Watch: Arsenal’s Park Chu-Young Goal vs Kuwait

Arsenal's new signing, Park Chu-Young scored his 21st goal for South Korea in the countries 1 - 1 draw at Kuwait in Asia's 2014 World Cup qualification group stage.

Korea sit top of Group B thanks to a total of four goals from the new Arsenal striker, formally of Monaco, with the video below showing his well taken latest.

Due to South Korea's military service requirement, Park will have to leave Arsenal in two years time for national service, so the Gunners will have to make the most out of the goalscoring striker in the next two seasons he has at the club, starting perhaps with Swansea on Saturday:

Meanwhile, Arsenal's recently loaned out striker, Nicklas Bendtner scored two goals for his nation, Denmark against Norway in their Euro 2012 qualification group H.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

"We were trying till the last minute to get M'Vila"

Arsenal's Russian attacking midfielder Andrei Arshavin feels that letting Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leave the club was a "catastrophe," and the signing of a holding midfielder such as Rennes Yann M'Vila would have benefited the club, however, he welcomes the "different football" that will be played thanks to the arrival of Everton's Spaniard, Mikel Arteta.

It is the general consensus among Arsenal fans and players that letting go of their two best midfielder's was an unfortunate disaster for the progression of the side, and of course Arsenal will be affected negatively by their absence. Arshavin spoke to Nicklas Bendtner about the issue, to which the Danish striker apparently replied; "Yes, the only player who could properly replace Cesc is probably Xavi."

Arshavin was speaking to a Russian newspaper following the closure of a summer transfer window in which Arsenal were unusually busy very late on.

"At the moment, losing Fabregas and Nasri is a catastrophe. Watching the Udinese match I said to [Nicklas] Bendtner that now we have no-one so comfortable with passing the ball to Robin van Persie or who ideally utilises the qualities of the other forwards.

"He smiled and replied, 'Yes, the only player who could properly replace Cesc is probably Xavi'.' I'm very glad that I was able to play in the same team as Fabregas - he is a truly class footballer."

"When people say no-one is irreplaceable I don't agree. With [Mikel] Arteta or whoever replaces those who have left, we will play different football, not as we played with Cesc and Samir."

Arshavin doesn't think the two midfield signing's are bad ones by any means, and said their experience in the Premier League will prove important throughout the season, however further strengthening would be useful - perhaps in January.

 He even revealed that the club had been working on bringing Rennes defensive midfielder, Yann M'Vila - a player very highly rated on this website - to Arsenal, but unfortunately the deal could not be completed in time.

"Arteta and Benayoun have long proved themselves in the Premier League, they're not bad signings. And we needed strengthening in those positions."

"Perhaps another holding midfielder wouldn't hurt and, as far as I know, we were trying till the last minute to get [Rennes midfielder Yann] M'Vila, but unfortunately we weren't able to buy him."

"Judging by the quantity and quality of our signings, Arsenal's football will soon undergo some changes."

If Arsenal are to undergo positive "changes," they will need Arshavin to step up and improve on his rather ineffectual performances which he has been putting in recently. Last season his assist rate was very good, with 17 assists in all competitions, and 10 goals. More of the same from him, or even an improvement in those numbers will be greatly appreciated by Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal fans to go at least some way in compensating for the loss of two hugely influential figures in the squad.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Arsenal's Transfers Crash Official Website

Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun and Per Mertesacker were all confirmed as Arsenal players on deadline day, as was the Brazilian left wing-back, Andre Santos. In fact, it was a day so uncharacteristically busy for Arsenal, the official website crashed for a little while as too many fans rushed to the site for confirmation on transfers - some of which ended up going down to the wire.

Everton's central midfielder Arteta is said to to cost around £10 million, as the 29 year-old signs on a four year deal worth £60,000 per week - that's £10,000 less than he was earning as an Everton player. His eagerness to join Arsenal and play in the Champions League helped to move the deal along at such a late hour, and Wenger finally got his man just before the deadline, meaning Arsenal have purchased a player with a wealth of Premier League experience.

