Champions League Draw

Arsenal have been drawn into Group H of the new Champions' League campaign. They will have to travel to Prague and Bucharest as part of the fixture to face while it is still to be decided the third destination for the Gunners to go as the tie between Sevilla and AEK Athens was postponed.

After overcoming Sparta Prague in the qualifying round, now Arsenal will have to face their city rivals Slavia. However, Arsene Wenger has to wait until 2 September whether he will prepare his team to face the Greeks or the Spaniards on 19 September at the Emirates Stadium.

The second leg match of the qualifying round was postponed after the sudden death of Sevilla player, Antonio Puerta.

Arsenal then will travel to Bucharest to face Steaua, winners of the the old European Cup back in 1986.

The first round will be completed when they host the Czechs. Slavia will be waiting for the Gunners in Prague to start the second round fixtures.

Arsenal fans then have to arrange their plans for travelling either to Spain or Greece for their penultimate tie.

The group fixture will be completed with the Romanians coming to the Emirates on the 12th of December.

On paper, Arsenal should qualify for the knock-out stage, but as the cliche goes: anything can happen in football as demonstrated by Slavia after knocking out Dutch club Ajax during the qualifying round.

The Fixture
19-09-2007 Sevilla or AEK Athens, Emirates Stadium, London
02-10-2007 Steaua Bucharest, Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest
23-10-2007 Slavia Prague, Emirates Stadium, London
07-11-2007 Slavia Prague, Evzena Rosickeho, Prague
27-11-2007 Sevilla or AEK Athens, Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla or Olympic Stadium, Athens
12-12-2007 Steaua Bucharest, Emirates Stadium, London

European Champions' League - Qualifying Round 3 Leg 2

Arsenal 3 Rosicky, Fabregas, Eduardo
Sparta Prague 0

Arsenal won 5-0 on aggregate

Eduardo scored his first competitive goal for Arsenal in a match which also saw Tomas Rosicky scoring against his former club and Cesc Fabregas continuing his goalscoring run.

The match started on a steady pace with the visitors pressuring the Arsenal defense on a number of occassions. However, a quick break saw Theo Walcott sprinting clear on the right before delivering a low ball across the box.

Rosicky timed his run perfectly and arrived before his marker to put the ball into the net. His celebration was muted in respect of the club that gave him his first break into football.

Afterwards, the match deteriorated rapidly with Arsenal playing at half of the pace they used too. Theo Walcott could not do anything right with over-hit crosses or misplaced passes became his serving for the paying crowd.

One thing for sure though, his pace would certainly give trouble to defenders once he is able to get past them.

The Gunners looked comfortable and the onus was on the Czech champions to have a go and break the home side defense.

Unfortunately, they failed to do so on a constant basis with just a few chances created and too far between to put the home side under any pressure.

Abou Diaby partnered Gilberto Silva in midfield tonight and he imposed himself on a number of occassions but one thing about the French youngster is he has this habit to lose concentration on the ball, thus making it easy for opponents to come from behind and snatch the ball from him.

Arsene Wenger introduced Fabregas for Diaby and Manu Adebayor for Robin Van Persie with around twenty minutes to go.

The substitutions took almost immediate impact. Eduardo started to become livelier and it was his flair that took him past a Czech defender before squaring the ball to Fabregas who scored with his second touch of the ball.

The Croatian himself got his name on the scoresheet. A good work down the right side saw Denilson running with the ball into the box before delivering it across the face of the goal. Eduardo was in the right place at the right time to devert it into the goal.

Perhaps he is starting to show his goal instinct that brought him so many goals for Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia.

It is indeed a season to be more optimistic.

...

Djourou's Loan to Birmingham

I read with interest the reason why Arsene Wenger decided to loan Johan Djourou to Birmingham City. When he made the decision, the established pairing was Kolo Toure and William Gallas.

