ARSENE WENGER - NO MORE HICCUPS

PORTSMOUTH manager Avram Grant believe his side need to keep going and make use of their home ground advantage at Fratton Park  a fortress in their coming games starting against Arsenal tomorrow night.

He said, the Blues must start to make up ground in order for them to survive and playing against team in the likes of Arsenal they must make full use every opportunity even a half chance or  they will severely punished.  

Meanwhile Arsene Wenger is likely to miss the services of their captain Cesc Fabregas for the trip but hopes the injury will not be serious one.So is Denilson he is still doubtful with his back injury.

GREAT STUFF BY FABREGAS

ARSENAL captain's Cesc Fabregas gave a splendid performance by scoring two goals in their 3-0 win against rivals Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium to stay on course for the Premier League Title with league leaders Chelsea and title holders Manchester United.

Aston Villa working very hard indeed without the ball to force Arsenal making unforced error looks like to continue extending  their fine run from seven matches after  a scoreless first half.

But once Arsenal favourite son's came in. It took him just 27 minutes for the midfielder to stamp his authority in the Arsenal engine room, from then on Martin O'neill  side were made to look second best, torn apart by the young Spaniard that brought Villa superb run came to an end.

Cesc Fabregas introduction by Wenger  in 55th minute was an inspiration for the home side to set the Emirates Stadium alive with his deft touches and stringing the passes  in the central midfield to dictate the play in great fashion.

First he was brought down heavily by Richard Dunne just outside the box. From the free-kick he bend the ball perfectly over the wall to give Villa's keeper Brad Friedel absolute no chance in the 65th minute. The Emirates Stadium then erupted when he burst through the visitor defence to finish off Theo Walcott through pass with simplicity and precission  much to stun the visitor. 

Despite the two goals, the Spaniard was immediately taken off  by Arsene Wenger as for precaution measure  for any further damage when he was caught limping after scoring the second goal with Welsh international, Aaron Ramsey taking over . Late in the match, midfielder Abou Diaby  continued his fine form against Hull completed Aston Villa misery to seal the match with a stunning strike just outside the box. It was his second goal in two games

Less but no least also need to mention hats of for Thomas Vermalaen who combines well with Gallas at the back made a great effort in keeping Aston Villa two frontman Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey at bay. 

With the win, Arsenal are in third spot with 38 points, four behind Chelsea (42) and three points behind Manchester United (40) who also registered a 3-1 win over Hull City in second place. With a game in hand the Gunners could squeeze in between the two to set a pulsating finish come into the new year.Job well done ..Arsenal is coming.   

 

ARSENAL- A MUST-WIN AGAINST VILLA GREAT CHANCE TO CLOSE THE GAP

ARSENE Wenger and every Gunners fans should know it - a must-win against Villa at the Emirates tonight would be Arsenal best Christmas present to put them just four points behind but with a game in hand before they moved into the new year after pacesetters Chelsea drew 0-0 against Bimingham on Saturday.

With title holders Manchester United playing a bit late against Hull City tonight , Arsenal cannot afford  to have another slip up cause they way things are going rights on path they way the would have wanted it to be.But it easy to say than done cause Martin O'neil men are no pushover. They are currently lying fourth with the same number of points with Arsenal and this season they could pose a serious threat against the Big Four.

Manchester United defeat at home against Villa should be given a real thought what they are capable off not to remind Arsenal home 2-0 defeat at the Emirates last season with Agbonlahor scoring two goals. So if Arsenal win tonight then it will be a quite interesting quest for the league title to confirm that they ready to battle for the prestigous trophy.

With or without captain Cesc Fabregas you must do it. No more excuses without Robin Van Persie and Fabregas Arsenal looks pale shadow and not the team they used to be be. Showed them you can beat the odd.  

So come on U Gunners grab the chance... its now or never... show your stuff.. long live beautiful football..who dare to say beautiful football can't win titles.

ARSENAL STILL IN THE HUNT

ARSENAL edge Hull City 3-0 to move back in contention for the Premier League Title after league leader Chelsea drew 1-1 against West Ham while title holders Manchester United suffered a shocked 3-0 defeat to Fulham.

Visiting Hull, hopes to repeat their feat in their historic 2-1 win at the Emirates last season resort to the same tactical approach-tight at the back and rely more on physical contact  which did made a huge impact early in the fist half.  

