Another Who "Dreams" Of Playing For Arsenal

It seems to be the classic line when either a player has just joined a new club, or if he is pushing frantically for a move. It's a favourite among the players, is lapped up eagerly by the fans and is very pleasant for the clubs confidence and ego. So as the player will be pleasing pretty much everyone, why not use the endearing story that it is a "dream come true" to represent their new club?

The former West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder, who has joined Arsenal on loan for the season, Yossi Benayoun, has given us an insight into what goes on his head when it is upon his London based pillow at night, following in the footsteps of another new Arsenal signing in Joel Campbell.

The Israeli spoke about his hopes that he may stay at his "dream" club Arsenal beyond the end of this season, as well as wishing to win some silverware at the Emirates. Having played a part in only two games for the club since his loan, the Arsenal manager Wenger believes it is too early to consider a permanent deal, but Benayoun is eager to impress. He said:

"For me, the main thing is concentrating on having a good season and trying to take this opportunity with both hands. I’m sure, if I do well, the connection will continue together."

"Especially when you get to a big club, you want to win trophies. I was very close with Liverpool and was also very close with West Ham. When you reach a club like Arsenal, you dream about winning trophies and I’m sure we have the quality to do it." 

"It is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I have been lucky enough to play for a few big clubs in my career and when I got the chance to play for a big club like Arsenal, it was like a dream come true."

He may be "sure" that Arsenal have the quality needed to win some trophies, but other are not so optimistic. A nightmarish start to the Premier League season has seen a little relief with the clubs first win of the season against Swansea, but performances will need drastic improvement to challenge the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City who have started so well.

Benayoun's admission that it is a "dream" to play for Arsenal will make him a little more popular with the fans, but something that will see him rise higher in their estimations is if he were able to help them to a first trophy in six years. If he can do that in his first and perhaps only season at Arsenal, he will certainly be living the dream.

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Nasri: Spend In Transfer Market or I Leave

Frustation and anxiety is mounting over the future of Samir Nasri at Arsenal, and following the French midfielders comments about his future and the potential interest from Manchester United recently, the signs are hardly encouraging for the London club. Wenger's main aims surely include the imperative that Arsenal's best must stay at the club, but there is still no sign of Nasri signing an extension to his current contract which has only 12 months remaining.

The Guardian newspaper has now claimed that Nasri is stalling the signing of the offered £90,000 a week contract not only because he wants to be paid more per week - apparently holding out for £110,000 - but he also wants Wenger to confirm the idea of Arsenal having an "active summer". Nasri wants the reassurance that quality players will be brought in to help the current Arsenal side to success and trophies as well as a season in which the team has enough depth to last the whole campaign rather than wither out towards the end.

The rumours surrounding Arsenal and their transfer acivity in the upcoming market are rife, with links to Lille's Ivorian forward Gervinho very strong as well as an apparent interest in West Brom's Nigerian international striker, peter Odemwingie. The former deal looks more likely to go through, with Arsenal the favourites to land Gervinho, but one signing will probably not be enough to convince an ambitious Nasri to stay with the club.

He has been encouraged by his compatriot and Manchester United left back Patrice Evra to join him at United already, and his comments about waiting to see if the Manchester United interest is real or not clearly show a lack of full commitment to Arsenal. It also suggests a wavering mind, a mind which is searching for new opportunities, and the fact that he refused to rule out a move to Old Trafford is surely concerning.

Wenger has promised his fans an "active summer", but what Wenger's definition of "active" is and what Arsenal supporters definition is, most probably varies. Arsenal need a new centre back, and Wenger recognises this too, with Gary Cahill prominently linked, as well as PSG's Mamadou Sakhou, who looks a very promising talent. The issue that remains with Wenger is money.

Both player will cost in excess of  £15 million, and those who know Arsenal and Arsene Wenger know, that for Wenger to spend that amount on one player is a very rare occasion. His persistence to keep out of debt and keep the club stable is admirable, and stubborn, yet it may yet prove his downfall, for now Wenger has more reasons to spend money. He firstly has to improve his squad, whilst appeasing the current players such as Fabregas and Nasri, as well as the frustrated fans.

