By Glyn Kirk, AFP/Getty Images Arsenal’s Thierry Henry, right, maneuvers past Blackburn’s Grant Hanley during their English Premier League match Saturday.
Article source: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/story/2012-02-04/thierry-loan-loan-arsenal-red-bulls/52960948/1
I’d thought long and hard about giving this designation to central defender-turned-midfielder Alex Song, who still deputizes as a central back when needed (he’s done so earlier this season). But I am becoming convinced that the youngster Francis Coquelin, at just 20 years of age (he turns 21 in May), has made a more convincing argument.
Simply put, for a young man just out of his teens and playing his first season of regular EPL first-team football, Coquelin has been a revelation.
Despite being most comfortable in, of all places, the position of central holding midfielder spot currently occupied by Song in the starting XI, Coquelin has shown an impressive ability to slot in at the fullback position as well.
With the alarming attrition Arsenal have seen in defense this season, with defenders dropping like flies onto the treatment table, Coquelin has been a reserve of calm when utilized at right-back, where he has played most recently against Fulham, Leeds United and Aston Villa.
The hamstring injury he picked up against Leeds in early January was worrisome, but the Frenchman needed only two weeks of convalescence before making his return. When he did, he performed quite well last weekend in Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth-round match against Aston Villa.
Coquelin has showed his worth as a box-to-box midfielder—his desire in getting back in defense is positively inspirational at times—but he also possesses an underrated capacity to help out on attacks.
He will never have the searing pace and one-on-one inclinations of an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but he doesn’t need them to be an effective presence on the pitch. Wherever he finds himself, and whatever he finds himself doing, he does it with a sense of calm that belies his age.
Whether that involves him spreading play from central midfield or linking up with a winger on the right or left flanks in attack merely supports his status as the Swiss-army emeritus within this Gunners side. He has been a godsend amidst the plethora of injuries this term, and not once has he complained about having to play where he might not feel most comfortable.
His most immediate competitor for the right to play center mid after Song is Emmanuel Frimpong, currently on loan with Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of the season.
While the Ghanaian is regarded as a more accomplished tackler (or more “energetic,” if you will), Coquelin has a certain indescribable quality to his game that Frimpong does not—at least at this stage.
There is a polish to the Frenchman’s play that is very rare among players his age, especially ones who line up as holding central midfielders.
Coquelin looks just as comfortable engaging in Arsenal’s vintage fluid passing game as he is launching into a hearty challenge. He does both with aplomb, and it is a capacity that will serve him well down the line.
After all, it was Song’s versatility that ultimately provided him with his breakthrough as a regular member of the first team in 2008-09.
Despite playing mostly in central defense before that season, Song quickly made the position of defensive midfielder his own after Mathieu Flamini’s departure for AC Milan over the summer. The Cameroonian has always been a stout tackler, but his biggest improvement has come on offense.
Clive Mason/Getty Images
His assist for Robin van Persie’s goal against Everton in December was simply sublime, as was his slide-rule pass for Thierry Henry‘s goal against Leeds in the FA Cup. Both were passes we might have once seen from a Fabregas or Nasri, a great compliment to Song’s improvement.
Coquelin has caught my eye since his second start this season, which came against Shrewsbury Town (he infamously debuted against Manchester United in August—the game that must not be named).
If you haven’t caught the YouTube video of his match highlights from Shrewsbury, it’s a must-see (the author of the video does a fantastic job culling highlights from various Arsenal reserve players, whether they’re with the club or out on loan).
And when Coquelin was presented with the far sterner task of starting against Tottenham away at White Hart Lane on Oct. 2, he didn’t flinch. I felt Coquelin was one of the best performers that day, regardless of team—right up there with the excellent Scott Parker.
Last season’s loan to FC Lorient of Ligue 1 looks to have done him a world of good. First-team action always helps, no matter where it is experienced, and Coquelin drew raves from Merlus manager Christian Gourcuff, who said he was most impressed with the younger’s progress and evolution during his time with the Brittany club.
“He has improved a lot already in his use of the ball and in how he controls the game,” Gourcuff said in early 2011. “When he arrived, he was making the wrong choices with the ball at times. Now, he is more accurate and pertinent.”
This season hasn’t been teeming with appearances, but it could prove the decisive stepping stone for what looks certain to become a very productive career in an Arsenal shirt. If so, Coquelin will undoubtedly put those attributes highlighted by Gourcuff on display on a consistent basis.
There are other players who could rival Coquelin in terms of the number of positions they can play—Andrei Arshavin can double as a winger (minus the tracking back) and attacking midfielder, Robin van Persie came to the club as a winger and has since morphed into a striker, Kieran Gibbs can double as a winger as well as left back, Oxlade-Chamberlain often shifts into a central role from the wing.
But I don’t feel that any of those players can combine the natural capacity to balance defense with attack that Coquelin appears to do with such consummate ease. He will never be one to be counted upon for goals, but he can contribute to their build up.
And for the Gunners—both in games and entire seasons to come—that can only be seen as a promising light.
Article source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1049094-arsenal-why-francis-coquelin-is-the-most-versatile-player-for-the-gunners
Arsenal may be revelling in their 7-1 thrashing of relegation-afflicted Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates on Saturday, but arch rivals Manchester United pretty much see Arsene Wenger’s team as a ‘has-been’.
