Walcott will be Played as a Striker for Arsenal

Theo Walcott has held conversations with his Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger about his playing position at the club, with the outcome held in positive regard by the young English attacker.

According to Walcott, he has been promised a chance to move into a central role of the Arsenal attack, rather than being stuck out on the wing feeling that his talents are "wasted." Known for his blistering pace, most have come to seen Walcott as a winger since his move to Arsenal in 2006. However it is clear for all to see that the wing is not where the 22 year-olds' talent lies.

His delivery is poor, and often seems to run faster than he can think. He rarely takes advantage of one on one situations with the full-back, and is hesitant at big opportunities which natural wingers would take full advantage of. He has had several impressive performances for club and country, but clearly feels more would occur on a regular basis if he were to be played up-front. He told the official Arsenal website:

"I had a meeting with the boss and explained my point of view. He knew the conversation would come up and was very happy to talk about it."

"He says he’ll give me a chance there at the right time, and I’m dying for it to happen – but he knows exactly what he is doing and obviously I trust him."

"I believe I can give so much more to the team playing up front, with the runs I can make off the ball, and I just love hitting the back of the net as well."

"At times I feel a bit, if not wasted, then in and out of games on the right. I just want it more and more, having scored a few last season - I’m not a winger and I think plenty of people know that. I’ve done OK out there but I’d love to play down the middle."

"So much more" is exactly what Arsenal need right now as they sit just above the relegation places five games into the new season with only four points. With Robin van Persie a starter when fit, and the arrivals of Gervinho and Park, Walcott will encounter tough competition for a forward position, but he seems confident in his goalscoring ability, with three goals already this season.

He may be heavily criticized by many football fans who see no natural footballing brain present, Walcott can take huge comfort from how Lionel Messi described him when he was not included in England's 2010 World Cup squad. The Argentinian, thought of as the very best attacker in the world said:

 "I can only speak from experience but he was one of the most dangerous players I have ever played against."

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VIDEO: Sir Alex and The "Stupid Question"

Sir Alex Ferguson is routinely thrust in front of the worlds media after games to answer questions from the journalists, and so over the 25 years he has been at Manchester United, you can imagine a good few questions have been asked of him. None though, were more "stupid" in his opinion than the one shown in the video below. 

A reporter asked who Sir Alex would sign from the Barcelona side which beat his on Saturday if he was given a blank cheque from the United owners in the summer. Basically, who would Sir Alex have from the Barcelona side if he could have only one. With the choice from the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and so on, the players regarded as the best in the world, Sir Alex ironically said "Mascherano", drawing laughs from his audience. 

The Manchester Untied manager was understandably frustrated after seeing his team beaten convincingly in the biggest game of his and United's season, so a question like that only tests his patience more. Whether planned or not, humour takes your mind off tough situations and is a tonic for mind and body. It is a tonic needed after that loss. 

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Would Hargreaves Have Made a Difference v Barca?

As Manchester United stood on that Wembley pitch at the end of a long, tiresome, punishing 90 minutes, their knees would have been quivering and their teeth gritted at the sight of Barcelona once again lifting the Champions League trophy at their expense. Of course, United accept that the Spanish Champions deserved it and were better on the night, but they would have been wondering as they stood there with bitten lips and exhausted bodies, what exactly they could have done differently.

The battle, the pundits said, would be in the middle, in the midfield. Whoever wins that battle would win the game. On paper there was only one winner, and in practice that proved to be too true. Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs are very good footballers in their own right, but if Manchester United wanted to prevent Messi from weaving his magic as well as Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and Pedro all wreaking havoc, they needed some players, or at least one player with the capability of breaking it up before the last line of defence.

It was just unfortunate that possibly the only man in the Manchester United team who could have done this job effectively and to a high standard had not played 90 minuted in the United kit all season and had recently been confirmed as released by the club because of his fitness. Yes, that man is Owen Hargreaves, and yes, I believe that if he was fully fit and deployed in his defensive midfield position behind Carrick and Giggs, the game would have panned out differently, and possibly better for Manchester United.

The fact of the matter is, Lionel Messi had too much time and space to unleash the shot for his goal and Barcelona's second and effectively, their winner. It killed off an already weary United side who had been chasing all game. Imagine if Hargreaves was playing, and imagine, would Messi have been allowed that time - the time he needed to pull his magic little foot back and pull the trigger? The shot was a pretty average one, and one that the retiring van der Sar will be slightly disappointed about not saving, but the answer to the question is no. Hargreaves would not have allowed Messi that time to shoot.

