Emannuel Adebayor has inked a new "long-term" contract with Arsenal. The deal is set to be worth £80,000 a week for the Togolese striker and is set to run until at least 2012. The new contract comes after months of speculation over the player's future. Only weeks ago it seemed that Ade was destined for a move overseas and both AC Milan and Barcelona confirming their interest, though both clubs seemingly baulked at Arsene Wenger's £28 milliion valuation of the striker and started to pursue other targets. Any remaining speculation over Adebayor's future was squashed when Adebayor confirmed he was staying at Arsenal:

“Now I can tell everyone that, yes, I will sign a contract, I never told anyone I would be leaving this club, never ever. I’m very happy we’ve found a solution. I have three years left on my contract and I’m putting two or three years more, so I’m very happy being part of this family.”

Now while I don't believe for a second that he was oblivious to what was happening, it is nothing but good news that he has cemented his future at the club. For all his faults, Ade is a 30-goal striker and as it stands we do not have any other players capable of replicating that feat next season. We all know Wenger is very reluctant to spend big in the transfer market and if Ade were to leave we'd more than likely have Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner. That is simply not good enough when players like Andriy Shevchenko can't get a run at Chavski.

An improved salary is what Adebayor was hankering for all season and he's got it. While his actions over the Summer were less than admirable, based on his performance last season an 80,000 per week wage was no less than what he deserved. He was our top scorer, and was the equal-highest ranking striker on the goalscoring charts last season. The lanky hitman was voted into the PFA Team of the year and was placed third overall in the race for PFA Player of the year. All-in-all, Ade accomplished more individually than Shevckhenko, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Carlos Tevez and Mark Viduka yet all of these players are on wages either of equal or greater value than Adebayor's new contract.

Arsene Wenger has urged the Arsenal fans to get behind the re-signed forward this season. Arsene said:

"We have to get behind him and support him because he is a tremendous force and (is of) tremendous importance for the team - you want your own fans to be behind him.

"What happened in the transfer period did not always reflect his deep desire and there was manipulation from agents on both sides, but overall I am positive he will recover.

"Every player needs to feel wanted.

"I think he is settled in his own mind. He has given a lot in the first two games."

Well Arsene, if Ade keeps putting in the hard yards like he has so far this campaign and he hits the net as many times as he did last season then the boos around the Grove will soon cease. If he wants a quick way to win back the hearts of the fans he could always snap the legs of Robbie Keane. Do it Manu, you know you want to.

Wenger started the match with a team many would not have guessed. Djourou partnered Gallas at the back, Eboue and Denilson were in the centre of midfield and Adebayor partnered Bendtner upfront. Well, that was three changes in the team in each part of the field. I thought Djuorou had an excellent match, he infact looked more reliable than Gallas. The West Brom forward Ishmael Miller did give some scare to the back four with his frequent muscular thrusts forward. Bendtner loked lively but some of his through balls were not accurate and he did provide some aerial threat in a couple of corners. He can be given a chance against some of the lower rung teams like West Brom if Wenger intends to start him and give him some experience.

Central midfield is a problem area for Wenger and if he thinks Eboue is the answer to that then we have a problem. Wenger must have seen something in Eboue to merit him that place, but he still needs to show a mature attitude on the field to merit am acknowledgement from the fans. With Xabi Alonso and gareth Barry cup tied now in Europe, does Wenger intend to cut a deal on a cheaper price for these two or get someone else outside these two. This should be an interesting thing to watch out for. But Denilson had a decent match and Samir Nasri on the left was flowing with the ball whenever he had possession. I cannot wait to see Rosicky and Fabregas also back in the team so that we can have three really creative players in the midfield.

Adebayor did take a couple of shots and tried a Henry like curl (which never curled) but he still needs that finishing touch which has been missing in him since last season. He will score goals but when you see some of the missed opportunities to score or to pass you feel sad for him. Van Persie came in and did try a shot which was close, but in getting his left foot to take it he missed the opportunity. Walcott did bot trouble anyone and sometimes you feel if he can be so inconsistent. He can lose his place in the team if he doesnt do anything worthwhile in the next couple of matches.

The goal came as early as the fourth minute and it was the result of a cut in from Denilson which was neatly placed into the goal by Nasri.  

Some of us Gooners in Bangalore caught the match together in a pub called J cubez. It was quite some fun and we hope to see many more of such matches together.

Triplec's Player Ratings:

Almunia: 7.5 Almunia did well to stop a few shots and come out nice on one of the corners. He had good distribution but he needs to communicate better with the Center Halfs.

Sagna: 7 What we have come to expect from Sagna. Great in the back and vital in the attack.

Gallas: 6.5 Gallas did well. He commanded the defense decently well. He set up the offside trap well but seemed to get caught out once or twice.

Djourou: 6.5 He did well also but was caught out by the opposition a few times. He missed his marking on the almost goal but recovered well to clear off the line.

Clichy: 7.5 Clichy was brilliant. Worked very well with Nasri on the left, got forward and made defense breaking runs. whipped in some great crosses and was solid in the back

Walcott: 6 Disappointing match from Theo. He made some good runs but seem to cut in too much and his ball in the final third of the pitch just wasn't there today.

