Video: Sandro Goal, Lampard & Kalou "Goals"

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Chelsea grabbed two quite controversial goals to overcome Tottenham in Saturday's late kick-off to draw closer to League leaders Manchester United. After an absolute cracker of a goal from Tottenham's Sandro halfway through the first half, Chelsea were left on the back-foot, but when Frank Lampard took a speculative shot near the end of the half, the controversy began. 

The incompetent Spurs goalkeeper, Gomes, who is no stranger to terrible mistakes, allowed the ball to spill from his grasp, through his legs and so close to crossing the line that the linesman thought it did. Replay's showed that the ball hadn't completely crossed the line and the wrong decision was made, with calls for goal line technology being raised loudly by pundits, footballers and fans once again. 

1-1 was a result that Manchester United fans would have taken as they prepare for the game against Arsenal tomorrow, but in the 89th minute, that result became impossible. It shouldn't have been however, with Salomon Kalou's goal being showed as offside. More than a little bit of fortune has helped Chelsea overcome Tottenham, and Spurs will be feeling very low now that their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are all but dead. 

This result makes Manchester United and Arsenal's game tomorrow all the more important, with United now needing a win to prevent a loss to Chelsea in the next game meaning a possible loss of first place.

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Owen Wants To be The New Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Michael Owen joined Manchester United in the knowledge that a starting place would be very rare. At 31, he has come to accept this, and the cameo role he plays in certain matches often prove absolutely vital in games, especially when you consider he was a free signing for United. But the main reason the former Liverpool fan favourite joined United was to do something that his previous teams rarely did in his time there - win trophies.

He came to no better place, and this season, he has the chance to help United to win both the Premier League trophy, and the Champions League trophy, both of which would be the first of his long, goal filled career. In a recent interview, Owen put his lack of pitch time down to the quality and depth of the squad at United. He said:

"Even if it is just one goal or one good performance, everyone is going to play their part."

"I was in the stand on Tuesday against Schalke. You are feeling sorry for yourself thinking I would like to be on the pitch or on the bench.

"Next to you is Wes Brown, who has dozens of England caps and John O'Shea, who has got even more for the Republic of Ireland. Darron Gibson is also an international.

"They are not even getting stripped. That tells you everything about the squad of player we have got.

The majority of Manchester Untied fans see Owen's best position as on the bench, and coming on late in the game when a goal is needed - a "super-sub" if you like, and it the interview, he said something quite interesting considering United's history:

"I suppose I am dreaming of coming off the bench and scoring the stoppage-time winner in the Champions League final.

"That is the motivation that drives me on. Every day I have to be ready and prepared to come in and do something."

Sound familiar? Cast your minds back to the 1999 Champions League final, and who came on in a Champions League final to score the winner? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of course, and what was he genreally known as? A "super-sub". Scoring a late winner in the Champions League final must be a dream come true for any player, and every time I watch Solskjaer's winner in that final, goosebumps run fiercely all over my skin, so what it must be like for a player only they will know.

Michael Owen has done it before in his time at United - not in a Champions League final - but in the Manchester derby last season, when a draw seemed certain late on. His 96th minute goal is typical of United's never say die attitude, and there is no doubt, that if United make this years European Cup final, and they need a goal, Michael Owen will surely be sent on to find one. Like Solskjaer, his finishing and eye for goal are deadly. Who knows, perhaps late in May, Owen's dream may become a reality. Lets hope so.

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New Deal for David De Gea

He looks like Manchester United's top goalkeeping target now that Manuel Neur has completely ruled out a move to Old Trafford, but David De Gea was never going to be an easy signing for Sir Alex Ferguson. The Spanish goalkeeper had been given an ultimatum by his boyhood side - renew your contract or leave Athletico, and that new contract renewal has now been firmly set on the negotiating table for De Gea to consider.

The Athletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo said:

"De Gea is a magnificent player in the squad and has two years left on his contract. We [have] made a renewal offer." 

"But it does not depend on us. We will speak to him at the end of term and see what happens."

