1x2 Free Betting Tips !: Arsenal

Leicester City - What are the odds on that?

Leicester City's amazing season is surely the story of the Premier League so far.

When Leicester parted company with manager Nigel Pearson in June, the club management appointed Claudio Ranieri as his successor to general bafflement all round. Ranieri, of course, was a man who had been sacked from his last 3 positions - managing the Greek national side, Monaco and Inter Milan - and hadn't managed in the Premier League since losing his job at Chelsea in 2004.

In truth, Leicester City were many pundits favourites for relegation this season, and Ranieri was tipped to be the first Premier League manager likely to get the sack. You could have actually got 5,000-1 for Leicester to win the Premiership before the season started. And, as the Daily Mirror has now reported, one Leicester fan punted £5 at 1,000-1 that the club would be top at Christmas. He is now £5000 better off!

Newcastle United are willing to listen to offers for Hatem Ben Arfa and Sylvain Marveaux, Goal understands.

Newcastle open to Ben Arfa & Marveaux exits

The French pair have both been told that they are not in manager Alan Pardew's plans ahead of the 2014-15 season, with the Magpies looking to reshape their squad

By William Joyce

Newcastle United are willing to listen to offers for Hatem Ben Arfa and Sylvain Marveaux, Goal understands.

NEWCASTLE LATEST

12/1 Newcastle United are 12/1 with Bet365 to finish in the Premier League top six in 2014-15 Ben Arfa, who became something of a cult figure after joining the club from Marseille in 2010, has cut a frustrated figure in the last six months having fallen out of favour with manager Alan Pardew.

The 27-year-old's last start came in March and Pardew has now decided that the attacking midfielder can leave the club, having completed the signing of Remy Cabella – who plays in a similar position to Ben Arfa – from Montpellier for £12m.

Marveaux, signed on a free transfer from Rennes in 2011, has also been told that he is not in Pardew's thoughts and is free to leave the club along with his compatriot.

Since joining the club, Marveaux has struggled to nail down a starting spot in Pardew's XI and is now set to depart this summer, with Montpellier strongly linked with a loan move for the 28-year-old.

Ben Arfa, meanwhile, has been strongly linked with a move to the Middle East.

Despite the expected exits, Newcastle have strengthened heavily this summer, with Siem De Jong, Cabella, Ayoze Perez, Emmanuel Riviere and Jack Colback already joining the club and Daryl Janmaat set to sign once Mathieu Debuchy has completed his expected £8m move to Arsenal.

Should Arsenal splash the cash on Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan?

After lifting the FA Cup and confirming that he’ll sign a new deal to stay at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has a hugely important summer ahead of him.

The Frenchman will reportedly be handed a transfer kitty of up to £100million to strengthen his squad and ensure that his side don’t slip from top spot to fourth place as they did so spectacularly last season.

Wenger is keen to add to his attacking options after relying heavily on Olivier Giroud for goals over the last 10 months, but that’s not the only area he needs to improve upon.

With Bacary Sagna and Lukasz Fabianski almost certain to leave Arsenal on a free transfers at the end of their contracts, the 64-year-old will need also need to recruit a right-back and a goalkeeper before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Central midfield is arguably the Gunners’ strongest position but, with Mikel Arteta having recently turned 32 and Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere both suffering long-term injuries last season, signing another talented player for the heart of midfield may well be a wise move.

If recent stories are to be believed, Wenger is focused on bringing one of three defensively-minded midfielders to the club to compete with Mathieu Flamini. Ilkay Gundogan, Lars Bender and Morgan Schneiderlin are the reported names on Arsenal’s summer wishlist.

After signing a new contract with Borussia Dortmund in April, Gundogan would appear to be the least realistic of Wenger’s targets. He might also be the most natural fit at the Emirates.

The 23-year-old made just one Bundesliga appearance for Jurgen Klopp’s side last season after suffering nerve damage in his back during Germany’s 3-3 draw with Paraguay in mid-August. Despite his lack of playing time over the past 12 months, the versatile midfielder has no shortage of suitors.

