Arsenal FC - Ashburton Grove

[FLiNcHY]

Originally posted by fatherboard

and our no. 9 , ever since the great magician merse till now, no one is capable of wearing that?... reyes better adapt soon, don't wish to see people laughing their heads off end of the season. :mad:


FB.

What is the problem with you people. Pires took a whole season to adapt, Henry took 3/4 of a season to adapt

Why are you all so impatient with reyes now!???!!!

WTF man

Furthermore! Henry and Pires are french!! They adapted faster because Wenger was french too. Althought they too had to learn english

Reyes comes in without knowing anything at all. He has to learn everything from start.

You talk as if he comes in costing 32 million when in actual fact he cost only 7 upfront.

Judge him not this season but next.

By looking at the technique he displayed when he scored that scorcher against chelsea, we can already see that he is something special.

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY


What is the problem with you people. Pires took a whole season to adapt, Henry took 3/4 of a season to adapt

Why are you all so impatient with reyes now!???!!!

WTF man

Furthermore! Henry and Pires are french!! They adapted faster because Wenger was french too. Althought they too had to learn english

Reyes comes in without knowing anything at all. He has to learn everything from start.

You talk as if he comes in costing 32 million when in actual fact he cost only 7 upfront.

Judge him not this season but next.

By looking at the technique he displayed when he scored that scorcher against chelsea, we can already see that he is something special.

yeah juz like Saha...he took abt 2 to 3 seasons to adapt...so pls stop expecting too much from Reyes for now...juz giv him time

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by Souljer



Gunners who joined Manyoo:

Vic Anderson
Frank Stapleton


Gunners who joined Liverpool:

Ray Kennedy
Michael Thomas

Hmm...did i missed out anyone?

Yeah your knowledge is correct.

The first person to move from Arsenal to Manure is none other than our most successful manager George Graham though in 1971/72.

Frank Stapleton was in the early 80s.

[Mankul]

Originally posted by leo_llw


Yeah your knowledge is correct.

The first person to move from Arsenal to Manure is none other than our most successful manager George Graham though in 1971/72.

Frank Stapleton was in the early 80s.

George Graham most successful ah.....

soon will be ARSENE WENGER!!!

[fatherboard]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY

What is the problem with you people. Pires took a whole season to adapt, Henry took 3/4 of a season to adapt

Why are you all so impatient with reyes now!???!!!

WTF man

not impatient, but being concern... :D

last time, we also give jeffers darn long to adapt, and he is english somemore... if you remember many people also saying he is special, good for the future. and now even you also have to agree he is not good enuff. what fox in the box? haha... :laugh:

we don't wanna see another $ flop.
hopefully he can prove us wrong, and win our hearts over... ;)


FB.

[Mankul]

Originally posted by fatherboard


not impatient, but being concern... :D

last time, we also give jeffers darn long to adapt, and he is english somemore... if you remember many people also saying he is special, good for the future. and now even you also have to agree he is not good enuff. what fox in the box? haha... :laugh:

we don't wanna see another $ flop.
hopefully he can prove us wrong, and win our hearts over... ;)


FB.

I'm still dubious over him..... :alien:

he's too short..

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY


What is the problem with you people. Pires took a whole season to adapt, Henry took 3/4 of a season to adapt

Why are you all so impatient with reyes now!???!!!

WTF man

Furthermore! Henry and Pires are french!! They adapted faster because Wenger was french too. Althought they too had to learn english

Reyes comes in without knowing anything at all. He has to learn everything from start.

You talk as if he comes in costing 32 million when in actual fact he cost only 7 upfront.

Judge him not this season but next.

By looking at the technique he displayed when he scored that scorcher against chelsea, we can already see that he is something special.
true true....Reyes will come good...all good players do when given the trust and support.

Henry despite the opportunites of sub appearances in WC and overseas stint experience in Italy took a year to adapt.

We are not saying seasoned lau-jiao like Vieri. We are toking abt a teenager exposed to geographical, language and culture barrier.

Learning a new language is already tough renuff, not to mention a new brand of football, understanding with teammates who dun speak his native language etc.

It is not critical for Reyes to come good this season since everything is going smoothly for Arsenal. It is in fact, the season for him to learn and acclimatise.

Next season, if we are short of Wiltord, kanu, Jeffers or even the aging Bergkamp, tat's when the performances of Reyes, Alla, Bentley will be crucial.

Give the boy time. Even Postiga is given 60 attempts to score a goal. And Reyes has already delivered 2. :laugh:

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by Mankul


I'm still dubious over him..... :alien:

he's too short..
overmars also short.

the GREAT maradona is not only short but also FAT. maybe u would wan to refer him as stocky? :laugh:

[Mankul]

Originally posted by leo_llw

overmars also short.

the GREAT maradona is not only short but also FAT. maybe u would wan to refer him as stocky? :laugh:

overmars and maradona not out and out striker...

[Mankul]

Originally posted by leo_llw

true true....Reyes will come good...all good players do when given the trust and support.

Henry despite the opportunites of sub appearances in WC and overseas stint experience in Italy took a year to adapt.

We are not saying seasoned lau-jiao like Vieri. We are toking abt a teenager exposed to geographical, language and culture barrier.

Learning a new language is already tough renuff, not to mention a new brand of football, understanding with teammates who dun speak his native language etc.

It is not critical for Reyes to come good this season since everything is going smoothly for Arsenal. It is in fact, the season for him to learn and acclimatise.

Next season, if we are short of Wiltord, kanu, Jeffers or even the aging Bergkamp, tat's when the performances of Reyes, Alla, Bentley will be crucial.

Give the boy time. Even Postiga is given 60 attempts to score a goal. And Reyes has already delivered 2. :laugh:

Reyes is for the Champions' League..... If he don't perform.... our best short for CL crown is over. :alien:

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by Mankul


I'm still dubious over him..... :alien:

he's too short..

owen is short too , (i think about same height as reyes), but i feel that he's good.. mainly bcos of his pace , reyes fast too ;) . Just that owen is tooo injury proned...

well.. for me i would prefer a striker to be fast than tall

i remember when i was playing in interjc tournament..there's one striker from rjc, damn short but run super fast! most of the defenders got problem catching up with him.. and he score goals easily.
who says short strikers are at a disadvantage? :D

[Mankul]

Originally posted by rAc3rX


owen is short too , (i think about same height as reyes), but i feel that he's good.. mainly bcos of his pace , reyes fast too ;) . Just that owen is tooo injury proned...

well.. for me i would prefer a striker to be fast than tall

i remember when i was playing in interjc tournament..there's one striker from rjc, damn short but run super fast! most of the defenders got problem catching up with him.. and he score goals easily.
who says short strikers are at a disadvantage? :D

har... then got remember a striker from tjc? :D

[Jango]

Jeffers was a sad case. He has the ability to run and make space for himself. Good positioning sense too. But he was too eager to show his skills and he couldn't handle the pressure. He just couldn't replicate the kind of confidence in the U-21 games to the EPL. He being too injury prone didn't help at all.

You guys really are an impatient lot. Give him at least 1 full season before passing your judgement.

[deathblade]

Ya la...... Bergkamp, Pires, Cambell, Edu all took a while la... leave Reyes alone guys..

[Fozzyrock]

Originally posted by deathblade
Ya la...... Bergkamp, Pires, Cambell, Edu all took a while la... leave Reyes alone guys..

Patient ;)

Arsenal playing style has so much varieties and is definitely so much different from any other teams. He'll need some time to get used to it. ;)

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by Mankul


har... then got remember a striker from tjc? :D

your tjc referring to temasek or tampines? which year ar? =p

[rAc3rX]

yeah give reyes more time man..dun need to be so kanchiong, not as if we desperately need him now, we still got king henry and co. to do the job :cool:

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by rAc3rX
yeah give reyes more time man..dun need to be so kanchiong, not as if we desperately need him now, we still got king henry and co. to do the job :cool:

yeah we realli need to giv tat guy some time...juz be patient

http://eur.news1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/xp/empics/20040210/23/1963191152.jpg

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by Mankul


overmars and maradona not out and out striker...
reyes is also not an out-out striker...

like Arjen Robben, J.Saviola & C.Ronaldo, Reyes is considered a forward.

He himself just admit he is not a striker...
What sort of striker are you?
"Naturally, I am a second striker, not a front man. But I don't really mind where I play along the front line, as long as I play."
http://www.football365.com/All_News/News_Features/story_101965.shtml

[Wryer]

Originally posted by leo_llw

reyes is also not an out-out striker...

like Arjen Robben, J.Saviola & C.Ronaldo, Reyes is considered a forward.

He himself just admit he is not a striker...
What sort of striker are you?
"Naturally, I am a second striker, not a front man. But I don't really mind where I play along the front line, as long as I play."
http://www.football365.com/All_News/News_Features/story_101965.shtml

Yep, i sort of agree that Reyes is not an out and out striker, he plays more of a winger,supporting striker role. It was until a few weeks before his transfer that he was played as a lone striker in Sevilla. (But if Wenger does a Henry ala winger turn super striker, i won't mind)

I would compare his style of play to be something like Freddie Ljungberg. Coming from deep and latching on those through balls for him. By the way, does anyone of you see the similarity in the way Freddie Ljungberg, Jose Reyes and Lee Clark of Fulham runs?
Or is it just me?
:laugh:

Regards

[leo_llw]

Wenger would play him in his most devastating position, I am sure. Goalkeeper? hahahaha...

not surprising since Toure(wingback-left forward-centreback), Henry(left forward-striker), Giovanni Van Bronkcost(left mid-left back), Edu(center mid-left mid), Gilberto(center mid-right mid), Wiltord(striker,right mid), Lauren(right mid, right back), Ljungberg(left mid-right mid) have adapted well in new positions.

As for the way they run, I have not noticed :)
I hope they dun run like gays(aka Ljungberg) ...hehehe

[Jango]

Originally posted by leo_llw

As for the way they run, I have not noticed :)
I hope they dun run like gays(aka Ljungberg) ...hehehe
I think you owe us an explanation here.:mad: :mad:

[deathblade]

Originally posted by Jango

I think you owe us an explanation here.:mad: :mad:

U dunno Lungberg is rumoured to be gay? Why did u think Flinchy is a fan of Arsenal?

[___jeff]

Wenger: 'It's far from over yet'
Story by Chris Parry
28 February 2004

Bu virtue of our win against Charlton and Fulham's draw with Manchester United, we are now a full nine points clear at the top, however Arsene Wenger rightly remains cautious.


After the win today he said:

"We're in a good position but it's far from being over yet. Seven games ago, we were three points behind Manchester United and there are still 11 to go. We still have tricky games at Fulham, Tottenham, Newcastle and Blackburn, and, after the battle in the second-half here, I would certainly not think that the championship is over. Far from it.

"The only good thing is that it's down to how well we play and how well we keep things going. When we're in this position, everyone will say it's done and then the tendency is to lose that a bit of the edge and sharpness that's needed in every game.

"You could become tense if people say you could only lose it. You just have to focus on the next game and forget all the rest."

Source : Arsenal-world.com

[___jeff]

FIFA back down over FA Cup final

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has promised he will not let a celebration match between France and Brazil in May interfere with preparations for the FA Cup final - but he signalled his belief there are too many domestic games in England.


Sepp Blatter: No FIFA sanctions (Neal Simpson/Empics)
The European and world champions are playing a FIFA centennial celebration match in Paris on May 20, two days before the FA Cup final - a fixture that has worried Arsenal or Manchester United who both have French and Brazilian players and have hopes of making the final.

Blatter, speaking after a FIFA executive committee meeting at Claridges in London, said clubs or players would not be subjected to disciplinary proceedings if they did not turn up for the game.

``For the international match, we will not make any use of the disciplinary committee to intervene as has been done for example recently in the case of the Australian player Mark Viduka at Leeds,'' said Blatter, who has already written to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to assuage his fears.

``I am sure we will find the solution. Even if the best teams are in the FA Cup final the national coaches of Brazil and France know exactly the problems of their club colleagues when they have to release their players.''

Source : Soccernet.com

[LiteMan]

Originally posted by Fozzyrock


Patient ;)

Arsenal playing style has so much varieties and is definitely so much different from any other teams. He'll need some time to get used to it. ;)


Yep, let's give Reyes the time he needs. When the time comes, he will take his place among the Arsenal greats.

[trinoo]

Originally posted by LiteMan



Yep, let's give Reyes the time he needs. When the time comes, he will take his place among the Arsenal greats.
yeah, like current arsenal players, just need time to settle down. :D

[Mankul]

http://eur.news1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/xp/empics/20040210/23/1963191152.jpg


Just look at that smirk. He's a Spanish spy! :alien:

[deathblade]

Originally posted by Mankul
http://eur.news1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/xp/empics/20040210/23/1963191152.jpg


Just look at that smirk. He's a Spanish spy! :alien:

http://www.emotioneric.com/shockandawe.jpg

Wat u talking?

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by Jango

I think you owe us an explanation here.:mad: :mad:
hahaha....thought any true blue arsenal fan should know this.

It is not a rumour, Ljungberg has publicly profess his sexual inclination. ;)

Give you another chance :
Which current Arsenal player, although he has a gf, is also gay?

Which ex-Arsenal player bought by George Graham is also gay?

[trinoo]

'Outstanding' Pires is back to his best - Wenger
By Richard Clarke

http://www.arsenal.com/images/pires_cafch.jpg
Pires scores his 50th goal for Arsenal

Robert Pires hit his 50th Arsenal goal in Saturday's 2-1 win over Charlton at Highbury.

The half-century, courtesy of a second-minute tap-in, arrived in the Frenchman's 174th appearance for the Club since his arrival from Marseille in July 2000.

"The first 15 minutes were like a dream," said the 30-year-old. "I already scored against Vigo this week and today I got my 50th."

Pires has put in a scoring spurt since recovering from a nasty cruciate knee ligament injury just under two years ago. He sustained it hurdling a tackle from Newcastle's Nikos Dabizas in the FA Cup sixth round replay at Highbury on March 23, 2002.

After a gruelling rehabilitation, he re-appeared as a substitute against Auxerre on October 22 that year and in his 68 starts plus nine substitute appearances since then he has hit 29 goals. For a midfielder, who only rarely takes a penalty, that is a fantastic scoring rate.

"Robert has now scored his 50th goal for the Club and he has been an outstanding player for us," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "He is back to his best and we are very pleased for him.

"Overall, his contribution has been fantastic because he came here anonymous and he has made a big impact and a big name.

"He is loved by everyone, not only because he is a nice guy but also because he is a great player. Not only does he score goals, he contributes a lot to the quality of our game.

"He will certainly remain as one of Arsenal's great, great players."

[01 March 2004]

http://www.arsenal.com/sportsappcontroller.jsp?command=selectCategoryAndNewsItem&nextPage=news_headlines_news_item&type=com.sportapps.news.NewsItem&parentId=15&id=4407290

[trinoo]

Henry says he's too indebted to Arsenal to leave

Mar. 1, 2004 7:31 p.m.


PARIS (AP)— Thierry Henry says he owes Arsenal too much to ever quit the London club for another team.
"When I came to Arsenal no one believed in me anymore," the prolific striker said in an interview published Monday by French daily Le Figaro.

"Arsenal and Arsene Wenger held out their hands. Now that everything's going well, I can't turn round and say: "Thanks and goodbye."'

"The coach is trying to build something," said Henry, whose contract expires in 2007. "Things are moving forward, I am part of these plans and I don't want to leave."

