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[kiko]

Wenger - Sunday's keeper will be our No 1

Arsène Wenger has revealed that the keeper who starts against Liverpool on Sunday will be Arsenal's No 1.

At the start of pre-season the manager laid down the gauntlet to his four stoppers, stating that the place was up for grabs.

Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski, Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny have all featured in friendlies this summer and Arsenal fans are close to finding out who will be the Gunners' No 1.

"The goalkeepers are great, all ready to play," said Wenger ahead of the trip to Liverpool. "I just wait for my decision and you will get it soon.

"The guy who plays on Sunday will be No 1. It is never for definite but it will be a consequence of what I have seen in pre-season."

However, the manager has admitted that handing the gloves to Szczesny would be a 'great gamble'.

"He has not played one game in the Premier League," he said. "I believe he has huge quality but I believe it would be a great gamble to play him.

"Man United play with a goalkeeper who is 40 years old and Chelsea with a keeper with seven years in the Premier League. You need experience at the back."

[chatlovers]

Is that mean Arsene wont sign new goalkeeper?

Neither Almunia nor Fabianski are good to be number one.

If Arsene is not signing new goalkeeper then I would like him to take risk and hand gloves to Szczesny. He is worth that gamble. Almunia and Fabianski are worst.

[iwan2shiok]

I really hope he get a TOP CLASS keeper TOP PRIORITY. If NOT, like what 'chatlovers' says, gamble with Szczesny.

The young Gunners are great but they still need EXPERINCED and PROVEN players to mould them.

Hopefully, we win something this season!

[spotter542]

What a great start to the 2010 / 2011 season.
The Gunners have to rely on Reina's own goal at 90' to level with 10 man Liverfool.
Arsene Wenger did not splurge much on new players this season.
Same old story we heard donkey years ago.
Wonder how many more donkey years before the title reach The Emirates.
Not to mention the rising force of Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester City.
Will The Gunners suffer the same fate as Liverfool ? Finishing outside the Big 4 ?

[kiko]

Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

Jose Reina's late howler enabled Arsenal to snatch a draw from a thrilling Premier League opener at 10-man Liverpool.

The Liverpool goalkeeper saw the ball rebound off him after Marouane Chamakh had hit the post in the final minute at Anfield to cancel out a David Ngog strike.

The goal was reward for a late spell of Arsenal pressure but it was unfortunate for Liverpool, who had survived most of the second half unscathed after the sending off of Joe Cole.

The big-name summer signing from Chelsea was dismissed on his league debut for a reckless challenge on Arsenal debutant Laurent Koscielny.

Koscielny himself also received a red card, but not until moments before the final whistle when he earned a second booking for handball.

The equaliser denied Liverpool what would have been only their fourth victory over the Gunners in their last 19 league meetings. It remains to be seen how much the new wave of optimism which has swept into the club since Roy Hodgson was appointed as manager has been punctured.

One of the reasons for the upbeat mood had been Cole's arrival but while the midfielder's first league start was one to forget, Hodgson did coax a solid showing from wantaway Javier Mascherano.

Fernando Torres was left in reserve, and later entered to a huge ovation after pledging his future to the club and recovering from a groin injury, but Arsenal missed two of their bigger stars more.

Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie were both said to be lacking match-fitness and while the former was absent altogether, the Dutchman made only a late appearance.

Thomas Vermaelen tested Jose Reina early on with a fierce free-kick but aside from that, the first half was almost devoid of action until exploding into life in the closing moments.

Dirk Kuyt created Liverpool's first opportunity when he turned in the box but Manuel Almunia easily gathered his cross. New signing Milan Jovanovic cut through the Arsenal midfield with a determined run but Kuyt's final ball again found Almunia.

Arsenal's Samir Nasri had another long-range free-kick blocked and Vermaelen put the rebound wide. Gael Clichy had Arsenal's first serious chance from open play when he broke clear down the left after 30 minutes and fired a shot narrowly over from outside the box.

Liverpool thought an opportunity was opening up soon after when Almunia failed to claim a corner but referee Martin Atkinson spotted a foul by Daniel Agger on Vermaelen.

The action on the field was tight with neither side giving much away but Arsenal were almost caught when Jovanovic raced onto a long ball. With Cole walking back from an offside position, the Arsenal defence let the ball bounce and the Serbia international darted into the box, only to blast wide.

The game suddenly came alive in the closing minute of the first half. First Glen Johnson had a shot tipped over by Almunia and Ngog then had a header cleared off the line from the resulting corner.