He seems an ideal replacement for United's retiring Edwin van der Sar, and at only 20 years-old, he can potentially be United's number one goalkeeper for the nest 15 - 20 years if he follows in his predecessors' footsteps. He will cost around £20 million due to his quality and age, but van der Sar has proved that having a decent, solid goalkeeper is vital in winning trophies - Arsenal have also managed to prove that fact over the last 6 years with the lack of a top 'keeper.

Manchester United have already brought in a new goalkeeper, in Anders Lindegaard who I was looking at yesterday. He is a very impressive shot-stopper and is brave in coming out for the ball and challenging the attacker. Whether he is number 1 Manchester United material is yet to be seen, but it is the general consensus that he will be a supporting act to a new goalkeeper that United will buy in the summer.

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United Expect to Beat Arsenal

A few months ago, Arsenal and Manchester United looked like the only two title contenders, and the upcoming game on Sunday between the two sides would most likely be a crucial title decider. Now, as we near the end of the season and the fiercely challenged title race draws to a close, the game is still as important as predicted, but Arsenal will not be playing in the hope of overtaking United and lifting the title. Rather, they will be playing for their pride in front of some disappointed and once again trophy-less Arsenal fans at the Emirates. It is a game that could still effect which way the title swings, with Chelsea gathering pace, and galloping with intent on United's tails, but Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be just as determined to shake the two pests away and step closer to some increasingly expected silverware.

United is a club of massive expectation, and ever since Sir Matt Bubsy won United's first Champions League trophy in 1968, the bar has been raised up high with the gods. Sir Alex Ferguson's career with United has been hugely successful, with trophies routinely filling the United cabinet with pride etched on every fans faces. In the Scot's tenure, Arsenal have been a side constantly challenging United, and the games between the two sides have brought up some classics, as well as creating some legends. The game on Sunday should be no different, but with United on the rise, and Arsenal currently in Premier League turbulence, Ferguson will expect his team to come out on top.

If United play like they did against Schalke earlier in the week, with outstanding performances from players all over the pitch away from home, then Arsenal will be in for a fright. They come off the back of a devastating blow at the hands of Bolton, with a late, late goal shattering Wenger's hopes for a trophy, and the confidence of the already somewhat fragile Arsenal players, cannot be too high at the moment. Two clubs, in the current trophy stakes who are a complete antithesis of each-other.

Arsene Wenger has made it clear in the build up to the game, that Arsenal will want to win - not to challenge for the title - but to secure this third spot that they currently sit quite uncomfortably in, with a money machine in Manchester City ready to jump on their backs and leap over them at any opportunity:

''We really have to watch Manchester City, because that [third place] is not done - even to be in the top four is not done."

''We have absolutely to fight like mad."

Wenger went on to say that he is convinced that his side can beat United, though some supporters will be, although admiring his optimism, be slightly sceptical themselves after looking at their recent form guide. Four draws, one loss and one win in their last six games does not inspire confidence when they are up against a side in top form, with four wins, one draw and one loss in their last six games. United have not been playing sizzling, inspiring football of late, but they so often get the job done - a feat Arsenal have found so hard to achieve this season in games they are expected to win.

Sir Alex commented that his side have every chance of beating both Arsenal and Chelsea in their upcoming two games, but insisted that the title race is not yet over, with drama, and twists and turns up ahead:

"It is not going to be any easier for Arsenal or Chelsea than it is for us. These are difficult games." 

"A point away from home at Arsenal is not the worst point - but that is not what we are going down there looking for."

That there is the attitude Manchester United have. They go into each and every game with every player knowing they can win, and expecting to win. Wenger has gone on about the "attitude" of his players and how exceptional it has been, but by one look at Manchester United, it is clear, the attitude at Arsenal is not good enough.

Make no mistake, if either side lose, they will be hugely disappointed, but with the expectation so high at Manchester United, and the title in their hands, it will be infuriating for their fans and the club if they do not overcome a wavering, tired and downbeat Arsenal side.

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Nani to Real Madrid - Latest Rumour

Real Madrid have seen a few things crushed in the past few weeks. Firstly the Copa del Rey trophy was harshly trampled over by the ceremonial bus, and this week, someone far more agile, nifty and supremely talented in Lionel Messi crushed Mourinho's dreams of lifting a second successive Champions League trophy. The semi final first leg was as a whole, a disgrace, with diving and play acting coughed up all over the pitch. So what do Real Madrid do when they find themselves in a pickle? Spend a load of money on new recruits.