European giants Real Madrid and Manchester United have both been credited with an interest in Gundogan, which is unsurprising given his prominence in Dortmund’s impressive 2012/13 campaign.

The former Nuremberg star made 28 top-flight appearances for the Black and Yellows as they finished second in the table behind rivals Bayern Munich. He also played his part in Klopp’s side reaching the Champions League final at Wembley, where they again finished second best to Germany’s most decorated club.

Where Bender and Schneiderlin focus on breaking down opposition attacks while sat in front of their respective defences, Gundogan is a tough tackler who loves to pick a pass and play the ball quickly and precisely. He is more of a distributor than a traditional defensive midfielder, but still has the positional sense and physical attributes to protect his back-four.

Bayern Munich have sent out a clear statement regarding their

Chelsea Transfer News: Mario Mandzukic Blow Dealt to Blues and Arsenal by Bayern

Bayern Munich have sent out a clear statement regarding their intention to hang onto Mario Mandzukic this summer, damaging the hopes of any potential suitors the striker might have.

Chelsea and Arsenal are among those said to be interested in acquiring the Croatian international's services, but Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes the frontman will remain at the Allianz Arena, per the Daily Star's Colin Harvey:

Mario Mandzukic is under contract with our club. I am definitely aware that many clubs have started to show an interest in Mario's services, but I believe he will be with our club way beyond the end of this season.

Both the Blues and the Gunners are in differing need of attacking reinforcements this summer. Jose Mourinho has a bounty of striking options in Samuel Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba, but he has struggled to find one consistent scoring option to fit his system.

Romelu Lukaku is set to return to Stamford Bridge when his loan at Everton comes to its end this summer, but it's unknown what kind of role Mourinho has in mind for the young Belgian.

Bayern Munich are no longer in the running for Arsenal target

Bayern Munich are no longer in the running for Arsenal target Draxler. Photo: PA

Arsenal fans keen to forget Saturday's mauling at Chelsea will be pleased that Bayern Munich have ruled out signing Julian Draxler.

The Gunners were close to landing Draxler in January and are now expected to complete a deal in the summer after Bayern chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, ruled out moving for the Schalke star (Guardian)

In altogether more embarrassing news for the Gunners, former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou reckons he turned down the chance to sign for Arsenal from Lille in January (Express)

After being heavily linked with William Carvalho, Man United will turn their attentions to another Portuguese international, Fabio Coentrao, who is available for £10m (Daily Star)

Spurs will spend big again this summer as they prepare to fend off competition from the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle for free-scoring Red Bull Salzburg winger Sadio Mane (Metro)

And finally, Championship promotion guru Neil Warnock is poised to take over from Billy Davies at Nottingham Forest after holding talks with owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi. Forest fans may also want to prepare themselves for the arrival of Paddy Kenny, who follows Warnock everywhere he goes (Telegraph

Labels:Arsenal,Bayern Munich,Sport News

There is a sure-fire way to win the hearts of Arsenal fans: score against Tottenham

There is a sure-fire way to win the hearts of Arsenal fans: score against Tottenham. With his repeated derby heroics, Tomas Rosicky is becoming part of Gunners folklore.

His goal against Tottenham at White Hart Lane will live long in the memory. Every derby goal is important. However, this strike was something else.

After bursting in to the Spurs half, Rosicky attempted to play in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The England international couldn’t take the ball in his stride, so instead flicked it back towards Rosicky. Without a moment’s hesitation, the Czech midfielder unleashed a searing strike into the far top corner.

It had swerve. It had dip. It had the Arsenal fans on their feet, and the Tottenham players on their knees. It was a truly special goal.

Labels:Arsenal,Sport News,Tottenham

Arsenal and Tottenham are set to go head-to-head in the summer for Charlton prodigy

Arsenal and Tottenham are set to go head-to-head in the summer for Charlton prodigy Diego Poyet, according to reports from the Sunday People.