Henry scored his 20th league goal this season in Saturday's 2-1 win over Charlton, as Arsenal extended its Premier League lead to nine points.

Since joining the Gunners in August 1999, he has scored 137 goals in 235 appearances. His brilliant form has seen him regularly linked with a move to Spanish giant Real Madrid - where he could play alongside France teammate Zinedine Zidane.

"I'll never stop the rumors," Henry said. "But when you see me on the field you see someone who's fighting for his team and not someone about to leave. I'm more than happy at Arsenal. Full stop."

The Gunners are close to reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League, after securing a 3-2 away win in the first leg of the match against Celta Vigo.

Arsenal has never reached the semifinal stage of the competition and Henry is determined to set the record straight this year.

"I dream of winning the Champions League," he said. "We've shown the rest of Europe we can play big matches when we have to, against anyone."

"But sometimes the team gets complacent, and wakes up only after the criticism," he said. "We are our own worst enemies."

Although considered by many as the world's finest striker, Henry feels he still has room for improvement.

"Perfection doesn't exist, but the quest for it makes you better," he said. "People tell me I'm too hard on myself. When I leave the field I think about the chances that I missed, rather than what I achieved."

http://www.foxsportsworld.com/content/view?contentId=2189002

[deathblade]

Thats why Henry is the best.!

[FunkyMonk]

touching words by monsieur henry :D :sad:

[Jango]

Originally posted by leo_llw

hahaha....thought any true blue arsenal fan should know this.

It is not a rumour, Ljungberg has publicly profess his sexual inclination. ;)

Give you another chance :
Which current Arsenal player, although he has a gf, is also gay?

Which ex-Arsenal player bought by George Graham is also gay?

Haha...probably Flinchy will know all the answers. Frankly I just ignore such "news" so I don't know.=p

[Souljer]

Originally posted by leo_llw

Give you another chance :
Which current Arsenal player, although he has a gf, is also gay?

Which ex-Arsenal player bought by George Graham is also gay?


a) Sol Campbell?

b) Alan Smith? Perry Groves?

By the way, Ljungberg has never publicly declared himself as gay. I believed he's just another metrosexual like beckham.

http://user.tninet.se/~iql632h/gqinte.html

[Mankul]

Originally posted by trinoo
Henry says he's too indebted to Arsenal to leave

Mar. 1, 2004 7:31 p.m.


PARIS (AP)— Thierry Henry says he owes Arsenal too much to ever quit the London club for another team.
"When I came to Arsenal no one believed in me anymore," the prolific striker said in an interview published Monday by French daily Le Figaro.

"Arsenal and Arsene Wenger held out their hands. Now that everything's going well, I can't turn round and say: "Thanks and goodbye."'

"The coach is trying to build something," said Henry, whose contract expires in 2007. "Things are moving forward, I am part of these plans and I don't want to leave."

Henry scored his 20th league goal this season in Saturday's 2-1 win over Charlton, as Arsenal extended its Premier League lead to nine points.

Since joining the Gunners in August 1999, he has scored 137 goals in 235 appearances. His brilliant form has seen him regularly linked with a move to Spanish giant Real Madrid - where he could play alongside France teammate Zinedine Zidane.

"I'll never stop the rumors," Henry said. "But when you see me on the field you see someone who's fighting for his team and not someone about to leave. I'm more than happy at Arsenal. Full stop."

The Gunners are close to reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League, after securing a 3-2 away win in the first leg of the match against Celta Vigo.

Arsenal has never reached the semifinal stage of the competition and Henry is determined to set the record straight this year.

"I dream of winning the Champions League," he said. "We've shown the rest of Europe we can play big matches when we have to, against anyone."

"But sometimes the team gets complacent, and wakes up only after the criticism," he said. "We are our own worst enemies."

Although considered by many as the world's finest striker, Henry feels he still has room for improvement.

"Perfection doesn't exist, but the quest for it makes you better," he said. "People tell me I'm too hard on myself. When I leave the field I think about the chances that I missed, rather than what I achieved."

http://www.foxsportsworld.com/content/view?contentId=2189002


This is what Arsenal players should feel.... APPRECIATIVE. ... If I'm an Arsenal player.. I will NEVER leave the club. when you move to a new club, you'll have to start everything from scratch... get to know new team mates... learn they're style of play... this process takes more than a season... I rather stay at Arsenal.

[Mankul]

Originally posted by Souljer



a) Sol Campbell?

b) Alan Smith? Perry Groves?

By the way, Ljungberg has never publicly declared himself as gay. I believed he's just another metrosexual like beckham.

http://user.tninet.se/~iql632h/gqinte.html

I've never heard metrosexual :rolleyes:

heterosexual right...

[FLiNcHY]

Arsenal should buy Roman Riquelme man
that guy is super class
he will fit in on the right wing and we will be devastating on both sides

[___jeff]

We won't become complacent, insists Wenger

- Arsène Wenger -

By Chris Harris

Quiet determination has been the prevailing mood at Highbury this season, and Arsène Wenger is certain it will not give way to complacency despite Arsenal's nine-point lead at the top of the Premiership.

This time last year it was also advantage Arsenal in the title race, but the trophy ended up at Old Trafford. According to Wenger there is a steely resolve within the squad not to let that happen again.

"I don't need to remind the players about last season because what you feel in your body or in your soul is stronger than any speech," Wenger told Arsenal.com.

"We were hurt last year but I don't think we were complacent. Manchester United were on an outstanding run and that can happen in football. They were on a run from December. They just kept winning and that's why they won the title."

If the momentum was with United last Spring, it is with Arsenal now as seven Premiership wins on the spin and a 27-match unbeaten run since the start of the season will testify.

Wenger's men have raised the bar, but the Arsenal manager knows there is still work to do if they are to raise the trophy.

"We look to be on a run now and we want to keep it going and remain unbeaten because that cements the team's strength and belief as well. But it is precarious," he said.

"It was very tight last year and it can become very tight again this year. What is important is what we do here, not what other people say. We are intelligent enough and focused enough to know that."

The players would not be human if they couldn't afford themselves a smile when Arsenal's closest rivals drop points. But, as Wenger says, triumphalism is as far from his squad's minds as complacency.

"The players are happy when they extend the lead, they want the lead to be as big as possible," he said. "It is a good lead, it is great to be in front but the players know that it is not over.

"They were exhausted and relieved when they came out of the game against Charlton. There was no sense of triumph at all."

Souce : Arsenal.com

[___jeff]

Keown: I could have been a Red Devil
Written by Jonathan Chong on Friday, 27 February 2004



Arsenal veteran Martin Keown revealed to The Sun newspaper that he turned down a chance to sign for Manchester United in 1989. His contract was up at Aston Villa and he had transfer talks with Alex Ferguson.

?There was a chance I could have been wearing the red of United instead of the red of Arsenal.

?It didn?t happen but maybe that is just as well for the Gunners fans and me ? I love it here.

?I had talks with Alex Ferguson when I was leaving Aston Villa.

?My contract was up and I went for a chat at Old Trafford but I just had the feeling that although I was available, deep down he didn?t really want me. I?ve never had any regrets on that. If I made the right decision back then, it is still right now. That?s my attitude.

?I just had the vibes that as a young, available central defender ready to talk, they didn?t want to sign me. So I went to Everton with Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey and I broke into the England side while I was there.

?When I returned to Arsenal in 1993 for my second spell, lots of people were telling me that I should never go back because it doesn?t work.

?For the first 18 months or so they were right ? but now I?m more than satisfied at the way I have been able to make it work.

?And when Arsene Wenger came to the club, suddenly my career took off again.?

Source : Arsenal-mania.com

[Mankul]

Originally posted by ___jeff

Source : Arsenal-mania.com


put the direct link to the source pls next time :)

[___jeff]

Arsenal top World Club rankings
Written by Jonathan Chong on Friday, 27 February 2004



According to FoxSports World, Arsenal are the top club in the world, beating even the mighty Real Madrid into second place. The ranking list is however, based on opinion, and not performances. It's nice to know though that we are receiving recognition for our performances on the pitch.
ARSENAL (248 pts)

REAL MADRID (232)

AC MILAN (229)

ROMA (200)

MANCHESTER UNITED (199)

UEFA have their own ranking system, based on actual performances. However, the list is a bit suspect, with Barcelona (who suffered a horrendous 2002/03 season in the domestic league but were superb in Europe) well in second place, and Arsenal only 6th.

Take a look at the UEFA rankings here. I cannot vouch for the authenticity of the site, but it takes a lot of time and dedication to record all those numbers.

Souce : Arsenal-Mania.com

[FLiNcHY]

Originally posted by Mankul



put the direct link to the source pls next time :)

This fellow damn lazy one. it's as if this forum is the only source for arsenal news he has

I'm sure all of us have our favourite arsenal news websites bookmarked already

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY


This fellow damn lazy one. it's as if this forum is the only source for arsenal news he has

I'm sure all of us have our favourite arsenal news websites bookmarked already

wahahahahahahahahahahahaha...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by deathblade


http://www.emotioneric.com/shockandawe.jpg

Wat u talking?

who is this guy ar? always see him with different reactions :rolleyes: singaporean? he seems to be wearing the ARMY t-shirt :laugh:

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
Arsenal should buy Roman Riquelme man
that guy is super class
he will fit in on the right wing and we will be devastating on both sides

despite all his class.. he couldnt make it at barca . where is he now ah?
i saw him play at barca before, good touches and good passing.. but ronaldinho still a class above him.
ronaldinho at barca was :eek: , heng manu never sign him :angel:

[RipperJack]

Originally posted by trinoo
Henry says he's too indebted to Arsenal to leave

Mar. 1, 2004 7:31 p.m.


PARIS (AP)— Thierry Henry says he owes Arsenal too much to ever quit the London club for another team.
"When I came to Arsenal no one believed in me anymore," the prolific striker said in an interview published Monday by French daily Le Figaro.

"Arsenal and Arsene Wenger held out their hands. Now that everything's going well, I can't turn round and say: "Thanks and goodbye."'

"The coach is trying to build something," said Henry, whose contract expires in 2007. "Things are moving forward, I am part of these plans and I don't want to leave."

Henry scored his 20th league goal this season in Saturday's 2-1 win over Charlton, as Arsenal extended its Premier League lead to nine points.

Since joining the Gunners in August 1999, he has scored 137 goals in 235 appearances. His brilliant form has seen him regularly linked with a move to Spanish giant Real Madrid - where he could play alongside France teammate Zinedine Zidane.

"I'll never stop the rumors," Henry said. "But when you see me on the field you see someone who's fighting for his team and not someone about to leave. I'm more than happy at Arsenal. Full stop."

The Gunners are close to reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League, after securing a 3-2 away win in the first leg of the match against Celta Vigo.

Arsenal has never reached the semifinal stage of the competition and Henry is determined to set the record straight this year.

"I dream of winning the Champions League," he said. "We've shown the rest of Europe we can play big matches when we have to, against anyone."

"But sometimes the team gets complacent, and wakes up only after the criticism," he said. "We are our own worst enemies."

Although considered by many as the world's finest striker, Henry feels he still has room for improvement.

"Perfection doesn't exist, but the quest for it makes you better," he said. "People tell me I'm too hard on myself. When I leave the field I think about the chances that I missed, rather than what I achieved."

http://www.foxsportsworld.com/content/view?contentId=2189002

it's just so hard not to adore him :D

[RipperJack]

Originally posted by rAc3rX


who is this guy ar? always see him with different reactions :rolleyes: singaporean? he seems to be wearing the ARMY t-shirt :laugh: www.emotioneric.com

[RipperJack]

Originally posted by rAc3rX


despite all his class.. he couldnt make it at barca . where is he now ah?
i saw him play at barca before, good touches and good passing.. but ronaldinho still a class above him.
ronaldinho at barca was :eek: , heng manu never sign him :angel: man u would have gotten him if they didn't chud pattern at the 11th hour.

phew! :D


then again, EPL would have been a lot more spectacular if ronaldinho is in it :(

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by Souljer



a) Sol Campbell?

b) Alan Smith? Perry Groves?

By the way, Ljungberg has never publicly declared himself as gay. I believed he's just another metrosexual like beckham.

http://user.tninet.se/~iql632h/gqinte.html
Ljungberg admitted to the Swedish newspaper about two years back. But who cares if he play good football and score a few goals. Tat's his personal life :)

a) Sol Campbell? Right!

b) Our swedish winger Anders Limpar.

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by RipperJack
man u would have gotten him if they didn't chud pattern at the 11th hour.

phew! :D


then again, EPL would have been a lot more spectacular if ronaldinho is in it :(
yeah...lucky he did not do to Manure.

Imagine him playing behind RVN. Scaring man. :(

[Mankul]

Originally posted by leo_llw

yeah...lucky he did not do to Manure.

Imagine him playing behind RVN. Scaring man. :(

scary meh?

If Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Man U, Beyern Munich were to face Arsenal... I think they will be more scared of us. :alien:

[trinoo]

Beautiful Gunners

By CHARLIE WYETT

MICHEL PLATINI has heaped praise on Arsenal’s French connection — and is a big fan of the “beautiful” football of Arsene Wenger’s men.

The legendary midfielder, who inspired France to the European Championship in 1984, admits the Gunners are among the best in Europe.

Platini, 49, three-times European footballer of the year, was at Highbury on Saturday for Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Charlton.

He was extremely proud to see the continued influence of fellow countrymen Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires in English football.

Platini said: “They are a beautiful team to watch because they play with so much flair and have an amazing spirit.

“Playing for Arsenal has helped them become even better players as well because the Premiership is such a tough and demanding league.

“Vieira and Henry are wonderful players but Pires has also moved on to another level since joining Arsenal. They play under a great coach but also playing together is good for their club and for their country.

“Arsenal are a great team and are playing some of the best football in Europe. Playing at that level is also good for the national team with so much expectation for this summer.”

Platini also revealed that he came very close to joining Arsenal in 1982. Instead, he left St Etienne for Juventus in a £500,000 deal.

He revealed: “I had long talks about joining Arsenal and I might have signed but for one thing — there are too many games. I like to have time off to have with my family and I also enjoy my holidays.

“But it was a close decision because Arsenal was and still is a good club.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2004100659,00.html

[FunkyMonk]

if only platini came to arsenal then... :eek: :eek: :eek:

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by Mankul


scary meh?

If Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Man U, Beyern Munich were to face Arsenal... I think they will be more scared of us. :alien:

[___jeff]

wtf i'm lazy ?!?!?!!!! god -_- i'm just hoping u guys wont miss out any of the news of our very own supported club.

[Jango]

Flinch was refering to Mankul lah. Relak lah.:angel:

[Mankul]

la la la la la..... :D

[Mankul]

no match this mid week... next match is against away at portsmouth this saturday in the FA Cup then the following mid week is at home against Celta Vigo...

[trinoo]

Originally posted by ___jeff
wtf i'm lazy ?!?!?!!!! god -_- i'm just hoping u guys wont miss out any of the news of our very own supported club.

haha jeff u so paranoid, relac relac =p

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by Mankul


scary meh?

If Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Man U, Beyern Munich were to face Arsenal... I think they will be more scared of us. :alien:
hahahahaha...i hope so too.

But not this season. we are still too naive.

[trinoo]

Originally posted by leo_llw

hahahahaha...i hope so too.

But not this season. we are still too naive.
can lah, we are real madrid with a defence :D

[swalk21]

i be happy with a semi final finish :bounce:

[trinoo]

hmmm "Kolo-Sol" = "Colossal", hahaha no wonder defence so strong :D

'Colossal' secret at the heart of defensive record

By Richard Clarke

Say the first names of Arsenal's two centre backs, Messers Toure and Campbell, in quick succession.

