Arsène Wenger has revealed the latest team news ahead of the Manchester City game.
on Emmanuel Frimpong …
He is a bit in front of Jack [Wilshere] on match fitness. He has worked a very, very long time and he is ready.
on Rosicky and Sagna…
Sagna is one week away from full training, and Rosicky two.
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Saturday, September 22, 2012
SUNDAYS GAME WOULD REVEAL THE STRENGTH OF OUR SQUARD- WENGER
Arsène Wenger believes Sunday's trip to Manchester City will reveal more about the strength of his squad.
Arsenal have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Premier League season and got off to a winning start against Montpellier in the Champions League on Tuesday.
But Wenger believes this weekend's game in particular is the ultimate test for Arsenal's championship credentials.
"I am very ambitious and I know that before the game starts," said the Frenchman. "It will tell us a lot about our quality. How we handle the big games will decide how well we do in the championship. That is why it is an interesting weekend for us.
"I have no doubt about the desire and hunger of my squad. It will just tell you how strong we areat the moment.
"I believe we are quite strong but we have some room for improvement. All is not perfect but the signs we are giving are very good and very strong.
"The hunger is massive in this squad. They want to do well. They are focused. They want to win. We want to continue to improve because we have many new players. It is a big test to see how strong we are."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Arsenal have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Premier League season and got off to a winning start against Montpellier in the Champions League on Tuesday.
But Wenger believes this weekend's game in particular is the ultimate test for Arsenal's championship credentials.
"I am very ambitious and I know that before the game starts," said the Frenchman. "It will tell us a lot about our quality. How we handle the big games will decide how well we do in the championship. That is why it is an interesting weekend for us.
"I have no doubt about the desire and hunger of my squad. It will just tell you how strong we areat the moment.
"I believe we are quite strong but we have some room for improvement. All is not perfect but the signs we are giving are very good and very strong.
"The hunger is massive in this squad. They want to do well. They are focused. They want to win. We want to continue to improve because we have many new players. It is a big test to see how strong we are."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
WILSHERE WOULD GET STRONGER- WENGER
Jack Wilshere has resumed full training with the Arsenal first-team squad.
The 20-year-old England international missed the whole of last season with a foot injury, but returned to full training on Thursday for the first time in more than a year.
Arsène Wenger was asked about Wilshere at Friday's pre-match press conference. This is what the manager said:
The 20-year-old England international missed the whole of last season with a foot injury, but returned to full training on Thursday for the first time in more than a year.
Arsène Wenger was asked about Wilshere at Friday's pre-match press conference. This is what the manager said:
on Wilshere's attitude…
He had ups and downs and many downs because he had a few setbacks. He dealt with it very well, especially in the last three months. He was highly focused every day, he was in every day very early and worked all day through. He is rewarded now with a good condition. We have to be a bit cautious, because when a guy has been out for 14 months it takes a while to get back to match fitness. He is fit to practice and play, but to put high-level performances in takes time.
on his commitment…
I have never had any doubts about that, but when you are so young and out for 14 months that isa good test for your mental strength. On that front he has been absolutely brilliant because he had not only ankle surgery, but when he thought that was over he had knee surgery. He handledthat very well, I must say.
on a possible comeback date…
I cannot tell you anything about that. It will take a few weeks. We will see how well he responds in the first two games. He has to play games in the reserve [Under-21] team and see how well he comes out of that. I have to look at the schedule, I first want to give him 10 days training before he plays his first game.
on Wilshere's first training session…
It went well, and we will see how he responds to the training now. We will have to be a bit patient and monitor him well. He needs a few games, he has not played for 14 months and needs games in the reserves.
on whether he was concerned over Wilshere's recovery…
I refuse to give up, because he's a 19-year-old boy, so I always thought he would come back. I'm not medically expert enough to know how big the damage was in his ankle. [Wilshere not coming back] never crossed my mind. Has it crossed his mind? Only he can answer that – I thinkyes. He's mentally a strong boy, he's always had a good level of confidence. I believe what he has gone through will make him even stronger.
on Wilshere's fight for a first-team place...
The biggest battle for him is just to enjoy every day now. For the rest I don't worry too much for him.
SOURCE: Arsenal.com
WE WILL KEEP UP PICKING THE POINTS- RAMSEY
Mikel Arteta believes a victory at Manchester City on Sunday would prove that Arsenal are as good as any team in the Premier League.
Arsène Wenger's side are unbeaten after a strong start to the new season, and have won three successive matches in all competitions.
They head to the Etihad Stadium in buoyant mood, and Arteta says it is the perfect time for the Gunners to underline their title credentials.
"It's still too early, whatever happens on Sunday, and I don't think it's going to change anything," he told Arsenal Player. "But if you get points there, and you win then you make a bit of a statement.
"It grows the confidence of the team and everyone around it who believes we are as good as anyone in this league. These are good places to show that.
"It's a huge test for us. We've been playing well. We played really good when we went to Liverpool - that's a tough place to get three points but we did it.
"[This is] another test. Man City haven't lost at home for a while. We know it's going to be difficult but I'm sure they will be thinking the same thing."
A late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo condemned City to a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday, but Arteta does not believe it will adversely affect them against Arsenal.
"It can be like, 'Oh now we need a win to put that on the side'," he said. "To be honest, they created a lot of problems for Real Madrid and they went into the last 10 or 15 minutes of the game ahead of them at the Bernabeu, which is not easy at all.
"We know how good they are, how good players their players are and how tough they're going to make it for us. At the same time, they will be a bit scared as well."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Arsène Wenger's side are unbeaten after a strong start to the new season, and have won three successive matches in all competitions.
They head to the Etihad Stadium in buoyant mood, and Arteta says it is the perfect time for the Gunners to underline their title credentials.
"It's still too early, whatever happens on Sunday, and I don't think it's going to change anything," he told Arsenal Player. "But if you get points there, and you win then you make a bit of a statement.
"It grows the confidence of the team and everyone around it who believes we are as good as anyone in this league. These are good places to show that.
"It's a huge test for us. We've been playing well. We played really good when we went to Liverpool - that's a tough place to get three points but we did it.
"[This is] another test. Man City haven't lost at home for a while. We know it's going to be difficult but I'm sure they will be thinking the same thing."
A late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo condemned City to a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday, but Arteta does not believe it will adversely affect them against Arsenal.
"It can be like, 'Oh now we need a win to put that on the side'," he said. "To be honest, they created a lot of problems for Real Madrid and they went into the last 10 or 15 minutes of the game ahead of them at the Bernabeu, which is not easy at all.
"We know how good they are, how good players their players are and how tough they're going to make it for us. At the same time, they will be a bit scared as well."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
VICTORY AT MANCHESTER WOULD PROVE OUR POINT- ARTETA
Mikel Arteta believes a victory at Manchester City on Sunday would prove that Arsenal are as good as any team in the Premier League.
Arsène Wenger's side are unbeaten after a strong start to the new season, and have won three successive matches in all competitions.
They head to the Etihad Stadium in buoyant mood, and Arteta says it is the perfect time for the Gunners to underline their title credentials.
"It's still too early, whatever happens on Sunday, and I don't think it's going to change anything," he told Arsenal Player. "But if you get points there, and you win then you make a bit of a statement.
"It grows the confidence of the team and everyone around it who believes we are as good as anyone in this league. These are good places to show that.
"It's a huge test for us. We've been playing well. We played really good when we went to Liverpool - that's a tough place to get three points but we did it.
"[This is] another test. Man City haven't lost at home for a while. We know it's going to be difficult but I'm sure they will be thinking the same thing."
A late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo condemned City to a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday, but Arteta does not believe it will adversely affect them against Arsenal.
"It can be like, 'Oh now we need a win to put that on the side'," he said. "To be honest, they created a lot of problems for Real Madrid and they went into the last 10 or 15 minutes of the game ahead of them at the Bernabeu, which is not easy at all.
"We know how good they are, how good players their players are and how tough they're going to make it for us. At the same time, they will be a bit scared as well."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Arsène Wenger's side are unbeaten after a strong start to the new season, and have won three successive matches in all competitions.
They head to the Etihad Stadium in buoyant mood, and Arteta says it is the perfect time for the Gunners to underline their title credentials.