Meanwhile, Yossi Benayoun also comes to Arsenal with years of experience in England, having played for West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea. The 31 year-old Israeli also has valuable experience in the Champions League, a competition he would have been unlikely to play in at Chelsea due to their summer purchases in the midfield, which included Liverpool's Raul Meireles.

Benayoun joins on a season long loan deal, and Bendtner leaves for Sunderland on those same terms. Arsenal's signings of the South Korean striker Chu Young Park, and Gervinho meant Bendtner's chances of starring in an attack which also includes Robin van Persie and Marouane Chamakh was unlikely, but the club will be hoping to see him improve and mature in his season away playing regularly.

Per Mertesacker's signing was pretty much done and dusted before deadline day, but the move was officially confirmed with Wenger singing the Germans praises: "We are delighted to welcome Per Mertesacker to the Club. He is a German international with vast experience and strength and is good on the floor and in the air. I believe he will be well-suited to the Premier League and a tremendous asset to the team."

So two defensive signings and two midfield signings in the last few days of the window seem to be holding off some critics of Arsene Wenger's transfer policy, however some are labelling the signings as "panic buys," and ones which Arsenal fans may have cause to be worrying about as the season progresses. Both Arteta and Benayoun are experienced, but both have been troubled with injuries and aren't in the best form of their lives.

Perhaps the step to Arsenal will rejuvenate the Arsenal squad and improve morale in the side recently crushed 8 - 2 by Manchester United. The depth has certainly been improved, and when the injured and suspended players return, Wenger will be looking at his players with a quiet satisfaction. Football is a results business however, and with no wins in three Premier League games, these new player will have to start piling up the victories to save Arsenal's miserable start to the season.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Wenger: We Need One More Striker & Cahill Latest

As Arsene Wenger fights off criticism for a £6 million bid for Bolton's Gary Cahill described as "derisory," which he vehemently denies, other transfer matters further up the field also hold an importance to the Arsenal manager.

While many fans are calling for midfield reinforcements to counter the absence of the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Wenger has turned his attentions to replacing a man who hasn't left yet, Nicklas Bendtner. The Danish international will be on his way out of Arsenal, and Wenger said in his Friday press conference that he needs replacing:

“We look for one more striker because we know he [Bendtner] will leave and we will be short.”

Wenger has said he will be working hard during the last few days of the transfer window, and has made attempts to recruit players in midfield, with a 30 million euro bid for Eden Hazard being rejected by his French club Lille.

On Gary Cahill, a player who has interested Wenger and Arsenal a lot over the past few transfer windows, the manager was quite angry about how his offer had been portrayed in reports, with some saying it was as low as £6-7 million. Wenger strongly denies such a low offer being made by himself, but did not want to comment on the true amount he had offered Bolton for the English international defender. He said:

"First of all I would like to say the number is wrong. It's completely wrong and nothing to do with how much we rate the player. I believe negotiations are between two parties and you only have to sell the player if you are alright with the price." 

"In this case the information is below what has been spoken about. You can believe Gartside or you can believe me. It's not right. It's not the truth. If Gartside can say I am lying I am ready to confront him."  

"If Gartside can say I am lying I am ready to confront him. The truth is that we never speak about our negotiations."

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Arsenal In New Jagielka Bid - Wenger Wants Respect

Arsenal's second bid for Phil Jagielka in as many summer transfer windows was once again rejected by Everton, but the Gunners will now apparently make a third bid, and raise the stakes in the hope of coming closer to the Merseyside clubs valuation of the England defender.

Many reports have suggested that Everton would be willing to listen to an offer if it was closer to £20 million, especially as David Moyes knows he must sell before he buys, and Arsene Wenger is now willing to up his £10 million offer for Jagielka.

Wenger has said that he will "certainly" purchase another defender in this window and is working very hard to do so, and his previous bid for the 28 year-old may have been simply a sign of his interest, as he surely could not have imagined a £10 million would be accepted.

