Wilshere's "Stress Fracture" - Out for 5 Months

Arsenal's young midfielder, Jack Wilshere will be out of action for up to four to five months after having surgery to correct a stress fracture in his right ankle. It is a massive blow to Arsene Wenger and his hopes of getting his key players back from injury as soon as possible in order for Arsenal to climb back up the Premier League table.

Wilshere has not played any competitive games for Arsenal this season, having realized the injury in a pre season friendly against the New York Red Bulls late in July. His absence from the team as well as the departure of Nasri and Fabregas can be put down as one of the main reasons that the club has started the season so badly against sides who have stronger depth and energy in their squads.

Wilshere's injury is a "stress fracture", and if you have never heard of such an injury before, allow me to explain as best I can with the help of my trusty friend Wikipedia. It is caused by "unusual or repeated stress" and also heavy continuous weight on the ankle or leg - in Wilshere's case, the ankle. Unlike Aaron Ramsey and Eduardo's injuries in recent times at Arsenal, Wilshere's "stress fracture" will not have appeared suddenly, but over time through repeated traumas, which when added together, week in, week out of playing football, were enough to cause severe pain to the ankle.

The argument of Wilshere being "overplayed" in Arsenal's long season last year may be brought into the equation, and considering his young age of just 19 and the 49 games he played under Wenger in the 2010-11 season, there is certainly some weight behind it. The player is constantly on the move around the field, is naturally aggressive in his play and is never afraid of committing to a strong tackle a few times a game. A combination of his style of play and number of appearances may have unfortunately led to this injury.

Arsenal have their star in good hands however, with a club statement revealing that Wilshere is under the care of two world renowned surgeons. It read:

"Jack Wilshere has this morning undergone ankle surgery at a central London hospital. Under the care of two world-renowned surgeons, Jack has had the stress fracture of his right ankle repaired."

"The initial indications are that the surgery has been successful and Jack will now undergo a prolonged period of rehabilitation. It is envisaged that Jack's rehabilitation will take a period of four to five months."

We wish Wilshere the best of luck in his rehabilitation process.

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Benayoun Out With Injury

Arsenal's summer loan signing Yossi Benayoun will be out for around a week after picking up a "strain" in the clubs third round tie against League Two side Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday.

The Israeli midfielder scored his first Arsenal goal in the Carling Cup tie, and announced his delight via his official Twitter account, but also delivered the bad news that he joins the Arsenal injury list, saying:

"So happy for the win yesterday and with my first goal for the club but very disappointed as I have a strain and will be out for a week or so."

Luckily for Arsenal and Wenger, Benayoun's injury is not too serious, and the 31 year-old attacking midfielder, who is owned by Chelsea, will only miss the Bolton game on Saturday and perhaps the Champions League group game against Olympiacos on Wednesday 28th.

Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, Sebastian Squillaci, Abou Diaby and Thomas Vermaelen remain injured for Arsenal. Read more about those players' injuries on Arsenal's official website here.

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Arsenal Are Looking For A Defensive Midfielder

It's been a couple of weeks since that Old Trafford game, where the Arsenal defence were laughable, their midfield dominated, their strikers isolated and their goalkeeper shot down eight times. There has been time to recover, and the players will undoubtedly enjoy a quick response with their first win of the Premier League season at Swansea.

An uplifting win however, will not cover up the cracks which linger ominously in the Arsenal framework. The signings of Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun to reinforce the midfield are encouraging - two very talented, creative, energetic midfielder's with bags of Premier League experience under their belt who can certainly help out to bring some positivity to the Emirates, but Wenger knows he needs more.

Not only have Arsenal tried until the last minute of the summer transfer window to sign Rennes' defensive midfielder, Yann M'Vila, but they are also scouting 25 year-old Argentinian, Lucas Biglia of Belgian club, Anderlecht. The Argentinian is keen to move on, and suits Arsenal's requirements well, with his tough tacking and ball playing style, saying in July: "I think I have ended my cycle at Anderlecht and I want to do something new."

Yann M'Vila is of course Arsenal's preference, but with interest from clubs in a far better positions than them, who haven't seen their two best players leave in the same transfer window, such as Manchester United, described by M'Vila as his "dream club" or Barcelona, Biglia is second choice.

That may be hard to hear for Arsenal fans, who seem to find themselves constantly second best when it comes to transfers. Their muscle in the market is significantly weaker than their rivals like United and City, as well as the two top Spanish sides, who can and will spend more money, leaving the Gunners flailing behind without their main targets. 