"It's still too early, whatever happens on Sunday, and I don't think it's going to change anything," he told Arsenal Player. "But if you get points there, and you win then you make a bit of a statement.
"It grows the confidence of the team and everyone around it who believes we are as good as anyone in this league. These are good places to show that.
"It's a huge test for us. We've been playing well. We played really good when we went to Liverpool - that's a tough place to get three points but we did it.
"[This is] another test. Man City haven't lost at home for a while. We know it's going to be difficult but I'm sure they will be thinking the same thing."
A late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo condemned City to a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday, but Arteta does not believe it will adversely affect them against Arsenal.
"It can be like, 'Oh now we need a win to put that on the side'," he said. "To be honest, they created a lot of problems for Real Madrid and they went into the last 10 or 15 minutes of the game ahead of them at the Bernabeu, which is not easy at all.
"We know how good they are, how good players their players are and how tough they're going to make it for us. At the same time, they will be a bit scared as well."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
LUKAS PODOLSKI IS A DIFFERENT PLAYER- ARSENE WENGER
Arsène Wenger believes Lukas Podolski is a completely different player than he was during his three-year spell at Bayern Munich.
The Germany international moved to the Allianz Arena from Cologne in 2006, and scored 26 times in 106 appearances before returning to his former club, where he flourished once more.
The 27-year-old has made an instant impact at Arsenal though, and Wenger says his experiencemeant this was always likely.
"I think sometimes when a player goes to a big club early, there are other players there that they cannot take their place from," he said. "Maybe he was not ready and completely mature, I don't know.
"Now he is ready. He is 27, between that period [at Bayern] and now he has 50 or 60 more caps for Germany and a World Cup and a European Championship behind him.
"He has experience, he has 100 caps for Germany. You see that in a game, he is calm and whenhe gets a chance you think it will be a goal."
Wenger is confident Podolski will continue his hot goalscoring form after netting in three successive matches.
"We have signed a player who was in a club that was not doing well. Last year he scored 18 goals in a club that went down [Cologne]," he said.
"For me that is worth 30 goals in a club that is dominating a championship. It doesn't mean that he will score 30, though, because he played central striker last year and for us he plays more onthe right side, left side. He can finish, that is for sure."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
The Germany international moved to the Allianz Arena from Cologne in 2006, and scored 26 times in 106 appearances before returning to his former club, where he flourished once more.
The 27-year-old has made an instant impact at Arsenal though, and Wenger says his experiencemeant this was always likely.
"I think sometimes when a player goes to a big club early, there are other players there that they cannot take their place from," he said. "Maybe he was not ready and completely mature, I don't know.
"Now he is ready. He is 27, between that period [at Bayern] and now he has 50 or 60 more caps for Germany and a World Cup and a European Championship behind him.
"He has experience, he has 100 caps for Germany. You see that in a game, he is calm and whenhe gets a chance you think it will be a goal."
Wenger is confident Podolski will continue his hot goalscoring form after netting in three successive matches.
"We have signed a player who was in a club that was not doing well. Last year he scored 18 goals in a club that went down [Cologne]," he said.
"For me that is worth 30 goals in a club that is dominating a championship. It doesn't mean that he will score 30, though, because he played central striker last year and for us he plays more onthe right side, left side. He can finish, that is for sure."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
WILSHERE WILL BE BETTER- ARSENE WENGER
Arsène Wenger is convinced that Jack Wilshere will eventually be better than ever - but he will need time to rediscover his "burst".
The England international returned to first-team training on Thursday after missing the whole of last season through injury. Wilshere enjoyed a meteoric rise before his lay-off and Wenger believes his youth will help him get back to the top.
The manager was asked during his pre-match press conference whether Wilshere will be as good as he was during his breakthrough 2010/11 campaign. "It is not possible, it is certain," replied Wenger.
"He will be a better player because if you have this kind of injury at the age of 20 you will take off again and move forward normally. If you have the injury after the age of 25 it is different. At his age it is no problem.
"[For example] Eduardo had limitation of his ankle. Jack has no limitation of his ankle it was just a fracture. Eduardo had a rupture of his ligaments and in construction they had to tie his ankle upso once you lose your flexibility of your ankle you are, of course, not the same player. That is not the case for Jack.
"It's difficult to predict [how long he needs to find his best form]. You want people to be patient. After three months of competition for sure he would be back. It takes some while to find the little burst again."
"He will be an international player and he will have to cope. He is a very strong guy, he had a stress fracture and that happens many times to young players. Between the ages of 18 to 20, around 60 per cent of them have stress fractures."
SOURCE: Arsenal.com
The England international returned to first-team training on Thursday after missing the whole of last season through injury. Wilshere enjoyed a meteoric rise before his lay-off and Wenger believes his youth will help him get back to the top.
The manager was asked during his pre-match press conference whether Wilshere will be as good as he was during his breakthrough 2010/11 campaign. "It is not possible, it is certain," replied Wenger.
"He will be a better player because if you have this kind of injury at the age of 20 you will take off again and move forward normally. If you have the injury after the age of 25 it is different. At his age it is no problem.
"[For example] Eduardo had limitation of his ankle. Jack has no limitation of his ankle it was just a fracture. Eduardo had a rupture of his ligaments and in construction they had to tie his ankle upso once you lose your flexibility of your ankle you are, of course, not the same player. That is not the case for Jack.
"It's difficult to predict [how long he needs to find his best form]. You want people to be patient. After three months of competition for sure he would be back. It takes some while to find the little burst again."
"He will be an international player and he will have to cope. He is a very strong guy, he had a stress fracture and that happens many times to young players. Between the ages of 18 to 20, around 60 per cent of them have stress fractures."
SOURCE: Arsenal.com
Thursday, September 20, 2012
WILSHER AND FRIMPONG RETURNS TO FULL ARSENAL TRAINING
Jack Wilshere has resumed full training with the Arsenal first-team squad.
The 20-year-old England international missed the whole of last season with a foot injury, but returned to full training on Thursday for the first time in more than a year.
Emmanuel Frimpong has also resumed full training this week, after injuring a cruciate ligament while on loan at Wolves in February.
Arsène Wenger said: "We are so pleased that Jack is back in full training. It's been 14 months and that's a long time for someone at his age. It's an eternity, but it's great news.
"We have to give him a few training sessions to see how he copes and responds to it. That's the delicate, sensitive stage - to choose when to bring him in and out. We'll have to handle that day-by-day.
"We also have Emmanuel Frimpong who has returned to full training this week, which is great news as well. Emmanuel has also been out a long time, but is progressing well."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
The 20-year-old England international missed the whole of last season with a foot injury, but returned to full training on Thursday for the first time in more than a year.
Emmanuel Frimpong has also resumed full training this week, after injuring a cruciate ligament while on loan at Wolves in February.
Arsène Wenger said: "We are so pleased that Jack is back in full training. It's been 14 months and that's a long time for someone at his age. It's an eternity, but it's great news.
"We have to give him a few training sessions to see how he copes and responds to it. That's the delicate, sensitive stage - to choose when to bring him in and out. We'll have to handle that day-by-day.
"We also have Emmanuel Frimpong who has returned to full training this week, which is great news as well. Emmanuel has also been out a long time, but is progressing well."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
ARSENAL READY FOR CHALLENGE AGAINST MAN CITY- MANNONE
Vito Mannone believes Arsenal must dictate play if they are to beat Manchester City in Sunday's crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium
Arsène Wenger's side have been in fine form so far this season, and have won their last three games in all competitions.
But the trip north to face the Premier League champions is their biggest game yet, and Mannone feels they will have to control proceedings if they are to leave with a positive result.
"It is a tough test. I thought we were in a good state at Liverpool because we went to a big game in a big stadium and from there we really started our season," he said.
"City are champions so we know we have to go there and prepare properly. We must dictate thegame because they are a great team and it will be a top challenge."
Mannone has played a key role in the Club's fine start to the season, deputising for the injured Wojciech Szczesny and conceding just one goal in three appearances. And now he wants the No1 spot on a permanent basis.
"I have always been focused," he said. "I had two clean sheets in the first two games I played and before the Southampton game [which saw Szczesny return] the boss talked to me and for thefirst time I felt he understood I was ready to be No 1," he said.
"It went well [against Montpellier] so I am really focused on gaining the No 1 spot and keeping it. The boss had some nice words for me and he talked to me and said I am ready to be No 1.
"So I just need to show him what I'm doing and hopefully I can get that spot and do my best to help this team win some trophies."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Arsène Wenger's side have been in fine form so far this season, and have won their last three games in all competitions.
But the trip north to face the Premier League champions is their biggest game yet, and Mannone feels they will have to control proceedings if they are to leave with a positive result.
"It is a tough test. I thought we were in a good state at Liverpool because we went to a big game in a big stadium and from there we really started our season," he said.
"City are champions so we know we have to go there and prepare properly. We must dictate thegame because they are a great team and it will be a top challenge."
Mannone has played a key role in the Club's fine start to the season, deputising for the injured Wojciech Szczesny and conceding just one goal in three appearances. And now he wants the No1 spot on a permanent basis.
"I have always been focused," he said. "I had two clean sheets in the first two games I played and before the Southampton game [which saw Szczesny return] the boss talked to me and for thefirst time I felt he understood I was ready to be No 1," he said.
"It went well [against Montpellier] so I am really focused on gaining the No 1 spot and keeping it. The boss had some nice words for me and he talked to me and said I am ready to be No 1.
"So I just need to show him what I'm doing and hopefully I can get that spot and do my best to help this team win some trophies."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
THE BOSS KNOWS I HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO PLAY, AND I SHOWED IT- MANNONE
Vito Mannone says his loan spell at Hull City last season convinced him he could become a No 1.
The Italian equalled a 104-year Tigers club record after keeping six successive clean sheets in the Championship after moving to the KC Stadium in January.
And now the 24-year-old is making the most of his opportunity at Arsenal, conceding just one goal in three appearances this season.
"I had a great spell last year [at Hull] where I learned how to be a No 1 really," Mannone said. "When you have games every three days it is a big challenge because you need to recover well and prepare for the next one.
"Goalkeeper is one of the most important positions on the field because you can make a save and bring the three points home or you can make a mistake and everything is your fault.
"Every goalkeeper has his own path. I had mine. I had bad times and I just rolled up my sleeves and worked hard. Then, I thought, 'let's go to Hull'.
"I found myself really well. I found a good club, good fans and gained experience. I played games as a No 1 - 24 games in a row - and that's what I needed. It helped me going on to the pitch thinking 'OK, I can be No 1 now'."
Mannone has been an assured presence since his return to Emirates Stadium, and made a vital late stop against Montpellier in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
"The boss knows that I have the kind of experience now to play and I think I have shown it in thethree games I have played," he said.
"They were tough games away at Stoke and Liverpool. Even against Montpellier it wasn't easy because you come to opponents in the Champions League and you could see they really pushed hard towards the end.
"The boss told me, 'if you keep doing well, you are going to be ready'. That's what I am hoping for."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
The Italian equalled a 104-year Tigers club record after keeping six successive clean sheets in the Championship after moving to the KC Stadium in January.
And now the 24-year-old is making the most of his opportunity at Arsenal, conceding just one goal in three appearances this season.
"I had a great spell last year [at Hull] where I learned how to be a No 1 really," Mannone said. "When you have games every three days it is a big challenge because you need to recover well and prepare for the next one.
"Goalkeeper is one of the most important positions on the field because you can make a save and bring the three points home or you can make a mistake and everything is your fault.
"Every goalkeeper has his own path. I had mine. I had bad times and I just rolled up my sleeves and worked hard. Then, I thought, 'let's go to Hull'.
"I found myself really well. I found a good club, good fans and gained experience. I played games as a No 1 - 24 games in a row - and that's what I needed. It helped me going on to the pitch thinking 'OK, I can be No 1 now'."
Mannone has been an assured presence since his return to Emirates Stadium, and made a vital late stop against Montpellier in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
"The boss knows that I have the kind of experience now to play and I think I have shown it in thethree games I have played," he said.
"They were tough games away at Stoke and Liverpool. Even against Montpellier it wasn't easy because you come to opponents in the Champions League and you could see they really pushed hard towards the end.
"The boss told me, 'if you keep doing well, you are going to be ready'. That's what I am hoping for."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
FULL BACKS HAVE BEEN SO CONSISTENT- MIKEL ARTETA
Arsenal Midfielder, Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to two of the unsung heroes of Arsenal's unbeaten start to the campaign - the full backs.
Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson have been ever-presents this season, helping Arsène Wenger's team keep Sunderland, Stoke and Liverpool at bay before Arsenal's defence was finally breached in the 6-1 win over Southampton last weekend.
Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson have been ever-presents this season, helping Arsène Wenger's team keep Sunderland, Stoke and Liverpool at bay before Arsenal's defence was finally breached in the 6-1 win over Southampton last weekend.
Gibbs claimed two assists in that match while Jenkinson set up the winner for Gervinho at Montpellier in midweek as the Gunners got off to a winning start in the Champions League.
Arteta has been hugely impressed by both defenders. "I think they've been very consistent," he told Arsenal Player.
"I think Gibbsy has been playing really well. I think he's finding himself more comfortable going forwards. He's rapid and can make a big difference. It's tough for a wide man to defend [against]a full back like him.
"Carl is finding himself more comfortable. He's had four or five games under his belt, he's done awhole pre-season with us and you can see he's confident. Against Montpellier he put a brilliant cross in for Gervinho to score the goal.
"That's what we need because we're missing players. When you're replacing someone like Bac [Sagna] it's not easy because you're under a lot of pressure. I think they've been really good.
"The challenge is to maintain the level and to keep up to the high level. I think that's very difficult, but Carl's done that in the last few games and hopefully he can maintain that."
Arteta will soon have more competition for his own place when Jack Wilshere returns from his long-term injury lay-off. The Spaniard expects Arsenal's level to rise again when the England international returns.
"I think it's going to be a big boost for everyone," said Arteta. "He's going to raise the quality in training. The fans – they've been waiting a long time.
"I know what it means when you've been out for a long time. You can see how excited Jack is toget back in training and show how good a player he is. He's going to bring something different to the squad - more quality to the team - and that can only be better for everyone."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I AM NOT WORRIED ABOUT GOALS- OLIVIER GIRIOUD
Olivier Giroud insists he is not worried by his form for Arsenal despite not scoring for the club since his summer move from French champions Montpellier .
Giroud returned to his former club in the Champions League on Tuesday night, as the Gunners claimed a 2-1 win, but the striker was once again not on the scoresheet.
However the Frenchman is remaining calm and thinks once he is fully match-fit then the goals will begin to flow.
"Look I didn't get the goal which would have helped me and definitely kick-started my season, but I was decisive by providing an assist for Lukas Podolski," he told reporters after Tuesday night's win in the south of France.
"I'm still lacking a bit of rhythm, so it's hard to play 90 minutes. But I will be better, I have to keep playing big games.
"We have a good team and the competition between the players is healthy.
"We play a lot of games so I'm not worried. I will keep training hard but I remain confident.
"It's a real pleasure as we are winning - it's really nice."
Giroud scored 33 goals in 73 league games for Montpellier in the past two campaigns, and wasa vital part of the side which fought off the financial might of Paris Saint-Germain to claim the French league title last season.
The striker was given a good reception by the club's fans on his first return to La Paillade, and admitted that he was pleased the supporters still appreciated his efforts for the side despite his summer transfer.
"I tried to stay really focussed before the game," he added. "I didn't wander about, I wanted to keep my mind on the pitch and I did that pretty well.
"Tonight we got the win and I was really happy the supporters here were behind me."
SOURCE: goal.com
Giroud returned to his former club in the Champions League on Tuesday night, as the Gunners claimed a 2-1 win, but the striker was once again not on the scoresheet.
However the Frenchman is remaining calm and thinks once he is fully match-fit then the goals will begin to flow.
"Look I didn't get the goal which would have helped me and definitely kick-started my season, but I was decisive by providing an assist for Lukas Podolski," he told reporters after Tuesday night's win in the south of France.