Eboue: 6.5 A surprisingly good display from Eboue. He was tidy in possession and made some good passes and recovered well to help the defense. He tried to get too fancy on occasion though and his shots were all awful. He should just stick to defending and passing.

Denilson: 7 Very good game from Denilson. He did very well with his passing and in possession and his assist was fantastic

Nasri: 8 Samir was amazing today. He scored the vital goal, sent in excellent balls for his team mates and made good runs on and off the ball. He certainly looks the business. He was also great helping out Clichy in defense and got the all important goal as well.

Adebayor: 6.5 Overall it was a good performance from Ade. He troubled the defense on many occasions and did well to create a few chances for his team mates despite not having many chances himself. He really ought to have put away the one he had though and his inability to find Nasri in the second half on the break could have cost the Gunners a second goal.

Bendtner: 5.5 Poor game from Nick. Didn't link up well with the rest of the team and created few chances. Certainly not his best match for Arsenal.

SUBS

Van Persie: 6.5 decent 20 minutes from Robin today. Could have done better on his goal chance though but all in all not much to complain about.

Toure: 6 Not good but not bad but in fairness he didn't play but 15 minutes. He was invisible more or less on the pitch but that can be put down to a lack of time and his first game back.

Man of the Match:

SAMIR NASRI. Nasri was fantastic. If this was a sign of things to come then Arsenal fans around the world have something to rejoice in.

Remember to join us at TheGoonerForum and have your say on all things Arsenal.

Having finished the league without any honours, Liverpool will once again start their campaign in the hope that they will be able to challenge for the Premiership. Rafa's primary target was to get Gareth Barry from Villa but the owners were not keen on shelling out 18 mil on him, instead they bought a proven striker in Robbie Keane. I seriously believe that Keane and Torres would be able to provide the goods upfront with Gerrard also contributing. But if you leave out these three and to some extent Mascherano the team is hardly any quality. With Gerrard not in the team they struggled against their Champions League qualifier opponent also.

Rafa Benitez is never known to make any sensible buys except for lets give it to him, Torres. But in Reina they have one of the best goal keepers in the league. And he has kept them in contention in a lot of matches, including their last competitive fixture. They have bought Philipp Degen (Borussia Dortmund - free), Andrea Dossena (Udinese - undisclosed), Vincent Lucas Weijl (AZ Alkmaar - undisclosed) Diego Cavalieri (Palmeiras - undisclosed) and David Ngog (PSG - £1.4m) other than Robbie Keane. But honestly how many of them will finally make us sit up and take notice, needs to be seen.

Prediction: Finish 4th

Arsenal

When you get beaten in the Champions League by some controversial penalty decisions and you finish 3rd in the league, you wonder if the team did very well despite some stars leaving the team and some very crucial injuries. Eduardo, Robin van Persie, Tomas Rosicky and Bacary Sagna were among the injured for most of the season and except for Eduardo and Rosicky everyone will be fit once again. Though at the start of the season the players on the injured list include Cesc Fabregas, Rosicky, Diaby and new signing Bischoff. the other one missing is the Olympian, Alex Song.

There has been many a comment passed on why Arsenal is not buying a defensive midfielder to replace Flamini and a central defender as cover for Toure or Gallas. Wenger probably believes that he has the back up for the defensive part and has made his intention clear in getting a holding midfielder before the next leg of the Champion's League encounter with Twente FC. There are just three new signings - Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff - £5m), Samir Nasri (Marseille - £11m), Amaury Bischoff (Werder Bremen - undisclosed) of which Nasri is probably the only proven player, bouhg to replace Hleb. He has Carlos Vela back from loan who has experienced the La Liga last year. But Wenger will probably be thinking that Persie and Rosicky are back from injury and are like two new signings. Walcott's biggest problem has been his inconsistency and he will get more starts than last year hopefully. Bendtner would be waiting in the wings to pounce on any let off from Ade or Persie. The team is strong once we buy a new holding midfielder and I cannot wait to see the match against West Brom though Fabregas is not starting.

Prediction: 2nd place in the League and probably Champions League winners :)

My team for this season

Almunia

Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy

Walcott New-signing Fabregas Rosicky

Adebayor Persie

It’s hard to negotiate with Tottenham’s spending record, but Juande Ramos will try.  The Spurs manager will prod Lord Ferg toward £28m with a phantom Barcelona Berbatov bid and scare Zenit into a lower Arshavin price with Kanoute clamor.  But, in the end, Tottenham will give in.  They always do.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal will sign another player before the second leg of Champions’ League qualification against FC Twente.  Apparently, the Boss had seen enough after starting a 17-year-old and having his squad outplayed for much of the match by a second-tier, Steve McClaren-coached Dutch team.  Fans will hope that key signing is not 19-year-old Ipswich project Danny Haynes.

Martin O’Neill will keep Gareth Barry in an Aston Villa shirt, after playing him in the UEFA cup.  He will then partner him in midfield with Newcastle’s James Milner whom he will buy from cash-strapped Mike Ashley for £9m.

Roque Santa Cruz dodged a bullet, in the form of a £12m to the Manchester City Humanitarians.  Paul Ince doesn’t want to sell the player, and the striker seems content, unless a big four club comes a knocking.

