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Lars Knutsen was born in Sunderland of Norwegian parents across the Wear from the SSOL back when shipbuilding not car manufacture was the city’s main industry. His first game was in 1968 and he has followed the Black Cats since then, with great memories of the 1973 FA Cup. He hopes the “yo-yo” days are over and defines supporting a team by whether the result affects your mood (but maybe not in the way portrayed in the book “Fever Pitch”!) so has been cheerful recently. He endured school in Newc**tle, has a Ph.D. in Chemistry, a Professorship at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, and works in the Pharma industry as a consultant Medicinal Chemist.

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Article source: http://blogs.soccernet.com/sunderland/archives/2012/02/home_vs_arsenal_1_of_2.php

Arsenal and Tottenham fighting over Jan Vertonghen?

There is a long long way to go before the end of the season, but some papers just can’t help creating the occasional Arsenal transfer rumour anyway.

Today the Metro reports that the Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen is being lined up by both Arsenal and Tottenham with a view to a £10m bid this summer, after Bayern Munich decided not to continue with their interest.

They may rightly point out that Tottenham need a replacement for Ledley King, and I could certainly understand Harry Redknapp wanting the Belgian international to go to White Hart Lane, but are Arsenal really interested right now?

Many Arsenal fans have advocated bringing in Vertonghen to partner Thomas Vermaelen in the past, but now that Laurent Koscielny has proven to be another Wenger gem alongside the Verminator, and of course Per Mertesacker is also settling into the speed of the Premiership as well.

Yesterday’s news that Arsenal have given a new contract extension to Johann Djourou until 2015 has convinced me that Wenger is more than happy with his defensive options and has no intention of delving into the defensive market this summer.

Are there any Arsenal fans out there that still think we need Vertonghen?

***Read what ALL the Arsenal blogs are saying at JustArsenalBlogs.com***

Tags: defender, partnership, tottenham, Vertonghen
Category
Arsenal News, Arsenal rumours

THE CURIOUS WORLD OF HENDRICK’S GIN! (Reverse Courtship!)

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Article source: http://justarsenal.com/arsenal-and-tottenham-fighting-over-jan-vertonghen/12534

Six years have passed since Arsenal made the short move across Drayton Park to their new home at Ashburton Grove; The Emirates Stadium. There was obvious great excitement at the prospect of moving to a new 60,361 seater all-purpose arena, which would see the dawn of a new era in the clubs history. But a little over half a decade on from the move, would it have all panned out differently if the club remained at their beloved Highbury home?

Arsene Wenger is one of the most respected individuals within the fabric of football, but he is currently enduring a testing campaign. For the first time in the Frenchman’s stewardship, Arsenal are truly fighting for fourth place and Champions League qualification; something most Gunners have taken for granted since his arrival way back in 1996. Unsurprisingly, many Arsenal fans are becoming disgruntled at not only their sides tag as underachieving giants, but also their lack of silverware for a distinct period of time.

The last trophy to bear Arsenal’s name was the FA Cup which was won way back in 2005 in Cardiff as the Gunners overcame Manchester United in a penalty shootout. In the time since, Arsenal have failed to remain in the Premier League top two, and have managed just two top three finishes in the 2007/08 and 2009/10 seasons respectively. The clubs dip in fortunes seems to have coincided with the move to the Emirates so is there really something to do with the clubs departure from Highbury? Is there such thing as an Emirates hangover?

If we examine the evidence, Highbury was one of the smallest Premier League pitches measuring some 100 x 67 yards with the Emirates scaling a larger 105 x 68 yards. Although the figures may not appear on first glance to convey much difference, the associations made between both stadia and their respective environments certainly do.

Highbury certainly earned a reputation as one of the toughest grounds to visit for opposing teams. The crowd were packed in to four individually designated terraces, and were tight to the pitch, creating an intimidating and vociferous atmosphere. For live games, the viewer was always aesthetically comforted by the nearby essence of the broadcast. Yes, back in those days it was somewhat easier for the crowd to display their supporting attributes towards talents such as Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. These players achieved unprecedented success in comparison to what has followed with the trophy-less Gunners now competing in an arena which has been described as quiet at the best of times by away supporters.

