at you for a good reason. You all want the team to win. That is why I was mentioning the guys like Ashley, Freddie, Jens. They also have a part to play.

“But mainly I will always put my team first. I’ll always listen to what the guys have to say and if I can help my team I will do it.”