While Alex Song and Jack Wilshere are both very capable of playing in the deep lying midfield role well, Wenger seems to be learning from the embarrassment at Manchester United. The Arsenal squad isn't deep enough or strong enough in number to cope with injuries and suspensions - two things which the team seem to be cursed with. Another addition to the midfield certainly do any harm when the window opens in January, and lets hope for Wenger's sake, January isn't too late.

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Jack Wilshere Injury Devastation

Arsenal will be without their influential midfielder Jack Wilshere for "at least" a further three months with the persistent ankle injury which has already seen him miss Arsenal's miserable start to the season, according to the Mirror.

It comes as a devastating blow to Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal team, who were hoping to see the suspended and injured players return within a few weeks. Vermaelen, Gibbs, Squillaci and Diaby are all currently carrying an injury of some sort, Bacary Sagna is ill, and Gervinho and Alex Song are suspended, but all will be returning relatively soon. Not Jack Wilshere.

Apparently, the club are hoping he begins a not too strenuous training programme in the middle of October in the hope of a swift recovery, but if he doesn't come through, he may have to have an operation on the joint which would rule him out until December.

The 19 year-old is a vital part of Arsenal's midfield, and he has become even more crucial now that Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri have departed the club. He is probably the most football minded and intelligent on field player in terms of unlocking an oppositions defence. The teenager has great vision and gets himself around the field in a bundle of energy with the ability to break up play and set up attacks of his own.

He played a massive 49 games for Arsenal last season, and there had been fears that he could perhaps be burned out, especially due to his newly established national team place. However, his ankle is currently in  protective boot, and Arsenal have been consulting experts on how to deal with the issue.

Arsenal will do well not to rush him back - they need him to be 100% fit, in form and ready. This news will mean that the clubs new signings in the midfield positions, Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun have added pressure to deliver. They must step up quickly and perform in order to ignite Arsenal's form and get the team back in the swing of winning, otherwise, Wenger will be in trouble without Wilshere, if he isn't already.

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Wilshere Out for Further "Two or Three Weeks"

Arsenal have further troubles to deal with as Arsene Wenger confirmed that their talented young midfielder, Jack Wilshere will be missing for at least two to three weeks.

The England international has not played a game for Arsenal this Premier League season after picking up an ankle injury against the MLS side New York Red Bulls late in July during Arsenal's pre season schedule.

There had been hopes that the 19 year-old would recover quickly and in time for Arsenal's Champions League qualifying second leg game against Udinese on Wednesday. However, after training for a few days, Wilshere has had another setback, with Wenger fearing the players rehabilitation will have to start all over again.
Arsene Wenger said:

"I don't know if we are back to square one or for how long he will be out. He's in a [protective] boot again, so that means he will at least be out for two or three weeks."

This news means that not only will Wilshere miss Arsenal's mid week European qualifier, but also the week-ends game against Manchester United. Wenger is already likely to be without Samir Nasri for the United game on Sunday, having travelled to Manchester today to complete his medical in order to join Manchester City, but injury news further weakens the Arsenal squad.

Arsene Wenger has had some good news for Arsenal fans however, stating that he is seeking to improve the midfield positions since Fabregas' and Nasri's departures, "We are short in midfield at the moment and that is where we want to strengthen."

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Alvarez Signs Pre-Contract Agreement With Arsenal

Arsenal have made their first signing of the summer with the bosman transfer of Ricardo Alvarez from the Argentinian club Vélez Sársfield.

The 23 year old was born in Argentina, but has an Italian passport, so would require a work permit, but from who he has been compared to, it will be worth it.

A left footed attacking midfielder, Alvarez has been likened to Barcelona's star player and probably the best footballer in the world, Lionel Messi.

According to FoxSports, the player has signed a pre-contract agreement with Arsenal, allowing the player to join in June. A former Boca Juniors youth player, he has had a very good season at his current club Vélez Sársfield in the Argentina Primera Division.

He has only scored 4 goals in 36 appearances, but it his versatility that has attracted Arsenal's eye. Apparently he can play in any position in the midfield, and although not an immediate starter would add depth to the Arsenal squad.

Wenger promised signings this summer, so Arsenal fans will still be expecting him to spend some money, as this is just a free transfer for an unknown kid (sound familiar?), and the attacking midfield isn't exactly the area that needs improving on. Fabregas, Wilshere, Rosicsky, Song, Diaby, Nasri and Walcott make up the midfield on different days, but it is the defence which worries most Arsenal fans.