But supporters banter aside, although the Emirates is one of the few modern stadia which still remains in quite close proximity to the pitch, the 60,000 capacity means many fans sit much higher up and far away from the field of play. With the exception of Arsenal’s so-called RedAction corner, a lot of the atmosphere is lost in the tall reaches of the stadium’s massive structure, thus less fan support transmits to the pitch.

If we look at some of the older Premier League stadia such as at Anfield, The Kop remains one of the most vociferous terraces in the country. Although it may be argued that Liverpool find themselves in a similar league position to Arsenal, rendering the atmosphere argument a mock, it does remain clear that there are clear differences in fan culture. Surely all of the Arsenal fans haven’t become quiet overnight?

Capacity must also be reviewed. Back in 2006 ahead of the move, then Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman explained

“When we move to Emirates Stadium we will have a higher percentage of our income from gates”.

Emirates Stadium does seat some 21,942 more people than at the clubs former home and the club can offer more match day tickets to fans, thus increasing gate revenue, but has this had a detrimental affect also?

For one, the stadium project cost a whopping £390 million in total, and the clubs financial stance has been to pay back the debt when necessary. Having stayed at Highbury, the club may have had more money to spend on more marquee names which the Arsenal fans crave.

Moreover, with the greater capacities in modern stadia, comes the corporate verses real fans debate. Roy Keane’s famous quote surrounding the prawn sandwich brigade could be given some credence as Arsenal play host to greater numbers of corporate admirers nowadays than they ever did whilst at Highbury.

What is sure is that there is some correlation between Arsenal’s success and the stadium move. Can the Gunners truly make the Emirates Stadium home over the coming years, by adding another year to their proud trophy band that spans the edge of the upper terraces?

Let us know your thoughts. Join the debate @http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

Article source: http://www.footballfancast.com/2012/02/football-blogs/arsenal-suffering-an-emirates-hangover

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Article source: http://www.monitor.co.ug/Sports/SportsColumnists/-/690286/1323854/-/xw9b7fz/-/

TIM REAM could have been teaming up with pal Thierry Henry again this week and
heading for a Champions League tie in Milan.

Instead the American centre-back makes his Bolton debut hoping he is not
heading for the Championship instead in three months time.

Ream was recommended to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger by his former New York Red
Bulls team-mate and Gunners legend Henry last summer.

But the 24-year-old plumped for a relegation scrap with Wanderers instead and
goes right into the thick of it in today’s local derby with Wigan.

Yet he remains grateful to the veteran French striker for the glowing
references he gave to Arsenal and other clubs.

The 2.5 million Trotters new boy said: “That’s what I was told happened
that Thierry spoke to Arsenal about me. Obviously he has great connections
there and at other places too.

“There was an enquiry from Arsenal and I think there might have been an offer
put in.

“I think it might have been happening while talks were going on at Bolton too.

“I played in the Emirates Cup at Arsenal’s stadium during the summer and I was
aware of their interest.

“It would have been great to go there. But I don’t know how much I would have
played and that’s what I want to do.

“Of course I’d love to play Champions League one day. As a player you want to
be in the top competitions and that’s the top one in Europe.”

While Henry failed in his mission to get Ream to his favourite club, he has
not held it against the US international.

Ream added: “We’ve been in touch a lot. He’s been sending words of
encouragement. I’ve been picking his brains.

“He’s a good leader. He showed me that in New York and he’s still doing it
for me now.”

Ream was told by his national boss Jurgen Klinsmann the time was right for him
to try his luck in the Premier League.

Then the call came from Owen Coyle just 24 hours after Ream’s wedding to
Kristen Sapienza, a former college footballer herself. It meant they had to
cancel their dream honeymoon in Tahiti and head for Bolton’s training ground
in Chorley instead.

Ream smiled: “I can’t say what she said at first but of course she was
disappointed about the honeymoon, so was I.

“But this was an unbelievable opportunity.”

Tim Ream was speaking on behalf of 188BET, principal sponsor of Bolton
Wanderers. To claim your free 25 bet, go to www.188bet.com
TODAY!

Article source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4122905/Tim-Ream-snubbed-Arsenal-for-Bolton.html

Fabregas hopes to avoid Arsenal in UCL

As tension in the Spanish Primera Division and the UEFA Champions League (UCL) competitions mounts, Barcelona’s midfielder, Cesc Fàbregas, shared his thoughts regarding the prospects of facing his former English club, Arsenal, in the UCL.