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Picture: Michael Owen Lifts His 1st Premier League

Who would have thought that Michael Owen, the Liverpool kid, who scored goals for fun at Anfield for a good eight years would be lifting his first Premier League trophy for Manchester United in possibly his last season at the top level of football. He capped it with a clinical finish to place the cherry firmly on the delicious Manchester United cake, as his second Premier League goal of the season condemned a brake Blackpool to relegation. 
A jubilant Owen told MUTV:

“As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. I won a lot of trophies with Liverpool but to win the Premier League is the pinnacle of anyone’s career. 

"I’m very proud today. I’ve not played as much as I did last year but we all have to play our part to win the league and it’s been enjoyable, nonetheless. 

"I’m really pleased and proud to have played with a great crop of lads and obviously the manager’s second to none.”

468 professional appearances, 218 career goals, 15 years and at last, at long last, a Premier League title. Congratulations Manchester United, congratulations Michael Owen.

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GIF: Vidic Lifts Trophy

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Manchester United claimed their 19th Premier League title, with smiles etched on everyone's faces. The United captain was first to lift the trophy flanked with red and black ribbons to show off with pride and passion to the jubilant home support inside Old Trafford. United maintained their unbeaten season at home, which unfortunately meant that Blackpool, United's opponents were relegated, losing 4 - 2.

Manchester United will now prepare for their Champions League final against Barcelona,, and with all this energy and adrenaline pumping through their blood after lifting this fantastic trophy for the 19th time, they can be confident of getting a result and completing the double.

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Video: Man United Lift Premier League & Celebrations

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Manchester United claimed their 19th Premier League title, with smiles etched on everyone's faces. The United captain was first to lift the trophy flanked with red and black ribbons to show off with pride and passion to the jubilant home support inside Old Trafford. United maintained their unbeaten season at home, which unfortunately meant that Blackpool, United's opponents were relegated, losing 4 - 2.

Ji Sung Park, Anderson, an Evett own goal and a typical Michael Owen goal gave United the four they wanted to take the Premier League in style, while Edwin van der Sar played his last game for United. There was no clean sheet for the retiring Dutchman however, thanks to a Charlie Adam free-kick and a Gary Taylor Fletcher second, but it will not sour United's day too much, as they are overcome with joy, and excitement for the future. 

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Picture: Sir Alex & Vidic Win Awards

Sir Alex Ferguson and Nemanja Vidic were the deserved winners of the manager and player of the season awards. The votes come from representatives of football's governing bodies, the media and supporters, and with the Manchester United pair winning the Premier League as well as making the Champions League final, it seems the voters were correct in their decision. 

Winning the Champions League final would be an even greater achievement for the Manchester United manager whose trophy stack would once again grow, while Nemanja Vidic's total of one Champions League trophy would double. Sir Alex spoke of winning his 12th League title:

"It is no easier now than it was in 1993. It is a great achievement. Everyone has shared in it. I enjoyed it as much as my first title. It becomes more of a challenge the longer you are at the club."

"If we are not scoring 10 goals every game, we have our critics. The expectation is high. But it is high from us too, and the fans. They want to see their best."

"Yes, you could criticise a lot of our away performances. They have been disappointing. But our home form has been fantastic. We have scored more goals than anyone else. It is hard to criticise that kind of form."

Vidic, meanwhile has been as solid as a rock in the United defence, helping Edwin van der Sar to 14 clean sheets in the Premier League, and, if he is given another game against Blackpool this week end will no doubt do his best to keep another one. The Serbian defender lost out to Arsenal's Samir Nasri in DBS Football's poll for the player of the season, but the Arsenal midfielder doesn't get a trophy for that accolade.

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Denilson confirms Arsenal Departure

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Denilson will be sold in the summer after speaking to Arsene Wenger and persuading him to let him go. The player sees his future in Spain or Italy, and is very much against joining another Premier League side. He said:

"I've simply been to see (manager) Arsene Wenger and told him how I felt - and he has agreed to let me go." 

"This has been the worst season of my life and I am so upset, so frustrated. I am a winner and I came here to win trophies but I've been here for five years and won nothing." 