Keep going and "Kolo-Sol" eventually turns into "colossal". Twee though it may be, the word is an apt description the entire Arsenal defence this season.

Those of us lucky enough to have been at Arséne Wenger's post-FA Cup final press conference in Cardiff last season will realise how important defensive security has been this term.

Last May, despite lifting the famous old trophy, the manager was still smarting from missing out on the title.

"We conceded 42 goals in the Premiership," he said when asked about improvements. "Next year that figure must be more like 32."

From their first 27 Premiership games of this season, in which they remain unbeaten, Wenger's side have let in just 18 goals - the best in the top flight. It includes 10 cleans sheets and in only one game, Newcastle at home, has a team scored more than once.

At the present rate Arsenal will have let in 25.3 goals by the end of their 38 games season. That's well within Wenger's requirement at the end of last season and comparable with the manager's Double years of 1998 (33 goals conceded) and 2002 (26 conceded).

"We are defending better this year," he said. "We seem more solid, you only have to look at the numbers.

"Until now we have kept a much better defensive record and perhaps the difference in points [at the top of the table] is explainable through that.

Last season, Arsenal allowed leads to slip in important Premiership games during the run-in - most memorably at Bolton and Aston Villa.

"These kinds of games can happen," said Wenger. "But we are a bit stronger in the air than last year that may also explain why we concede less goals."

Certainly the addition of Jens Lehmann, a keeper who comes for almost every cross into the box, has helped in that area. As has the discovery of Toure, a mobile, muscular centre back who has saved Wenger many millions in the transfer market.

But, as with everything this season, the manager argues 'the team' is paramount.

"It is not just down to the defence," he said. "We are working better as a unit because everybody is more concerned.

"You have to take care of things at the back."

It seems that, so far, Wenger's side is doing that for him.

[02 March 2004]

http://www.arsenal.com/sportsappcontroller.jsp?command=selectCategoryAndNewsItem&nextPage=news_headlines_news_item&type=com.sportapps.news.NewsItem&parentId=15&id=4409969

[trinoo]

Best finishers in the Arsenal team

Ed. Note -- Ok, I'm happy to publish this because I think it's an interesting question and people will have different opinion. That being said, these are the opinions of one man, Afrikan-Gooner. He's entitled to his opinion, you are entitled to disagree, but please, no personal attacks...

Who are the best finishers in the Arsenal team? I mean if we were playing Real Madrid in the champions league final, the game was tied 1-1 and one player was get a one on one with Iker Casillas, who would you want it to be?

Here’s my take. I’ve limited the list to player who feature often. (Reyes of course has not been around long enough)

1. Pires (Don’t really think there’s much argument about this one)
2. Edu (If you ignore his ‘Hail Mary’ kicks. Seldom misses chances you’d reasonably expect a player to score)
3. Aliaderie (Arguably a better finisher than Henry, based on admittedly more limited evidence)
4. Henry (The greatest, but to whom much is given, much is expected. Can be too-too silky…)
5. Ljunberg (Just getting back to his best, should be closer to the top)
6. Wiltord (Ask the Italians…remember the finals of Euro 2000?)
7. Ashley (Doesn’t do much wrong before goal, would rate him higher, but he IS a defender – remember?)
8. Kolo (I wonder how well he’d do playing up front?)
9. Lauren (Most memorable strike was his goal in last season’s the FA cup replay with Chlesea)
10. Vieira (Well nobody’s perfect!)
11. Bergkamp (More than compensates for his one glaring weakness. Sometimes quantity should trump quality)
12. Kanu (Tough call between him and Bergkamp)
13. Campbell (Not so much that he’s good as others are bad)
14. Cygan (Don’t really remember seeing him miss, to be honest)
15. Palour (Has he scored since the Chelsea FA cup final??)
16. Keown (Should he even be on the list)
17. Lehmann (Well he can’t be any worse than Gilberto can he?)
18. Gilberto (Sorry I really couldn’t resist this one…but it’s true!!)


http://www.arsenalamerica.com/new/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1262

[FunkyMonk]

How to beat Arsenal

Norman Hubbard

They can't go through the season unbeaten, can they?

After 27 Premiership games, Arsenal are showing no signs of relenting. They have already been to Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool and emerged undefeated.

Away games at Tottenham and Newcastle and the visits of Liverpool and Manchester United to Highbury look the main obstacles to a unique achievement.

So, how to stop them? That they have reached March without losing indicates it is not easy, but here are a few suggestions. Although, as the other 19 Premiership teams will testify, there's no guarantee they will succeed.

1: Defend tight and narrow

The pace of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp's eye for the final pass make pushing up a dangerous tactic.

The offside trap George Graham used so successfully with a previous Arsenal team probably would not stop their successors. If the centre backs are nearer their own penalty area than the halfway line, Henry has less room to accelerate away from them.

As Arsenal's wide midfielders Robert Pires and Fredrik Ljungberg are hardly orthodox wingers, defending the width of the penalty box should be the priority for the full backs.

Arsenal often favour the left wing, but don't over-compensate and neglect the right: Charlton's left back Hermann Hreidarsson was left isolated at times on Saturday and Arsenal's first goal came from a right-wing cross.


2: Pick a quick right back

Or how to stop Thierry Henry, which is rather easier said than done. Henry is rarely man-marked (who is quick enough?) but, given his tendency to drift out to Arsenal's left wing, pace is as important for the right back as the central defenders.

Against Southampton, Manchester City and Middlesbrough, Henry's surges down the left wing have led to Arsenal goals. Even when they don't, if he outpaces the right back, another defender is dragged out of position.
3: Play an anchor midfielder
Phil Neville: To beat the Gunners you need an enforcer like him. (RossKinnaird/GettyImages)
Besides the left wing, Arsenal's chances often come from the no man's land between the opposition's defence and midfield. Bergkamp, dropping deep into this position, provided the passes for Patrick Vieira and Jose Antonio Reyes to score against Chelsea.

Centre-backs are understandably reluctant to follow him, especially as Pires and Ljungberg tend to break from this area into the penalty box. A deep-lying midfielder should at least mark the midfield runners or track Bergkamp.

Crowding the area around the edge of the penalty box should restrict long-range shots, too, though Reyes' first goal against a Chelsea team with a defensive midfielder (Claude Makelele) came from 25 yards.

4: Get your tactics right

Conventional wisdom is that matching your opponents' tactics is an effective way of stopping them. Not for Arsenal, however; most other Premiership teams play 4-4-2 and have failed to beat them. Whatever their starting positions, Arsenal usually have a third player - whether, Pires, Ljungberg or Bergkamp - in the centre of midfield.

And unless the anchor midfielder is supported by two team-mates, Vieira is more likely to dominate the game.

So 4-5-1 it is, the system used by Bolton and Fulham, who have drawn with Arsenal this season.

One alternative, though rarely used in the Premiership, is to play with three centre backs to help deal with the threat of Pires and Ljungberg joining the strikers.

5: Start well

No other team has the ability to kill a game off in the first 20 minutes. Even though Charlton almost got a point on Saturday, Arsenal had effectively won at five past three.

Manchester City and Middlesbrough seem particularly prone to terrible starts against Arsenal. Defence should be the only objective from the first whistle. Get into the game and then opponents can think about scoring.

6: Frustrate Arsenal

Not, as has been the interpretation at Old Trafford, rattle Arsenal. In their last four games away to Manchester United, Arsene Wenger's team have won twice and drawn once. On each occasion, they were subjected to some overzealous tackles.

But Manchester United's one win in that time, in December 2002, owed much to the harrying of Phil Neville. Given Arsenal's experience and expertise in playing with 10 men, getting their players sent off frequently serves little purpose anyway. Instead, close them down in midfield as much as possible.

7: Set-piece expertise

Arsenal are one of the taller teams in the Premiership but, Vieira and Sol Campbell excepted, that isn't reflected in their aerial ability. Though Kolo Toure competes, Henry, Bergkamp, Pires and Kanu, all over six foot tall, don't win as many defensive headers as they should.

Celta Vigo scored twice from set-pieces last week and the aerial threat of James Scowcroft created Leicester an equaliser in a game when Wenger admitted corner and free kicks troubled his side.

His decision to bring on Pascal Cygan in Arsenal's last two games indicated a weakness against crosses. Set pieces should offer the best opportunity to exploit that - especially if their target is not being marked by Vieira or Campbell.
8: Get behind the full backs
Much of Arsenal's width comes from their attack-minded full backs Lauren and Ashley Cole. But, though the centre backs are invariably well shielded by two defensive midfielders, quick counter attacks can catch Lauren and Cole upfield.

Chelsea scored in their last league meeting when Geremi exploited Lauren's absence and a poor piece of control from Vieira to set up Eidur Gudjohnsen.

And, for all they offer going forward, Pires and Ljungberg do not always cover (though, when they play wide, Edu and Ray Parlour will more often). Even when they have time to get back the Arsenal full backs can be left with two opponents to deal with.

9: Hope Edu isn't playing

As they often prove in the FA Cup, Arsenal can win without Thierry Henry. They won 5-1 away against Inter Milan when Patrick Vieira was injured. Sol Campbell is perhaps hardest to replace, but Edu's presence seems to coincide with Arsenal wins.

Quite apart from his increasingly strong challenge to replace Gilberto Silva as first choice alongside Vieira, the less heralded Brazilian has a habit of scoring important goals.

Of his seven this season, five have come against Chelsea, Celta Vigo or Inter Milan. He also scored last year against Manchester United and has only figured in one of their last three Champions League defeats.

10: Be lucky

Arguably the most important of all, given the quality of Arsenal's players and their consistency this season.

Their last Premiership defeat - against Leeds last season - came courtesy of a Mark Viduka goal which looked suspiciously offside. Two of their losses this year have involved costly individual errors (Jens Lehmann against Dynamo Kiev and Martin Keown away at Middlesbrough).

Mistakes were more prevalent in the collapse of their title challenge last year, especially Toure's own goal at Aston Villa. There have been far fewer this year, but one could cost them their unbeaten record.


_______________________________

better dun let other teams see this :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Mankul]

Originally posted by FunkyMonk
How to beat Arsenal


direct source link?

[FLiNcHY]

cock lah you, soccernet also dunno how to read!!

that's the most basic website anyone should read!:mad:

[Mankul]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
cock lah you, soccernet also dunno how to read!!

that's the most basic website anyone should read!:mad:

nebbermind... rebellious ah.... nebbermind... wait till it comes to goals.. :mad:

[Mankul]

http://www.anr.uk.com/articles/m-2004-03-02-10-05-33.html

COMPLACENCY is a problem, especialy among younger Arsenal fans.


As I've mentioned, my Gooner daughter has gone travelling in her gap year.


Caroline, Abigail and Melita worked for four months to get the money to go round the world for four months.


One night about 10.30, just before they left on January 24th, she said, "Save me the pretty pictures from when we win the Cup - and the league. Just the pictures, I don't wanna read about it."


Caroline has been to the last three FA Cup Finals in Cardiff and assumes Arsenal will win the Cup again.


Complacency.


Young kids who support Arsenal have only seen good times and winning teams and exciting players.


That is all they have seen, so it is all they know. They think trophies come along on a conveyor belt.


Their fathers still remember the 16 years without winning anything before the Fairs Cup in 1970.


16 years is a long time between orgasms.


Those were grim years for Gooners, with the Spurs double team playing the glamour clubs of Europe, and Man United winning the European Cup in 1968.


That's why some Gooners ran onto the pitch at White Hart Lane when Arsenal won the league there in 1971.


Yes, Mitch, I mean you. It's a shame you were such a young hooligan.


Glad you've grown up now - it took you long enough.




This article goes out to especially the young fans in this thread. I've been waiting for this kind of article for a long time.

Look at yourself. Everytime got match and after match.. all so silent in this thread. What? expecting another Arsenal victory? no wonder we lost the EPL last year! :mad:

Shame on you!

[leo_llw]

Yeah...hate that soccernet article.

It seems that no one wants us to continue our good run. Nabei!

I hope we prove them wrong by extending our unbeaten run. (Although I have to admit most of the points are true) :alien:

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by Mankul



This article goes out to especially the young fans in this thread. I've been waiting for this kind of article for a long time.

Look at yourself. Everytime got match and after match.. all so silent in this thread. What? expecting another Arsenal victory? no wonder we lost the EPL last year! :mad:

Shame on you!
They dun expect another victory lah but most fans are really have limited knowledge to participate in an technical analysis or prediction sort of discussion.

some pple who claim to be Arsenal fan is even unsure of who is in the first team or the history of Arsenal for example. :laugh:

[deathblade]

Originally posted by Mankul


nebbermind... rebellious ah.... nebbermind... wait till it comes to goals.. :mad: http://www.emotioneric.com/reserved.jpg

Never should have given him any.... He's a bad boy... Tsk Tsk

[deathblade]

Originally posted by leo_llw
Yeah...hate that soccernet article.

It seems that no one wants us to continue our good run. Nabei!

I hope we prove them wrong by extending our unbeaten run. (Although I have to admit most of the points are true) :alien:

I laughed when i read that article. Arsenal's pricinple is soccer is a bit wierd.... I'll decribe it as "water" like.(strong, flexible and reactional) U can't have a formula for beating such a system except playing ur bloody best and hope.

[deathblade]

Originally posted by leo_llw

They dun expect another victory lah but most fans are really have limited knowledge to participate in an technical analysis or prediction sort of discussion.

some pple who claim to be Arsenal fan is even unsure of who is in the first team or the history of Arsenal for example. :laugh:

Sometimes i just dun wanna add yet another "yeah we won" post in here..... You'll see me when we lose, to analyse wat went wrong and put all the blame on Wiltord. (dounch care if he is playing)

lol...

[FLiNcHY]

Originally posted by Mankul



This article goes out to especially the young fans in this thread. I've been waiting for this kind of article for a long time.

Look at yourself. Everytime got match and after match.. all so silent in this thread. What? expecting another Arsenal victory? no wonder we lost the EPL last year! :mad:

Shame on you!

Young as in newly registered users or young as in age wise?:laugh: :laugh:

You have the idea stuck in your head that users that just joined this forum are young, is it not?

Is it a must for fans of arsenal to be here and active during each and every match? Is it mandatory?

This is a forum, not some society that we must pledge allegiance to.

With that being said, i shall forgive you for oversleeping arsenal's 5-1 win over inter milan:laugh:

[deathblade]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY


With that being said, i shall forgive you for oversleeping arsenal's 5-1 win over inter milan:laugh:

Hehehe when u next can't watch a match and Henry, Pires, Edu, Bergkamp or Reyes score a wondergoal like the one Bergkamp did, i think u'll regret saying that.... But thats a good one. lol

Flinchy.... Arsenal is blessed with many players that can score wondergoals... killing your source is not advisable....=p

[FLiNcHY]

Won't kill lah, i'll just send more mardi gras pics can already:laugh:

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by Mankul



This article goes out to especially the young fans in this thread. I've been waiting for this kind of article for a long time.

Look at yourself. Everytime got match and after match.. all so silent in this thread. What? expecting another Arsenal victory? no wonder we lost the EPL last year! :mad:

Shame on you!

i think u are just like a cheerleader in this thread, always so encouraging for us to post more... nothing to say also must post .. :D :laugh:

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by deathblade


Sometimes i just dun wanna add yet another "yeah we won" post in here..... You'll see me when we lose, to analyse wat went wrong and put all the blame on Wiltord. (dounch care if he is playing)

lol...

poor wiltord :laugh:
actually he not bad la..can see he very hardworking on the pitch. just that his ball control :rolleyes:

[Jango]

In response to Mankul's appeal.