Now with the Frenchman injured and Phillipe Senderos had to pull out from the Manchester City match, the decision seemed to backfire on Wenger.

But one thing about Arsene, is that he usually buy players who are adaptable to a number of positions. The experienced Gilberto Silva stepped into the back four with ease and Matthieu Flamini dropped into the right back position when Bacary Sagna was injured.

Thus, it would not be too much of a worry and now Senderos is available again it is hoped that the injury problems would not pose too much of a threat to our campaign.

The reason, Arsene stressed is to give Djourou more time on the pitch rather warming his bums on the bench, watching gloomly as Toure and Gallas were fielded yet again. With Toure going for the African Nations' Cup in January, Djourou has already played all season with the Blues and would readily step in to partner either Gallas or Senderos in defence.

Arsene knows - and plans accordingly.

...

Adria NO!

it is interesting to read that Arsene Wenger has turned down the offer to sign Adriano from Inter Milan. It was a loan deal with an Arsenal player going the opposite direction to the San Siro.

I believe it was the correct decision by the Arsenal manager as the Brazillian was not at the top of his form and currently not likely to feature in the starting eleven with Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line very well for the Italian outfit.

With another player going the opposite direction, it is not a very smart deal had Wenger accepted the proposal. I believe Inter is interested in having Gilberto Silva or Denilson in their squad, something that would weaken the Arsenal squad which I still believe, need a couple more players to give cover in case of injuries to the first choice players.

...

Premier League - Match #3

Arsenal 1 Fabregas
Man City 0

It was a good performance by the Gunners against a Manchester City side that was riding on a wave of new optimism since Sven-Goran Ericsson took over in the summer. With three wins out of three, the travelling City fans could be forgiven for thinking their side would go back to the north with all three points.

As usual, Arsenal would create a number of chances but being an Arsenal fan I am getting used to see them wasted or the opposition goalkeeper having a blinder. In this match it was the case of the latter.

Kasper Schmeichel is on the right track in following the footstep of his father. He has been unbeaten since being called upon by the Swedish coach to fill the post of the injured Andreas Isaksson on the first day of the season.

It seemed set to continue when he saved Robin Van Persie's penalty in the second half. However, like his father he would find that Arsenal would never stop fighting until the last minute of the match.

A wonderful thread ball by the impressive Alex Hleb found Cesc Fabregas unmarked in the box. Despite being rapidly closed down by Micah Richards, the young Spaniard powerful shot was enough to beat the young Dane from an acute angle, for the only goal of the match.

It would be easy to write City as an early season wonder, but they certainly would pose more threat to Arsenal's ambition of a successful Premier League campaign.

Now, I just hope that Arsenal would finish the job they started against Sparta Prague two weeks ago and qualify for the Champions' League group stage before facing Pompey on Sunday.

...

Premier League - Match #2

Blackburn 1 Dunn
Arsenal 1 Van Persie

I attended the Champions Youth Cup Third Place Play-off and the Final itself at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. How I wished that Arsenal were involved in either one of these matches.

Anyway, the final ended at around 10 pm which was around the same time Arsenal kicked off at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers. Thus, needless to say I missed the whole chunk of the match on my journey back home.

Actually, part of me wanted to go to Bangsar to catch the match with the Malaysian Gunners there but thinking it would take a whole lot of time for me to get there, I headed for home instead.

There were around 10 minutes left of the match when I finally reached home and the score was 1-1. Earlier my nephew told me it was 1-0 to the Arsenal when he came to pick me up at the LRT station.

I did not get to see the goals but I did get to see what Arsene Wenger said later about the rough tactics employed by the home side. Their skipper Ryan Nielsen was cautioned for the second time during the match after preventing Robin Van Persie from going one on one with Brad Friedel in the last five minutes.

Given the Dutchman scoring record against Blackburn, it was odds-on it would have been the winner if he managed to get through, thus he had to be stopped at all cost. I think Kolo Toure, William Gallas and Phillipe Senderos would have done the same should David Bentley burst through at the other end.