Digao may or may not be with Jesus, but Kaka’s little bro will be with Belgian club Standard de Liege next season.  The club have signed the Brazilian Billy Ripken for a one year loan.

Reklamın dinlemeye doyulamayan şarkısı ise  Eagles of Death Metal'e ait: Don't Speak (I Came to Make A Bang!).

The team was outstanding for most of the season and finished 3rd, a mere four points behind the eventual champions Manchester United. Two of the draws (Birmingham away, Liverpool away) turning into victories and the loss to Man Utd at Old Trafford turning into a draw was all that had separated Wenger's boys from the title. All three results very much possible given the performances in those games. It WAS actually that close. 

The Champions League, well, Arsenal was six minutes away from qualifying for the semi-finals and two dodgy penalty calls in either leg of the quarter-final against Liverpool cost the club. I know it's said that dodgy calls even out in the end. But I feel calls going our way in games against Derby County when we're 3-0 up don't quite match up to calls going against us in a two-legged Champions League quarterfinal where away goals count more. So they don't quite even out, do they. Anyway, so that was that. The F.A. Cup and Carling Cup, well, we just weren't good enough. Overall, a season that left all Arsenal fans feeling deeply unfulfilled.

So, after a summer of transfer activity and a bunch of pre-season friendlies, what does the new season have in store? Here are my thoughts:

The Team

Goalkeeping: Jens Lehmann has left for Stuttgart. As much as I liked him, he was making too many mistakes towards the end and it was time for him to leave. The current no. 1, Manuel Almunia, is not as spectacular as Lehmann was but he's pretty calm and solid and doesn't make too many costly errors these days, like he used to when he started out. I would like a better keeper but am not too worried. The back-up keeper, Lukasz Fabianski, looks pretty promising though. I was at the Emirates Stadium when the lad made his competitive debut (against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup) and he's shown enough promise to suggest that Almunia won't be first choice for too long. The third keeper, Vito Mannone, has been promoted from the reserves and is still an unknown quantity at the top level.

Defence: Unchanged from last season and not too worrying. The full-backs, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy are the best full-back pairing in the league for me. Strong both in attack and defence, it was no surprise that the pair made it into the PFA team of the year last season. The centre-backs, Kolo Toure and William Gallas, are pretty solid as well, with some weaknesses that I'm sure the boss would've addressed in training. The back-ups are a bit weak though. In the full-back roles, Justin Hoyte is pretty average and Armand Traore is still not quite the finished product yet. Kieran Gibbs has been tried out at left back but he also needs more time to get used to it, being primarily an attacking midfielder. In fact, I should think Gallas will slot into left-back if Clichy ever gets injured before a big game. Emmanuel Eboue can always do a job at right-back if required, having started his career there. The centre-half backups are slightly better. Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou, the former in particular, get a lot of stick but I don't think they're all that bad. Plus, there's Alexandre Song to return from the Olympics. He was pretty solid in the Carling Cup last year. So, overall, the first choice back four is excellent, but two or more injuries at the same time may see the defensive performances suffer.

Midfield: The biggest cause of worry this pre-season, without a shadow of a doubt. Aleksandr Hleb, Gilberto Silva and Mathieu Flamini left over the summer and Lassana Diarra left in January. So the team has lost 4 top class midfielders this year alone. Diarra was never in the team enough but I still rate him very highly. It's only a matter of time before he joins a big club again. Gilberto, I've always felt, was very very over-rated and frankly, was happy when he was marginalised last season. I also felt it contributed to the team's success. Having said that, he was a thorough professional till the end and always came out as decent and sincere in the six years he spent at Arsenal. For that reason, I was sorry to see him go. Hleb and Flamini are a different story. Both of them will be greatly missed in the team. Flamini was the midfield dynamo last season, the Roy Keane in our team. Constantly running and tackling, breaking the opponents' rhythm, Flamini's manic energy drove the team last season, and was critical to its success. We haven't replaced him, yet. Hleb, most would say, didn't contribute too much in terms of assists or goals, but his value went beyond that. His dribbling drew defenders towards him, allowing other players to make their runs. And he would more often than not, supply the killer pass that would lead to an assist. Statistics don't reveal his true worth. However, he acted like an idiot towards the end and I was not one bit sorry to see him go. We have replaced him adequately, however, I feel. Now, on to the guys who are still there!

In the middle, Cesc Fabregas is the jewel in Arsenal's crown. Without doubt, the fulcrum around which the team revolves, he will be crucial to our title chances. Still only 21, he has improved every year and is now one of the finest central midfielders in the world. If he is injured, Arsenal would have a big problem. His midfield partner is the big question mark: The pecking order is currently Abou Diaby, Denilson and 17-year old Aaron Ramsey, but Wenger is in the market for another 'experienced' defensive midfielder and I fancy that player, whoever it is (looking likely to be Gokhan Inler, from Udinese), to be the first choice. The dark horse for this position could be Alexandre Song, who excelled in the role for Cameroon in the African Nations Cup earlier this year. Another intriguing addition to the squad is Amaury Bischoff, signed from Werder Bremen, for whom he made one start in the last two years, being injured for the rest of the time.  Nothing much is really known about the guy and even Wenger himself has admitted the signing is a gamble. We can only wait and watch.