GO Arsenal!!!

[raveness]

sigh...mankul dun stress yourself too much on the source link lah k ;)
the onus is on them whether they wan to put or not...

for those of you who are interested...why quoting source is important... (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.html#Handling)

although this is more relevant in academic writings (as a measure against plagiarism)...it is also useful (and a good habit) to
1. give credit to the original writer
2. allow others to look up original article themselves
3. establish validity, reliability and credibility of the article.

gd eg...Ars transfer rumours...:laugh:


eh not tat i dun wan to post lah...must have something to say then post mah :P but if the thread go pg3 ah...I SURE POST k :mad: haha
now v good liao...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GOONERS! both new and old...:D

[raveness]

Originally posted by rAc3rX


i think u are just like a cheerleader in this thread, always so encouraging for us to post more... nothing to say also must post .. :D :laugh:

:laugh: mankul the no.1 gooner fan leh dunch praypray... :P

mankul->cheerleader http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif haha

[Jango]

chiobu leh!:laugh:

[RipperJack]

Originally posted by raveness


:laugh: mankul the no.1 gooner fan leh dunch praypray... :P

mankul->cheerleader http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif haha :laugh: mankul, when are u free for movie and kopi? :D

[trinoo]

Originally posted by RipperJack
:laugh: mankul, when are u free for movie and kopi? :D
kaozz, Mankul now the hottest babe in Arsenal thread :D

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by raveness


:laugh: mankul the no.1 gooner fan leh dunch praypray... :P

mankul->cheerleader http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif haha

:laugh: :laugh:

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by raveness


:laugh: mankul the no.1 gooner fan leh dunch praypray... :P

mankul->cheerleader http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif haha

wahahahahahahahahahaha...:laugh: the No.1 Arsenal cheerleader in both EPL n Champ League...n not 4getting FA Cup too...

[Mankul]

Originally posted by raveness


:laugh: mankul the no.1 gooner fan leh dunch praypray... :P

mankul->cheerleader http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif haha

:love: :love:

[swalk21]

Originally posted by raveness


:laugh: mankul the no.1 gooner fan leh dunch praypray... :P

mankul->cheerleader http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif haha

didn't know mankul is a butch in disguise:rolleyes:

[___jeff]

lol

[___jeff]

any 1 actually signed up for arsenal plus ? if so please post the articles and share with us ^^

[Fozzyrock]

Originally posted by raveness


:laugh: mankul the no.1 gooner fan leh dunch praypray... :P

mankul->cheerleader http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif haha

:laugh: :laugh:

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by swalk21


didn't know mankul is a butch in disguise:rolleyes:


wahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Mankul]

Originally posted by ___jeff
any 1 actually signed up for arsenal plus ? if so please post the articles and share with us ^^

there is... an Arsenal fan now studying in US....

Arsenal plus where got extra articles?

Only extra video interrviews and match highlights and goals...

[Mankul]

Originally posted by SueDE_84



wahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...:laugh:

Originally posted by Fozzyrock


:laugh:

Originally posted by swalk21


didn't know mankul is a butch in disguise:rolleyes:

Originally posted by trinoo

kaozz, Mankul now the hottest babe in Arsenal thread :D

You all so bad... I leaving this thread already....

http://mankul.purehub.com/Man5.jpg

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by Mankul


You all so bad... I leaving this thread already....

http://mankul.purehub.com/Man5.jpg

eh relac lah...u r our cheerleader leh...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[deathblade]

Cheer leader is throwing tantrum....:laugh:

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by deathblade
Cheer leader is throwing tantrum....:laugh:

tink he shld get some bigger POM POMS nxt time round...:laugh:

[ickypoo]

Originally posted by Mankul


there is... an Arsenal fan now studying in US....

Arsenal plus where got extra articles?

Only extra video interrviews and match highlights and goals...

yup, just like mankul said, no extra articles...

[Mankul]

Originally posted by ickypoo


yup, just like mankul said, no extra articles...

you finally posted! :eek:

[ickypoo]

Originally posted by Mankul


you finally posted! :eek:

harhar yeah... funny seeing a 'posts:1' when the rest of u have them in tens of thousands eh? 2 now, woot..! =p

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by Mankul


You all so bad... I leaving this thread already....

http://mankul.purehub.com/Man5.jpg

eh dun like this lei.. we still need you to cheer us on this coming weekend game. :cool:

[Jango]

Originally posted by Mankul


You all so bad... I leaving this thread already....

http://mankul.purehub.com/Man5.jpg

Gimme a "M"!
Gimme a "AN"!
Gimme a "K-U-L"!
Mankul! Mankul!
We can't do without choo!!!

http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif
http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif
http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by Jango


Gimme a "M"!
Gimme a "AN"!
Gimme a "K-U-L"!
Mankul! Mankul!
We can't do without choo!!!

http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif
http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif
http://www.spug.net/forums/images/smilies/cheergal.gif


oopss...mankul zao geng! :laugh:

[steyraug2002]

The "How to beat Arsenal" article was a interesting read but if Premier League managers had to read such articles to help them in organizing tatics against top teams then i wonder why their clubs still bother to pay them million of dollars a year. Those points are common rules in the manager's notebooks when facing a opponent of such magnitude.

In the end its all about taking the chances you have against Arsenal, then hope for the best Arsenal do not blow the opposition away with their light-speed passing and the finishing by the strikers and attacking midfielders.

[Jango]

Yah I'm not too concerned about that article too. Try giving the Singapore football team a "All you need to know in football" manual, and they'll still lose to Malaysia.

The way Arsenal is playing now is so damn dynamic. Goals can come from any midfielder.

[LiteMan]

Originally posted by Jango
Yah I'm not too concerned about that article too. Try giving the Singapore football team a "All you need to know in football" manual, and they'll still lose to Malaysia.

The way Arsenal is playing now is so damn dynamic. Goals can come from any midfielder.

I guess that's the thrill of watching the present Gunners play nowadays...it's dynamic and fluid style, a bit like tai-chi.

(You want hard, we be hard-tackling. You want soft, we show you the smooth passing and flair.)

Wonder if Monsieur Wenger brought back some of his learnings from Japan and incorporated into the teamplay?

But this current play is a big change from the old style under Graham (when it was defend, defend and whack one long ball to Ian Wright for shoot and score.)

[FLiNcHY]

One more item to add to the list of "How to beat Arsenal"

11. Hope Flinchy isn't watching or viewing the live score of the game.

:laugh: :laugh:

[rAc3rX]

ok guys..let's say u are the managers of opposition teams, what tactics are u going to use to beat Arsenal?

for me, let's say i have a team of very very fit players, the best way to stop arsenal is to have them running for the whole match. not aimless running but to close them down every time they get the ball . the players must cover for each other while defending , i think this is very important.
let's say a very fast and skillful player like henry beats a defender, the player covering the defender will have a higher chance of tackling henry after he beat him. and this will break their flow of play .

right from the start..should attack right away, no point seating back and let arsenal attack, sure going to die this way, as we know they can score from anywhere in the field. lets hope that can catch them by surprise. i notice something, for the 1st 10-20 mins, arsenal are usually not very stable , this is the best chance to score against them.

hopefully can score 2 goals.. if managed to score two, i feel that should compact the midfield more, and apply more pressure to the arsenal midfield . dun attack too much from now on cos we now how dangerous arsenal's counter attack it. instead defend rigidly and look for chances to counter them instead.

also ... depends luck plays a very important part as well.. :bounce:

[FLiNcHY]

the only way to beat arsenal is to have 1 peter schemicahel, 9 roy keanes and 1 ronaldo

9 roy keanes to break the legs of vieira, henry, pires, bergkamp, ljungberg, silva and edu

Must take all of them out then can win.

[machinehead]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
the only way to beat arsenal is to have 1 peter schemicahel, 9 roy keanes and 1 ronaldo

9 roy keanes to break the legs of vieira, henry, pires, bergkamp, ljungberg, silva and edu

Must take all of them out then can win.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
the only way to beat arsenal is to have 1 peter schemicahel, 9 roy keanes and 1 ronaldo

9 roy keanes to break the legs of vieira, henry, pires, bergkamp, ljungberg, silva and edu

Must take all of them out then can win.
cannot lah.....

like tat how many medics must stand by...costs go up u noe? :laugh:

[Jango]

Actually many teams have tried that. The latest in memory is against Bolton last season. We were cruising 2 nil up. Then bam bam bam. Ljungberg, Lauren, and Cygan all subbed out due to bad/deliberate? tackles late in the second half.

And Bolton equalised.:mad: :mad:

[trinoo]

Originally posted by Jango
Actually many teams have tried that. The latest in memory is against Bolton last season. We were cruising 2 nil up. Then bam bam bam. Ljungberg, Lauren, and Cygan all subbed out due to bad/deliberate? tackles late in the second half.

And Bolton equalised.:mad: :mad:

at the end of the match, fegie presented sam with a bottle of champagne :alien:

[swalk21]

Originally posted by trinoo


at the end of the match, fegie presented sam with a bottle of champagne :alien:

both fatties manager:rolleyes:

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
the only way to beat arsenal is to have 1 peter schemicahel, 9 roy keanes and 1 ronaldo

9 roy keanes to break the legs of vieira, henry, pires, bergkamp, ljungberg, silva and edu

Must take all of them out then can win.


wahahahahahahahahahahahaha...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: n hav how many SAFs to control the team?

[steyraug2002]

Originally posted by Jango
Actually many teams have tried that. The latest in memory is against Bolton last season. We were cruising 2 nil up. Then bam bam bam. Ljungberg, Lauren, and Cygan all subbed out due to bad/deliberate? tackles late in the second half.

And Bolton equalised.:mad: :mad:

yeah still can't forget that match, after those 3 kenna sub okocha suddenly like damn hot keep bullying luzhny :mad: :mad: :mad:

[leo_llw]

-- Arsenal slay Welsh dragons --

Paula Cocozza
The Guardian

Arsenal are to be thanked for what is quite possibly the single most exciting thing to happen in the women's game this season, and yesterday she was on display in their FA Cup quarter-final against Cardiff.

After umpteen attempts in recent years, their manager Vic Akers has landed Julie Fleeting, the woman who might yet make this season's league campaign a three-sided race.

Fleeting is a Scottish international with 80 goals in 75 appearances. As a forward with San Diego Spirit, playing professionally in the US, she was voted her side's MVP. A teacher by day, she takes to the skies to reach London for each home game, and yesterday was on hand to fire a hat-trick in her side's 11-1 triumph over Cardiff. (Jo Potter, Ellen Maggs, Jo Lorton and Leanne Champ each scored twice, while Jessica Fishlock added Cardiff's quiet reply.)

To understand Fleeting's importance, you need to go back to when Arsenal won the treble in 2001. They did so with the legendary Marieanne Spacey and Angie Banks leading the line, their combination of physical force and technical grace unique in the women's game for appearing more closely to resemble the men's.

But Spacey moved to Fulham; Banks, 26, retired from her career with club and country - to settle down and start a family, she said.

Since then, cobwebs have grown over the Ladies' trophy cabinet. The young forwards Maggs and Alex Scott ("God bless her, she tries to throw her weight around," her manager said recently) have looked skilful but slight, and Arsenal have been knocked from their lonely pinnacle by Charlton and Fulham.

Yesterday, Fleeting, who according to one erstwhile opponent, represents "the nearest thing to marking Spacey in her heyday", in partnership with Lianne Sanderson, and with Maggs in a deeper role, looked for all the world as if she had given her new side the shape they have been searching for.

[leo_llw]

The Ginge's Gooner Gossip
Part of TheGinge.Com Website
Should Reyes be put to one side for now?
25 February 2004

Last nights result was fantastic. Maybe the game shouldn't have ended up as close as it did, but three away goals is an excellent advantage to take back home with us.
Celta are not exactly having the best of season's but last night was never going to be easy. But what game is at this stage of the season. We gifted them their two goals. Their second came at a time in the game when we were just about to take over, but they scored and it put a hault to that moment. We were never in trouble against them, and this new improved self belief the team have this season was on show for all to see.
We no longer panic, we take our time, we believe we will score and we look like we have learnt every lesson last season offered us.
We are now doing it in Europe as well as domestically, how far this takes us in the Champions League this season is really in the hands of the players. They can go all the way if they believe it. And this season they look like they do. But I will stop short of saying anything stupid like "we will win it"... too many years of thinking that and ending up kicking next doors cat have taught me to just see what happens.

But there was something about last nights game that worried me just a little.
I don't know how alone I am in thinking this, but after seeing Reyes and Henry play together, I got the feeling it might be better to leave the squad well alone until the end of the season. By this I mean, leave Reyes to one side unless he is needed. Of course you can not pay that much for a player and then just not use him totally, but the team didn't look 100% comfy with him playing up front with Henry last night.

First off I would like to say that I think Reyes will be one hell of a player for us. When we first signed him I did raise an eyebrow but I think we have all seen enough to know we have a special player here. But he is still settling in. He will one day very soon be a great Arsenal player. We have seen from his movement and skill that he will add something to our game. The trouble is, at the moment he is learning how to play in the team. Like Henry, he does like to drift to the left hand side of the pitch during games. What I noticed last night was Henry staying more to the right to allow Reyes this space. We have noticed before that Henry will try and change his game slightly to allow others in the team to feel comfy. When ever Jeffers played, Henry would go out of his way to set him up rather than go on a run that would give himself a goalscoring chance. Credit to Henry for that, but last night I felt this effected his game a bit. As usual he was crowded out whenever he got the ball, but Henry is able to fly past defenders no trouble at all. Last night his mind seemed elsewhere, like he was more aware of where he was rather than what he was going to do next. Was this because Reyes was on the pitch? Was he aware that too many players floating off to the left would over crowd? Or was he just having an off game? Was he simply man marked by a better standard of defender than he is used to in The Premiership?

My gut feeling was that he was too aware of Reyes and trying to make that partnership work. As a one of statement that does sound stupid I admit. But I felt that just took the edge of our play a little. It also of course, I think, effected the link up play between Pires and Henry. That side of our game was far to quiet, but as soon as Reyes came off, Pires and Henry linked up and we scored the winner. Almost straight away. Henry and Pires were back.
As I say, Reyes will one day (and very soon) be a huge Arsenal player. But would it make sense to maybe leave him to one side for the remainder of the season, or indeed give him more time to adapt maybe in training before using him again? This season we are on the verge of something very special. Records are being broken again and the big prizes are there for us to win. Does it make sense to disrupt the flow right now? At the moment Reyes doesn't fit in quite like Kanu, Wiltord or Dennis. I know last night the options were more limited with Dennis missing, but I would have started with Kanu. The team looked more balanced when he came on.

I could of course be thinking too cautious. The thought of missing out might be making me think like this.
Are the team simply not good enough to allow Reyes to come in now and get used to playing for Arsenal?
I have no logical reason to think they aren't, but who ever we come up against next in the Champions League from now on (should we get through of course) are going to be twice as strong defensively. What if we need a goal and the free flowing forward play isn't quite up too speed for the same reasons I felt last night?

As I say, I could be very much alone in this thinking. And would Wenger have even used Reyes if Dennis was at the game? Maybe not.
But remember the tale of Rodney Marsh signing for Man City in 1972 (I think it was) and his introduction cost then an almost certain League title. It just disrupted the team just that little bit. Rodney of course went on to be a sensation at City, but they should have just left alone and put him to one side until they had sown everything up.