The latest player to be linked to the Spanish side is Manchester United's Luis Nani. The Portuguese has often been accused of copying Cristiano Ronaldo's style, so by joining his compatriot at Madrid will go no way in shaking that irritating yet flattering tag. Nani cost United £17 million in 2007, and has only this season come into his own, creating himself a guaranteed starting spot in most big games and as a result having a brilliant season, with 12 goals and even more assists.

A move to Italy was also being mooted earlier in the season as United's interest in Sneijder being suggested as a help for Inter's rumoured bid for Nani. And it is unsurprising that Nani is so sought after, with his blistering form this season and a certain impact whenever he plays. But a move to Real Madrid? Very unlikely.

Nani used Twitter to voice his side when he was being linked to Inter Milan. He wrote: "I've seen some false reports in the press. I want you to know that you will hear the truth from me. Love MU"

Sir Alex Ferguson would certainly not be eager to do any kind of a deal with Madrid after the episode with Ronaldo. The fiery Scot told the world that he "wouldn't sell a virus" to that "mob", referring to Madrid. He did in the end sell his Portuguese star to Madrid, but it was for an outrageous sum of £80 million, and not a bad deal at all.

I really can't see Sir Alex letting Nani go, who still has around 15 months left on his contract, and Nani is clearly comfortable in Manchester United. He is clearly important to United's attack, and would certainly not have a guaranteed starting place at an overcrowded squad at Real Madrid. It would be a silly, silly decision for Nani to leave for Madrid when he is in the privileged position that he is currently in.

Wayne Rooney recently admitted to regretting even contemplating leaving the great club that is Manchester United, and when you watch documentary's of Sir Bobby Charlton's time at Old Trafford and the creation of a legend, it is surely unrivalled inspiration for any footballer. So the conclusion? If Nani wants a glitzy, glamorous life in Spain with his friend and former team mate Ronaldo, whilst sitting out on the bench, then Madrid is the place to go. However, if he wants a successful, highly satisfying success, and a first team place, as well as the possibility of carving his name in the United history books, there is only one thing to do; sign a new contract at Manchester United.

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Video: Lionel Messi Goal v Madrid

The highlight of the game and, I suspect the tie, can be seen below, in the form of Lionel Messi's dazzling run through the hapless Real Madrid defence and delicately precise finish into the Madrid net. It was a bright light in a game filled to the rim with an utter disgrace in the all too common and far uglier form of cheating.

Watch the 2 sending off's and Messi's First Goal By Clicking Here.

Diving - A Disgrace to Football

I hesitate to take away the stunningly bright light that Lionel Messi has thrust himself into after creating beauty amidst an ugly cloud of controversy, but how can I not, when many Real Madrid and Barcelona's player's were an utter disgrace for much of the game.

The play acting and - well, just plain diving was clear for all to see. Maybe not the referee, who didn't have the benefit of replays, but luckily, or unluckily for us watching at home, we could witness the diving in it's full,  disgraceful, slow motion picture. It is despicable behaviour from grown men who should be setting an example to young footballers with their fair play. What was broadcast all over the world on Wednesday night was not fair play, and it is certainly not something which I want to see future generations of player's participating in.
I noted down several of the incidents that were particularly shameful and abominable excuses for fouls:

•  Sergio Busquets fell down clutching his face in apparent agony. Replays show that he jumped on the back of a Real Madrid player, and jumped back off of him as soon as his hand came anywhere near him. There was absolutely zero contact, yet uproar among protesting Barcelona players.

• Real Madrid defender, Marcelo went down from a foul. It was a foul - his feet had been taken away from him, and it was nothing more than a free-kick - and it was given. Yet rolling around was the added effect and waving his arm in the air to indicate a card to be shown added insult to... "injury".

• Next up was Pedro. He ran into a Real player and fell down, holding his face whereas replays clearly show there was no contact. To carry on the act - or to hide his shame, he needed medics to come on and check on it, whilst pouring water on it. What's worse is that the Barcelona players hounded the referee like hungry dogs as if Pedro had been assaulted.

