Owner: Lazy Arse - An Arsenal Fanblog URL:http://lazy-arse.blogspot.com Join Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:35:39 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: An Arsenal fanblog which features news, match previews and reviews, and commentary on Arsenal players and style of play. Site statistics:Click here
West Ham vs. Arsenal: Match Review 2007-09-29 11:51:00 Match Preview
Arsenal
remained at the top of the table today as they beat West Ham
thanks to a 13th minute header from Robin van Persie. Manchester United have yet to play, but even if they win Arsenal will be 2 points ahead with a game in hand. Currently, our closest rivals are Manchester City who 3 points behind, having played one more game.
Arsene Wenger's gunners finally broke their bad Read more:Match
Hleb fit, Eduardo out for West Ham clash 2007-09-28 16:04:00 Alex Hleb passed a late fitness test today and will be included in the squad for Saturday's game against West Ham. The Belarussian will be a welcome addition to Arsene Wenger's squad, especially considering his fine form prior to his injury.
Hleb, who has been heavily criticized for attempting to walk the ball into the goal has already scored twice this season, once in the Champions League Read more:Eduardo
West Ham vs. Arsenal: Match Preview 2007-09-27 16:05:00 Arsenal are set to play an exciting match on Saturday as they take on West Ham
, the only team ever to beat Arsenal at the Emirates. West Ham are something of a bogey team for the Gunners, having won their last 4 Premiership meetings, and Arsenal will not be happy if they lose to recently departed Freddy Ljungberb. However, Arsene Wenger's boys will be heavy favorites to win this match, especially Read more:Arsenal
, Match
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I was wrong about Alex Song 2007-09-26 15:01:00 Maybe I was wrong about Alex Song. And I'm not just saying that because it rhymes.
Song was brilliant in the center of defense alongside Philippe Senderos in yesterday's game against Newcastle. The two held out against a strong Newcastle frontline of Shola Ameobi, Obafemi Martins, and Alan Smith; managing to keep a clean sheet (thanks in part to Senderos' clearing off the line).
The Cameroonian
Arsenal vs Newcastle: Match Review 2007-09-25 17:00:00 Match Preview
Arsenal
dominated today's games for long spells, despite only managing to put the game away 2-0 in the final 10 minutes. An 83rd minute header from Nicklas Bendtner broke the deadlock, and Neves Denilson put the game beyond doubt with a superbly taken strike from 20 yards out. Arsene Wenger's younger players have once again proved their worth and will go into the fourth round full Read more:Match
, Newcastle
Poll Results: Almunia should take Lehmann's jersey 2007-09-24 19:38:00 Surprisingly enough, the readers of this blog decided that Manuel Almunia is the best of Arsenal's keepers. It seems as though Jens Lehmann
's blunders (and temper) were enough to turn Arsenal fans away from the angry German.
Results: Who deserves the number 1 jersey at Arsenal?
Jens Lehmann - 42%
Manuel Almunia - 58%
I have to disagree with my readers here. As I stated in my last post on the
Arsenal vs. Newcastle: Match Preview 2007-09-23 14:08:00 Tomorrow will see Arsene Wenger's young guns take on Big Sam's Newcastle
side in the Carling Cup. Wenger confirmed that he will continue to play youngsters and players "who need to get up to full speed" in the Carling Cup, despite the fact that Sam Allardyce always plays his strongest squad even in the 'lesser' of the English cups.
Arsene informed Arsenal
.com as to some of the players we will be Read more:Match
, Preview
Arsenal vs. Derby: Match Review 2007-09-22 11:18:00 Well, I thought that I was perhaps being too harsh on Derby by predicting a 4-0 Arsenal
win, but the young guns proved me wrong, emphatically winning the game 5-0. Arsenal remain at the top of the table thanks to a hat-trick from Emmanuel Adebayor and goals from Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Manuel Almunia; Bacary Sagna, Kolo Toure, Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy; Abou Diaby, Read more:Match
Alisher Usmanov: Friend or Foe? 2007-09-21 15:41:00 Alisher Usmanov, the Russian billionaire who has been rumored to be milling over a possible Arsenal takeover bid, has already lost the affection of many Arsenal fans. Usmanov's lawyers have coerced web hosting companies to take down sites including titles he finds offensive.