I could be madly wrong, and would love nothing better than for Reyes to suddenly find his feet and see us home in this final sprint. But something is nagging me in the back of my head that disruption now could cost us something.

The Ginge

[LiteMan]

URL: http://www.arsenal.com/sportsappcontroller.jsp?command=setSelectedId&nextPage=displayheadline&type=com.sportapps.news.NewsItem&id=4413700


Keown and Aliadiere could be back for FA Cup tie


- Arsène Wenger -
By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger is likely to add Martin Keown and Jeremie Aliadiere to his squad for the trip to Portsmouth in the FA Cup Quarter-Final on Saturday.

Arsenal have no new injuries to report this week so the manager has the option of adding two familiar faces. Centre back Keown missed last week?s victory over Charlton and Aliadiere has not featured since he was substituted with a knee injury at half-time against Middlesbrough on January 10. However, as part of his recuperation, the French forward has started two Reserve games in the last two weeks and scored in each.

?We have everyone from last week plus Martin Keown and Jeremie Aliadiere, who are available again,? said Wenger in an exclusive interview with Arsenal.com on Thursday afternoon.

Ray Parlour (knee) and Sylvain Wiltord (ankle) are continuing their recoveries from injury. The latter, the manager admitted, is taking ?longer than expected?.

?I?m in a bit of a grey area,? said Wenger. ?His ankle swells everytime he starts to run. He is so keen to come back that he sometimes pushes himself too hard. So we have decided to leave it until the swelling has gone completely.?

The full video interview with Arsène will be available for Arsenal Plus subscribers on Friday morning. The manager talks about whether he?ll shuffle the side for Saturday, Thierry Henry?s chances of playing, stories that Arsenal should keep the FA Cup if they win it for a third successive time, his first visit to Fratton Park and much more.


[04 March 2004]

[SueDE_84]

steady...no injuries or anything hindering the squad...Portsmouth here we come!!!:laugh:

[Jango]

Maybe can rest Henry, and play Reyes and Aliadiere. It could be exciting to watch...

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by Jango
Maybe can rest Henry, and play Reyes and Aliadiere. It could be exciting to watch...

we can afford to rest the whole Arsenal squad n field in the 2nd string side...hahahahahahahahahahahaha...juz kidding...Portsmouth ain't a easy task man...look at their performance against Pool

[rAc3rX]

Whatever it is... we must be ruthless ..show no mercy! :evil:

[Wryer]

Potential banana skin.

We had a real hard time when Portsmouth came to Highbury in the league. During that match, i saw glimpses of Arsenal last season. Impatient, frustrated and eventually desperate. Portsmouth gave us a hard time that match.

I think it was them who started the trend of opponents flooding the midfield with 5 players, and leave a lone ranger to attack us. Disrupting our play of short quick passing.

Tough match i would say esp, its at Fratton.

Regards

[Winterhearts]

oh ...this is funny

:laugh:


http://www.awimb.com/cgi-bin/webbbs_config.pl?read=526700

[FLiNcHY]

PIRES LOVES BEING A GUNNER

Robert Pires has declared his intention to see out his career at Arsenal by leading them into their new stadium.





The French international is delighted with his recent form and, despite having signed a new contract only last summer, he has*set his sights on remaining at the club until their new stadium is ready to open.


That would be at the start of the 2006-07 season, just after his current deal expires, and while he would be 33 at that point, he is still hopeful of extending his top-flight career for that long.


He said: "I would love to play in the new stadium. The chance to play in front of 60,000 spectators is a fantastic one.


“My contract finishes in June 2006 and the ball is in Arsenal's court. I am open to all propositions.


"English football is as fast and aggressive as it has always been and I love it. It gives me a reason to live.


“Every time I play, be it at Highbury or elsewhere, I get the same feeling. Since my first match at Sunderland, nothing has changed."


While there is no hurry to gain Pires' signature on a new deal, boss Arsene Wenger believes the winger is back to the best form which earned him the player of the year title two seasons ago.


He said: "Robert has just scored his 50th goal for the club and he has been an outstanding player for us. He's back to his best and we are very pleased for him."


Those 50 goals were scored from just 157 starts, a superb return from midfield of virtually one goal every three games, on top of many assists.


"The fact I have been picked that many times is thanks to Arsene Wenger. He is the coach and the one who has confidence in me," Pires told the club's official programme.


"As an attacking midfielder, you are asked to defend as well as attack, even if I don't defend particularly well, I try my best.


“The reason I have nearly scored 50 goals is because when Arsenal attack I am always there trying to score."


As a result of his goalscoring influence, with eight Barclaycard Premiership goals this season and 13 in total, he has helped to reduce the scoring burden on Thierry Henry.


"We are certainly dependent on him to score goals. It would be unfair to say otherwise.


“He is the best striker in Europe at the moment and, as a team, we always try and put him in good goalscoring opportunities," admitted Pires.


"But what is great about Arsenal is that everybody plays their part.


“That is to say also that the defenders help the attackers to score goals and the attackers help the defenders to defend. That is one of the team's strengths."


The signing of Jose Reyes has also added to Arsenal's attacking options, with Pires, who has a Portuguese father and Spanish mother, having helped him to settle into England.


He added: "As a team, we are more than happy to welcome a player like Jose because he is a great player.


“As I speak Spanish, I talk to him and try and make him feel welcome, as do all the lads.


"We should give him time to grow up, to learn and to get used to the English game. Jose has a lot of qualities, but we must give him time.


“Don't worry, in a few weeks he'll be doing some damage to opposition defences. He has a fantastic left foot and is very good dribbler of the ball.


“As for the differences between us, he has an excellent left foot and I don't!"

[Jango]

Originally posted by Winterhearts
oh ...this is funny

:laugh:


http://www.awimb.com/cgi-bin/webbbs_config.pl?read=526700


:laugh: :laugh: Radnapp is a loong way away from goal! Lame excuse. :laugh:

[trinoo]

hope to see reyes excel in this coming match :bounce:
bring him on! :bounce:

[trinoo]

No let up from Gunners - Wenger

Arsene Wenger says there is no danger of Arsenal taking their FA Cup tie with Pompey lightly as it holds the key to keeping up their momentum.

Arsenal's priority is holding on to their nine-point title lead, while they face the return leg of their last-16 tie in the Champions League next Wednesday against Celta Vigo.

Wenger has also taken the decision to rest Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp for Saturday's game.

However, the Gunners have reached the past three FA Cup finals and Wenger believes they will not allow their focus to be distracted at Fratton Park.

"There is a relationship confidence-wise between all the trophies. You feel the momentum is there now and the only way to keep it high is to win every game you play,'' he declared.

"We started off this season in the FA Cup at Leeds, then played Middlesbrough and Chelsea, and now we've got Portsmouth.

"When you also look at the draws we had in the last two seasons as well, we always get the big opponents.

"But the positive side of it is that when you go away to a Premier League opponent, you know that you have to be up for it.

"The most difficult victory we had recently was Sheffield United in the semi-finals last year, when we were super-favourites and maybe sub-consciously thought they weren't a Premier League team.''

http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,784969,00.html

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by trinoo
hope to see reyes excel in this coming match :bounce:
bring him on! :bounce:


yeah ready to c him in action!!!come on Reyes!!!


http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/9E943657-2BDC-4FF8-8E4F-7738894EC3F3/28621/Arsenal_Reyes_vChel_L.jpg

[Jango]

20mins more!:bounce:

[swalk21]

:bounce: goal up

[Jango]

3 up at HT. Sweet!! Pompey chasing shadows...:bounce:

[trinoo]

this is getting easy, hahaaha :D

[LiteMan]

wah, this is going to be a thrashing, or is it a thrashing oredi...?

[LiteMan]

4-0 at the moment.

[Jango]

Would have prefer a clean sheet. :alien:

[swalk21]

:bounce: :rolleyes: :confused: :eek: :alien:

5 :1

[FLiNcHY]

Wah lau i just checked the score now!! 12 hours after the match!!
haahhaha

after working 12 hours as official photographer for a regional Tae Kwan Do tournament.

See the score already all my muscle aches go away:laugh:

[trinoo]

HARRY HAILS GUNNERS

Saturday 6th March 2004

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp had nothing but glowing praise for Arsenal after The Gunners destroyed Pompey in the FA Cup, and he does not see anyone, at home or in Europe, beating them.

Arsene Wenger's side were at their glorious best as they spanked Pompey 5-1 in their FA Cup quarter final tie at Fratton Park on Saturday evening.

The swift passing and movement from the Highbury outfit was frightening at times and Redknapp could only sit back and admire their talents.

The former West Ham boss says that he cannot see them getting beat and believes Arsenal could claim the treble this term.

"We gave away some sloppy goals but they are outstanding," said Redknapp. "There is a gulf in class.

"They have got everything - pace, power. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are a different level and maybe Arsenal are even higher than that.

"I can't see anybody in the Champions League beating them, let alone the Premier League. I can appreciate great players and it was good to see our fans cheering people like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. Football must not be all about hate.

"We should have beaten them at Highbury in September but there was no chance today.

"Three down at half-time, it is basically no chance. You know you won't beat Arsenal 4-3 from there.

"I think they could win everything put in front of them. In fact I think I could pick six of them to win the Boat Race. The only trouble is you would struggle to find anybody small enough to be the cox.

"They are all athletes, almost monsters. As strong as an ox. There's no way you can start kicking people like Patrick Vieira.

"And Henry? He's got to be right up there with the best you have ever seen.

"When you see his name (henry) on the team sheet now as an opposition manager you just say `Oh no'.

"They rested (Robert) Pires and (Dennis) Bergkamp today but I wish they had rested Henry as well."

http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,7-1126408,00.html

[trinoo]

Pompey Fans Impress Wenger

03/06/2004

http://images.soccerage.com/73570.jpg
Henry: back to his best, says Wenger (AFP)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was taken aback by the standing ovation given to his team by the magnificent Portsmouth fans after Arsenal's superb 5-1 FA Cup Sixth Round victory at Fratton Park.

"The result is wonderful," said Wenger. "But it is even more enjoyable to see opposition fans cheering our team.

"Our game was really fluent. Our passing and movement gave Portsmouth many problems.

"And of course, we took our chances. Overall I'm very pleased with the way we played and our sharpness.

"We were able to keep our concentration over 90 minutes and our attitude showed that we want to stick to the quality of our game.

"When confidence is high like this, the players really enjoy it."

Wenger rested Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp for this game, but there was no diminution of Arsenal's attacking potency.

And Thierry Henry's two goals were particularly appreciated by the Arsenal boss, who thinks his striker is firing on all cylinders again.

"He looked a bit tired a couple of weeks ago," Wenger said. "But now he's back at his top form once again.

"I noticed it coming back in training and he has obviously benefited from the rest he had.

http://www.soccerage.com/en/13/t6796.html

[deathblade]

Er.......................................

Yeah we won.............:D

[leo_llw]

Originally posted by Jango
Would have prefer a clean sheet. :alien:
Neber mind, one goal for the fantastic Pompey fan lor :cool:

[FunkyMonk]

sheringham ALWAYS scores against arsenal :slant:

[RipperJack]

Originally posted by FunkyMonk
sheringham ALWAYS scores against arsenal :slant: consolation: he's not going to be around much longer :crazy:

[Mankul]

http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif

[Kiwi8]

Originally posted by Mankul
http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif

:laugh:

[Wryer]

Majestic performance from Gunners. Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for a gd victory over Celta next week.

The passing was breatheless, i cannot think of any team that can do passing like this, this season. The team individual did what they are supposed to do. Vieira anchoring the midfield, Kolo-Sol taking a safety first approach in defence, Henry going those unstoppable runs, Ljungberg playing as a auxilliary striker.

My MOM is Henry; needless to explain. He played really well.

Reyes did pretty well this morning. He is very hardworking, and always looking for those passes to release team mates. Typical Arsenal style, he looks to fit into Arsenal nicely. He has a fierce left foot! His strike 3mins into the game almost tore down the woodwork. Looking forward to him next season..

Regards

[Dumb_Terminal]

no vid captures ???:(

[trinoo]

Originally posted by Dumb_Terminal
no vid captures ???:(
Mankul on strike :eek:

[deathblade]

Why is he on strike? Didn't we just promote him to official HWZ Arsenal fan club cheerleader? Not enough ah?:confused:

[Fozzyrock]

Gilberto needs to brush up his passing, so many times he gives the balls away needlessly, under no pressure at all.

But what a performance from the gunners!
Edu and Vieira are so dominant in midfield and Reyes is showing signs of understanding with the rest. If they can maintain the present form throughout the campaign, I can't see any teams that are able to stop them. Keep it up!

[Mankul]

Originally posted by deathblade
Why is he on strike? Didn't we just promote him to official HWZ Arsenal fan club cheerleader? Not enough ah?:confused:

cos this officer is not very happy...

http://www.l-plates.net/graphics/policeman.gif

[deathblade]

U are going to punish all of us cos of one US guy? :(

[FLiNcHY]

Wah how come suddenly my fault?
I didn't even do anything:laugh:

[deathblade]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
cock lah you, soccernet also dunno how to read!!

that's the most basic website anyone should read!:mad:

later posted my our nice, handsome and generous cheerleader

nebbermind... rebellious ah.... nebbermind... wait till it comes to goals..

Flinchy you see la u...:(

[SueDE_84]

great performance n result by the Gunners!!!n like wat Harry said...i can't see any team capable of beating Arsenal at home or away...or in Europe...:D

http://www.soccernet.com/images/england/20040306/ljunggoal_adavy.jpg

[rAc3rX]

have u guys notice something? whenever reyes starts for arsenal, it always rains.. :rolleyes:
damn, he nearly scored in the 2nd minute!!!

[trinoo]

Gunners are 'together'

By DAVID BARNES

http://images.thesun.co.uk/picture/0,,2004110046,00.jpg
HUDDLE ... Arsenal players celebrate goal

ROBERT PIRES last night revealed that Sol Campbell is behind the huddles Arsenal now form to celebrate their goals.

The cuddly practice, that so irritates rivals Manchester United, seemed to have its origins among Highbury’s French contingent.

But Pires said: “When we score, we celebrate by repeating the word ‘together’ to each other in English.

“It all started with Sol because, in my opinion, it has become his favourite word.

“We use it before the game but especially when a player scores. Sol always arrives on the scene with the words ‘together, together’.

“It’s easy to say, of course, that solidarity is one of our great qualities when things are going well.

“But we know that we are always united and together whatever happens.

“The level to which we have that this season has surprised even me.”

Now Campbell’s English battle cry has been adopted by the club’s foreigners from France, Brazil, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Spain, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast. Gunners skipper Patrick Vieira added: “The atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic.

“Everybody is responsible for the pre-match ritual.

“We’re really close together off the pitch as well. We’re friends and there’s a bond.

“We’re going to win as a squad or lose as a squad.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2004110098,00.html

[FLiNcHY]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2004/03/08/sfnpor08.xml&sSheet=/sport/2004/03/08/ixfooty.html

Wenger's Ajax chase Treble
By Henry Winter *
(Filed: 08/03/2004)



The trouble-makers have become the Treble-seekers. As the season unfolded, Arsenal's reputation was stained by their indiscipline at Old Trafford, by the picture of Martin Keown leaping like a creature from Tolkein's dark imagination above Ruud van Nistelrooy. Now even opposing fans applaud Arsenal's glorious football, which has lifted them to a bullish base camp beneath the three peaks of Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League. Popularity has replaced infamy.






