Rooney back on the agenda as Real eye BIG signings

by Simon Sparrowhawk

Are Real Madrid readying themselves for another assault on the Premier League? It seems so!

Real president Florentino Perez has today confirmed that the Spanish giants are looking to make “two or three big signings” before the start of next season. And if their antics of last summer are anything to go by, the Premier League elite should prepare now.

In recent months Madrid have been linked to a host of stars from England, with Manchester United Wayne Rooney apparently topping their list of targets. A £95m bid has been mooted from the Spanish capital and would test the Old Trafford club’s resolve to keep their star man.

Other targets include Rooney’s United team-mates Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic, while Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have been strongly linked with moves to Spain. Earlier today there were also noises about a possible bid to hijack Barcelona’s attempts to sign Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal. Fabregas’ Emirates colleague Gael Clichy has been linked to Barcelona today, but Madrid is said to be his preferred destination.

Jose Mourinho has barely got his feet under the desk at the Santiago Bernabeu but it seems he is already showing his desire to make his mark in Madrid.

Who do you expect to end up joining Mourinho at the Bernabeu? Could the former Chelsea boss take the English trio of Rooney, Lampard and Cole? I wouldn’t bet against it!

Head-to-head – United versus Arsenal

by Simon Sparrowhawk

Let’s have a debate. I’m sure this one will be hotly contested. If you could pick a team combining the Manchester United and Arsenal squads, who would make the cut?

Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd)

This is simply a no brainer. Despite being in the latter stages of his career the big Dutchman is still one of the top goalkeepers in world football. Known for his concentration and distribution the former Holland number one has stepped into the big shoes of Peter Schmeichel and guided the club to new levels of success. Messrs Almunia and Fabianski are not much competition either. In fact, the substitute would probably be United number two Tomasz Kucsczak.

Right back: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)

Very close this one. Two years ago France full-back Bacary Sagna would have walked this one, but after his average displays last term he has only made it into the team thanks to the propensity for injuries amongst Rafael Da Silva, Wes Brown and the ageing Gary Neville.

Centre half: Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)

There is a great deal of choice in the central defence positions at both United and Arsenal and all have a good argument for selection. Vermaelen had a brilliant season and brought a new steel to the Gunners backline. Not only is he strong in the tackle and surprisingly good in the air, for a relatively small centre-back, but he is a menace at the other end too. A great Arsene Wenger signing!

Centre half: Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)

This one was a bit of a toss-up between Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Both had injury problems this season but Vidic managed to play more games and towards the end of the season his form improved dramatically. Also an enormous threat in the opposition penalty area, only a lack of pace stops him being the complete centre-back.

Left back: Patrice Evra (Man Utd)

One word. Legend! Patrice Evra has developed into arguably the best left back in world football. Evra v Ashley Cole would be a very tough one to call but Evra v Gael Clichy is not so tough. Clichy took a step back this season, while Evra only enhanced his reputation. Always ready to support on the attack and never caught out of position at the back, Evra is simply world class.

Right Midfield: Nani (Man Utd)

Almost too close to call. Antonia Valencia or Nani? Valencia had a superb start to the season and took Nani’s place in the side. However, by the season’s end, roles had been reversed. Not that Valencia’s form dipped but the penny finally dropped for Nani, who is now one of the most feared players in the league. A goal threat has emerged in the Portuguese flyer and for that reason he gets the nod.

Centre midfield: Darren Fletcher (Man Utd)

What a player this boy has become, and Arsenal would love to have him. Fletcher has such a good engine and seems to improve with every performance and never lets his manager down. Goals have been added to his game but it is his ability to hassle and hound his opposite number that makes him invaluable.

Centre midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

After a little debate about whether to include the seemingly Barcelona-bound Arsenal captain I have decided that he is still contracted to the Gunners so it would be foolish to exclude him. Fabregas is the Gunners main creator and would do the same job in this side, leaving Fletcher to do the defensive work. His imagination and unerringly accurate passing makes him such a major force in world football.

Left midfield: Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal)

Another tough one as Nani could have been switched to this wing with Valencia taking the right hand side but Arshavin deserves his place. The Russian is a menace with the ball at his feet and would fancy his chances against any full back in the world. Comfortable on either foot the outspoken Gunners forward has an underestimated change of pace and bags his share of goals.

