[size=6]Bendtner and Gibbs back for Birmingham[/size]

The real Nicklas Bendtner is back, according to Arsène Wenger.

The Danish striker is not only fit for the first time this season and set to be named in the squad for Birmingham on Saturday but his manager believes he is back to his best shape since last November.

Kieran Gibbs is also fit after a calf injury while Theo Walcott (ankle) could be involved if he comes through Friday’s training session.

Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Manuel Almunia (elbow) are nearing returns while Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) and Bacary Sagna (thigh) are estimated as “ten days” away.

Robin van Persie (ankle) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) will not figure until next month. However, overall, Wenger’s mood was upbeat when he updated Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon.

“We have some good news because for a while we've had only bad news,” he said. “Nicklas Bendtner is back in the squad and Kieran Gibbs is back too.

“Let’s not forget that since last November Nicklas has produced here and there but never had a consistent presence because of his injuries.

“Apart from the fact he went to the World Cup we have not seen the real Nicklas Bendtner for a long, long time. He is the closest he has been to his best for a while. He was really, really handicapped by groin problems but they have gone now.

“Theo might be involved on Saturday as well. He has normal training tomorrow. I might put him in the squad. I will see how he is but he looks very, very sharp. The only uncertainty is his ankle but he might be involved.

“Cesc is very, very short and unlikely to be involved [on Saturday]. He has a little chance for Tuesday.

“Sagna is ten days, Vermaelen is ten days, Almunia is a question of days but Van Persie looks to be a bit longer.”
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/172203/ladies/arsenal-ladies-v-zfk-masinac?tab=report

[size=6]Arsenal Ladies Champions League: Arsenal 9-0 ZFK Masinac[/size]

By Giuseppe Muro

Arsenal Ladies are through to the last 16 of the Women's Champions League after completing a 12-1 aggregate victory over ZFK Masinac with a comprehensive 9-0 victory at Boreham Wood on Thursday afternoon.

An enthusiastic crowd of just over 300 was treated to a goal fest as a brace from Kim Little and goals from Rachel Yankey, Ellen White, Gemma Davison, Jordan Nobbs, Jayne Ludlow and an own goal gave the Gunners a comfortable win.

In all honesty it was too easy for Laura Harvey’s side as they showed their superior technical quality and physical strength to dominate the Serbian champions.

Harvey gave home debuts to summer signings Steph Houghton and Ellen White as Arsenal set up with White as a lone striker though Yankey and Davison were willing supporters from both flanks.

The Serbian side started nervously and the floodgates opened after 18 minutes when Yankey opened the scoring. The England international had already been denied twice in the opening quarter of an hour before she eventually got her reward. White beat Hristina Sampanidis on the right and when her low cross was missed by goalkeeper Allysa Clark, Yankey had the simplest of tap-ins to put the Gunners in front.

The lead was doubled after 22 minutes as Little and White combined brilliantly. White picked up the ball inside the area and played a neat one-two with Little before placing her shot into the far corner. The floodgates began to open.

Four minutes later Arsenal, or should I say Little, scored a third. The Scot received the ball in the middle of the Masinac half and with very little on decided she would go it alone. She dribbled her way past three defenders before calmly slotting a left-footed shot under Clark to increase the lead further.

Three minutes before half time Little got her second and Arsenal’s fourth. Davison got the byline before pulling the ball back to on the waiting Little 12 yards out. She had time to steady herself before drilling a shot into the net. If they weren’t already in control then the Gunners certainly were now.

Harvey’s side were dominating possession and controlling the pace of the game while the Serbian side offered next to nothing as an attacking threat with Marija Radoyicic a lonely figure in the Arsenal half.

The rain started pouring down as the second period got underway though it would take more than that to stop the Gunners' onslaught.

After 52 minutes Davison made it five with a spectacular curling effort. Little worked a short corner well and Davison's finish would rival her team-mate's individual goal from the first half. Davison let the ball run through her legs to beat a defender before finding the top corner with a wonderful 20-yard strike.

Three minutes it was six. Yankey crossed from the left and after some suspect attempted clearances, half-time substitute Nobbs was on hand to fire home.

Nobbs somehow managed to head over from a yard before the already tired Serbians were reduced to ten players when Ivana Kostic was shown a second yellow card with 19 minutes still to play.