Think then, about David Villa's absolutely beautiful goal to seal the victory. There was nothing the goalkeeper could have done about this one, unless he had stood next to his post as if somehow possessing the ability to see into the future to see where the shot was going. That goal was placed with finesse that sums Barcelona up well, but what sums Owen Hargreaves up is his gritty, hard-working, tireless attitude, and the definite ability to stop Villa from having that space to shoot.

With a more compact midfield, including that defensive midfielder, which could have perhaps been played by the ever energetic young Anderson or maybe only in the second half due to illness, Darren Fletcher, Manchester United may have fared better than a few small bursts forward.

United have excellent capabilities when attacking themselves, but after pressing, pushing and chasing for pretty much the whole game, the tired legs and tired minds against the energy of the greatly unchallenged defence and covering midfield, of Barcelona, only a very well worked goal could be managed.

The endless chasing meant that when they had the ball, the only player left already up field was Hernandez, and so only a hopeful long pass was managed to him which got lost on the bounce or lost in the forest of Barcelona defenders. When United got the ball on the floor to pass it, Barcelona, who had not been pressing to the extent of United, could easily take the ball and press further down the pitch. With an insurance policy in the guard in front of the United back four, Sir Alex would have seen his side win the ball back faster and keep the ball more to allow for a better attacking and defensive option.

What I am saying is, there were two very avoidable goals conceded by Manchester United, and if there were a defensive midfielder deployed in place of a largely ineffective Javier Hernandez, United would have fared better. The argument is based on "ifs" and "buts", however, "if" Sir Alex wants to come back next year and win the Champions League like he undoubtedly does, then he needs to find or nurture a player in that position.

Barcelona were the better side, and overall deserved to win the prestigious trophy for the fourth time in their history, but they are by no means unbeatable. United and other top teams will come back fighting next year as Barca seek to defend their crown, and though it will take some doing, it will be done.

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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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Alexis Sanchez "Worth As Much As Messi"

Dear, oh dear. Inflation. It really is funny sometimes, isn't it? Sometimes people get excited - over excited, and then bawl out ridiculous figures for clubs to ponder in the process of bidding for a player, and whoever was bidding for Udinese's Alexis Sanchez will have had a nasty shock recently.

The Udinese Preseident, Gino Pozzo has gone all ridiculous, and stated that his player Alexis Sanchez is worth way more than the £30 million that has been offered for him, but the Chilean winger is worth as much as the best player in the world, Lionel Messi. He said:

"To me, Sanchez is worth as much as [Lionel] Messi. That's just my personal opinion, though."

"It is very hard to find any other players of his level. We have received an offer of €35m for him, but we rejected it. I think that he is worth more than that."

It prompts the question; how much is Lionel Messi worth? Well, at today's standards, with Ronaldo going to Madrid for £80 million, you would think at least that price, probably more. Barcelona of course would not consider selling him for anything less.

Now to the question of if Sanchez is as good or as effective as Lionel Messi. Most of you who watch football would immediately say 'no way', which is supported well by the figures. Sanchez has scored 12 goals this season in the Italian Serie A, whilst assisting 6. Messi meanwhile, has been very busy in the La Liga, scoring a massive 31 and assisting 18, having played only 2 games more than Sanchez.

Manchester United and their local rivals City have both shown an interest in the 22 year-old Udinese winger, but United will most certainly be put off by the astronomical figures quoted. Sir Alex Ferguson most certainly has at least £30 million to spend, but with a new goalkeeper and central midfielder Manchester United's prority, he will be in no hurry to spend over £30 million on a winger.

Nani, Valencia and Park occupy those positions well enough, whilst the twins Fabio and Rafael could easily play further up field if back up is needed. City on the other hand will spend as much as their heart desires, and with a bottomless pit of money occupying their eyes, their hearts will be pumping fast at the prospect of big money signings, even if they aren't needed.