Arsenal also have the young Japanese talent Ryo Miyaichi to look forward to when he comes back to the Emirated from his loan spell.


However, it might be worth noting that there is a club called Arsenal de Sarandí who play, like Alvarez's club, in Argentina. The information that Arsenal have signed the exciting youngster in the foreign press, may have been lost in translation, and Alvarez may in fact be signing a contract with the Argentinian Arsenal. My thanks to @Kevin_Mega to bringing this to my attention.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or @DBSFootball

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Wenger: I'm Always Thinking About Transfers

As Arsenal's title hopes gushed mercilessly down the drain, followed by all the blood, sweat and tears that have proven useless in a season full of disappointment, false hope and dejected fans sighing, "so close", Arsene Wenger had some explaining to do. Fans were calling for new signings to rejuvenate a young, tired and injury plagued side, yet nothing was done and the club did not benefit, and those same calls will be heard again come the summer. But this time, Wenger will listen. He may be as stubborn as anything, but he will delve into a market which he has scarcely dared to tread in recent years - the football transfer market. 

"We have the quality, that is for sure. We have to strengthen the squad where it needs and make the right decision on that front. It [transfers] is always in my mind every day.”

It must be astonishingly infuriating to see such fantastic young talents, whom he has nurtured and trained, and seen grow into professionals fail to deliver when for so long they looked so close to doing so. It must be even harder to know, that this team that has failed to deliver in terms of silverware, will bare the brunt of the fans frustration of the last 6 years and the emptiness of that trophy cabinet.

Wenger will do his utmost to keep any prices for players as sensible as possible in a market which values men at tens of millions of pounds. There is little value for the best players at the moment, but what would be invaluable is the joy that Arsenal would feel if they were to win a trophy with the help of some well established, top class leaders who can unite a young, but experienced side to success.

A failed title bid, a heavy defeat against the far better side in Europe and a Carling Cup final that went freakishly wrong, but Wenger is proud of what his Arsenal side have achieved this season:

"The team have had an outstanding attitude and will not be rewarded because of small things, but small things cost you."

"It is frustrating because the team has produced the efforts." 

"We have to be realistic that it [the title] is very unlikely now, but we have to finish as well as we can."

Wenger's final words here resemble strongly in Jack Wilshere's tweet after the terrible loss to Bolton on Sunday. Wilshere, who Wenger recently described as "the future of the club"

"Very dissapointing yesterday but we are Arsenal we will not stop fighting...."

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Watch: England 1 - 1 Ghana

[WATCH GOALS BELOW]
England put in an impressive performance against a determined, resilient and very well supported Ghana side and both teams left a vibrant Wembley stadium with a goal each. It was perhaps the deserved result in a well fought, passionate game fuelled with the huge vocal support from the fans, particularly the Ghanaians. 

Andy Carroll grabbed his first goal in an England shirt just before the end of the first half but it was cancelled out much to the delight of the African side who celebrated a last gasp winner thanks to the intricate silky skills of Assamoah Gyan who weaved the ball through the England defence to curl the ball round Joe Hart.

England put in a good performance, and should not be ashamed of a draw. It was a well played game of football in which Capello was able to learn a lot about the strength of his second - or "B" team. Downing was awarded man of the match and Ashley Young was also dangerous throughout - hitting the crossbar and having a long range shot well saved by Kingson. 

The night also saw the introduction of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck who was eligible for both England and Ghana due to his Ghanaian parents and Manchester birth. His introduction was met by boos from Ghana fans, but with ten minutes to play he didn't have much chance to make an impact.

Watch the goals below:

Carroll Goal

Gyan Goal

Watch: Wales 0 - 2 England

England played impressively on away soil at the Millenium Stadium today, with two early goals separating the two sides. The three lions proved too much for the one dragon as England breezed to victory without any real problems at the back whilst performing very well in the midfield and out wide. 

Watch the Goals below:

Nasri: Arsenal are "stronger" & "more macho"

Samir Nasri is full of confidence as his side prepare for an intense, hostile, and in the context of Arsenal's season, huge game at the Nou Camp next Tuesday. He believes that Arsenal have largely improved since being toppled at the stadium filled with close to 100,000 fiercely competitive Catalans, loyally cheering their stars and being rewarded royally last season with a 4 - 1 win.