The 18-year-old midfielder – son of Sunderland manager Gus – is out of contract at the end of the season, and his impressive displays this term have impressed a number of top tier clubs.

West Ham have been dubbed favourites to land the Spain-born starlet, but now it has emerged that Arsenal and Spurs are ready to move.

Scouts from interested parties have been present for the majority of his outings since his Addicks debut in the FA Cup, and have been intrigued by his fledgling displays.

Poyet holds an English passport after moving to the country as a child when his father joined Chelsea from Real Zaragoza.

Although his deal expires at the end of the season, Charlton would be eligible for £500,000 in compensation for the time he has spent at the club.

Tottenham may have a slight advantage over Arsenal in the battle, with Gus having spent some of the latter years of his career in the white half of North London.

The North London clubs are set to do battle on the pitch this afternoon at White Hart Lane.

Labels:Arsenal,Sport News,Tottenham

Emmanuel Adebayor shows lack of self-awareness by criticising Arsenal ahead of Spurs derby

Adebayor shows lack of self-awareness with Arsenal criticism

Emmanuel Adebayor has been having a pop at Arsenal ahead of the big derby on Saturday, claiming that the Kings of North London can’t handle the pressure.

Well, he clearly didn’t call them the Kings of North London, that would involve him being in touch with reality.

The former Arsenal man said: ’Arsenal are a good team when they have the ball. When they don’t, they are not that good. When you put them under pressure, they can’t handle it.

‘They don’t have a lot of physical presence. Apart from Flamini, I don’t see anyone who puts themselves into a proper battle.

‘Rosicky is not that type of player, Cazorla is not the type of player who defends. Arteta is trying to do it, but that’s not his job.

‘They don’t have anybody who can say, ‘if I have to kick, I will kick. If we have to fight, I will put myself at the front of it’. That’s how we have to play. Push them and force them to make errors.’

What he fails to take into account is how, when the pressure is on him, any time he has faced Arsenal he tends to completely lose his head.

There was the stamp on Robin van Persie’s face when he played for Manchester City, the red card for a crazy tackle on Santi Cazorla at the Emirates not that long ago, and, of course, his complete lack of significant impact the last few times he has faced Arsenal.

Then there’s the fact that Arsenal have just come back from facing Bayern Munich, a team much more capable than Spurs of pressuring any side in the world, with a 1-1 draw from the game on the night.

Should they manage to beat a severely weakened Arsenal side… they will no doubt see their season as a success. DVDs will be produced

There is no doubt that Adebayor and the rest of his shadow-dwelling team-mates will be well up for the game on Sunday. It’s their cup final and all they seem to actually care about.

He also said as much, adding: ‘We know how good we are at home when it comes to Arsenal and we won’t have to motivate anybody for this game.

‘The is the game that everybody will be talking about in London from this point. Tottenham v Arsenal: The North London derby.

‘So I cannot see anybody telling me, “Manu, you have to run. You have to give 100 per cent”.

‘No one will need to tell me that. I know. And people like Aaron Lennon, who has been here for ages, you won’t have to tell players like him anything either.

‘He knows how big it is for the club and the fans.’

Should they manage to beat a severely weakened Arsenal side who, if Kieran Gibbs isn’t playing, will be without all the players who account for 53 per cent of their goal tally this season, they will no doubt see their season as a success. DVDs will be produced.

Arsenal, on the other hand, know that victory on Sunday will keep them in the hunt for yet another league and cup double.

That’s the pressure Arsenal are under, Ade, and we’ve proven in the past that we can handle it a lot better than Spurs.

Paper News and Gossip: Man City 'Underestimated' Wigan, Jose Mourinho Blast

Arsenal are facing an unenviable task in overhauling a two-goal deficit against Bayern Munich, but manager Arsene Wenger is hoping for fair refereeing to give his team a chance, according to Tuesday's newspapers.

