Arsenal 2 - 0 Porto

Arsenal.com : Arsenal 2 - 0 Porto

Arsenal controlled yet another game and came out of it with a worthy 2-0 win. Henry scored a carbon copy of his goal against Sheffield United with a powerful header from another superb Eboue cross. Hleb finished Porto off with a well worked goal. Gallas' input in the build up to the goal was essential, he made a powerful run to the edge of the area and played the ball to Henry who in turn found Hleb on the edge of the box. Playing like this Arsenal will be a powerful force in Europe yet again this season.

On a negative note William Gallas went off with what seems to be a strained hamstring in the final minutes of the game. Not really surprising given his effort in the game and his overall lack of matches this season. Let's hope that he's back soon though!

Gallas goal, Arsenal win and next up Porto

Arsenal.com : Gallas - Why I always felt Arsenal would come good

A good 3-0 win over Sheffield United saw William Gallas score his first goal and Henry hit more of a scoring rhythm. It was also good to see the defence keep a clean sheet. Next up Porto in the Champions League. It looks likely that the top spot in the group will go to Arsenal or Porto so this game will be very important.

Live on ITV 4. Boring old ManUre are on ITV 1 playing against Benfica. Nice choice ITV, thanks a million!

Arsenal Reserves take on Portsmouth

Arsenal Res vs Portsmouth Res

Denilson will make his debut tonight for the reserves alongside the exciting Fran Merida and Theo Walcott. These are 3 players who will no doubt feature in Arsenal's first team one day so it'll be worth keeping an eye on them.

Interesting Statistics on the Wenger vs. Ferguson Matches

Arsenal.com : Wenger v Ferguson - a complete record

Thanks to Adebayor Wenger is ahead by 1 win! It's plain to see why these games are so interesting to watch!

Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal : Football wins the day

BBC SPORT : Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal

How many times have Arsenal gone to Manchester and scraped out a result? A number of times. How many times have we gone to Manchester played well and lost? Too many times. Yesterday however we played really well and won, even after missing an early penalty.

Yet again we dominated a Premiership game and for long periods it looked like we'd not get the 3 points we deserved but Adebayor made sure of all 3 points with a sweet finish for a superb Fabregas setup.

Rosicky nets scorcher against Hamburg

Yes that goal last night was sweet but he scored another cracker against Hamburg last March:

Grimandi Classic

Hamburgers tonight, Cesc for another 8 years, Bendtner off and Walcott to play.... possibly

Arsenal start the group phase of their Champions League campaign tonight with an away game against German side Hamburg. Henry is out, groan, with a foot problem so Wenger is toying with the idea of playing 4-5-1. If he does that then there is a chance that Walcott will start on one of the wings. Not sure who would play up front, Adebayor perhaps!? I'd like to see Lehmann, Rosicky and Hleb taking the lead against German opposition. They all came from the Bundesliga so they should know a little about how to play against this side. However Arsenal play they'll be lining up in a changed strip, not just in colour but in design. UEFA don't allow two teams to face eachother wearing the same sponsor so 'Fly Emirates' will be replaced on Arsenal's shirts with 'Dubai'.

In other news:

Nicklas Bendtner continues to make headlines, this time for getting sent off in Birmingham's 2-0 win over QPR. The win takes Birmingham top of the Championship, good news since 3 Arsenal lads are on loan there.

Great news coming out of Arsenal today is that Cesc has agreed at an 8-year contract extention! 8 years! Sweet! He's going to be a key Arsenal player for years to come and it's great to see the club signing him up on an extended deal. Kind of flies in the face, ba boom, of Ashley 'write a book' Cole's revelations about Fabregas possibly being the player who launched the pizza at Ferguson. What a joke.

Fran Merida inspires Arsenal Reserves comeback

Arsenal Reserves 2 - 2 Spurs Reserves

Fran Merida was the cream of the crop with an assist and a goal from a free-kick.

It's really, really sad to see a once great player lose his mind!

