Ralph Out Until January

The Gaffer has revealed that we will be without Lauren until January '07...

"I don't think you will see Lauren in the team before January," he said.

"He played up to the limit of his pain and then maybe he played a little too long."

"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."

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

AW: Theo Will Develop On The Wing

Le Boss has said that he wants Theo to fine tune his skills playing on the wing for the next couple of years. Theo played on the right during our 2-0 win against West Brom last night. He made a goal for Jeremie Aliadiere and almost scored himself.

Here's what AW said after the game...

"When you have a player like Theo, it is important to let him develop on the wing."

"He has to learn how to dribble and gain confidence in attacking people in one-on-one situations."

"Then, in a year or two he can move into the middle and use those abilities to do a better job."

The Gaffer also went on to speak about Jeremie, who scored both goals last night...

"Jeremie has had consistent problems with injury."

"Every time he got close to the first team he got another one."

"This is the first time since I have had him that he has got through the beginning of the season and not been bothered by a problem."

"Now we can see what a good player he is."

KT5 Signs New Deal

Kolo has commited his future to Arsenal by signing a new long term contract with the Club.

Speaking earlier here's what he had to say...

“I can see myself staying here [at Arsenal] for the rest of my career. Why would I want to leave. I love my football here, my family is settled here and the club is ambitious. It is fantastic.”

COME ON!!!

Vote For Arsene, Jens, Arsenal and THAT Win At The Bernabeu

Cut and paste the link into your URL bar and DO IT!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/sport/personality2006.shtml

Tonight's Squad

Le Boss has announced tonight's squad for tonight's Carling Cup game against West Br*m.

It is as follows...

Manuel Almunia
Mart Poom
Philippe Senderos
Johan Djourou
Joe O’Cearuill
Matthew Connolly
Gael Clichy
Armand Traore
Mathieu Flamini
Alexandre Song
Denilson
Mark Randall
Jay Simpson
Theo Walcott
Emmanuel Adebayor
Jeremie Aliadiere

Gilberto: "Cesc Has Done So Well"

Gilberto has expressed his delight at Cesc's commitment after the youngster signed an eight year deal last week.

"Cesc has done so well. Last season it was hard for him because it was hard for the whole team." he said.

"But this year he's looked stronger because the team has been more solid as well."

"I'm delighted he's decided to sign a long contract with Arsenal because it's an amazing club to be at."

"If they want to give me another eight years then why not - it would be amazing!"

AW: Mine's A Carling

AW has said that he would be bang up for winning the Carling Cup this year as it is the only domestic title he hasn't won - YET!

Speaking earlier, here's what he said...

"We want to qualify in the Carling Cup and we want to go as far as we can. It is a competition I have never won in England despite having been here for 10 years."

The Gaffer has also confirmed some of the starting XI...

"You will see Walcott, Adebayor and all the players who were on the bench against Reading. And also the players I left behind like Senderos, Denilson and Jeremie Aliadiere will play.

"Manuel Almunia will play in goal, Gael Clichy will play of course and Johan Djourou might play again but I don't know yet."

Cesc: ..."It Will Be Difficult..."

Young Cesc has stated that he believes we can challenge for the Premiership this term.

Speaking on Arsenal.com here's what our little matador had to say...

"I think it will be difficult to win the title, but we feel we can make it.

"We are up against very good teams, not just Ch*lsea and M*nchester Un!ted but Liverp*ol too, even though they are not at their best at the moment.

"And be careful of B*lton. No-one is talking about them, but they are still winning. I'm sure there will be four or five teams up at the top and we need to be one of them.

"After the first three games this season people were saying that we would have the same problems as last year.

"We were creating so many opportunities and the ball didn't want to go into the net."

Injury Setback For Freddie

Freddie could be out for up to another month according to reports.

"Freddie had a setback, and will be out for two or three more weeks." The Gaffer said.

The following are available for this Sunday's trip to Reading...

Lehmann, Almunia, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Toure, Senderos, Hoyte, Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Flamini, Song, van Persie, Walcott, Henry, Adebayor.

