The Problem With Arsenal...

Guest Article, Written by @Kevin_Mega

Currently our strongest team would be:             

I think that team is more than capable of mounting a seriouschallenge for the Premier League and Champion’s League. But all that is lackingis quality squad depth. The game against Udinese, saw more injuries to ourdefenders and this should now press Arsene Wenger into buying the players wedesperately need.

Currently, we will be approaching the Liverpool game with noLeft back because both Gibbs and Traore are injured. Worse, if they won’trecover in time, we will be forced to play Vermaelen at LB and the woefulSquillaci in defence against Suarez and Carroll. 

The main problem with Arsenal defending was the defending ofthe whole team not just individuals. I know its early season but the new waythe team has been defending set pieces looks more solid than last season.Remember last season Koscielny and Djourou had a formidable partnership before thecollapse at the end.

The Udinese match exposed how Arsenal lacksquality squad depth. Chamakh and Joel Campbell are simply not good enough to beRVP backup. We know RVP struggles to stay fit throughout a season and I dread seeingChamakh or Campbell leading the line for long periods of the season.

In DM all we have is Emmanuel Frimpong who has never playeda full premier league season and with Alex Song banned for 3 games, he wouldhave to step up against Manchester United and Liverpool. Scott Parker would bean ideal purchase but knowing Wenger, he probably values the progress of Frimpong over I don’t think he would buy him are any DMso that Frimpong can continue improving.

With Rosicky now playing in the deep lying playmakerposition, we now have 5 wingers and only Walcott and Arshavin have Premier Leagueexperience and I don’t think either are good enough to be first team startersbut because of our situation one of them has to start on the opposite wing toour new signing Gervinho. Walcott gets the nod ahead of Arshavin because of hispace and his ability to help out in defence. 

In conclusion Arsene has a difficult two weeks ahead of him.On top of buying new players, he has to prepare the team for crucial matchesagainst Liverpool, Udinese and Manchester United. I know it would be difficultto buy a LB, DM, CB, Striker and a winger in 14 days but the priority should bedefenders first then possibly a striker.

Guest Article, Written by @Kevin_Mega

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Manchester United Would Give Nasri What He Wants - A Central Role

It started in the gossip columns; Manchester United wanted Arsenal's Samir Nasri and would do as much as possible to cause unrest among Arsenal and the player, to persuade him to move. With only 12 months on his contract, and a reluctance to sign a new deal, it seemed possible, but it was all just rumours, and Wenger announced that he would certainly not sell the player to United. Now however, it seems things have changed, with even the Independent claiming that United have "begun talks" with Nasri's representatives.

I was shocked at first, as I was sure that it was nothing but a little humorous speculation which would irritate Arsenal fans, while Nasri would just hold out for a better Arsenal deal. But now it looks as if a deal really is on, which would see Nasri cross a line that would turn Nasri from a "prince", to a "king" as his French compatriot, Patrice Evra put it.

There is a huge rivalry between United and Arsenal, obviously not a local one, but one between two title challenging sides, two big, globally renowned football clubs, and you would have to ask, why would Nasri do it? Well, the immediately obvious answer seems clear: he wants to win trophies. So far in his Arsenal career, he has not won a single trophy, and has always had to settle for second best. Patience is clearly key in Wenger's long term plan, but for top players who have careers lasting on average around 15-20 years, trophies are a virtue, and Nasri knows United can provide him with that.

Since Nasri joined Arsenal in 2008 for the 08-09 season, Manchester United have won two Premier League trophies and two League cup trophies, while Arsenal have seen no silverware caress their hands at all. It is frustrating for everyone involved at the club, and a player like Nasri who has clear quality and could cut it in any Premier League side, understandably has a competitive hunger for trophies. But there may also be another reason he wants out of Arsenal.

Nasri has been played out of position for a large part of this season. Thanks to Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere's progress together in the middle, Nasri has been forced out wide. At the start of the season, Nasri clearly didn't have a problem with turning the role into a personally successful one, emerging as Arsenal's best, most effective and influential players in that half of the season. But he made no bones about telling everyone where his favoured position is. Nasri has said:

“That’s where I play best, that’s how I was formed. In every age group at youth level, I often played through the middle. I’ve been playing out wide for two years with Arsenal but feel more at ease in the centre of the pitch.”

The chalkboard here is a clear example of Nasri's frustrations as a winger. Starting out wide against Fulham obviously did not impress Nasri, who came inside frequently into his preferred position playing in and around the penalty area, creating chances from the middle.

It may be no coincidence that other Arsenal player played out of position such as Arshavin and Bendtner are looking to leave the club (in Arshavin's case, rumoured to want to leave) too.

Can Manchester United give Nasri what he wants? Yes. Their search for Paul Scholes's replacement would surely be over if the Frenchman joined United. Nasri has shown that he is a very stylish and intelligent play maker in the middle, possessing formidable vision that Scholes absolutely possessed. Lets not draw comparisons between the two, as it simply wouldn't be fair, but Nasri does seem a natural replacement for the Englishman.

After spending a packet on Phil Jones and a load on Ashley Young too, Sir Alex will pleasantly welcome Nasri's signing, which the Independent quoted to be worth only £8 million. This seems unrealistic considering the two clubs involved and Arsenal's reluctance to let him go to Manchester United, but with only a year left on his contract, they surely do not want to risk him leaving for free.

If Nasri wants to win trophies, and if he wants to play in his favoured central position, then Manchester United is the place to be. It is just down to him now.

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Watch: Titus Bramble Push on Arshavin - Penalty?

Arsenal may count themselves unlucky after being unable to break through the Sunderland defence. In a game like his, the perfect opportunity to score would have been from the penalty spot, and in the video above, Arsenal and Wenger will be furious that this wasn't given.

The referee was miles away, it must be said, although probably would have hoped his linesman would have seen it.

Read Match Report Here

Arsenal Will Rely on Suarez & Carroll for Tomorrow

Arsene Wenger's stony expression pasted on his appalled faced was clear for all to see as he trudged down the tunnel at the Emirates, knowing his side had wasted a glorious chance. The chance to close the gap to just one point on United had been fought for fiercely, but against a resilient Sunderland defence that United's own Steve Bruce had organised, the Gunners could not break through.

All they needed was a goal, but it just wasn't to be. It was just one of those days- all teams have them - when that goal simply doesn't come, and it is unfortunate for Arsenal that it came today, at a crucial time in their season. Five goals in midweek against Leyton Orient meant nothing against a Sunderland defence which was in a different class to that of Orient's.

Wenger may count him and his side unlucky with some of the officiating as two crucial calls in particular will possibly be questioned. An offside decision late on in the 87th minute was called up for Andrey Arshavin, whilst replay's show that although very borderline, and very close, the little Russian was probably onside and would have been clear through.

A little earlier too, there was a penalty shout for the Gunners, which was denied, as Arshavin went down from a push from Titus Bramble in the box. Arshavin's subsequent shot was an unbalanced one as he hit it wide of the post as a result of the push. Arshavin was clean through, only for Bramble to fall into his back with arms outstretched. This went undetected and the chance was gone.

In the absence of two of Arsenal's best in Fabregas and van Persie, the other players had to step up and fill in. Nasri, Wilshere and Bendtner helped Arsenal to a total of seven shots on target, but none found themselves go beyond Simon Mignolet in the Black Cat's goal, as the away side held on for the point.

Arsenal were never going to overtake Manchester United through a win in this game, obviously because it was mathematically impossible but they would have expected a win against a side who have been struggling recently since the departure of Darren Bent to Aston Villa. A win would have been a significant stride towards their first League title since 2004, especially considering United's tough trip to Anfield tomorrow.

Arsenal’s strikers may have misfired today, but they do have two aces up their sleeve, or rather Kenny Dalglish's sleeve which Arsenal will borrow. Manchester United travel to Anfield with a weakened defence, and will face a Liverpool front line which has recently been boosted by the additions of Suarez and Carroll. Wenger will be hoping the penetrative power of Liverpool will be greater than United's defensive abilities in the absence of Vidic and Ferdinand. If so, the disappointing draw to Sunderland won't look to bad, and rather a point gained than to points dropped.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona: Brilliant Comeback Does Gunners Proud

When Arsenal went behind to a David Villa goal, it looked as if some impressive Arsenal play would count for absolutely nothing as Barcelona looked to keep possession and settle, as they capably do, with the 0 - 1 result. They may not have expected then, that Arsenal, in front of their brilliantly supportive fans who stayed on their side all night would bravely fight back for a memorable win at the Emirates - their first ever win against Barcelona.

It is hard to pick out an Arsenal player who had a bad game. Every one of them did themselves proud, with the young Jack Wilshere doing particularly magnificently among some of the greatest central midfielders on the planet. He was brilliant at knocking the ball around as well as getting out of some tricky and tight situations, portraying a footballing age years beyond his own 19.

The Arsenal defence, often questioned and exposed as their main weakness, was resilient and made very few mistakes - only falling asleep a couple of times, with only one of those instances being punished. Koscielny was very good at the back and coped with the explosive attack of Barca very well.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, and it did fly by, with the football from both sides being typically technically wonderful, and at times was end to end football. The entertaining game was constantly competitive, with Arsenal being spurred on by their excellent fans who played a very big part in the comeback, giving the players the belief that they needed to pick themselves up after some rocky spells.

A blasted Van Persie shot from an impossible angle caught Victor Valdes on his near post as he occupied himself with the prospect of a flashed cross. The Dutch striker caught everyone out with the shot, and it took a moment to sink in for the fans that the back of the net was bulging.

Five minutes later, and the breathtaking comeback was complete with an Andrei Arshavin winner. He popped off the bench late on and in a counter attack which saw the surprise starter Samir Nasri (after injury) roll it back almost in slow motion, the little Russian stroked the ball past Valdes for a second time. He wheeled away to the delight of the Arsenal fans who mustn't have believed the astonishing sight, as Barcelona players held their heads in their hands.

Arsenal should enjoy it while they can. Yes, they have beaten one of the best teams in the world for the first time in Barcelona. Yes, they showed excellent character to come back from behind. Yes they take a lead into the second leg. But, the second leg will be far higher task for them to complete. The atmosphere will be hostile, the players will be up for it, and Arsenal will be desperate to cling on to their win.

It would be absolutely fantastic for English football and Arsenal if they could pull off an aggregate win over Barcelona at Camp Nou. But it will be, as they undoubtedly know, a very tough task. Even if they do not, they can take great solace in the fact that they have improved from last year and shown great character to come from behind and win. They should use this as a spring board for better things, and finally come of age.

Watch: Arsenal 2 - 1 Everton

Watch Arsenal 2 - 1 Everton

Arsenal came from behind against Everton to keep their chase with Manchester United for the Premier League top spot going for another week. The Gunners had to rise above a blatant offside decision that went against them which put them behind in the first place, and in the last 20 minutes, they did just that - rise above the controversy with goals from Andrei Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny.

I won't go into too much detail on the goals scored, because you can see them above, but here is a quick summary:

Louis Saha scored the opener while standing in a clear offside position when the ball was played to him by Seamus Coleman in the 24th minute. Despite uproar from the Arsenal players who all raised their arms simultaneously as the ball floated over, the goal stood, and the Toffees held onto their fragile away lead until the 70th minute.
A beautifully chipped ball from Fabregas opened up the Everton defence with apparent ease, for the previously out of sorts Arshavin to poke past Tim Howard for the equaliser.
Five minutes later, and a corner was floated into the box for Koscielny to head home for the winner and run off in hysteria to celebrate with his delighted fans.

David Moyes, the Everton manager, was not happy. At all. In fact, the Scot was disgusted. But not at his teams performance, rather, he was disgusted at the Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas' behaviour towards the referee in the tunnel. Moyes explained:

"Fabregas should have been sent off in the tunnel for his comments about the officials. It was disgusting.

"I won't be repeating them, but maybe someone will."

When he was asked to explain what he meant by this, Moyes said:

"No I won't. I'll just say that he should have been sent off for his comments to the officials coming up the tunnel."

Nevertheless, Arsenal were victorious, and continue to put pressure Manchester United at the top of the League, despite the Red Devils comfortable 3 - 1 win over Aston Villa. The gap remains at 5 points, but will the fact that neither Arsenal or United added to their squad in the January transfer window, while their title rivals did play any part in the title race? Not too much I suspect. Both have bee strong from the off.

Arsenal Demand £17 million for Arshavin.

Andrei Arshavin could be heading off to Italy, as his agent confirmed that there is a possibility that he could sign for Juventus.

The little Russian has been frustrating the Arsenal fans of late with his questionable on-field decisions, and a few small mistakes that have accumulated into heavy sighs and rolling eyes around the Emirates when the 29 year-old carelessly gives the ball away. It was only mid-2009 that Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp said that Arshavin had  "every chance of becoming a favourite of the London fans".

The former Zenit midfielders agent confirmed that a move could me on the cards,

"There's a possibility of Andrei's move to Juventus. But there are two things that can prevent this deal.

"First, Arsenal can win the Premier League this year. The gold medal of the English league is a dream of any footballer.

"Second is the financial ability of Juve as Arsenal are demanding no less than $26 million [£17 million] to release Arshavin.

"It's difficult for me to comment on certain items because he is a player who still has two-and-half-years on his contract with Arsenal and there are no formal offers.

But before we get carried away with the comments, lets just remember that Arshavin is most probably just in a dip in his form. Every player has them, and when you are low on confidence it takes a little while to get out of them. With the support of his manager, team mates and fans, Arshavin should be fine, after all, he is a quality player with impressive ability that caught Arsene Wenger's eye in the first place. His agent continued,

"In any case I think it's just speculation. Juventus could have taken Arshavin two-and-a-half years ago, but they didn't want to.

"The player is happy in London. There could also be possibilities to move in January but, I repeat, we are talking about a player under contract and for which currently there is nothing concrete."