ESPNsoccernet : Cole spares no-one with 'tapping-up' revelations

Cole is seriously out of his mind!

Bendtner scores again as Blues win

Arsenal.com : Loan Watch: Bendtner scores again as Blues win

Bring him back to Arsenal ASAP! Then flog Adebayor!

Seriously though Bendtner is looking more and more like the real deal.

Cole... not greedy...! haha!

BBC SPORT : Arsenal board let me down - Cole

Check this out:

"The club made Thierry feel wanted and special, wooing him, wining and dining him, speaking in public about how much they wanted him to stay, going on a deliberate charm offensive, but me? I didn't have one dinner, one meeting or one phone call from anyone. That's not sour grapes, it's just a sad truth. The truth is that the Gunners had done nothing all season to hold on to me."

Ashley, here's the truth, you're not even half the player Thierry Henry is. Live with it!

Agent Zahavi behind transfer plan

BBC SPORT : Agent Zahavi behind transfer plan

Remember my recent post about Corinthians not knowing who owns who in their squad!? This is the guy who supposedly owns the right to Corinthians midfielder Carlos Alberto.

This player transfer cartel needs to be looked at by FIFA urgently!

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Arsenal 1 - 1 Middlesbrough

Goan! That's all I can say for that. All will be forgiven with wins against Hamburg and United. I'm not holding my breath though.

Arsenal require a good win today

Arsenal vs Middlesbrough

Arsenal's starting line-up:

• 01 J Lehmann
• 27 E Eboue
• 05 K Toure
• 20 J Djourou
• 10 W Gallas
• 13 A Hleb
• 04 F Fabregas
• 19 G Silva
• 08 F Ljungberg
• 11 R Van Persie
• 14 T Henry

It looks to me like Wenger has decided to go with the bext XI based on form. Can't wait to see the impact Baptista and Rosicky can have coming off of the bench against a tiring 'Boro! Walcott is not on the bench, his place is taken by Julio Baptista. After Everton beat Liverpool 3-0 Arsenal really need to get a good result today to get back in the hunt for the title.

Where to play Gallas?

Arsenal.com : Wenger ponders where Gallas could play on Arsenal debut

Looks like Gallas could be making his Arsenal debut at centre-back tomorrow. I think that's the best position for him but over the course of the season it's probably not his best position from the team's point of view. Until Gael Clichy is back we really don't have a real left-back in the squad. Wenger has open admitted, what we all knew, that Justin Hoyte is a right-back playing on the left. Flamini did a good job at left-back last season but he's no left-back. I cannot see Toure moving to left-back, although some media hacks seem to think it'll happen. The last time and only time he played left-back he was sent off within 20 minutes! Not an option.

Lauren we he returns could play left-back. He's a right-back but he's more 2 footed that Hoyte. I can't see anyone dislodging Eboue right now but pressure on his place will be good for him.

So where does that leave Gallas? I think he'll fight for a centre-back role alongside Toure. Senderos will be highly motivated to compete for that job too. When Eboue, Toure, Senderos and Gallas are all fit then I think all 4 will line-up in that order.

It's an interesting problem and one that won't go away until a genuine left-back emerges.

Here we Cole again!

Sky Sports : Chelsea chasing Bendtner

Frank Arnesen Chelsea's head of football something or other has been keeping an eye on Arsenal's young Danish striker:

Bendtner is the only player from the Danish national team who is good enough to play for Chelsea.

Only one problem Frank! He's an Arsenal player! Of course that won't stop Chelsea from tapping him up, unsettling him and then signing him to sit in the reserves. Great! Lets hope Arsenal have taught this kid well and he won't desert us like one Ashley 'Chelsea' Cole.

Also what's up with William Gallas' dress sense?? In fact by the look of it dress might be the right word for it!

Corinthians to invite Bush for a visit

Gazeta Esportiva.Net : Corinthians

Oh man what a mess at Corinthians! Now Aberto Dualib, the club president currently here in London, has invited Neil Bush to visit. How does he know the US president's brother? Via Boris Berezovski, one of the investors in MSI. Bush says he's a Corinthians fan! Yikes!