The Gunners are buoyant following the FA Cup quarter-final win over Everton on Saturday, but Wenger is concerned over the prospect of another red card for one of his players in the Champions League.

Bayern boss Pep Guardiola has a warning of his own for his players as they defend a 2-0 lead at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.

But who else is making the headlines on Tuesday? Read on to find out more.

Labels:2-0,Arsenal,Bayern,FA Cup,News,spot

Real Madrid: Arsenal must pay £25m for Morata

Arsenal have been linked with the 21-year-old since he starred in the 2013 European U-21 Championships, where he was top scorer as Spain retained their crown. His form in Israel last summer has not led him to becoming a regular starter for Real Madrid this season.

Morata is yet to complete 90 minutes in his 13 La Liga appearances this season, 12 of which have come from the bench. He has managed three goals, but rumours have persisted that he may move to North London, where Arsenal are looking to add to their striking options, which consist of only Olivier Giroud, Yaya Sanogo and Nicklas Bendtner.

However, Real Madrid insist that only a bid of at least £25m can force them to sell. Arsenal are believed to have already agreed personal terms with the player, but it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to pay the fee, which is reportedly a lot more than what Arsene Wenger was hoping to pay for the striker.

See what the expert tipsters are tipping on OLBG

Arsenal reach FA Cup semis

London - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger saluted Olivier Giroud after the French striker came off the bench and scored twice in Saturday's 4-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Giroud has been used sparingly in recent weeks - amid stories about his private life in the British tabloids - and started on the bench against Everton, with Yaya Sanogo given a chance to lead the line.

With Romelu Lukaku having cancelled out Mesut Ozil's seventh-minute opener at the Emirates Stadium, the score was 1-1 when Giroud entered the fray in the 61st minute.

His first major contribution was one to forget, as his encroachment into the penalty area forced Mikel Arteta to retake a penalty that he had scored to apparently put Arsenal ahead.

However, the Spanish midfielder made no mistake with his second attempt and Giroud fully atoned for his indiscretion by claiming a late brace.

The former Montpellier striker has now scored 18 goals in all competitions this term and Wenger hailed his contribution.

"It was important because he was on the end of things and shows that, when a player comes off the bench of that quality, it can make a difference," said Wenger, whose side are bidding to end a nine-year trophy drought.

"He was on the bench for what reason? He has played many games. For the rest, he has come on and showed he can score goals when he comes on."

Wenger, whose side will seek to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Bayern Munich next week, felt that the hosts were deserved victors.

"We had a quality performance from the first to the last minute against a good side," he said.

"Everton started the second half well and had a good moment in the game where they had the chance with (Ross) Barkley after, then we scored the second goal and then we controlled the game well."

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was left to rue a chance that Barkley fired over the bar shortly before Gareth Barry fouled Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the incident that led to the penalty.

"I felt the key moment of the game was going to be the second goal as we had made it a really uncomfortable game for Arsenal," he said.

"We had a great chance and, in nine out of 10 situations like that, Ross Barkley will hit the target.

"I can see why the referee gave the penalty, although I don't agree with the decision completely, because there is contact, but the ball is challenged (for) by both of the players.

"After that, we gambled a bit and the final scoreline does not reflect what happened in the game."

Arsenal FC progress through to the semi-final of the FA Cup as Olivier Giroud’s brace sinks Everton FC at the Emirates

Giroud will hope Boruc makes another mistake like the one he capitalised on in the reverse fixture

.Arsenal FC progress through to the semi-final of the FA Cup as Olivier Giroud’s brace sinks Everton FC at the Emirates

The FA Cup has added importance for Arsenal now following their faltering title challenge and the uphill task that awaits them against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, and they took a giant step in attaining cup glory once more as they defeated Everton in an entertaining encounter.

The Gunners have now knocked out Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Everton on their way to Wembley and Manchester City seems to be the only possible stumbling block in their effort to end their trophy drought. This was also a decent run in this tournament for Everton and now they must look to consolidate their place in the top seven of the Premier League.