English football needs the tonic being poured so expertly by Arsenal in this season of travails. "We want to give a positive image and give football some good news," observed their manager, Arsene Wenger, nodding at mention of dispiriting bulletins from La Manga. "We want to be remembered as a team who give pleasure to people."


Six months ago, Arsenal would have seemed unlikely saviours of the sport. A beastly streak still lurks within - Thierry Henry's lunge at Matty Taylor deserved censure - but now they are wholly associated with the beautiful game, of one-touch, counter-attacking football, of Henry's mesmerising charge towards the Double of Footballer of the Year and Player of the Year.


The only discomfort Henry experienced in an astonishing display at Fratton Park came afterwards when he paused to talk and was struck by a lifting hook swinging from a TV gantry. "Even when I am off the pitch, they don't stop me!" responded Arsenal's laughing cavalier.


The vanquished manager, Harry Redknapp, his suit as stylish as Arsenal's football, was awe-struck. "There is nothing you can do with Henry," said Redknapp. "You cannot kick Henry up in the air because you cannot get near him. And he's not a little weakling, he's 6ft plus, so kicking won't scare him. Or Patrick Vieira. These are powerful men.


"Look at Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure - they are monsters. Lauren is strong as an ox. Ashley Cole, too. You are not going to brush them aside. How can anyone live with them? They are the team of the future: athletes with lightning pace, power, ability and work-rate. Arsenal are very similar to the Ajax team of the Seventies. They have such movement they pop up everywhere."


Arsenal's cocktail of technique, athleticism and poise intoxicated Redknapp's men. No embarrassment or blame can be pinned to the excellent Linvoy Primus and his routed colleagues. Arsenal were simply sensational: Henry's left-footer, Freddie Ljungberg's side-footer and then Toure's smart strike carried them clear. And that was just the first half. Within 11 minutes of the restart, the irrepressible pair of Henry and Ljungberg both added seconds.


After the execution came the exhibition. Henry nutmegged Primus, toyed with Taylor and left Petri Pasanen choking on his exhaust trails. "When the boss took me off, I wanted to stay on because I was enjoying it so much," added Henry.


Immediately catching the mood, Jose Antonio Reyes teased the ball through Taylor's legs, hit the bar, ran everywhere. The little Spaniard, proving such a terrific acquisition, kept affectionately rolling his left foot over the ball like a father stroking the head of a favourite son. Another left-footer, Edu, thrillingly in the form of his life, span away from blue shirts time after time.


Arsenal's buoyant crew know they have embarked on a journey of gathering glory, their feeling of togetherness evident from the pre-match huddle to the all-for-one goal celebrations. "We're really close together off the pitch as well," explained the captain Vieira. "We're friends and there's a bond.


"We feel we can beat any team right now. It's important that every player is ready for the sprint to the end. We learned a lot from last year when we didn't win the Premiership. We are tougher. When you look at us at the back, with Kolo, Sol, Lauren and Ashley, we're really strong."


They attack together and defend together. Ljungberg, a blur of whirring arms and legs, kept tracking back to help out and then scamper forward, vibrancy personified. Toure unleashed one tackle on Alexei Smertin that took away the ball and Fratton's breath. Even the 'keeper, Jens Lehmann, was dinking passes out wide.


Arsenal were strutting their stuff. So were Portsmouth's marvellous fans. "Let's all have a disco," chanted the Pompey faithful, jumping up and down, showing it is possible to mix defiance and respect. "We're going to win 6-5," they chorused, pausing only to applaud off the substituted Vieira, Henry and Ljungberg. "I've played in many countries but never seen anything like that," said a touched Henry.


Arsenal's fans, far less graciously, focused on booing former Spur Teddy Sheringham, who flicked in an 89th-minute consolation. Portsmouth will take heart from other moments, notably Taylor and Ayegbeni Yakubu striking woodwork but nobody would have lived with Arsenal on Saturday. And Wenger's worrying verdict? "We can play much better." If they can deal with AC Milan in Europe, the Treble is on

[Fearless]

Hey guys,

since the Singapore Arsenal Fan club is no longer in existent, can we register and start it up again?

It's encouraging yet sad to see so many enthusiaistic fans, but no official fan club.

Mankul shall be president, and Flinchy spokesman(PR) :)

Fear

[deathblade]

Originally posted by Fearless
Hey guys,

since the Singapore Arsenal Fan club is no longer in existent, can we register and start it up again?

It's encouraging yet sad to see so many enthusiaistic fans, but no official fan club.

Mankul shall be president, and Flinchy spokesman(PR) :)

Fear

Flinchy????? He'll destroy the club.... just look at how he killed our goal supply....:mad:

[swalk21]

:laugh:

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by deathblade


Flinchy????? He'll destroy the club.... just look at how he killed our goal supply....:mad:


wahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...:laugh: Flinchy!Flinchy!Flinchy!

[FLiNcHY]

Thank you thank you thank you

I am the spokesperson for the SINGAPORE arsenal fan society who is based in the US:laugh:

[Jango]

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sprachlos/speechless-smiley-040.gif

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/waffen/violent-smiley-046.gif <-- Fearless for making that suggestion

[deathblade]

Sorry guys fearless won't be posting anymore.... He has paid up for his really lousy suggestion about Flinchy....


















http://www.emotioneric.com/kill.jpg

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
Thank you thank you thank you

I am the spokesperson for the SINGAPORE arsenal fan society who is based in the US:laugh:

pls pls put on a gd word for us over there!wahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Kiwi8]

Originally posted by SueDE_84


pls pls put on a gd word for us over there!wahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Cannot! Later the people over there think all Singapore Arsenal fans are gays, then how? :eek: :eek:

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by Kiwi8


Cannot! Later the people over there think all Singapore Arsenal fans are gays, then how? :eek: :eek:

wahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...then after tat we settle our score wif Flinchy loh...:laugh:

[trinoo]

FA Cup Semi-Finals

Ties to be played on the weekend of 03/04 April 2004

1 Sunderland v Millwall or Tranmere Rovers

2 Arsenal v Manchester United

Timings and venues yet to be confirmed.

http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2004/03/Semi_Final_draw.htm

[rAc3rX]

Originally posted by trinoo
FA Cup Semi-Finals

Ties to be played on the weekend of 03/04 April 2004

1 Sunderland v Millwall or Tranmere Rovers

2 Arsenal v Manchester United

Timings and venues yet to be confirmed.

http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2004/03/Semi_Final_draw.htm

great that we drew Man U in the semis.. so that we will have a easier opponent in the final :D :D

[Fozzyrock]

Originally posted by trinoo
FA Cup Semi-Finals

Ties to be played on the weekend of 03/04 April 2004

1 Sunderland v Millwall or Tranmere Rovers

2 Arsenal v Manchester United

Timings and venues yet to be confirmed.

http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2004/03/Semi_Final_draw.htm

Good Draw! :)

[trinoo]

Originally posted by Fozzyrock


Good Draw! :)
fozzy, quick organise outing!!! :D

[swalk21]

outing :bounce:

[SueDE_84]

outing?where?

[ickypoo]

Originally posted by deathblade


Flinchy????? He'll destroy the club.... just look at how he killed our goal supply....:mad:

http://www.fabienbarthez.tk/
*shrug* prolly WOLS, not undermining mankul's position either since this site usually takes a couple o days to post em goal clips, but just in case..

[Souljer]

Originally posted by SueDE_84
outing?where?


Devils Bar. :evil:

[Fozzyrock]

Originally posted by trinoo

fozzy, quick organise outing!!! :D

=p =p

[LiteMan]

Originally posted by deathblade
Sorry guys fearless won't be posting anymore.... He has paid up for his really lousy suggestion about Flinchy....


















http://www.emotioneric.com/kill.jpg

Wah, violent siah...

[trinoo]

BBC Hails Arsenal's Performance

03/08/2004

BBC Sport, in its regular 'Team of the Week' slot on its website, has taken the unprecedented step of naming the entire team from a single club.

According to news.bbc.co.uk/sport: "For the first time we have picked all 11 players for our team of the week from the same club...

"We felt Arsenal's five-star display against Portsmouth on Saturday evening was so sensational that we could not even find a place for the likes of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who himself scored twice in Manchester United's FA Cup tie."

The eleven in question are:

1 Jens Lehmann
2 Lauren
3 Kolo Toure
4 Sol Campbell
5 Ashley Cole
6 Gilberto Silva
7 Patrick Vieira
8 Edu
9 Freddie Ljungberg
10 Jose Antonio Reyes
11 Thierry Henry

http://www.soccerage.com/en/13/t7138.html

[deathblade]

Originally posted by trinoo
BBC Hails Arsenal's Performance

03/08/2004

BBC Sport, in its regular 'Team of the Week' slot on its website, has taken the unprecedented step of naming the entire team from a single club.

According to news.bbc.co.uk/sport: "For the first time we have picked all 11 players for our team of the week from the same club...

"We felt Arsenal's five-star display against Portsmouth on Saturday evening was so sensational that we could not even find a place for the likes of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who himself scored twice in Manchester United's FA Cup tie."

The eleven in question are:

1 Jens Lehmann
2 Lauren
3 Kolo Toure
4 Sol Campbell
5 Ashley Cole
6 Gilberto Silva
7 Patrick Vieira
8 Edu
9 Freddie Ljungberg
10 Jose Antonio Reyes
11 Thierry Henry

http://www.soccerage.com/en/13/t7138.html

Whoa... thats nice ...

Anyway do u guys feel that Mankul should post more often?:laugh:

[leoch037]

go vote for ljundberg here

http://www.thefa.com

[Mankul]

http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif

[swalk21]

Originally posted by Mankul
http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif

never record down. dun put a smoke screen okie

[deathblade]

Ya lor we never disturb u u also punish us.... not fair.... I also going on strike..... delete this thread hahahaah...

Eh post the goals la dun like that.. please.......

[leoch037]

Originally posted by leoch037
go vote for ljundberg here

http://www.thefa.com

Tommy Smith overtake ljundberg already, faster go support

[trinoo]

Originally posted by leoch037


Tommy Smith overtake ljundberg already, faster go support
Ljungberg is catching up! :bounce:

[raveness]

Originally posted by Mankul
[B]http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif

:laugh:

awww...dun liddat lah manku...come sayang sayanghttp://talk.thebabycorner.com/images/smilies/awe.gif mankul

come lets group hug...`Together' Togetherness!!! :D
http://talk.thebabycorner.com/images/smilies/grouphug2.gif

[deathblade]

TELETUBBIES BIG HUG!!!!!

http://www.acidlogic.com/graphics/teletubbies.gif

[Fozzyrock]

Originally posted by deathblade
TELETUBBIES BIG HUG!!!!!

http://www.acidlogic.com/graphics/teletubbies.gif

:laugh: :laugh:

[leo_llw]

A funny match review by a Portsmouth fan. Read the last paragraph where he rips into the Highbury Library.
==============================================================
A superb atmosphere was witnessed by millions as they watched this match at Fratton Park, the crowd awoke the dead in this rain lashed fixture and showed the world that the spirit of the FA Cup is most certainly not dead. The Fratton faithful gave a superb display of true loyalty and sportsmanship, giving a standing ovation to Thierry Henry and their opponents for a hard fought result. How different it could have been if Pires was playing, evidence enough to show that this crowd respect quality players.

Arsenal came to Portsmouth very much the underdogs, with Arsene Wenger mulling over many sleepless nights trying to figure a way to stop the marauding south coast side from totally annihilating his star studded side. Hoping that the pitch would not be waterlogged, he opted to leave the diving skills of Robert Pires in London and with Dennis Bergkamp unable to make the long flight south he was forced to leave him behind too. A vastly depleted Arsenal side then took to the field, the look of anxiety on Wenger’s face was clear for all to see.

The game kicked off as the rain came down, and it wasn’t long before Arsenal nearly fluked an opening goal as a scuffed shot from Jose Reyes wrong footed Pompey’s Shaka Hislop but the poor effort tamely whistled of the cross bar. This only served to wake up champions elect Portsmouth, who then tore into the Gunners with alarming ease, teasing their defence into a false sense of security by never getting into their box, only to give the impression that they were incapable of doing so. After 20 minutes, Pompey got bored of this and felt that Arsenal needed a break – so they gave them one and a goal start too.

Pompey sat back and let Freddie Ljungberg run through on the right without challenge as this was considered to be unsporting, but his cross was woeful so Pompey’s Petri Pasanen helped the ball along which was finally received by Henry who’s tame shot was made to look especially hard by a clever dive from Hislop as if to make it look as though he missed the ball. All of a sudden a loud cheer went up from the travelling fans as they found themselves in a 1-0 shock lead. The looks on their faces at the start of the match and throughout was evidence that they were scared of this fixture.

Still the Gunners struggled to get anywhere in the match, Pompey’s spirit, style and guile totally outwitting the Gunners with embarrassing ease, so much so that midfielder Nigel Quashie decided it was time to help the North London side score again, so he very charitably gave the ball away in midfield, such is his sporting attitude. The clever bit was that he did it while Pompey were all surging forward, so it made it a lot easier for Ljungberg to pick up the ball from stray passes off Edu and Vieira to beat Hislop to wake up the Arsenal supporters and put his side 2-0 up. Paramedics were then called in to the Milton End to provide oxygen to the travelling fans who were in desperate need of atmosphere, all forgetting to bring their own supply with them having left them at the Library.

Then on the stroke of half time, Pompey skilfully avoided clearing an Henry corner, and then set up Toure to fire a low shot through a sea of bodies who were deliberately there to unsight Hislop to give the away side a fighting chance of a 3-0 lead.

Harry Redknapp was embarrassed with the ease at which Pompey were tearing apart the supposedly best side in the world, so urged his players to ease up in the second half. To make this a bit easier, he took off Eyal Berkovic and replaced him with Steve Stone to provide a slightly less attacking line up. This worked well, as the Gunners found out at the restart. Pompey played the ball around well and totally pulled the Gunners to pieces, but unfortunately for them the 3-0 goal start they gave was not needed as Arsenal increased their lead when a miss-hit pass from Henry fooled Shaka Hislop and slipped into the net. Pompey even then gave Arsenal a chance when De Zeeuw went off for treatment and leave Pompey playing with ten men.

But the underdogs were still struggling at 4-0, and no matter how hard they tried they could not breath any life into their silent fans and this time it was feared that they were in fact cardboard cutouts and not actual people standing there. So to avoid Arsenal from being embarrassed, the home crowd sang songs for their supporters too, which was appreciated by Henry as he stood in the centre circle before he was substituted and thanked the Pompey fans for their sporting gesture – something that Arsenal have yet to learn about.

But luck had still not evaded the Gunners and a wicked deflection off Linvoy Primus after a shot from Ljungberg gave the London underdogs a 5-0 lead. Pompey were not interested in the cup, they had far more important issues to deal with in the league, so this gave them the ideal opportunity to step out of the competition and also to allow Arsenal a chance to win the cup for the third successive year – Pompey didn’t want to spoil the party.

To make it appear that Pompey were in fact interested, they decided to up the tempo and attack the Gunners goal. A superb run and cross by Steve Stone out on the right was met by Yakubu but his powerful header which sent Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann scurrying crashed against the bar. Matthew Taylor then decided to have a go and his cross goal shot smacked off the instep of the opposite post. Then without warning and as if by magic, the away crowd sprang into life, as Teddy Sheringham came on for Ivica Mornar. His appearance brought forth much praise from the Arsenal fans, as they delighted in seeing him come on, so long their hero and much missed by them.