According to the Express, the Everton manager would encourage the board to accept a £17 million bid for his star defender, but whether or not Arsenal would offer that much is debatable, especially considering the players age and Wenger's strict policy for younger players.

Wenger refuses as a matter of principle to discuss his targets, because he doesn't wish to sink as low as Barcelona have in attempting to purchase Cesc Fabregas through various comments and gestures.

However, he has also been angered by Manchester City's interest in Samir Nasri, with Roberto Mancini openly discussing his desire for the Frenchman to be a City player, or at the very least giving large hints to the media about it. The Arsenal manager has had enough, and demands some respect be shown to the transfer rules and that the rules be reviewed. When asked whether or not he believes City have broken any rules regarding Samir Nasri, Wenger said:

"I would like to return the question to you. What do you think? We live in a realistic world. I do not want to assess what I cannot prove." 

"I know how things happen. It doesn't necessarily go through the player or the agent but I think it is a rule that has to be reviewed. It's not really respected."

He also commented on the players he has at the club, and who he is prepared to let go. Both Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Eboue have been allowed to talk to other clubs about a move, but everyone else, Wenger continues to "fight" for them to stay:

"How many will leave the club? I said from the start I will fight to keep everybody. Nicklas Bendtner might go and Emmanuel Eboue might go. They can talk to clubs, but the rest I will fight." 

 Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Why Wenger wants Odemwingie, Doyle & Rodallega

There are always going to be murmurs of transfers surrounding the big clubs, and there are quite a few which you can brush off as rubbish. When Arsenal's interest in West Brom's Odemwingie was announced by the press, for example, Arsenal fans may have laughed it off as a bad joke. However, those rumours started to grow, and the interest from Arsenal became apparently real, leaving some, scratching their heads in confusion.

However, it seems he Arsenal manager is going for a certain "type" of striker. A few days ago, Kevin Doyle's name was mentioned quite a few times in connection with Arsenal. The Wolves striker doesn't exactly spring to mind when thinking of a player who would pair up with Robin van Persie, but he would be a useful commodity to have in reserve.

With the Doyle rumours swept under the carpet due to Mick McCarthy's announced desire for Doyle to stay put at Wolves, there was suddenly room for another striker to be linked. This time it's Wigan's Hugo Rodallega. Nine goals and an assist for the relegation battlers last season doesn't grab your eyes attention, but the Colombian does a neat job up front - always posing a danger - even for the bigger teams, in fact he's no stranger to seeing a shot from his boot hit the back of an Arsenal guarded net. Rodallega apparently said:

"Arsenal are interested in me and this is a club I have always liked. There are many teams interested, it’s true. Villarreal, Sevilla, Arsenal also have some interest, Everton, too."

“There is a lot of speculation but my future at this moment is at Wigan. I have signed for one more year in Wigan, but if the club decides on my sale that is no problem if the subject is positive for all parties.” 

So what are the immediate similarities between the three linked strikers? Well, first of all, they all adopt the same style. They are hard workers who will knick a goal when needed - not prolific - although in Odemwingie's case, he could be, but certainly capable of grabbing around 10 goals in a Premier League season. 10 goals is better than what Wenger had last season from any of his strikers apart from van Persie, who notched an impressive 18, but Bendtner and Chamakh trail miserably behind.

Then there is the price of the three. A striker at the age of around 25-29, who is playing for a side who regularly fight hard for their Premier League status near the depths of the League, and who have no real spending power themselves, will not command a huge transfer fee. Indeed, pair that with Wenger's reluctance to spend large amounts for any sort of player, and it's a perfect match.

Then there is there fitness. Arsenal have been the victim of rather large slices of bad luck in terms of injuries recently, while in contrast, the three linked players have not. Last season, Odemwingie played 32 games, Doyle played 26, and Rodallega made 36 appearances. This is exactly what Wenger needs some of in his side - fitness, and durability. A player who can physically match the demands of a long season under pressure - and these players have been under huge pressure at the bottom of the League.