The Gunners, who were under tremendous pressure to perform in this match following their disappointing loss at the hands of Stoke City in the last game, got off to a flying start as Santi Cazorla set up Mesut Ozil and the German international produced a quality finish past Joel Robles to provide the home side with the lead. This was an important goal for the midfielder who has received a lot of criticism recently.

Both the sides looked dangerous in attack as the match opened up. Finally it was Everton who scored the equalizer in the 32nd minute of the game as Romelu Lukaku scored his second goal in as many games since returning from injury. Arsenal were exposed on the break and Ross Barley produced a wonderful pass from the right wing towards to pick out Kevin Mirallas at the far post. The Belgium international set up Lukaku in front of an empty net with a cut back and the on loan Chelsea striker could hardly miss from there.

In the second half Arsenal took the lead once again as Gareth Barry brought down Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the box and Mikel Arteta converted the resultant penalty kick. But the Spaniard was asked to retake the spot-kick after Olivier Giroud was yellow carded for encroachment in the box before the kick was taken. But the former Everton man kept his calm once again and fired the ball into the top corner of the net to provide the lead back to the home side.

Giroud, who came on as a substitute in the second half, then scored a brace to put the game beyond doubts. The first of which arrived in the 83rd minute after Bacary Sagna picked him up with an accurate cut back from the by-line and the Frenchman provided the finishing touch at the near post. The second was created by two wonderful passes, first by Tomas Rosicky and then by Mesut Ozil to set up the striker, who sided footed the ball into the net. The score line in the end did seem to be a bit flattering as Everton missed a lot of chances of their own, but this win could be a massive confidence boost for the Gunners at this point of the season.

Arsene Wenger has hoped that this result can propel his side to greater things as they travel to Bayern Munich with a tough job at hand.

“It was important for us to win, to put us in a good mind on the psychological front. We can be inspired by our focus on the day, by our desire and go to Bayern with the same spirit.

“The statistics go against us when we go to Bayern, but let’s make sure that the performance goes for us. Then we have a chance.

“It was important for us to win, to put us in a good mind on the psychological front. We can be inspired by our focus on the day, by our desire and go to Bayern with the same spirit.

“The statistics go against us when we go to Bayern, but let’s make sure that the performance goes for us. Then we have a chance.” – The Arsenal manager said.

Wenger was also relieved to see Mesut Ozil producing a good performance in this game and insisted that he looked physically “regenerated” after his recent breaks.

“Of course it’s important for him he took his chance because sometimes you want him to take the chance because he always looks for the good pass.

“I hope that will encourage him. What I liked with him is that physically he looked regenerated, having more power in his runs.

“As well I liked that he did a lot of dirty work for a player like him, that means he tracked back in the first half – especially on the counter attack he came back with long runs.

“When he behaves like that of course you have a better chance to win the game.” – He added.

Arsenal line up Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda for summer transfer

Arsenal want to sign France international goalkeeper Steve Mandanda from Marseille at the end of the season to add competition to current first-choice Wojciech Szczesny.

Arsene Wenger is desperately on the lookout for a new glovesman, with Lukasz Fabianski and loanee Emiliano Viviano both set to depart in the summer.

And despite Szczesny being firmed established as number one, Wenger wants to test him by bringing in another established goalie – Marseille’s Mandanda.

The 28-year-old, who has been linked with Atletico Madrid, has already revealed he wants to leave France when the window re-opens, with the Premier League his preferred destination.

According to reports, Arsenal value him at about £6million and will push to bring him to the Emirates Stadium to act as real competition between the sticks.

A tall, strong and athletic glovesman, Mandanda initially struggled with Marseille but has become consistent in recent years, helping the club into the Champions League, while he is also expected to be part of the France side at the World Cup later this year.

Arsene Wenger has been at Arsenal so long that the Gunners fans feel as if they know him inside out.

5 Questions You'd Love to Ask Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has been at Arsenal so long that the Gunners fans feel as if they know him inside out.