But the replays of the goals scored certainly gave me mixed feeling with Van Persie finishing a determined effort convinces me that the young Gooners had it in them to put up a serious title challenge.

Ironically, it was the oldest man on the pitch that day changed the score to 1-1 and allowed Blackburn to share the spoils. To add more irony to this was I was watching "goalkeepers' blunders" clips on YouTube, and our Jens certainly featured in a number of them.

Now, the editor would have two more to add to the clips.

I have stood by Lehmann since he came from Borrusia Dortmund. Despite conceding a number of goals which I believe would have seen him packing his bags if the son of Fergus was in charge of Arsenal, I continued to believe in him.

Perhaps, because I could relate to him as I also play between the sticks.

Being sentimental perhaps the worst trait that you could have as a football manager. However, I believe Arsene is not a sentimental person, not as Arsenal manager anyway.

I certainly would like to see Lehmann playing this season and cement his spot in the German squad for the EURO 2008 but a few more howlers like the ones already committed in the first two Premier League matches this season, I would start calling for Lukasz Fabianski to be given his chance.

European Champions' League - Qualifying Round 3 Leg 1

Sparta Prague 0
Arsenal 2 Fabregas Hleb

Arsenal looked set to confirm their place in the group stage of the Champions' League after this victory over Czech double winners Sparta Prague.

Like last season Cesc Fabregas found the net during the qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb, this time he capped a wonderful run by Gael Clichy with a composed finish with less than twenty minutes on the clock.

Alexander Hleb is making a habit of scoring last minute goals, as he did against Fulham on Sunday, he found the Sparta's net during the three minutes added time as the home side went forward looking for the equaliser.

Jens Lehmann had a superb match and it was his throw that found Bacary Sagna on the left. The French defender ran past a defender before delivering a perfect ball with his left foot and Hleb did the rest.

Premier League - Match #1

Arsenal 2 Van Persie, Hleb
Fulham 1 Healy

I was on my back to kT from the kLang Valley thus missing the first match of the season. Thus, this is something that I based on reports from the relevant sites.

Jens Lehmann made a hash of a backpass which led to David Healy opening his Premier league goal account inside the first minute.

Then as usual Arsenal created a number of chance but found the goalkeeper Tony Warner was in a irresistable form. Alex Hleb had a good penalty appeal turned down while Tomas Rosicky saw his attempts just narrowly missing the target and another one deflected over the bar by a defender.

Warner remained steadfast in his quest to keep his first clean sheet against Arsenal with fine saves from Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Hleb and Rosicky. The introduction of Niklas Bendtner certainly posed more danger to the away side defense.

But American defender Carlos Bocanegra body checked Kolo Toure inside the box with just two minute to go. Van Persie blasted the ball onto the roof of the net though it followed with a melee when Fulham players refused to let Arsenal players from bringing the ball to the centre circle for the match to be restarted.

But the match had to be restarted. The fear the Fulham players had about another great Arsenal comeback turned into reality when Fabregas found Hleb at the top of the box with a superb ball.

The Belarussian close control opened the space for him to shoot and he brought all Gooners worldwide into ruptures as his attempt rolled into the net past the frustrated Warner, who despite his valiant effort left the Emirates empty handed.

LG Amsterdam Tournament 2007 - Day 2

Ajax 0
Arsenal 1 Van Persie 87

How I wish every weekend would be like this with trophy after trophy coming our way.

Despite being nothing more than another pre-season tournament, the LG Amsterdam Tournament provide a number of posive signs that life without Thierry Henry would not be that bad after all.

All the frontmen Arsene Wenger had fielded during the tournament and the Emirates Cup found the back of the net, which is always a good thing to boost their confidence. Arsenal fans perhaps are familiar with the exploits of Robin Van Persie but there a lot to learn about Niklas Bendtner and Eduardo da Silva.