Conclusion? Sanchez isn't worth as much as Messi, the Udinese President thinks he is, a club would have to put in a bid of at least £35 million to even be in with a chance of agreeing a deal, Manchester United won't spend that much and City will do what they like. So, if Sanchez goes anywhere in England, it could only by City, unfortunately.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or @DBSFootball

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Guardiola Making a Mockery of Football

I, like you reading this now, am a fan of football. Many of you will also be a fan of beautiful football, that of which Barcelona have been praised for countless times. Indeed, their play is admirably graceful and magnificently elegant with splendid passing and exquisitely dominant attacking play. It is something that many clubs around the world aspire to be like, with Arsenal and Arsene Wenger trying their own style of beautiful passing to create the perfect goal. However, we all saw a far uglier side to their football last week in the "El Clasico" - the first leg of their Champion's League semi-final against Real Madrid.

For those who have watched the fixture before in recent times, it will have come as no surprise. It would have come as no surprise that certain players were falling on the floor as if they had been shot, rolling around on the grass as if they were on the verge of death, and screaming in absolute agony as if someone had repeatedly kicked them in the stomach with steel toe capped boots. It was a disgrace. Yet nothing was done to punish the players who were in blatant wrong.

Real Madrid, knowing that they have little chance of winning the tie thanks to the sublime Lionel Messi, resorted to accusations that some Barcelona players had been racist to their defender, Marcelo by calling him a monkey. Of course, if that is true, there must be enquiries; UEFA cannot simply sweep the matter under the carpet like no doubt they would love to do. In response however, Pep Guardiola said something quite amazing. It actually made me laugh a little in exasperation. He leapt to the defence of his player Sergio Busquets by saying:

“I know these kind of players, all of them. They are an example of professionalism, of honesty. They love the values of the sport.

“They know we play for the rest of the world. Of course they can make mistakes but as a human, they are an example as a player of Barcelona, as players of Spain.”

Professionalism? Honesty? Was this not the player who was rolling around on the floor in the first leg after jumping on a Real's player's back? Replays showed that there was no contact on his face, yet he persisted to clutch it in pain and suffering, and even required medics on the field to cure his complete and utter lie of an injury. How can he possibly "love the values of the sport" when he is purposely attempting to get a fellow professional sent off for doing nothing wrong?

Guardiola goes on to say that his side play for world, and Busquets sets an example for the players of Barcelona and Spain. What kind of example does faking injuries to get other people unfairly in trouble set? When the children of Barcelona, the children of Spain, and the children watching anywhere in the world see him do what he did, it suddenly makes them start to think that perhaps this behaviour is acceptable when in fact, it is the very behaviour that we do not want to see in football.

I have never had a problem with Guardiola before, but those words wound me up. It is a blatant ignorance of the facts that a lot of his players are clear cheats, who in their competitiveness, will attempt to shamelessly con the referee into thinking that they have been the subject of red-card worthy tackles. In view of hundreds of high definition camera's, which will tell us all whether there is contact or not, it is unprincipled, and unfair.

Guardiola added that he “was getting sick of playing Madrid” because of all the noises off the pitch. Well that is something I can agree on. I'd much rather watch Arsenal, Manchester United and the rest of the Premier League who, though far from perfect, and not free from diving and cheating, do have some restraint on their diving practice on the pitch, and get on with playing football - entertaining football. Arsenal, United and the rest may not have the inch perfect passing and extraordinary attacking force as Barcelona and sometimes Madrid do, but I'll be glad when this semi-final is over, so we can all watch some football free from so much blatant cheating.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or @DBSFootball

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Video: Lionel Messi Goal v Madrid

The highlight of the game and, I suspect the tie, can be seen below, in the form of Lionel Messi's dazzling run through the hapless Real Madrid defence and delicately precise finish into the Madrid net. It was a bright light in a game filled to the rim with an utter disgrace in the all too common and far uglier form of cheating.

Watch the 2 sending off's and Messi's First Goal By Clicking Here.

Diving - A Disgrace to Football

I hesitate to take away the stunningly bright light that Lionel Messi has thrust himself into after creating beauty amidst an ugly cloud of controversy, but how can I not, when many Real Madrid and Barcelona's player's were an utter disgrace for much of the game.