Arsenal playing without their captain Cesc Fabregas in midfield struggle throughout the match. Their free flowing football were totally nowhere to see. The home team got a lucky break when they were generously rewarded a late free-kick by the referee, Steve Bennet just before half-time.  Brazilian born Denilson quick to capitalise and scored.

The goal did brought relief to the Arsenal side who was under tremendous pressure in the first half. They began to look more confident in the second period. Injury prone Abou Diaby then showed he is back in business play his part in the build up for Arsenal two goals. First he set up for Eduardo  to tap in and later  put his name on the scoresheet when he struck a powerful drive into the net for Arsenal's third.

But it was Arsenal goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia performance was the turning point when he made a splendid save to deny Geovanni spot kick (pix left) after Mikael Sylvestre alleged bringing down Hull's striker Craig Fagan in the box. If the Brazilian spot kick had gone in, it would have certainly a different story with the tie still level at 1-1.

With the win, Arsenal still remain in the third spot on 35 points the same number of points with Aston Villa in fourth place after they secured a  precious 1-0 win against Stoke City. 

ARSENAL BLEW UP

ARSENAL blew their chances to stay close on Premier League leaders Chelsea and Manchester United when they drew 1-1 against Burnley at Turf Moor last night. A below par performance by Arsenal saw them level on points with Aston Villa but still remain in third place with better goal difference.

The Gunners made two changes from the side in their 2-1 win against Liverpool. Denilson replace by Abou Diaby and Armand Traore with Mikael Slyvestre but once again Arsene Wenger's side looks pale shadow of themselves from the previous game.

Only captain's Cesc Fabregas did showed some zest in the side. The  Spaniard put  Arsenal infront as early in the 10th minute but once the Spaniard went off it was totally different Arsenal and this time they must thank the men in black, the bar and post from suffering a shock defeat.

It was an intriguing Burnley side as they always try  to win at home in which they nearly did. Despite going down early in the first half by Ces Fabregas goal they claw back and won a penalty which Alexander easily finished it off to level the score.

In the second half Arsenal's without Fabregas in midfield the Gunners always look second best. His replacement Aaron Ramsey find some difficulties in holding the much more physical contest against the home side.

Theo Walcott still lack of confidence struggling to stamp his mark on the right flank not suprisingly he was taken off by Wenger for Eduardo whom did not do much better either than his replacement. Burnley shoud have taken the lead when Alexander burst on the right rifled a shot past Almunia but was deny by the post.

Arsenal was lucky, a mistake by Almunia saw hardworking Fletcher sneak in from behind to tuck home but the striker was flag for offside by the linesman. 

Deep into injury time William Gallas had a golden opportunity to score but the defender headed it straight into the diving arms of Brian Jensen. Surely it must be a frustrating night for Arsene Wenger to watch his side fails in their attempt to win the match with such unpredictable kind of performance. Come on guys..u lot seems like to do the hard way rather than simple way.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

16TH DECEMBER

SUNDERLAND               (0)     VS         ASTON VILLA                           (2)

BRIMINGHAM CITY        (2)     VS         BLACKBURN ROVERS                (1)

BOLTON WANDERERS   (3)     VS         WEST HAM UNITED                   (1)

MANCHESTER UNITED   (3)     VS         WOLVEHAMPTON WANDERERS  (0)  

MANCHESTER UNITED defeated Wolves 3-0, drew level on points with Premier League leaders Chelsea while Aston Villa moved up to third above Arsenal with 32 points. United goalscorers Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Antonio Valencia while Aston Villa's Emile Heskey and James Milner.

Meanwhile high riding Birmingham City climb up to six spot when they edged Blackburn 2-1. Cameron Jerome scored two goals for City and Blackburn's Ryan Nelsen got the consolation. In another match Bolton send trouble West Ham packing with a 3-1 win. Ivan Klasnic scored two goals and Gary Cahill for Bolton while Alessandro Diamanti scored for West Ham.        

SUPER ASHA-NAL

TRIUMPHANT Arsenal moved up step closer to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea and Manchester United with a hard fought 2-1 away win against Liverpool at Anfield yesterday, to throw the race for the Premier League title wide open. The Gunners trailing by a goal in the first half stormed back after the break with two goals to secure a famous win in front of the Kops fans.

