[size=6]Szczęsny on stand by to start against United[/size]

Wojciech Szczęsny is on stand by to replace compatriot Łukasz Fabiański at Old Trafford tonight, with the 25-year-old poised to have a late fitness test on a trouble some groin problem.

Arsène Wenger suggested Fabiański would be a doubt for the clash with Manchester United last week, highlighting a groin problem in his press conference after the Partizan Belgrade fixture. However, the firm impression was that he would make it, with the Frenchman remaining hopeful.

The Sun newspaper claims Łukasz has failed to prove his fitness and Wenger will instead hand a baptism of fire to Szczęsny. The claims are backed up by a suggestion Wojciech made on his Twitter page, claiming he is “prepared for Rooney”. The 20-year-old has played three times for Arsenal, all in the Carling Cup, and has three clean sheets.

If Fabiański fails to be involved, it could open the door for rookie stopper James Shea to be on the bench. Manuel Almunia is fit and available for selection but he has expressed his desire to seek a transfer elsewhere and is not being considered as an option. Almunia is thought to have returned to England from Spain this weekend after meeting his agent to discuss a January move.

Should Szczęsny start, it would be his first Premier League appearance for the club.
http://younggunsblog.co.uk/2010/12/szczesny-on-stand-by-to-start-against-man-utd/

Report: Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal were knocked off the top of the Premier League table after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Monday night.

The goal had more than a touch of good fortune about it. Nani’s cross deflected on to the head of Ji-Sung Park four minutes before half-time, though the Korean’s reaction was razor-sharp.

Manchester United also missed a second-half penalty when Wayne Rooney blazed over the bar.

Those were the major moments of the game. In between them, there was little to split the sides. Arsenal’s performance was combative and controlled. Though we have said it before, on another night they would have gleaned something from the game.

Yes rookie keeper Wojciech Szczesny made more saves than Edwin van der Sar but this is Old Trafford and the volume of the travelling Arsenal fans at full time suggested they still had pride in their side after this evening.

A fifth defeat of the season is a big blow to Arsenal’s title hopes but this performance means they can still claim that very quality - hope – for the remainder of the campaign.

The stand-out team news was the selection of Szczesny in goal. Lukasz Fabianski had damaged his hip in the final seconds of the win over Partizan Belgrade last Wednesday and so his compatriot took the gloves for the first time in a Premier League game.

Cesc Fabregas had been out with a hamstring problem since the 2-0 defeat in Braga last month. He was a significant doubt in the days before this game and began on the bench.

Otherwise Wenger shuffled his squad as he has done throughout the past month.

This game was an opportunity for Arsenal. They came to Old Trafford as the Premier League leaders but had yet to attain the kudos of a side with true title aspirations. That would change with a win this evening.

In the first half, they would never really find a fluency and would lose a goal but they were always competitive.

In the eighth minute, Van der Sar’s quick clearance found Rooney. The England striker turned sharply and his deflected shot was clutched by Szczesny with Park in close attendance.

The play was pretty even but the chances – such as they were - went to the home side.

Midway though the half, Darren Fletcher’s cross was aimed towards Rooney but Sebastien Squillaci intervened. The Frenchman’s header was weak and found Nani on the right of the area. His volley flew inches past the far post. It was by far the clearest chance of a tense opening quarter.

Just before the half-hour, Manchester United had a major shout for a penalty. Nani swung a cross over from the left and, as Chamakh stooped to nod the ball clear, it only brushed his head but hit his hand. Referee Howard Webb waved play on. Just as he had when Rafael blocked off Chamakh in the area earlier on.

Arsenal were holding their own but had not created a chance worthy of the name. Yet Manchester United were hardly carving the visitors apart.

In fact when they took the lead four minutes before the break, it required a healthy portion of luck.

Nani drove in-field with Clichy in close attendance and tried to cross the ball. His effort deflected off the Frenchman but Park reacted quickly and guided a header over Szczesny. It dropped agonisingly beyond the Arsenal keeper and into the net.

In a tight, fiercely-contested game, it was a huge moment. Arsenal went into the break feeling slightly aggrieved.

Tomas Rosicky thumped a cross-shot just wide in the opening moments of the second half. And, after Alex Song had nodded Rooney’s ball across his own goal and over the bar, Nasri fired across goal only for Van der Sar saved at the near post.

Arsenal had upped the ante but Manchester United had been breaking quickly all night with long ball over the top. With the visitors chasing the game, this played into their hands.

In the 54th minute, Rooney fed Anderson and the Brazilian’s toe-poke was wonderfully batted away by Szczesny. His best save of the night so far.

A couple of minutes later Van der Sar made his first real stop. Nasri’s low cross-shot was turned into the path of Chamakh by the Dutchman. For a second the Moroccan had the goal at his mercy but Nemanja Vidic slid in to block as the Arsenal striker prodded a shot towards goal.