Anyhow the confusion between MSI and Corinthians rumbles on. Corinthians are trying to get rid of Kia Joorabchian as their contact at MSI. The relationship has broken down entirely with Kia. As yet he's not been able to talk to the investors about it though. What his is asking for is more money from MSI. Corinthians have spent twice what MSI have given them. Great!

Then theres the question of who owns which players at the club (West Ham fans had better prepare themselves for this fun and games!). Roger belongs to Corinthians because Corinthians paid for him by selling their defender Anderson to Benfica in return. Carlos Alberto, ex-Porto, not even the club director knows who he belongs to! He thinks he belongs to Global, an Israeli investment group headed up by Pini Zahavi. But Dualib confirmed on thing about Carlos Alberto:

"He's got a good head and won't abandon the club." (A clear reference to what's gone on with Tevez and Mascherano).

What a mess!

RVP goals vs Belarus

Walcott on target as England U21 beat Switzerland

BBC SPORT : Switzerland U21s 2-3 England U21s

So that's 2 games and 2 goals in the U21s for Theo Walcott. His goal tonight helped England on their way to an important 3-2 victory. Judging by England's performance against Macedonia it won't be long before Theo is back in the senior side. Yet with MacLaren in charge anything is possible. So where was that storming Downing performance!? Yawn, yawn, yawn.

What was anything but boring was Northern Ireland's amazing 3-2 win over Spain. After going behind twice this game showed a lot about N. Ireland's character and Spain's soft underbelly. Surely David Healy should be playing in the Premierleague. He's a decent striker with a good international record.

McClaren expects Downing to shine

BBC SPORT : McClaren expects Downing to shine

Shock!

Arsenal XI 3 - 0 BEC Tero Sasana

Arsenal.com : Arsenal XI 3 - 0 BEC Tero Sasana

Arsenal's players who aren't out on international duty took part in a friendly against Thai champions BEC Tero Sasana today. The game was held in conjunction with a number of other events associated with the links between Arsenal and Thai football.

Song scored one of the goals. The other scorers were not mentioned.

Updated Squad Numbers

According to the official Arsenal website our new signings will wear the following shirt numbers this season:

9: Julio Baptista
10: William Gallas
15: Denilson

I wonder why Gallas is wearing the number 10 shirt vacated by Bergkamp and now the number 3 shirt as worn by Cole? 10 seems like a strange number for a defender. Also the selection of the 15 shirt for Denilson highlights that he's been bought in to be a member of the first team not a reserve or youth player. Wenger obviously has high hopes for him. Finally Julio Baptista as our new number 9, that's really exciting. He's got all the tools to be a power forward.

Almunia's England dream

Sky Sports : Almunia's England dream

Come on Manuel! You need to concentrate on your goalkeeping first!!!

Os Gols do Carlitos Tevez

Gallas motivated against Chelski

BBC SPORT : Gallas 'issued own-goal threat'

If you compare the way Chelsea have 'handled' Gallas' departure with the way Arsenal have handled Cole's departure... well there is no comparison. Gallas never met with any other clubs, he simply wanted to leave after having come to the end of the road at Chelsea. What does he get in return? Once he's left Chelsea have started hurling accusations at him. Very professional. I don't care if he did threaten to score an own goal. The club shouldn't make that public, it's a total lack of class. Or as Gallas put it:

"All this is very, very petty on behalf of Chelsea. But at the same time, coming on behalf of its new leaders, that does not surprise me. Even if Chelsea has much money, its new leaders lack class."

Now compare that with Arsenal who have wish Cole the best of luck after his move to our rivals. Yes they've treated Cole with respect even though he's been totally disrespectful to the club. He spoke to Chelsea while under contract. He has stirred up bad feeling and has now tried to cash in on it in his new book.

Cole and Chelsea are well suited for eachother. Meantime Gallas will surely be very well motivated to get one over on his old club.

