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Young Gunner wants Arsenal answer

Young Gunner Anthony Stokes wants to know where he stands with regards to playing time at Arsenal.

The 18-year-old is currently on loan to Scottish side Falkirk and has scored 11 goals for them this season.

Stokes' loan spell expires at the end of this month when the January transfer window opens and the striker is still unsure of his future at Arsenal.

Stokes said: "Those two weeks have gone very quickly and the only disappointing thing is that I still haven't heard from Arsenal what is happening.

"If Saturday is to be my last game for Falkirk then of course it would be sad because I have really enjoyed my time up here.

"We will just have to wait and see what happens because at the end of the day it is up to Arsenal as to whether I come back."

Few of arsenal's young players now wants first team football after they return frm loan. Do u think its a great idea to loan these youngsters? that time it was aliadiere then bendter.. Once these young players had done well at that certain club,then they demand first team if they return to arsenal. isnt Anthony stokes trying to hint tt he wants first team football at arsenal??

VS



Bramall Lane

Saturday, December 30, 2006, 5.15pm (UK time)
Referee: Alan Wiley

Successive league defeats may have dented optimism, but Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock still believes the Blades can beat the drop ahead of the visit of Arsenal in Saturday's late kick-off.

Prior to the Boxing Day 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City and a 3-1 loss at Portsmouth last weekend, the Bramall Lane club had climbed out of the drop zone on the back of a three-match unbeaten run.

The Blades now find themselves just two points above the relegation trap door, but unlike at least two of the three teams below them, Warnock's side at least look capable of winning games by creating chances.

Both top-scorer Rob Hulse and Danny Webber could have scored against Manchester City and, with the Blades boss ready to bolster his squad in the New Year, there is still belief in the camp that the South Yorkshire club can preserve their top-flight status.

On the injury front, Mikele Leigertwood could make a return to the substitute's bench after a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is facing an injury headache ahead of Saturday's trip to Sheffield United with the news that striker Emmanuel Adebayor will miss out after suffering a thigh strain.

The Togo international has netted three times in his last four matches to help fill the void created by absence of Thierry Henry.

The Gunners skipper remains sidelined because of a problem with his sciatic nerve, leaving Wenger will few options for Saturday's trip to Bramall Lane.

Either Theo Walcott or Julio Baptista could make a rare Premiership start alongside Robin van Persie in attack.

However, defender Johan Djourou, who picked up an injury alongside Adebayor in the 2-1 victory over Watford on Boxing Day, will be fit enough to face the Blades.

That victory - on the back of a 6-2 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers last weekend - moved the Gunners up to third in the table and securing Champions League football for next season now looks like a formality.

Wenger's side are now unbeaten in seven games in all competitions and will be looking for a repeat of the 3-0 scoreline they recorded when the two sides met at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the season.

Lehmann rubbishes quit talk

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has rubbished claims he intends to retire after Euro 2008.

The German international's future has been the subject of much speculation, with the player locked in contract talks with The Gunners.

Lehmann, 37, remains hopeful of securing a new two-year deal, but even if he fails to get his wish, talk of him hanging up his boots is premature.

A return to the Bundesliga has been mooted, while Sevilla continue to admire the temperamental star.

"I have never mentioned I will retire after the Euros in 2008," Lehmann told Arsenal TV Online.

"What I said was I would likely retire from the national team - but I could also have said I would be likely to go on, which then says nothing.

"If I can keep fit, like I am now, then I can go on and on and on - two years at least.

"At 37, you cannot really make big steps of improvement, you always have to maintain.

"If I can maintain that and possibly slightly improve my level, then that would be good."

Meanwhile free-scoring midfielder Gilberto has revelled in his role of captain in the absence of Thierry Henry.

The previously unheralded Gilberto has scored six times in his last eight appearances for The Gunners.

"I do not know if the captaincy has made a difference, but I have enjoyed scoring goals," said Gilberto.

"Most of the time I stand in front of the defenders, doing the hard job, holding the midfield and stopping them playing out of defence, so I normally do not have many chances."

_~deleted~

Arsene Wenger is not rushing to set a date for Thierry Henry's return to the Arsenal team.

Henry has missed his side's last seven matches due to a hamstring-related problem, with his last appearance coming in the 2-1 defeat to Fulham at the end of November.

The Arsenal captain has set his sights on returning to the team for the FA Cup third round tie with Liverpool on 6th January.

But while Wenger confirmed his fellow Frenchman is making positive progress from his injury, he is not a fixing a date for his comeback.

"He's working well in training," said Wenger on Sky Sports News.

"There's no set date for his return, but he's not far away."