Any predictions on starting XI?

AW: "...We Will Produce Top Domestic Talent..."

Those who constantly harp on about our lack of English talent will soon have little to moan about according to Mr Wenger.

Speaking at yesterday's AGM the Gaffer insisted that we have a wealth of domestic talent working it's way up the ranks and it won't be too long before these lads are featuring for the first team...

"Through the years it is true we have developed less English players than young foreign talent. It is down to one basic reason — England produces less young talent because they responded later with the quality of their academies."

"But I think that with the work of [director] Richard Carr we have really developed our youth system and in the next three or four years we will produce top domestic talent because I know we have it here at the Club."

SO THERE!

Le Boss: Cesc Is An 'Exceptional Talent'

The Gaffer has stated his belief that Cesc will only get better as time goes on...

"He came here at 16 years of age but his football brain allowed him to play at the top level," said AW.

"When you're always in the class of the best, especially with the talent and dedication Fabregas has, I still feel there is a lot more to come from him in the next three years.

"He's only 19 years of age. It's amazing because he's an exceptional talent."

Cesc: "I Am So Happy Here..."

Young Cesc has expressed his delight at signing his huge new contract extension...

"I am so happy here and I am delighted to have signed this new contract that will keep me at the Club for years to come," he said.

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

"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."

Cesc Signs

According to reports Cesc's agent, Joseba Diaz has revealed that our little matador has signed his new EIGHT year contract extension, making him a Gunner until 2014!!!

Here's what he said...

"It is a fabulous contract for the player and also for the club,"

"This is the word [fabulous] that best defines this contract.

"Cesc feels very happy with how much Arsenal value him and in the knowledge that Arsenal are going to build their future around him."

NICE!!!

JD20: "...There Were Two Bad Decisions..."

Johan Djourou has backed TH14 and agreed that the dickhead ref cost us a draw at least last night.

Here's what he said...

"We could have finished with a draw because there were two bad decisions by the referee,"

"On the free-kick, I do not think it was a foul. One on one in the challenge, I did not touch him.

"Later, the referee has said it was handball - which it never was.

"If it had been a foul, then the keeper and defenders would have claimed for it. Nobody did.

"They were two bad decisions."

TH14: "I Am More Than Angry"

Me too! That WAS a goal and I can't understand how the ref thought it was handball!!!

I do think that CSKA played very well...Dudu and Daniel Carvalho in particular, but it should have been a draw!

As a result of last night's shenanigans I feel like SHIT this morning. I watched the game at home with a mate - but afterwards I had the arsehole so went down the pub for a few then ended up at the Missus' house - who has a huge fucking bar which I attacked!!!

Anyway, here's what the Skipper had to say...

"I am more than angry. If you look at the replay, you will see that it is not handball. I was shocked the referee gave me a yellow card. It was a good goal."

"Do you think if the keeper had seen handball, he would not have reacted and appealed for it?"

"We did not play that great to win the game, but a draw would have been a good result."

AW Explains Denilson Decision

Le Boss has explained why he has included new boy Denilson in tonight's squad...

"He is what you call an all-round player here in England,” said the Gaffer. “He defends well, is a good passer of the ball and has good technique. He has fantastic stamina and has a good first touch too."

“I feel he can play in the side already and we will see him certainly at West Bromwich Albion [in the Carling Cup] next week.

“If he is needed he can come on. He is 18-years-old but he will not be fazed."

“One-and-a-half years ago I was in Brazil watching a boy called Ramon and I saw Denilson on the tape."

“At the moment he is a bit unsettled because it is the first time he has left his country and he is still in a hotel. But I know he has a strong character. He's a leader but at the moment, because he doesn't speak much English, he doesn't do a lot of leading!”

Right people, I'm off now - booked a half day to go and watch the boys at 5:30. Enjoy the game Gooners!!!

UP THE GUNNERS!!!

AW On Franck Ribery

Le Boss has revealed his admiriation for Franck Ribery, but insists that we have never made an offer for him and that, quite simply, we don't need him.