Bendtner and Eduardo found the net in the match against Lazio while Van Persie broke Ajax hearts by scoring the winner three minutes from time during their encounter last night.

One thing that I observed of the current frontline is that they are quite tough and would not shirk from getting a bit physical with the opponents. Thus it would be interesting to see them against physical sides such as Bolton Wanderers and now Sam Allardyce has joined them, Newcastle United.

The match started well for Arsenal, seeing much of the ball and earning an early free-kick just outside the Ajax penalty area. Tomas Rosicky's effort was on target but was deflected by the wall.

Ajax goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg managed to save the situation for the home side. He was the busier of the two goalkeepers on the pitch and was called upon again in the 18th minute when he prevented Kolo Toure's point blank effort from a free kick from going in.

Ajax made a tactical change by bringing in Dennis Rommedahl for youngster Gergeory Van Der Wiel. He immediately saw action and put Jens Lehmann under pressure with an effort which flew just over the bar.

A minute later Van Persie would have a clear run on goal but was stopped cynically by Jurgen Colin who was cautioned for his effort. Arsenal twice broke through on the right in quick succession with Denilson failed to connect properly with Bacary Sagna's cross while Van Persie's effort went across the Ajax goalmouth begging for a final touch.

Ajax began to dominate the match and in the 34th minute Hedwiges Maduro long range effort had Lehmann a bit concerned. Skipper William Gallas was having a difficult period when his mistake let in Wesley Sneijder. The French defender was a picture of relief as the shot was blocked.

Then Gallas committed a rash tackle on Klaas Huntelaar and had his name in the referee's book. Sneijder's fierce drive was stopped by Lehmann but the ball found it' way to Rommedahl whose shot was smothered by the German on the second attempt.

The Dane broke through again on the left as interval approached but Sagna matched his pace and put the ball out for a fruitless corner.

The attacking football continued from both sides when play resumed. Gael Clichy made a wonderful run and saw his shot pushed by Stekelenburg for a corner. Matthieu Flamini could have given Arsenal the lead if he was a fractionally faster to the loose ball from the corner.

On the hour mark, Kennedy Bakircioglu tried a low shot from the right but his effort just missed the target.

Rosicky then was taken off with Eduardo coming on giving more firepower to the Arsenal frontline. His presence certainly added more steel and resilient as evident when he won a free-kick on the right after being fouled as he battled against two Ajax defenders.

Then in the 74th minute Gallas set out on a wonderful run and his final ball opened the home defence for Van Persie but Stekelenburg denied him with a class save.

Huntelaar who was the first player to score at the Emirates Stadium last season in the Dennis Bergkamp Testimonial, began to impose himself. He was about to pull the trigger when Toure prevented him from doing so with a superb tackle.

In the 79th minute Lehmann played the ball long and Eduardo gave chase to it. His strength and persistent saw him get the better of the two defenders with him but was foiled by Stekelenburg.


Six minutes later Huntelaar saw his powerful header hit the bar from a cross from the right by Mitchell Donald. Kennedy wonderful flick enabled the substitute to break through on the right.

Two minutes later, Glichy embarked on another run after an Ajax attack was broken down. He faced two Ajax players at the edge of the box but kept his composure to deliver a wonderful ball to Van Persie who controlled it calmly before blasting it past Stekelenburg.

The home side tried to respond immediately and Lehmann had to be alert to prevent Johnny Heitinga long range header from going in. Arsenal then played down the clock and finished at the top of the pile with nine points from two victories and the three goals scored.

Arsenal Named Champions Youth Cup Squad

From the Arsenal website it was announced that a 20 men squad has been named for the 2007 Champions Youth Cup Tournament starting on Wednesday at four venues throughout Malaysia.

Arsenal is in Group A with AC Milan, Ajax Armsterdam and Flamengo as company. All matches are going to be held in Alor Setar, Kedah.