The Frenchman was speaking at the Adidas launch of the official match ball for the UEFA Champions League final Wembley 2011 in which Nasri of course hopes to be a part of. He said:

"Barcelona seemed much better last year because we've become more macho, both physically and psychologically."

"Some of the players are much better this year than before - Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, myself. We've all stepped up and become stronger and more macho.

Players have stepped up and driven the team forward. We can compete with everyone now. We approached the game differently this time because last year we were a little bit scared of Barcelona."

"It was the first time we had played against a team like that. They were fantastic and played amazing football. We were really surprised at how good they were. This year we've said, 'listen, they are the best team in the world, if we beat them it will be fantastic.

If we lose, it will be normal because they are the best team in the world'. We went in without pressure and played our game. We showed everyone we can beat them."

Arsenal came back from a goal down in an incredible show of fight as they restored pride in front of their fan at the Emirates. It showed the improvement that Nasri spoke of for all to see. They had recovered from an early blow - not allowing it to knock them out, but helping it to spurn them on to turn the tables on the Spanish Champions. A late comeback showed the persistence and fighting spirit that has been said to have been lacking in recent seasons.

Arsenal need this kind of fight and resilience to survive on the 8th March, especially if they go down to a goal early on. Nasri said:

"We came back in the first leg because physically they dropped. This is because the Spanish league is not the same as the Premier League. In England there is an intensity that isn't there in Spain.

"It was good for us because in the last couple of years everyone has questioned our mental strength."

"We showed in the match that we have that mental strength. It was special for us because we proved to ourselves that we can beat big teams. We felt fitter in the first leg and last year as well. We were losing 2-0 but came back 2-2.

"This year for 70 minutes they were great, they had the ball and were playing. But they made some changes, were less dangerous and we put more pressure on them and became more aggressive.

"Barcelona are like Brazil. They don't like it when you put pressure on them and attack them. They want to play their game. If you put pressure on them, they're not the same team."

Arsenal have already lost a cup final already at the hands of Birmingham - an unlucky loss that will hve dented their confidence in a game they were expected to win. From what Nasri said here, it seems like he believes Arsenal have everything to play for, and will simply go for it - go for the win, and allow being the underdogs rather than favourites to work in their advantage.

One thing is for sure, it will be an excellent game.

Blues end 48 Year Drought to Keep Arsenal's One Going

Watch all Match Goals Here

Arsenal's 6 year trophy drought had nothing on Birmingham's 48, but it was the team in Blue who proudly walked away knowing that the sorry statistic is no more, and that Alex McLeish is now the proud manager who can place silverware in Birmingham's dusty trophy cabinet. So first of all, congratulations to Birmingham City.

Now to Arsenal. I said before the game, that if Arsenal were to lose, it would be through an individual error, and not the fact that Birmingham's quality was greater. In the end, it proved to be true, as Koscielny hesitated in clearing the ball in front of his goalkeeper, only for the ball to rebound off of Sczcesny into the path of Obafemi Martins for the easiest goal he will ever hope to score. Arsenal threw away their best chance to lift silverware today, and it is that reason why Arsenal fans will be so distraught.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, end to end, with full commitment from both sides as they fought fiercely in front of their passionate and willing fans who created a brilliant atmosphere at a packed Wembley Stadium. The pitch was perfect, much improved from the previous finals, which suited Arsenal's silky passing and quick, intricate play, but the Gunners could not take full advantage of it against the resilient Birmingham defence who stood strong for much of the game.

After Nicola Zigic's headed goal opened the scoring, anything looked possible, only for the stand-in captain Robin van Persie to strike into the corner for the equaliser. But it was the final goal from super substitute Martins that won the game and broke Arsenal hearts.

The man of the match was awarded to the deserving Ben Foster who was once again outstanding in a Carling Cup final win, mirroring his stunning performance for former club Manchester United two years ago. The Englishman told Sky Sports that winning the cup was the best feeling after the birth of his two children, and they would certainly be proud of him, just as the whole of Birmingham, and his former employers Manchester United surely are.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenals wonder kid was excellent again, doing his best to run the midfield in the absence of Fabregas, and doing a very good job. He couldn't lead his side to a win, but he created the goal after bringing the ball forward and striking the bar with a spectacular shot, however, he was left with his hands on has had after the winning goal rippled the net, and Arsenal fell, defeated.

The game may decide Arsenal's future. At the start of play, they were in all four competitions, and favourites to grab at least one. That chance has been blown by yet another defensive error, although very unlucky, and could break their season as they head into the vital closing stages of the title race and Champions League knockout-stages.