Wenger brought on Fabregas and Robin van Persie for Wilshere and Rosicky. The away side were now pushing down the pedal but, when the Dutchman just failed to scramble home Sagna’s cross, you sensed it was not to be Arsenal’s night.

Anderson fired just wide with the right back lying prostrate after a high challenge from Rio Ferdinand.

Then, in the 72nd minute, Manchester United should have killed the game. On the right of the area, Nani tussled with the sliding Clichy. The Portuguese winger dragged the ball back on to the hand the Frenchman was leaning on and the assistant referee indicated a spot-kick. It was the fifth penalty awarded against Arsenal in their last eight trips to Old Trafford.

Often they are decisive but this one was missed. Inexplicably, Rooney thundered his effort high over the bar from 12 yards.

It was the impetus Arsenal needed and Wenger added pace to his side by replacing Arshavin with Walcott.

But, as the seconds ticked by, Manchester United were defending deep and making the better chances on the break.

From one, in the 88th minute, Rooney tried to chip Szczesny. The Pole stretched his huge frame and batted the ball aside.

In final seconds of normal time, Walcott’s drifting cross was headed away from Van Persie by Ferdinand at the far post.

Manchester United were now closing the shutters and Arsenal could not prise them open.

There was one final half-chance when Chamakh nodded on and Walcott blazed over the bar.

But, despite a decent performance, this was just not Arsenal’s night.
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3329058/first-team/manchester-united-v-arsenal?tab=report

[size=6]Preview: Arsenal - Stoke City[/size]

By Richard Clarke

After the events of the past week, it is not something you can really shout about but Arsène Wenger believes his side will still “have their say” in the title race this season.

Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Manchester United in a massive match last Monday. A victory at Old Trafford would have sent them four points clear at the top; as it turned out, they were leapfrogged by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

The critics sharpened their knives as the visitors toiled. Although the scoreline was narrow, they argued, there was a wide discrepancy between the sides on the night.

Whatever your viewpoint, it was Arsenal’s fifth defeat in the Premier League while Manchester United remain unbeaten. However Ferguson’s record will be under one of its greatest threats this season when they visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Manchester United are without a win in their last nine games at Chelsea and, should they lose, Arsenal could finish the weekend back on top of the Premier League.

Of course they will have to beat Stoke at Emirates Stadium to have any hope of that. But the situation just goes to prove that this is a season in which opinion will shift and re-shape on a regular basis.

“I am surprised that you are surprised,” said Wenger on Friday when asked about the possibility of going top once more.

“Yes, we were disappointed because we lost at Manchester United but we have an opportunity to go back to winning habits at home.

“We were on a good run before Manchester United. But we lost 1-0 and it was difficult to swallow but we have to accept it.

“What is positive is if you look overall at our situation, we are still in a strong position because we still play Chelsea, Man United and Man City at home. Liverpool as well.

“So more than ever, we will still have our say in this League.”

But the Chelsea v Manchester United game is certainly seen as pivotal. Earlier in the campaign, even Wenger admitted Carlo Ancelotti’s side could run away with the title. In the last two months they have stumbled while Ferguson’s side have muddled their way back to form. When they meet this weekend, the Arsenal manager would like to be peering down on the pair of them from the top of the table.

“What I want to see is us winning the game on Saturday and then I can watch the game on Sunday in a relaxed way,” he said.

“Let's see what happens,” he replied when asked for a preferable result. “Maybe a draw but what is really important is we win our games.

“You cannot always speculate on the results of others. You only have a chance to do well in the League if you win your own games.”

With a name like Wojciech Szczesny, Arsenal’s young Polish keeper is hardly a headline-writer’s dream. But if he keeps on performing like he did on his debut at Old Trafford, then they will be forced to stretch their grey matter.

Wenger will be happy to retain him for Stoke but, on Thursday, Lukasz Fabianski was 80 per cent fit. If he regains the final 20 he will play. Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are available but, despite returning to full training, Abou Diaby, has only a minimal chance of making the bench.

Nicklas Bendtner is about to become a father so he may not be involved. Manuel Almunia is out with a new ankle problem.

This is Stoke’s first visit to Emirates Stadium since the game last February in which Aaron Ramsey’s leg was broken by a tackle from Ryan Shawcross. Understandably the issue was a high priority in Wenger’s pre-match press conference but the manager was anxious to play down fears of lingering animosity on the pitch and asked for respect from the stands.

Stoke’s defeat to Blackpool last weekend ended a run of five games without defeat. For a while it appeared that Tony Pulis’ side were suffering a bout of “third-season syndrome” but after 17 games they have 21 points – exactly the same as last season when they finished a creditable 11th.