The play acting and - well, just plain diving was clear for all to see. Maybe not the referee, who didn't have the benefit of replays, but luckily, or unluckily for us watching at home, we could witness the diving in it's full,  disgraceful, slow motion picture. It is despicable behaviour from grown men who should be setting an example to young footballers with their fair play. What was broadcast all over the world on Wednesday night was not fair play, and it is certainly not something which I want to see future generations of player's participating in.
I noted down several of the incidents that were particularly shameful and abominable excuses for fouls:

•  Sergio Busquets fell down clutching his face in apparent agony. Replays show that he jumped on the back of a Real Madrid player, and jumped back off of him as soon as his hand came anywhere near him. There was absolutely zero contact, yet uproar among protesting Barcelona players.

• Real Madrid defender, Marcelo went down from a foul. It was a foul - his feet had been taken away from him, and it was nothing more than a free-kick - and it was given. Yet rolling around was the added effect and waving his arm in the air to indicate a card to be shown added insult to... "injury".

• Next up was Pedro. He ran into a Real player and fell down, holding his face whereas replays clearly show there was no contact. To carry on the act - or to hide his shame, he needed medics to come on and check on it, whilst pouring water on it. What's worse is that the Barcelona players hounded the referee like hungry dogs as if Pedro had been assaulted.

• Hypocrisy was also rife. Dani Alves - a serial diver if I ever saw one, complained about a foul given against him, claiming that the Madrid attacker went down to easily. Amazing.

• The last two involve Madrid's Pepe. Firstly, he was the perpetrator, jumping - almost flying through the air like a deranged bird after a slight touch from Mascherano. Yes, it was a foul, but there is simply no need for the play acting.

• Finally, the sending off. Dani Alvez was up to his old tricks again, and this time conned the referee into sending Pepe off. It was a high foot from Pepe, but a yellow card at the worst. However, professional ballet-like pirouettes from the Barcelona defender added to theatrics. Replay's showed that the contact was minimal, and was on his shin pad. Unless his pain thresh-hold is nothing on a scale of 0 - 10, surely he wouldn't have needed a stretcher to take him off the pitch.

I want to know why such talented footballers, who have made it to the top of their games and managed to reach this stage of such a prestigious competition feel the need to cheat. That is what it is - cheating, and it is an absolute disgrace. 

I don't want to draw comparisons, but when Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney swore into the camera, he was banned for a few games. In my opinion, what I saw in the Real Madrid - Barcelona game was just as bad. It is cheating, cheating, cheating. That is what they are doing - cheating. It is infuriating, and it is something that millions of young kids will have watched and thought "I could do that", or "they did it, so I can". Many of the principles that were broken by Rooney swearing into a camera were broken in this game, with an awful, explicable example being set to young, aspiring footballers. 

The game was ruined by all of the controversies, sending off's and cheating but sprinkled in glory and glamour in the end by a fabulous footballer, and one who does not get involved in all of the blatant deception of the referee. Lionel Messi - a true example of a fair and honest football player, and the best in the world without a doubt. Some of those cheating divers should take a leaf out of Messi's book, and start playing football, letting their skills do the talking. It isn't too much to ask is it?

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Video: United & Arsenal 'Target' Marko Marin

Manchester United and Arsenal are currently fighting with each other for the Premier League title, but come the summer transfer window, they will apparently be fighting for a player labelled as the "German Messi".

The 22 year-old German midfielder, Marko Marin currently plays for Werder Bremen in the Budesliga, where he can perform as an attacking midfielder and winger. He joined Werder Bremen in June of 2009 from Borussia Mönchengladbach and was even included in the German World Cup squad in 2010, making two appearances against both Australia and Serbia. 

He isn't a prolific goalscorer, with only four goals this season for Werder, but his contribution is more through his assists - 6 this season and 14 last season - troubling the defenders and making chances. 

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked to bringing the exciting forward to the Premier League in the past, and now United are reportedly ready to 'intensify' their interest, and make a move for Marin. 

The player has unfortunately been accused of lacking strength on the ball and going down easily in a challenge, but as can be seen below, he has a special quality, especially in his dribbling ability and could be the spark who could light up United next season from a reported £15 million offer.

Nani Can't Have it All

Luis Nani has been vital for Manchester United, creating 16 and scoring 9 goals this season. He has all of the qualities of a winger; explosive pace, good passing and crossing, can dribble around his man and can shoot capably with both feet. He has demonstrated that time and again this year with United, and despite what the Portuguese said only yesterday, we will be seeing his excellent qualities for a while in the future. Nani said:

"I try to enjoy playing now, but it is not always possible because I have a responsibility to the team."