• Hypocrisy was also rife. Dani Alves - a serial diver if I ever saw one, complained about a foul given against him, claiming that the Madrid attacker went down to easily. Amazing.

• The last two involve Madrid's Pepe. Firstly, he was the perpetrator, jumping - almost flying through the air like a deranged bird after a slight touch from Mascherano. Yes, it was a foul, but there is simply no need for the play acting.

• Finally, the sending off. Dani Alvez was up to his old tricks again, and this time conned the referee into sending Pepe off. It was a high foot from Pepe, but a yellow card at the worst. However, professional ballet-like pirouettes from the Barcelona defender added to theatrics. Replay's showed that the contact was minimal, and was on his shin pad. Unless his pain thresh-hold is nothing on a scale of 0 - 10, surely he wouldn't have needed a stretcher to take him off the pitch.

I want to know why such talented footballers, who have made it to the top of their games and managed to reach this stage of such a prestigious competition feel the need to cheat. That is what it is - cheating, and it is an absolute disgrace. 

I don't want to draw comparisons, but when Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney swore into the camera, he was banned for a few games. In my opinion, what I saw in the Real Madrid - Barcelona game was just as bad. It is cheating, cheating, cheating. That is what they are doing - cheating. It is infuriating, and it is something that millions of young kids will have watched and thought "I could do that", or "they did it, so I can". Many of the principles that were broken by Rooney swearing into a camera were broken in this game, with an awful, explicable example being set to young, aspiring footballers. 

The game was ruined by all of the controversies, sending off's and cheating but sprinkled in glory and glamour in the end by a fabulous footballer, and one who does not get involved in all of the blatant deception of the referee. Lionel Messi - a true example of a fair and honest football player, and the best in the world without a doubt. Some of those cheating divers should take a leaf out of Messi's book, and start playing football, letting their skills do the talking. It isn't too much to ask is it?

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European Final Beckons For United

Manchester United showed class, composure, and complete domination in their Champions League semi-final first leg win over Schalke on Tuesday night. A two goal win really does not represent the extent of United's controlling command over the German side, who put in an uninspiring, unadventurous and pretty poor performance in a game which the underdogs were supposed to shine.

The second leg will decipher whether Inter Milan were terribly poor in their heavy defeat to Schalke in the quarter's or United just played outstandingly well on Tuesday, but either way, United take a huge advantage into the second leg. They look the huge favourites now to face a massive test in the final where they may either face Real Madrid or Barcelona.

The first half left United fans frustrated at the lack of goals despite a barrage of chances thrust at the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who was outstanding all night. Chances came and went for United players all over the field - from Giggs to Fabio and from Rooney to Chicharito - the opportunities bounced about like ping pong balls. Despite the clear authority United possessed, you always have to be careful away from home with the opposing crowds ready to get at you whenever possible.

Giggs put a stop to those worries in the second half however, becoming the oldest player to score in the Champions League's history. A precious away goal which really was a joy to behold. It wasn't just that United had deservedly beaten this seemingly unbeatable goalkeeper with a cute little tap in through his legs, but it was the pass that created it. A pass crafted by a man who just seems to get better and better as the season draws to a close. A shimmy to the right and a shot faked by Wayne Rooney then led to a beautifully precise and perfectly weighted ball inside the defence into the path of Giggs to slot home.

The second was poor defending on Schalke's part, who allowed Chicharito time and space to feed in Rooney who was gifted a great chance which he duly obliged to convert past a now helpless Neuer whose outstanding performance was destroyed by his poor side. It is no wonder why he is looking to move on.

The goals had been achieved, and now Sir Alex was keen to look forward to the week end. Arsenal will have watched this fantastic attacking display, and be very wary of it. Rooney, Chicharito and Park were taken off early in preparation for the Arsenal game, a great bonus in an impressive day of Champions League football.

Bar a catastrophic meltdown which is extremely uncharacteristic of Manchester United, Sir Alex will guide United to their fifth European Cup final. That Rooney said after the game that he was slightly disappointed with a 0 - 2 away win really sums up the hunger, desire and expectation to win. He, along with every other United player - all of whom played fantastically - will be looking to finish the job in the second leg, and if they don't, they will have only themselves to blame.