Russian's Andre Arshavin who scored an incredible four goals in their premier league encounter at Anfield in their 4-4 draw last season got the winner for Arsenal with an absolute stunner sending Liverpool further down the league table to distrupt Rafael Benitez's title challenge and their ticket to Europe.

Liverpool lead by Fernando Torres upfront in his first league appearance after injury started strongly right up from the kick-off. With captain Steven Gerard in sublime form combines well with Torres as they both were all over the Arsenal defence and looks certain to score.

In the fifth minute, Liverpool had a glorious opportunity to take the lead when Gerard laid a perfect pass for Torres but the Spaniard on one against one situation with Manuel Almunia saw his effort was well saved by the Arsenal keeper.

The home team furiously claim for a penalty after Gerard twice was brought down by William Gallas followed by Song but referee Howard Webb stood firm to ignore the ferocious calls from the Liverpool bench. Despite the setback, Liverpool continued to pile up more pressure causing massive problem in the Arsenal defence. Five minutes before the break, Liverpool were rewarded a goal through Mr. Reliable, Dirk Kuyt.

The goal came in through Fabio Aurelio free-kick, Manuel Almunia fails to grasp hold the ball cleanly drop perfectly for Kuyt to stab home past the crowded defence into the empty net.

In the second half, with Arsene Wenger reported screaming at his men in the dressing room for their poor first half display began to dictate the play early in the game and must thanks their lucky star. The Gunners got a lucky break when Samir Nasri cross from the right caught the Liverpool defence in a mess struck Glen Johnson left foot rolls over into the empty net for the  visitor important equaliser.

The goal did gave a rude awakening to Rafael Benitez's side but for Arsenal they began to grow confidence in search for their second goal and which they did. Arsenal's captain Cesc Fabregas finds his way on the right, send in a teasing cross into the box. Arshavin lurking just behind Johnson quick to reacts and blast an unstoppable shot past Reina struck the post first before going in.

Late in the match, Arshavin muffed the chance for his second goal on the night when he miskick and injured himself and later was replaced by Aaron Ramsey. Liverpool did try to save the match but it was already too late for them. Job well done Arsenal. Ohh...what a night. 

ARSENAL - GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER

ARSENE Wenger remain calm and prefer his side performance at Anfield will do the talking for him when Arsenal meet Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. With both team suffered defeat in their last Champions League Group match, Arsenal is still in knock-out stages whereas Liverpool  is already out of the competition for good.

Only good showing by Rafael Benitez's men at Anfield  this weekend against Arsenal will surely boost their confidence to stay in sight for the prestigous Premier League title. For Arsenal, they must start showing their mental strenght and to collect as much points as they could to close on the gap league leaders Chelsea and former Premier League title holder Manchester United. Arsenal newly found striker Andre Arshavin is likely to be given the job to spearhead the attack after his fine display in their 2-0 win against Stoke City.

Meanwhile Liverpool's manager Rafael Benitez need some fresh air to ease up the pressure after crashing out of the Champions League. Their 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina in their last group match show signs that the Reds are suffering indifferent of form lately despite Fernando Torres presence after injury in the match.

Both teams going for points  it would be an extremely high tempo match. Liverpool will be banking on captain Steven Gerrard and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas to supply the ammunition
needed upfront.

With last season emphatic display in the 4-4 draw at Anfield still fresh in mind which saw Andre Arshavin scored an incredible four goals. Argentine's Javier Mascherano believes the Russian will not able to repeat the feat or even to score when come on Sunday.

ARSENAL PLAYERS SHORTEST IN PREMIER LEAGUE

CESC Fabregas admits his Arsenal side face a tall order against Premier League's big guns - because they are too small.

Arsenal average height is just 1.71m -5ft 10 in. Chelsea third highest is 184.5m - 6ft 1in while Stoke City second highest with an average height 6ft 2ins - Sun UK

ARSENE WENGER GAMBLE PAID OFF

ARSENAL back in the groove with a convincing 2-0 win against Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium after suffering back to back defeat earlier in the Premier League to ease off momentarily dark clouds looming over the club for the past two weeks.

Arsene Wenger made a tactical changes on his team line-up by playing Russian's international Andre Arshavin as a lone striker upfront instead of Eduardo or Carlos Vela. The Russian despite of his height looks menacing and effective to continously trouble the Stoke defence with his darting runs around the box.