Arsenal may still be in all three competitions, including that knockout stage with Barcelona fast approaching, but it was Birmingham who delivered an unlikely knockout blow today which saw the Gunners fall to their knees in disbelief and distress. How will they react to such a cruel blow?

Arsenal Midfield v United Midfield

After about 20 or so minutes in the Manchester United - Marseille game yesterday, it became very clear that neither side was prepared to take a risk going forward and give the opposition a chance to score. It was the kind of game that the commentators like calling "cagey". It was true - neither side wanted to give anything away, which resulted only in a tedious, drab draw which left pretty much everyone frustrated.

United's best effort was a Darren Fletcher snap shot which he hit into the ground proving awkward for the goalkeeper, but he dived well to save it despite seeing it late through a sea of flailing legs.

Then, probably the most interesting and curious event was Wayne Rooney looking up to see the keeper off is line only for him to attempt a Beckham style half way line goal that was easily caught.
Those two attempts were the only two that United managed to get on target - long range efforts that required no clever or defence cutting passing, no midfield creativity, no team imagination - simply a spur of the moment snap shot and an individual piece of forward thinking which in the end, both led to nothing.

Before the game, the Marseille manager Didier Deschamps claimed that this United team lacked "fantasy". Unfortunately, his comments were pretty well supported with clear evidence on the pitch last night (not that his team proved to be creative masterminds themselves).

A look at the starting midfield for Manchester United explains a lot. Darron Gibson, Darren Fletcher and Michel Carrick. They are all good midfielders, and they all do their own job - granted, not always well, but they can sure up the midfield, making it a steady area and so on. The problem is, they don't have that inventive artistry that makes Paul Scholes such a great midfielder with his superb vision, and ability to follow through that vision with his astonishing passing range. The midfield last night was left passing sideways to each other and could not find an innovative forward ball enough.

Compare United's central midfield triplet last night to Arsenal's three, Nasri, Fabregas and Wilshere, and no matter which way you look at it, even if you are the most avid United fan, the Arsenal midfield is far more dangerous, imaginative and attackingly productive.

This is why Paul Scholes is so important to United. He has the quality and vision to do what the Arsenal midfield do - find that clever ball, cut open the opposition defence - create a goal.

Unfortunately, when he came on yesterday, he was getting frustrated by the movement around him, and couldn't make the impact that was hoped for. He has been sitting on the bench all game watching the defence and midfield try hopeful long balls to no avail, with the penetrative "fantasy" that Deschamps was talking about woefully absent.

United can be better, they have proved it before this season, but unfortunately, they haven't shown it enough, especially away from home. Ferguson will certainly need to add to his midfield in the summer that is beyond doubt, especially if he is to be without Paul Scholes if he decides to retire. The United manager will also need to spend big on quality and not potential, as this is a problem that needs to be fixed sooner rather than later.

United have some tough remaining fixtures with two games against Chelsea, and one away game against Arsenal at the Emirates where the two midfields will come face to face. I still tip United for the win, as the defence is far stronger (Chris Smalling was brilliant with Vidic again yesterday), but Arsenal have a superior midfield, which is something that needs to be sorted out if the Red Devils are to challenge for all the trophies next season.

Wilshere Admirers Grow by the Day

Jack Wilshere told of the best week of his life after Arsenal's win against Barcelona at the Emirates, and as his excellent performances become an ever frequent feature at the North London club, his fans, admirers, supporters, followers - call them what you like - increase by the day. No-one can doubt his obvious quality, skill and footballing artistry, and in such a young player it is very rare to see such natural ability so perhaps it is unsurprising that praise for him is not in short supply.

The most recent to heap praise on the 19 year-old is Barcelona's manager, Pep Guardiola. The manager, who has led Barcelona to eight trophies since taking over in 2008, is about to sign a contract extension at his club. Speculation had begun however, as to whether Guardiola may try to sign Wilshere for Barca in light of his brilliant performance against his side. The 40 year-old moved to rubbish the rumours, but not before adding his compliments to the players growing number of them:

"He [Wilshere] is a great player - a great player for Arsenal and in any case, Arsene Wenger doesn't sell his best players."

He continued to praise Arsenal:

"Arsenal are a wonderful side. You will not hear me discredit Arsenal - they are a great side with a great coach and they will be a very difficult opponent. It will be a great game against a great team."