"A footballer's career is over very quickly so it is time to move on. I know some people think I'm crazy. I need a fresh challenge and although I know I'm taking a big gamble I am ready to take that risk."

"I can't see myself returning in a Chelsea shirt, or Liverpool or Manchester City - and definitely not Tottenham. I think my future will be in Spain or Italy."

Denilson has played 153 times for Arsenal since signing in 2006, but has failed to ever make a real impact on the side with only 10 goals and 13 assists. As he plays in the centre of midfield, he has been crowded out by the other quality midfielder's in the Arsenal team including Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, Alex Song, Abou Diaby and so on. Denilson has not been able to compete with them, and often looked out of his depth when he did play in the team.

TalkSport recently asked their readers which players they would like out of their clubs doors in the summer, and Denilson's name came top of the Arsenal fans' list. Sums it up well I think.

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A Look At Arsenal's Ryo Miyaichi

After a season of disappointment, frustration and unfulfilment, Arsenal will be looking for any possible grain of hope for the future. They have, and have had stacks of potential in their ranks, but it hasn't paid off for seven years, though perhaps this gem they have been fortunate enough to find could change their luck at last.

Ryo Miyaichi, the 18 year-old Japanese winger has been receiving rave reviews in Holland where he has been loaned out to with Feyonard, and will return to Arsenal for pre-season with a determination and hope for success that Arsenal desperately need.

Wenger is hoping that Arsenal can secure a work permit for Miyaichi so he can play in the Premier League next season, but said that the player will have to continue prove over the summer that he is ready for that step: "I think he is good enough but if he is ready enough to have a place in our team, we will ask for a work permit and try to get him in."

After watching several of Miyaichi's performances for Feyonard, I, like many others am very impressed with his quality. On his début against Vitesse, he was named man of the match after playing 90 minutes, showing superb skill and drive, scary pace and a strong sense of bravery in a challenge.

He tore down the wing with tenacity, and put in several crosses from runs that he created totally individually. He has a very good engine in him, with bundles of energy, which is important to have in the Premier League, and was calm on the ball, finding a team mate the majority of the time.

His crosses may need working on, as many were cleared with ease, but he has grasped the hard bit - getting past the defenders, and no doubt under the guidance of Wenger his delivery will quickly improve. It is no wonder that he attracted clubs from around the world with performances like that at such a young age.

In 12 appearances for Feyonard, he has scored 3 and assisted four, showcasing the much desired abiltiy to settle in at a new club very quickly, and present his quality to the world, and more importantly to the watchful eye of Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal manager has noticed Miyaichi's impressive performances, and he explained what he likes about him:

"What I like about Ryo is that he has good timing with his runs and understands when to go and where to go. That is something very important. He knows how to use his pace and he is an intelligent player." 

"He is a boy who went straight from school football to professional football and straight away was the best player in Feyenoord.''  

"He looks a very promising boy and everybody who went to watch him has been hugely impressed by him. Ryo is a character and a great football player.''

A Netherlands journalist, Jaap De Groot of "De Telegraaf", was also very enthused by Miyaichi's performances in the Dutch League:

“He has got everything; he has got speed, he is very direct, he has skill, he can take people on, he scores goals and he has good technique. He loves the game as well. He is young and needs to mature but he is a very interesting player and could definitely be a star in the future."

Praise indeed for the young Japanese winger - it seems Arsenal have found themselves a fantastic young prospect who could make an instant impact at The Emirates. Other additions may be needed for Arsenal, particularly in the defence and attacking department, but this is one addition that Arsenal fans should be excited about going into a fresh new season with the expectation of trophies once again on the side.

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Arsenal - The Seasons Biggest Losers?

Arsenal's season could have been so different. Arsenal players were boldly predicting a clean sweep of trophies mid-way through the season, as they confidently strode close to that first spot and held a place in all three other competitions. By the end of the season, Arsenal players are apologising to fans, with their heads firmly rooted in their hands after letting slip of a fantastic opportunity to repay the support and strife of trophy-less supporters.