On Tuesday, Barcelona, widely known as Barça, will travel to Leverkusen, Germany, to face off against Bayer Leverkusen, while Arsenal will take on Italian Serie A champions AC Milan on the first leg of the round of 16.

Barcelona and Arsenal are still playing in the last 16 of the UCL and if both teams progress, there is chance they will likely meet in the next two rounds.

 “I really hope we don’t play Arsenal in the Champions league because it could be too strange, especially now. It’s too soon after I left, and it would be very weird for me to come to the Emirates [Stadium] because it’s been my home for eight years,” Fàbregas said.

“I really love everyone there and it could be weird to go back now, so soon, and play against them. I really hope if we have to play Arsenal, it would be in a few years.”

Fàbregas was speaking to a number of Indonesian journalists during a recent video conference interview, organized by PT Kraft Foods Indonesia, one day after Barcelona saw off Valencia in the semifinal of the Copa Del Rey (Spain King’s Cup).

Fàbregas’ goal in the first half of the game and his assist to Xavi Hernandez were enough to put them through 3-1 on aggregate and into the finals to face Athletic Bilbao on May 25.

While Barça had smooth sailing in the Copa Del Rey, the Catalan giant is still in the second spot on the La Liga table, trailing their biggest contender, Real Madrid, by seven points.

Fàbregas said that he would try to do his best as his team takes on Osasuna in an away game showdown on Saturday.

“If we don’t win on Saturday, we cannot play or fight for the league, and so that means the future is not good, because Real Madrid is very strong,” he said.

“For me and for the team, what we want to do now is believe we can do it, and play game by game, see what happens in the end of the season.”

During the more than 30-minute interview, he talked about his new experience of finally being part of Barça’s first team after spending eight years at Arsenal.

After a long period of negotiations, Fàbregas finally signed a contract on Aug. 15 that ties him to his Barça for the next five seasons.

Fàbregas quickly adapted to the Spanish league, scoring nine goals this season, putting his name as the second top-scorer for his club, right behind Lionel Messi.

“I enjoyed many years in England and what I’m doing now is the same. Another kind of soccer, but I learned a lot. With each passing day, I enjoy it more and more. And hopefully we will win many things.”

Following his move from Arsenal, Fàbregas has also won three pieces of silverware: the Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Fàbregas hailed his manager and his idol Josep “Pep” Guardiola as the key behind the spectacular huge success, putting high hopes that Guardiola would remain at Camp Nou. Guardiola reportedly has yet to renew his contract at Barça.

“We don’t know [the future of the coach]. Only he knows that. Hopefully he will sign a new contract. We believe he will soon,” Fàbregas said.

“And we want him to be with us for many years because we believe him. For us, he is so important that we cannot afford to lose him, especially now.”

Article source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/02/11/fabregas-hopes-avoid-arsenal-ucl.html

While Wenger is resigned to losing one striker, he is adamant he will make it
as difficult as possible for Real Madrid, a reported suitor of Van Persie,
to prise the striker from the club.

Spanish newspapers reported a source close to Van Persie, who has a
season-and-a-half left on his contract, as saying the striker was interested
in moving to the Bernabeu but he “didn’t believe that Arsenal accept any
negotiations”.

When asked for a reaction to the reports, Wenger said: “No. You should ask
Robin van Persie,” before adding: “In Spain they are very creative. They’ve
created another story. They don’t care.”

Wenger’s ultimately fruitless attempt to keep hold of Cesc Fabregas following
repeated expressions of interest from Barcelona and the former Arsenal
captain began in similar fashion, with unattributed sources close to the
player leaking stories to the Spanish press.

And while there is little indication that Real Madrid and Arsenal are even at
initial stages of contact, Wenger reacted strongly to questions about what
his answer would be if either Real or Barcelona came calling for his
captain.

“What do you think [the answer would be]?” Wenger said. “Barcelona already
know that they have a difficult job with us always.”

Wenger added his displeasure at the Premier League’s 25-man squad ruling,
claiming it stopped him from adding to his side in the January transfer
window.