"But something of the street remains in me. It is not easy to show at United because Sir Alex does not allow very much freedom and I cannot do the tricks and things I did with my friends."

"But when the game is under control I take a risk and it makes me very happy if things work out."

Nani may be a little unhappy at the restriction he feels Sir Alex has put on him in terms of tricks and show boating, but whether he realises it or not, he is benefiting from it. Ferguson commented on his players progress earlier in the season too, saying that Nani is better at this stage of his career than Cristiano Ronaldo was. Like his Portuguese compatriot, Nani did start off his United career over elaborating in attacking moves and attempting the impossible when the simple pass was on. 

Ronaldo certainly improved in this area, and turned the 30 step overs in one run down the right wing into winning goals and valuable assists for his team mates. Nani started last season doing just that, and has come into his own this season, and moved away from the label of 'Ronaldo wannabe'.

Of course, there is still room for improvement. Perhaps the 24 year-old's biggest criticism is his tenancy to go down too easily from a challenge, and his theatrics have not made him many fans from opposition teams. But that is just what he does - frustrate the opposition - he wouldn't be doing his job if he was pleasing the opposition fans.


His top form also has him considered for the prestigious Ballon D'or. Asked about winning the Ballon d'Or, Nani told Don Balon: 

“I don’t know about that. I recognise that things have gone well but that’s for other people to decide.

"If my name ends up on the list, I will be happy. I want to be the best player in the world, but I am not living obsessed by it. My only real concern is to help my club and my national team and keep playing well.”  

Arsenal Outplayed & Dominated by Relentless Barca

Watch Goals Here
Barcelona achieved 76% of possession against Arsenal. Need I continue?

When Barcelona have the ball and keep it, which they do tenaciously and in apparent ease, the opposition has very little chance of getting anything from the game. Arsenal attempted not a single shot on target. Not one. The utter dominance of Barcelona in all areas of the pitch meant that the absence of their two centre halves, Puyol and Pique was irrelevant in an easy win for the classy Spanish side (I use classy very loosely with Dani Alves, but more on that later).

Arsenal may say that they were hard done by, with a red card brandished to the hard of hearing Rob van Persie early in the second half as he shot wide after the whistle had gone for offside. His pleas that he could not hear the whistle due to the 95,000 screaming fans - a good defence - fell on deaf ears, and the referee decided to show the second yellow in an extremely harsh move which all but ended any fair competitiveness in the painfully one sided match.
Van Persie complained after the match of his red card:

"I think it was a total joke. How can I hear his whistle with 95,000 people jumping up? How can I hear it? Please explain that?"

"I can't understand the view from the ref. One second from his whistle to my shot is a joke. He has been bad all evening. He was against us. I don't know why he was here tonight, it's a joke.

"We feel betrayed, almost. We tried really hard. When it was 1-1 it was all to play for. But, in my opinion, the ref killed the game."

Even so, Arsenal were being controlled, pinned back, outplayed before the sending off, and if anything, Arsenal spent more time in the Barcelona half after the Dutchman's sending off. It was simply a story of the better side winning; I have never seen a game so one sided in possession and chances in the Champions League.

The first goal was inevitable. Wojciech Sczcesny went off early on after his first save of the game injured his finger. Almunia came on, and had a good game - probably Arsenal's best player, but he could do nothing to stop Messi from dinking the ball over him and swiping it into the back of the net for the opener.

In between the action, there was the odd pathetic dive. Diving infuriates me beyond belief, the replays shown on Sky making my fists clench in anger and jaw tighten in utter fury. Although so many footballers are at fault in this department, Dani Alves is one that so many times throws himself to the floor, clutching some part of his body - any part of his body all to con the referee. He gets away with it too. Maddening.

Arsenals goal was scored by Busquets - from a Nasri corner. Perhaps he felt sorry for them, wanted to give them a fighting chance - something to work with and hold on to. Probably not. But for all the intricate passing from Barcelona, their beautiful football was countered by a simple ball into the box, headed into their own net by their own player. A little ironic.

But Barcelona fought back with their wonderful football. Intricate passing, great vision, umarkable movement, all leavin Arsenal defenders on their rear ends, as the tricks and turns left them flat footed. Carved open, Xavi passed the ball into the net, as if it were his team mate, and wheeled away, jubilant. Onto the third.