Denilson: 'He's tough, technically good and has lots of stamina'

Arsenal.com : More about Denilson

The BBC's Brazil reporter, Rodrigo Cuelo, made some interesting comments about our new signing. This one caught my eye:

"I would compare him to Elano, who scored twice against Argentina on Sunday. Like him, Denilson has started out as a central midfielder but looks like he will gradually play further forward and be more of a creative player."

Arsenal have signed a number of gems this summer. Denilson & Merida seem to be 2 of the most promising midfielders, lets hope they follow in Cesc's footsteps.

Gilberto welcomes new arrivals

Sky Sports : Gilberto welcomes new arrivals

The arrival of Denilson and Julio Baptista brings Arsenal's Brazilian contingent back up to 3. This is especially good news for Gilberto who as vice captain now holds a lot of influence in the team. Gilberto is a key player. A player who when he'd playing well will keep the team ticking over. If he's happy then the midfield should be stronger.

Baptista gets a warm welcome as Brazil thrash Argentina

Arsenal.com : Baptista takes Emirates bow as Brazil beat Argentina

Yesterday afternoon I pulled on my Brazil shirt, opened some cold Brahmas and sat down to enjoy Argentina vs Brazil at the Emirates. Gilberto played for the full 90 minutes and Baptista made his Emirates Stadium debut as Brazil gave Argentina a well deserved beating. Argentina dominated portions of the game but Brazil looked dangerous and posed real goal threats. As if to highlight the difference a number of clear Argentinean chances went wide of the goal.

I'm surprised that the TV commentators didn't notice the hard time Tevez was getting from the Brazilian crowd, many of whom were Corinthians fans. There's no love lost there, his departure wasn't exactly glorious.

The standing ovation from the Arsenal fans for Julio Baptista was wonderful. His only major contribution was a dribble down the right wing which led to a free kick. He's so big and strong that he's bound to be a handful. He looks the total opposite of Reyes. His powerful running should add something to Arsenal's play that's for sure.

After having played at the best stadium in the country Brazil head across north London to play at White Hart Lane against Wales.

Brasil vs Argentina & £2m for Arsenal

Today is a great chance for Gooners to check out Dunga's new Brasil and the Argentinians, Tevez and all, while also enjoying the beautiful Emirates Stadium.

The game kicks off at 4pm. If you're not lucky enough to be there then catch it live on BBC 1. Arsenal fans will be keen to see if Julio Baptista can get a chance to play.

Corinthians low in spirit

ESPNsoccernet : Corinthians low in spirit

A pretty damning article about the state of play at Corinthians:

"What can you say about fans who confuse passion with madness and who not infrequently invade the pitch to berate players for making mistakes or attack them during their off time?

What can you say about fans who one week lauded Tevez as the saviour and then booed him the next simply because he dared answer his critics?

What can you say about fans, 38 percent of whom said in a poll that the best thing about the transfer window was seeing the back of the Argentines?"

While it's plain to see the Dualib, Os Gavioes and MSI have made a mess of Corinthians it's wise to take a look at the underpinnings of Brazilian football. For that I recommend Alex Bellos' wonderful book 'Futebol, The Brazilian Way of Life.'

Bendtner scores as Denmark beat Portugal

ESPNsoccernet : Denmark v Portugal Report

So that's 2 senior games for his country and 2 senior goals. Nicklas Bendtner is turning out to be a pretty amazing prospect. He's scoring goals for his country and he's scoring goals for Birmingham, where he's on loan until January. Let's hope he can score some goals for the Gunners in 2007.

Arsenal confirm Denilson signing

Arsenal.com : Arsenal swoop for Brazil Under-19 skipper

Confirmation of an exciting deal.

Baptista - Why I want to win trophies straight away

Arsenal.com : Exclusive: Baptista - Why I want to win trophies straight away

Back to our other Brazilian signing:

“For me personally, I haven’t won anything for some time,” he said on Friday afternoon. “It is my hope that I can win a title with Arsenal this season

“Arsenal is one of the best clubs in Europe. I am very happy to be given the opportunity to come here, where I know the manager a little.”