"I'm still lacking a bit of rhythm, so it's hard to play 90 minutes. But I will be better, I have to keep playing big games.
"We have a good team and the competition between the players is healthy.
"We play a lot of games so I'm not worried. I will keep training hard but I remain confident.
"It's a real pleasure as we are winning - it's really nice."
Giroud scored 33 goals in 73 league games for Montpellier in the past two campaigns, and wasa vital part of the side which fought off the financial might of Paris Saint-Germain to claim the French league title last season.
The striker was given a good reception by the club's fans on his first return to La Paillade, and admitted that he was pleased the supporters still appreciated his efforts for the side despite his summer transfer.
"I tried to stay really focussed before the game," he added. "I didn't wander about, I wanted to keep my mind on the pitch and I did that pretty well.
"Tonight we got the win and I was really happy the supporters here were behind me."
SOURCE: goal.com
ITS FABULOUS TO GET AN AWAY VICTORY- STEVE BOULD
on the result...
I am really pleased. It was difficult. I thought we were excellent in the first half – we kept the ball and kept the crowd really quiet. The second half was tough and we looked physically a littlebit tired. The crowd got right behind them and it is quite an intimidating place to come and play, so we're glad to get the result.
I am really pleased. It was difficult. I thought we were excellent in the first half – we kept the ball and kept the crowd really quiet. The second half was tough and we looked physically a littlebit tired. The crowd got right behind them and it is quite an intimidating place to come and play, so we're glad to get the result.
on a positive start...
It's fabulous to get an early away win. We've had a decent start to the season and we have kept the run going so it is important all round, not just for the Champions League. We have got some tough games coming up. We have got great team spirit and I think that was evident tonight. Everybody is digging in and things are looking OK.
on the enjoyment factor...
I'm not sure I enjoyed it - I've got a headache and a half! It is tough. It's a different pressure than I've been used to taking the under-18s but we won and we had a great result.
on Lukas Podolski ...
Podolski has made a real impact. I have to say, I've not seen many finishers as good as him – ever. In training, right foot, left foot - he goes in at 100mph, which is fabulous. He's a good trainer, a good boy. He has really added something this year. I'm not getting involved in whetherwe are missing Robin, I wasn't involved at the time. Podolski is a good player.
on Olivier Giroud ...
Olivier did a really good team job for us tonight. He is another one who works really, really hardfor the team. At set-pieces he is fabulous. He defends and he works for the team. I think he only had one chance tonight at the near post that was difficult. He is a really hard-working boy and I'm sure the goals will come.
on defensive improvements...
Any coach will tell you it is about being good players and we have got some good players who want to work. So far, so good. Everybody has spoken about myself but Neil Banfield gets missed and he does a great job, too. There are a lot of good coaches, there are great players and everybody is working hard. I think that is why we're doing OK at the minute.
on Sunday's trip to Manchester City...
Of course Sunday is a tough test. We certainly go in there with a bit of confidence, with everybody believing things are going OK. But it is a proper test and that is where we want to be.Hopefully we can come through the other side and say we have done OK again. Everybody is fine, touch wood. Things are looking quite bright.
on Montpellier's display...
I wouldn't say Montpellier surprised us, they have got some very good players. Technically they are very, very high level. They kicked the second half off really well and got the crowd behind them. We are physically a little bit tired so it was tough. It wasn't a surprise.
Source: arsenal.com
I AM SO GLAD TO GET THE THREE POINT- MIKEL ARTETA
Mikel Arteta believes a key factor behind Arsenal's victory in Montpellier on Tuesday night was their ability to stay calm under pressure.
Goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho helped the Gunners come back from one goal down in their opening Champions League Group B game to claim the three points.
But Arsène Wenger's side were put under intense pressure in the second half, and had to work overtime to secure the result at the Stade de la Mosson.
"We knew it was going to be tough, they were champions in France last year and that is no coincidence," Arteta told Arsenal Player.
"They work really hard, they have some talented players and scored the first one at home, which means it is always difficult to get back into the game.
"But we scored two brilliant goals and managed to get the result - it was vital for us to get the first three points away from home.
"You can't panic, we knew in the last 25 minutes they were going to throw some bodies up front and create some problems. They missed a clear chance at the end but I am so glad to get the points, it is a brilliant way to start."
Arsenal now travel to Manchester City on Sunday and Arteta hopes the team can maintain the momentum generated after three successive victories.
"It is going to be tough, City have not lost at home for a long time," he said. "It is big test, [we must] show our character. Last year we went there and were unlucky to lose. It will be tough, but they are the champions."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho helped the Gunners come back from one goal down in their opening Champions League Group B game to claim the three points.
But Arsène Wenger's side were put under intense pressure in the second half, and had to work overtime to secure the result at the Stade de la Mosson.
"We knew it was going to be tough, they were champions in France last year and that is no coincidence," Arteta told Arsenal Player.
"They work really hard, they have some talented players and scored the first one at home, which means it is always difficult to get back into the game.
"But we scored two brilliant goals and managed to get the result - it was vital for us to get the first three points away from home.
"You can't panic, we knew in the last 25 minutes they were going to throw some bodies up front and create some problems. They missed a clear chance at the end but I am so glad to get the points, it is a brilliant way to start."
Arsenal now travel to Manchester City on Sunday and Arteta hopes the team can maintain the momentum generated after three successive victories.
"It is going to be tough, City have not lost at home for a long time," he said. "It is big test, [we must] show our character. Last year we went there and were unlucky to lose. It will be tough, but they are the champions."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
ITS TOO EARLY TO TALK ABOUT WINNING TROPHIES- PODOLSKI
Lukas Podolski is delighted with Arsenal's impressive start to the season - but insists it is too soon to start talking about winning the title.
The Gunners continued their fine form in Montpellier on Tuesday night after coming from a goal behind to win their third successive game.
Their unbeaten start to the new campaign has led some observers to tip them as title contenders,but with a tricky fixture away at Manchester City on Sunday, Podolski says such talk is premature.
"We have only played four matches. It's [too early] to speak about the championship," he told Arsenal Player. "When you win a match, you are not a champion. When you lose a match, you are not a champion.
"We want to win all the matches we play and I think if we play the same as we did against Liverpool and Southampton then we have a chance at Man City to get the three points.
"It's very important [to keep playing well]. We have had some strong matches, but Man City played in Madrid and now against us - it's a tough week."
Podolski has scored three goals in his last three games and while he is happy with his own form, he insists that the team's results are all that matters.
"I'm happy to score goals for the team and the Club. We're also very happy with the three points- it was very important for us," he said.
"We played very well in the first half after the Montpellier goal. The second half was not so good. We didn't play so well going forwards, but what was important was the three points."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
The Gunners continued their fine form in Montpellier on Tuesday night after coming from a goal behind to win their third successive game.
Their unbeaten start to the new campaign has led some observers to tip them as title contenders,but with a tricky fixture away at Manchester City on Sunday, Podolski says such talk is premature.
"We have only played four matches. It's [too early] to speak about the championship," he told Arsenal Player. "When you win a match, you are not a champion. When you lose a match, you are not a champion.
"We want to win all the matches we play and I think if we play the same as we did against Liverpool and Southampton then we have a chance at Man City to get the three points.
"It's very important [to keep playing well]. We have had some strong matches, but Man City played in Madrid and now against us - it's a tough week."
Podolski has scored three goals in his last three games and while he is happy with his own form, he insists that the team's results are all that matters.
"I'm happy to score goals for the team and the Club. We're also very happy with the three points- it was very important for us," he said.
"We played very well in the first half after the Montpellier goal. The second half was not so good. We didn't play so well going forwards, but what was important was the three points."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
ARSENAL IS MORE LIKE A FEEDER CLUB- TONY ADAMS
Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams says the club's selling policy is chipping away at their credibility as one of Europe's top sides.
Adams, who spent his entire career with the north London club, believes that allowing star players such as Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas to leave the Emirates Stadiumhas given other sides a poor impression of them.
Adams, who spent his entire career with the north London club, believes that allowing star players such as Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas to leave the Emirates Stadiumhas given other sides a poor impression of them.
"It sends out all the wrong messages for me, being a selling club," he told the London Evening Standard .