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VIDEO: Schalke 0 - 2 Man United

Wenger: I'm Always Thinking About Transfers

As Arsenal's title hopes gushed mercilessly down the drain, followed by all the blood, sweat and tears that have proven useless in a season full of disappointment, false hope and dejected fans sighing, "so close", Arsene Wenger had some explaining to do. Fans were calling for new signings to rejuvenate a young, tired and injury plagued side, yet nothing was done and the club did not benefit, and those same calls will be heard again come the summer. But this time, Wenger will listen. He may be as stubborn as anything, but he will delve into a market which he has scarcely dared to tread in recent years - the football transfer market. 

"We have the quality, that is for sure. We have to strengthen the squad where it needs and make the right decision on that front. It [transfers] is always in my mind every day.”

It must be astonishingly infuriating to see such fantastic young talents, whom he has nurtured and trained, and seen grow into professionals fail to deliver when for so long they looked so close to doing so. It must be even harder to know, that this team that has failed to deliver in terms of silverware, will bare the brunt of the fans frustration of the last 6 years and the emptiness of that trophy cabinet.

Wenger will do his utmost to keep any prices for players as sensible as possible in a market which values men at tens of millions of pounds. There is little value for the best players at the moment, but what would be invaluable is the joy that Arsenal would feel if they were to win a trophy with the help of some well established, top class leaders who can unite a young, but experienced side to success.

A failed title bid, a heavy defeat against the far better side in Europe and a Carling Cup final that went freakishly wrong, but Wenger is proud of what his Arsenal side have achieved this season:

"The team have had an outstanding attitude and will not be rewarded because of small things, but small things cost you."

"It is frustrating because the team has produced the efforts." 

"We have to be realistic that it [the title] is very unlikely now, but we have to finish as well as we can."

Wenger's final words here resemble strongly in Jack Wilshere's tweet after the terrible loss to Bolton on Sunday. Wilshere, who Wenger recently described as "the future of the club"

"Very dissapointing yesterday but we are Arsenal we will not stop fighting...."

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Sir Alex Has Confidence in His Winning Team

Manchester United may not have the cutting edge of previous title and double winning sides, but they possess the one thing that really matters, and the one thing that is so rare and therefore valuable to a trophy challenging side; the ability to dig out a win when the opposite looks inevitable. It is a trait that Sir Alex Ferguson has pumping through his veins and has clearly rubbed off on his side as they sit six points clear at the top of the League and in the Champions League semi-final.

Sir Alex was speaking this week-end of the final few fixtures this season which include games against the two title challengers, Arsenal and Chelsea. He was frustrated that people who talk of the two games against Arsenal and Chelsea suggest that United will lose them, or at least drop points. This may be the likely possibility in at least one of the fixtures as the side may be suffering from fatigue as they battle on both the European and domestic fronts, but Sir Alex remains defiant:

"The thing that puzzles me is that people keep saying we still have to play Arsenal and Chelsea and they talk about these games as if we are going to lose them."

"Why can't we win these games? Why can't we go to the Emirates Stadium and win, as we have done previously? I told the players to forget about all that nonsense and just win their games."

United are favourites for the League, as they have been for a few months now, but with the recent slip-ups of Arsenal, it is generally thought that United will have the trophy in their hands sooner rather than later. If they win both games against Arsenal and Chelsea, they will have their 19th title, overtaking Liverpool's record, as Sir Alex Ferguson finally completes his promise to knock Liverpool off their perch. How has he done it? How has the greatest manager of his generation, and possibly ever, been able to guide this team to close success? A winning mentality, great character, and a fierce fight until the end:

"There is that winning attitude about them. We will keep our heads down and not get carried away. There are only four games left and the way they are going about their business and the effort they have shown, it gives them an outstanding chance of being champions. You can test people's character but they keep coming through. 

"We had some great openings and could have had this match finished by half-time but it is in the traditions of Manchester United that we don't do that. We always wait until the very end and keep everyone high on the edge of their seats but we get there."

United will face Schalke 04 on Tuesday, a match which the German side will be underdogs, a position that so far in the European campaign, they have thrived on. It will be a tough test for Sir Alex's side, who will come up against a player who is a European legend, and a player that United held talks to sign last summer. 