The complexion of the game then changed completely in injury time as Cole was sent off for his lunge at Koscielny. The defender returned to the dressing room on a stretcher at the interval but ran out to start the second period as normal.

He was greeted by boos from Liverpool fans but replays of the tackle suggested that, although the initial decision may have seemed harsh, the law had been applied correctly.

Liverpool seemed determined not to let their numerical disadvantage bother them and made a blistering start to the second half.

They claimed the lead within two minutes of the restart as Mascherano threaded a ball into the box for Ngog and the Frenchman fired home at the near post. It was his fourth goal of the season after three in Liverpool's first Europa League qualifying tie.

Not content with that, the Reds pushed forward again and Martin Skrtel headed wide from a dangerous Steven Gerrard free-kick. Ngog had an even better chance when he leapt to reach another Gerrard set-piece but could not direct his header on target.

Kuyt created another fine chance after skipping past Clichy on the right but no-one could turn in his ball across goal. Liverpool were reduced to nine men when Agger left the field for treatment after all three substitutes had been used.

Arsenal stepped up the tempo and Tomas Rosicky showed great control with a slaloming run into the area before seeing his shot brilliantly touched over by Reina.

The pressure eventually told in the last minute as Reina and Chamakh collided after Rosicky's cross. The ball spilled loose and hit the post, but in his rush to claw the ball back Reina could only help it over the line.

Gerrard almost snatched victory as the game went into five minutes of injury time but Almunia kept out his free-kick. The game ended on more controversy as Koscielny picked up a second booking for handball, though the decision seemed harsh.

# Hodgson: Cole left ''devastated''

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said Joe Cole was upset after he was sent off on his league debut for the Reds.

Hodgson said: ''He is devastated - his debut at Liverpool, fantastic atmosphere, so desperate to do well. He was not playing at the top of his game, but was trying hard to get to that level, when suddenly he gets sent off. He was saddened by it all and not least because it put us in a difficult situation.''

Arsene Wenger said: ''It was completely in the corner and I was on the bench, so I couldn't see it. But Joe Cole is usually a fair player, he is not one I would record is a guy who tries to hurt people. It is not his style. Maybe he was a bit rushing in his tackle.

''He kicked him - certainly accidentally - well because he [Koscielny] had a big knock on his shin. Fortunately his shinpad protected him well. We were scared it was broken because when he was moved off the pitch the physio told me it could be broken.''

Hodgson added on the Cole incident: ''Of course we now have the benefit of replays on the TV and those replays suggest to me he was a little bit unlucky. I don't think he dived to tackle the player, he dived in front of the ball to try to stop it being played down the line.

''The player got his legs caught up with him and maybe slightly twisted his knee. I was pleased to see there was no serious damage as he was able to play the second half.

''I thought it was a fantastic effort but points are hard to come by in this league, so when you get so close you can't avoid that feeling of disappointment. Maybe that second-half performance deserved all three and not just one, but if someone had said at half-time you'll defend well and get a 0-0 or 1-1 I would probably have accepted that.

''But to lose it so close to the end to a rather scrappy goal was tough on us. He [Reina] took it hard because he is a very serious professional who really believes in himself and the team. There were an enormous number of positives but the unfortunate negative was that he let in a goal which under normal circumstances he would have kept out.''

Javier Mascherano put in a superb display despite wanting to leave the club, and Hodgson said of the Argentine: ''It doesn't surprise me. I have had two weeks working with him and he is an outstanding player. He is a top-quality player, one of the best at his job in the world and he showed that once again today.

''Let's be frank, he is playing at Liverpool, which is a good club. How many clubs can he move to which will be better or even at the same level? We are not looking at clubs for Javier Mascherano that go into the tens - we are looking at clubs in the single figures.

''As yet we have not received any offers. The fact is we want to keep him here and we will keep him here unless an offer comes in that is correct, ie commensurate with his value and one we feel would be wrong for us to turn down because we have said if that offer comes in we will accept it. At the moment it is not there, not on the horizon.''

Wenger, whose side were without Cesc Fabregas due to sickness, felt his team deserved their point. He said: ''They took the fluency, intelligently, out of the game. We just kept going and threw more and more people forward and in the end got, I believe, a deserved equaliser.

''I couldn't see us losing a game like that without being deeply hurt. We had a lot of possession and I agree we lacked a bit of spark in the final third, in combinations, in speed but overall we have shown the right attitude.''

[Naka_Timo]

Hope all necessary tranfer to be done before the deadline end. Looking at the way they play against liverpool seem not as strong as before. Something is missing.

[chatlovers]

Originally Posted by Naka_Timo

Hope all necessary tranfer to be done before the deadline end. Looking at the way they play against liverpool seem not as strong as before. Something is missing.

Yes Bro. Arsenal looked below par against Liverpool.. specially in the second half. Even though they had numerical advantage after Joe Cole red card yet Liverpool looked dangerous and Arsenal looked nervous. Hope Fabregas and RVP get full fitness and come to rescue and control Arsenal free flowing style.

In the end we were lucky to snatch a point due to Reina mistake. Well, every goalkeeper make mistake but Almunia/Fabianski still not worth keeping for entire season. I do not know whats wrong with Wenger... why cant he snatch away Given? He had a chance when Given was at Newcastle, he let it pass and now again he is not acting quick enough. Even if he has to spend 8-10M to get Given he should grab it coz Given at 34yrs old has atleat 5-6 years (considering Van Der Sar is turning 40) as a goalkeeper.

And in my opinion Given is 1 of the best 3 goalkeepers if not best at moment in BPL.

[kiko]

Wenger reveals Squillaci negotiations and gives keeper update

Arsene Wenger has confirmed to Arsenal's official website that he is indeed attempting to bring defender Sebastien Squillaci to the Emirates. However, the Gunners boss stressed that it was premature to suggest that a deal with Sevilla was imminent.

The French coach also refused to be drawn on whether he was still on the lookout for a new goalkeeper making clear that his sole aim was to focus Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski on Saturday’s match against Blackpool.

Arsenal have been on the lookout for defensive recruits all summer having allowed Philippe Senderos, William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre to leave the club. While Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou have been joined by Lorient’s Laurent Koscielny the north London club are still short on options.

Speaking about adding Squillaci to his squad roster, Wenger told Arsenal TV Online:

“We need one more body at least and he is one of the candidates but nothing is done at all. It’s very premature to speak about him [Squillaci] joining us.

Asked how far down the road he was with regards to sealing the player, Wenger coyly remarked:

“It depends how long the road is. We just walked into the road, you know? If the road is very short we will not be very far. At the moment it will be very premature to announce that Squillaci will join us.

Asked whether he was still on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, as reports circle that a second bid for Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer was lodged and rejected yesterday, Wenger continued:

“At the moment I’m more focused on getting our goalkeepers in the right frame of mind because they were disturbed by all the noises made. We have a big game on Saturday and I think it is very important that our two goalkeepers who are involved focus on that game.”

[Naka_Timo]

They did well against blackpool last nite but still plenty of miss chances by then. I think they need more time to gel as a unit to connect all the chances.

Defender still look weak with song in the centre i think better to get a better n experience defender. Gk was not really tasted last nite but he look shaky during set-piece and corner kick, so i think still better to get a better keeper.

[chatlovers]

6-0 scoreline is always flattering... but in reality Arsenal were not in complete control until red card reduced blackpool to 10 men. I felt it could be same old story... Arsenal plays the ball and opposition has the goal. Blackpool missed header else at 1-1 it may not have been same.

Also, it was an exceptional day for Walcott. He got hattrick but I believe he missed hattrick of chances as well. I hope it wont be his one off performance and he will rise this term to be among top players in England.

As pointed by bro Naka_Timo arsenal defence wasnt convincing. Alex Song is better as a defensive midfielder but as a central defender we need more quality (its my view).

Mr. Arsene, stop talking and get goalkeeper and another central defender quickly. Though I believe he will sign goalkeeper only on the deadline day of transfer period.

[kiko]

Aaron Hughes understands why Fulham team-mate Mark Schwarzer is hoping to join Arsenal before the transfer window closes.

The Gunners have tried to land the veteran Australia international from Craven Cottage this summer without success.

Their £2million offer has been rejected by Fulham's hierarchy as they are not looking to loose their number one shot-stopper just weeks into the new season.

Hughes, though, knows it is a great opportunity for Schwarzer to play for one of the Premier League's top four clubs, even though Mark Hughes' side would be weakened by his potential departure.

"It's a great opportunity for him," said Hughes.
Fantastic

"It's not often you get the chance to go and play for one of the top four teams in the country, especially when you're down to the last few years of your career.

"You can understand why Arsenal want to take him and why it's important for him. If he went we'd miss him, but we wish him well. It's a fantastic opportunity."

Aaron Hughes believes Schwarzer has been one of the Premier's League best keepers in recent seasons and that much of the club's success under ex-boss Roy Hodgson was down to the shot-stopper.