However, in truth, few fans will ever get to be face-to-face with the Arsenal manager. Every week, a select few journalists get the chance to pose questions to the erudite Frenchman. It's an opportunity that is unlikely to ever be afforded to most supporters.

If Arsenal fans were able to ask Arsene Wenger anything, what questions would they most want to hear answered? We've selected five for this article, but be sure to add your own in the comments below.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he is relishing the opportunity to play for England against

Oxlade-Chamberlain: Up for the challenge

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he is relishing the opportunity to play for England against Denmark as Roy Hodgson's men begin their World Cup preparation on Wednesday.

Predict result and win big with Soccer6

Oxlade-Chamberlain is part of Hodgson's 30-man preliminary World Cup squad and is determined to prove he deserves a spot in the final 23-man squad that will head to Brazil for the showpiece in June.

The 20-year-old believes the international friendly will bring out the best in the players as the fierce competition for spots heats up.

"Whether I'm playing in centre midfield or out wide, it doesn't really matter. If I get picked, I just need to make sure I put in a good performance (against Denmark)," he told Sky Sports News.

"I have been working for five months to get back on to the pitch so this is a nice reward to be in the team. You always have to be on your toes and take the opportunity when it comes."

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell believes he would have "been England

Sol Campbell described as "embarrassing" the appointment of Michael Owen as captain

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell believes he would have "been England captain for more than 10 years" had he been white.

The 39-year-old, who played 73 times for his country, claims the English Football Association and the majority of fans to not want a black England captain.

Campbell, who three times captained England in friendly matches, also labelled the appointment of Michael Owen as skipper ahead of him as "embarrassing".

In a new authorised biography serialised in the Sunday Times, Campbell said: "I believe if I was white, I would have been England captain for more than 10 years - it's as simple as that.”

"It's alright to have black captains and mixed race in the under-18s and under-21s but not for the full national side" - Sol Campbell

He said he thought the FA "wished I was white. I had the credibility, performance-wise to be captain.

"I was consistently in the heart of the defence and I was a club captain early in my career.

"I don't think it will change because they don't want it to and probably the majority of fans don't want it either.

"It's alright to have black captains and mixed race in the under-18s and under-21s but not for the full national side. There is a ceiling and although no one has ever said it, I believe it's made of glass."

On the appointment of Owen, who wore the armband on eight occasions, he added: "I think the FA didn't want me to have a voice. Owen was a fantastic forward but nowhere near being a captain.

"It was embarrassing.

"I've asked myself many times why I wasn't. I keep coming up with the same answer. It was the colour of my skin."

Arsenal dhe Chelsea Tha To Forget Kosta

Arsenal And Chelsea Told To Forget Costa

Arsenal dhe Chelsea kanë thënë se nuk kanë mundësi të nënshkrimit Atletico Madrid sulmuesin Diego Kosta këtë verë .

Chelsea duket të jetë në vend të drejtimit të nënshkruajë njeriun në - formë , dhe shumë prisnin ata të përdorin portierin Thibaut Courtois si pjesë e marrëveshjes , me tapë tashmë on- kredi në Atletico .

Arsenal ishin gjithashtu shpresë për të sjellë atë në Premier League , por sipas Express , presidenti i klubit spanjoll i ka hedhur poshtë mundësinë e të daljes sulmuesin .

Marrë nga Express , Enrique Cerezo ka thënë : " Unë nuk mendoj se Diego Costa do të na lërë në fund të vitit të ardhshëm .

" Padyshim , ne nuk duam të shesin atë ose të përdorin atë si një mjet negocimi për një tjetër lojtar .

" Ne kurrë nuk do të shesë , por që nuk do të ndalet ekipet vijnë në për lojtarët tanë . "

Jose Mourinho do të jenë të pakënaqur veçanërisht me lajme , që ka bërë një koment këtë javë duke thënë se ai nuk ka grevistët në ekipin e tij , por mund të shikoni në Radamel Falcao për të mbushur rolin .