His own manager has nothing but good to say about Wilshere. Arsene Wenger likened his playing style to that of Spanish players while applauding how he plays unworried and unfazed by his surroundings and occasion:

"He has a Spanish technique certainly, yes. He has an English heart because he's an English boy.

"He takes everything at the moment with a cool head, that's what I like. At his age you want to play and play again and show what you are. What I like as well is he isn't fazed by the occasion; he's not inhibited and just plays free off his chest which is fantastic."

Meanwhile his team mates, both club and country have told how they love to play with him. Fellow Arsenal midfielder Alex Song called him an "unbelievable young player" and he s "very happy to play alongside him". Song said Wilshere "always want to listen and learn" an invaluable quality in young players.
Wayne Rooney, who has had the privilege of playing with Wilshere for England and will undoubtedly do so in he future too, said after Wilshere's first start for England:

"I thought Jack Wilshere did really well. He is really composed on the ball and really good to play with. You can see the potential he has got."

Chelsea's Frank Lampard echoed Rooney's comments:

"We have learned that Wilshere can come in and continue showing the composure he plays with for Arsenal. Credit to him on his full debut because it isn't easy, but he is only going to get better and better now.

The media have given Wilshere rave reviews after watching his performance very closely, and he has been compared to the likes of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, Wilshere's Arsenal team mate Cesc Fabregas, and the two Spanish central midfielders Xavi and Iniesta. He is a superb player, and one with a fantastic future. If he continues to improve and showcase his excellent performances on footballs biggest stages, there will be little doubt that in the future, up and coming quality players will be compared to Wilshere himself.


With the Nou Camp coming up, he will have possibly the biggest stage in world football to pull Arsenal through to the final stages of the Champions League.

Fabregas: Wilshere was Scared to ask Messi to Swap Shirts

Despite being probably the best player on the pitch, which held the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Fabregas, Nasri and David Villa, Jack Wilshere was apparently too scared to ask Lionel Messi for his shirt after the game between Arsenal and Barcelona. 

The Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas, tweeted Wilshere saying:

"can't believe i had to go to get Messi's shirt for u. U were so scared. You were MOTM [Man of the match] so next time please ask urself!"

In the end, Wilshere walked away with both Messi's and Xavi's shirts, and tweeted a picture of him [Right] and his dad holding the precious items which hold such significance to the young man early in his career.
He said:

"Morning tweeps. You will like this one. Me and my dad with Messi and Xavi's shirt after the game."

Wilshere was praised by his manager Arsene Wenger as outstanding after the Champions League clash, saying that the young midfielder was unfazed by the quality that surrounded him. After all, he will be - if not already - as good, if not better than the players he was up against. Wilshere is an outstanding and rare English talent and Arsenal are lucky to have such a down to earth, footballing man, who plays football so well - the heartbeat of the Arsenal midfield at times.

After the game, Wilshere was ecstatic:

"It's been a great couple of weeks - the best of my life.

"Outstanding" Wilshere has Wenger "Delighted"

Jack Wilshere showcased his fantastic natural - and rare - ability to keep calm on the ball as he played the heartbeat of Arsenals centre of midfield when he came up against some of the best central midfielders in the World; Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquettes. Those three Spanish midfielders were an integral part of the World Cup winning side of 2010, and as they came up against Arsenal's midfield on Wednesday, they must have been very excited at the prospect of the 19 year-old Englishman.

Wenger had only good words to say about Wilshere after Arsenal's first ever win over Barcelona, and quite correctly pointed out that Wilshere was not fazed by the occasion, despite the massive significance of the hard fought game:

"He was outstanding tonight. Jack (Wilshere) wasn’t fazed by the occasion. In the difficult periods when we were under pressure he took the ball and kept the ball. He played really well."

Wilshere had a great time, relishing every opportunity to show off his talents, and admitted he has had the best couple of weeks in his life playing for Arsenal:

"It's been a great couple of weeks - the best of my life. There was a spell in the first half where for about 20 minutes we (Arsenal) didn't touch the ball. But we knew they were going to do that."

The young midfielder praised the Spanish midfield, but despite the quality of the opponent emphasised the need for Arsenal to continue to play their way, and in the end, it paid off:

"I watched these [Barcelona] players in the World Cup and they were the best team there, so I knew a bit about them before the game. But once you get into a game, you get used to them," Wilshere said.

"We had to go up a level in the second half and we passed it around better. We had to carry on playing the Arsenal way and we did that."