On the wings, Tomas Rosicky, the Czech captain, if fully fit, is a superstar and crowd favourite. Absolutely electrifying and a match-winner on his day. Samir Nasri, Hleb's replacement, (and the most promising of the many French youngsters touted as the 'next Zidane') is sharp, quick and blessed with exquisite technique. At home in the middle of the pitch, and on both wings, he is a superb addition to the squad and if he stays fit, could make the difference between this season and last. Theo Walcott, good on both sides, is steadily improving and should be more of a consistent force this year. Emmanuel Eboue may be extremely irritating but does a decent job on the right most times. The only other option on the wings is also the most exciting - Jack Wilshere, aged 16. He joined Arsenal as a nine-year old school boy in 2001 and has really caught the eye this pre-season. Wenger has already seen enough quality to include him in the first team squad and though he won't get too many starts this season, training with the big boys will help him improve and he may even get to make a couple of cameo appearances. 

Attack: Doubtlessly, Arsenal's best area. We're well-stocked with forwards, and all of them have enough quality. Emmanuel Adebayor has come on in leaps and bounds last season, ensuring that we didn't miss the legend that is Thierry Henry. That takes some doing! Robin van Persie is someone I rate extremely highly. He's a fantastic talent, with a supernatural left foot.  A constant threat from free-kicks and also a great provider for others, his only problem is that he seems to be made of glass. He spent most of last season on the treatment table and one can only wonder what could've been if he'd been fit throughout. Eduardo Da Silva, so cruelly injured last season just when he was getting into his groove, is expected to be back before Christmas and he is a truly lethal finisher, as proved by his Arsenal scoring record so far (22 starts, 12 goals). I remember going berserk in a pub when Song put him through in extra time against Blackburn in the Carling Cup. There was just no doubt he would tuck it in! That was also one of the best games of last season, for me. And I'm licking my lips at the prospect of what's going to happen once he's settled in completely. Nicklas Bendtner is again, quality. Tall, strong, and determined, the guy is a superstar in waiting. I half-expect Adebayor to leave next summer and mark my words, if Bendtner is still there, he will more than adequately replace him. Carlos Vela, an Arsenal player for the last three years but out on loan in Spain, looks a terrific prospect, another typical Wenger signing - out of nowhere. He's been absolutely brilliant in pre-season. I expect Bendtner and Vela to form a lethal partnership in the Carling Cup. Apart from these five, Walcott can also play up front if necessary.

My first choice eleven would be as follows:

Almunia

Bacary Sagna - Kolo Toure - William Gallas - Gael Clichy

Samir Nasri - Cesc Fabregas - (New Guy) - Tomas Rosicky

Emmanuel Adebayor - Robin van Persie

Summary

Overall, while the starting eleven is top-notch,  the back-ups are not of the highest quality and I suspect this will make the difference through the course of a long and hard season. The fan in me says we'll win something this year, but I fancy it'll be more a case of finishing in the top 4 in the Premier League and going as far as we possibly can in the Champions League and the F.A. Cup. As far as the Carling Cup is concerned, the youngsters are a year older, so we could actually do pretty well again.

So, hoping for the best, Go Gunners!!

Goals by Gallas and Adebayor clinched it for the Gunners. And the side looks to become even stronger with these comments from Arsène Wenger that there will be another signing before the second leg.

The victory is very impressive considering the number of players that were sidelined due to injury.

Arsenal go into the Uefa Champions League third qualifying round match vs FC Twente with only 17 years old Newcomer Aaron Ramsey and Denilson as there only recognised Central midfield players. And with Kolo Toure and Philippe Senderos missing Johan Djourou steps up to partner William Gallas at Center Back.

Not an ideal team for this huge game but this situation is of the managements making, He has had all summer to sort things out replacements for players who have moved on.

It shows how weak our squad is with a couple of injuries and we are in exactly the same boat if not worse then last season.

Wenger should have sorted this out a long long time ago. If we lose this qualifier tonight Wenger has to take the blame.

No doubt most of you are now going to abuse me for questioning Wenger but its true and you know it.

Attila

Join the gooner forum www.goonerforum.com

First of all when Theo came along he said it was important not to play him that often as he was still young and his body hadn't formed, and the risk to his bones and muscles was such that he had to be given a game here and a game there, fair enough we all said, play the older guys and we'll be patient.

Two years on and he appears to have changed his mind somewhat, Ramsey, Wilshere, Randall, Vela, Lansbury, Hoyte G, Thomas and Fabianski, pre season? fair enough, you have to learn, what did we learn? that Lansbury, Randall and Hoyte were a mile off.

Oh and a special mention for buying an injured never seen in a big game midfielder named Bitchslap, what was wrong with all the youngsters we have already, that we have seen?

Tonight we play the biggest game for a number of years and we have no Cesc, no Kolo, not even Senderos or new boy Nasri, yes I suppose you can say I'm a little nervous.

However after last night I feel we have a few reserves that could play tonight and are certainly better than some of what I've seen in pre season, let me share my thoughts with you.

Barazite, Merida, Bartley, Watt, Dunne and Simpson all looked better than Randall, so why then are these kids not going to play the mighty FC Twenty?

It's getting clearer that we won't be signing the coveted centre back or world class defensive midfielder that we desperately want and indeed need, plus half our squad is already injured so what on earth are we going to do for the next 6 months - which will take us to the January window where we won't buy anyone?