While none of the three players would be regular starters now that Arsenal have signed Lille's Gervinho, their signings would be a shrewd move by Wenger - a move which would see Arsenal have strength in depth. But not depth like the Chamakh or Bendtner, who would come on to make very little impact at all, but a form of depth that would come on and have the experience and know-how in the Premier League to actually make a difference and add the energy while chipping in a goal or an assist to lift the team.

So don't scoff at the rumours, but rather be encouraged that Wenger is actually alive and moving in the market, and looking for, although not at a Benzema, (which would be expensive and unrealistic), a player more reliable than what Arsenal have already in Bendtner and Chamakh.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Odemwingie to Arsenal? Bendtner "100%" Out.

So Arsenal are planning a raid on mid-table dwellers West Brom for their star striker Peter Odemwingie with a bid of £4 million. It's shocking, isn't it? Arsene Wenger? Spending money?

I suppose he has no choice though, now that his Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner, who still believes he is one of the best strikers in the world, has decided that he will leave Arsenal this summer - he is 100% certain of it:

"I have decided 100% that I must leave Arsenal. I’ve considered this for a long time and was quite clear when I arrived at my decision." 

"It doesn't feel particularly strange to not know what my future holds – I’m quite calm and confident that I’ll be fine at a new club."

Odemwingie isn't a bad player at all - 5th top scorer in the Premier League with 15 goals this season for West Brom as well as winning the player of the month award twice in both September and April. He is a top finisher and a natural goalscorer, scoring at all the clubs he has played for, though he has settled very quickly in England, equalling his highest goalscoring total for a season.

The £4 million valuation however, would not be well received by West Brom fans who would not like to see their star player go, especially when he is one of their best chances of staying in the Premier League next season. West Brom's manager Roy Hodgson was not very enthusiastic about letting his top scorer go:

“Luckily they are under contract, so that’s not a great problem for us."

“We are working very hard to make sure they are happy at the club, and we will do our very best to ensure that. We are a club with a very healthy economy. The chairman has a very clear idea of the direction that the club wants to go in. He is certainly more interested in retaining our players than selling them."

“So players like Odemwingie and Brunt, who have long-term contracts, I expect them to stay at the club.”

Arsenal have needed a goalscoring striker for a while, with free agent last summer Marouane Chamakh not impressing with goals and Robin van Persie picking up several frustrating injuries which constantly stall and stutter his season. Odemwingie has twice penetrated Arsenal's defence last season in his run of goals, and at 29 years of age, although not a typical Wenger signing would prove a very useful one.

Earlier in the season, the players agent David Omigie eluded to Odemwingie's future being at the Hawthorns rather then elsewhere, with links to Juventus among other being rife at the time due to the Nigerians impressive form:

"West Brom haven't told us about anything and Peter is really enjoying himself there and doing very well."

"He will be happy staying there unless West Brom tell us otherwise."

To get his man, Wenger will have to do something he has never been too fond of doing, and up his bid to prize Odemwingie away from West Brom, otherwise it will be another disappointing transfer window for Arsenal.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

"Active Arsenal" - Aguero on the Move - CL Countdown

Arsenal will be having a "very active" summer transfer market according to the manager Arsene Wenger. The window hasn't even opened yet, but apparently Arsenal have already signed Ricardo Alvarez in a pre-contract agreement from the Argentinian club Vélez Sársfield.

Add that to countless other rumours circulating, linking Arsenal to players such as Bolton's Gary Cahill, Blackburns Chris Samba and PSG's Mamadou Sakho, and you see a pattern developing. Defenders are the priority, and Wenger, although cauious with how much he spends, said:

"The market will be hyperactive because everyone believes financial fair play will happen soon," Wenger said, referring to Uefa's tighter regulations on club spending. "So we are quickly doing the last buying before the stores will be closed. And for the first time for a while, I will be very active, too."

Arsenal may well be saying goodbye to Nicklas Bendtner, whose father, Thomas, confirmed his son wants to leave the club: "Nicklas has made his decision and told Arsenal: he wants to leave the club." Arsenal are quoting the figure of £8.7 million for anyone interested in his services, with Bayern Munich said to be interested in the confident 23 year-old striker.

A player whom Arsenal would no doubt love to have leading their line is Diego Maradona's son-in-law, Sergio Aguero of Athletico Madrid. He is of Athletico for now, as he recently confirmed like Bendtner that he will be looking for a new club in the summer. I suspect he would cost too much for Arsenal anyway, but the 22 year-old is not short of admirers.

Liverpool, City and Chelsea have all been linked to him - and they are only from the Premier League. Real Madrid are apparently early favourites for the Argentinians signature. He is a fine finisher, scoring 20 League goals this season for Athletico, while assisting 2. Aguero said:

"I said long ago that when I wanted to go, I would say so publicly. And the time has come."

"So I keep to my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atletico. It hurts and saddens me. I've thought long and hard and I am convinced that I must be true to myself."

"I do not think I put a ceiling on the ability to keep learning, to keep growing. After five intense years, this stage for me personally is over and I have to give way to a new one."

"I'm about to turn 23 and I have everything before me. Suffice it to say that this is not an economic issue but strictly a sporting one. So I want to clearly express my appreciation to the club for the efforts they have made for giving me a salary that equates with the largest clubs in the world."

Meanwhile, the biggest game of the year is fast approaching, as Manchester United and Barcelona prepare for their Champions League final at Wembley. In light of recent off-field events however, regarding Ryan Giggs, Sir Alex Ferguson was said to be "beside himself with anger" at the alleged revelations.

Some said that Giggs feared for his place in the Champions League starting line up for United, but the Daily Mail have just reported that Giggs will in fact start the massive game. United could win their fourth Champions League trophy - Sir Alex's third, and these sorts of distraction are most unwelcome.

Hopefully, Giggs will continue to do what he has done for his long, fruitful career, and be fully professional throughout, to set an example as always to his fellow players. United will have a supremely tough test on Saturday, and they need all the togetherness and quality they can muster.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or @DBSFootball

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

Bendtner Not Happy With Wenger

Nicklas Bendtner is unhappy with his position at Arsenal and will have talks with Wenger to try and resolve his issues at the end of the season. Bendtner criticised the use of his talents by complaining about the position which Wenger has deployed him in this season; on the right wing rather than as a striker leading the line.

"I need to have a talk with him [Wenger] because I'm not satisfied as well. I'm not satisfied with playing on the right wing which I've done more or less all season long.

"I'm concentrating on getting the Champions League place and then we'll do the evaluation at the end of the season. It's certainly not the best thing for me but it's not up to oneself and sometimes you have to adapt to what the manager says."

The Danish striker is 23 years-old and supremely confident. He believes that he can be the best striker in the world, and last year he promised to show it this season. However, he has only managed 16 Premier League games, with only a few of them being when he has started the game, so proving to the world how good he thinks he is hasn't materialised. He said:

"If you ask me if I am one of the best strikers in the world, I say yes because I believe it."

This confidence may well have worked against him. When you speak about yourself in such a cocksure manner, people will expect that much of you - they expect you to go some way in proving your worth. When you don't prove it, you let people down, and that has only been emphasised this year with Arsenal having such a disappointing season.

Some do believe what he says he can achieve, while others are frustrated and infuriated simply be the sight of him, and believe maybe now is the time to let him go and prove himself elsewhere. He may have scored 10 out of 9 (yes, 10 out of 9) in an Arsenal psychological test to determine his mental ability in the area of "self-perceived confidence", but his performance ratings are much lower than that. His confidence is more than his quality, and what Arsenal need to win a trophy or two is balance and stability in their players, not Bendnter.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or @DBSFootball 

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

Arsenal Rumours: Jagielka in, Bendtner Out?

