Gooner Lad

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger criticised referee Martin Hansson for allowing the controversial goal which left his side trailing in their last-16 Champions League clash with Porto.

Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, deputising for the injured Manuel Almunia, was caught out of position to gift Porto an early lead.

Veteran Sol Campbell equalised with his first Arsenal goal since the 2006 Champions League final, only to then be involved in the controversy at the start of the second half.

Fabianski picked up what was deemed a back-pass from the former Gunners captain, with Hansson – the Swede who missed Thierry Henry’s infamous handball in France’s World Cup play-off win over the Republic of Ireland – letting it be taken quickly as Falcao swept the ball into the net.
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Gunner striker Nicklas Bendtner believes he can only get better after coming through his own injury hell

The Denmark international made what was only his second appearance since a three-month lay-off after groin surgery in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Emirates Stadium, which put a massive dent in Arsenal’s Barclays Premier League title hopes.

Manager Arsene Wenger did not move to replace injured forward Robin van Persie during the transfer window, instead placing his faith in the likes of fit-again Bendtner and England international Theo Walcott.

Bendtner, who turned 22 last month, has endured a difficult campaign so far this season, having escaped a car crash with only minor injuries last September.

Just a quickie: Manchester United have signed Chris Smalling from Fulham after having a bid accepted by the Cottagers this morning. Arsenal were also in the running but their offer was turned down. Arsene Wenger hinted that the race wasn’t over a few hours hours ago but the United outfit moved quicker and have now wrapped up the deal.

Wenger has never re-signed a player during his 13 years in charge at Arsenal but Campbell is set for a surprise return for his former club. Campbell, who last played for Arsenal in the Champions League final in 2006, played the first half of the reserves’ 4-2 win over West Ham.

The 35 year-old has been training at the club’s Hertfordshire base since quitting Notts County last year and has thanked Wenger for giving him another chance. “Arsene Wenger has been an inspiration,” he said. “He has watched me closely after letting me train at Arsenal for nearly two months now.

“He’s not stupid – he wouldn’t have taken me back if he didn’t like what he has seen, and I have worked and worked. I do believe I can contribute. “I really have my confidence and fitness back and I believe I can make a big, big contribution.

original text here at The Telegraph

Wenger, who last week predicted a “worst case scenario of three weeks out” for Fabregas after he tore a hamstring against Aston Villa, now looks set to be without the midfielder for the rest of the month. News of the 22 year-old’s extended absence has been compounded by the departure of Alexandre Song, who yesterday left to join Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations, which leaves Wenger short of regular first team options for Arsenal’s Premier League tie against Bolton tomorrow at the Emirates.

Looking to leap-frog Manchester United to go second in the table it is a crucial tie which could also move Arsenal to within a point of leaders Chelsea. Easing Wenger’s problems however is the potential return of Nicklas Bendtner who has vowed to solve the club’s striking problems.