It's clear to me that if we are leading the premiership by then, the others will have had a howler, it's not a good time to be a bragging gooner is it?

If the Mancs buy Berbatov then the spuds will buy a world class striker, probably Villa now that Silva says he wants to stay in Spain, then my friends we are in trouble, finishing without a trophy is one thing, finishing behind the spuds is too terrible to contemplate.

We still have time to arrest the obvious problem, winning tonight will be awesome, but I feel we are just papering over the cracks, it may be better to... not get a convincing result (you thought I was going to say lose didn't you?).

We have the money but not the will, with Peter Hill Wood saying he doesn't care about winning it kind of sums up the attitude around the Grove right now, as someone said this week, we are the Harlem Globetrotters... great!

Of course I'll watch tonight and go to most of the games this season, but it will be as underdogs and that isn't right, I understand good housekeeping, it makes sense, but at least spend the budget he has, he says he'll only sign the right player, but Arsene there are a ton of right players out there, please go and sign two before it's too late, we need to get off to a flier, don't blow it.

For England, for Harry and St. George, oh and for the fans that pay your salary, go forth and multiply, well the squad at least.

Have a hopeful day today Grovers, we won't buy anyone, Arsene's too busy, perhaps he shouldn't have gone commentating at the Euros then.

Có thể nói, hàng loạt các tên đã được nêu ra để Arsenal lựa chọn nhằm lấp chỗ trống mà Mathieu Flamini để lại như là Gareth Barry, Xabi Alonso, Marcos Senna và Goekhan Inler đều chưa có những “hồi kết” của nó.

Cùng với đó là việc Arsenal chấp nhận để Gilberto Silva tới với Panathinaikos, trong khi đó lại đưa về 1 tiền vệ công như Samir Nasri. Tất nhiên cầu thủ này chỉ có thể thay thế được vị trí mà Hleb đã để lại, còn công việc “dọn dẹp” phía sau lưng của Cesc Fabregas thì hầu như không có ai đảm đương nổi. Đã từng có thời điểm HLV Arsene Wenger đưa Abou Diaby và Denilson vào thử nghiệm nhưng rốt cuộc lo lắng vẫn là lo lắng.

Đã có lúc, Wenger từng thử nghiệm 1 cầu thủ “tai họa” như Phillipe Senderos tại vị trí đánh chặn này và tất nhiên chẳng ai có thể tưởng tượng nổi, cầu thủ cao to người Thụy Sỹ vốn hay mắc sai lầm ở trung tâm hàng thủ sẽ giúp cho tuyến giữa của Arsenal vững chãi.

Theo như News of the World thì Arsenal đang nhắm tới người em trai của trung vệ Kolo Toure là Yaya Toure hiện đang đầu quân cho Barcelona. Mùa giải trước khi Barcelona thi đâu sa sút nhưng bản thân của cầu thủ 25 tuổi này vẫn làm tròn trách nhiệm khi có mặt trên sân.

Tương lai của tiền vệ 25 tuổi này tại Barca hiện đang có chút vấn đề sau khi đội bóng chủ sân Nou Camp đưa về Seydou Keita của Sevilla. Đặc biệt là 1 người ưa thích lối đá mềm mại như Guardiola thì không rõ, vị trí chính thức của cựu cầu thủ Monaco này tại mùa giải 2008/09 sẽ ra sao.

Cũng đã có lần Yaya bày tỏ ý định tới chơi cho Arsenal để được sát cánh với người anh trai Kolo. Con số mà Arsenal bỏ ra để có được chữ ký của tiền vệ này và để thuyết phục Ban lãnh đạo Barcelona nhả người, chắc chắn không dưới 20 triệu euro.

(Theo Bóng Đá)

However even before a ball has been kicked in anger we find ourselves with Cesc Fabregas' midfield partner elect Abou Diaby injured. Quel Surprise! Only last week Le Gaffer said that Abou Diaby was his first pick last season to replace Gilberto Da Silva when he was given extended leave after lifting the Copa America with Brazil. Anyway we all know the story, Mathieu Flamini not only stepped in but stepped up and the rest is history. So this season with Abou Diaby getting the nod, he goes and gets injured again. Can we really rely on this guy? He's as injury prone as Robin van Persie and that takes some doing as RvP has bought the copyright. 

So that leaves Denilson to step in. I'm sure Denilson can do a job, I'm not knocking him but he's too similar to The Cesc for my liking. Denilson is in no way shape or form a defensive midfielder who will sit back and break up attacks, he is no Gilberto or Flamini, unfortunately. Now we have a game against FC Twente in the third round qualifiers in the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday which I think many a Gooner is taking for granted. There's no way on earth we can fail in that game, that would be unthinkable. However The Cesc will go into the game playing only one pre-season game. Now heaven forbid if Fabregas got injured we'd be absolutely fecked. Big style. And on the back of this we've got Arsene Wenger saying he hasn't got time to sign anyone. WTF! 