They were chanting his name and giving him so much applause, so grateful was he for this that he scored in front of them so they could marvel at his genius. They were in raptures, and at last were able to go home happy now that they had seen who they came all the way south for.

On a serious note – the Pompey fans did themselves proud with a very sporting and exciting atmosphere, let it be a lesson to all clubs up and down the country – you can still support your side, but you can also recognise skill and quality. Henry and his counterparts were all given a standing ovation at the end of the game, as indeed were both sides. It is a shame the same could not be said for Arsenal’s own supporters who were in fact a disgrace to their side for a total lack of support.

[LiteMan]

sibeh funny leh...

Here's to add my plea to Mankul, even though I never got or seen a video clip from him b4...

"Bring back my Mankul to us! Bring back, oh, bring back...bring back my Mankul to us...to us!"

[trinoo]

Cardiff set to stage semi-final
Breaking News, Tuesday March 09 2004

The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff is set to stage the huge FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Arsenal.

The clash between the Premiership's two powerhouses was originally set to be held at Villa Park, but the proposal to switch venues came from the Gunners, who felt that the stadium which staged the Carling Cup final is better suited to the occasion given its greater capacity.

Switching the fixture to Cardiff also allows the Football Association to bring the semi-final forward to Saturday, April 3 as Aston Villa have a home game against Manchester City the day before.

This would give United and Arsenal some much-needed time to rest their limbs ahead of potentially crucial Champions League quarter-final matches the following week.

It would be the first time that the Millennium Stadium would be hosting a last four encounter and it is believed the FA are on the verge of confirming the switch.

Discussions are still ongoing with local police and it is uncertain whether the game will be scheduled for a lunchtime or evening kick-off or whether it will fall on the same day as the Grand National, which means that TV schedulers would want a say in the matter.

http://itv-football.co.uk/News/story_103050.shtml

[Mankul]

Originally posted by leo_llw
......

http://www.l-plates.net/graphics/policeman.gif


http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif

[swalk21]

ok deathblade go ahead click on delete first post :mad:

[trinoo]

Goal of the Week: Lethal Ljungberg

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39932000/gif/_39932409_ljungberg_ars_1_300.gif
It is as easy as one-two, three for Arsenal to score as they slice through Portsmouth, using three players and three passes, beginning with Edu's lay-off to Patrick Vieira...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39932000/gif/_39932413_ljungberg_ars_2_300.gif
Arsenal skipper Vieira slips the ball back into Edu's path to complete the one-two...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39932000/gif/_39932415_ljungberg_ars_3_300.gif
The Brazilian then plays an inch-perfect, defence-splitting pass to Freddie Ljungberg...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39932000/gif/_39932411_ljungberg_ars_4_300.gif
And the Swede produces a cool, curling shot to provide the perfect finish to an incisive move and put Arsenal 2-0 up on their way to a thumping 5-1 victory and the FA Cup semi-finals.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/photo_galleries/3541385.stm

[deathblade]

Originally posted by Mankul


http://www.l-plates.net/graphics/policeman.gif


http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif http://www.mankul.purehub.com/strike.gif

Keep saying strike but never tell us why u are on strike!

[RipperJack]

Originally posted by deathblade


Keep saying strike but never tell us why u are on strike! coz no one deposit $$$ into Mankul's bank account :laugh:

[trinoo]

Originally posted by RipperJack
coz no one deposit $$$ into Mankul's bank account :laugh:
he got his soccer gold medal can auction away for some cash :D

[Mankul]

Originally posted by deathblade


Keep saying strike but never tell us why u are on strike!

who did I qoute?

[deathblade]

U have been on strige even before that right? Somemore that guy is a new bird....:mad:

[leo_llw]

Is This Arsenal The Best Of British?
Tuesday March 09 2004
By Rob McNichol

What is so special about May 4 2003?

The last time Gary Neville took his medication? The last time Emile Heskey stayed on his feet for an entire 45 minutes? The last time Tottenham defended a set-piece?

All plausible, none true.

On May 4 2003, Manchester United won the Premiership title. More importantly (in terms of this article, at least) Arsenal lost 3-2 at home - the last time they lost in the Premiership.

Whether it is due to the loss of Rio Ferdinand's services, the lack of transfer nous shown by Fergie or poor decision-making from Claudio Ranieri, the fact is that Arsenal look very much like champions elect. And not only will they claim their third Premiership crown, they may very well notch up a very impressive statistic too.

In the 1973-74 season Leeds United dominated and went 29 league games unbeaten from the start of the season, before Stoke City brought their staggering run to a halt with a 3-2 win over Don Revie's men at the Victoria Ground.

Under Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool repeated this feat in 1987-88, strolling along unchallenged until Everton of all clubs inflicted a 0-1 reverse at Goodison Park - a victory Everton did not enjoy at all, of course.

Now Arsenal have the opportunity, should they get through the next couple of weeks with games at Blackburn and at home to Bolton, to claim their 30th game unbeaten - a new top-flight record - against...you've guessed it: Manchester United.

If Arsenal unexpectedly fall to lesser opposition in the upcoming weeks, then the seemingly inevitable title win (1-10 say Ladbrokes) will be the abiding memory of this season, and the unbeaten run a mere statistic. You may say it doesn't matter how it's won - but we all love it if our team breaks a record, don't we?

But is this team worthy of this record?

We like to think that our top division, the Premiership, is the most exciting league in the world. Or at least that's what the brainwashing attempts of the marketing boys at ITV and Sky would have us believe.

Forget La Liga. Be honest, we only watch it for Becks, don't we?

What about Serie A? Do me a favour. If a game of football is only just more interesting than Don Howe, then it's in trouble.

German efficiency and order? The Bundesliga is hardly a by-word for excitement.

Now here's the riddle: Does the Premiership’s supposed superiority in terms of excitement levels mean that the quality is receding?

Arsenal are good. They are very, very good. There is a plausible case to be made for Thierry Henry being the best player in the world, and maybe even the greatest ever Premiership player. Mix that with the grace of Patrick Vieira, the style of Robert Pires and the dogged determination of Sol Campbell, plus a liberal selection of quality internationals from across the world - and Sylvain Wiltord - and that's not a bad side.

But are they as good as Leeds and Liverpool, circa 73-74 and 87-88 respectively?

Let's get back to the 'excitement' issue, and join me as I cross north London and visit White Hart Lane, site of an eight-goal 'classic' with Leicester.

Classic?

Yes, it was incredibly exciting. Non-stop excitement. I say that without even a hint of sarcasm. It was wonderful entertainment.

But a 'classic'? Oh no. Cracking viewing, but basically (and I don’t think I’m telling Spurs or Leicester fans anything they don’t already know here) a draw between two poor sides.

This result came on a weekend that also saw Celtic produce a 4-1 win at Glasgow neighbours Partick Thistle. Celtic had an awful start to the season, drawing their first game. They have won the subsequent 24.

But the point is, apart from the Old Firm, Scottish football is (sorry to those north of the border) a bit of a joke. It's just too easy for Celtic this season.

So are Arsenal the greatest side to have played top-flight English football? Or is the Premiership becoming too easy?

Let's hear the case for Arsenal...

We have three teams left in the Champions League, all of whom feature prominently in the higher echelons of the betting. All three sides have earned respect and genuine fear from overseas.

One of those, the team with defenders disappearing quicker than a Big Brother housemate’s fame, ManYoo, went to Wolverhampton and lost by a single goal. We were told it was indeed a shock, but a testament to the competitiveness of our league. If this can happen to United, then it’s a testament to Arsenal's quality that they haven't succumbed to a single, similar slip-up.

Many will fall on the other side of the argument: claiming that standards just aren't as high amongst Arsenal's opposition.

Aside from the top three, the front runners are Liverpool, Newcastle and Birmingham. But are Liverpool that much better than, say, Portsmouth? Not according to FA Cup evidence. The inability of Charlton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Fulham, Birmingham or whoever to put a sustained run together has meant that the last remaining slots for European entry have witnessed more swaps than a playground after the launch of a new Panini album.

But here we go, the major statement: this Arsenal are the best British team I have ever seen in my lifetime.

Creatures of nostalgia will probably tell me about Herbert Chapman’s team of days of yore, Celtic’s Lisbon Lions, countless Liverpool teams of the 70s and 80s, Manchester United circa 1968 and 1999 and the mid-70s Leeds.

My experience of football doesn’t stretch to Leeds' record stretch of unbeaten games, but I remember the Liverpool side filled with class equalling it in '88.

How Steve McMahon didn't get more England caps bemuses me. How Peter Beardsley was that much of a footballing genius amazes me. And how remarkable that Liverpool got away with cloning Ian Rush, calling him John Aldridge and having him score goals for fun.

That was a great side, no doubt. But I think this current Arsenal team are better. Portsmouth aren't world beaters, but Arsenal were classy and effortless in victory. And Arsene says they weren’t at their best.

A pre-season criticism of the Gunners was their lack of depth. Not enough class right through the squad, they said. But let me say this - you don’t need excessive depth.

Depth can lead to unrest. Have Chelsea got depth? Of course, they have literally hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent...not getting a game every week. This can only make them unhappy.

Hernan Crespo says he’s content at Chelsea now, but midway through next season, still sharing duties with Gudjohnsen, JFH and Mutu, I’m sure the frustration will be too much and it will all pour out in The Sun (an 'exclusive' culled from an Argentine newspaper is our prediction). Same goes for all the other superstars; we’re already hearing from Joe Cole.

(Incidentally, a good pub question - which Chelsea player has scored the most goals this season? JFH, Crespo, Lamps? Nope - Mikael Forssell)

Remember Newcastle streaming away with the Premiership title? It was theirs, they'd hired a special cleaner with cupboards full of silver polish, until oops, they got caught. I’m not saying it was anyone's fault in particular, but there were no problems until David Batty and Tino Asprilla turned up. Not because they weren’t great players, but because Keggy could not accommodate them into his system.

Fast forward to modern-day Highbury, where Jose Antonio Reyes turns up in north London and pops a couple in against Chelsea. Signing a superstar forward mid-way through the season when clear at the top? Same situation as Asprilla isn't it? No, because Arsenal have depth, without having too much. That extra striker can give them the boost they need at a crucial stage. And Newcastle had no FA Cup and Champions League commitments, which Arsenal do.

Wenger knows his first team. Lehmann; Cole, Lauren, Campbell, Toure; Pires, Vieira, Gilberto, Ljungberg; Henry, Bergkamp. That's the XI. Keown then fits into the back four, Parlour and Edu in the midfield, and Reyes for the front. There you go, 15 of the Premiership's very best. Help yourself to one or two Kanus and Clichys etc, and there you have it. A recipe for the treble?

But more than anything else - more than players, managers, fans, tactics, whatever - Arsenal have sheer class where it counts. On the pitch. I have never seen such a fluent, well-oiled machine who play such attractive, captivating football. No strolling, which you may see at the Bernabeu - Henry got substituted at 5-0 against Portsmouth, and was gutted to be coming off. Doesn’t this serve at a wonderful example of a player committed to being professional, and being the very best.

I think he, and his team, have achieved it. They are the very best.

http://www.football365.com/opinion/f365_opinion/story_103065.shtml

[Souljer]

All the above are mere rhetoric and full of hyperbole. Until we actually win something substantial, then the hype of us being the best team will be duly justified. We're good but we're still not the best. Cos the best is yet to be. ;)

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by Souljer
All the above are mere rhetoric and full of hyperbole. Until we actually win something substantial, then the hype of us being the best team will be duly justified. We're good but we're still not the best. Cos the best is yet to be. ;)

wat souljer saud us quite true...until we win something...then we being labeled the best team will be justified

[FLiNcHY]

Originally posted by Souljer
All the above are mere rhetoric and full of hyperbole. Until we actually win something substantial, then the hype of us being the best team will be duly justified. We're good but we're still not the best. Cos the best is yet to be. ;)

Pls refrain from using the ACS motto unless you are an ACSian;)

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY


Pls refrain from using the ACS motto unless you are an ACSian;)


ACS motto???:laugh:

[FLiNcHY]

"The Best is Yet to Be" you prick

[swalk21]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
"The Best is Yet to Be" you prick

ACS sux .SJI is da best

[FLiNcHY]

Haha self delusion:laugh:

[swalk21]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
Haha self delusion:laugh:

gay from acs:laugh:

[FunkyMonk]

acs :rolleyes:

[FLiNcHY]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
maybe by meeting arsenal is jus wat we need to push ourselves to saved our season....

will history repeat itself....will we win arsenal and go on to win another treble?.....:D

Check out what this clown said on the man utd board:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

i'm laughing my ass off

[Fozzyrock]

Man Utd knocked out. What a sad day. :(

They got no chance this season to meet us in the champions league.

So sad. :(

[trinoo]

Originally posted by Fozzyrock
Man Utd knocked out. What a sad day. :(

They got no chance this season to meet us in the champions league.

So sad. :(
RIP :angel:

[Fozzyrock]

Originally posted by trinoo

RIP :angel:

I'm suffering from depression. I need some counselling. :( Should I write to Aunt Agony? :(

[trinoo]

uncle alec froggie need your conselling instead ;)

[Fozzyrock]

Originally posted by trinoo
uncle alec froggie need your conselling instead ;)

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Souljer]

Originally posted by swalk21


gay from acs:laugh:


ACS = American C**k Suckers. How apt. =p

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by Souljer



ACS = American C**k Suckers. How apt. =p


:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[swalk21]

i feel so sad this morning when man united went out caused meeting them in CL quarter or semi means bergy will play:D

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by swalk21
i feel so sad this morning when man united went out caused meeting them in CL quarter or semi means bergy will play:D

no need to be sad lah...:laugh: FA Cup semi final...Bergy will still play wat

[swalk21]

lala~let the jinx continues :D

[deathblade]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
"The Best is Yet to Be" you prick

As if the motto did any good to u....:rolleyes:

[deathblade]

Originally posted by trinoo
uncle alec froggie need your conselling instead ;)

Isn't he busy today doing some hair blowing and ref blaming? Where got time for him?

[deathblade]

Originally posted by Souljer



ACS = American C**k Suckers. How apt. =p :laugh:

[LiteMan]

Originally posted by Fozzyrock
Man Utd knocked out. What a sad day. :(

They got no chance this season to meet us in the champions league.

So sad. :(

Well, we still got the Highbury clash (EPL) and the FA Cup semis.

[trinoo]

We have another Spanish Wonderboy waiting to explode, Cesc Fabregas !!!

FA Premier Reserve League
FULHAM 1 ARSENAL 3 (Fabregas 17, 55 Hoyte 85)

Kingfield Stadium, Woking FC
Monday April 7, 2003, kick-off: 7pm

By Chris Harris

A stellar performance from Cesc Fabregas inspired Arsenal Reserves to a 3-1 win against Fulham at Woking FC on Tuesday night.

http://www.arsenal.com/images/reserves/fulhama1.jpg
Cesc Fabragas shoots for goal.

http://www.arsenal.com/images/reserves/fulhama2.jpg
Our Spanish wonder celebrates his goal.

The Spanish teenager scored twice and was a dominant presence in midfield as Eddie Niedzwiecki's team extended their unbeaten run to four matches.

Fabregas broke the deadlock with a composed finish after Michal Papadopulos had chested Nicky Nicolau's cross into his path.

