Torres watch Last goal 3rd November 1972

Last week we brought to your attention a site which shows the total time since Chelsea's Fernando Torres last scored for Chelsea, as we know he has yet to get of the mark. The site has been updated and we have now reached the 700 minute mark or nearly 8 whole matches. The games are running out for El Nino to open his account before the Tenerife move beckons. Will he break his duck before the summer or is he destined to be the biggest flop in Chelsea's history. You can see for yourself by going to http://www.torres50.webs.com

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti finally decided to start with Drogba at the weekend while Torres was getting splinters on the bench and while Drobga scored Torres only got to see 8 minutes action. Is Ancelotti's patience finally worn thin?

There's no doubting the mans talents but injuries and no breaks in pre-season for the last two years seem to be taking it's toll on the Spaniard. I bet those Liverpool fans who questioned Torres sale must now be rubbing there hands together!!

Next match for Chelsea: Wednesday 20th April (h) Birmingham City.

Chelsea fans, can you see Torres scoring before the season is finished or will Torres end up in the same group of ex-Chelsea players such as Hernan Crespo, Andriy Shevchenko and Mateja Kezman?
Let us know your views either email jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Jack Wilshere PFA Young Footballer Of The Year

It was a North London double at the PFA awards last night.
Tottenham Hotpur midfielder/defender/playmaker Gareth Bale walked away with the player of the year award but Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere won the young players award.
The votes for the award are for the players who has impressed their fellow professionals over the last calender year (Jan 1-Dec 31 2010) and in this time Wilshere started to make a name for himself on loan at Bolton Wanderers. The mifielder had already been touted as one to watch but Owen Coyle unearthed this gem of a player. In his 14 appearances for the Trotters Wilshere help propel Bolton up the table to safety ensuring another season of Premier League football at the Reebok but this season Wilshere has cemented his place not only in the Arsenal starting line-up but also one of the first names to appear on Fabio Capello's England team sheet.
Wilshere was nominated for his outstanding form but it was some achievement to walk away with the trophy considering who he was up against. The other nominees were:

Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Nani (Manchester United) and Samir Nasri (Arsenall)

Hleb eyeing Arsenal returnI love Arsenal and if I have a chance to go back I will

Belarussian international midfielder Alex Hleb has hinted he would like to return to Arsenal in the summer.

The 29 year old is currently on loan at Birmingham City from Spanish giants Barcelona but has said if he had his way there would only be on club he would want to play for next season. 

Speaking to The Daily Mirror Hleb said “I would like to stay in the Premier League and I know which club. We will speak and hopefully everything will be good. I love Arsenal and they are always in my heart. If I have a chance to go back then I will. In life everything is possible.”

This season Hleb has made 16 appearances for Birmingham scoring one goal (against MK Dons) but has ruled out making the loan move permanent saying: "No. I don’t stay here and I don’t want to stay. I enjoyed my time but this is not my way of football. Here you just need to fight, run and not much passing.play football." This is for me something new. I will give my best for this club, but I prefer to

So the question has to be will Hleb get the chance to add to his 89 appearnaces for Arsenal or will Wenger be looking to spend some of Kroenke's money on other players. Let us know what you think by emailing jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Arsenal title challenge overArsenal 1 (van Persie 90+8pen) Liverpool 1 (Kuyt 90+12pen)

Arsenal saw their Premier League title hopes all but extinguished after Dirk Kuyt secured a point for Liverpool with a last-gasp penalty just moments after Robin Van Persie's spotkick had looked to have secured the points for Arsenal

The Gunners - now six point points behind leaders Manchester United having played the same number of games - had plenty of possession and hit the bar in the first half through Laurent Koscielny, but were unable to make their dominance count until deep into eight minutes of stoppage time when van Persie crashed home a spot-kick.

However, Liverpool - who had earlier seen captain Jamie Carragher carried off following concussion - snatched a point with the final kick of the match after Emmanuel Eboue had pushed Lucas Leiva.

While the match ended in high drama, before kick-off there was a minute's silence in memory of late Arsenal director Danny Fiszman, who passed away following a battle against cancer and also remembering the 96 Liverpool supporters who died 22 years ago this week in the Hillsborough tragedy.

The sale of Fiszman's holding in the Gunners' parent company led to American Stan Kroenke crossing the takeover threshold, but it remains to be seen whether the Denver-based entrepreneur will be able to complete his proposed £730m buyout.

When the action got under way, Arsenal - unbeaten in 14 matches and yet to lose in 2011 - started well, with Abou Diaby glancing a header wide from Samir Nasri's curling free-kick. Arsenal were careless in possession far too often, with Liverpool quick to capitalise on the break.