Kosta është gjuajtur qëllimet gjithë sezonin për Atletico , dhe ka 26 gola në emër të tij në të gjitha garat .

Pala e tij janë vetëm tre pikë pas udhëheqësit e La Liga Real Madrid - të cilët ata përballen këtë fundjavë - por të vijë në të pjesa e prapme e një 3-0 humbjes zhgënjyese ndaj Osasuna .

On Saturday, Arsenal unveiled the statue of their legend Dennis Bergkamp.

On Saturday, Arsenal unveiled the statue of their legend Dennis Bergkamp. The Dutchman's arrival at Arsenal was hailed as the beginning of their transformation into a champion club and Bergkamp will always be remembered for that. However, the Dutchman will also be remembered for another thing and it is something Arsenal's current star, Mesut Ozil, can relate to.

The two, who met at the unveiling of Bergkamp's statue, were pictured together and one wonders whether Ozil was asking Bergkamp for advice. The German has recently come under a lot of fire for his poor performance and that penalty miss in the early stages that could have put Arsenal ahead

Bergkamp missing a crucial penalty vs Man United

Bergkamp clearly knows what the former Real Madrid midfielder is experiencing as he had his own penalty nightmare in an FA Cup semi-final replay against Man United. It was a match that saw him miss an extra time penalty before the Gunners eventually lost due to a beautiful Ryan Giggs goal. The Arsenal legend never took a spot kick from that day onward. However, Arsene Wenger believes that his £42M summer signing can follow in Bergkamp's steps and take inspiration from him.

“I have seen this before with Bergkamp, missing in 1999 [in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Manchester United],” said the Frenchman “and refusing after to take any penalties. [But] he gets a statue today.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that Mesut Ozil may be rested for today's Premier League match against Sunderland.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that Mesut Ozil may be rested for today's Premier League match against Sunderland.

The German playmaker has polarised opinion following an indifferent spell after showing initial promise when he signed from Real Madrid for £42.5m at the end of the summer transfer window.

That frustrating inconsistency was epitomised by a costly early penalty miss in the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, which Arsenal would go on to lose 2-0 as their European dreams were all but ended for another season.

Wenger indicated he is set to "freshen up" the starting XI for Saturday's Premier League visit of Sunderland, which is likely to see Olivier Giroud restored to the side having been benched against Munich in favour of rookie forward Yaya Sanogo.

The Gunners boss maintains the collective good must always come before any individual.

He said: "What is important is always the team and you never want to hurt any player, but you don't want to give him any favour. You have to pick the team who can win the next game.

"It is our job and the players' job to adapt to that and not to think too much about individual cases. What is important is the team and to win the next game."

Wenger continued: "You have to rotate until the end of the season when you look at the challenges we have in front of us, it is vital.

"We have played at Liverpool, against Man United, against Liverpool (in the FA Cup), against Bayern Munich against Sunderland. The players are only human beings."

France international Giroud was in the headlines for some personal issues in the past couple of weeks, but Wenger insists the 27-year-old is in the right frame of mind to tackle the challenges ahead.

"Recently he has been a bit less fresh and it has shown a little bit in his game, but he is a great fighter as well, and has been successful until now," Wenger said.

"The same people who asked me why didn't he play are now asking me now why I rested Giroud.

"It is part of the job to decide who plays, it's debatable every time.

"I have to live with that and I have to make my decisions with my conscience and I just make my decision based on who can help us win the next game."

Labels:Arsenal,News,Real Madrid,Sport

Wigan's James McArthur Doesn't Let Birth of Child Stop Him Watching Arsenal Game

The birth of a child is one of those once-in-a-lifetime events when everything stops—it's all about you, your loved one and the arrival of a new person into the world.

Unless you're Wigan Athletic's James McArthur, in which case it's all those things, but also a chance to use hospital television to catch the Champions League game between Arsenal and Bayern Munich: