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Arsenal in Strong Position to Win Premier League

goonerlad — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:31:18 +0000

Arsène Wenger believes Arsenal are now strongly positioned to challenge for the Premier League title after having moved into the top four of the table despite what he regards as an extremely difficult opening sequence of fixtures.

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 slammed for selling Adebayor to City

goonerlad — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:00:27 +0000

A business associate of Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov claims Emmanuel Adebayor should have been sold to any club other than direct Champions League rivals Manchester City and questioned whether the Gunners squad is strong enough to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

Farhad Moshiri is a London-based investor with close links to billionaire Russian Oligarch Usmanov, who owns around a 25 per cent stake in the club.

Moshiri is ‘mystified’ as to why the Gunners board rejected a rights issue proposed and underwritten by Usmanov this summer which he intended to generate transfer cash for manager Arsene Wenger and also reduce the club’s long-term debt.

Arsenal boss feared for Rosicky at one stage

goonerlad — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:03:10 +0000

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that at one stage during Tomas Rosicky’s rehabilitation he feared the midfielder’s career was over.

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

Arsenal invites Veljko Batrovic for a trial

goonerlad — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:14:13 +0000

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is understood to have invited Serbian wonderkid Veljko Batrovic for a short trial at London Colney next week.

Batrovic, who is currently with FK Bubamara, is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in European football.

The 15-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in the world with the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan all courting his services.

However, Wenger is ready to steal a march on his rivals by offering the skilful attacker the chance to join the Gunners for training.

Batrovic, who has been likened to Lionel Messi, is expected to travel to London next week to undergo a short trial at Arsenal and Wenger could try and set up a deal to sign the teenager if he impresses.

original source: TeamTalk.Com

Gilberto tells Melo: Move to Arsenal

goonerlad — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:38:09 +0000

Former Arsenal captain Gilberto Silva has urged Brazil team-mate Felipe Melo to join the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger’s side are reportedly interested in acquiring the accomplished holding midfielder (pictured, on the right) from Serie A side Fiorentina.

“We heard rumours and he asked me,” Gilberto told BBC Sport. “I said it’s a fantastic club and if he’s interested he should go without thinking.”