"Piece by piece for seven years, it chips away at your credibility. Selling your best players is part of that.
"I very much see Arsenal as the biggest club in the world, so I can't understand why anybody would want to play anywhere else - but I can understand it was very different for me.
"I am looking at it not as an ex-player or pundit, but as a fan and giving what the fans are thinking and feeling."
The Gunners have made an impressive start to the current campaign, remaining unbeaten in all competitions with the addition of Adams' former defensive partner Steve Bould to the Arsenal dug-out being cited for an improvement in their back-line, which has shipped just one league goal this season.
However Adams' feels that the mentality and style of the team is not set-up to be a success.
"The problem for me in the last seven years is the defensive vulnerabilities as a team - the goalkeeper, the back four, even the central midfield players, the mentality of the team," he added.
"I don't think they are a team that are set up to do what Chelsea did last year in the Champions League and I don't think Arsene wants to.
"Year in, year out the team with the best defence wins the league and we saw the team with the best defence win the Champions League, so it makes you wonder why a lot of teams aren't focusing more on defending."
Arsenal got their European campaign off to a good start with a win away at French champions Montpellier on Tuesday.
And despite that early win in the competition, Adams is not optimisitc about their chances of lifting the trophy for the first time at Wembley Stadium next summer.
"I expect them to score goals, but they cannot win the Champions League with their current mentality," he said.
"I hope they prove me wrong, but against the better teams I think they will fall short again. I amnot alone here - I think most of the Arsenal fans would agree with me.
"To actually think you are going to play Barcelona or Real Madrid off the pitch...I don't think thisteam are good enough to do that."
SOURCE: goal.com
WALCOTT THINKING MORE ABOUT MONEY THAN PLAYING- PARLOUR
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes Theo Walcott must sort out his future and concentrate on playing after failing to start a match for the club so far this season.
Walcott's existing contract runs out next summer and the winger has been strongly linked with a move to either Manchester City or Liverpool after recently rejecting talks over a new deal.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has previously admitted his concern over Walcott's current situation , and Parlour says he fails to understand the contract wrangles.
"Everyone wants to see Theo Walcott sign a new contract," Parlour told talkSPORT . "He's got a lot of work to do on the pitch though and, at the moment, he's not playing.
"He's a good player, but he needs to say whether he's staying or he's going and then concentrate on his football.
"All these contract talks can sometimes affect your game. He's probably thinking more about money and less about his game.
"It's one of those situations where the player has got to be happy with what he's got. I can never understand these wrangles over contracts.
"Sure you have a figure in your head which you're happy with and once that's been agreed then it's done. Whether Theo is holding his cards close to his chest and saying, 'well, I've got one year left on my contract, I want £100,000 a week,' I don't know."
Source: Goal.com
Walcott's existing contract runs out next summer and the winger has been strongly linked with a move to either Manchester City or Liverpool after recently rejecting talks over a new deal.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has previously admitted his concern over Walcott's current situation , and Parlour says he fails to understand the contract wrangles.
"Everyone wants to see Theo Walcott sign a new contract," Parlour told talkSPORT . "He's got a lot of work to do on the pitch though and, at the moment, he's not playing.
"He's a good player, but he needs to say whether he's staying or he's going and then concentrate on his football.
"All these contract talks can sometimes affect your game. He's probably thinking more about money and less about his game.
"It's one of those situations where the player has got to be happy with what he's got. I can never understand these wrangles over contracts.
"Sure you have a figure in your head which you're happy with and once that's been agreed then it's done. Whether Theo is holding his cards close to his chest and saying, 'well, I've got one year left on my contract, I want £100,000 a week,' I don't know."
Source: Goal.com
ARSENAL HOLDS ON TO SEE OF MONTEPELIER IN FRANCE- MATCH REPORT
Two goals in as many first-half minutes saw Arsenal triumph 2-1 over Montpellier in their Champions League opener.
The Ligue 1 champions went ahead through an audacious penalty from Younes Belhanda after just eight minutes, before two goals in as many minutes saw the game switch in the Gunners' favour as first Lukas Podolski and then Gervinho showed good composure to give their side the lead at the break.
Abou Diaby, Vito Mannone and former La Paillade striker Olivier Giroud returned to the Arsenal starting line-up in three changes from the team who comfortably beat Southampton 6-1 at the weekend, as Montpellier made six alterations from the side who lost 3-1 to newly promoted Stade de Reims.
In an intimidating start in the Stade de la Mosson - where the remnants of a multitude of pre-match flares floated menacingly over the pitch - the Champions League debutants were handed a foothold in the game when Thomas Vermaelen's clumsy challenge upended Belhanda inside the area. The Moroccan international picked himself up and dinked a cheeky penalty pastthe helpless Mannone for his club's first goal in the competition.
The lead did not last long - just seven minutes, in fact - as slack defending allowed Santi Cazorla and Giroud to combine and play in Podolski for a neat finish from 16 yards.
And Arsenal took the lead just two minutes later when another fantastically well-worked goal, started and finished by Gervinho as the Ivorian set Carl Jenkinson free down the left before ghosting past more half-hearted defending from the hosts to collect the left-back's low cross and tuck the ball past Geoffrey Jourdren.
Responding impressively after going behind, Arsenal looked dangerous on every building attack whereas, at the other end of the pitch, their French opponents where having to make do with pot-shots from distance, their best effort of the half falling to Marco Estrada's low drilled effort from 25 yards out that Mannone did well to see around his near post.
Aside from the clever through-ball for Podolski's equaliser, Giroud was not having the most successful of returns to his old club – much industry but little end product, which was summed upby a twisting run into the area before flashing the shot from 12 yards past the near post in the final action of the first half.
Montpellier came out stronger after the break and were almost gifted another goal when Diaby tried to trick his way out of trouble in his own penalty area and allow Remy Cabella to pinch the ball off him but fire high and wide.
The hosts upped the ante further and again went close when Cabella spotted Mannone off his line and attempted a glorious chip from over 25 yards that thwacked off the deputising goalkeeper's bar and into touch.
In an attempt to make up for his earlier mishap, Diaby embarked on a surging run just after the hour mark that took him past three Montpellier players before feeding Cazorla for a stinging drive that Jourdren could only push away.
As the game entered the final stages, the French outfit showed the much-needed urgency they lacked throughout the majority of the game and it was that man Belhanda who was the fulcrum.
And that was no more evident than when the attacking midfielder switched the play out to the right before receiving the ball inside the area and skipping past the feet of Per Mertesacker, but he soon had his head in his hands after hitting his shot straight at Mannone from eight yards in his side's best chance of the half as his side's chances of victory evaporated along with the smoke from those simmering flares.
Source: Goal.com
WE HAVE MATURED- PER MERTESAKER
Arsenal Defender Per Mertesacker believes the resilience Arsenal showed to hold off a resurgent Montpellier proves they are growing in maturity.
The Gunners looked in control of their opening game in Champions League Group B at half time on Tuesday night, before the hosts laid siege to their goal in the second period.
But Arsène Wenger's side held firm and Mertesacker was delighted to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
"They had a couple of chances, and one big chance [for Younes Belhanda near the end]," the defender told Arsenal Player.
"They deserved to get more but in the end that was their first Champions League game and we've had quite a lot.
"Especially in the last year I think we've matured and we're getting better this season. We are very happy to have the three points and go back to London."
Arsenal have now claimed three successive victories, and Mertesacker says they will go into Sunday's game at Manchester City full of confidence.
"We are convinced that we can stay in the league, at the top, and that's our target for Sunday," he said. "Last year we lost at Man City. It was a very tight game so we will try to do better this time.
"I feel like we are in a better shape than last year, because we are now in a good shape from the beginning [of the season]. I think we are well prepared now."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
The Gunners looked in control of their opening game in Champions League Group B at half time on Tuesday night, before the hosts laid siege to their goal in the second period.
But Arsène Wenger's side held firm and Mertesacker was delighted to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
"They had a couple of chances, and one big chance [for Younes Belhanda near the end]," the defender told Arsenal Player.
"They deserved to get more but in the end that was their first Champions League game and we've had quite a lot.