Stoke came into the Premier League with an uncompromising reputation but, according to Wenger, they are evolving.

“I think they have improved on the footballing side so they are a dangerous team for anybody,” he said.

“I certainly think they are offensively more dangerous than before because they have Kenwyne Jones, Ricardo Fuller, Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington.

“They are very dangerous on the flanks, with good crosses, and in the middle. When you play against Stoke you know you will need a very solid defensive game.”

And that is something Arsenal have lacked at home on occasion this season. While the defeats at Manchester United and Chelsea have been used as measuring sticks, Wenger’s men would be well clear at the top if they had not lost to West Brom, Newcastle and Tottenham on home soil.

Victories over Wigan and Fulham have got them back on their feet at Emirates Stadium. But if the patient is still unsteady then Stoke are the type of side to punish any over elaboration in front of goal. Not that Wenger sees that as a major problem right now.

“We did not lose the game on Monday night because of that,” he said. “But because, defensively, Man United exploited some of our positions on long balls. It was not necessarily down to the fact that we were too over elaborate in our game.

“I admit there is more of a danger of that at home. You always want to make the right decision when you are on the ball. Sometimes it is to take your chance. But I personally believe football suffers much more from people who are selfish than people who over elaborate.”

The working week started with Manchester United and ended with Barcelona in the Champions League draw. These are two major names in world football – but Arsenal are another. Despite an ongoing failure in ‘big games’, going top of the table will always cure any remnants of an inferiority complex.

No-one’s claiming Wenger’s side are perfect right now but, if they beat Stoke they are top. If Chelsea beat Manchester United they will stay there for Christmas.

Clearly, Arsenal can be beaten this season but they can't be ignored.

[size=6]Arsenal v Stoke - MATCH POSTPONED[/size]


Barclays Premier League
Saturday 18th December 2010
Kick off: 3pm - Emirates Stadium

MATCH POSTPONED

Further to a huge deluge of snow in north London starting over Emirates Stadium at 11.38am, the match referee Lee Mason made the decision at 12.07pm to postpone today’s match.

Approximately three inches of snow fell over this half hour period and there continues to be heavy snowfall with no apparent let up.

All tickets purchased for this match will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.

Details of the rearranged fixture will be communicated in due course.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-v-stoke-update-for-supporters

[size=6]Ryo Miyaichi to join Arsenal in January[/size]


Arsenal Football Club is delighted to confirm that Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi will be joining the Club in January 2011.

Everyone associated with the Club wishes Ryo, 18, well in the forthcoming All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, where he is representing Chukyodai Chuyko High School.

Once the national championships are concluded, Ryo will join up with his new team-mates in London.

Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said: “I am delighted Ryo will be joining us in the New Year.

"He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world.

"I look forward to helping him fulfil his potential here at Arsenal.”
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/ryo-miyaichi-to-join-arsenal-in-january

[size=6]Liam Brady full of praise for Johan Djourou and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas[/size]

Arsenal’s Head of Youth Development Liam Brady believes many players who came through the youth section of the Club will very soon be extremely important for the senior squad.

Writing on the Club’s official website about those who made the step up from youth to senior football, the Irishman explained how they never really knew the preferred position of Swiss International Johan Djourou as he was comfortable both as a centre-back but also as a defensive midfielder in front of the back four.

On the 23-year old, Brady added how he is improving all the time and how finally he is enjoying a good run in the regular side after completely recovering from injury.

The 54-year was also full of praise for striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who according to many will soon make it into Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven. On the Englishman, Brady said how he is one who can produce something from nothing revealing how there were initial plans to utilise him as centre-back which were however dropped as soon as the youngster started to dribble his way past opponents in his own penalty area.

On the two Arsenal players, Brady said:

"Johan was just 16 when he played against Southampton, we lost 2-0 at home in the Fourth Round. We never quite came to a definite conclusion on what his best position was when he was in the Academy.

He could play defensive midfield or centre-back, and now he has developed into a really good centre-back. He’s improving all the time, and his form lately has been really good. In many ways though he was a bit of a late developer, and he had bad injuries too which set him back. But just a couple of years after playing in this Youth Cup game he was playing at the World Cup Finals, so he was always talented.

Jay captained the Youth Cup winning team of 2009. We had a really good team that year, but Jay was super-influential. He’s another lad who I think will go to the very top of the game. He’s a goalscorer – he got four in that 2009 season – and he can produce something from nothing. I think he has found his best position now under Neil Banfield, in that roving role on the right side of the attack.