The hosts sparked into life, though, after 12 minutes when Theo Walcott stung Pepe Reina with a fierce 25-yard drive which the Reds keeper spilled and van Persie hooked the loose ball back across an open goal, which was headed behind. From van Persie's right wing corner, Laurent Koscielny got up above the Liverpool defence and in front of Reina to crash a header against the bar.

Liverpool were forced into a change on 21 minutes when full-back Fabio Aurelio limped off with a recurrence of his hamstring problem, replaced by 17-year-old Jack Robinson for a second senior appearance.

Luis Suarez's slip allowed van Persie and Cesc Fabregas to open up the Liverpool defence, but the Arsenal skipper drilled his 20-yard shot wide. Liverpool were being pegged back, with Walcott firing a low ball in from the right which was booted behind.

It continued to be one-way traffic with Liverpool defending deep, but Arsenal could not find a telling pass in the final third. In first-half stoppage time, Eboue's angled drive at the near post was deflected across the face of goal and away.

It was again a bright opening by Liverpool after the restart. Suarez created space for himself at the edge of the Arsenal penalty area, but dragged his shot wide. There was a scare for the visitors when Andy Carroll went down after twisting his knee and ankle when challenging for a loose ball in the box. After some treatment, though, the £35m England man was back in the action.

Reds skipper Carragher then appeared to have been knocked unconscious after a clash of heads with John Flanagan, sparking more anxious scenes on the visitors bench as the medical staff from both teams attended. The former England defender was eventually carried off on a stretcher, his neck in a brace and given oxygen. Sotirios Kyrgiakos came on as a substitute.

With 20 minutes left, Carroll was replaced by Jonjo Shelvey before Arsenal made a double change when Jack Wilshere and Walcott were replaced by Nicklas Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin, the Russian making his 100th appearance for the Gunners.

Wojciech Szczesny got down well to beat away an angled shot from Suarez as Liverpool looked to snatch all three points. Reina made a decent block when van Persie was played into the left side of the Liverpool area, before at the other end, Suarez spooned his shot high and wide in space at the near post.

Because of the injury to Carragher, there were some eight minutes of stoppage time, and just when that seemed to be running out, Fabregas went tumbling over Jay Spearing's leg and this time, the referee pointed to the spot. Van Persie stepped up to send Reina the wrong way and seemingly keep Arsenal in the title hunt.

However, there was more late drama after Alex Song tripped Lucas right on the edge of the area. Suarez's free-kick went into the wall, but Eboue then pushed over Lucas to conceded another stoppage-time spot-kick which Kuyt dispatched.

It proved the last action of an amazing end to the game, which leaves Arsenal all but out of the title race and left a dejected Arsene Wenger confronting the officials - and opposite number Kenny Dalglish as they walked off.

LINEUPS:

Arsenal: 53-Szczesny, 02-Diaby, 04-Fabregas, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 10-van Persie, 14-Walcott, 19-Wilshere, 20-Djourou, 22-Clichy, 27-Eboue SUBS USED:17-Song, 23-Arshavin, 52-Bendtner

Liverpool: 25-Reina, 04-Meireles, 06-Aurelio, 07-Suarez, 09-Carroll, 18-Kuyt, 21-Lucas, 23-Carragher, 26-Speaing, 37-Skrtel, 38-Flanagan SUBS USED: 16-Kyrgiakos, 33-Shelvey, 49-Robinson

Wilshere believes Arsenal can win Premier League TitleUnofficial title obviously isn't enough for them

Some may think he is crazy but Jack Wilshere believes Arsenal can still win the title this season.

The Gunners currently find themselves seven points behind leaders Manchester United with a game in hand. Whilst United are go head to head with city rivals Manchester City for an FA Cup Final place Arsenal will be entertaining Liverpool where a victory will cut the gap to four points.

Arsenals run in is difficult. As well as playing Liverpool the Gunners have to play Tottenham Hotspur who are pushing for a Champions League spot and a possible title deciding match against Manchester United on May 1 but the 19 year old England international still thinks Arsenal can end their barren spell and win some silverware.

He told the Daily Express "Playing in Europe is going to catch up with them. We have got a week in between every game now to prepare ourselves, so it can only be good for us. We have got a game in hand and United have still got to come to the Emirates. If we win those games, we're within one point of them."

The  Gunners beat Blackpool 3-1 at the weekend, their first win in 5 matches, so if Wilshere is to realise the dream and win a Premier League title in his first full season he knows Arsenal must win all of their remaining matches and hope United slip up on the way.

Arsenal fans, do you think Wilshere has a point or should the team concentrate on next season. Man Utd fans, do you think the elusive 19th title is finally yours or is there still a long way to go?