Wenger has said previously that he gets up to 220 CV's from players every week. And we all know when Wenger looks at players it's very methodical and in-depth, even to the point the brand of toothpaste they use comes into play. So, you're telling me out of all the players we've been linked with Wenger isn't 'close' to signing anyone? I really don't want to believe that I don't want to get all bent out of shape thinking about it either as there's still time to get someone. But I am concerned Gooners' big time. Getting an experienced player to help the younger's come through and I'm including Denilson and Diaby in that equation and not to hinder them that is what is needed is my opinion. Robin van Persie even echoed that thought when after the game against Ajax in The Amsterdam Tournament he said we needed an experienced midfield player.

However this piece is longer than I wanted it to be today as I said it was only a quickie, in the headline I said Wenger needs help. And Wenger needs it big time. He is only one man and can't do everything himself. Old fake tan and orange impersonator David Dein and 'was he pushed or did he jump' ex Managing Director Keith Edelman have never been properly replaced. Edelman is another kettle of fish as that's an 'upstairs' problem. However old Mr. Orange has never been replaced and what with all that wheeling and dealing, Le Gaffer can't be expected to cover all bases. He's going to spread himself too thinly. So Wenger needs help even he doesn't want to accept it, he needs another 'David Dein' to do the deals so he can concentrate on what he's good at. Wenger needs to delegate as he's gambling with the clubs future success. Wenger should have a right-hand man he gives a scrap of paper to or have a list on his brand spanking Apple MacBook Pro and say 'get me this player'. And he needs such a man now, because Wenger can't and shouldn't be expected to do everything himself. It will be detrimental to the club.

Girl in a shirt

Allgoonerdup is looking to give the Goonerbabe page a bit of a boost and we're going for a 'Girl in the Shirt' approach. Do you have any pictures of your girl in the shirt or girls get yourself seen on the Goonerbabe wall and send in your own pictures. Lets get this party started right. Send your pictures in and tell us your name, favourite player, favourite all time player, favourite drink and if you have anything else to declare to babe@allgoonerdup.com

Kings dies...

Not Arsenal news Gooner's and fear of sounding all 'Myles Palmer' but I need to give props to two greats who passed away this weekend . You may or may not of known about these two guys but American King of Comedy Bernie Mac and King of Cool music legend Isaac Hayes both took that long walk into the light this weekend. 

Bernie Mac some of you will know in the 'Oceans' film, 11, 12 and 13 but he was much bigger than that and if you like your comedy edgy and in your face than you would certainly know of Bernie Mac. He was a guy who would scare you into laughing. Have a pop onto YouTube and see what you're going to miss. 

Also one of my musical hero's Isaac Hayes passed away and he's probably known by the younger bunch of Gooner's out there for his role of 'Chef' in South Park, which he had the song "Chocolate Salty Balls". The more musically tuned people will know him for his jazzy funky hits including the theme from 1970's film Shaft, Hot Buttered Soul and Black Moses. 

So a big up and props to those two guys who like The Arsenal give me endless moments of pleasure. 

Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes - RIP

LAST WEEK TO JOIN: Score predictor Mini league - join up!

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Now, Arsenal are left with only one player to partner Cesc Fabregas - Denilson. The young Brazilian has had an outstanding pre-season, but, much like Gerrard and Lampard in the centre of midfield for England, Fabregas and Denilson are too similar to partner eachother. Their lack of defensive nous will only limit their creative freedom. This creative license is the main strength of both players. Last month Wenger confirmed that he was on the lookout for a defensive midfielder, although this player is still yet to join. Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Sevilla on Saturday evening, Arsene said that it is not likely to happen any time soon:

“At the moment, I am not close to concluding any transfer deal, because I am too busy here, maybe next week something can happen, but for now we have to focus on the Champions League and forget about transfers because it is a big target for us.”

That was said before the extent of Abou Diaby's thigh problem became evident. With only five days remaining until the Premier League season gets underway, manager Arsene Wenger will surely not be content with having Cesc Fabregas and Denilson as the only fit central midfielders. If, God forbid, one of those two picks up a knock we will be forced to field the likes of Aaron Ramsey or Jack Wilshere in central midfield, and neither of those are too defensive (never mind the fact they've got a combined age of just 33 years - less than Robert Pires). Arsene will have to move fast to fill the midfield void. One player who would fill that void is heavily-linked Udinese man Gokhan Inler.

"I do not know yet if it will be with the Swiss or somebody else – but it is not necessarily the Swiss boy."

The above quotes come from Arsene Wenger. The "Swiss boy" is Gokhan Inler. The fact that Wenger has specifically mentioned the player without shooting down any interest in him says to me that we are showing some interest. The 23-year-old has been linked for a couple of months now, and although Udinese denied that Inler would be leaving the club, the player's agent Dino Lamberti stated at the beginning of the month that he would be meeting with the Arsenal big wigs to discuss any potential move. To me it seems like we just have to agree to personal terms as there is no way Arsene would specifically mention a player in the press without the permission of their club.

Whether or not Inler will join the Gunners remains to be seen but these latest developments suggest that there is definitely some interest, and any transfer will probably be finalised sooner rather than later. If the £8mil fee that's being touted is true than this is an absolute steal.

Idag ser det annorlunda ut. Fredrik Ljungberg, 31, har slutat i landslaget och tillhör inte längre West Ham-managern Alan Curbishley's planer på en startelva.

Som Curtis Mayfield skulle sagt: "Freddie's dead".