“It is absolutely crazy,” he said. “It will paralyse the market. You see
nothing happened in the January transfer window. Because everybody has 25 so
if nobody buys nobody else can buy. If I’m paralysed here and I have to buy
a player, I have to kick somebody out. The answer is to leave it open.”

Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9075347/Thierry-Henry-to-bid-Arsenal-adieu-once-more-but-Arsene-Wenger-remains-firm-over-Robin-Van-Persie.html

Arsène Wenger has revealed that Thierry Henry will have to leave Arsenal before the end of what the manager describes as the defining week of the club’s season. Wenger had hoped to persuade the striker’s parent club, New York Red Bulls, to extend Henry’s loan deal by a fortnight, making him available for the derby with Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the month. However, no such agreement was reached and Henry will return to the United States on 16 February, the day after Arsenal play Milan away in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.

That match is sandwiched between two trips to Sunderland – the first one on Saturday in the Premier League and the second one in the FA Cup next weekend – and Wenger says the presence of Henry for all of those games would have been particularly beneficial as the club’s all-time record goal-scorer, who has increased his tally by two to 176 goals since rejoining in January, is showing signs of regaining his best form.

“I would have loved if he could have stayed two more weeks because he would have had a psychological impact in the derby as well but he has to go back,” Wenger said. “He has had a fantastic impact on the squad on a daily basis and all the players are happy to have him around. In training he looks better, he’s now back to a fitness level that’s comparable to all the other players and I’ve seen movements from him in training that tell me it’s really a shame that he doesn’t play for the national team any more.”

Despite Henry’s imminent departure, Wenger is satisfied that Arsenal are well equipped to make significant advances in their pursuit of silverware as several injured players have returned to action in recent weeks and the squad will be further bolstered by the comeback of Kieran Gibbs, who is available for selection against Sunderland having recovered from the hernia injury that has kept him out of action since mid-October. Furthermore, Gervinho will return from the Africa Cup of Nations, possibly as a champion, after Sunday’s final between the Ivory Coast and Zambia, although he will not be considered for selection until the FA Cup match at Sunderland.

“The situation looks much more positive as we go into a period that will decide our season,” Wenger said. “It is important that we have our players back because in one week we play three games in three competitions and in every single competition we are in a position where we want to win.”

Wenger stressed the importance of beginning that sequence with a good result at Sunderland, having learned last season that one setback can precipitate a downward spiral. Defeat to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final was followed by a Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona and a downturn in Premier League results that let to Arsenal dropping out of the title race.

“Confidence is contagious, in both directions,” he said. “One big disappointment can have a consequence on the next one. But the team has mental strength and a fantastic attitude and we have learned from last year.” He said that last week’s 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers, which ended a run of three defeats, “eased our minds”.

Wenger is also relaxed about reports of a move by Real Madrid for Robin van Persie, dismissing claims in the Spanish newspaper Marca that the Dutchman is disappointed that Arsenal will not negotiate the transfer. Barcelona are also said to be interested in Van Persie and when asked whether Wenger would consider talking to the Catalans about the Premier League’s top scorer, Wenger replied: “What do you think? Barcelona know they will always find it very difficult with us.”

Van Persie was quoted by Marca as saying he would like to play for Madrid and was delighted by their interest, but he tweeted on Friday: “Contrary to reports in Spain I have NEVER spoken to Marca newspaper and never gave any interview.”

Article source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/feb/10/thierry-henry-new-york-arsenal?newsfeed=true

Enlarge image

Thierry Henry of Arsenal

Paul Gilham/Getty

Thierry Henry of Arsenal looks on from the corner flag during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers at Emirates Stadium on Feb.4, 2012 in London.

Thierry Henry of Arsenal looks on from the corner flag during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers at Emirates Stadium on Feb.4, 2012 in London. Photographer: Paul Gilham/Getty

Arsenal won’t look to extend Thierry Henry’s loan spell with the Premier League club, manager Arsene Wenger said.

Henry, 34, rejoined Arsenal earlier this month from the New
York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. Wenger considered trying
to extend the deal but today said Henry will return to New York
next week.

“I would have loved him to stay for two more weeks but he
has to go back,” Wenger said on Arsenal’s website. “We
accepted at the start that we would release him on Feb. 16, so
we respect our word.”