In comments published before the Arsenal-Rovers game in Manchester United’s fan magazine ‘Red View’, manager Sir Alex Ferguson took a wry dig at Arsenal.
Speaking in the context of the Red Devils clash with Chelsea today at Stamford Bridge, Sir Alex said, “In the last seven years, there have been battles with Chelsea,” he stated. “In the previous decade, it was Arsenal.”
The Blues have regularly competed for top honours with United since Roman Abramovich bought the West Londoners.
“There have been terrific battles between us and Chelsea. The manager has brought in two or three different players and I noticed when we played them in the home game earlier in the season there was a change in the style from the previous Chelsea teams.
“When a new manager comes in on the back of someone so successful like Carlo Ancelotti, changes maybe take time. Everyone has their different philosophy and their different ways of doing things and I think that’s what we’re seeing with Chelsea at the moment.
“It was a crazy game at Old Trafford earlier in the season – it could have been 20-18! I don’t think it will be like that on Sunday. I think it will be much tighter,” Sir Alex was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, also answering fan’s questions for United Review, the club’s matchday programme, United’s Brazilian ace, defender, Rafael said that while Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale were the toughest wingers he played against, it was an Arsenal game he remembers the most.
“I know we lost the game, but I scored my first goal for United against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. That was a great moment for me and I’ll never forget that. I also have very fond memories of my debut, against Middlesbrough. I think the first time you do anything it’s always memorable and playing at Old Trafford for the first time was a great experience,” he said.
Article source: http://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/arsenal-previous-decade-team-for-manu-s-sir-alex-2012-02-05-1.441202
While Wenger was rightly cautious about reading too much into the thrashing of
a team as abject and submissive as Blackburn
were, the surge in self-belief that this game will give to the likes
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott can only be positive.
Arsenal took all of 82 seconds to get going. Radosav Petrovic cleared the ball
with embarrassing timidity and Francis Coquelin, the Arsenal right-back, was
on to it. He worked the ball to Walcott, who had plenty of time to pick out
Van Persie for the simple finish.
Despite Arsenal dominating the early exchanges, Blackburn managed to equalise
to give the illusion of competition — talk about false advertising.
Anthony Modeste, signed on loan from Bordeaux last month, rolled Laurent
Koscielny on the edge of the box and the Arsenal defender blatantly pulled
him back.
Morten Gamst Pedersen hit an excellent free kick that goalkeeper Wojiech
Szczesny could not prevent going in the top corner. That was the sum of
Blackburn’s defiance and Arsenal swiftly went 3-1 ahead.
Alex Song threaded a precise pass between Martin Olsson and Gaël Givet for
Walcott to sprint on to and the England winger again picked out Van Persie
in space for the tap in. It was a superb goal and even referee Andre
Marriner was involved, having executed a neat step-over in the build-up.
The third was equally impressive, Walcott cutting inside and finding Van
Persie, whose fast-stepping footwork got him into the position to deliver a
fine pass into the path of Oxlade-Chamberlain, who went coolly round Paul
Robinson to finish.
It was hard to understand what went through Givet’s head just two minutes
before half-time. Heading, rather sluggishly, for a challenge with Van
Persie he hurled himself two-footed at the ball, smashing into the
Dutchman’s famously fragile ankles. Perhaps he had had enough, perhaps he
thought (not without reason) that his team would be better off without him.
Fortunately Van Persie was not badly hurt and Givet did at least have the
grace to apologise to Wenger as he left the field.
“We all know the rules,” said Blackburn manager Steve Kean. “We all know that
that kind of challenge is not acceptable any longer. He has apologised to
the team. He is really cut up, really down. It left us with not enough to
effect any pressure on the ball.”
Having already lost Jason Lowe to injury in a clumsy Tomas Rosicky challenge —
Bradley Orr came on for his debut — Kean then had to withdraw David Dunn and
bring on Grant Hanley. Their only ambition was to avoid complete humiliation.
Thomas Vermaelen had hit a post just before half-time and, after the break,
the goals started flowing again. Steven N’Zonzi could only head Van Persie’s
corner to the edge of the box where Koscielny’s touch cushioned the ball for
Mikel Arteta to score, admittedly with a fairly heavy deflection.
That was six minutes after the break and three minutes later it was five.
Walcott cut through some fairly insipid Blackburn defending on the right
and, just when it was opening for a shot, selflessly laid the ball off for
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who trapped and hit a low shot past Robinson.
Van Persie then completed his hat-trick with another close-range finish, this
time after Coquelin had walked past Junior Hoilett on the right.
“His movement in the box should be shown in every football school,” said
Wenger. “He is deadly.”
He was also selfless in helping Henry have a perfect Emirates send-off. The
veteran caught Hanley on the ball and then checked with Van Persie running
off him. The Dutchman could have taken it on and shot but instead found
Henry whose shot deflected in off Scott Dann.
Henry will still be with the team for the games at Sunderland and AC Milan.
The only way Wenger can have him for the next home game, the north London
derby, is if the deal is extended. It was not a bad way to sign off.
ARSENAL’S TOP TEN GOALSCORERS (all competitions)
Thierry Henry (1999-2007/2012-): 228
Ian Wright (1991-98): 185
Cliff Bastin (1929-47): 178
John Radford (1964-76): 149
Ted Drake (1934-45): 139
Jimmy Brain (1923-31): 139
Doug Lishman (1948-56): 137
Joe Hulme (1926-38): 125
David Jack (1928-34): 124
Robin van Persie (2004-): 123
Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9059770/Arsenal-7-Blackburn-Rovers-1-match-report.html
It is the Quad Cities largest employer and local lawmakers say it’s fate is in jeopardy. Last week, defense secretary Leon Panetta said $487 Billion would be cut from defense spending over the next decade. Programs that are crucial to the Quad cities were mentioned in these cuts, including industrial base skills.
The arsenal employs about 86,000 people and supports another 14,000 jobs in our area.
Area lawmakers worked together to be pro-active today, to save all of those jobs.
With federal budget cuts looming, local politicians are reaching out across state lines and across arty lines to join forces today, to create a louder voice.
“One thing were trying to do — during these uncertain economic times. Is to make sure that we speak with one voice,” said Iowa Rep.Bruce Braley.
“It’s a great coming together of folks, coming together across the river, coming together across the aisle there’s no doubt, we have to continue to do that if we’re going to do what we need to do for the rock island arsenal. The arsenal has a place in our national defense,” said Iowa Rep. Dave Loebsack.
As the quad city area’s largest employer, leaders want to be ready to fight for so many Illinois and Iowa workers.
“It does impact 18 percent of the greater commerce in the QCA comes off of Rock Island arsenal if you eliminate that, it will impact communities in a wide range of a 60 mile radius easily,” said Craig Flenker, President AFGE Local 2119.
The union president says without a unified, bipartisan approach by lawmakers the arsenal won’t have a chance.
“If you don’t have support, and a strong support you can very easily be eliminated, reduced, and impacted in a very severe way. So what happened here today is not only huge it’s critical,” said Flenker.
Illinois Congressman Bobby Schilling agrees it’s in the nation’s best interest to keep the arsenal running.
“Look at the rock island arsenal, it’s a national treasure it’s in our national security’s interest that it stays warmed up. It’s centrally located, it just makes good common sense rather than putting all of your eggs in one basket in other areas. The rock island arsenal is something that we need to have around for a very long time,” said Schilling.
Congressmen Bobby Schilling says we will learn the specific cuts to defense spending in weeks to come, and lawmakers will get together again to decide what the next plan of action should be.
Article source: http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=16678133
By: Meaghan Corson
mcorson@cbs4qc.com
Local lawmakers are fighting to help protect jobs on the Arsenal. Community members are also coming together to support employees. Several congressmen and area leaders are mounting an all–out effort to save the Rock Island Arsenal from facing big cuts, or worse, being shut down altogether.
“You look at almost 20 percent of your economy is someway impacted by a manufacturing entity. You eliminate that, you have major impact on your community up and down the river,” explained Craig Flenker, who works at the Rock Island Arsenal as the President of the Local 2119 of the American Federation of Government Employees.
Flenker has worked at the Arsenal for years. He came out to Saturday’s forum to stress how important the manufacturer is for local jobs and for our country.
“The technology that we have at hand, our ability to rapidly produce and manufacture goods and service for the military is simply unique to what we do,” explained Flenker.
In fact, Flenker said workers are able to turnover equipment faster than many sites across the country. When our soldiers needed stronger doors to replace those on soft cover humvies, Congressman Bobby Schilling said they came through.
“Sometimes when the military wants something it takes six months or a year. These guys did it in 30 days. We’ll never know how many lives they saved, but we do know that they saved American lives with them.”
Schilling said it’s important to fight for the Arsenal’s safety, because it’s about more than just helping the economy, it’s also about being prepared.
“If we’re not ready and we gut out our military and the next war happens, that’s when we lose men and women, our war fighters because we’re not ready to go. We can’t give them the equipment needed, and that’s what we got to make sure to maintain,” explained Schilling.
The President’s budget comes out on February 13th, and local leaders said they’ll decide from there when the next forum will be.
Article source: http://www.whbf.com/story/16677887/lawmakers-pushing-to-save-the-arsenal
Emmanuel Frimpong will have a scan on a knee injury, with Wolves manager Mick McCarthy in the dark as to the extent of the problem.
Frimpong, who is on loan at Wolves from Arsenal, was carried off just 24 minutes into the 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
The signs did not look positive, with Frimpong in pain as he left the field, and McCarthy will await news of the scan.
“He’s got a brace on and he was carried off,” McCarthy said. “On a scale of one to 10 I have got no idea. I haven’t got a clue.”
The 20-year-old has started five league games for the Wolves since joining at the start of January.
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Article source: http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/134659.html
By
Malcolm Folley
Last updated at 9:55 PM on 4th February 2012
Besieged manager Steve Kean apologised to Blackburn fans who watched Arsenal rip their team to shreds.
‘We have let them down,’ said Kean after Blackburn’s chaotic season plunged new depths.
‘This is a really tough one to take. I can shout or throw tea cups and keep them in the dressing room for hours, but the players don’t need that to know they let themselves down.
Horror show: Blackburn manager Steve Kean looks on at the Emirates
Gael Givet was sent off for a two-footed lunge at Robin van Persie, and Kean said: ‘We went down to 10 men and lost Jason Lowe through injury. Gael’s cut up. We all know the rules.
‘The fans turned out in numbers and stayed to the end of a bitterly cold day.’
With Chris Samba keen to leave, Givet will be banned for three games. ‘I don’t know if Samba will play against QPR [on Saturday] or not,’ said Kean.
Rampant: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain inspired Arsenal to a 7-1 win
Here’s what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts,
or debate this issue live on our message boards.
The comments below have not been moderated.
I feel for Blackburn Fans,at least you have a valid reason to demand a change,unlike the plastic Arsenal fans that can’t handle the lowly heights of 7th now 5th and still in 2 cups with less than 2/3 of a squad fit,and the Spurz envy dwellers,that were preying for another Arsenal draw/defeat,to disguise the fact that even in our lowest season,we are still better off than most teams,without the help of petro dollars.But I guess that’s what comes with success in the modern day game,people with no bearing on the whole picture,just an agenda to say.’OUT’.
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I watched the game live and Blackburn offered nothing, no passion, no creativity. petrovic is the worst midfielder in the premier league. A great club destroyed in 12 months.
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Kean has a problem with man management. you cannot have a player as big as Samba out of your squad. Yes, the guy signed a contract and Yes he is being a pain and should the job he is paid to do, but players Need to be managed. Ronaldo and Cantona were no angels, but Ferguson handled them with right and got real value from them. Big Sam got the best out of the odious Diouf. Behind the scenes, he could have sat down and worked things out with Samba. You don’t go to war with your best player, even if he is being petulant. Without man management skills, you can never, ever be a good manager. Kean needs more time as an assistant manager.
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Proof that Indian chicken farmers should stick to what they know best.
As for Kean ……… he’s praying that the Venkys sack him so he can get a nice little pay off and avoid all the stress.
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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2096591/Steve-Kean-Blackburn-let-fans-Arsenal.html
Manchester City opened up a three-point gap at the top of the Premier League tonight following a 3-0 defeat of Fulham. Sergio Aguero opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Adam Johnson had been fouled, then Fulham defender Chris Baird doubled the lead when he turned Johnson’s low cross into his own goal, before Edin Dzeko wrapped up the win 18 minutes from time.
Second-placed Manchester United can move level again with their city rivals with victory at Chelsea tomorrow. Elsewhere, Thierry Henry scored his first Premier League goal since his return to Arsenal in their 7-1 drubbing of Blackburn Rovers.
It was a miserable afternoon for Rovers, who also saw defender Gael Givet shown a first-half red card for a two-footed challenge on Robin van Persie. The Dutch striker began Arsenal’s goal frenzy in the lunchtime kick-off after just two minutes, hitting his second seven minutes before half-time and completing the hat-trick in the 62nd minute. Morten Gamst Pedersen had equalised for the visitors but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (two) and Mikel Arteta redressed the balance before on-loan Henry, on as a substitute, scored in injury time.
O’Neill rolls on
Sunderland’s impressive form under Martin O’Neill continued as a strike from James McClean secured them a 1-0 win at ten-man Stoke City. In another contest where snow fell throughout, a first half of few chances finished with Potters defender Robert Huth sent off for a tackle on David Meyler. McClean then netted on the hour, bursting through the hosts’ defence and tucking the ball away to seal a victory which means the Black Cats have now taken 22 points from the 30 on offer since O’Neill took over.
Swansea City’s on-loan midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson played a major role in Brendan Rodgers’ side coming from behind to register only their second away win of the season at West Bromwich Albion. The Iceland international, who joined from Hoffenheim last month until the end of the season, cancelled out Marc-Antoine Fortune’s opener and laid on the winner in a 2-1 win for Danny Graham.
Second-half goals from Andrew Surman and Anthony Pilkington ensured Norwich City ended a nervy afternoon with a 2-0 win over strugglers Bolton Wanderers at Carrow Road. The game looked set to peter out into a dull goalless draw until Surman volleyed home in the 70th minute and Pilkington wrapped up the win just before the end with an instinctive finish after Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan had parried Russell Martin’s drive.
Hughes downed by Wolves
Substitute Kevin Doyle inspired a second-half Wolverhampton Wanderers comeback at Queens Park Rangers to secure a 2-1 victory. The Republic of Ireland international came off the bench at half-time and helped set up Matt Jarvis’ equaliser 51 seconds later, before going on to net the winner.
It had looked like QPR boss Mark Hughes would be going home with the three points after debutant Bobby Zamora fired Rangers into a deserved lead just days after his move from west London rivals Fulham. Wolves were given a way back into the game, though, when fellow striker Djibril Cisse was shown a straight red card for an altercation with Roger Johnson in the 34th minute.
Wigan benefited from one of the more bizarre goals the league will see this season but had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Everton at the DW Stadium. It had been a thoroughly forgettable affair until the 76th minute when Phil Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow found its way past Tim Howard for a hugely embarrassing own goal. But the hosts’ lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Victor Anichebe heading in the equaliser.
Article source: http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1579263.html
Arsenal ended a four-match winless
run in English soccer’s Premier League, while Wolverhampton
Wanderers won for the first time in 10 games.
Robin van Persie’s hat trick led Arsenal past 10-man
Blackburn 7-1. Matt Jarvis and Kevin Doyle scored as Wolves won
2-1 at Queens Park Rangers, which also finished with 10 men.
Norwich beat Bolton 2-0, Sunderland defeated 10-man Stoke
1-0, Swansea won 2-1 at West Brom and Wigan and Everton tied 1-
1. Manchester City hosts Fulham in the day’s late game.
Van Persie gave Arsenal the lead after just two minutes at
the Emirates Stadium, but Morten Gamst Pedersen tied the score
with a free kick in the 31st minute.
Van Persie scored again in the 38th minute and Alex Oxlade-
Chamberlan added his first Premier League goal two minutes
later. Blackburn’s Gale Givet was shown a red card just before
halftime for a two-footed challenge on van Persie.
Mikel Arteta and Oxlade-Chamberlain scored early in the
second half and van Persie completed his hat trick in the 62nd
minute. Thierry Henry, who came on as a substitute for Oxlade-
Chamberlain, then closed the scoring in stoppage time.
Wolves moved out the three relegation places at the bottom
of the standings with the come-from-behind away win.
QPR took the lead in the 16th minute on a goal from Bobby Zamora, who joined the club from Fulham at the transfer deadline
four days ago. Djibril Cisse was then sent off for QPR in the
34th minute after an altercation with Roger Johnson.
Matt Jarvis tied the score in the opening minute of the
second half. Doyle, who came on as a substitute at halftime,
then scored in the 71st minute to give Wolves just its second
away win of the season.
Andrew Surman and Anthony Pilkington scored in the final 20
minutes to lead Norwich past Bolton, which drops into the
relegation zone one point behind Wolves.
James McClean’s goal in the 60th minute gave Sunderland its
seventh win in 10 matches since Martin O’Neill took over as
manager in December. Stoke’s Robert Huth was red-carded just
before halftime for a challenge on David Meyler.
Gyfli Sigurdsson and Danny Graham scored four minutes apart
in the second half as Swansea won just its second away game.
Victor Anichebe’s 83rd-minute goal gave Everton the draw at
last-place Wigan, which took the lead on an own goal from Phil Neville.
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
<!—->
Article source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-04/arsenal-wolves-end-winless-streaks-in-english-premier-league.html
Arsenal v Blackburn 13:00 Sat
With Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool all playing on either Sunday or Monday, Paddy Power make Arsenal favourites to up to fifth and within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea with a win over Blackburn on Saturday.
The Gunners slipped off the pace during midweek after stumbling to a 0-0 draw at the Reebok Stadium and even the chance of temporary ascension in the Premier League could prove ample incentive for the side to get a decent win over Blackburn Rovers.
Arsene Wenger has added reason to look for a win against Steve Kean’s side after losing 4-3 at Ewood Park in September and revenge is just another factor in this encounter.
Despite being in the relegation zone, Rovers can actually boast better form going into this fixture, with Arsenal losing three and drawing one of their last six games.
Another surprising statistic is that for all the injuries and absences Arsenal have experienced on the defensive side this season, the North London outfit have the third best Premier League defence when playing at home this campaign and although Blackburn haven’t found it hard to score away from home, breaking down the Emirates wall could prove difficult.
Steve Kean may have experienced months of adversity leading up to the January transfer window but the Scot still managed to keep a hold of his best players including Christopher Samba and Junior Hoilett.
However, it has been announced that captain Samba will not feature this weekend, presumably due to a dispute or the fact that the player may not be in the right state of mind for such a match.
The absence is undoubtedly a huge blow to Rovers who will surely go into this fixture as favourites to lose, but it’s often the ‘nothing to lose’ mentality that can prevail over flailing sides like Arsenal.
Related posts:
Article source: http://www.squeakybumtime.com/premiership/3540/arsenal-blackburn-team-news-paddy-power-free-bets-offer/
The recent speculation surrounding Jose Mourinho’s desire to return to English football has had the press second guessing his every move – here’s why one Arsenal fan believes he could do a job at the Emirates
The recent speculation surrounding Jose Mourinho’s desire to return to English football has had the press second guessing his every move – here’s why one Arsenal fan believes he could do a job at the Emirates
England. Those green, green fields. How Mourinho longs for a return to the bosom of the English press, who adore him so, hanging on his every word. They miss him, and he misses being loved. Italian football never lapped him up in the same way, despite his success. Now Spain follows their lead. Where the English press indulge and celebrate his self-interested ways for the sake of a back page, their continental counterparts scowl. Jose sticks two fingers up in reply and leaks plans to return to the Premier League, despite Madrid’s strengthening hold on La Liga.
The Premiership is a brighter place for his kind of entertainment, but which top club is most likely to provide the desired platform?
Liverpool have Kenny and despise ’sh*tcoat’ more than most from his time goading them at Chelsea.
Should Fergie retire to the scotch, Jose would cite Old Trafford as the ideal stage. The biggest club in the country and the best manager in the world (in his mirror at least).
You cannot imagine Roman Abramovich being selfless enough to admit he made a mistake in firing the back-to-back title winner and give him another chance, despite the desire of most Chelsea fans.
Manchester City surely would not move Mancini on should he deliver the title, and even if Harry leaves for prison or England, Spurs aren’t a big enough pull.
The Arsenal?
Clarity is needed at this point. As an Arsenal Season Ticket Holder and an Arsene man, I’m not ushering the Frenchman out the door. I want him to succeed. Desperately so. I want him to change his approach in the summer, encouraged by a revitalised board who have realised the self sustaining model hasn’t worked and that the cash on hip can actually be spent.
If one or neither happens, the current situation apologetically forces you to consider who could possibly replace the great man.
Many Arsenal fans spit Mourinho’s name out with disgust. Not for us. Classless. Not Arsenal. No way. I understand this reaction, but I don’t agree with it.
Clarity is needed at this point. As an Arsenal Season Ticket Holder and an Arsene man, I’m not ushering the Frenchman out the door. I want him to succeed. Desperately so.
Despite the arrogance and the contempt chucked his way whilst he was spending Roman’s millions, you cannot argue with one simple fact.
He is a winner.
Silverware doesn’t lie. His players love him. They give everything for him. In the build up to a Champions League game between his Inter side and once beloved Chelsea, Wesley Sneijder said, “I am not worried about the game, he [Mourinho] will find a way. He will show us things that nobody else could”.
What trust. What confidence in his manager. He delivered.
Two accusations of Jose Mourinho:
He has bought success and his style of football is boring, not suited to the brand that Arsenal have become.
His time at Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid were bankrolled by billionaires. Teams put together with a huge investment, impossible to imagine being permitted at the Emirates. This plays down his achievement with Porto, winning the Champions League as comparative paupers. It’s also worth noting that Arsenal have their own billionaires. One day they might decide (Stan) or be allowed to spend (Usmanov).
Mourinho teams can bore when they need to, but they can also entertain. The first Chelsea title wining side saw Arjen Robben tearing teams apart, while Madrid are scoring goals for fun. He adjusts his team to suit a situation and ensure he comes out the winning side. His antics, eye gauging and hysterics would be far easier to accept were they done for the benefit of an Arsenal result.
I also imagine the mentality he could instil into young players like Wilshere, Ramsey and Oxlade-Chamberlian. Older stars like Vermaelen and Van Persie would thrive.
I apologise for considering life after Arsene, and hope a new approach to success means such a dilemma doesn’t have to be answered this summer.
If it does, my approval of Mourinho at Arsenal would be based upon his credentials to deliver the one thing Arsene hasn’t. The one thing I want for Arsenal more than anything else.
I want to see us win the Champions League, and if anyone can deliver that, it’s Mourinho.
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Article source: http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-sport/arsenal-mourinho-is-the-man-to-give-us-the-champions-league/
“How much, you can never give a percentage, but he was very positive and everyone takes his advice on board because he has delivered here and they want to deliver too,” Wenger said. “He is respected and he was very positive.”
Article source: http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2012/02/04/arsenal_may_try_to_extend_henrys_loan_from_mls/
14:04 GMT
Oliver Platt reports from Carrow Road: “Good afternoon from Carrow Road, where we should have an interesting fixture on our hands as Norwich City host Bolton Wanderers. Both sides have had no problems scoring goals this season and have entered 2012 in strong form, although the Canaries fell to a 3-0 loss against Sunderland in midweek. Norwich manager Paul Lambert will be hoping for a strong response against a Bolton team that has only suffered defeat against Manchester United since the turn of the year, form which has lifted the club out of the relegation zone.”
Article source: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/live-update/545/arsenal-v-blackburn-manchester-city-v-fulham-follow-the
I predict a win.
I don’t normally do this, but I feel confident that we will win. Why?
1. The team has played well in the last two matches
This is a sign of renaissance.
Let me cull from my review article on the Bolton game. In that article (see it here), I supported my assertion that the team played well with the following points:
The team controlled possession.
The team knew how to regroup and recommence attacks.
The team modulated well, that is, it attacked through difference avenues—overlapping centre-backs (only Barcelona currently does the same), modulating front three, pivoting midfielders, use of the false nine decoy—it was a dynamic display. A great positive, which the team can build upon.
The last paragraph is loaded. I could draw diagrams and go into detailed explanations, and those who are familiar with my writings know I can, but the time I have for this article is limited, so I won’t.
Boethius and Philosophy
Suffice to say, it doesn’t cease to amuse me when I hear the hasty-to-type—and the usually loud fans—say things like Wenger doesn’t know tactics. It just tells me they don’t know what they are talking about.
2. Fortune is fickle
It is the major thesis of Boethius’ The Consolation of Philosophy. And no. This is not to show off. Showing off is a sign of shallowness. I cite this (and others like this) because I believe the reader’s 15 minutes should be worthy of some profit.
Why read things that tell you nothing? That don’t add to your knowledge? That are not refreshing? That pander to you?
I’m always glad to pick up something new whenever I read. It is against internet publishing principle, which demands shallowness, but I don’t care. I hope the thoughtful reader appreciates the effort to be thorough.
Boethius is in prison on bogus charges and is wallowing in self-pity, attended by the muses of poesy who pander to him and tickle his ears by feeding him what he likes to hear. This persists until philosophy drives out the pandering muses and rebukes Boethius, her erstwhile pupil.
Fortune is fickle; it turns. It’s workings are without discernible rhyme or reason.
This is my point.
If Arsenal continue to play well, the reward will come.