I alla fall: "Freddie" är i fritt fall och även om det ryktas om Roma eller Grekland så kan det lika gärna vara det plötsliga slutet på en strålande, men också skadeplågad, karriär.

Kalsongkarriären rycker allt närmare.

(Mer info här också).

Pedro ladrador poco mordedor. El sevillano es incapaz de ilusionar a la afición del Calderón y se gana la fama de fiestero gandul.

"El Atlético me ha valorado de verdad". Con esta insulsa e increíble frase deleitaba José Antonio Reyes a los medios de comunicación en su presentación como nuevo jugador del Atlético de Madrid. Pocos días antes, recordemos, el jugador celebraba con la camiseta blanca una Liga en la que sus dos certeros goles devolvían al Real Madrid el reinado doméstico tras casi cuatro años de sequía.

Corrían las navidades 2003-2004 cuando Joaquín Caparrós, entonces entrenando a un Sevilla que ya daba sus primeros coletazos, y José María del Nido acordaban con el Arsenal el traspaso de un jovencísimo extremo zurdo que parecía no tener techo. Sus sutiles galopadas por el Sánchez Pizjuán enamoraron a un Arsène Wenger, todavía carismático y triunfador, que vino directo a por el utrerano con 35 millones de euros bajo el brazo, una cantidad que superaba las incorporaciones de Beckham y Ronaldinho por Real Madrid y Barcelona, respectivamente. El chaval, con poco más de 20 añitos, se convertía en la venta más elevada en la historia del club hispalense y, seis meses después, levantaba en Highbury la que sería su primera y última Premier League. Pero la nula adaptación a la vida británica y la falta de compromiso que perseguían a Antonio convirtieron el que decía ser su sueño en una pesadilla. El que podía ser su año de consolidación en el norte de Londres se esfumaba en viajes y trayectos largos hacia España en días laborables, noches de fiesta por el sur y caprichos poco recomendables para un jugador que no terminaba de rendir lo que se esperaba. Y, justo cuando parecía que Reyes comenzaba a levantar cabeza, Wenger le mandaba al banquillo en la desgraciada final de París.

De las islas al Real Madrid. El pizpireta andaluz llegó a Barajas sin saber bien quién le había hecho llegar a la capital. Capello quiso demostrar al Bernabéu que su talento era tan intermitente como su rendimiento y hasta el último partido de Liga no sintió el cálido aprecio que el público merengue vertió en sus mágicos golpeos. Sin embargo, a la propia directiva le gustaron poco los saraos nocturnos a los que acudía el futbolista y, pese a insistir en su continuidad, Ramón Calderón nunca estuvo dispuesto  desembolsar por Antonio una cifra superior a los 10 millones, que no llegaron a salir de las oficinas de Chamartín. El Atlético, su segundo recurso, pagó 12 millones que el DT francés recibió con los brazos abiertos. Demasiado premio para tan poco trabajo. En el recuerdo quedan todavía los 35 'kilos' que hace sólo cuatro años desembolsaron los gunners, pensando que se llevaban el mejor tesoro del mundo. De nuevo, otro negocio redondo para Del Nido.

Y llegamos porque hay que llegar, porque realmente en el Atlético, aparte de poner malas caras, de llamar hijo de puta al míster y de no marcar ni un mísero gol en toda la temporada, 'Tano' se encuentra con una segunda oportunidad que le puede dar la vida. El gitano con más calidad de toda España viaja a Portugal para reunirse con Quique. A estas alturas nadie sabe si existe timón para enderezar el rumbo, pero con 25 años su carrera ya no está predestinada a triunfar, pues son muchos los grandes psicólogos del balón los que han desistido en esfuerzo para ganar en salud. Si nunca esperas nada de nadie nunca te decepcionarás.

Elisabet Robles - 06.08.08

Vela has proved to be one of the better players in Osasuna last year and he featured in quite a few matches for that side though they did not do well. He scores, he creates and I would love to see him start on the left in the Premier League or ahead in the Carling Cup. I am sure he will exceed our expectations quite a bit.

Ramsey has also impressed Wenger and in his role in the centre of midfield he has also impressed in the pre-season matches. He will get his chances and I am sure he will give some competition to whoever comes to replace Flamini and also Denilson and Diaby.

The surprise of the season or the Theo of this season is definitely this British dude, Jack Wilshere. He has been the most impressive youngster in the pre-season matches so far and I would like to see him at least a few times in the team to play some important cameo. If he can perform at the highest level nothing like it as we have seen Fabregas take his opportunity with both legs and cement his place. Must have taken Wenger some courage to make this guy wear jersey no. 19(Gilberto) instead of no. 55

I am not including Samir Nasri in this list because he is a certain to start on the left flank for the first team and has been a proven player in Ligue 1. He was their player of the season in 2007 and I hope will score more goals than Hleb whom he has replaced. Looks like Arsene is in the hunt for a holding midfielder to partner Cesc in the middle of the park. It remains a mystery as a lot of names are being discussed. Would it be Gareth Barry or Xabi Alonso or De La Red...god knows and ofcourse Arsene knows...

The 18-year-old French under-19 international has made 18 first team appearances for the Gunners since joining from Monaco in 2005.

But manager Arsene Wenger sees him as back-up for left-back Gael Clichy.