The Arsenal box was occupied so often by Barcelona, and so it was only a matter of time before someone went down and won a penalty. To my diving hating relief, it was a penalty, fairly awarded for a Koscielny tackle which brought down the Barca player with a late, trailing leg. Messi duly stroked it artistically home, and the game was won.

The deserved winners march on in the competition, leaving Arsenal licking their wounds in preparation for a crucial clash with Manchester United in a far more winnable FA Cup tie. Time to pick themselves up and push on.

Watch: Barcelona 3 - 1 Arsenal (4 - 3)

Arsenal were well and truly beaten tonight against a relentless and mercilessly attacking Barcelona.
Full Match Report Here

Barcelona 1 - 0 Arsenal [Messi]

Barcelona 1 - 1 Arsenal [Pedro OG]

    Barcelona 2 - 1 Arsenal [Xavi]

Barcelona 3 - 1 Arsenal [Messi]

"Massive boost" For Arsenal in Build up to Barca

For every strength someone has, there is always a fault - a weakness. In football, there are many faults in players, and putting aside those misplaced passes, wild, ambitious shots, dangerous, lunging tackles, off the field troubles and terrible temperament that some have, a shared feature for any sportsman is the injury.

Robin van Persie is no stranger to the irritating pests that are injuries. The 27 year-old has only played 15 Premier League games this season because of them, and although not allowing them to destroy his contribution to the team (10 goals, 5 assists), injuries are still an ever present feature to his game.

In the process of scoring another wonderful goal against Birmingham in the Carling Cup final which, as you all know Arsenal were unsuccessful in winning, the Dutch striker injured himself whilst adjusting his knee to bend around the defender to make contact with the ball. There were major doubts as to whether he will be fit for the scond leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie against Barcelona. Wenger said:

"Fabregas will have a final test (on Monday). It is 90% he will travel and be fit. It is vital for us because he is important in the transition between attacking and defending. He is also the leader of the team so we want him there."

Arsenal's former left back Nigel Winterburn summed the situation up nicely:

“A van Persie playing at the Camp Nou is going to be massive for Arsenal and it will give the other players a massive lift as well,”

“It’s a massive boost because it was looking like Robin van Persie was completely out for three or four weeks, so not only for the Champions League but for the Premier League as well.

“If he is fit and can play then, with the goalscoring form that he’s been in, it just gives Arsenal another added dimension that they lack a little bit when he doesn’t play.”

Of course, the situation must be considered as to what would happen if Wenger were to start van Persie only for him to suffer another injury - which seems unfortunately likely. Winterburn added:

"If he’s not 100 per cent fit I don’t see how they can risk him because they’ve also got the FA Cup and a fantastic chance now in the Premier League as well,”

“I’ve got to think that maybe the injury is not as serious as first thought and he’s healed a lot quicker. I just don’t see how they can take that chance.


"I possibly could see him being on the bench if he was sort of 75 per cent fit but not starting because there are two other big prizes to go for if they come up short in the Champions League."

Van Persie's fantastic ability to achieve the improbable was layed on a plae for all to see at the Emirates a cuple of weeks ago when he smashed the ball past a helpless Victor Valdes in the Barcelona oal from the tightest of angles. If Arsenal are to succeed at the Nou Camp, they are going to ned all te improbabiliy and skill they can get. Van Persie therefore, is vital.

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.

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.

Arsenals Diaby Wants Barca Transfer "At Some Point"

His teammate and captain, Cesc Fabregas has been subject to several substantial bids from Barcelona, and just a week before he will be up against them in the Champions League, Abou Diaby has expressed his desire to one day move to Spain to play for them.

The 24 year-old Frenchman was speaking upon being asked of the prospect of playing Barcelona in Europe in a few days, and it turns out he is also a fan of Barca's rival Real Madrid:

“At some point I would like to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, but I would prefer to play for Barca, because I prefer their style.”

Diaby has been compared to the former Arsenal captain, Patrick Viera with his positional preference as well as physical appearance. Wenger once said: "His ability to win the ball back is just like Vieira. He is capable of a very quick transitions from defence to attack and has fantastic strength box to box, nobody can go with him."

Wenger will be needing this quality when his team takes on The Spanish Champions next Wednesday in the Champions League, and Diaby recognises this too:

"We played them last season, and we found them at their highest degree of effectiveness, both individually and collectively. This year will be the same, so we know what to expect. Barca are a great team, and this year they are very strong."