The 16-year-old doubled Arsenal's advantage in style, collecting the ball in midfield before sending a fierce, dipping shot over the goalkeeper from 25 yards.

Collins John hauled Fulham back into contention with a close-range finish from Sean Doherty's cross, but Justin Hoyte struck five minutes from time to end the home side's resistance.

Arsenal were well worth their win, despite taking time to get into their stride on a pitch which was anything but conducive to their slick passing game.

The uneven surface contributed to a scrappy opening but, once Fabregas conquered the conditions, Arsenal took a grip on the game.

David Bentley, operating on the right of midfield, was the first to go close. He brought Stephen Bradley's pass down expertly on the edge of the box but his attempted lob was saved by Ross Flitney.

Another delightful diagonal ball from Bradley opened up Fulham after 10 minutes. Once again Bentley's control was exemplary but his shot rolled wide.

No matter. Within seven minutes, Arsenal were ahead. Nicolau, a lively figure on the left flank throughout, beat his man and found Papadopulos in the box.

The on-loan striker showed vision to chest the ball into Fabregas' pass and the Spaniard feinted past one defender before burying a left-foot shot beyond Flitney.

It was no more than Arsenal deserved and they could have increased their lead before half-time. Papadopulos' volley was deflected wide and Fabregas was just off target after collecting a pass from Justin Hoyte.

Fulham enjoyed spells of possession but rarely threatened Rami Shaaban. In fact, the Arsenal goalkeeper was more at threat from the pitch's uneven bounce, which hampered his kicking.

Shaaban was forced into one fine save early in the second half, tipping over a header from John. But Arsenal continued to enjoy the lion's share of the possession and went two up after 55 minutes.

And what a goal it was. Fabregas latched onto a loose ball in midfield, looked up to see Flitney off his line and fired a superb, dipping shot over his head and into the net.

The points seemed secure at that stage but Fulham set up a tense finale when John looped Doherty's pinpoint cross over Shaaban with 16 minutes remaining.

The home side pressed for an equaliser but their hopes were dashed five minutes from time. Fulham's defence failed to clear Bentley's corner, Skulason found Hoyte and the right-back found the bottom corner.

ARSENAL
Rami Shaaban
Justin Hoyte
Alex Bailey
Olafur-Ingi Skulason
Frank Simek
John Spicer
Patrick Cregg 45
David Bentley
Francesc Fabregas
Michal Papadopulos
Adam Birchall 89
Stephen Bradley
Nicky Nicolau

SUBS NOT USED
Craig Holloway
Sebastian Larsson
Danny Karbassiyoon


http://www.arsenal.com/sportsappcontroller.jsp?command=forwardOnly&nextPage=/reserves/22fulham09032004.jsp

[SueDE_84]

yeah...this spanish guy Cesc Fabregas will be our nxt wonderkid!!!

[FLiNcHY]

Thierry Henry:

""Unfortunately, I pay for the behaviour of so many of my peers who one day kiss the club's badge and, the other, they are photographed in another team's jersey.

"Anyone who knows me knows I am different.""

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by FLiNcHY
Thierry Henry:

""Unfortunately, I pay for the behaviour of so many of my peers who one day kiss the club's badge and, the other, they are photographed in another team's jersey.

"Anyone who knows me knows I am different.""

:confused: wat?

[Souljer]

Originally posted by SueDE_84


:confused: wat?

When Henry says that he's loyal to the club and love it dearly, he really meant it in his heart, unlike the typical hypocritical players of his generation nowadays.

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by Souljer


When Henry says that he's loyal to the club and love it dearly, he really meant it in his heart, unlike the typical hypocritical players of his generation nowadays.


lets hope wat he said is true...which i tink is true...hope will not c him the nxt day wearing other jerseys...:D

[Souljer]

Originally posted by SueDE_84



lets hope wat he said is true...which i tink is true...hope will not c him the nxt day wearing other jerseys...:D

Tat will depend on where Wenger is. If he stays till our new stadium opens, no problem hanging onto our french players.

[SueDE_84]

Originally posted by Souljer


Tat will depend on where Wenger is. If he stays till our new stadium opens, no problem hanging onto our french players.


definitely he will stay...hes gd enuff to make them stay...

[Mankul]

OLE! OLE! OLE OLE ARSENAL!

[Mankul]

http://mankul.purehub.com/formation3.jpg

BOTAK!!!


http://www.mankul.purehub.com/botak.jpg

[Mankul]

MAESTRO Bergkamp!!!!!! Superb hook turn!!! superb assist by Berggie!!! :eek:

SUPER STRIKER by Henry!!!:eek:

[swalk21]

:bounce:

[trinoo]

Bergkamp's thru ball really nothing to say, out of this world :eek:

[trinoo]

goal again! second goal for THIERRY HENRY!!!

[Mankul]

Originally posted by swalk21
:bounce:

I'm VERY ANGRY with that celta vigo keeper! He really is out to INJURE our players!

remember Henry's 2nd goal... he charge at Henry with his studs first! http://community.the-underdogs.org/smiley/angry/mad.gif

he should be JAILED man!

He really deserves that BLOODIED face he got in the 1st leg!

poor berggie.. he's fragile you know... that must have been really really painful..

/vigo keeper punched his own keeper! :laugh: Sergio kena at the back of his head....

http://www.mankul.purehub.com/kick.jpg

[trinoo]

Henry brace sends Gunners through
UEFA Champions League 1st knockout round, 2nd leg

http://www.teamtalk.com/Images/20053.jpg
Henry: Fires Arsenal ahead

Arsenal confirmed their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 home victory in the second leg of their first knockout round tie against Celta Vigo.

Having won the first leg of the tie 3-2 in Spain a fortnight ago, the result completed a comprehensive 5-2 aggregate victory.

The Spanish side started strongly at Highbury with Peter Luccin testing Jens Lehmann from distance and Aleksandr Mostovoi seeing an effort blocked by Patrick Vieira.

Celta Vigo's good start lasted just 14 minutes before Thierry Henry broke the deadlock, latching on to an exquisite ball from Dennis Bergkamp and racing through on goal before placing the ball beyond Pablo Cavallero.

The visitors almost hit back straight away, as Luccin's deflected long-range effort forced Lehmann to palm the ball away for a corner.

The Gunners should have doubled their lead on the half-hour mark when Bergkamp played in Ashley Cole, but the full-back dragged his shot wide of the target.

Four minutes later Henry made no mistake when Freddie Ljungberg's cross caused panic in the Celta defence, poking the ball home to all but seal Arsenal's place in the last eight.

The Gunners took their foot off the gas after the break and had to endure a couple of uncomfortable moments, as Lehmann had to save from Jesuli and Fernando Caceres.

Celta should have been reduced to ten men just after the hour when Cavallero clattered into Bergkamp, but the referee missed the incident.

Ljungberg then went close to adding a third, before the visitors did have a man sent off when Pablo Contreras obstructed Jose Antonio Reyes to collect his second yellow card.

In the closing stages both sides seemed to be largely going through the motions, but the Gunners will have been more than happy with their evening's work.

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/football/common/divstory.asp?T_ID=faprem&ID=70812&W=0

[FLiNcHY]

Mankul darling, pls remember to upload the goals for us to see. One strike is enough, we cannot tolerate anymore of this

:hearts: :hearts:

Official Arsenal Spokesperson Flinchy

[LiteMan]

URL: http://www.arsenal.com/sportsappcontroller.jsp?command=setSelectedId&nextPage=displayheadline&type=com.sportapps.news.NewsItem&id=4420664



ARSENAL 2
Henry 14, 34
CELTA VIGO 0
s.o. Contreras 74

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal have reached the last eight of Europe's top competition for only the third time in their history.

In 1972, Ajax put paid to Bertie Mee's Double winners at the quarter-final stage. In 2001, Valencia did likewise to Arsène Wenger's League and FA Cup winners.

Can this year's version go further?

They will find out their next opponents on Friday and Europe will be wary. Wenger's men are nine points clear in the Premiership and frankly cruised through this knockout round second leg at Highbury against Celta Vigo.

Already 3-2 up from the first leg, Thierry Henry scored twice before the interval and was only denied a first half hat-trick by the face of Celta keeper Pablo Cavallero.

They turned on the style in the second half but did not add to their lead. Celta had came to Highbury with purpose but the Frenchman's brace seemed to break their hearts. The late sending off of Pablo Contreras rounded off a dismal night for the Spaniards.

Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp had been rested for Saturday's 5-1 victory at Portsmouth. They were back in the starting line-up tonight. Gilberto and Jose Antonio Reyes dropped to the bench to accommodate them.

Celta coach Raddy Antic also made changes. He dropped four of the 11 that had lost the first leg. It meant former Aston Villa front man Savo Milosevic and Edu were named among the substitutes.

One of the new starters, Mauricio Pinilla, nearly made Arsenal pay for a lacklustre start in the 12th minute. As the home defence backed off, the young Chilean striker was allowed to advance to the edge of the area before seeing his shot deflect over the bar. It could have gone anywhere but it might have been better being passed to team-mate Alexander Mostovoi, who was unmarked in the middle.

Two minutes later Arsenal were ahead. Bergkamp swivelled himself to into position just outside the area before hooking the ball into the path of the just onside Henry. It was an incredible piece of perception given he had his back to Frenchman at the time and was using what could be deemed his wrong foot. Whatever, the finish was typical Thierry - low, fast and too sharp for the keeper.

The goal meant Celta had to attack with even more urgency. Peter Luccin's dipping strike from long-range was hurriedly tipped over the bar by the alert Jens Lehmann then, from the resulting corner, Jose Ignacio sliced a shot wide.

Former Arsenal full back Sylvinho was substituted by Contreras soon afterwards. It was a shame. The little Brazilian had got a decent reception from the home crowd but he seemed to be hobbling as he went off.

In the 28th minute, Luccin was also substituted for Jesuli. The French midfielder had received lengthy treatment a few minutes earlier.

The changes, coupled with Henry's second 11 minutes before the break, sucked the life out of Celta.

Ljungberg and Bergkamp exchanged passes on the right and the Swede's cross was flicked on by Fernando Caceres at the near post. It fell to feet of Henry a few yards out - not really what the Spanish side needed. The goal, his fifth in eight Champions League games this season and his 31st in the competition overall, was inevitable.

A leaping Lauren had to deny Pinilla at the far post soon afterwards and Gustavo Lopez tested Lehmann once more.

But Edu and Pires threatened more goals before the interval and, in injury time, Henry's goal-bound shot was blocked by the face of keeper Pablo Cavallero, who you may remember had broken his nose conceding Arsenal's first goal two weeks ago.

Pires nearly finished off a flowing move in the 56th minute as Arsenal looked to put the game beyond any possible doubt at the start of the second half. But, to their credit, Celta were not giving up the ghost and Caceres' header forced to Lehmann leap at his near post to tip the ball wide.

Yet, this was all about Arsenal. The Highbury crowd began to purr at the way their side was knocking ball around. One particular passage of passes, adorned with "olès" from the crowd, finished with Vieira flicking the ball over the last line of the Celta defence for the scampering Bergkamp to meet. He chipped Cavallero but the ball sailed gently over the bar. The striker also got a nasty bash for his trouble.

With 20 minutes to go, Pires and Edu made way for Gilberto and Reyes. Soon afterwards Vigo lost a player after Contreras receive a second yellow card for fouling the Spanish substitute.

Arsenal, and Henry, chased a third but it never arrived. Still, no complaints, everything else went right on the night.

[FLiNcHY]

Arsenal on way to stratosphere
By Paul Hayward at Highbury*
(Filed: 11/03/2004)



Arsenal are becoming unplayable, unanswerable, with an imperious defence and forwards who move the ball around with the speed of an ice hockey team. Still we await the dip, the blip, the wobble that usually afflicts even the finest campaigns. The Gunners are lost in their own music.






With more huddles than the House of Commons, Arsene Wenger's Treble-chasing team continue to develop the kind of telepathy that renders words on the pitch redundant. Last night, against Celta Vigo, Dennis Bergkamp was the geometrist, the worker of angles, and Thierry Henry again the graceful assassin.


Henry's two first-half goals brought his total for the season to 28 and left the club's Spanish opponents with that familiar look of bafflement and despair. Maybe despair is putting it too strongly, because Henry has reached that point in his development when defenders consider him fundamentally unstoppable. It is not their fault if he sprints past. All they can do is stay tight, hope he has an off day and fiddle with the Rosary beads.


The conventional wisdom is that even the greatest teams are bound to have a quiet patch, when the intensity dims, the fluidity drops and the turf below the studs suddenly turns to treacle. This Arsenal team are still waiting for theirs. At a push, you might describe their poor start to the Champions League season as their moment of fallibility. But it soon passed. The 3-0 home defeat to Inter Milan was a trick of the light. Wenger's men remain unbeaten in the Premiership, face Manchester United in an FA Cup semi-final, and have now skated through to the last eight of the old European Cup.


Strictly, the paeans should be put on hold because, as Wenger himself said on the eve of this routine execution, Arsenal have won "nothing yet", apart from a legion of new admirers. This year, though, there is a difference. There is not the faintest glimmer of vulnerability in a squad who threw away a commanding lead in the Premiership this time last year.


Kolo Toure, Edu and Ashley Cole have all improved. Robert Pires has rediscovered consistency. Henry has moved on to a celestial plane. The discipline problem has been cured. Bergkamp has gone back to being what he was when he first arrived: one of the most languidly brilliant orchestrators to have stepped on to the M1 of the English game. Sol Campbell is the dependable stopper, the new Tony Adams. Spain's best young striker, Jose Antonio Reyes, has joined the Wenger academy. At the heart of it all, Patrick Vieira links the front and the back of the team and embodies Wenger's will to win.


"You lucky people," the neutral thinks, as he scans the exultant faces after another Henry goal. His first last night was a peach of creation and execution. In setting up the chance with an acutely angled prod, Bergkamp managed to take out four Celta Vigo players.


The finish was a lethal drive through the legs of Pablo Cavallero. And to think Henry was once inclined to paint the ball into the net. One of the many embellishments to his play this year has been the realisation there is beauty in the ferocious finish.


Henry is so close to nirvana in his game that he actually laughed as he chased an ambitious long ball from Bergkamp which skimmed along the touchline. Laughed, one suspects, because he knew he was going catch the bouncing ball before it left the pitch. Laughed, because it was fun to be chasing a bag of air at full pelt in a match that hardly extended them beyond a canter. With United going out at home to Porto the night before, there was a double incentive for these Arsenal players to turn the screw.


Not so long ago, we used to witness Arsenal scraping and fretting their way through these European nights. Champions League games were high-anxiety affairs. One of the cosmic mysteries of English football was why a team of World Cup winners could not adapt to the more sophisticated rhythms of Europe. That time has passed, though it is important to remember that Arsenal have never made it beyond the quarter-finals and will meet more formidable opponents than Celta Vigo further down the line.


In past seasons, Arsenal have been thrilling in concentrated patches. These days they are seldom out of an intoxicatingly natural rhythm. They no longer have to try to create the intricate high-speed patterns that have cut so many Premiership teams to shreds. Those patterns pour from the boots of Bergkamp, Pires and Henry. If the present standard is maintained, it may be that we end up talking of this Arsenal side as having changed the game; as innovators who created a wholly new style of play.


All this, with half the audience that witnessed United's sad exit on Tuesday night. On current form, Arsenal have half the attendance but twice the quality

www.telegraph.co.uk

[rAc3rX]

let's hope we can meet chelsea in the quaters.. so that we can beat them again and be in the semis for the 1st time :D