Henry has scored twice in five substitute appearances to
extend his Arsenal club-record total to 228. He’s eligible to
play in tomorrow’s league match at Sunderland and the Feb. 15
Champions League game at AC Milan before heading back for MLS
preseason training.

“He is captain of the Red Bulls, so just to appear on the
first day of the season would be unfair to them,” Wenger said.

The Red Bulls open their season March 11.

To contact the reporter on this story:
Bob Bensch in London at
bbensch@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story:
Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net.

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Article source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-10/arsenal-won-t-try-to-extend-henry-s-loan-deal-wenger-says.html

Representative Edward Markey (D–MA) has grave misconceptions regarding contributions that nuclear weapons make to the U.S. and allied national security. On Wednesday, he introduced a bill that would cut $100 billion in nuclear weapons programs. This bill is co-sponsored by 34 other Representatives.

Not only would such cuts be disastrous for the already under-funded U.S. nuclear weapons infrastructure; they would also call into question U.S. commitment to extended deterrence and viability of the New Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty (New START) with the Russian Federation. In addition, the proposed cuts would do very little to solve the country’s fiscal problems.

Last October, Markey sent a letter to the Joint Select Committee on the Deficit in which he stated that the U.S. spends “over $50 billion a year on the U.S. nuclear arsenal” and called on “the Super Committee to cut $20 billion a year, or $200 billion over the next ten years, from the U.S. nuclear weapons budget.”

But according to Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense James Miller, the figure was close to $214 billion over 10 years (about $88 billion for the Department of Energy and more than $125 billion for the Department of Defense). Markey’s initial call of gutting $200 billion over the next 10 years would result “in the immediate and unilateral nuclear disarmament of the United States,” according to Congressman Mike Turner (R–OH). A $100 billion cut would be just as devastating.

Currently, more than 30 countries all over the world rely on U.S. nuclear weapons. These countries have not developed their own nuclear weapons or expanded their current arsenals because they have believed that the U.S. would respond with a devastating force if they are threatened. Credibility—whether an enemy actor believes the U.S. will come to the aid of its allies—is a key consideration for any opponent when deciding whether to launch an attack. The credibility of U.S. nuclear weapons will diminish if they are not properly maintained. This could cause allies to develop or expand their current nuclear weapon arsenals.

During the Senate’s consideration of New START, the Administration promised to increase funding for the U.S. nuclear weapons complex. The Administration deemed these investments “essential to facilitating reductions while sustaining deterrence under New START and beyond.” The Administration, however, did not manage to secure funding for maintaining nuclear weapons laboratories and their core competencies in the fiscal year 2012 budget. Representatives supporting this bill are people who overwhelmingly support President Obama’s policies. To that end, it is even less clear that the Obama Administration will honor its earlier commitments to nuclear modernization.

Article source: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/02/10/cutting-the-nuclear-arsenal-even-further/

Lukas Podolski could be beyond Arsenal Football Club in the summer.

Arsene Wenger has been heavily linked with the German international, with reports suggesting he will table an offer in the region of £10million for his signature at the end of the season.

Podolski is currently plying his trade in his homeland with Cologne, where he is under contract until 2013, but Bild claim they are set to offer him a new deal to deter interest from the Gunners.

It is believed the 26-year-old will be handed the chance to extend his stay with his current employers until 2015, with the option of another year, and a pay rise of €1.7million.

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!

Article source: http://www.fansfc.com/story/38922.html

Henry said there was little time for his side to gel as a playing group and that the Dragons clash would be pivotal heading into the season.

‘‘It’s a good hit-out and we’ve only got a couple of trials leading into the competition,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ll have a look at a few combinations there and hopefully have a good hit-out.

‘‘There’s a fair bit of competition leading into the first [round] game against the Titans.’’

Price has not yet indicated whether Daniel Vidot, who was rushed to Perth on Thursday to quell mounting injury concerns, would even make the park tonight.

Ben Hornby is another expected omission due to injury, despite being named for the match, with Nathan Fien likely to fill the halfback void.

Former Cowboys prop Leeson Ah Mau has also been named to take on his old club for the first time.