With 11 minutes left Little had the chance to grab her hat-trick when she went one on one with Clark inside the area. Unselfishly she opted to square the ball for Davison and when Masinac defender Hristina Sampanidis slid in to cut the ball out she diverted it into the net to make it seven.

Substitute Danielle Carter made it eight when she finished well from Davison’s cross with five minutes remaining.

Ludlow added a ninth in injury time and, thankfully for the Serbians, Russian referee Marina Mamayeva called time on the game

Spanish side Rayo Vallecano await Harvey’s side in the next round in what promises to be a much tougher test for the Gunners.
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/172203/ladies/arsenal-ladies-v-zfk-masinac?tab=report

good news :)

By Chris Harris

Aaron Ramsey has a smile on his face again, according to Arsène Wenger.

The Wales midfielder suffered a double fracture to his right leg at Stoke in February and has spent the past eight months on a gruelling rehabilitation programme. But finally there is light at the end of the tunnel - Ramsey is outdoors working with a ball and was recently earmarked for a late November return by his manager.

Wenger has supported the 19-year-old throughout his recovery and admits that Ramsey has had to overcome mental as well as physical obstacles. But the Frenchman is delighted to report that the highly-rated midfielder has a spring in his step once more.

"He is back running and he is back kicking the ball," Wenger told Arsenal.com.

"You would be amazed if you saw him in training, he has suddenly in the last month made a huge step forward. If I consider now when I look at him, you see his smile again.

"He has changed since six months ago because he has the feeling that the worst is behind him and everyday he is getting closer to what he wants to be, and that means being a football player."

Having dealt with the shock of such a traumatic injury and handled the physical strains and stresses of recovering his fitness, Ramsey now faces a different frustration – he must be patient as his manager eases him back into the first-team picture. Wenger insists that is perfectly natural.

"He comes from so far that certainly he had deeper doubts in his mind," he said. "Now he knows that again he will be a football player he wants to hurry up and make it happen as quickly as possible.

"But just for him to have the ball again and to be outside training is a fantastic sensation."

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-ramsey-has-a-smile-back-on-his-face-

[size=6]Miquel - I am growing into a leader[/size]

By Giuseppe Muro

While Cesc Fabregas is recovering from a hamstring injury, another Spanish captain within the Club is continuing to establish himself - not only as a high-quality defender but also as a leader.

Ignasi Miquel has come a long way since moving from Spain when he was just 16 years old. As a sign of how highly regarded he is within the Club, this season he has been appointed skipper of Neil Banfield’s Reserves.

England now feels like home to Miquel and he admits he is growing in stature day by day.

“I remember when I came here I couldn’t talk and I was lost. But now I’m trying to talk and tell people what to do. I’m trying to help them when they are playing,” he told Arsenal.com.

“I’ve adapted now to [life in] England. It was quite hard but now I feel comfortable and I feel like it’s my home now. I’m happy to be here and now I just want to keep working hard and maybe one day get the chance to show that I am good enough to play for the Arsenal first team.”

Miquel, who turned 18 at the end of September, likens himself to a compatriot who was on top of the world during the summer.

“I play like Gerard Pique from Barcelona,” he said. “The same happened to him, when he was young he came here. We are both quite tall and we both like playing the ball out from the back.

“I like to play the ball and go in strong for challenges. I just want to win. I think I’m a winner, I always give 100 per cent for every game.”

The honour of being given the armband isn’t one that rests lightly with Miquel and he knows the responsibilities that come with the job.

“I’m so happy that Neil gave me the chance to have the armband and I’m not going to disappoint him. I’m going to keep working and show that I can [make it].

“I know that I have to work 100 per cent every day and give everything when I play. I just want to get into the first team. I’ve had the chance to train with the first team to show the boss I can be there and if he gives the me the chance I’m going to show what I can do.”
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/miquel-i-am-growing-into-a-leader

Just read those exact words in Arseblog. Had some serious deja vu happening there!

Edited by #4_fabregas: 11/10/2010 08:54:55 PM

Another injury.

Surprise surprise.

Bacary Sagna is apparently out for something like 3 weeks with a thigh problem. Luckily we have Eboue as back up which means he will be filling in at RB for the next few games and thankfully he will be playing in the only position he should play for us.