"Mark has been one of the top three keepers in the league for the last two years," he continued. "He's been very important to us.

"Some of his saves kept us in games. Sometimes if you have a successful season it's harder afterwards and you almost find yourselves hanging onto your players rather than trying to build on your success."

[kiko]

Sevilla claim Squillaci set for Arsenal medical on Monday

Sevilla defender Sebastien Squilacci will sign for Arsenal, subject to him passing a medical in London on Monday, according to the Spanish club.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger claimed as recently as Friday that he was "far from being close to signing" Squillaci, though he did admit the defender was on his radar.

But it seems as though Wenger has managed to land further defensive reinfocements, adding to the capture of Laurent Koscielny earlier this summer.

A statement released by Sevilla on their offical website revealed that an agreement has been reached with the Gunners for Squillaci and that he would be travelling to London on Sunday ahead of a medical on Monday.

Sevilla did not reveal how much Arsenal have paid for the France centre-back, though it had been reported that a fee of around 8 million euros would be enough to prise him away.

[chatlovers]

Originally Posted by kiko

Sevilla claim Squillaci set for Arsenal medical on Monday

Its a welcome buy. Arsenal defence need experienced central defender. Plus it badly needs experieced top quality goalkeeper who can marshall defence.

[kiko]

Arsenal are set to launch a €22 million bid for Fiorentina Midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, according to the Daily Star.
The North London club are hoping to complete the signing of the Italian by the end of the transfer window.
The 25-year-old was among the few shining stars in Italy’s disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa and has since been linked with a move away from the Viola to fellow Italian clubs Juventus and Inter Milan.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has earlier hinted on signing one more player before the transfer window closes but could increase his quota to make space for the signing of Montolivo in addition to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. (ESPN)

Arsenal were linked to Fiorentina’s impressive midfielder Riccardo Montolivo earlier in the transfer window but this source believes a new, increased, bid will be forthcoming from the north London club as they look to strengthen their Emirates squad. The 25 year old Italian international has been plying his trade in Florence for the past five years and is at his peak right now, even though his World Cup performances were something of a damp squib.

The former Atalanta man is two midfielders rolled in one. He has the battling capabilities of a defensive midfielder but can also be the springboard attacking moves and has an eye for goal and for bringing in his fellow players with an intelligent range of passes.

However Fiorentina have strongly stated that they have no desire to sell the player who is now the club captain. If Wenger really does want to bring Montolivo to the club he may face still opposition from the Serie A club who will fight tooth and nail to keep their prized asset.

However La Viola finished last season in a hugely disappointing 11th place last term after two successive fourth place finishes, so maybe Montolivo could be persuaded to leave for the Premier League?

[kiko]

Sebastien Squillaci comes to the rescue for Arsene Wenger as Arsenal land £6.5m defender

Arsenal are on the brink of signing centre half Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla. So who is he and what are they getting for their money?

He might sound like a relative of Paul the Octopus, but he's actually a very talented centre half.

Born in Toulon, he spent most of his career playing in France before joining Sevilla two years ago.

If you prefer you can call him 'Toto' because his surname sounds like that of Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci, the Italian forward who finished the 1990 World Cup finals as top scorer with six.

A French defender who's past it at Arsenal - so he's the new William Gallas is he?

Not quite. He's three years younger at 30 and Arsene Wenger has handed him a three-year deal, which means there must be plenty of fuel in the tank yet.

The Arsenal manager doesn't like to give his veterans extended contracts, but he was getting a little desperate given this summer's exodus of central defenders from the Emirates - Gallas, Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos have all moved on.

He's lost a whole back four! This guy must have come cheap though.

Wrong again. Sevilla rejected a £5m bid but accepted £6.5m after Squillaci refused to play in last week's Champions League qualifier to ensure he was not cup-tied.

A stubborn Frenchman! He wasn't a part of that squad in South Africa was he?

He certainly was. The defender was indirectly caught up in the Raymond Domenech disaster, although by no means a chief player in the revolt. And he didn't even get on the pitch during the World Cup.

He sounds average. What's Wenger up to?

Calm down, he's got pedigree. Despite having only 20 caps, he's been a consistent performer for Sevilla and played a key role in Monaco's remarkable run to the Champions League final in 2004.

He scored the vital goal at the Bernabeu when they faced Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and was outstanding at Chelsea in the semi. He didn't start the final and Jose Mourinho's Porto scored three goals before he came on.