The Arsenal manager will be especially concerned about Lionel Messi - the player who he described last year as "unstoppable" and the best player in the world "by some distance" immediately after the two sides met in which Messi scored all four goals in Arsenals 4 - 1 loss to Barcelona. Abou Diaby highlighted however, that his team should not concentrates solely on the quick feet, trickery and sheer class of Messi, as the rest of the Barca team are just as big a threat:

"Messi is the best in the world. We all know that the Argentine is a great player who can make the difference at any time, but we cannot focus only on him."

If both sides play their football how we all know they can, the game looks set to be an absolute cracker, with beautiful football on show and hopefully plenty of goals. While Arsenal fans will be hoping Abou Diaby doesn't lose his temper and do anything rash like in the Newcastle game, he will be wearing the red of Arsenal for now, and not the blue and purple of Barcelona.

Nasri Could Miss Barca Game but Wenger Won't Buy

Samir Nasri has been Arsenal's best player this season, so Wenger must have been feeling his compatriots pain when the 23 year-old midfielder pulled up with a hamstring injury against Huddersfield in the F.A Cup. After chasing a long ball from the returning Almunia, Nasri pulled up, and every Arsenal fans' breath was held, hoping that it would be nothing serious, and Nasri would be back to terrorise the opposition defence in a couple of short minutes. But it won't be minutes that Arsenal will have to wait for Nasri's return, it will be weeks.

Wenger had risked Nasri for the game, and now admits his regret at doing so, as it looks as if the injury could rule Nasri out for the next thee weeks - that is including Arsenal's massive clash with Spanish giants Barcelona. But will Wenger buy a replacement for Nasri in the remaining day of the transfer window? Take a guess.

The Arsenal manager was reluctant to predict when Nasri would return, but had a go nevertheless:

"Nasri looks to have a serious hamstring injury. Usually it is three weeks. We have to see if it is a grade 1, it will be two weeks, so we will see. It is very difficult to predict.

"I have now regrets because the plan was to play Rosicky, but he was still too weak because he was sick, so I took the gamble on Nasri. It backfired, but he could have come on and that happened as well.

“We are at the stage of the season where we play so many games that to lose bodies is very difficult for us. But Samir is a big blow."

Arsenal play Barcelona on the 16th February, which means that if Nasri recovers in two weeks, he could play some part at least in the Champions League match. However, if it is three weeks out that Nasri must suffer, he will certainly miss Arsenal's biggest test of the season. It is so unlucky for Arsenal that the player who has been in such fantastically blistering form this season is the one who could miss the match that he could make such a difference in, and showcase his skills against the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and so on.

A familiar quote that passes Wengers lips nowadays is:

"No, we will not sign anyone."  

He has said it again.
Instead of splashing the cash on a player like Eden Hazard who has expressed his desire to play for Arsenal, Wenger will recall Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Henri Lansbury, who are currently on loan spells. This could irritate those Arsenal fans becoming more and more frustrated by the lack of movement in the transfer window, especially considering the big games coming up as Arsenal challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League in the next few games or so.


The calmer Arsenal fans with more faith in Wenger will once again respect his decision not to sign anyone in the January transfer window, and happily see the younger players step up and help to take on the big teams. Wenger has never been one for a knee-jerk reaction, but we will have to wait and see if his patience and relaxed attitude towards transfers pays off against such a good side in Barcelona without their top player in Nasri.

Vermaelen Back for Arsenal in "four to six weeks"

After an injury suffered on international duty, Thomas Vermaelen was expected to return within just a week. That was however, an optimistic expectation. Over four months later, and the latest prediction on when he will be fit to play once again is, according to his manager Arsene Wenger, "four to six weeks".

Wenger said that the new course of action in Arsenal's fight for Vermaelens fitness will see him return very soon,

"It’s not a real surgery. It is to take out a little ligament next to his tendon. It is to open it a little bit and cut out the ligament that has been causing the friction. It is a procedure, that is the right medical term.

“We are very optimistic that [this will cure the problem]. But of course it is now what you call in football a little bit longer delay of four to six weeks.”

The Arsenal manager said that the Belgian may even be able to play in Arsenal's first leg Champions League tie against Barcelona on February 16th:

“Let’s count the weeks to Barcelona and you will know. I count a minimum of four weeks, maximum six, so it is not an unrealistic target.

