While Real Madrid might like the chance to see Wenger in charge, would it be reciprocated at Arsenal? i was reading Ian Wright’s column today and he thinks not.

I personally agree with Wrighty when he states:

Mourinho has brilliant tactical ability but also a nose for an argument.

He always seems to be in conflict with his players, opposing managers, fans or the board. The Premier League is where he is happiest. Perhaps over here, the fans understand what he is all about.

But I just do not think he would be suited at Arsenal, who have a history of doing things the right way.

I cannot imagine any Gunners manager celebrating a goal by sliding on his knees in the Emirates technical area.

Equally, I do not think Mourinho will ever get the chance of managing Manchester United for much the same reasons as why he will not manage Arsenal. More here.

I think Ian Wright has some valid points to consider and although there is no doubting The Special One’s ability having won leagues in England, Portugal and Italy and being 7 points ahead of mighty Barcelona, Mourinho wouldn’t gel at Arsenal for the reasons that Wrighty has stated above.

It would be a magnificent feat to win the league in Spain and would certainly cement his success as a great trainer. Sometimes clubs don’t need great trainers, they need someone that understands the players, the fans and the board at the same time. Good luck with you job hunting Jose!

Robin Van Persie has ordered Arsenal to forget about pretty football.

The Gunners have not won a trophy since 2005 while often being accused of putting style above substance.

And, ahead of their visit to Aston Villa tonight, striker Van Persie said: “Nobody can play beautiful football all the time.

“When that happens I tell our lads ‘If it’s not happening for you, just try to kill off the game so we can move on’.

“I am still a lover of the beautiful game and always will be but I have become more realistic.

“It is too romantic to think that you can win matches by playing beautiful football alone.

“Barcelona are the exception — and I have to admit they and Arsenal are the only teams that I often watch on TV.”

And Van Persie applies his ‘ugly’ rule to his own goals too.

He added: “I have felt more like a centre-forward recently.

“In the beginning I had to get accustomed to the idea, I was not convinced that I could play in this position.

“Since then I have become clear in my mind, and grown into the role. I enjoy scoring more now these days.

“You can see it from my goals — some come about from willpower pure and simple.

“You can see it in my face, ‘OK, the ball’s got to go in no matter how’.

“I used to think about other options when faced with the goal — looking to find team-mates with a clever pass, going for a hook shot or blasting it. More here at The Sun.

With that off Van Persie’s chest, maybe Arsenal can get on and keep up the good record. Who knows, the Dutch scoring machine may have a point and we’ll certainly see if it produces the goods in the coming games!

There were tears from Thierry Henry today as Arsenal unveiled a bronze statue of the club’s record goalscorer outside the Emirates Stadium.
Henry has been immortalised in familiar goalscoring pose, on his knees, fists clenched, as part of the Gunners’ 125th anniversary celebrations.

He’s joined by two further bronze statues, one of boss Herbert Chapman, who is regarded as the founding father of the club’s success from the 1930s, and a third featuring inspirational captain Tony Adams.
As his statue was unveiled, Henry launched into an Oscars style acceptance speech, complete with tears.

The weepy Frenchman said: “I know I don’t show emotions often. Some of the time some of the press used to kill me for not showing emotion.

“But there you go I’m showing emotion right now for the club I love.

“I just wanted to say thanks to my family for being here, my best friends also, my daughter, my mum.”

Henry bagged 226 goals in his time with the Gunners, helping them lift two Premier League titles and the FA Cup twice. Original article here.

It was a nice tribute by a great club to honour someone like Thierry Henry who gave so much to the Gunners. I’m sure the statue will be admired and cherished for years to come.

FA general secretary Alex Horne confirmed the possibility of using it yesterday and Arsenal boss Wenger has lent his support to the idea.

When asked when the FA should introduce the technology, the Frenchman said: “The sooner, the better for me.

“The sooner they go further, the better. I have always been a big fan of it and given it every support.

“There are no doubts for me. The concern of course is that the technology can make mistakes but still statistically we will improve a lot.

“Overall we all have memories of when this technology would stop an injustice, so let’s go for it — as quickly as possible.” See original here

So there we have it. If this was used in the last World Cup who knows what would have happened when England played Germany. Frank Lampard’s clear goal would have stood and it might have made all the difference.

Pat Rice revealed last night revealed that he hated every minute of Arsenal’s dramatic draw in Germany. The Gunners No2 stood in for Arsenal boss Wenger, who was serving a touchline ban.

Rice, who saw Robin van Persie’s opener cancelled out by a stunning 88th-minute strike from Ivan Perisic, said: “Did I like it? No. It has never been one of my ambitions to be manager of a football club.

“It was too stressful for me and extremely strange not to have the manager with me. He is normally shouting in my ear.

“It was a strange decision by UEFA for him not to be on the bench.

“But we battled really hard and we knew it would be a hard game. I don’t think many teams will beat Dortmund.

“Dortmund are a really good side. No question. From our point of view, we wanted to win the game. We were so close. We were very near.”

Dortmund equalised with a stunning 25-yard strike from substitute Perisic.

Rice said: “Their player could try that 35 or 40 times and he would hit it wide. It was a great goal.”

Asked if Arsenal have turned the corner, Rice added: “Very much so. Particularly the game on Saturday when we beat Swansea.

“It seemed as though it was our start to the season after uncertainty. The players we have signed are very good, contrary to what other people have said. I am sure they will show it in the games to come.”

Rice also praised skipper Van Persie, who discussed tactics with stand-in boss Rice during breaks throughout the game.

He said: “Robin is the club captain and we encouraged him to be verbal on the park and off it.

“He was asking me one or two things about what we could do better and I was saying one or two things which could make the team better.”

Van Persie struck in the 42nd minute with a superb right-foot shot after being put through by Theo Walcott.

Rice said: “As for the goal, it is nothing unusual to see Robin do that. It was a great run by Robin and a terrific ball through.

“It was unusual to see Robin hit it with that foot but it proves he is not a one-foot footballer.”