"Arshavin, stop hiding behind the ball!"

[size=6]International Watch: Wins for Arshavin, Rosicky and Wilshere[/size]

Eleven members of the Arsenal first team have been called up by their countries for the upcoming international fixtures and Arsenal.com will bring you a digest of all the games featuring the Gunners.


Tomas Rosicky
Czech Republic 1-0 Scotland, October 8
Liechtenstein v Czech Republic, October 12
Tomas Rosicky played the full 90 minutes as Czech Republic beat Scotland 1-0 on Friday night. Roman Hubnik scored the only goal of the game after 69 minutes to give Rosicky’s side the win. They now travel to face Liechtenstein in Vaduz on Tuesday.
Player Profile - Andrey ArshavinRussia

Andrey Arshavin
Ireland 2-3 Russia, October 8
Macedonia v Russia, Octber 12
Andrey Arshavin played the full 90 minutes and helped Russia to a 3-2 win over Ireland in Dublin on Friday. Arshavin’s side were two goals to the good at the break thanks to strikes from Alexander Kerzhakov and Alan Dzagoev and went further ahead when Roman Shirokov scored five minutes into the second half. Robbie Keane and Shane Long pulled two goals back to make it a nervy end to the night – but Russia held on for a good away win. They welcome Macedonia to Skopje on Tuesday.



Jack Wilshere
England Under-21s 2-1 Romania Under-21s, October 8
England v Montenegro, October 12
Jack Wilshere played 90 minutes before being substituted in stoppage time as England Under-21s beat Romania 2-1 on Friday night. In front of a packed house at Carrow Road, Wilshere set up the winner seven minutes from time when he flicked the ball to Chris Smalling to find the roof of the net from a yard. "We did well and it’s important we got the win. It’s going to be tough over there [in Romania] so it’s good to get a good win tonight," Wilshere told Arsenal.com. "I’m joining up with the senior team now so I wish all the boys here the best and hope they do the job." The 18-year-old now joins up with the Fabio Capello's squad for a game against Montenegro.
Player Profile - Henri LansburyEngland

Henri Lansbury
England Under-21s 2-1 Romania Under-21s, October 8
Romania Under-21s v England Under-21s, October 12
Henri Lansbury was an unused substitute as England Under-21s beat Romania 2-1. "I was disappointed not to get on but the boys put in a good performance," said Lansbury after the game at Carrow Road. "Hopefully I can get on on Tuesday, that's my aim to get on the pitch and make up for today. Jack [Wilshere] did well, he got on the ball and starting making things happen like he does in training." He will now travel Botosani for the return leg on Tuesday night.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/34863/international-watch-

not really, france could almost fill their entire starting XI with our players :p

A bit random this is

...so arsenal are still playing despite the international break, romania on the weekend then luxembourg midweek...

:p

[size=6]International Watch: Eleven Gunners on duty[/size]

Eleven members of the Arsenal first team have been called up by their countries for the upcoming international fixtures and Arsenal.com will bring you a digest of all the games featuring the Gunners.
Player Profile - Bacary SagnaPlayer Profile - Abou Diaby

Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy
France v Romania, October 9
France Luxembourg. October 12
The Arsenal trio have been called up by French coach Laurent Blanc for two Euro 2012 Group D qualifiers against Romania and Luxembourg. Romania visit Paris on Saturday night before Luxembourg travel to Metz on Tuesday.
Player Profile - Tomas RosickyCzech Republic

Tomas Rosicky
Czech Republic v Scotland, October 8
Liechtenstein v Czech Republic, October 12
Tomas has been called up by Michal Bílek for Czech Republic's Euro 2012 Group I qualifiers against Scotland and Liechtenstein. They welcome Scotland to Prague on Friday night before travelling to face Liechtenstein in Vaduz on Tuesday.
Player Profile - Jack WilshereEngland

Jack Wilshere
England v Montenegro, October 12
Jack has again been called up to Fabio Capello's England squad for the Euro 2012 Group G qualifier against Montenegro on Tuesday.
Player Profile - Andrey ArshavinRussia

Andrey Arshavin
Ireland v Russia, October 8
Macedonia v Russia, Octber 12
Andrey has been called up by Russian manager Dick Advocaat for the upcoming Euro 2012 Group B qualifiers. Russia face away trips to both Dublin and Skopje where they will face Ireland and Macedonia.