‘‘It’s been a positive preseason and the guys are champing at the bit to get out there and implement what we’ve been focusing on,’’ Price said.

‘‘You always want to try and put good systems in place that we’ve focused on this preseason.

‘‘We’ll be going hard; you want to try and get it right for round one.’’

Article source: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/steve-price-to-unveil-dragons-arsenal/2451622.aspx

Andrey Arshavin hopes to return to Zenit St Petersburg in the summer.

The midfielder left the Russian club for Arsenal in January 2009, but after a bright start to life in England, he has failed to find anything like his best form in recent times.

Arshavin was tipped to leave the Emirates Stadium during the winter window, but he has decided to remain in England and see the season out with Arsene Wenger’s side.

Reports in The Mirror, though, claim the 30-year-old will then look to head back to his homeland, where he wants to make an emotional return to former club Zenit.

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!

Article source: http://www.fansfc.com/story/38919.html

SUNDERLAND, UK - In-form Sunderland host Arsenal this weekend in a game more vital for the away side in terms of fulfilling their ambitions this season. Arsenal are favourites to win the game at a best price of 6/5 (bet £5 to win £6) with Coral to win the game, while Sunderland are longer at 13/5, only with Bet Victor. Punters can get 5/2 on the draw, with Betfred and Bet Victor.

Sunderland are in first place in the form table, with Martin O’Neill having come into the job in December and revitalised the club, propelling them up the table to 8th place, only seven points behind Arsenal. With three wins in a row, they will take a lot of confidence into this weekend when they play a hot and cold Arsenal side looking for consistency. 

Arsenal won impressively last weekend 7-1 against ten-man Blackburn, but it will take hard-fought away wins to sustain their challenge on the top four. They lie three points off Chelsea but have not won two matches in successive weeks since the beginning of December. 

Sunderland have run all the big clubs close this season – despite losing to all of Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea (twice) and Newcastle, all of those defeats have only been by one-goal margins. 1-0 to Arsenal is priced at 17/2 on Betfair, while 2-1 to the Gunners is 9/1 with Ladbrokes only. 

The Black Cats did beat Manchester City at home on New Year’s Day however, and their approach on that day will be the same for this game. They defended deep and compact, not allowing spaces in between the lines, and hit City on the break with a sucker punch late on. 1-0 to the home side is best at 13/1 on Betfair, wile Ladbrokes are offering 12/1 for the 2-1 home win. 0-0 is 11/1 with Sky Bet while you can get 13/2, a top price with William Hill, for the 1-1 draw. 

In their last ten games, one of O’Neill’s biggest achievements has been to shore up their defence – they haven’t conceded more than one goal in any of the ten, with five clean sheets to speak of, despite playing Everton, Manchester City, Chelsea and Swansea. Sunderland to win to nil is 11/2 with Bet365, while you can get 10/3 on a Sunderland clean sheet with Paddy Power. Arsenal to win without conceding is 13/5 with Paddy Power.

It is hard to know how ambitious Sunderland will be in this game – if they give Arsenal respect and treat them like they treated City, playing very defensively, then it is likely that only one or two goals will decide the game. Under 2.5 goals is priced at evens with Ladbrokes, with all other bookies offering just shy of evens, while under 1.5 goals is 11/4 with Bodog.

If Sunderland see Arsenal as being there for the taking however, given the Gunners have lost to Blackburn, Swansea and Fulham away, and have kept only three clean sheets in their 12 away games so far this season, then it will be a much more open game with a likelihood of many more goals. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 10/11 with Coral while over 3.5 is best at 9/4 with Bet365 and Betfred.

The match kicks off at 1500 GMT.

Match Result Odds

Article source: http://www.betasia.com/premier-league/495179/premier-league-sunderland-vs-arsenal-odds-and-betting-preview

“I don’t want to interfere at all on who should be manager,” the Frenchman
said. “I don’t know the whole situation, we speak with Capello occasionally.

“I spoke to him on Saturday before the Blackburn game, he didn’t look like
someone about to resign, That is why it is a big surprise to me.

“But in principle the manager chooses the captain, but I don’t know what else
went on.

“On a short term [the England job] could be done part time, but on a long term
basis, no.