Former Real Madrid striker Raul had attracted Ferguson, and he said that although United were looking for young players, Raul is still a top striker, and could make it at United. However, with the strikers already at United, including Rooney, Berbatov, Owen and the then newly acquired Javier Hernandez, Sir Alex decided to pass up the opportunity to sign the Spaniard:

"You can make exceptions for certain players, because experience is so valuable. We thought the same when we signed Michael Owen, who has been a terrific professional for us, and bringing in Raúl would have been similar to when we managed to get Henrik Larsson for a short time a few years ago. 

"It was obvious his time at Real Madrid had come to an end, and he certainly wasn't too old to be effective, as he has been showing in Germany. We spoke to his agent about a possible move but we already had Javier Hernández by then and, with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen available, we thought we could afford to let the chance pass."

 "If we hadn't had Michael at the club at the time I might well have signed him." 

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Wayne Rooney Joins Twitter

Wayne Rooney has joined Twitter this week-end to accompany his fellow United team-mates Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen, Luis Nani and Johnny Evans on the social networking site.

He is sure to give United fans his own insight on life with Manchester United, and has already spoke about playing up front with Javier Hernandez:

"Love playing with Hernandez. Buy of century. Great lad to"

The England striker is approaching 100,000 followers already, so follow him here: @Wazzaroon08

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Video: Chicharito Goal v Everton

Javier Hernandez delivered when it mattered once again. Time was running out, and Sir Alex Ferguson had thrown on Michael Owen to accompany Rooney and Hernandez up front. Soon enough, Antonio Valencia intercepted an Everton defender, closing him down and winning the ball well. He then broke into the box and clipped it to the far post as he had done a few times throughout the match. Who was there but Chicharito to leap up and nod home and prompt Old Trafford to erupt with both joy and relief. United did it again, and the title draws ever closer to United's waiting hands.

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Manchester United v Everton Video Preview

It's the early kick off this week-end, and it is another must win for Manchester United against Everton as Sir Alex Ferguson's side try to keep ahead of the chasing pack and hold on for United's 19th League title. 

Everton are never an easy side to face, especially when they are on a good run of form while United come off the back of a disappointing 0 - 0 draw at Newcastle. United will of course have their eye on that Champions League semi-final on Tuesday against the German side Schalke, and may look to rest some important players - though that is unlikely. 

Check back here after the game for the match highlights.

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Wenger Has £40 Million - Who Will He Buy?

Arsene Wenger has been given £40 million by Arsenal, and been told that he can do absolutely anything he wishes with it. Well, as long as that 'anything' is in regards to any players he wishes to purchase in the transfer market - a market which has been scarcely used by the Arsenal manager in large quantities for a while. A market which Sir Alex Ferguson, Wengers rival, claims there is "no value" - a claim well supported by Chelsea, who proved exactly that by splashing £10 million more than what Wenger has to spend on a striker who has so far made no impact on their title chase, scoring zero goals.

So with that in mind, who will Wenger bring to Arsenal, who he believes will add something different, somehing better to the squad. A squad which many commentators, critics and pundits suggests needs adding to, in the form of real stability - a defensive midfielder perhaps, or a good few central defenders to sure up that shaky defence, and maybe even an injury free, reliably prolific striker who will convert the chances that Marouane Chamakh, Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie cannot.

It's all very easy to list what Arsenal need, but what's harder is to tell Wenger what Arsenal need, and then convert those thoughts into actions. The general consensus is that Arsenal must spend - explicitly suggested in the Arsenal board giving him £40 million to do what he likes with. But with Wenger stubbornly set in his ways of spending little and relying on youth, there will be a lot of thinking involved in finding the right players for the right values at Arsenal. With £40 million ready to spend, the gossip columns will have no shortage of players to link to Arsenal either, so here's a few already being tipped for a move.

Lets start with that defensive midfielder. Gokhan Inler is the man rumoured to be on Arsenal's wanted list, and at a rumoured bargain of £8 million, it seems too good to be true for Wenger. He was followed by Roy Hodgson when he managed Liverpool, and was tipped to be Javier Mascherano's replacement, but of course a deal never materialised and he remains playing at Udinese. Arsenal are apparently watching him closely, and it always helps when a player comes out with: "My future has absolutely not been decided". The player has a good work rate and aggressive style of play - an enforcer in the middle - something Arsenal desperately need.