"Especially in the last year I think we've matured and we're getting better this season. We are very happy to have the three points and go back to London."
Arsenal have now claimed three successive victories, and Mertesacker says they will go into Sunday's game at Manchester City full of confidence.
"We are convinced that we can stay in the league, at the top, and that's our target for Sunday," he said. "Last year we lost at Man City. It was a very tight game so we will try to do better this time.
"I feel like we are in a better shape than last year, because we are now in a good shape from the beginning [of the season]. I think we are well prepared now."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
WITH WENGER BANNED, STEVE BOULD WOULD FIND THE RIGHT WORDS- KOSCIELNY
Laurent Koscielny says Steve Bould will have no problems motivating Arsenal for their Champions League opener in Montpellier.
Bould will take charge of the side tonight with Arsène Wenger serving the first of a three-match European touchline ban - although the manager will set out Arsenal's gameplan at a pre-match meeting.
In the stadium Bould will be at the helm and Koscielny is confident the former Gunner has what it takes to guide Arsenal to victory against the Ligue 1 champions.
"Steve does a good job with the team," the defender told Arsenal Player. "For me it is good to have a coach like that because he knows my position.
"For the team it is a help for us - for set-pieces, motivation. He finds the words to help the guys so it is good for the team. He knows the Premier League and he knows the Champions League. I think it will be OK with him in the dressing room. He talks with everybody and he knows what we want."
Koscielny joined Arsenal from Lorient in the summer of 2010 and the centre back says the Gunners are revered in his home nation.
"For the French, Arsenal is a French team!" he said. "A lot of French players come here and we have a lot of examples like Titi [Henry], Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit.
"The people like to see Arsenal because we have some French players and we play football so other people like to see our game. We haven't won a trophy [recently] but for 15 years we qualify in the Champions League. There are just two clubs who can also say that - Manchester United and Real Madrid."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Bould will take charge of the side tonight with Arsène Wenger serving the first of a three-match European touchline ban - although the manager will set out Arsenal's gameplan at a pre-match meeting.
In the stadium Bould will be at the helm and Koscielny is confident the former Gunner has what it takes to guide Arsenal to victory against the Ligue 1 champions.
"Steve does a good job with the team," the defender told Arsenal Player. "For me it is good to have a coach like that because he knows my position.
"For the team it is a help for us - for set-pieces, motivation. He finds the words to help the guys so it is good for the team. He knows the Premier League and he knows the Champions League. I think it will be OK with him in the dressing room. He talks with everybody and he knows what we want."
Koscielny joined Arsenal from Lorient in the summer of 2010 and the centre back says the Gunners are revered in his home nation.
"For the French, Arsenal is a French team!" he said. "A lot of French players come here and we have a lot of examples like Titi [Henry], Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit.
"The people like to see Arsenal because we have some French players and we play football so other people like to see our game. We haven't won a trophy [recently] but for 15 years we qualify in the Champions League. There are just two clubs who can also say that - Manchester United and Real Madrid."
SOURCE: arsenal.com
WE HAVE TO USE ALL OUR EXPERIENCE VS MONTPELIER- WENGER
Arsenal's Champions League adventures have always been inextricably linked with France.
Their first game in the competition was a scrappy 1-1 draw at Lens almost exactly 16 years ago. They have returned three times since and come away 1-0 winners on each occasion.
In fact, if you throw in UEFA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup ties, Arsenal are unbeaten in eight games against Gallic opposition since Europe's governing body re-organised.
But, and here is the rub, they have lost two finals in the French capital – both late, both heartbreaking.
Wenger was not in charge for the Cup Winners' Cup Final of 1995 but he was very much at the helm in 2006. Naturally, it was foremost in his mind ahead of the opening game of this season's competition at Montpellier on Tuesday night.
"We have lost once in France," he smiled, correcting the amateur statistician talking of that unbeaten record at his pre-match press conference. "It was in Paris against Barcelona and it is not a good memory for me.
"However on Tuesday we want to keep this tradition of not losing [to French sides]. We have played a couple of games in the UEFA Cup against the likes of Nantes and Lens too but not too many games in the Champions League when you think about it.
"Still we have always played against good teams over here and last season we were a little lucky in Marseille when we scored in the last minute."
In many ways Montpellier are reminiscent of that opening game at Lens back on September 16, 1998. It was a new experience and Arsenal were never really comfortable against the surprise French champions in a electric atmosphere. They took the lead through Marc Overmars but werehauled back by a last-minute goal. On Tuesday, Wenger's men take on a side whose title win was, in his words, "a miracle" and, he argues, may have suffered a horrible start to their defence precisely because of this Champions League opener.
Wenger certainly compounded their problems by taking Olivier Giroud , Ligue 1's top goalscorerlast season, in the summer but the Arsenal manager is not underestimating his opposite number Rene Giraud and the importance of the occasion to Montpellier.
"Yes I know Rene very well and I have fought a few battles here," said Wenger. "Girard is a smart coach.
"And Montpellier are a team who plays in a tough kind of Mediterranean style but they can also control a game pretty well.
"The atmosphere will be Mediterranean too - that means very excited and enthusiastic. The crowd will be massively behind them so we have to use all our experience and talent to deal with that.
"Apart from Giroud, they have kept all their players so I don't think they are a weaker team. Maybe they were unlucky in the league games they played and also they may have had the Champions League in their heads. That plays a big role for the players.
"I think experienced clubs can focus on their next game and their next objective. But maybe theyhave focused a lot on this Champions League match."
Wenger himself will have a slightly different focus on the game - one viewed from the stands. Hestarts a three-game touchline ban so, for the first half of Group B, Steve Bould will take over fromthe moment the squad arrives at the stadium to the moment they leave.
"We talk about all the possibilities before the game – if we defend or if we attack, if a player makes this run or that run – and go through all the solutions," said the manager. "An element of the unexpected can happen, but Steve has experience. I will feel powerless but sometimes I have that feeling on the bench anyway!"
Bould's stock is high at moment. And so it should be. But it is simplistic to suggest the introduction of a great former defender has instantly made the current defence great. For a start, Bould is not the only backroom change – Neil Banfield moved into the first-team coaching set-up at the same time. It is just that he does not wear a tracksuit on game day.
"No, we've not changed anything [in our coaching style]," said Wenger. "I build the training sessions and it will remain like that. I've been coaching for 30 years so I'm not going to change things because Steve Bould arrived in August. But he does a great job.
"And, at the end of the day, it's important that we have a style of play and people are convinced of that style of play - the coaches and players.
"After that, everybody has his own personality and I have chosen Steve because I think he will add something to our team. He is well integrated into the Club. That's why I choose people who have worked with us before and are convinced by what we do."
The Arsenal squad shows two changes from Saturday's 6-1 stroll against Southampton. Fit-again Abou Diaby returns in place of Andrey Arshavin and Wojciech Szczesny injured his ankle in the warm-up at the weekend so James Shea comes in. Vito Mannone will take the gloves while Damien Martinez misses out because he has not had enough continual service at Arsenal to be named in either of the Champions League squad lists.
Wenger is well aware that in little over two weeks he has a brace of Champions League ties plus Manchester City away and Chelsea at home. The season may be just four games old but he is already managing his resources.
"We will make one or two changes but we will try to keep the stability of our team with seven or eight players around them," he said. "We have no injury problems at the moment but we always rotate from game to game."
The unknown is the involvement of Giroud. Wenger had his poker face on during his media work. There is an argument that the 25-year-old may flourish in a familiar environment but Gervinho looks a viable option on the basis of his two goals on Saturday.
However, countering that, Giroud has started both away games this season and made significantcontributions in each – offensively and defensively. Yes, he did not score but talk of 'goal-droughts' and pressure is beyond silly given the well-known differences in the English game. Remember, the London shops were stocking for Christmas by the time Thierry Henry started hitting the net with any sort of regularity back in 1999. Now his likeness is cast in bronze outsideEmirates Stadium.
"Forwards sometimes go through a rough period but maybe he just needs a goal to get out of it,"said Wenger.
"Also I think, for that position, it is a little bit different in England. The game is very different for two positions - forwards and goalkeepers. It is a real shock for them because there is a lot more contact."