I hope the young Gooners would make it into the last eight so I would be able to come down to the Klang Valley and watch their matches there. It is a rare opportunity for Malaysians to be able to watch their favourite clubs in action right in front of their eye, albeit only at youth level.

For Arsenal fans it would definitely be a treat as the system employed by the Gunners youngsters would mirror the one used by the senior team. Thus, it would be just like watching the senior team.

Considering the average age of the senior team, the squad representing Arsenal is not that far off their senior counterparts.

My expectations are they would be able to qualify for the last eight at least despite being in one of the hardest group. Another team to qualify from this lot would be Ajax even though the samba boys from Flamengo could spring a few surprises.

For the full squad please go here

LG Amsterdam Tournament 2007 - Day 1

Arsenal 2 Bendtner, Eduardo
Lazio 1 Pandev

It was a victorious debut for the third kit with the 2-1 victory over their Italian rivals Lazio at the LG Tournament in Amsterdam last night. The colour of the kit blended rather nicely which is better than wearing the white away shirt.

Yesterday's match gave me the opportunity to watch for the first time Eduardo da Silva 'live'. He was part of a very youthful line-up with Manule Almunia in goal and the defensive pairing of Johan Djourou and Phillipe Senderos in front of him.

Justin Hoyte and Armand Traore provided the support on the flanks for Theo Walcott and Gael Glichy respectively. Alex Song was given the opportunity to shine alongside the more experienced Cesc Fabregas while Niklas Bendtner partnered Eduardo in the frontline.

Sadly, still no Lukasz Fabianski.

The Italians started well and gained the control of the match early on. Both sides probed one another to find any opening that might be available. Goran Pandev found his partner Tomasso Rocchi with a wonderful through ball but Almunia was quickly off his feet to tap the ball against the attacker, enabling Senderos to clear the loose ball.

Arsenal took the lead in the 18th minute when Cesc Fabregas's shot was deflected by a Lazio defender into the path of Bendtner. The chance was seemed lost when the big Dane had to take the ball wide of the goal to evade Marco Ballotta.

Bendtner is about to score the first goal for Arsenal

However he kept his composure and managed to unleash a shot which went past the goalkeeper and the defenders covering on the Lazio goal-line. The goal certainly enhanced my belief about Wenger's decision to allow the more established 'stars' to leave during the summer.

Bendtner has added new dimension to the Arsenal front-line

If there is one thing about Arsenal that got me worried was the defence habit of giving away silly goals. Last night, a seemingly easy corner to defend resulted in Lazio levelling the score when Eduardo failed to clear and Senderos was stranded in no-man's land to give Pandev the chance to slot the ball past Almunia at the near post.

A defensive error allows Lazio to equalise

Almunia then pulled off another save just as the referee was about to blow for the interval when he calmly collected Stefano Mauri's goalbound header.

Fabregas was taken off at the interval by Wenger giving Matthie Flamini more playing time in the middle of the park. Another change saw Tomas Rosicky taking his usual position on the left side of midfield in place of Clichy.

In the 55th minute Arsenal regained their lead when the Lazio defence misjudged a corner leaving Eduardo with a simple task of heading the ball home. The screen displayed the goal was credited as own goal by Lazio defender Luciano Zauri which I found rather baffling.

Eduardo takes his chance well

After a while the match seemed to slow down. However the introduction of Robin Van Persie in the 64th minute seemed to spur some urgency into the match. His shot soon after coming on certainly had Ballotta worried.

Then in the 75th minute Van Persie opened the Lazio defense once again on the right. He found Rosicky in the middle but the Czech midfielder passed it to Hoyte who should have buried it. Instead the full-back's shot came back against the far post and was cleared.

Lazio substitute Gaby Mudingayi also hit the post a few minutes later with Almunia well beaten. Despite that Arsenal did not seem to be in danger of losing their lead again and collected five points from the win and the goals at the final whistle.