Player Profile - Emmanuel EboueIvory Coast

Emmanuel Eboue
Burundi v Ivory Coast, October 8
Emmanuel has been called up by manager François Zahoui for an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi in Bujumbura on Friday.
Player Profile - Marouane ChamakhMorocco

Marouane Chamakh
Tanzania v Morocco, October 9
Marouane has been called up for an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Dar Es Saalam on Saturday.
Player Profile - Henri LansburyEngland

Henri Lansbury
England Under-21s v Romania Under-21s, October 8
Romania Under-21s v England Under-21s, October 12
Henri has been called up by Stuart Pearce for England's European Championship play offs against Romania. The first game of the two legged tie takes place at Carrow Road, Norwich on Friday night before the return leg in Botosani on Tuesday.

Player Profile - Wojciech SzczesnyPoland

Wojciech Szczesny
Poland Under-20s v Germany Under-20s, October 10
Wojciech has been called up to the Poland Under-20 squad for a friendly against Germany on Sunday.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/34863/international-watch-

[size=6]Henry Watch: Red Bulls clinch playoff spot[/size]

New York Red Bulls 1-0 kansaS city wizards
Saturday, October 2
Red Bull Arena – Harrison, NJ

After a knee injury forced him to miss the Red Bulls’ 2-0 victory at LA Galaxy last week, Thierry Henry was rested and ready to go when the Kansas City Wizards visited Red Bull Arena on Saturday. It was a key game for New York, as a win or draw against the Wizards would secure them a spot in the MLS playoffs.

The game got off to a fast start for New York with Dane Richards’ sixth minute goal – his fourth in the last five league matches. Kansas City responded by attacking throughout the first half and put up 14 shots on goal.

But the Red Bulls came close to adding a second late in the first half when Henry set up Juan Pablo Angel in the area, but the Colombian striker’s right-footed effort was saved by the Wizards’ Jimmy Nielsen.

The Wizards came out for the second half looking for a quick equalizer, and came close on a Kei Kamara free-kick. Kansas City continued to dominate the game, and again piled on more pressure in the 56th minute, but New York keeper Bouna Coundoul managed to make the key save.

Henry had one more opportunity a few minutes later, when he broke forward into the Wizards area. He dodged Kansas City’s Jimmy Conrad with a quick cut-back from his left foot, but his shot sailed wide of the mark.

That would be about it for both Henry, who was substituted in the 74th minute, and for the Wizards, who had only more scoring opportunity in the game.

The win lifts the Red Bulls above Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference, and more importantly guarantees them a spot in the MLS playoffs. Only three games remain in the regular season.
http://www.arsenal.com/usa/news/news-archive/henry-watch-red-bulls-clinch-playoff-spot

[size=6]Chamakh wins September Goal of the Month[/size]

Arsenal fans have voted Marouane Chamakh's strike against Braga as our September Goal of the Month.

The Moroccan star exchanged passes with Jack Wilshere before finishing expertly to give Arsenal a three-goal lead in their opening Champions League match in Group H. They went on to win 6-0.

Marouane's first European strike for the Club received 19 per cent of the votes to win our monthly award.

It was a close run thing though. Carlos Vela's goal against Bolton, following a marathon build-up, claimed 16 per cent of the votes while Cesc Fabregas' freakish strike at Sunderland was just behind in third.

Click the PLAY button on the image above to watch all of Arsenal's goals from September.

Look out for our October Goal of the Month clip at the end of this month.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/free-video-september-goal-of-the-month

[size=6]Has Squillaci broken an Arsenal record?[/size]

Sebastien Squillaci became the latest man to captain Arsenal when he led the Gunners out for their London derby at Chelsea on Sunday.

But did the French defender break a Club record in the process?

Squillaci, a summer signing from Sevilla, captained Arsenal in only his sixth appearance for the first team.

We're trawling the record books to find a player who achieved that honour in fewer games for the Club - with the exception of Arsenal's first ever captain.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/has-squillaci-broken-an-arsenal-record-