He does however acknowledge that the 25 year-old cannot be put straight into first team action - especially against a team like Barcelona with players who have enough attacking capabilities to frighten any top class defence. Vermaelen will realistically need some less competitive playing time for Arsenal before he can consider taking on the likes of Lonel Messi:

"But don’t forget as well he is a little bit in the situation of Aaron Ramsey, he has not played since the beginning of September, that means he will need some games to be completely fit.”

Wenger has said that if Vermaelen wasn't back for Arsenal by the end of January, then he will be looking at possible signings to fill in for him. The Gunners have been linked to Chris Samba of Blackburn, who says he wants to leave his club, and Gary Cahill, who would cost £20 million - but with that price tag gone is any possibility of Wenger signing him. Samba would be the most likely choice at around £8 million, but with no value in the market today as Wenger and Ferguson always say, perhaps the Frenchman will just stick with what he has?

Man United, Arsenal & Liverpool target agrees Barca Move

PSV Eindhoven have announced that Ibrahim Afellay, a reported target for some of the top Premier League clubs has agreed to sign for Barcelona.

Despite interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, the talented Holland International who plays in the attacking midfield role as well as the wings is now currently negotiating personal terms with Barcelona over his proposed move to the Spanish giants.

A statement on Barcelona's website read:

 "PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona have reached an agreement on a deal to bring Ibrahim Afellay to Barca, subject to successfully settling personal terms between the player and the Catalan club over the coming weeks.

"Until the deal is finally settled, Ibrahim Afellay wishes to concentrate on the upcoming important games for PSV."

The players' agent Rob Jansen has also confirmed that personal terms are in progress but admitted that this section of the deal could take a while:

"That [agreeing personal terms] is definitely going to take some time," Jansen told Sports Promotion's official website.

"There is certainly no final agreement. When the time comes we will notify the media and the fans through our website."

If the deal is completed, as it is likely to, Afellay will join Barcelona in the January transfer window for an undisclosed fee, but one that some reports claim to be only around 2 - 4 million euros.

The talented Dutchman has played for PSV since 2003 and has scored a total of 34 goals in 154 games. After watching videos of the 24 year old, it is easy to understand why there is so much interest in the young man. It is also easy to see why he has chosen to play for Barcelona over Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, with the Spanish clubs fierce attacking force suited to Affelay's attacking play.

He is a creative player, and someone who would certainly walk into the current Liverpool side, while Manchester United - still looking for a future Paul Scholes and with a recent reliance on Nani, would welcome him to Old Trafford. Arsenal's excellent passing ability and attacking play would also suit Afellay, but the lure of playing alongside players such as Lionel Messi among others would have probably swayed his decision. Along with the rather more pleasant weather of Spain.

Is Nani Really the Best He Can Be?



Thumbs up for Confidence: Nani

Manchester United's flying winger Nani indulged in a bit of self-appreciation in a midst of arguments over his seventh goal of the season against Tottenham on Saturday as he claimed he is "one of the top players in the world".
The Portuguese said:

"As a player I think I'm close to being as complete as I can be, now I can say I'm one of the top players in the world.

"I play for the best club in the world and my role in the team is as a decisive player, scoring goals or setting up and so the team can win.

"You have to believe in yourself and believe in your abilities on the pitch. Big games are for big players.

"I want to be one of the best. I'm not scared to play in the big games, they are the most beautiful in football - you play with very high quality.

"Beautiful football, that's what everyone likes. And that helps lift my performance too."

When you are asked who the best player(s) in the world are, the common answers are Lionel Messi and/or Cristiano Ronaldo. Not many people regard Nani as one of the best in the world at the moment, but not many would deny that he has the potential to become a player of superior quality.

For much of his Manchester United career, he was playing in Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow, however, with United lacking much attacking creativity in the midfield, Nani has stood out as one of United's best players so far this season. His flare on the wing, and fearlessness to try something few else in the team would try, mark him out as someone to watch for the opposition team, and someone United should make the most of. His ability is obvious to see, and after these comments, he obviously has the confidence in himself to succeed.

Ability and confidence are the key to success. Nani has both, but he has not yet reached his best - nor is he one of the best in the world, but he is getting excitingly close.