Second striker: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)

I know he was injured for five months but Van Persie is a brilliant player and the Gunners title aspirations might have come closer to reality if he had stayed fit. The Dutchman began the season in devastating style and will be a good tip for the World Cup Golden Boot if Holland can stay in the competition long enough. A scorer of great goals, and a great goalscorer too, he has the ability to provide touches of genius around the penalty area.

Main striker: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

What more can you say about Wayne Rooney? There are few superlatives left to describe England and United’s main man. Rooney has always been irrepressible but this season he moved to a new level. With Ronaldo gone the pressure was on Rooney to score the goals to fire United to a third successive league title and he all but managed it. If injury had not ruled him out of the closing stages then the trophy would still be at Old Trafford. I’m sorry Chelsea fans but it’s true. Sadly for United, Rooney’s ankle injury robbed them of his services at the crucial time.

So there you have it. Feel free to debate my selections and it is only an opinion.

Who do you think should be in or should be out of this side?

Joe Cole race takes a new twist

by Simon Sparrowhawk

It is almost certain now that Joe Cole will leave Chelsea on a free transfer this summer, but where will the England midfielder start next season?

Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked to the former West Ham wonderkid but his future remains unresolved.

It is testament to Cole’s ability that, despite an injury plagued campaign, he still has a list of big name admirers as long as his arm. And why not? Cole is a unique player. There are very few capable of producing the tricks and flicks Cole can produce on a regular basis, and to such devastating effect too. So when a player like Cole becomes available on a free transfer it comes as no surprise that so many teams have thrown their hats into the ring.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp appeared to admit defeat in his attempts to lure Cole to White Hart Lane earlier this week as he claimed the midfielder already had a deal agreed elsewhere. Old Harry is such a tease. Come on Harry, who is it?

Just last week reports emerged that Cole was on the brink of signing for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. There was no official announcement from either United or Cole and the news seems to have been premature, but Fergie is surely in the race. Over the course of last season a lack of invention and imagination haunted his side, particularly when Wayne Rooney was absent, and the Scottish boss is desperate to address this problem. He has wanted to work with Joe Cole for a number of years, but has previously been frustrated in his efforts to take him to Manchester. That could all end this summer, and for nothing too.

Howver, just yesterday, there were credible reports emanating from Fleet Street that Arsene Wenger had stolen in to agree a three year deal with Cole’s advisors. Not only that, but an announcement was apparently on the way. Well, it’s now a day and a half later and there is still no further news. Another false dawn? Possibly.

It is now being reported that Cole will decide on his future after the World Cup. If a deal had already been agreed with either United or the Gunners then surely Cole would have liked to get everything confirmed before his departure. Now the transfer will be lingering over him throughout his time in South Africa and that is far from an ideal situation for Cole or England boss Fabio Capello.

Where will Joe Cole be at the start of next season? It seems that nobody is any the wiser at the moment.

Two Experienced Players That Can Easily Replace Fabregas That No One Is Talking About

It is not yet official but except a miracle happens, Fabregas will be leaving Arsenal meaning someone has to be brought in to replace him as all Arsenal fans will agree that although Nasri can replace him, he is not one to be relied upon.

Ramsey is also someone who can replace him but who knows how well he will do as he will be coming from a long term injury – Eduardo anyone?

Many names have been suggested. From Yoan Gourcuff, Ander Hearrea, Rud Van Der Vaart, Mesut Ozil, M.Bastos J.Navas, David Silva, Mikel Arteta, Joao Moutinho and the likes. Some have even suggested that Wenger should buy Hazard and move Nasri to the middle.

All of these players are good, they are players any one would want to have in their teams. I like Yoann Gourcuff and won’t mind having him in the team but the price as we all know will discourage Wenger from making a bid.

I mean, we have just gotten Chamakh from Bordeaux without paying a dime for him and we want to go back there for Yoann Gourcuff?

I am very sure the price alone is enough to discourage Wenger but there are two players that I think Wenger should consider buying to replace Fabregas.

Both are experienced and will most likely come at a cheap price. These two players are Juve’s Diego and Ac Milan’s Ronaldinho.

Diego has not been in top form since he joined Juve and the fans are already wanting him out which means he may be available for a cheap price.

Will Juve want to Sell?

My thinking is, Juve will soon have to choose betwen Sebastian Giovinco and Diego. Giovinco has stated he wants to leave but Juve will never want him to leave as he is seen as one of their own and base on the form of Diego, they may prefer to stick with Giovinco especially if someone offers to take Diego away from them.