In Henry's absence, Emmanuel Adebayor has performed admirably, but the Togo ace will miss Arsenal's next two games against Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic.

Wenger added: "Adebayor is out with a minor thigh strain. I think he will miss the next two games for sure, more I'm not convinced."

Despite the injuries hitting his forward line, Wenger will not be tempted into entering the transfer market in January.

He concluded: "We have a big squad and many young players coming through, who at the moment need to be patient.

"I do not want to put anybody else in front of them."

Wenger nears Baptista decision

Arsene Wenger admits he is leaning towards a decision on Julio Baptista's long-term future at Arsenal.

Baptista is on a season-long loan from Real Madrid after Jose Antonio Reyes headed in the opposite direction, and there is an option for a permanent deal.

But the Brazilian has started just two games for The Gunners and concedes he is still trying to adapt to the pace of Premiership football.

He will start Saturday's game at Sheffield United, live on Sky Sports 1, with Wenger admitting the attacker has a lot to prove.

Wenger accepts Baptista has had limited opportunities to showcase his talents, but will not be drawn on whether he will keep him at Emirates Stadium.

"He will start the game and I think he is ready to play," said Wenger. "In the next six months he has a lot to prove.

"I am leaning more one way than the other about whether to sign him, but I will not say which way.

"He doesn't get many chances because there is big competition going on with Rosicky, Hleb, Fabregas, Henry, Adebayor and Van Persie, who are all offensive players.

"The problem has been to give him the number of opportunities he deserves. I like him as a player, but I agree he hasn't had the opportunities to show how good he is."

Wenger hails battling Blades



Arsene Wenger praised Sheffield United after seeing Arsenal slip to a 1-0 defeat at Bramall Lane.

The Gunners dominated the first 15 minutes but struggled to find their best form as the game progressed and Christian Nade took advantage with a fine goal after 41 minutes.

Wenger was pleased with the effort his players put in but accepted that Sheffield United had shown a lot of grit and determination too.

"It was a tricky game. Sheffield battled hard, it was very difficult to play and in fairness to my team they gave absolutely everything until the last minute," he told Sky Sports.

"We had the early chances and didn't take them, and on the first mistake we make they take a chance

"In the second half it was difficult and the pitch was difficult, but credit to them - they kept going to the end too.

"It was the kind of game you can have once or twice a year and it can go either way."

Sheffield United had to see out the last 30 minutes with Phil Jagielka in goal after Paddy Kenny was substituted due to injury but, apart from a late Robin van Persie shot, Arsenal failed to make him work.

Asked if he felt Arsenal should have put Jagielka under more pressure, Wenger replied: "At that stage it was very difficult to get into the box by passing, and we were hitting long balls into the box."

Wenger prepared to battle

Arsene Wenger has rubbished suggestions that his Arsenal side are a 'soft touch' when faced with the more physical aspects of the Premiership.

While there can be no denying that an Arsenal side in full flight is one of the most exhilarating sights in football, against the more robust top flight sides they have undeniably struggled.

Saturday's defeat at Sheffield United was a prime example of Arsenal being outmuscled in a game Wenger described as 'a typically old-fashioned cup tie'.

Wenger believes that it is a fallacy built up by the media that he has a problem with 'physical' encounters but he was critical of some of Sheffield United's challenges - with Chris Morgan singled out in the Frenchman's appraisal of the events that unfolded at Bramall Lane.

"It is difficult to accept losing a game like that because you come out of it thinking they didn't create a lot," said Wenger.

"But that is part of the English game which you get once or twice a year, where it is a typical cup game.

"One or two challenges were difficult to take, especially on van Persie (by Morgan), but despite that we could have won.

"What is physical? Is a punch in the stomach physical?

"I feel for a long time there is a misunderstanding between me and the press about what is physical.

"I have nothing against physical games, but there are things I saw in this game which have nothing to do with that."

is wenger delusional?

Originally posted by dragg:

is wenger delusional?

U can say is kinda like delusional..

Gilberto: We are missing Henry

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has conceded the side are missing Thierry Henry.

Henry has missed Arsenal's last eight games as he struggles to shake off a hamstring-related problem.

The Frenchman was badly missed in Saturday's defeat to Sheffield United and Gilberto has admitted they are struggling without their skipper.

"It's important we get Thierry back," said Gilberto.

"We miss him. We know how important he is for the team because he's the leader of the team.

"We've done the best we can without him but, of course, we need him up front. I hope after the next game he will be back.

"We've a lot of important players injured. We try to do our best without them, but sometimes it's hard.

"Our away form concerns us. The Champions League will be a fight because we are close to each other - Arsenal, Liverpool, Portsmouth and Bolton."