The second leg at the Nou Camp will be an altogether different proposition, and a far harder one, as the Gunners learned last year when they felt the full force of Lionel Messi's magic as he scored all of the goals for Barca in a convincing 4 - 1 defeat of Arsenal. March 8th will determine how far Arsenal have come since last year. They gave a good account of themselves in a breathtaking comeback at the Emirates, and were drawing 2 - 2 this time last year, so an improvement is clear, but Barca need only one goal with no reply from Arsenal to progress on away goals.

Wenger however, is still revelling in the success of Wednesday night, and he highlighted the psychological
belief that his team now have going into the secnd leg. The players now know that Barca are beatable, and they can go into the second leg, remembering this, and using it to their advantage:

"I am highly delighted. It was a special football night. The game promised a lot and fulfilled that promise. It was two exceptional teams who tried always to be positive.

"We are not favourites now, but what is important is the belief that we have a chance. Barcelona are still favourites. We know now that we can beat them, though. We did not know that last year.

"This gives us a chance to to go to Barcelona with belief. Every game is difficult but we will prepare well and be highly focused.

"We took advantage through one special skill from Robin van Persie and a second goal through a build-up of how we like it."

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.

Wenger on Twitter

In 2010, it was found that the number of Twitter users increases by 300,000 a day and a massive 55 million tweets are tweeted every day. A number of Arsenal players have contributed to those massive figures too, with Jack Wilshere only last week criticizing a referee decision after the Gunner's draw at Newcastle.

At the moment, Cesc Fabregas, Denilson, Jack Wilshere, Johan Djourou, Wojciech Szczesny, and Sebastien Squillaci are among those big name Arsenal players who pour their thoughts onto the social networking site. So naturally, it is of interest to their manager, Arsene Wenger to know what the Internet phenomenon is all about to keep his players in check - making sure that they don't deliver any controversial messages and get themselves into trouble.

The Arsenal manager had this to say about Twitter:

"I don't believe you can stop the players using it because everyone has the freedom to press his point.”

“You want it to be intelligent in a good way, in a positive way. The players can get closer to the fans and that is one of the positive aspects of it.

“But let the referee do his job and let us make sure that we are 100 per cent right with our attitude and behaviour.”

“We do not want to get involved in referee's decisions, we want to take care of our attitude and behaviour.

“No matter what kind of decisions we had on Saturday we could have won the game and that is what we want to take care of.”

So it seems that Wenger won't be dusting off his keyboard any time soon to sign up for Twitter, and will leave the informing of fans up to his players - just as long as they don't insult the referees. Someone the Arsenal manager doesn't need to worry about is Theo Walcott, who expressed his confusion at the concept:

"I don't tweet myself, I really don't have a clue what it's all about. It doesn't really interest me."

Bolton Get Sturridge Instead of Vela

There have been some massive transfers this deadline day involving big players, big clubs and big money. This transfer isn't as big as those including Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez or Andy Carroll, but it sees Danny Sturridge of Chelsea joining Bolton Wanderers in a loan deal until the end of the season.

After Chelsea's £50 million signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool, Sturridge will obviously find it harder than it already has been for him to grab a place in the first team ahead of Drogba, Anelka and now the new Spaniard. A move away which guarantees him games is a great move for the promising young English forward where he can prove his obvious talents ad grow as a player with some decent time on the pitch at an increasingly talented Bolton side.

Bolton had tried to sign the Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, but the Mexican's agent was a big stumbling block for the transfer, and in the end, Vela joined West Brom from Arsenal rather than Bolton. Sturridge is, nevertheless, a big scoop for Bolton.
It seems both parties are very pleased with the transfer. Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager said of his new signing:

"I'm really pleased to have Daniel with us,"

"He's a terrific young talent and one of the most exciting strikers in the country. We're all looking forward to working with him."

While Sturridge, who was linked to a move to Liverpool in a part exchange deal for Torres said:

"I spoke with the manager and he outlined what he hopes to achieve and his plans. It was an easy decision to sign for Bolton Wanderers and I'm looking forward to linking up with the squad on Tuesday."

The 21 year-old also said that Jack Wilshere, the Arsenal midfielder who spent a good spell at Bolton on loan had encouraged him to join the Bolton set up:

"I'm good friends with Jack (Wilshere) and he told me all about the club too. He said how much he had enjoyed his time here and how good the set-up was."