Methink Wenger should be able to sign Diego for anything between 15 to 20 million and that if you ask me is a good price. One other thing that may make him want to join Arsenal is the fact that the Gunners will be playing in the champions league next season but Juve will not.

Considering his age, he will not be around for too long and that means he will not be impairing the chances of Ramsey who is seen as the long term replacement for Fabregas.

Ronaldinho

I want him and won’t mind if Wenger goes for him. He has the experience, he has the skill, his style suits Arsenal and will not be too expensive.

Milan may not want to release him but what can a club do if a player wants to leave?

I sincerely believe he will be tempted to jump ship if Wenger shows interest.

Will any one want to leave AC Milan for Arsenal?

In the past, it will make no sense for any one in their right senses to leave Milan to join Arsenal but not any more.

But we all know that Milan is now a team in decline, they now struggle to get into the champions league spot which is something that may play into Arsenal’s hand.

Another thing is, Milan is a defensive team which doesn’t really suit Ronaldinho considering his style and skills.

His age should also be another factor. He is aging but very experience and should not impair the growth of the young players that Wenger may be expecting to take over from Fabregas.

A bid in the region of 20 million should be enough to get him from Ac Milan.

What do you think?

The future is now Professor

By Simon Sparrowhawk

Could it be time for Arsene Wenger to scrap his youth policy in favour of a more extravagant approach to the transfer market?

After a another season that threatened to promise much, before eventually petering out into another ‘trophyless’ campaign, in which the same old flaws reared their ugly heads, Arsene Wenger needs to alter his approach. The Gunners boss has earned the respect of everyone in the game for his attempts to win the biggest prizes without spending big money, but his hard work continues to unravel in front of his very eyes.

For much of the 2009/2010 campaign the Gunners remained in the title race, without Robin Van Persie, but when the season reached its climax they were comfortably out of the running. The crushing Champions League quarter-final defeat in Barcelona was a major factor in Arsenal’s season ending without a flourish. They were torn apart by Lionel Messi, ironically a Barcelona youth graduate, but he was not the first. Manchester United and Chelsea outplayed the Gunners at the Emirates last season.

The Barcelona game alone could have had a major impact on Cesc Fabregas’ decision to seek a move away from North London. ‘If you can’t beat them, join them’, you could say. Without Fabregas there would be serious doubts about the Gunners chances of competing for trophies next term. In fact, they could even drop out of the Champions League if Manchester City, and even worse, Spurs continue on their current upward curve.

This summer could mark a major tipping point in Arsenal’s fortunes. If Fabregas leaves and is replaced effectively, while other weaknesses are also addressed, starting with the goalkeeper, the future could be very bright. But, Wenger needs to spend money to make this dream a reality. A new goalkeeper, centre-back, defensive midfielder, Fabregas replacement and striker could cost as much as £100million, but it’s a price worth paying for the success the Emirates fans demand. But will the French manager pay it? It will cost not only money, but also his pride.

Fabregas is leaving because he cannot achieve what he wants with Wenger’s men. Andrey Arshavin hinted upon his arrival, 18 months ago, that more world class players were needed. If Wenger does not invest now, who will be next to jump ship? Van Persie? Arshavin? Theo Walcott?

There can be no doubt that Manchester City and Tottenham are huge threats to Arsenal’s position in the top four of English football. Liverpool’s comprehensive demotion by Spurs, City and Aston Villa could open the floodgates. Could the Gunners be next to fall?

The time is now for Arsene Wenger to dust off his chequebook and rebuild the shattered spine of his side. Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Yaya Toure, Mikel Arteta and Karim Benzema could all be available for hire this summer, and the Arsenal side would take on a far more menacing look with them in the side.

Thanks for conducting your experiment Professor Wenger, but sadly, it has failed to deliver results. Consequently it is time for a change, it is time to spend or time to ship out.

Can Arsenal replace Fabregas?

by Simon Sparrowhawk

Cesc Fabregas’ move to Barcelona is edging closer and closer by the day and Arsenal need to find his replacement sooner rather than later.

The Gunners are expected to receive around £40million for their talismanic skipper and a large portion of that will have to be spent on a direct replacement.

Samir Nasri impressed, on occasion, filling in for Fabregas at the tail end of last season but cannot play regularly as part of a two man partnership, while the unfortunate Aaron Ramsey is sidelined for the foreseeable future with a horrific broken leg.