The latest transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal are Wenger's attempts to bring Phil Jagielka to the Emirates to add some experience and solidity to his defence which has long been called for at Arsenal. The other suggested move in the papers is with Arsenal's Danish striker, Nicklas Bendtner, who Mark Hughes will apparently attempt to bring to Fulham this summer.

Phil Jagielka is a player who Arsenal have been linked to for a while. There were reports last summer that Arsenal had made several bids for the 28 year-old Everton defender, one of which was £15 million. Wenger has maintained his interest in the former Sheffield United defender, and some sources suggest there has even been a new bid offered by Arsenal for the defender.

Arsenal have missed their rock at the back this season, Thomas Vermaelen through injury, and Wenger understands that depth and experience are key to success in a long, hard season, it is just a question of how much money he would be willing to spend, which has often been problematic, as he tends to avoid big money transfers in the fear of putting Arsenal in a difficult financial situation.

An Everton source said: "We have had major interest in Jagielka ahead of the next transfer window. But it will take a huge offer for the club to let him leave." No doubt it would take a big offer because Jagielka only signed a new 4 year deal with Everton in March of this year.

Meanwhile, the Mail reports that Bendtner wants to find a team who will offer him first team football, and with Fulham reportedly seeking two strikers to add to their squad in the summer, it looks a good match for both parties. Fulham had a £5 million bid for the 23 year-old turned down in January of this year, with Arsenal looking for Fulham to match their £6.5 million valuation of the striker who has scored 2 League goals in 15 games this season.

Bendtner, who spent a season on loan at Birmingham in the past is apparently "open to offers", with Everton and Blackburn also interested in his signature, though it seems highly unlikely that a confident player with his ambition would want to transfer to sides battling relegation.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or @DBSFootball

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

Arsenal Will Rely on Suarez & Carroll for Tomorrow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch: Arsenal 5 - 0 Leyton Orient

Arsenal cruised to a 5 - 0 win over Leyton Orient, who had taken the Gunners to a replay and won themselves a trip to Las Vegas as reward from their chairman.

Nicklas Bendtner grabbed a rare but classy hat trick, while Chamakh scored his first since November, as Clichy finished the game off with his first for Arsenal. The convincing win sets up a quarter final tie with Manchester United - always a mouth watering encounter, especially considering this seasons title race.

Arsenal predictably enjoyed the majority of possession - 65% to Orient's 35%, while Arsenal gathered a total of 9 shots on target to the away sides disappointing solitary one.

Arsenal play Sunderland on Saturday, which Cesc Fabregas, their injured captain announced he may play a part in as the Barcelona second leg approaches. The daunting schedule has taken its tole on Arsenal and has claimed a number of injuries, including absenties Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie who will both miss the trip to the Nou Camp.

Hopefully for Arsene Wenger however, the goal scoring form that his strikers showed tonight with a combined four goals can continue into the coming weeks to help them through this difficult period.

Watch: Arsenal 3 - 0 Ipswich

In the end, Arsenal cruised to victory to reach the Carling Cup final. Ipswich, under new manager Paul Jewell, held on for as long as they could to their impressive one goal lead that they brought from the first leg, but the quality of Arsenal was all too much for the Championship side who could do nothing as Arsenal scored three, gliding to the final as strong favourites to win their first trophy sine 2005.

Ipswich gave a very good account of themselves, with Arsenal captain Fabregas conceding that it was a tough two legs for them to play in, and despite the Gunners usual defence cutting quality play, struggled against Jewell's side. Ipswich got numbers behind the ball, had their attacking players tracking back and were very resilient in defence, whilst they sometimes tried to break out of their defensive play under enormous Arsenal pressure to venture on a couple of attacks themselves, unfortunately proving fruitless for them.

Arsenal grabbed their first goal through Nicklas Bendtner - a fantastic individual goal, as you can see below.
The two other goals, including a Koscielny header from a corner and a captains goal from Cesc Fabregas, you can watch here.