Craig Murray, former ambassador to Uzbekistan, has had his site taken down, as has Tim Ireland, the owner of
Arsenal vs. Derby: Match Preview 2007-09-20 18:30:00 Match Review (5-0 Arsenal
)
So here we have it. League leaders Arsenal are ready to take on Derby, a team that has been labeled as the worst ever to play in the Premiership. They have been living up to this label, losing 4-0 to Tottenham and 6-0 to Liverpool and 1-0 to Manchester City in their first three away games this season. They were admittedly given a tough opening schedule, and a visit to Read more:Match
, Preview
Arsenal linked with three youngsters 2007-09-18 17:00:00 The summer transfer window ended with the surprise last-minute signing of Lassana Diarra from Chelsea. Apparently the excitement of this move was not enough to quell rumors linking Arsenal
with other players for the January transfer window.
Talking Soccer today linked
Arsenal with three youngsters who are in the vein of players that Arsene Wenger would sign.
The first of these is Diego Capel, a
Huge Arsenal Turnover Prompts Arsenal Takeover 2007-09-17 18:56:00 Arsenal have overtaken both Chelsea and Manchester United to become the second richest football club in the world, behind only Real Madrid. The move to the Emirates stadium is said to be responsible for £190 million gunners turnover for the 2006/07 season.
With the most expensive tickets in the Premiership, it is not too startling that Arsenal earn a massive £3.5 million a match at the 60,432 Read more:Arsenal
, Turnover
, Prompts
, Takeover
Arsenal vs. Sevilla: Champions League Match Preview 2007-09-16 15:56:00 Wednesday will see Arsenal
play Sevilla
in the first week of fixtures of the 2007 ChampionsLeague
. These two teams are heavy favorites to go through to the knockout rounds, and this encounter should prove to be a scintillating one.
Sevilla, who finished 3rd in Spain's La Liga last season, beat Recreativo Huelva 4-1 today, despite a missed penalty from Alexander Kerzhakov. Alongside Real Madrid Read more:Match
, Preview
, Champions League
Jens Lehmann vs. Manuel Almunia: Who should be Arsenal's number 1? 2007-09-16 06:32:00 Arsenal have only conceded three goals in five Premiership matches and two Champions League qualifiers this season. With such a god defensive record, we have no need to worry about our goalkeepers right? Wrong. Two of the three goals allowed were the fault of Jens Lehmann
's errors, and the third (yesterday against Tottenham) could have been stopped by Manuel
Almunia - albeit with some impressive Read more:Arsenal
Poll Results: Arsene Wenger is the best signing of the summer 2007-09-15 18:27:00 Who was Arsenal's best summer signing
?
ArseneWenger
40%
Bacary Sagna 7%
Eduardo 23%
Lassana Diarra 28%
Well, unsurprisingly the fans have decided that Arsene Wenger was this sumer's most influential signing. I was surprised that of the players, Lassana Diarra recieved the greatest percentage of the vote, seeing as how he has yet to play a
Tottenham vs. Arsenal: Match Review 2007-09-15 10:12:00 Match Preview
Two stunning goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emanuel Adebayor helped Arsenal
to overcome a 1-0 deficit and beat Tottenham
3-1 at White Heart Lane.
Arsene Wenger opted for a different lineup than I expected, opting to play Abou Diaby and Mathieu Flamini in the midfield alongside Fabregas and Alex Hleb. The defense was as expected, Kolo Toure and Gilberto at centre-back, with Gael Read more:Match
Hoyte and Bendtner will both stay at Arsenal 2007-09-14 14:06:00 Arsene Wenger has assured Arsenal
fans that young gunners Justin Hoyte and Nicklas Bendtner
will both be at Arsenal after the January transfer window.
Hoyte had already proclaimed his allegiance to the club, claiming that he would rather fight for a spot in the heavily contested right-back position than go for guaranteed first team football at a lesser club.
Bendtner, however, was more of a
Tottenham vs Arsenal: Match Preview 2007-09-13 13:10:00 Arsenal's return from an international break will begin this Saturday, September 15, as the gunners face Tottenham
at White Heart Lane in the North London derby. The derby between these fierce rivals should be a good game, despite the Spurs abysmal start to the 2007/08 season.