"We have never made an offer to Marseille for Ribery." said the Gaffer.

"I find him a good player, but I do not look for any players at the moment because I feel I have exactly the squad I need."

"Offensively we have lost some players, but people like [Tomas] Rosicky have come in and the young players have also developed."

"So at the moment, I am not looking for anybody to come in."

Save The Clock

Would you like to see the Clock End clock at the Emirates? Cut and paste this link into your browser and follow the instructions...

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?Clockend&1

Many thanks to the anonymous poster yesterday who made me aware of this!

GOOD WORK!

Le Boss: "They Are A Good Side"

The Gaffer has spoken out ahead of tomorrow night's game against CSKA Moscow...

"They are a good side,” said AW. “The chairman of Porto said to me after our match that they had been impressed by CSKA Moscow.

“They have some good Brazilians there 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 have heard that the quality of their pitch has been destroyed by a tournament, and it is already cold there now.

“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.”

Denilson Included In Tomorrow's Squad

New signing Denilson has been included in tomorrow's 18 man squad that will travel to Russia.

The full squad is as follow;

Jens Lehmann
Manuel Almunia
William Gallas
Gael Clichy
Kolo Toure
Justin Hoyte
Johan Djourou
Gilberto
Denilson
Alexander Hleb
Cesc Fabregas
Alexandre Song
Theo Walcott
Tomas Rosicky
Thierry Henry
Robin van Persie
Emmanuel Adebayor
Jeremie Aliadiere

Gael's Up For It

Gael Clichy has revealed his desire to break into the first team and make the left back position his own - and after the departure of Cashley Hole it seems likely.

Here's what Gael had to say...

"Ashley is a friend and I am really happy for him if he is happy at Ch*lsea,"

"He is a great player and it is a shame for the club to lose a player like this."

"Of course, though, I have to be realistic and it is a big opportunity for me."

"Now I am fit and am waiting for the boss to give me a chance. I will not let him down."

"We have to work together and be as good as possible for the team - but of course I think the boss knows I am in a good position to play on the left, so I am just going to work hard and try my best to make this position my own."

"It has been really difficult. I had three bad injuries last season, all the same," he said.

"Maybe the first one was not fixed properly and then I had the others."

"It was bad luck as well. But that is the life and you have to go with it."

"The thing you have to understand is there are people worse than me, so I have to just focus on my rehabilitation and playing again."

"Hopefully it is all behind me now and I can look forward to my future."

Beast Wants To Stay

Julio the Beast has once again stated his desire to remain at Arsenal...

"It will depend on Arsenal as to whether I stay here beyond the season loan," he said. "I'd like to stay but it is out of my hands right now."

"It also depends on how I play but if I have the chance to play regularly here and the club wants me to stay it will be a matter of closing an agreement with Real Madrid."

"I like English football. It is physical and competitive but that is good for my style of play."

AW: "Thierry Is The Best..."

The Gaffer insists that TH14 has to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award this time round...

"Thierry is the best player in the world. I do not think he will miss out again. This is his time." said Le Boss.

"The key to being a great player is your consistency and being able to produce it regularly - and if you look at Thierry's record over the last five years he has that."

"His consistency, in terms of the amount of goals he scores and the number of assists he has, makes him the best player in the world. Definitely."

"Thierry has been second on two occasions and third a few times too. So I believe that has to change."

"Ronaldinho and (Samuel) Eto'o both had good runs in the Champions League - but so did Thierry.

"This year he has played in both the European Cup final and the World Cup final - and there cannot be too many others who have done that. I cannot think of any."

Le Boss continued: "There is another great aspect to Thierry which people might forget - his image is perfect for football and he is a great role model for kids who want to get into the game."

Theo: "It Was A Dream Come True..."

Young Theo has made clear how happy he is after his first Premiership start for the Club...

"It's great to be learning from the master, Thierry Henry," he said.