Some people, including me, have wondered if he'll really be up for this move. From what he's saying it seems like he really is up for it. Also it's good that he'll get a chance to taste the Emirates Stadium this Sunday when Brasil face Argentina.

One thing is for sure! Julio Baptista will be a whole lot more motivated that an unhappy Reyes or a grumpy Cole!

Denilson news direct from Sao Paulo FC

Here's the news report from Sao Paulo:

Arsenal oferece um Lugano pelo volante Denílson

Here's a translation:

Even though he's not played for Sao Paulo in the last few months Denilson, the young midfielder has attracted interest from Europe. In the last few days Arsenal have shown an interest in the player.

What has please Sao Paulo has been the good offer made for the player, 2.5m euro. Since Sao Paulo are a club who develop players they will not only gain this money but also a possible 5% of any future deal.

"Yes we've had an offer from Arsenal" said the club director of football João Paulo de Jesus Lopes.

Denilson is the typical sort of player that Arsenal look for. He's a promising youngster who has always played in the Brasilian youth teams. He's been ever present in the under 20s. He also has a good reputation off of the field.

All in all this looks like a very promising deal indeed.

Arsenal sign Sao Paulo's young defensive midfielder, Denilson

Arsenal faz boa proposta por volante Tricolor - Fanáticos por Futebol
(Arsenal make a good offer for Tricolor defensive midfielder)

It's believed that Arsenal have signed Sao Paulo's 18 year old defensive midfielder, Denilson. He's also the Brasil under 19 captain. Looks like he cost around 2.5m euros. He was in the Sao Paulo squad that beat Liverpool in last years FIFA Club World Cup. He also played a part in Sao Paulo's victorious Libertadores campaign this year. Currently Sao Paulo are leading the Brazilian Championship. This by all accounts constitutes another possible Wenger bargain. We'll be keeping an eye on this kid.

West Ham in 'exploratory' takeover talks with MSI

ESPNsoccernet : West Ham in 'exploratory' takeover talks

Shock Horror!

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ANR's Myles Palmer has spotted the same thing I noticed about the pace at the back with Toure & Gallas.

Gallas & Toure have recovery pace, Baptista can be new Dean Ashton

Couldn't agree more about his Oligach comments either.

Is Wenger about to go 4-3-3?

Arsenal.com 'He is immensely powerful and scores goals from midfield'

Spanish journo Inigo Gurruchaga had this to say:

"He is not particularly quick and I can't really see him as a striker, he is more effective as someone who takes up very good attacking positions from midfield."

Arsenal now more than ever have players who like to come inside rather than hug the touch line. We have players now who would really suit a 4-3-3 style system. It'll be interesting to see how the team plays over the coming weeks, it'll give us an idea of what Wenger has in mind.

With Gallas, Djourou and Toure Wenger has some of the quickest defenders in the Premierleague. I'm still not sure about the balance or the depth of our defence though. We're also badly exposed in the goalkeeping department.

Let's hope that Man U's lack of striking depth comes back to haunt them otherwise we'll be fighting for 4th again!

Baptista

After signing 3 Brazilian Arsenal have finally signed a Brazilian striker. Julio Baptista could be Arsenal's missing link. Can't wait to see him playing in the side.

The question still remains though:

"Is selling Campbell, Cygan and Cole enough to strengthen our defense?"

Baptista knows how to score a goal or two...

William Gallas/Ashley Cole deal confirmed

Arsenal.com : William Gallas/Ashley Cole deal confirmed

£5m + Gallas for Cole.

MSI show a "new' face

I feel that this aricle deserves to be made available for English football fans. What follows is a translation of the original article in Portuguese by Raul Flávio Drewnick of Gazeta Esportiva:

The days that came before the closing of the internation transfer window exposed a new controversy and a diversification of the tentacles of MSI around the world. Within Corinthians, the company is accused of only bringing in players who belong to clubs who are friends of Kia Joorabchian. The new signings almost always come from the same countries or clubs: Argentina, Portugal, Sao Caetano and Atletico-MG.