The first team’s formation could suit him. He’s been here since a very young age. Always a big lad, and at first we had ideas that he could be a really good footballing centre-back, but he just loves attacking so much. He was dribbling the ball in his own goalmouth, so we had to move him forward! He’s got a super left foot, a great range of passing and a fine shot. The nearer he is to the opposition goal, the better he is."
http://www.thegunninghawk.com/2010/12/19/liam-brady-full-of-praise-for-johan-djourou-and-jay-emmanuel-thomas/

[size=6]Loanees: Ramsey struggles as Botelho and Lansbury star[/size]

Welcome to this weekends Loanees Watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium. You can read all the latest reports below.

Henri Lansbury played the full 90 minutes for Norwich City as they beat Coventry City 3-1. Lansbury was involved in Norwich’s opening goal, being part of a move that led to Grant Holt scoring his first of two goals.

Aaron Ramsey played the final 16 minutes of Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Ramsey came on and slotted straight into central midfield, but struggled to get involved. Billy Davies spoke after the game, telling the media he was reluctant to play Aaron due to the poor pitch conditions.

Vito Mannone played the full 90 minutes and kept another clean sheet as Hull City beat Bristol City 2-0. Mannone was largely untroubled, but did enough to put off Jon Stead in the final moments, as he blazed a close range shot over.

Kyle Bartley played the full 90 minutes at centre back as Sheffield United ended their poor run of form with a 1-0 win over Swansea. Bartley turned in a brilliant display, winning several headers and tackles.

Sanchez Watt was not included in the Leeds United squad that beat Queens Park Rangers 2-0.

Benik Afobe was not in action this weekend as Huddersfield Town’s fixture was postponed.

Cédric Evina was not in action this weekend as Oldham Athletic’s fixture was postponed.

Thomas Cruise was not in action this weekend as Carlisle United’s fixture was postponed.

Mark Randall will return to Rotherham on Monday after recovering from a broken cheek bone.

Gavin Hoyte was not in action this weekend as Lincoln City’s fixture was postponed.

Francis Coquelin played the full 90 minutes for Lorient as they were thrashed 3-0 by Toulouse. Coquelin returned to the team in his usual holding midfield role, but struggled to make an impression as Lorient were easily defeated.

Armand Traoré played the final moments of Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Chievo. Traoré, who played well against Manchester City in the Europa League in midweek, replaced Simone Pepe in stoppage time.

Nacer Barazite played the final 21 minutes of Vitesse Arnhem’s 1-1 with NAC Breda. Barazite came off the bench in place of striker Marcus Pedersen.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes for FC Cartagena as they beat Las Palmas 5-2. Botelho turned in another classy shift, drawing a booking and then playing a part in two goals, one in-directly, the other directly, crossing from the wing for the fifth goal.

Samuel Galindo was not in action this weekend as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken ankle.
http://younggunsblog.co.uk/2010/12/loanees-ramsey-struggles-as-botelho-and-lansbury-star/

[size=6]Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen expected to return from mystery Achilles injury in January[/size]

Vermaelen has seen a variety of specialists for an injury that has prevented him from playing for Arsenal since Aug 28, but there is now considerable hope that the problem is being solved by the use of a protective boot.

With Arsenal’s defence having again proved vulnerable at critical moments and with only one clean sheet in their last eight matches, there is a sense that their chances of success this season — particularly in the Champions League tie against Barcelona – will depend on the recovery of Vermaelen over the second half of the season.

Barcelona certainly delivered another warning to Arsenal on Saturday night by beating Espanyol 5-1 in La Liga.

“Overall the injury situation looks quite positive,” Wenger said. “We think Thomas Vermaelen can return in January. Abou Diaby is back in full training.

“Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie have had more minutes on the pitch and are getting better and better.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8212771/Arsenal-defender-Thomas-Vermaelen-expected-to-return-from-mystery-Achilles-injury-in-January.html

I don't remember Lansbury going on loan :? :lol:

[size=6]Wenger - Lansbury will be an Arsenal player[/size]

Henri Lansbury has the ability to make it at Arsenal, according to Arsène Wenger.

The midfielder broke into the first-team squad at the beginning of the season and scored in the Carling Cup win at Tottenham in September but did not make another start before joining Norwich City on a short-term loan move.

Lansbury has shone for Paul Lambert’s side in his four appearances so far but Wenger believes he can, and will, end up playing at a much higher level.

“For me, Lansbury will be an Arsenal player,” said Wenger. “He is doing extremely well [on loan].”

Another Arsenal midfielder out on loan is Aaron Ramsey but he has been frustrated by the weather since joining Nottingham Forest. “Ramsey’s bad luck was that he went [on loan] and the games were cancelled,” said Wenger.

“So we don’t get the games we want, but he is doing well.”
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-lansbury-will-be-an-arsenal-player

No place for Chamakh or Arshavin :? Would have preferred Djourou coming in for Koscielny rather than Squillaci.