"It was a dream come true to start because starting is different to just coming on. I was so pleased to get really good cheers from the crowd."

"I found out the day before that I was playing and I was nervous. But I think I came through it."

"It was really exciting and I got so many calls and texts from my friends and family for tickets for the game."

"It's great to hear the crowd and they and the other players give you confidence."

"I don't know when I'll play next. That's up to the boss. But like any player, I'm just itching to get on and play."

Dude, Where's My Car?

The Gaffer has yet again slammed International coaches for their treatment of our players, likening them to joyriders!

He has echoed the views expressed by Lyon coach Gerard Houllier, saying...

"(Gerard)thinks that what the national coaches are doing is like taking a car from his garage without even asking permission. They will then use the car for 10 days and abandon it in a field without any petrol left in the tank. We then have to recover it, but it is broken down."

Le Boss Wants It All

AW has stated that he wants to make us the biggest force in European football...

"My project is to dominate the English league and to dominate Europe," he told France Football.

"Nowadays Arsenal is a club superior to what I could have imagined at the beginning.

"When we built our new stadium we talked about a capacity of 50,000, then 55,000, then 60,000. Now we are asking ourselves already if it is too small.

"That could seem pretentious, but I believe that if you don't give real ambition to a club it will not take off."

"At Arsenal, I even have more freedom than a lot of other English clubs," he explained.

"That is why I refused opportunities like Real Madrid.

"I am like an animal that has a lot of freedom and then you want to keep him on a leash."

Denilson: "It Has Been A Dream For Me..."

New boy Denilson is hoping that it isn't too long before he makes his competitive debut for the Club. Speaking earlier this week the young Brazilian had this to say...

"It has been a dream for me since I was young to play in Europe, but I never imagined I could sign for a club like Arsenal so early in my career.

"I am going to try to my maximum and I want my football to mature here.

"I really think I can become a champion with Arsenal and make it into one of the best players in the world."

"The manager has said I have real quality, with a good touch and good technique.

"He says that now I just have to adapt so I can start to play in the first team.

"In Brazil, you would not really get kicks like I did for the reserves - if a player had done that to me at home, then he probably would have got a red card.

"But this is English football, the players are very strong and the tackles are very strong. You just have to take one or two touches so you do not get tackled in the same way."

Theo: "...I'll Be There Again"

Young Theo has insisted that his trip to the World Cup in Germany this Summer was far from a waste of time...

He said: "I didn't expect to go to the World Cup but it was a brilliant experience for me.

"Ronaldo went to a World Cup when he was just 17 and also didn't play but look at him now.

"Just watching how the England players prepare for games, watching them train, watching Wayne (Rooney) was unbelievable.

"There is another World Cup in four years, so, hopefully, I'll be there again."

Freddie A Doubt For Saturday

Freddie picked up a knock playing for Sweden against Spain at the weekend and may miss our game against W*tford on Saturday...

"It wasn't a blow, but I got the injury when I was running," Ljungberg said.

"It got worse and worse, but it was an important match and I didn't want to go off.

"Hopefully, I will get an X-ray. But right now, it does not feel very well.

"I will talk to the boss and see what he feels. As captain, you should follow the side but, at the same time, Arsenal might want me to come back for treatment."

AW: "Now I Am Ready..."

Le Boss has stated his desire to win the Premiership again. He feels that two years without the title is long enough!

Here's what the great man had to say...

"I do not think you can be happy without winning trophies - somewhere it would raise doubts about your ability to win things."

"Now I am ready to win another one [championship] because the last two years have been very difficult."

"I always feel you can do better in life and I regret every wrong decision I have made, and every time we have lost."

"Overall we have had a consistent level of performance and we are proud of what we have done."

"But I believe as well the duty of a manager is to always think you could have done better and how can you do better in the future."

Jens Wants One More Year

Mad Jens has stated his desire to remain with us for at another year at least. However, he hasn't ruled out returning to the Bundesliga eventually.

Here's what the mad shot-stopper said...

“Playing for any other team would be a step backwards compared to the Arsenal team I’m in at the moment,” he said.