Balotelli on the Insult Offensive again

Mario is at it again. Not a month has passed since the Manchester City striker claimed to be better than Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney, that he didn't know who Jack Wilshere was and that Lionel Messi was only a "little" better than him, but now the 20 year-old has had more to say! Joy! This time his comments regard club rivals Manchester United and their striker Wayne Rooney, Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, the lack of manners and respect that Jose Mourinho has (the irony!), and the way in which Rafael Benitez got rid of Balotelli from Inter.

Lets start with Rooney. He isn't having the best of seasons, I'm sure even he would admit that. He hasn't scored the goals he would have like, he hasn't had the perfect touch that he had previous to the World Cup, and he hasn't been passing it well enough (50% pass rate against Tottenham). Balotelli on the other hand, when he has played this season has looked impressive, scoring 5 goals in 9 appearances for City, and there is somone who has noticed this.

"He [Rooney] is a very good player but not the best [striker] in Manchester"

From that quote, and from the fact that Balotelli is completely infatuated with himself, the only conclusion I can take is that he is saying that he is better than Rooney - he surely couldn't be praising another player, could he, like Carlos Tevez or even Dimitar Berbatov - joint top scorers this season. At the moment, you would have to agree, Rooney isn't the best striker in Manchester, he is far from it, but it is quite surprising that a player could be so confident (or perhaps cocky) to say such a thing.

Currently sidelined with a knee injury, Balotelli turned his head towards his, and two of his other team mates' brilliance. Claiming that him, Tevez and Dzeko are better than both Barcelona and Real Madrid's attack:

"Our attack of Balotelli-Tevez-Dzeko is the best in the world. We are the strongest. Better even than Barcelona and Real Madrid."

Next, the former Inter striker had a bit of advice for Jose Mourinho. Although calling him the "best manager in the world", Balotelli commented on a couple of things the current Real Madrid manager needs improving on. Two things that, personally, I don't think Balotelli is an expert on himself: manners and respect;

"[Mourinho] is the best coach in the world, but as a man he still has to learn manners and respect. [Mancini] is the most important coach I've ever had. He'll soon become the No1 in the world. But already now, in terms of human qualities, he is two kilometres ahead of Mourinho, wait, make that 10 kilometres."

He is obviously a big fan of Mancini - of course not as big a fan than he is of himself, but a fan nonetheless, and it is nice to see that Mancini is held in high regard by Balotelli, he does after all have to manage the player every day on the training field.
One manager he doesn't have this kind of respect for is Rafael Benitez. He was manager for Inter for a short period when Balotelli was in Milan:

 "He just told me: 'You come after Milito, Eto'o and Pandev, fourth-choice striker.' I said: 'That's it, ciao.'"

It can be nice to see strong headed, confident players expressing their views and then backing them up on the football pitch with outstanding shows of brilliance. However, it is not great when a player like Balotelli, seemingly arrogant, smug, egotistical, over confident, cocky, insulting and self adoring insults fellow professionals time after time. He is only 20 years-old, and immature, but there is no doubting his obvious talents. I just don't see why he has to continuously tell the world about it as well as being disrespectful when he can just show his qualities on the field.

"Balotelli will know who Jack Wilshere is After Tonight"

Arsenal play Manchester City tonight, as both teams chase Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table, and there will be one intriguing battle in particular on the field at The Emirates - between Jack Wilshere and Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli claimed to not know who Jack Wilshere was when receiving a prize for the best young player in Europe - with Wilshere in second place. On a social networking site, Wilshere commented:

"Balotelli will know who Jack Wilshere is After Tonight"

The post ended in "lol", so there is nothing bitter between them, and at the time of Balotelli's comment, Wilshere took no offence.
Both players are very talented, hence the reason they came first and second for the young European player, but I would much have the talented, hard working, technically gifted, young, clever Arsenal midfielder in my team over the egotistical, big-headed arrogance of Mario Balotelli - although he is a big talent.

It promises to be a good game tonight, and one that will play a big part in this tight title race.

IN REFLECTION:

Well, Balotelli didn't play, dispelling the whole purpose of this article. Why didn't he play? Because he is a striker, and Manchester City, against an attacking side like Arsenal simply defend. One up top in Tevez, and even he was taken off for a defender late on - disappointing performance from City.
Wilshere couldn't really make much of an impact, much like the majority of the Arsenal midfield, but he was cool on the ball, and passed the ball well.
Good night for Manchester United, as a 0 - 0 draw is all Arsenal and City could muster.