Arsenal have begun the season well, coming into our 5th match tied on points with leaders Liverpool, despite having Read more:Arsenal
, Match
, Preview
Justin Hoyte to fight for a spot at Arsenal 2007-09-12 17:25:00 Arsenal right-back Justin
Hoyte has stated that he would like to stay and fight
for a place at the club, despite stiff competition from Bacary Sagna, Emanuel Eboue, Lassana Diarra and Mathieu Flamini.
The 22 year-old made nearly as many appearances as Eboue last season, but it seems as though he will be missing first team chances this season as new signing Bacary Sagna has been a rock at Read more:Arsenal
Jens Lehmann injured again 2007-09-11 14:53:00 In my last post I stated that Jens Lehmann
would be eligible to play, after returning from injury. However, it seems that Lehmann has suffered from a reaction to the elbow injury he picked up in Germany's 2-0 win over Wales in Euro 2008 Qualifying last Saturday.
Timo Hildebrand is going to replace Lehmann for Germany's friendly against Romania which is to be played tomorrow. It is also unsure Read more:injured
Gallas and Sagna to be back in time for Tottenham clash 2007-09-10 18:03:00 Arsenal captain William Gallas has stated that he is hoping to be fit in time for Saturday's derby against London arch-rivals Tottenham
Hotspur. The French international missed our last 2 games due to a groin injury but his recovery is going well and he is likely to return for Saturday.
Gallas' return will be welcome by Arsenal fans, as we have played the last few games with a makeshift back
Arsenal Chairman to meet Russian billionaire 2007-09-10 14:22:00 Arsenal Chairman
Peter Hill-Wood has claimed that "the major shareholders have no intention of selling and wouldn't welcome an offer." However, he has publicly stated that he is going to meet Russian
billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who has reportedly been contemplating an Arsenal takeover move.
Usmanov, who recently bought David Dein's 14.58% share in Arsenal, seems to be interested in taking over Read more:Arsenal
Arsene Wenger Promises Arsenal Trophies 2007-09-09 19:32:00 Now that ArseneWenger
has finally signed his new deal many are hoping to see Arsenal
compete for some major silverware for the first time since 3 seasons ago. Wenger is among these, and feels that with the backing of the club's board of directors he can help Arsenal to some serious silverware.
He assured Arsenal.com that he has the board's backing saying, "I have had many moments when I have Read more:Promises
Arsenal Internationals in Euro 2008 Qualifying 2007-09-08 18:45:00 Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky were both on target in their countries ties against Estonia and San Marino respectively, as Arsenal
players made a significant contribution to their side's Euro Qualifying efforts.
Rosicky, the Czech captain, headed in for the opener against San Marino, continuing his goalscoring form after a parried shot ended up coming to him. The Czechs went on to win the game 3-0.
Arsenal's Internationals: Who will be in action this week 2007-09-08 12:01:00 William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Lassana Diarra, Abou Diaby - Gallas and Sagna have both been called up for Raymond Domenech's France squad for this week's European Qualifiers against Scotland and Wold Cup winners Italy. However, with Gallas suffering from a groin injury and Sagna from a back injury, it is unlikely that either will see playing time. Lassana Diarra is likely to play at least some Read more:Arsenal
Usmanov Still Interested in Arsenal Takeover 2007-10-03 18:36:00 Alisher Usmanov, the disliked Russian billionaire who has been linked with Arsenal
takeover talks, has finally admitted that he is interested in taking over the club.The Metalloinvest and Red and White owner had previously stated that he only wanted to raise his stake to 25% of the club (he currently owns 23%), but he has now admitted that he would jump at the chance to launch a takeover bid.Any takeover would likely be hostile, seeing as how the clubs board of directors (who together own 45% of the club) has stated that they will not sell their shares for at least one year. However, Usmanov says that he would only buy at a reasonable price, and if Arsenal's top shareholders agree to sell.Having already bought David Dein's shares at market price, and other shares at far over their value, it seems as though the Russian businessman may be planning a takeover quite soon.He is unlikely to succeed though, as Arsenal are currently the second biggest earners in club football, thanks in larg Read more:Takeover