“I was always under contract and always respected my contract. I have never
been tempted by the national team job. I am in a marathon job and the
national team manager is more of a sprinter’s job. Maybe I don’t have enough
quick muscle fibres.

“You have less impact on building a team and the players. In a club you always
have ways to build a team.

“I have ruled myself out of many national team jobs. In the future I don’t
know, because the job I am in requires a lot of physical power. But at the
moment I rule myself out.”

Meanwhile, Thierry Henry is heading back to the New York Red Bulls on
time after all.

Wenger considered trying to extend the former France striker’s two-month loan
from Major League Soccer by two weeks but says that won’t now happen.

Wenger said: “I would have loved Thierry to stay for two more weeks but he has
to go back. It’s only fair on New York.”

Henry has only this weekend’s Premier League game at Sunderland and a
Champions League match at AC Milan left before returning to New York on Feb
16.

Henry has scored twice in five substitute appearances during his second spell
with Arsenal to extend his club-record haul to 228.

Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9073843/Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger-rules-himself-out-of-England-job.html

Team News

Loan signings Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos return to the Sunderland
squad for against Arsenal.

The former England fullback and the Greece central defender were ineligible
for Wednesday’s FA Cup fourth round replay victory at Middlesbrough, having
not arrived on Wearside in time to be registered, although striker Nicklas
Bendtner cannot play against his parent club under the terms of his loan
agreement.

Defender Matt Kilgallon has returned to training after an ankle injury, but he
is short of match fitness after five games on the sidelines, while Lee
Cattermole, David Vaughan, Wes Brown and Titus Bramble are still out.

Arsenal could have defender Kieran Gibbs back in the squad at Sunderland after
his recovery from groin problems.

Striker Marouane Chamakh has returned from the African Nations Cup, but
Gervinho remains away as Ivory Coast prepare for the final.

Defenders Carl Jenkinson and Andre Santos are still out, along with
midfielders Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere. Emmanuel Frimpong has returned
from his loan spell at Wolves, but will be out for the rest of the season
after needing surgery on his knee.

Match Notes

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has described the prospect of back to back
clashes with Arsenal in the Premier League and FA Cup as an “appetising”
prospect as he dismissed suggestions the Gunners are a spent force under
Arsène Wenger.

However, the Black Cats are unbeaten in six home games under the Northern
Irishman and will fancy their chances of victories in both, despite
Arsenal’s 7-1 home thrashing of Blackburn last weekend.

Betting: Home 11-5, Away Evens, Draw 9-4.

Stat of the game: Sunderland are the only team yet to score a penalty
in the Premier League this season.

Luke Edwards’ prediction: Sunderland 1 Arsenal 2.

Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9069282/Sunderland-v-Arsenal-match-preview.html

Alex Song has been a revelation this season. After a bleak summer that saw the sales of former captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, and Samir Nasri to Premier League rivals Manchester City, Arsenal needed someone to fill the void.

Jack Wilshere’s ongoing injury problems have prevented him from making a single first-team appearance for the Gunners this season, and Aaron Ramsey has struggled to rediscover his best form, while Mikel Arteta – signed by Arsene Wenger on transfer deadline day in August – has made a steady start to life at the Emirates Stadium.

But, the leading light in the middle of the park for Arsenal in 2011-12 has been none other than Song; the 24-year-old Cameroonian international has been liberated by a flexible midfield three and passes the ball beautifully.

Song has matured considerably over the past 18 months, adding vision, and improved technique to his list of attributes, taking his game to the next level. The box-to-box midfielder has proved a reliable supplier for the likes of Robin van Persie this year, weighing in with seven assists in all competitions.

The man who was booed off by his own fans before being shipped off to Charlton a few years ago has turned into a more than handy playmaker. In his debut season as a teenager, Song was pilloried for a series of under-par performances, but Wenger kept faith in his African import – and how it has paid off.

His emergence as the pulse, the heartbeat of the Arsenal team, has a lot to do with the confidence instilled by his manager, but Song must also take some credit for shedding his image as a player who is there simply to break up play.

Wenger insists he is unsurprised by the midfielder’s level of creativity: “First of all, if you asked Alex, ‘do you want to attack or defend?’ he would say attack,” he told the club’s official website.

“He is naturally a guy who tends to go forward and he always had good vision. He has improved his technique of transmission.

