Second-half goals from Carlos Tevez, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Vladimir Weiss sealed Manchester City’s passage to the semi-finals and a mouthwatering clash with city rivals United.

Hughes was celebrating a famous victory at the end but hit out at Wenger and called on the Frenchman to be “more gracious” in defeat.

It appeared the Arsenal boss had been angered by Hughes wandering into his technical area during the goalless first half which led to an angry exchange between the pair.

Aggrieved Hughes said: “At one point I was over on his side of the technical area and he seemed a bit aggrieved by that. But I think he is probably more aggrieved because he lost.

“I have been to the Emirates and been beaten 6-2 but I still offered my hand at theend.It is the least you can do.

read more here at – The Daily Record

Defender Mikael Silvestre says that the team are not far off from being able to lift the Premiership trophy or even the FA Cup or Champions League, such is the improvement in the squad.

The team have already lost two games in the league this season, but Silvestre says that those defeats provided food for thought.

Fresh off the back of the 6-2 mauling of Blackburn Rovers, the Frenchman says that simple mistakes which allowed their opponents an early lead can be eradicated.

Arsenal went on to win 6-2. Silvestre said: “In those two defeats against City and United, we learned that we are not far from being a winner.

“We scored goals away from home which is good and I am looking forwards to the big games again this season to test ourselves. “We play very good football and I hope it will pay off. It is about being mature and the details.

“If you look at the way we conceded two goals at the weekend, if we can get rid of those moments, then we will have a real chance. We are not far from it.”

Arsenal have played a game less than most of their rivals following the Champions League qualifying round against Celtic and also faced away games at Everton, Manchester United, Manchester City and Fulham in their opening six matches.

“We are in a strong position, despite the fact we have lost two games,” said Wenger. “If you look at the away games we had, it was at places where other teams can drop points – Manchester, Everton and Fulham. We should have won the two games in Manchester but that made our resolve even stronger.

source: Telegraph

Arsenal will be without captain and talismanic playmaker Francesc Fabregas, with the midfield metronome sidelined with a hamstring strain. The extent of Fabregas’ injury is unknown at this stage, though he is certain to be out of tonight’s match. Joining him in the stands are Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Lukasz Fabianski and Johan Djourou.

Read more here at: Gunner Central

But the Gunners boss still believes his men are well worth the healthy lead they take into next week’s second leg at the Emirates.

And, though the wily old fox is not about to declare the contest over, he knows his side are already a giant step towards next Thursday’s draw for the group stage.

Wenger said: “It was a fierce battle. We dominated the game, but Celtic were always fighting and counter-attacking.

“In the end, despite being in control, we scored two lucky goals. But, of course, we merited the good fortune.”

Like his players, Wenger was taken aback by the passion filling Paradise from the opening moments.

He said: “The atmosphere was better than the Premier League and people were fair.

“Celtic were organised, and even at 2-0 they never gave up.

“Now we have a good advantage, but it is over 180 minutes and we are in front after 90.

“We have to make sure we win at home. We have to take it seriously. It is a massive game.”

Read more of the original here: Glasgow Evening Times

The Italian Tuttosport newspaper claims the San Siro club already have an understanding with Arsene Wenger to buy the Spain playmaker, when the Arsenal boss decides he is ready to sell.

The report claims Milan coach Leonardo will meet with vice-president Adriano Galliani and Italy’s prime minister Silvio Berlusconi – the club’s owner – on Wednesday to discuss the move.

original source: metro.co.uk

According a report in the Sun, Arsenal are confident they can outbid their London rivals with an offer of £16.5 million for the 26-year-old who returns to training with Real Madrid on Friday.

The Spanish giants, who only signed the striker in January, are understood to want Huntelaar‘s future resolved by the end of next week but have given no hint as to which Premier League club stands the better chance of securing a deal.

More here on Telegraph.co.uk

More mysterious and impromptu than the injury that kept Theo Walcott sidelined for absolute months last season, Samir Nasri suffered a fractured fibula during the Gunners preparation for a preseason outing in Austria earlier today.

Read the rest here – Red London

The 28-year-old Czech made his first appearance in 18 months on Saturday after hamstring and knee injuries.

“There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn’t play football again and he felt the same,” said Wenger.

original source – BBC

The Dutchman, 25, has ended speculation on his future by signing a new, long-term deal which is reported to be worth some £80,000 a week.

Van Persie told Arsenal TV Online: “Lots of people have given me love from this club, and for me, it is a small thing I have to do to pay them back.”