It all comes down to experience. Something Wenger, Bould nor anyone else can coach. This is Arsenal's 15th successive season in the Champions League and, should they reach the knockout round, it will be their 13th successful passage through the group stage.
It is a leviathan record that few in Europe can match – and it starts by being professional in games such as this.
The experience of that long-ago night in Lens – and all the trips that followed, to France and elsewhere – can only help.
Team news:
Montpellier: Utaka (thigh)
Arsenal: Szczesny (ankle), Wilshere (ankle), Sagna (leg), Fabianski (back), Rosicky (tendon), Frimpong (knee)
Their first game in the competition was a scrappy 1-1 draw at Lens almost exactly 16 years ago. They have returned three times since and come away 1-0 winners on each occasion.
In fact, if you throw in UEFA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup ties, Arsenal are unbeaten in eight games against Gallic opposition since Europe's governing body re-organised.
But, and here is the rub, they have lost two finals in the French capital – both late, both heartbreaking.
Wenger was not in charge for the Cup Winners' Cup Final of 1995 but he was very much at the helm in 2006. Naturally, it was foremost in his mind ahead of the opening game of this season's competition at Montpellier on Tuesday night.
"We have lost once in France," he smiled, correcting the amateur statistician talking of that unbeaten record at his pre-match press conference. "It was in Paris against Barcelona and it is not a good memory for me.
"However on Tuesday we want to keep this tradition of not losing [to French sides]. We have played a couple of games in the UEFA Cup against the likes of Nantes and Lens too but not too many games in the Champions League when you think about it.
"Still we have always played against good teams over here and last season we were a little lucky in Marseille when we scored in the last minute."
In many ways Montpellier are reminiscent of that opening game at Lens back on September 16, 1998. It was a new experience and Arsenal were never really comfortable against the surprise French champions in a electric atmosphere. They took the lead through Marc Overmars but werehauled back by a last-minute goal. On Tuesday, Wenger's men take on a side whose title win was, in his words, "a miracle" and, he argues, may have suffered a horrible start to their defence precisely because of this Champions League opener.
Wenger certainly compounded their problems by taking Olivier Giroud , Ligue 1's top goalscorerlast season, in the summer but the Arsenal manager is not underestimating his opposite number Rene Giraud and the importance of the occasion to Montpellier.
"Yes I know Rene very well and I have fought a few battles here," said Wenger. "Girard is a smart coach.
"And Montpellier are a team who plays in a tough kind of Mediterranean style but they can also control a game pretty well.
"The atmosphere will be Mediterranean too - that means very excited and enthusiastic. The crowd will be massively behind them so we have to use all our experience and talent to deal with that.
"Apart from Giroud, they have kept all their players so I don't think they are a weaker team. Maybe they were unlucky in the league games they played and also they may have had the Champions League in their heads. That plays a big role for the players.
"I think experienced clubs can focus on their next game and their next objective. But maybe theyhave focused a lot on this Champions League match."
Wenger himself will have a slightly different focus on the game - one viewed from the stands. Hestarts a three-game touchline ban so, for the first half of Group B, Steve Bould will take over fromthe moment the squad arrives at the stadium to the moment they leave.
"We talk about all the possibilities before the game – if we defend or if we attack, if a player makes this run or that run – and go through all the solutions," said the manager. "An element of the unexpected can happen, but Steve has experience. I will feel powerless but sometimes I have that feeling on the bench anyway!"
Bould's stock is high at moment. And so it should be. But it is simplistic to suggest the introduction of a great former defender has instantly made the current defence great. For a start, Bould is not the only backroom change – Neil Banfield moved into the first-team coaching set-up at the same time. It is just that he does not wear a tracksuit on game day.
"No, we've not changed anything [in our coaching style]," said Wenger. "I build the training sessions and it will remain like that. I've been coaching for 30 years so I'm not going to change things because Steve Bould arrived in August. But he does a great job.
"And, at the end of the day, it's important that we have a style of play and people are convinced of that style of play - the coaches and players.
"After that, everybody has his own personality and I have chosen Steve because I think he will add something to our team. He is well integrated into the Club. That's why I choose people who have worked with us before and are convinced by what we do."
The Arsenal squad shows two changes from Saturday's 6-1 stroll against Southampton. Fit-again Abou Diaby returns in place of Andrey Arshavin and Wojciech Szczesny injured his ankle in the warm-up at the weekend so James Shea comes in. Vito Mannone will take the gloves while Damien Martinez misses out because he has not had enough continual service at Arsenal to be named in either of the Champions League squad lists.
Wenger is well aware that in little over two weeks he has a brace of Champions League ties plus Manchester City away and Chelsea at home. The season may be just four games old but he is already managing his resources.
"We will make one or two changes but we will try to keep the stability of our team with seven or eight players around them," he said. "We have no injury problems at the moment but we always rotate from game to game."
The unknown is the involvement of Giroud. Wenger had his poker face on during his media work. There is an argument that the 25-year-old may flourish in a familiar environment but Gervinho looks a viable option on the basis of his two goals on Saturday.
However, countering that, Giroud has started both away games this season and made significantcontributions in each – offensively and defensively. Yes, he did not score but talk of 'goal-droughts' and pressure is beyond silly given the well-known differences in the English game. Remember, the London shops were stocking for Christmas by the time Thierry Henry started hitting the net with any sort of regularity back in 1999. Now his likeness is cast in bronze outsideEmirates Stadium.
"Forwards sometimes go through a rough period but maybe he just needs a goal to get out of it,"said Wenger.
"Also I think, for that position, it is a little bit different in England. The game is very different for two positions - forwards and goalkeepers. It is a real shock for them because there is a lot more contact."
It all comes down to experience. Something Wenger, Bould nor anyone else can coach. This is Arsenal's 15th successive season in the Champions League and, should they reach the knockout round, it will be their 13th successful passage through the group stage.
It is a leviathan record that few in Europe can match – and it starts by being professional in games such as this.
The experience of that long-ago night in Lens – and all the trips that followed, to France and elsewhere – can only help.
Team news:
Montpellier: Utaka (thigh)
Arsenal: Szczesny (ankle), Wilshere (ankle), Sagna (leg), Fabianski (back), Rosicky (tendon), Frimpong (knee)
SOURCE: arsenal.com
Saturday, September 15, 2012
ARSENAL 6 - 1 SOUTHAMPTON- MATCH REPORT
Arsenal romped to a 6-1 win over bottom of the table Southampton in an all-action Premier League encounter at the Emirates.
An incident-packed first half saw the Gunners take a 4-0 lead courtesy of Jos Hooiveld and Nathaniel Clyne own goals sandwiching Lucas Podolski and Gervinho strikes, before Daniel Foxstruck back.
Arsenal continued to assert their domination in the second half as Gervinho's second and Theo Walcott's late effort made it six.
Dominated the first half with an interesting display as a false number nine that pulled the Southampton back four all over the shop. Took his first goal well and showed good instinct to finish his second. The result stretched the home side's unbeaten start to the season with
Southampton still to find their first point after rejoining the top flight.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was unable to call upon Abou Diaby or Theo Walcott, though the latter made the bench. Wojciech Szczesny was restored to the starting line-up, as Gervinho replaced Olivier Giroud up front and Francis Coquelin came into the centre of midfield.
Saints begun with the same side that battled to a 3-2 defeat against Manchester United, with thetrio of new signings Gaston Ramirez, Emmanuel Mayuka and Maya Yoshida having to make do with a place on the bench.
Arsenal begun the brighter of the two and their early pressure was rewarded in the 10th minuteafter Hooiveld turned the ball into his own net as Kelvin Davis could only get a foot to Kieran Gibbs' low, drilled cross from the left byline.
Per Mertesacker tested Davis with a powerful header from Santi Cazorla's looping ball into the box as Arsenal began to assert their dominance, before Gervinho fizzed an effort just wide of the post.
Hooiveld was replaced by Maya Yoshia around the half hour mark as Saints fully capitulated, conceding three goals in a matter of minutes.
Steven Davis gave away a needless foul on the edge of the area, allowing Podolski to step up and bend a left-footed effort that was well beyond Kelvin Davis' grasp.