The striker had a glorious opportunity to put Arsenal ahead when captain's Cesc Fabregas put the him through just inside the box but his first touch was too hard which saw his effort blocked by a defender. 

The home team then were awarded a penalty by referee Mark Clattenburg when Rory Delap brought down Arshavin inside the box. Fabregas step up to take the spot kick but was well read and push away magnificently by Sorensen.

Arsenal maintained the pressure and they were rewarded when Arshavin great effort  to work his way in the box slot in a shot past Sorensen for his seventh Premier League goal.

With the lead, Arsenal grews more confidence and began to create series of chances but fail to find the second goal which they should. For Stoke City the game is still much alive despite the home team total domination. 

Fabregas should have scored Arsenal second goal but to his horror his shot was block not by a Stoke defender but by his team mates Emanuel Eboue on the goal line.

In the second half Arsenal continued to press hard on looking fo the second goal. Arshavin had two golden scoring chances but Sorensen sterling performance between the post deny the Russian for his second.

The much agony and frustrating wait at last came through when subsitute Welsh's midfielder 

Aaron Ramsey save the evening for Arsene Wenger who came in for  Eboue struck a grounder with his outside foot past Sorensen for Arsenal second goal. The goal brought  real sense of relief around the stadium

CITY SEND YOUNG GUNNERS PACKING

CITY SEND YOUNG GUNNERS PACKING

Manchester City book their place into the Carling Cup semi-final when they outclass the Young Gunners 3-0 in the quarter-final at the Eastland yesterday. Carlos Tevez, Shawn Wright Philip and Weiss were their goalscorers after a scoreless first half.

Arsenal young guns led by Mikael Silvestre partnering Alexander Song in the heart of the defence was busy right from the kick-off. The home side fielding their full strenght side fail to create clear  scoring opportunities in the early part of the match. But Craig Bellamy miss a glorious chance from Shawn Wright Philips cross just few centimeters of target.

In the second half, City start to looks more dangerous and they did when Carlos Tevez robbed the ball from Tomas Rosicky. The former Manchester United work his way in the box and hit a stunning shot struck under the crossbar and went into the net.

The goal did stun the visitor and they were punished once again when City best player of the night Shawn Wright Philips struck a powerful drive past Lukasz Fabianski to give Mark Hughes side a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Subsitutes Weiss put the result beyond doubt when he cleanly connected Bellamy cross from the left. Arsenal's nearly got their consolation goal but Fran Merida shot hit the crossbar.

ARSENAL WORST NIGHTMARE JUST BEGUN

Hopes      Prolific striker          Weakness            New Players



ARSENAL hopes to challenge Chelsea or Manchester United for the Premier League title were torn apart by the ruthless Didier Drogba who seems to be able to score whenever Chelsea played against Arsenal. 

The striker have the knack of scoring goals when its does matter most  when his side were under tremendous pressure and lift off the pressure back to their opponent.

Prolific striker

Not to say Arsene Wenger's side is not good but to win trophies or titles Arsenal must have a real prolific striker who has the venom and deadly in the box with both feet and strong in the air in the likes of former Wigan striker Amir Zaki (pic left). Nicklas Bendtner fits the bill but he is still in learning process to become a complete striker Since the Dane is still injured Wenger cannot afford to just sit and think.

Weakness

Arsenal glaring weakness is upfront  (a central striker). Once this problem is solve Eduardo or Carlos Vela easily can link with the striker and either Sagna or Traore with  no second thought easily can direct their crosses toward the target without holding back looking for support.

In midfiled, the Gunners have vast talents such as Fabregas, Denilson, Samir Nasri, Walcott and Andre Arshavin, Rosicky, Song, Ramsey and Eboue. This bunch of players surely will be able to perform much better moving the ball around at ease.

In the defence Thomas Vermalaen is already at home doing very well partnering William Gallas. Still Almunia must change his attitude he looks pale shadow of himself not aggresive enough. Like Vito he may lack experience buts he looks much more muscular and confidence.

New players

Rumours buzzing around that Ruud Van Nisltroy (left) is ready to return back in the Premier League and Bordeaux's Maroune Chamakh (left) also seems to be available together with a few names has been mention. Such as Wolfsburg's striker Edin Dzeko (bottom left) current Bosnian international. So just keep your finger cross if Arsene Wenger really go for it.

Latest news Arsene Wenger has confimed that he is going in the transfer market to buy a striker when January transfers window reopen.