There have been countless names thrown about in the press regarding who Wenger should set his sights on, but who would be the ideal candidate?

Mikel Arteta: Everton’s creative mastermind is attracting admiring glances from many of the country’s leading managers. Rumours have surfaced about prospective bids from Manchester City, Manchester United and the Gunners, even Chelsea have been namechecked. The Spaniard would cost in the region of £20million, a small price to pay for a man of Arteta’s talents. However, could Wenger net the former Barcelona and Rangers midfielder? With City and United both in the race, the Gunners are an outside bet.

David Silva: No surprise that another Spanish magician is in the running, the World Cup favourites are spoilt for choice in that area. Valencia midfielder Silva has been close to leaving the Mestalla for as long as I can remember, due to the club’s huge financial problems. Silva has everything Wenger looks for in a player. He is short, quick and brimming with technical ability. However, that could be the problem. Silva plays a more advanced role with Valencia and would be a more suitable replacement for Andrey Arshavin or Samir Nasri. At £25million, he could be an expensive risk.

James Milner: Aston Villa midfield man Milner is wanted by almost everyone in the upper reaches of the Premier League. Man City, Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been mentioned but it is Wenger who needs him most. Milner is an all action operator and although his technical ability does not match that of Arteta or Silva he is stronger in other areas. Milner is not afraid to put his foot in or chase down lost causes and if Wenger can convince him to swap Villa Park for the Emirates it would be an astute capture.

Joao Moutinho: Sporting Lisbon’s star man has been on every club in Europe’s radar for what seems like an eternity. Moutinho was highly thought of before Cristiano Ronaldo or Nani had emerged from the Lisbon Academy but he remains in the Portuguese captital. It is surely only a matter of time before somebody takes the plunge and snaps him up. Moutinho plays in a similar style to Deco but with a more aggressive edge to his game and, although Lisbon would want a sizeable sum to part with their star asset, he would be the cheapest option so far.

Bastian Schweinsteiger: The Bayern Munich academy graduate has been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool but both have other priorities this summer. Arsenal could steal in under the radar and grab the German international from under their noses. Schweinsteiger would cost in the region of £15million and, similar to Milner, would give the Gunners midfield a more combative edge. He provides a goal threat from the middle of the park but tracks back too. A potential World Cup star, Schweinsteiger’s stock will only rise in South Africa 

The news of Fabregas’ impending departure will have devastated the Emirates faithful but if they replace him properly then it could be a real turning point for the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger has a huge decision to make, for the sake of the Gunners, he must make the correct one.

Man City muscle in on race for Spanish star

by Simon Sparrowhawk

Manchester City are intent on delivering a hammer blow to Barcelona’s hopes of signing Cesc Fabregas.

Rumours are swirling around Eastlands that Chief Executive Garry Cook has been authorised to make a stunning £65million bid for the Spanish international. The news will devastate fans at the Camp Nou who were desperately waiting to see the midfielder return to light up Catalonia.

It is believed that City made a last gasp effort to convince David Villa that he should move to England with an extraordinary £350,000 per week contract. However, the former Valencia striker turned down the cash to stay in Spain with Barcelona. The Catalan giants were riled by City’s attempt to snatch Villa and will no doubt be fuming that the Citizens are now plotting to blow them out of the water in the race for Fabregas.

Roberto Mancini’s side have been linked to just about everybody in recent days but an Eastlands insider confirmed: “There have been talks about a bid for Fabregas. The money is about the same as [Fernando] Torres.”

Fabregas has expressed his desire to leave the Emirates and Barca were expecting to negotiate a deal with Arsenal his services before the World Cup. However, City’s interest, and belief that they can attract another superstar, means Fabregas’ future may have to be decided on his return from South Africa.

City do not expect Fabregas to sign for them but the move demonstrates their power in the market. The former Barcelona trainee will be offered wages in the region £250,000 a week (after tax) by the Eastlands outfit who will not give up until the 23-year-old signs on the dotted line at the Camp Nou.

The only problem for City is that they are also considering a move for Barca striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who would be available for about £45million. However, with City driving the cost of Fabregas’ transfer up then Barca will undoubtedly may want more cash to part with the Swede who has failed to set the world alight in Spain.

Can City take Fabregas to Manchester? It would be a massive coup, and you just never know…..

England’s Most Wanted: James Milner

by Simon Sparrowhawk

Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United – not a bad list of clubs to have chasing your signature. It’s fair to say, James Milner is spoilt for choice this summer.