Almost immediately after the restart Saints left-back Daniel Fox was caught napping and a simple Mikel Arteta lofted pass down the line allowed Gervinho to steam in on goal and smash home at the near post.
Arsenal got their fourth in a manner similar to the game's opener. Another powerful surge down the left from Gibbs saw the full-back whip in a cross that ended up in the Saints net via a wicked deflection off Clyne .
Moments before the interval Wojciech Szcznesy granted the visitors a lifeline, making a total mess of a cross from deep to allow Fox to poke in from yards out.
Rickie Lambert missed a good chance to get his side back with a fighting chance as he slotted wide, as Arsenal continued to enjoy the upper hand in the second half.
The Gunners further stretched their lead after substitute Aaron Ramsey made an instant impact, outfoxing Clyne as he burst into the box, only to see his prodded effort rebound off the post to allow Gervinho to bundle home from a couple of yards out.
Gervinho and Podolski were replaced to rapturous applause, with replacement Walcott puting the icing on the cake, bending home with his left foot as the visitors' defence made a hash of clearing Thomas Vermaelen's strike.
SOURCE: Goal.com
#END
David Silva
I WILL ALWAYS HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF MY TIME AT THE CLUB- GIRIOUD
Olivier Giroud is relishing the opportunity to get his first taste of Champions League football on Tuesday night.
The 25-year-old has spent the majority of his career in the lower leagues of French football, before exploding on to the scene with Montpellier.
The France international helped his former club to the Ligue 1 title - and will now line up against them in this week's Group B opener.
"It is always important to play in the Champions League to continue your progression as a footballer," he said.
"I'm looking forward to play against very good teams and to having the experience of the Champions League with Arsenal.
"I have found my first months at Arsenal good. I think the team have played well. I am confident that the season will be good."
Giroud thoroughly enjoyed his two-year spell at Montpellier, and admits he owes the club for helping him move forward in his career.
"A lot of things went right for Montpellier last season. It was an incredible season for us and one that I will never forget," he said.
"I will always have great memories of my time at the Club and the people and the fans.
"I want to say thank you to Montpellier because they gave me the possibility to play in the first division in France, join Arsenal and come to the Premier League, and then play in the ChampionsLeague.
"But they know that I recognise and appreciate the opportunity that they gave me."
SOURCE: <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/giroud-it-s-great-to-be-in-champions-league" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arsenals FC</a>
David Silva
The 25-year-old has spent the majority of his career in the lower leagues of French football, before exploding on to the scene with Montpellier.
The France international helped his former club to the Ligue 1 title - and will now line up against them in this week's Group B opener.
"It is always important to play in the Champions League to continue your progression as a footballer," he said.
"I'm looking forward to play against very good teams and to having the experience of the Champions League with Arsenal.
"I have found my first months at Arsenal good. I think the team have played well. I am confident that the season will be good."
Giroud thoroughly enjoyed his two-year spell at Montpellier, and admits he owes the club for helping him move forward in his career.
"A lot of things went right for Montpellier last season. It was an incredible season for us and one that I will never forget," he said.
"I will always have great memories of my time at the Club and the people and the fans.
"I want to say thank you to Montpellier because they gave me the possibility to play in the first division in France, join Arsenal and come to the Premier League, and then play in the ChampionsLeague.
"But they know that I recognise and appreciate the opportunity that they gave me."
SOURCE: <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/giroud-it-s-great-to-be-in-champions-league" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arsenals FC</a>
David Silva
RETURN TO MONTPELLIER TRULY SPECIAL- GIRIOUD
Arsenal Striker Olivier Giroud admits it will be "special" to face his former club Montpellier on Tuesday night - but says he will keep any potential goal celebrations to a minimum.
The France international returns to the Stade de la Mosson for the first time in Arsenal's opening fixture in this season's Champions League.
It will be an emotional occasion for the striker, who helped his former club win the Ligue 1 title last year, and he is looking forward to the match.
"To return to Montpellier is very special because I spent two very happy years there which were fantastic," Giroud said. "Montpellier is a family club and I left a lot of friends behind - everybody who works at the club and the players.
"I spent a beautiful, wonderful season there last year when we were champions and won the title. It was a fantastic achievement for Montpellier to win the French championship and there was a lot of emotion when we won.
"It will be difficult for me to play against Montpellier, because there is a lot of emotion and I haveso many good memories of last season. I left a lot of friends and it's going to be great to see them.
"But only after the game will I talk to anyone. This is an important match and I will be concentrating on it. I will not speak with my friends until afterwards."
Giroud has yet to get off the mark to Arsenal, but says were he to score at his former club his celebrations would be muted.
"I want to score in every match, but if I score against Montpellier I will keep the celebration small," he said. "That is normal for anybody, for the club and Montpellier fans. It will be out of my respect to my old club
"I'm an Arsenal player and I want to score and to win this game for Arsenal. It will be my first game in the Champions League, so I want to win it.
"Of course we are playing against Montpellier, but it is an important game for Arsenal and I have to forget it's Montpellier for 90 minutes."
The France international returns to the Stade de la Mosson for the first time in Arsenal's opening fixture in this season's Champions League.
It will be an emotional occasion for the striker, who helped his former club win the Ligue 1 title last year, and he is looking forward to the match.
"To return to Montpellier is very special because I spent two very happy years there which were fantastic," Giroud said. "Montpellier is a family club and I left a lot of friends behind - everybody who works at the club and the players.
"I spent a beautiful, wonderful season there last year when we were champions and won the title. It was a fantastic achievement for Montpellier to win the French championship and there was a lot of emotion when we won.
"It will be difficult for me to play against Montpellier, because there is a lot of emotion and I haveso many good memories of last season. I left a lot of friends and it's going to be great to see them.
"But only after the game will I talk to anyone. This is an important match and I will be concentrating on it. I will not speak with my friends until afterwards."
Giroud has yet to get off the mark to Arsenal, but says were he to score at his former club his celebrations would be muted.
"I want to score in every match, but if I score against Montpellier I will keep the celebration small," he said. "That is normal for anybody, for the club and Montpellier fans. It will be out of my respect to my old club
"I'm an Arsenal player and I want to score and to win this game for Arsenal. It will be my first game in the Champions League, so I want to win it.
"Of course we are playing against Montpellier, but it is an important game for Arsenal and I have to forget it's Montpellier for 90 minutes."
SOURCE: <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-to-return-to-montpellier-is-very-special-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arsenal FC</a>
David Silva
WENGER PRAISES GERVINHO AFTER 6-1 SOUTHAMPTON ROUT!
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed Gervinho following the forward's double in Saturday's 6-1 win over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.
The Ivorian was joined by Lukas Podolski & Theo Walcott on the scoresheet alongside two own goals from the visitors, as the Gunners ruthlessly defeated the recently promoted Saints.
And Wenger was understandably delighted with the 25-year-old's performance in a central position, joking: "You know we transform all the wingers into central strikers!
"I decided that during our tour of Asia, when I tried to play him in that position against Man City, I liked what he did and I put that in the back of my mind.
"He is such a great mover and he is so quick that when he wants to get ahead of the central defender, it's difficult to catch him."
The Frenchman also expressed his happiness with the north London club's overall showing against Nigel Adkins' men and praised the contributions of Podolski & Santi Cazorla.
"The first 45 minutes were of a high level. We had a good combination of pace, passing, quick combinations and the movement was excellent," he added.
"We want [Cazorla] to have the ball and I think he typifies what the midfielders in Spain are [like]; technically perfect, great vision, and a great team attitude.
"[Podolski] is physically strong and a fantastic finisher. I had a little hesitation whether to play him or Gervinho centrally but he gives us a balance on the left which i didn't want to destroy."
Meanwhile, Southampton boss Nigel Adkins later admitted it has been a difficult start to the season for his side, after defeats to three of last season's top four.
"We've played the three best teams in the league. We've got a good group of players, we know we can score - we just need to become more resilient," he said.
"We will quickly move on, we will have a great week's training in order to prepare us for the next game.
"We have learned a lot about everyone today. We believe in what we're doing, we believe in how we play. Next week I'm sure St Mary's will be bouncing and the players will work hard and we'll be ready for the next home game."
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