Let us know your views, email jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76
 

Arsenal prepare £15m for French international Yann M'Vila set for Gunners move?

Arsenal are one of a host of Europes top clubs taking a look at £15m rated midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The 20 year old French international has been in red-hot form for Rennes this season as they challenge for the Ligue Un title making 29 appearances scoring 2 goals.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Real Madrid have shown interest in M'Vila but Arsene Wenger is expected to make his move at the end of the season.
Arsenals chief scout is heading to Route de Lorient, to watch M'Vila in action when Rennes host FC Lorient at the weekend.

Arsenal fans, who's place will he be taking should M'Vila join in the summer and if the takeover bid goes ahead could this be the first of many expensive signings to be made by Arsene Wenger?
Let us know your views by emailing us at jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Diaby and RVP clash at half-timeWinner to fight Audley Harrison!!

Reports are surfacing that all was not well at half time for our champions Arsenal.
Despite being 2-0 up against struggling Blackpool Abou Diaby and Robin Van Persie were a loggerheads in the dressing room. Reason for the argument is not yet known but The Mirror reports it may have been down to Diaby's booking in the first half for kicking the ball away.
The argument may have affected the side for a little while in the second half as Gary Taylor-Fletcher scored for Blackpool to make it 2-1 but Van Persie scored half way through the second half to restore the two goal advantage and take the 3 points back to The Emirates.


It seemed a weekend for duelling players. At the Reebok, West Ham midfielder Mark Noble and goalkeeper Robert Green came to blows during the game, although if you watch the highlights on Match Of The Day you would never have known it happened.


Arsenal and West Ham fans, what do you think of fueding footballer. Overstepping the mark or showing passion for the cause. Let me know your views at jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Rosicky going nowhere - Agent

The agent of Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has confirmed his client will not leave the Emirates in the summer.

The 30 year old has made 33 appearances for the Gunners this season in all competitions scoring just the one goal against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup and there have been rumours Aston Villa are preparing a summer bid for the man who has made 80 appearances for Czech Republic but Pavel Paska says Rosicky is staying where he is. Paska, interviewed by Tuttomercatoweb said : ""There are have been many false rumours circluating, but at the moment, there is nothing concrete. It has been quite some time since I have heard from Arsene Wenger. Therefore, there is no new news, and if there is a change, he will be the first to communicate this."

Arsenal fan, good news or bad news? Tell us your views at jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Gunners to come under new ownershipKroenke set to take over Arsenal

Unofficial Premier League champions Arsenal could become the latest Premier League side to full under foreign ownership by the end of the week.
Worldwidefootball understands American Stan Kroenke, who owns 29.9 percent of Arsenals shares, is in talks with Danny Fiszman and Lady Bracewell-Smith about buying their controlling stake from them.
Fiszman owns 16.1% of the shares while Lady Smith owns slighty less at 15.9%. Should the deal go ahead it could cost Kroenke £225m (£11k a share)
This would mean Kroenke owns 62% of Arsenal and will then offer to buy the remaining shares and take complete control of the North London club.
Although some Arsenal fans are skeptical about the take over Kroenke has proven he is in this as a sports fanatic as well as a businessman.
Kroenke owns six teams back in the US and is now looking to expand into the English Premier League.
Kroenke (worth over £1.5bn) owns NFL side St Louis Rams, NBA Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche from the NFL, MLS side Colorado Rapids, Lacrosse Colorado Mammoths and Colorado Crush (Arena Football).


Arsenal fans, the take over could be completed by the end of the week, do you see this as a good thing to happen to your club?
Let us know by emailing jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Arsenal do like to be beside the seasideBlackpool 1 (Taylor-Fletcher 52) Arsenal 3 (Diaby 18, Eboue 21, Van Persie 76)

Arsenal's 3-1 victory today has cut Manchester United's lead at the top to seven points and it was an afternoon that started dramatically with Arsene Wenger forced to hand a last-minute place to veteran Jens Lehmann after Manuel Almunia injured his knee in the warm-up.
Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue put Arsenal into a commanding position at Bloomfield Road but Gary Taylor-Fletcher replied as relegation-threatened Blackpool played for their top-flight lives. Taylor-Fletcher felt he was denied a penalty but Van Persie made victory safe for Arsenal after 76 minutes.
The afternoon started in dramatic fashion as Almunia injured his knee in the warm-up and manager Arsene Wenger was forced to turn to 41-year-old Lehmann. It was an unexpected 200th appearance in a Gunners jersey for the German, who was recently coaxed out of retirement to provide emergency cover in the title run-in. Lehmann had little to do in the first half as Arsenal, with captain Cesc Fabregas also back in their starting line-up, overpowered the struggling Tangerines.