It's a bit like buying a lottery ticket. You get all excited that you may have a chance of winning millions of pounds, and you imagine what you'd buy when you win. You could turn from having a few hundred in the bank to a few million, and as the draw comes closer, you feel it is your time - your lucky day. Then, the next morning when you check your numbers, you discover the inevitable - you didn't win a penny, and a huge sense of disappointment runs through you. The difference is, Arsenal's season was not an inevitable failure. It looked set for success, but it all went wrong.

After defeating Barcelona in their Champions League first leg tie, everyone at Arsenal had that "lottery-ticket" feeling. They had overcome the odds and beaten a team often praised as the best in the world. Wenger was confident:  "We want to go for every single competition. How far will we go? I personally believe we can go in every competition to the end." Earlier in January, the club captain Cesc Fabregas had said after beating a battling Leeds side in their FA Cup replay: “We want to go all the way in every competition."

Only about four or five months later, and Wenger is contending with boos from his own fans, and players apologising for a dreadfully disappointing season. It really was a slippery slope of epic proportions. It tells a story when Arsenal's 'celebrity' fan and avid Twitter user, Piers Morgan described his beloved Arsenal as "pathetic", "gutless", and a team who "don't have the heart or guts to ever win the Premier League".

Morgan may not be a very popular person, but his opinions are pretty much spot on. Those comments were made during just a game alone - Arsenal's most recent loss at the hands of Aston Villa. Even the most unbelievably biased Arsenal supporter cannot defend Arsenal's performances this season when it mattered.

Of course, luck plays a big part, and the various injuries throughout the season - most notably of Thomas Vermaelen, were a big blow, as well as the ludicrous decision to send Robin Van Persie off in the Champions League second leg with Barcelona. I'm sure there are other decisions that fans may think didn't go their way, but those are the main ones, and truly are the worst of luck. But excuses for bad displays which are "gutless" and "pathetic" are invalid.

After saying that he believes Arsenal can win all four trophies this season back in February, Wenger added: "It's just down to how much we believe and how much commitment we show." 

We must assume then, that the belief and commitment to win a trophy simply wasn't there.

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Lehmann to Return to Arsenal

Jens Lehmann could soon become one of very few current Arsenal players to have lifted any silverware wearing the Arsenal kit. Lehmann won several trophies at Arsenal; the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Community Shield and claimed Champions League runners up medal. 

Arsenal have not won a major trophy since the German left Arsenal, and whats more, when Lehmann won the Premier League with Arsenal in 2004, it was done so without losing a single match. His anticipated return to Arsenal comes too late to repeat this feat, just as it is unlikely for the achievement to be completed again, but his experience in abundance and leadership qualities could prove vital in a title race with all too familiar rivals.

Lehmann is reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a short term move to solve Arsenal's current goalkeeping crisis. Wojciech Szczesny, Lukas Fabianski and Vito Mannone are all injured and therefore unavailable, leaving only Manuel Almunia to occupy the goal. Of course you only need one goalkeeper on the pitch at one time, but suppose Almunia were to pick up an injury - which considering Arsenal's current bad luck seems unfortunately likely. They need another keeper, and Lehmann could be a perfectly satisfactory solution.

It is ironic that upon Lehmann's supposed return to Arsenal, Manuel Almunia will be ahead of him in the pecking order. During his Arsenal days, Lehman became increasingly frustrated with the fact that Almunia was chosen ahead of him, and complained to Wenger about it;

"My coach confirmed my impression that he uses a different measuring stick to evaluate [Manuel] Almunia. For me this was a disappointment. It's very frustrating. When I see the performances on the field, I get angry and I have to clench my fist in my pocket."

That was said in 2007, and it looks as if four year on, Lehmann will return with his fist clenched firmly in his pockets. However, it is a nice situation for him to be in - returning from retirement to a club which he earned close to 200 appearance for, and helped to several (now rare) trophies. He could also help the current, still relatively inexperienced squad during the final stages of this incredibly tight title race.

It's a win - win situation isn't it? Well, unless the form of the end of his Arsenal career returns, and upon playing his first football game in a while if Almunia doesn't start, makes a crucial, title losing mistake.