“When he arrived here, the passing of his longer balls was not the best. But he was worked on that, improved on that and now he can combine vision with technique.”

All the hype around Van Persie’s goalscoring exploits this campaign, as well as the emerging talent of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it’s easy to see why Song’s contribution has passed unnoticeably under the radar for the untrained eye – but his influence is growing game by game.

Whether it’s the bustling Tomas Rosicky, the dynamic Ramsey, or the gliding Arteta who complete the midfield support cast, Song has been a key cog in the Gunners’ engine room, and will be integral to the club’s hopes of Champions League and/or FA Cup success this season.

At just over 6ft tall Song displays great athleticism, with a surprising turn of pace for his size, proving very quick off the mark. His strength and stamina make him well suited to the rigours of English football, having successfully adapted his game to transform into one of the most promising young midfielder’s in the Premier League.

Many critics of Arsenal will point to them as a one-man team, but those who have watched the Gunners closely this year will know that is certainly not the case.

There’s a regular chant that can often be heard reverberating around the Emirates Stadium. From a rival perspective, thank heavens Arsenal only have one Song.

Article source: http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/arsenal-only-have-one-song

What we learned this week: Suarez’s kung-fu aside, Liverpool are so boring they can be upstaged by a cat

Kenny Dalglish’s side and Spurs were upstaged by a feline pitch invader on Monday night, while Harry Redknapp has already been appointed England manager by everyone but the FA

Article source: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/02/10/2898400/arsenal-captain-robin-van-persie-admits-interest-in-real

LONDON |
Fri Feb 10, 2012 6:55am EST

LONDON (Reuters) – Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, will return to New York Red Bulls next week as his loan spell cannot be extended past the agreed date, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

Henry, 34, who originally played for Arsenal from 1999 until 2007, scoring a record 226 goals, re-joined the club on January 6 but will go back his Major League Soccer club next Thursday, the day after Arsenal play AC Milan in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

“I would have loved him to stay for two more weeks but he has to go back,” Wenger told reporters. “He is captain of the Red Bulls, so just to appear on the first day of the season would be unfair to them.”

Red Bulls start their new season on March 11 and Wenger said the French striker had to return in time for their pre-season training.

“We accepted at the start that we would release him on February 16 so we respect our word. He thinks as well that it would be too late (if he stayed another two weeks).”

Wenger said he was delighted with the impact the club’s former skipper had made during his time back with Arsenal, both on and off the pitch.

“He was happy to be here and all the players were happy to have him around,” he said.

“In training he looks better every week. He is now back to a fitness level comparable to all the other players. His movement in training makes me think it is a shame he does not play for the national team anymore.”

Henry has scored twice in five games during his loan, taking his all-time tally to 228 goals, meaning the inscription on his recently unveiled statue outside the Emirates Stadium will have to be updated.

He could even add to that tally as Arsenal play two matches before he leaves. They face Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend before the Champions League game against Milan.

Wenger also dismissed speculation that Russian striker Andrei Arshavin was on his way out of the club, saying he expected him to still be at Arsenal after the close of the Russian transfer window on February 24.

“I expect him to still be here, that is clear,” he said.

(Reporting by Mike Collett; Editing by Clare Fallon)

Article source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/10/us-soccer-england-arsenal-idUSTRE8190OE20120210

Arsenal and Inter Milan are being linked with a transfer battle this summer over Benfica striker Rodrigo.

The 20-year-old forward has spent time in England previously, although struggled to make an impact at Bolton Wanderers last season during a season-long loan spell at the Reebok Stadium.

Rodrigo’s form has dramatically improved this term though, with talkSPORT citing the Spanish U21 international as one of the ‘star performers’ in Portuguese league football this season.

The radio station goes on to claim that Arsene Wenger has been monitoring the player’s progress this season, and is preparing a summer bid to bring the player to the Emirates Stadium from his current home.

However, reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport now claim that Inter have taken a keen interest in the former Real Madrid youth star after failing to bring Carlos Tevez to the San Siro.

Neither report speculates on a figure required to lure the player away from the Estádio da Luz, but the Águias will not be willing to let the youngster leave on the cheap.

Article source: http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/benfica-striker-on-arsenal-radar