On Wednesday, Manchester City started the transfer saga of the summer with a £20million bid for the England midfielder’s services. Aston Villa, who Milner could yet stick with, rejected the offer without a moment’s hesitation. As Martin O’Neill and Randy Lerner said an emphatic “No way” to City, they also began a bidding war amongst the richest clubs in the country.

Chelsea are said to be monitoring Milner’s situation very closely and a good World Cup campaign for the 24-year-old could give Carlo Ancelotti all the confirmation he needs to make an offer of his own. The Blues see Milner as a long term replacement for free-scoring Frank Lampard and, with their new policy of buying British, a move is surely on the cards.

Arsenal’s interest is far more recent, in fact it began the moment Cesc Fabregas asked to leave the Emirates. The Gunners will receive somewhere in the region of £40-£50million from Barcelona for their captain’s services, giving Arsene Wenger a sizeable summer budget. Arsenal’s status as North London’s Premier club is coming under serious threat from Tottenham Hostpur so they must replace their talisman and Milner has everything they need. He scores goals, he has good vision and technique but most importantly he has a brilliant engine and is not afraid to get stuck into tackles.

It’s City who have opened the bidding for Milner, but could it be their arch rivals who seal the deal? It’s widely reported that Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping an eye on Milner and there were rumours a month or so ago that a deal had already been done. Clearly this was not the case but United do have money to spend. They agreed a £35million fee with Lyon for Karim Benzema last summer, which they have not spent elsewhere. Milner fits the Ferguson mould nicely too. He has worked hard to improve his performances on the pitch and he keeps himself to himself off the field. The recently deposed champions need a regular contributor of goals from midfield to ease the burden on Wayne Rooney and Milner would provide that.

Rumours have surfaced about possible interest from Liverpool but a move to Anfield would be a sideways one for Milner now. If he is not desperate to play Champions League football then a move to Man City would be financially rewarding and the club is definitely going places.

Personally, I fear Milner will end up moving to Eastlands after City blow everyone out of the water with an extravagant offer. The safest move for the former Leeds man would be to make his way to Old Trafford where he would still get regular first team football and the guarantee of competing for trophies at home and in Europe.

James Milner is definitely the most wanted man in England, but what is the price on his head? And, who will pay it?

Relieve the Memories: Thierry Henry vs Tottenham, EPL, 2002/03 [Video]

I’m proud to announce that SFB will now publish a new series of articles, called “Relieve the Memories”, and in each article I’ll post an Arsenal video (mostly goals) which are some of my favourites. Not only that, I’ll add my own comments and views of the goal. So do not hesitate and give your opinions of the goal too!

As the final North London Derby of the season approaches, let’s look back to the season of 2002/03, in which Thierry Henry scored this spectacular goal…

My thoughts on the goal

This goal was all about speed, pace, trickery and finish. And Thierry Henry (in an Arsenal shirt of course) had all of the above. The speed at which he takes the ball from his own half, and single-handedly dribbles past all the Tottenham defenders to score the goal was breathtaking. Henry really had everything: power, speed, composure, technique and finishing ability, and in this goal he showcased some of those traits.

And what about the goal celebration.

How much more perfect could it get? You single-handedly dribbles past the Tottenham defenders from your own half to your opponent’s half to score, and you run back from your opponent’s half to your own half to celebrate in front of the Tottenham fans. This time however, he was not alone. As he celebrated, all the Arsenal fans were joining him…

That’s my thoughts on the goal. Do share yours! Remember, the whole series is called “Relieve the Memories”, so it wouldn’t be complete unless the fans share their thoughts. I hope to showcase a goal once every few days. Thanks for watching and reading.

Dariano

P.S. And if someone can suggest to me a better name for this series rather than “Relieve the Memories”, do not hesitate! “Relieve the Memories” sounds corny to me but I’ve ran out of brain juice so I can’t think of a better name at the moment. So do me a favour please. Thanks once again.

Arsenal vs Blackburn Player Ratings

What a match! This match was, in my opinion, quite perfect. What a way to celebrate Arsene Wenger’s 13th year at the club. This match was more than just a victory; it probably represented Arsene Wenger’s 13-years (and counting) philosophy at Arsenal football club. Thierry Henry was watching, and I believe he would have been proud to see how much the Arsenal team matured, especially in players he’s played with like Fabregas and van Persie, not to forget Clichy, whom all played a part in this great victory. Not only that, Arsenal was, like I said, close to perfect. In this match we took our chances, and we weren’t afraid to shoot. Bendtner’s goal and a few attempts at goal are good examples of that. Now for the player ratings…

Mannone (6.5) – Didn’t really had much to do actually. He got a 6.5 for his very few good saves.But he had a few shaky moments though. I would compare him to Ben Foster of Man Utd; They haven’t concede much but their decision-making aren’t the best.