Steaua Bucharest vs. Arsenal: Champions League Match Review 2007-10-02 15:46:00 Match PreviewArsenal
became the first team to beat Steaua Bucharest
in Romania today, thanks to a left-footed goal from Robin van Persie. The gunners kept their top spot in Group H on six points, three points ahead of nearest rivals Sevilla (who we beat 3-0 at the Emirates) and Slavia Prague. Steaua are on the bottom now, having yet to win any points.The victory was hard-fought, and it seemed at points as though a goal would never come. Steaua defended brilliantly, with Eugen Baciu performing especially well. Nonetheless, a pull-back from Emmanuel Adebayor (who had been a doubt for the game) resulted in a Robin van Persie goal, securing three points for Arsene Wenger's boys.Lineups:Steaua Bucharest: Robinson Zapata; Eugen Baciu, Ifeany Emeghara, Petre Marin, Ionut Rada; Nicolae Dica, Banel Nicolita, Petre Ovidiu; Valentin Badea, Adrian Neaga, Romeo SurduArsenal: Manuel Almunia; Bacary Sagna, Kolo Toure, Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy; Alex Hleb, Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini, Emmanue Read more:Champions
, League
, Match
, Champions League
Flamini Is Finally Stepping Up 2007-10-01 15:54:00 Arsene Wenger's undeniable genius was enough to earn him a contract extension until the 2010/11 season, and it's not hard to see why the Arsenal board were happy to keep him at the club. Under Wenger's tutelage, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires were all transformed from struggling players into terrifying French wonders.However, Wenger doesn't do everything right, and many Arsenal fans thought that Mathieu Flamini was one of his few mistakes. When Arsenal signed the 20 year-old midfielder from Marseille, he had only featured in 14 games for the team, and while he was unproven, the club had faith in Wenger, and expected great things of his new signings.Fast forward two years to last season. Flamini was still seeing some time on the field, but many criticized his performances, applauding only his incredible work-rate. Flamini was a good squad player, but no more, and many were disappointed by him.This season, however, it seems that Flamini is finally stepping up. Maybe Read more:Finally
, Stepping
Four Players Doubts For Arsenal Champions League Clash 2007-10-01 15:02:00 Arsenal have four players who are doubts for tomorrow's ChampionsLeague
game against Steaua Bucharest.Alex Hleb, Mathieu Flamini, Abou Diaby, and Emmanuel Adebayor are awaiting late fitness tests before Arsene Wenger names his squad for the away tie. All four have made the trip to Romania, but it is yet to be seen if any or all of them will play tomorrow."Alex Hleb will travel," Wenger told Arsenal.com. "We tested him for a check on his bone and a decision will be made tomorrow over whether he will play or not. "Emmanuel Adebayor will travel but we will make a decision on him as well. It looks a little less good than it did. Mathieu Flamini has a knock on his groin. Abou Diaby has a knock on his ankle so we need to check on them.The injuries to Hleb, Flamini, and Diaby will leave Arsenal light in the midfield, with Cesc Fabregas and Gilberto the only fit midfielders who usually receive spots in the starting 11. If none of the three are fit for tomorrow's game, Wenger may be forced t Read more:Arsenal
, Players
, Clash
Steaua Bucharest vs. Arsenal: Champions League Match Preview 2007-09-30 12:20:00 Match ReviewThis Tuesday Premier League
table-toppers Arsenal
face off with Romania's second place team Steaua Bucharest
. Arsene Wenger's young guns will go into the match full of confidence, riding a streak of 8 straight wins in all competitions.The Gunners are first in Group H, following a convincing 3-0 victory over Spanish side Sevilla. Steaua are on the other side of the table, having lost their opening match to Slavia Prague 0-1. They will face a tough challenge against the talented Gunners, who have yet to lose a game this season.Arsenal are heavy favorites to win both Tuesday's match against Steaua and Champions
League Group H. However, their task will be made a bit more difficult due to the absence of Alex Hleb, who was injured in the 1-0 win over West Ham yesterday. Other players who will miss the match are William Gallas, Tomas Rosicky, and Jens Lehmann, although all are set to come back some time soon, after their long-term injuries.Edit: Hleb, Adebayor, Flamini and Diab Read more:Match
, Champions League
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