Wenger weighs up Henry gamble

Arsene Wenger will consider Thierry Henry for Arsenal's game with Charlton Athletic, due to concerns over his other strikers.

Henry has not played for The Gunners since late November due to a hamstring-related problem and had targeted a return against Liverpool in the FA Cup this weekend.

But the French forward could be pressed into action for Tuesday night's Premiership fixture with Charlton at Emirates Stadium.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Julio Baptista are both out of the match, while Robin van Persie is also struggling.

While Wenger would not confirm Henry's return, he admits he will assess the Arsenal captain's fitness prior to kick-off.

"It looks like Eboue will not be back," said Wenger.

"I don't know about Hleb, Djourou and Henry, but Adebayor will be out.

"We have a few uncertainties from Sheffield United - Robin van Persie got a knock on his ankle and Julio Baptista will be out. He had a kick and has a bad ankle.

"We have to assess the situation as late as possible.

"Alexander Hleb has a chance and I will see with Henry."

This is not a discussion topic ah?

Originally posted by I need help:

This is not a discussion topic ah?

if u wan, also can. Starting from now. Anything to be discussed about Arsenal.

Arsenal v Charlton preview

Thierry Henry could make an early return to the Arsenal team for Tuesday's visit of Charlton Athletic.

The Gunners captain has not played since late November due to a hamstring-related problem, but is under consideration for the Emirates Stadium encounter.

Arsene Wenger is short of options up front, with Robin van Persie doubtful and Julio Baptista joining Emmanuel Adebayor on the injured list.

Adebayor remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while Baptista picked up an ankle complaint in the 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

Van Persie also hurt his ankle in that game and will be assessed prior to kick-off, while Theo Walcott is still struggling with a back injury.

That could prompt a return for Henry, with Wenger assessing his fellow Frenchman's fitness. Jeremie Aliadiere could keep his place in attack.

Wenger will also check on Alexander Hleb's condition with the midfielder nursing a shin injury, which kept him out at Bramall Lane.

Emmanuel Eboue remains absent with an ankle injury and Johan Djourou has a hamstring problem. Cesc Fabregas could be restored to the midfield.

The match also has the intriguing sideshow of Wenger meeting up with Alan Pardew for the first time since their Upton Park touchline bust-up two months ago.

Pardew has since been sacked by West Ham, but has quickly found himself back in football and picked up four points from his first two games in charge of Charlton.

He could have a big headache, though, for the match amid reports top scorer Darren Bent is out for four weeks with a knee injury.

If the rumours prove to be true, then Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is likely to partner Marcus Bent in North London.

Saturday's match-winner against Aston Villa - Bryan Hughes - could be rewarded with a starting spot, possibly at the expense of Radostin Kishishev.

Charlton are still without captain Luke Young, who is out until February with a knee injury, so Osei Sankofa is set to continue at right-back.

Andy Reid is also missing again with a hamstring injury, while Amdy Faye remains doubtful after sitting out the last two games.

Jerome Thomas featured as a late substitute against Villa, but may have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Skysports.com Prediction: 3-1
Arsenal have won nine of the last 10 meetings and should pick up another three points.

Player to watch: Gilberto Silva


Start ur predictions/comments/discussions for this match now.

Charlton may lose this match against Arsenal as they yet to find their feet on the EPL.

Arse Wenger may field in Thierry Henry in for this match. Arsenal are to be without Adebayor. Alex Hleb may not be featured in tonight's match.

Charlton are to be without Luke Young.

I hope at least a 1-0 win will do. I know arsenal can do it

Originally posted by felirox:

I hope at least a 1-0 win will do. I know arsenal can do it

Arsenal will win 2-0 i think. With the help of Robin van persie.

Discuss on Arsenal leh. From their league tables to highlight to transfer news/rumours, even the matches they've played or upcoming match, please cont'd this thread.

urs truly mod,
bryanseb

Anyway i read this forum from arsenal-mania.com..some of the gooner fans want or think wenger shud be sacked. Wad's ur opinion abt this?

IMO,wenger shouldnt be sacked. He had made many average players to a world class players.

Originally posted by felirox:

Anyway i read this forum from arsenal-mania.com..some of the gooner fans want or think wenger shud be sacked. Wad's ur opinion abt this?

IMO,wenger shouldnt be sacked. He had made many average players to a world class players.

Wenger shouldnt be sack cuz Arsenal still needs him to nurture the youths.

Thierry Henry netted on his Arsenal return in a 4-0 win over relegation-threatened Charlton.

The Addicks had been giving a battling performance at The Emirates, but were hit for six when Henry netted from the penalty spot after Osei Sankofa was given his marching orders.