Things have changed and this time two players from Italy (Amoroso and Cesar) have been signed by Corinthians. Magrao is also the first player to arrive from Japan since MSI took control of the football department at Corinthians.

More than ever the investment fund under the control of the Iranian has become an international network for the transfer of players. Officially Corinthians are the only club who have funding with the company. Yet many clubs which have friendly ties with Kia Joorabchian and his investors are finding it easier to obtain players contracted with MSI. Flamengo, for example, received the goalkeeper Bruno more or less on a plate this Thursday.

West Ham are the other proof of this. In 2005 the club received an offer from MSI to form a relationship similar to the one in place at Corinthians. The negotiations didn't progress but, surprise surprise, Carlitos Tevez and Mascherano have arrived as mega signings at this small English club.

River Plate are the other club where MSI have a free reign. After buying Mascherano, Luch Gonzalez, Maxi Lopez from the club, MSI have also contracted Gonzalo Higuain this Thursday.

It's not only the transfer of players, MSI have recently made a bid worth $25m to buy the right to market River Plate around the world. In return, the company of Kia also hope to receive a small percentage of the transfer of players, when they leave the club.

The offer brought the presdient of River Plate, Jose Maria Aguilar, to London. He spent a week being informed about the deal, while Alberto Dualib (Corinthians's president) negociated new terms for his old contract. Over the next few days the parties will surely return with news for their respective fans.

Media Sports Investment & the West Ham stars

Media Sports Investment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

If you want to know how it is that players like Carlitos Tevez and Javier Mascherano can end up at a club like West Ham (the same way they ended up at Corinthians) then look no further than MSI.

While you're thinking of MSI also make a note of this name: Boris Berezovsky. It's become increasingly clear that he's the main man behind the millions that MSI have invested in players.

Don't stop there however. Take a look back at this news. It all becomes quite clear how players of Tevez & Mascherano's stature can be transfered from Corinthians to West Ham.

The fall out from this deal in Brazil is pretty big too. MSI have upset Corinthians fans with this handling of the deal. While Corinthians fans are also upset at the manner of the exit:

As TV Gazeta described their exit as "Pela porta dos fundos, como sempre!" (Out by the backdoor, as always!).

Baptista to Arsenal as Reyes joins Real Madrid

Arsenal.com : Baptista to Arsenal as Reyes joins Real Madrid

So it's not a loan deal after all, thank goodness! Here's Wenger's view of the deal:

"Julio Baptista will be a great addition to our squad. He is a powerful young international and is a versatile footballer who can operate both in midfield and as a striker. He has shown his potential over the past few seasons in Spain with both Real Madrid and Sevilla and we’re looking forward to him joining us. While welcoming Julio we would like to wish Jose the best of luck for his time in Spain."

So that's that then. Arsenal have also confirmed that Pascal Cygan has moved to Villarreal. No word on the Cole/Gallas deal yet.

Gallas & Baptista

A quick guide to help you spot our new boys:

Julio Baptista:

William Gallas (without the horrid Chelsea shirt):

Man! This picture is ancient!

"14 nil to the Arsenal!"

Arsenal 14 - 0 Fulham

Now if only the men's team could playing with such goalscoring prowess.

Cole for Gallas + £5m

BBC SPORT : Blues beat deadline to sign Cole

Well it went through in the end but you have to feel that Arsenal got the raw end of this deal. At least we managed to get Gallas who's an excellent signing for the club. I don't think left-back is his best position so it'll be interesting to see how things pan out. One thing is certain, Ashley Cole will now be widely hated not only by Arsenal fans but by honest fans of football. The way he's engineered this move has been nothing short of disgusting.

Oh well at least it's over now.

We await further news regarding other deals that may have been signed by Arsenal.

Welcome to Arsenal Gallas & Baptista.

Goodbye Reyes & Cole.