“Other clubs may be more successful, but I don’t know of any that play more attractive football.

“I would like to spend another year here, but I also know that Arsenal wouldn’t hesitate to sign any other goalkeeper that they thought better than me."

“The Bundesliga is still of interest to me,” added Jens.

“When my wife Conny and I returned to England after the World Cup we both said that it would be nice to go back to Germany.

"The grounds and the atmosphere there are great, but I’m not prepared to make any statements on specific clubs.”

Cesc: "We Are A Strong Team..."

Young Cesc has stated that we still have everything to play for this season, despite our slow start...

"We have a game in hand," said our little Matador.

"If we win it, we are two points behind Ch*lsea and M*nchester Un!ted, so I don't think this is bad or this is poor.

"We are playing very well. We are a strong team and we are winners.

"Now, we have won five games in a row. We've won in the Champions League and in the Premier League, so I think the confidence is high and we just have to keep going.

"I think like every team that is a winner, we just want to win everything.

"We have four cups - Premier League, Carling Cup, FA Cup and Champions League - and we will to try to win everything, as every team wants to win.

"We all know it's really difficult, but as I said, we have a special squad with big players and we are not afraid of anything.

"I think we have the quality to do it, but of course it could be difficult because there are a lot of teams in Europe which are really strong as well and will want to do the same thing."

I hope that the above makes sense, I have read it through a coupla times but I've been to the pub for lunch, had a few pints and some of that Peruvian marching powder...so I'm not too with it right now!

Anyway...UP THE GUNNERS!

Banfield: "Arturo Is A Natural Goalscorer"

Neil Banfield believes that Arturo Lupoli's loan spell at derby will be the invaluable experience he needs if he is ever to break into the first team.

Here's what he said...

"Arturo is a natural goalscorer. I think going to Derby and playing at the sharp end, where there’s a physical side of the game, will help him improve on something he needs to work on. He’s played reserve football for two years now and scored goals, but he now needs to move up to that next stage. We think Derby will help bridge that gap before he really pushes into the first-team squad here.

“Loaning players out is a development cycle. Obviously the Premiership is such a high standard, and if players are not in the first-team squad but are playing regular reserve football they need that next step. We feel sending them out to Championship teams and lower Premiership clubs does that.

“By playing first-team football at that level they’re playing where the points really do matter and where there’s a little but more of an edge to it. That helps finish off their development before they come back and Arsène decides whether they’re going to make the first-team squad, or if they have to seek their careers elsewhere.”

“I think all Arturo can do is what he’s doing at the moment and continue learning the game. Again, it’s down to the manager to look at his progress and decide if and when he uses him.”

You've gotta admit - they boy has been knocking the goals in..!

AW Worried About Billy G

Le Boss has voiced his concerns over the finess of Billy G ahead of France's Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland.

"The case of Gallas is still worrying. I do not think he's cured." said the Gaffer.

"Gallas has trained but, from what I have seen, I am convinced he has gone back a bit."

"Domenech is like other managers of countries. They don't contact you."

"It's like giving your car to a guy and him returning it without any petrol in it."

AW: We Will Never Play 'Ugly'

Le Boss has reiterated that we will never sacrifice our free flowing, beautiful football just to get results...

"I believe you cannot be in a big club and have the ambition to play ugly football." he said

"The people who watch football have changed, they are used to different standards and have a choice of which games they can now watch on the television."

"We have a responsibility as a big club to play with style and have a certain ambition in the way we play the game."

The Boys Are Back In Town

Big Phil Senderos and Gael Clichy both featured in our reserve game last night against West H*m. Big Phil played the entire game, while Gael was subbed at half time - which was the plan!

We won the match 2-1 with goals from Jeremie Aliadiere and Joe O'Cearuill.

Tomas Pleased With Arsenal Move

New boy Tomas Rosicky has spoken out about his move to The Mighty Gunners, and by the sounds of things he's quite chuffed...

"Before I moved to Arsenal, I had been saying they would be the right team for my style of play," he said.