Charlton were always going to be up against it a man light and things went from bad to worse with Justin Hoyte adding a second before Robin van Persie's second half brace wrapped up a comfortable win.

The three-point haul lifts The Gunners into fourth in the Premiership ahead of Bolton while Alan Pardew's side remain second from bottom six points adrift of safety.

The visitors had the first effort of the game when Dennis Rommedahl lashed wide although The Gunners were soon on the front foot when Gilberto fired over from distance.

Wenger's troops were soon looking dangerous and only Bryan Hughes on Charlton's goal line prevented Philippe Senderos' goal-bound header nestling in the far corner.

Charlton failed to clear the danger and seconds later a superb save from Scott Carson kept Cesc Fabregas' stinging shot out from van Persie's neat through-ball.

Arsenal continued to turn the screw, but while Henry's deft header from Fabregas' neat lofted pass beat Carson it just clipped the bottom of the post to safety.

Disaster struck for The Addicks on the half hour mark when Sankofa needlessly hauled back van Persie after Fabregas' deflected shot struck the crossbar.

Not only was the young defender shown the red card by referee Mike Riley, but Henry made no mistake from the penalty spot to give The Gunners a deserved lead.

The former Juventus ace dispelled any rumours surrounding his relationship with manager Wenger by celebrating his strike with his fellow Frenchman on the sidelines.

Charlton tried to respond, however, Marcus Bent's effort from the edge of the box was far too ambitious and the under-worked Jens Lehmann watched the ball fly over.

Henry nearly had his second of the game from a free-kick, but the impressive Carson made a fine finger-tip save to keep out the France international's drilled set-piece.

Just before the interval the North Londoners pressed home their advantage from an unlikely source. Hoyte played a neat one-two with Henry before slotting home past the onrushing Carson for his first Premiership strike for Arsenal.

Arsenal would have added a third through van Persie immediately after the restart when he was played onside by Talal El Karkouri, but Carson was quickly off his line to snuff out the danger.

Darren Ambrose did keep Lehmann awake with a low drive, although it was a brief rest bite as seconds later Tomas Rosicky went agonisingly close to netting his first Premiership goal when his shot struck the post.

Henry thought he had his second of the game when he tapped home from Alexander Hleb's unselfish square-ball, but the striker was deemed offside when replays hinted he was level.

Carson, who was outstanding on the night, then blocked van Persie's touchline shot and was well placed to collect Fabregas' placed shot from Henry's through-ball.

Henry looked destined to bag his second of the game with a curling shot into the far post after being teed up by Hleb, but Carson made a superb save away to his left to push the effort wide.

The third finally arrived in the 76th minute when van Persie got in on the act by scoring from the penalty spot after Souleymane Diawara was adjudged to have held Henry's shirt in the box.

Arsenal did not let up and ruthlessly added a fourth with virtually the last kick of the game through van Persie's clever chip over Carson, who did not deserve to concede four on the night.

Pards: van Persie was offside

Charlton Athletic boss Alan Pardew felt Arsenal's penalty should not have been, as Robin van Persie was offside in the build-up to the spot-kick.

The Dutch forward was standing behind The Addicks' back-line prior to Cesc Fabregas's deflected shot that struck the crossbar, however, Mike Riley still pointed to the spot after van Persie fell to the ground after clashing with Osei Sankofa.

Sankofa was given his marching orders as a result and Pardew feels van Persie's great starting position made for a harsh outcome.

"My view at the time was van Persie was offside. The first decision should have been offside. He had an advantage on my full-back. I'm aggrieved by that.

"It was always going to be tough, but down to ten men we could only give an honest account of ourselves. The four goals was a bit of a shame.

"We'd threatened a couple of times after the break. I was happy with our honestly. I was pleased with some of the things I saw.

"(Scott) Carson was fantastic by the way. It could have been more if it wasn't for him. 60 minutes to play at Arsenal at full strength with 10 men was difficult."

Wenger happy with form



Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is happy with his side's festive form after taking nine points from a possible 12.

The Gunners were shocked by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, but returned to winning ways with a 4-0 success over 10-man Charlton Athletic.

The match saw the return of club captain Thierry Henry and he capped his comeback following a seven-match absence with a goal from the penalty spot.

"Overall, I feel the team have been on a good run since the Spurs game. Four wins was ideal, but three wasn't bad," said the French tactician.

"It was a boost (Henry's return), individually and psychology. Technically, we controlled the game. The penalty and sending off was the turning point.

"We needed to be patient. The penalty accelerated the process. It was the killer for them. We could have scored more.

"If you look at our results over the past five weeks, we've been consistent. We had the blip at Sheffield United. We want to continue that."