Clichy (6.5) – I would say he didn’t get too involved in attack or defend (unless I overlooked his contributions) so he gets a 6.5 from me.

Sagna (6.8) – Got much more active than Clichy but both full-backs didn’t really had too much to do cause Arsenal attacked in the centre much more often.

Vermaelen (7) – Scored a great goal and was quite good in defence. The first Blackburn goal was probably his mistake because he lost that aerial battle to N’Zonzi. But that’s what happen when you’re shorter than the average footballer; there was nothing much the Verminator could have done about that. He can train and jump, but I don’t think anybody of his height could have jumped that high. Definitely an important point for Wenger to note…

Gallas (7) – Yeah, Vermaelen’s got the goal but I think we need to give Gallas some credit here. He’s been superb this season, and I think I’ve never seen Gallas this composed before. It’s probably because he’s playing with Vermaelen, like I already said long ago. Man, guess we’re not missing Kolo Toure after all…

Song (7.2) – Controlled the midfield rather well. I think once and for all, we might have found Flamini’s replacement after a season of soul-searching. He was very disciplined in his positioning, which really helped the team because this allowed Fabregas to roam forward to attack much more often than when Fabby was playing with Denilson. And we all know how good Fabregas was in this match…

Fabregas (10) – Ah, Francesc Fabregas. Yes, I’m giving a 10 here folks. 3 assists, 1 goal. This is the Fabregas we know and love. Anybody who actually doubts Fabregas has got to watch this match. He controlled majority of Arsenal’s attack, his passes were the type that can change Arsenal from defence to attack-mode in a split second, and his passing and ability to spot spaces in front of players is top-notch, all at the age of only 22. Yes, we have Rosicky, we have Arshavin and we have Denilson and Nasri. But nobody passes and creates quite like Fabregas do. On the match that marks Arsene Wenger’s first game after 13 years at the club, Wenger’s very own unearthed gem proved to the world why all the “cutting and carving” was one of the best in football. I think Fabregas is one of the world’s best playmaker at the moment.

Diaby (6.5) – I really think he deserved a 6, but I’m feeling very happy so I’m being a little generous. Like Denilson on a number of matches, Diaby was close to invisible in this match. Didn’t contributed much, but didn’t make any mistakes. I’m still insisting on the idea of playing him as a strong, powerful attacking-midfielder but I really don’t know what are his strengths…

Rosicky (7) – He really deserved a goal in this match. Had a couple of chances which should have went in but a brilliant Paul Robinson denied him. And I love his world-class cross with his right foot to Fabregas; that was so nice to watch! A little bit like Thierry Henry.

Arshavin (8) – Arshavin is good evidence that good footballers actually exist. You know, footballers, not athletes. He’s a great technical player and I really like what he can do with the football. Not only that, people used to call him “Alex Hleb with the lethal touch” and I really agree. He can dribble and try tricks but at the end of the day, he deliver the goods. That’s what I like about him. This is something Diaby should really learn.

Van Persie (8) – If you have been following my blog, I’m sure you know that I feel van Persie was never back to his best after the injury he suffered in the 2006-07 season. But this match is a good sign that he’s getting all of that back. Good shooting, ball-control, dribbling, and very exciting. Shades of RvP version 2005-06. These are indeed good signs, good signs…

That’s all folks. Like always tell me YOUR player ratings or tell me in the comment box if you agree with my ratings. Everybody’s got their opinions so please respect my opinion like I will respect yours. Also, I’ll be taking a short hiatus from blogging as I need to focus on my studies. But don’t worry, it’s probably only a month or so. I don’t know if any of you will actually miss me but please continue visiting our blog as we still have constant updates from fans from other clubs. Just because you’re a Gooner doesn’t mean you can’t read a Manchester United article ;) Good bye.

And before I forget, I want to wish Arsene Wenger a happy 13 year anniversary. Maybe it’s a little late but better late than never. I hope to see you with many more successful years with Arsenal and with your life. Peace.