"Everyone at Arsenal is delighted that Armand has extended his contract," said a statement on the club website.

Traore has predominantly been used in the Carling Cup, making 10 appearances in the competition, including starting against Chelsea in the 2007 final.

At 11:58 P.M. on August 31, Liverpool will sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa for about £17m.  At 11:59 P.M., Rafa will, with Football Manager haste, ship Basque ball-winner Xabi Alonso to Arsenal for a sum slightly smaller, with clauses that carry it to £15m.  At 12:01 A.M. on Sept. 1, having outfoxed everyone, Arsene, alone with the midnight oil, will pop in some Jamiroquai and erupt into a super-fly spasm of dance.  At 12:02 A.M., Wenger will straighten his hair, regain his Gallic composure and exit the office calmly.

Fulham have 48 hours to complete a £13m deal for Everton striker Andrew Johnson.  At some point during that process, they may ponder why a striker who scored six goals in the Premier League last season (none against top 11 opposition) is worth more than Arsenal paid for Samir Nasri.

Tottenham will continue bidding against themselves for Andrei Arshavin.  Zenit rejected the £16m bid for the Russian striker, hoping to nudge the astute Spurs board closer to £20m.

North England tailors are twittering, as Djibril Cisse could be heading back to England.  Manchester City will bring the Lord of the Manor of Frodsham on loan next season.  Unfortunately for the tailors, he should already have a powder blue tux from his time at Marseille.

Submitting this article, after my witnessing my Arsenal heroes for the first time in flesh and blood, is quite impossible. Every post, especially this one preceeding the Questions and Expectations post, is undoubtedly analytical. However, the Arsenal buzz that filled the bowl still lives in my fingertips, and it is with this that I shall be casting the points of yearning.

So, what did we learn over the festival that was the Emirates cup? Hamburg won it with aplomp with 3 goals agaisnt Juve, two of those which I witnessed right in front of my eyes strolling in from the Gooner crowds that lingered for the latter action. Apart from that, anything on the opposition is unfair as both Real and Juve will start their domestic campaigns later than Arsenal.

Watching the flow of play if one thing, seeing the attitude and body language with your own eyes is another. And it is this that possibly was the underlying factor for the tournament -  and may be for the season ahead. Theo Walcott bomed forward and drifting on both flanks, however his true lung-pumping bursts came on the right and centre. If Arsene has instructed Theo to drift in and out of position, then I beleive that is something of a mistake. More than three times in the first 45 the Real defence were scared by his pace. Furthermore, it seems no-one is willing to support his bursts - something which will need to be changed if 'scrappy goals' are to be picked up.

"For now he is not a link player between the midfield and the strikers, like Robin [van Persie] can be, and he is maybe, at the moment, a fraction short physically to play as a real target man because there you get bombarded in the air"   Arsene post-match

Samir Nasri also grew on me, and many of the fans (especially in the lower tier, green Quadrant 'Nasri Oh Nasri' they chanted). Physically he tried to dominate the challenges but of course he was expectedly weaker than his opposition. Hopefully, like Eduardo and Sagna, he learns to keep his ground. Nasri's early magic was produced when he clipped a 45 yard cross towards Ade's head, duelly headed wide.

In terms of affection felt by the Gooners, undoubtely it was Theo and Sagna, always enigmatic on his attacks, that take praise. Aaron Ramsey seems to be winning hearts and minds too. To the contrary, one man called Mr.Adebayor was booed when the P.A announcer called his name. Oh, how fans are fickle minded. Within 90 minutes, he spurned at least 3 golden chances and scored the decisive penalty past Jerzy Dudek. Kissing the badge in front the 'North Bankers' , his status can only be reaffirmed if he shows commitment on the field. Some way to go yet, but another season Ade of goals galore, and we'll be eating our hearts out.

On this note, I'd like to say - Premier League - watch out. A schoolboy near you will terrorise your defences. Doesn't matter how big you are, how Julio Baptista you may be, Jack Wilshere's tearing shoulder barging, assiting, shooting manner is certainly going to cause havoc. To the roar of 'C'mon Jack' , the 16 year old, yet to recieve his GCSE results, caused Sergio Garcia and co. huge problems. As a consequence, Wilshere has been promoted to the first team squad, taking Gilberto's squad number 15. After scoring 13 goals in 18 outing in his first year in the reserves last season, Jack is yet to sign professional. However, he may be the first to win a first team appearance without such a contract. If so, a new one must certinaly be on the cards.

And so, I'd like to finish on a note of some queries and expectations for the year ahead. Can regular Gooners at the Grove sing continously please. I certianly do not want to be critical, especially on an experience at a freindly, however for long periods the noise levels dropped far low (although this picked up agian with a thunderous Mexican wave). Lads, just keep up the chanting, who gives a shit about the prawn sandwiches, eh? A mention to go to Eduardo, who waved to the adoring public before the match. His return will be much savoured by everyone, see you soon Eddy !

Season 2008/09 will be a rollacoaster ride of emotions. United will be defending their crown in the twilgiht of Fergie's management, Scolari and Chelski will walk hand-in-hand, whilst Spurs frontline will be lead by Mr.Darren Bent and c*nt ego David Bastardly. the next 9 months are sure gonna be good !