"That has been confirmed now. We play extremely running-based and active football which I like very much."

"There are two options of formation, in the second one I play more in the middle," he continued.

"But I like both of them because I have a major role in attack anyway."

"However, on the other hand, I have to defend a lot too. But every player has to defend so I cannot complain."

What are your views on our 'Little Mozart'? I can't think of a player who has adapted so quickly...well happy with the signing!!!

Freddie: "...I Was Very Happy."

Freddie has bigged up the boys' spirit following the 2-1 win at the Valley on Saturday...

"We showed some character. After they scored I felt we were playing a little bit too straight and too quickly." he said.

“But then we controlled the game quite well with our passing and we went into the lead. They put us under pressure with some crosses but I felt we coped so I was very happy."

“To be honest I was quite sure that [their goal] was offside but afterwards I was told that it was not. If we were a bit harsh on the linesman then we have apologise about that. It really looked very much like offside but I heard it was not.”

“It is a different game in the Champions League than in the Premiership. It is not so physical. We had a lot of success in the Champions League last year so we all have high belief when we go out on the pitch. After the first three Premiership games we have won every match so maybe that was a factor."

“But really if I knew there was any specific thing we would have talked about it. We played well at the start of the season but we drew some games and lost one too. We conceded some early goals too. Against Ch*rlton we conceded as well but we managed to come back and I am very happy with that.”

AW: "Ch*lsea Can Be Beaten This Year..."

Le Boss has thrown down the gauntlet to Chel$ki by stating that we can, and will beat them to the title this season...

"It's satisfying to think that Ch*lsea are not the only ones who can be successful, even with money" said the Gaffer

"Ch*lsea can be beaten this year in England. I'm profoundly convinced of that. And I believe we can beat them."

COME ON YOU RED AND WHITE MACHINE!!!

AW: "I Was Not Worried..."

Le Boss has revealed that he was never overly concerned by our slow start to the Premiership this term...

"I was not worried too much when we started the season without winning games because I felt the quality was there.

"However, I know there comes a point where you have to win - if you do not do that, the confidence drops so much so that you lose the quality of your game because the players then start to play scared.

"That is why the Hamburg game and after that the Manchester Un!ted match were certainly turning points for us."

AW Peeved With Internationals

Le Boss has expressed his frustration at the timing of the forthcoming internationals...and I for one agree with him.

AW said: "It is terrible.

"The international teams play Saturday and Wednesday and when they come back we do not have enough time with them.

"We have asked before if the international teams can follow the same schedule as club sides and play on Saturdays and Tuesdays but nobody has done anything about it.

"I have calculated that over the next 10 months, our players will be away with their countries for 100 days. That is just not acceptable.

"We have to live with it. But we are the ones who employ the players and yet they spend all this time away from us. It is simply not logical.

"There needs to be a better compromise than the one which currently operates because this one is not in favour of the clubs at all."

RVP: "It's The Best I've Ever Scored..."

Mornin' Gooners and Goonettes,

I didn't post last week as I was away on a course at my comapny's head office in picturesque Luton!

Not much to say this morning - apart from WHAT A FUCKING SCREAMER from RVP!

You don't get many of them to the pound!

Our flying Dutchman was quite pleased with it aswell by the sounds of things...

"It's the best I've ever scored and the best feeling I've ever had after a goal." he said.

"It was a fantastic cross from Emmanuel Eboue. There was a bit of a curve on the ball and I just focused on hitting it straight and at the heart of the ball.

"At first I thought it was going over but then it dipped under the bar and it was a fantastic moment.

"What makes it even more special for me is the fact we've won the game when Ch*lsea have dropped points and L!verpool have lost.

"The confidence is starting to come back and everyone realises we have the ability to keep winning.

"It's not easy because it means we have to play a fantastic game every three or four days, coping with the pressure and demands on our bodies.

"But it was very important to get the win in our last game before the international break because there is nothing worse then going away for two weeks thinking all the time about a poor result."