Next up is those defenders who have been linked to Arsenal. Bolton's Gary Cahill has been mentioned more than several times, and his admission that he wants to be more like Jack Wilshere, playing against the big teams in the Champions League have not done any harm to a possible transfer to the Emirates. Wenger is a vocal admirer of Cahill who is starting to make a name for himself in the English national side, but his sudden rise to prominence has done something awful to put Wenger off. His asking price has risen drastically. Valued at over £20 million, surely this is out of Wenger's price range. Unfortunately I cannot imagine Wenger spending this much on a defender.


A defender far, far, far within Wenger's price range is Phillipe Mexes. In fact he's so cheap, he's free. His contract at Roma expires in June, making him a free-agent, however, Wenger will still need to use some of that £40 million to persuade the Frenchman to Arsenal. Mexes would come with a heft wage packet, and with Chelsea also rumoured to be on his trail, Arsenal must be ready (if they want him) to offer him those wages.

Other rumours are less prominent. They are so because they are rumours about attacking players, and Arsenal have no lack of those at the club, but perhaps if investment is not used, those class acts such as Nasri, Fabregas, van Persie and Walcott will turn their heads to new clubs - though that is unlikely considering their apparent loyalty to the cause. Attacking rumours include another Frenchman, Yann M'Vila and Sporting Lisbon forward Yannick Djalo. 


There is then of course, Arsenal admirer, and Wenger admirer, Eden Hazard. A very bright prospect, and real attacking flare, he has already stated that, "If one day I leave Lille, I will go to Real or Arsenal." The Belgian play maker is the "next big thing", and with Arsenal now having the money, surely Wenger wouldn't pass up the opportunity to have a player who really wants to play for his team and "dreamed of joining as a child."


Arsenal's goalkeeping situation is covered by Szczesny now, and I think most Arsenal fans, and Wenger accept him as their new number 1 goalkeeper, while Wenger doesn't look likely to delve into his pockets for a new one. Especially when he can just call Jens Lehmann back for free, or if he's not available, David Seaman.

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Watch Goals: Tottenham 3 - 3 Arsenal

Wait for Video to Load - Turns white and then the play symbol Appears. Patience!

If it wasn't for Manchester United's draw yesterday, then the race may be up already for Arsenal, who failed yet again to take advantage of United's slip up. It was a pulsating game, and with three goals inside the first 12 minutes it was a game for the neutrals - a typical North London derby between the two sides then.

Manchester United and Manchester City will be pleased with the draw mostly - it doesn't change very much in terms of the League table, with Spurs unable to draw level on points with City who stay fourth. United are now 6 points clear at the top - but the team behind is now Chelsea, who beat Birmingham 3 - 1, with Fernando Torres once again failing to score.

Arsenal went 3 - 1 ahead in the first half, but it should be no surprise that they let that lead go considering this season's mis-haps including losing a four goal lead to Newcastle. Against Liverpool Arsenal scored late on and conceded immediately after. Now, against Tottenham, they scored early on through Walcott and conceded just a minute later. The defending was poor, and Arsenal must improve. However, Wenger refused to rule his side out of the title race:

 "It's not over. We'll fight."

"Our mental strength is outstanding. We have faced criticism but this team deserves much more." 

"I didn't see any fail in our attitude, in our determination, in our quality. We just dropped physically in the second half." 

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Video: Arsenal Target Gokhan Inler

In the last few weeks Arsenal have been linked to both Yann M'Vila and Yannick Djalo, and now, talkSPORT have reported that Arsene Wenger may spend £8 million on the Swiss midfielder, Gokhan Inler. The 26 year-old currently plays for the Seria A side Udinese, but speculation has been rife in Italy about his future at the club.

He has been watched by several Premier League clubs since his move to Napoli in 2007 including Liverpool, as Roy Hodgson believed he could replace Javier Mascherano in Liverpool's central midfield before the Englishman's departure. Inler plays in a similar area to Mascherano - a deep lying position just ahead of the defenders, and it is this kind of player that several Arsenal blogs have been suggesting Arsenal buy to guard the defence.