In the Bolton match, they carved out a bucket-load of chances, which, for one reason or the other, they couldn’t convert.
In the Aston Villa match, Arsenal pushed, and a good dose of luck helped them win. Luck is fickle; it can turn quite quickly.
If the chances are created again today, fortune could favor a harvest of goals.
If luck doesn’t turn in this match, then we really, really are in trouble. We, of course, are already in deep trouble.
3. Theo Walcott may score
Theo Walcott is exasperating as usual.
But think: He does get into scoring positions. This is the key. If he converted these chances, the exasperation we all suffer would turn to delight. And that’s the problem, he doesn’t convert his chances.
At the moment, Walcott falls more than flies
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
He panics in front of goal. Or rather he’s too hasty. Now, since he gets into scoring positions, it means he has the intelligence to know to do so, which flies in the face of those that sprout the “brainless” cliche.
What’s required is composure when the chances come. Composure will come. Remember how it felt when you were learning to drive and how it feels now when you drive without giving it a thought? Walcott will drive without giving it a thought.
The time will come.
So will he score today?
I don’t know. I’m not a soothsayer.
4. The team will make the whiners eat their words
It’s alright to whine, but it’s not alright to make it a habit. In real life, we laugh at those who whine when things don’t go their way.
Ian Holloway sums it up quite nicely:
Being a football fan isn’t just about cheering your team’s successes.
Wenger is resolute
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
To be a genuine supporter you have to get behind your club when times are tough as well. That’s why I was sickened to hear Arsene Wenger getting grief at the Emirates when they lost at home to Man United.
Wenger has built one top team after another. He should be bulletproof even if it is now almost seven years since he last won a trophy. There are some Gunners supporters out there who need a reality check.
Perhaps they should take a trip to Fratton Park and ask Portsmouth fans whether they would swap their club’s FA Cup success for a bit of what Wenger has brought to Arsenal.
If I go popular, I hear this tune, which recalls these lines:
And we will be together in any kind of weather/ Just like that; just like that.
It’s from Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step.” It’s one way of stating Thierry Henry‘s dictum, uttered four weeks ago: “No matter what, you should support the team.”
What happens to the bin-bag protest if Arsenal run away with victory today?
The same thing that happened to the people who said the team was rubbish at halftime in the Villa match?
Of course, they may interject that one victory doesn’t mean the problems are over.
True.
In the last six seasons, these same fans have lambasted a top-four finish, and now, they want to kill Wenger for daring to suggest that a top-four finish may not be attainable this season through a run of bad results.
Suddenly, the same people who think financial prudence is rubbish, are so concerned about the £25 millions we’d lose if we don’t attain top-four. I thought money didn’t matter, only the passion of the working class.
That’s enough for now.
5. Blackburn might prove too resilient
This is a huge factor to consider, and it might prove the difference in this match, but I’m so confident of a win that I don’t see it becoming a negative factor.
I vote with celebration at the end of the day. What about you?
And if we are wrong?
Well, Cerberus is already baying at the door.
It nearly gobbled me up yesterday. I escaped, you see. Let’s hope Arsene Wenger and the players escape today.
Article source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1053084-arsenal-vs-blackburn-rovers-preview-and-prediction
Chelsea – Man United Preview: Blues undefeated in nine league games against Sir Alex’s men at home
But from a historical point of view, the Red Devils have the upper hand since they have managed to beat the Blues on 29 occasions away from home, losing 22 times
Article source: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/02/04/2885412/arsenals-bacary-sagna-praises-right-back-deputies-while-he
Arsene Wenger has opened the door for Andrey Arshavin to leave Arsenal this month.
Mega-rich Anzhi Makhachkala have made an enquiry and the Russian transfer window remains open until February 24.
That means Gunners boss Wenger can sell out-of-form Arshavin, even if it means he’ll be gambling by leaving himself short of cover for the rest of the season.
As first revealed by the Mirror, Arsenal are ready to listen to offers because 30-year-old Arshavin has fallen so far out of favour.
They are tempted to cash in now because his contract only has 18 months left.
Wenger did not rule out a permanent deal and admitted the final decision could be down to Arshavin .
It is understood the player would prefer to return to Zenit St Petersburg, the club Arsenal bought him from, but that might not be possible until the summer.
Asked whether Arshavin could go this month, Wenger said: “For me, no.”
Then, asked who else it depends on, the Frenchman added: “Andrey Arshavin.”
Arshavin has become public enemy number one at the Emirates and has been jeered by a minority of Arsenal fans.
Wenger said: “We have to realise that we have to support our players and I personally have a huge respect for Andrey Arshavin and if you would see him behave every day you would have one as well.
“Things can change quickly – villain today, hero tomorrow. It is like that nowadays but when you are a good football player like he is you can always come back.
“I understand everybody’s frustrations because I’m quite tolerant. But there is still a difference between frustration and lack of respect.”
Arsenal are leading Rovers 3-1, with Robin van Persie scoring either side of Morten Gamst Pedersen, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added a third. Gael Givet has been sent off. 
Commentary
Scores: Prem| nbspLC| nbspSPL| nbspEsp| nbspIta| nbspGer| nbspFra| nbspNed| nbspVidi | Chat and updates (14.15 GMT)
GettyImages
Article source: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/?cc=5901&topId=1017429&linktext=MatchDay+LIVE%3A+Arsenal+3-1+Rovers
As area political leaders begin the work of shielding the Rock
Island Arsenal against future military budget cuts, FEMA, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, announced Friday that it would
place its Region 5 Recovery Operations Center on the island.