Inler has scored 3 goals this season, one of which was a stunning strike from long range against Napoli as you can see below. However, you may notice the lack of celebration and joy in the players face. Some said that this was a sign of Inler's growing disinterest in playing for Udinese, but the player cleared this speculation up:

"I have many friends in Switzerland who are Napoli supporters and they asked me not to score. Out of respect to them, I responded that way." 

"My heart is black and white and I think I proved that with my performance against Napoli. 

"I'm sorry if I offended anyone, as it was not my intention. Once I got back to the locker room, I shouted my joy and embraced my team-mates.

"My future has absolutely not been decided and I haven't signed for another club."

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Fabregas & Szczesny Contradict Wenger

Arsene Wenger is undoubtedly an excellent manager, he has been a big success at Arsenal and is a man of great knowledge and huge managerial talent. But when he recently claimed that coming second in the League is not a "disaster" - implying that his club would be happy with second place, it prompted more than a few raised eyebrows. Wenger is a winner, you can see from his reactions when his side loses, or suffer a bad result that he oozes the passion to win, however, defending his sides performances and position in the League when supporters have been waiting 6 years for a trophy is not the way to go to appease those fans.

I agree to an extent with what Wenger said; yes, there are 18 other teams in the League who would love to be in Arsenal's position, yes there are clubs all over the world that would give anything to be in the Champions League every year, and yes, every club would love to be in a comfortable financial position. But when fans have been waiting so long for any silverware, and the manager, some say does not buy enough big name players or spend enough money, it mus become frustrating.

Now Fabregas, who was in Arsenal's 'invincible' side of 2003/04 knows what it is like to win a trophy at Arsenal. The majority of Arsenal players currently at the club, do not, and the Arsenal captain has seen this situation coming for a while. He made some very intriguing and valid points too, especially as his manager only recently defended the clubs position on the issues he raises:

 “That the team are always in the Champions League, that we compete until the end, that we have young players, economic stability – for the board this is important. 

“But I imagine there will be a moment when you have to decide do you win things or not? 
The ‘Invincibles’ team (of 2003-4) is the best I have played in. 

“Now a lot has changed. From 2007 on I started to say, ‘We don’t win but we play very well’. After that you realise it doesn’t work. You enjoy it, during a part of the season, like this year, when we were in four competitions. 

“You say, ‘Here I have it all’. But then you cannot make the fi nal step and a decision has to be made – to go out to win or to develop players. But I imagine there will be a moment when you have to decide do you win things or not?"

"From 2007 on I started to say, ‘We don’t win but we play very well'. After that you realise it doesn’t work. You enjoy it, during a part of the season, like this year, when we were in four competitions.

“You say, ‘Here I have it all’. But then you cannot make the final step and a decision has to be made – to go out to win or to develop players.” 

These are genuine concerns from a player who has seen, and captained a side full to the brim with talent, yet unable to bring trophies home. It is sad really, that one of the greatest players of his generation may prove unable to bring Arsenal glory in the form of prestigious trophies.

When Arsenal's performances force their website to have to publish headlines like:

"Gunners let half-time lead slip in London derby on Saturday."

"Gunners lose ground after letting a four-goal lead slip."

"Last-minute mix-up ends Gunners' hopes of glory at Wembley."

It is a shame as the squad is full of talent, but, as their manager implies, their position isn't bad enough for supporters to complain or criticize. Arsenal's goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny agrees with his captain; he wants to win, and is not happy with settling with second place:

 "We are only thinking about winning the title, not who is behind us.

"We go into everything to finish first. We are Arsenal - we don't want to finish second and we definitely don't want to finish third. We just think about winning."

This is the right attitude to have, and Arsenal and their manager must have it when going into their game against Tottenham. It is crucial that they make the most of Manchester United's minor slip-up against Newcastle. Arsenal must win against their local rivals Tottenham to keep the pressure on United, because if they don't, quite frankly, they don't deserve to finish first. It will be a season of missed opportunities, avoidable slip-ups and unfortunate incidents that define Arsenal's season rather than trophies. This isn't what any Arsenal fans want, and it is surely not what Wenger wants.

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.