Paul Rumler, executive vice president of the Quad-Cities Chamber
of Commerce, said the process of securing the center has been in
the works for four or five months.
Rumler added that FEMA already works closely with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers’ Rock Island District, and the U.S. First Army,
which is headquartered on the island, and trains National Guard and
Reserve members to handle disasters.
A staff of 12 operates the Recovery Operations Center, with up
to 20 employees anticipated, he said. On the Arsenal, the center
will be located in Building 131.
“It’s a great addition to the Rock Island Arsenal,” Rumler said
of FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
“They’ll be able to use the synergies of all those other
organizations.”
FEMA was searching for a central location for its Region 5
center, he said. Region 5 includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Iowa is part of Region 7. FEMA is
consolidating centers.
The department also required secure broadband and fiber optics
networks, secure video conference capabilities, and access to
24-hour, seven-days-a-week operations when handling a disaster,
Rumler added.
“They have all of that at the Arsenal,” he said. “It’s
affordable space that requires no additional security, which means
it will be saving taxpayers money, too. It’s a win-win for
everyone.”
Rock Island Arsenal garrison manager Joel Himsl said FEMA’s
infrastructure requirements were met without difficulty.
FEMA’s office joins more than 70 commands and private employers
located at the Arsenal, Himsl added.
The Arsenal is the largest Quad-City employer.
U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Ill., said Friday night that FEMA’s
decision is welcome news.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” Schilling said of the
effort to bring more employers to the island. “We want to load that
thing up.”
Schilling added that FEMA’s decision would help sell the Arsenal
to other public and private enterprises looking for a good location
to do business.
Schilling, along with Reps. Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack, Iowa
Democrats, will be meeting with other area political and business
leaders or their representatives today at Black Hawk College in
Moline to begin the process of coming up with ideas for protecting
the Arsenal from future cuts to the defense budget.
“We’re calling it Team Rock Island Arsenal,” Schilling said. “A
lot of other military depots have a strong bipartisan voice. We
need to get everybody on board.”
Over the course of the next few years, he said, there will be
defense cuts all across the country.
It is important to attract other government entities, private
enterprises and public-private partnerships to the island, he
said.
“That way, as the cuts start to roll out, they will have a lot
less negative impact on the area,” Schilling said.
Article source: http://qctimes.com/news/local/fema-chooses-arsenal-island-for-center/article_7fa89ee2-4ed4-11e1-8877-0019bb2963f4.html
As area political leaders begin the work of shielding the Rock
Island Arsenal against future military budget cuts, FEMA, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, announced Friday that it would
place its Region 5 Recovery Operations Center on the island.
Paul Rumler, executive vice president of the Quad-Cities Chamber
of Commerce, said the process of securing the center has been in
the works for four or five months.
Rumler added that FEMA already works closely with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers’ Rock Island District, and the U.S. First Army,
which is headquartered on the island, and trains National Guard and
Reserve members to handle disasters.
A staff of 12 operates the Recovery Operations Center, with up
to 20 employees anticipated, he said. On the Arsenal, the center
will be located in Building 131.
“It’s a great addition to the Rock Island Arsenal,” Rumler said
of FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
“They’ll be able to use the synergies of all those other
organizations.”
FEMA was searching for a central location for its Region 5
center, he said. Region 5 includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Iowa is part of Region 7. FEMA is
consolidating centers.
The department also required secure broadband and fiber optics
networks, secure video conference capabilities, and access to
24-hour, seven-days-a-week operations when handling a disaster,
Rumler added.
“They have all of that at the Arsenal,” he said. “It’s
affordable space that requires no additional security, which means
it will be saving taxpayers money, too. It’s a win-win for
everyone.”
Rock Island Arsenal garrison manager Joel Himsl said FEMA’s
infrastructure requirements were met without difficulty.
FEMA’s office joins more than 70 commands and private employers
located at the Arsenal, Himsl added.
The Arsenal is the largest Quad-City employer.
U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Ill., said Friday night that FEMA’s
decision is welcome news.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” Schilling said of the
effort to bring more employers to the island. “We want to load that
thing up.”
Schilling added that FEMA’s decision would help sell the Arsenal
to other public and private enterprises looking for a good location
to do business.
Schilling, along with Reps. Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack, Iowa
Democrats, will be meeting with other area political and business
leaders or their representatives today at Black Hawk College in
Moline to begin the process of coming up with ideas for protecting
the Arsenal from future cuts to the defense budget.
“We’re calling it Team Rock Island Arsenal,” Schilling said. “A
lot of other military depots have a strong bipartisan voice. We
need to get everybody on board.”
Over the course of the next few years, he said, there will be
defense cuts all across the country.
It is important to attract other government entities, private
enterprises and public-private partnerships to the island, he
said.
“That way, as the cuts start to roll out, they will have a lot
less negative impact on the area,” Schilling said.
Article source: http://qctimes.com/news/local/fema-chooses-arsenal-for-center/article_7fa89ee2-4ed4-11e1-8877-0019bb2963f4.html