Blackpool had an early chance when Ian Evatt headed over from a Charlie Adam corner but after that it appeared Arsenal had no intention of suffering a repeat of their last week's Blackburn stalemate. Andrey Arshavin and Van Persie put early shots over before Richard Kingson rushed out to deny Samir Nasri.
It quickly became one-way traffic and the Gunners carved open the Blackpool defence with ease to claim a 17th-minute lead. Fabregas picked out Van Persie with a superb cross-field ball and the Dutchman crossed for Diaby to sidefoot home from close range.
Arsenal grabbed a second three minutes later, Eboue played a neat one-two in the box with Jack Wilshere and then blasted past Kingson. Blackpool enjoyed a little spell of possession but were unable to test Lehmann. Van Persie had another chance controlling a long Fabregas pass and shot at Kingson.
Kingson needed to be alert again to block an effort by the fleet-footed Nasri after more slick football by the Gunners. Nasri had another opportunity seconds later when the ball was lobbed back into the box by Fabregas but his volley hit the bottom of the post. Van Persie then took the ball past the outrushing Kingson to set up Diaby but Stephen Crainey got back to tackle.
The home fans thought Adam had pulled one back immediately after the restart but his long-range free-kick had struck the side-netting. The Tangerines, however, had realised they had little to lose by taking the game to Arsenal and did reply after 52 minutes.
Luke Varney was fouled but play carried on and Jason Puncheon played in Campbell. The striker appeared to be fouled by Lehmann as he closed in on goal but the ball ran on for Taylor-Fletcher to fire home.
Blackpool were inspired and poured forward again. Manager Ian Holloway was furious his side were denied a penalty when Taylor-Fletcher went down under a Laurent Koscielny challenge. Taylor-Fletcher then headed wide as Blackpool maintained the pressure but Van Persie shot across the face of goal at the other end.
Arsenal made the game safe 14 minutes from time as they quickly turned defence into attack. Campbell shaped to shoot for Blackpool but Sebastien Squillaci won possession and Fabregas released substitute Theo Walcott down the right.
Blackpool struggled to get back and Walcott crossed low into the box and Van Persie made no mistake in front of goal. Blackpool tried to set up a tight finish but Evatt headed at Lehmann and the Gunners eased to the final whistle.


Arsenal fans, now the gap is down to 7 points do you think you could win the Premier League or are you looking to the new season?
Blackpool fans, your one place above the relegation zone, will it be Championship football for you or can Holloways boys climb the table to safety.


Let us know your feelings by emailing jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76


LINE UPS:


Blackpool: 28-Kingson, 03-Crainey, 04-Southern, 06-Evatt, 12-Taylor-Fletcher, 15-Baptiste, 16-Varney, 20-Cathcart, 26-Adam, 39, Campbell, 42-Puncheon Subs used: 23-Phillips, 41-Kornilenko, 43-Reid
Arsenal: 13-Lehmann, 02-Diaby, 04-Fabregas, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 18-Squillaci, 19-Wilshere, 22-Clichy, 23-Arshavin, 27-Eboue Subs used: 14-Walcott, 16-Ramsey, 28-Gibbs

Drawing ways continue for ArsenalArsenal 0 Blackburn Rovers 0

Arsenal were left frustrated as their Premier League title hopes suffered a setback after struggling Blackburn battled to a goalless draw at the Emirates.

The Gunners, who now trail Manchester United by seven points (with a match in hand) had all of the possession, but were unable to really test Paul Robinson. Rovers, who had lost five of the last eight matches, grew in confidence and survived the sending-off of midfielder Steven Nzonzi to earn a useful point in their battle against relegation.

With United having come from behind to win at West Ham earlier in the day, Arsenal could not afford another off day following two successive draws before the international break, but that is exactly what happened.

It had been a positive start by the Gunners. Fit again Theo Walcott got away to the edge of the Rovers box before squaring to Alex Song and his shot was deflected behind. After four minutes, Walcott was proving too hot to handle and his low shot was hacked clear by Ryan Nelsen before he was then denied at the near post by Robinson. Rovers, just a point above the drop zone, were in danger of being overrun.

However, Steve Kean's men were given some respite when full-backs Martin Olsson and Bacary Sagna collided when going for a ball on the touchline, leaving the Rovers man worse off. Samir Nasri then needed treatment for a clash of heads with Nelsen, returning with a thick bandage.

That break in play interrupted Arsenal's flow and on 23 minutes, Rovers had an opportunity when Laurent Koscielny tripped David Hoilett 22 yards out however Brett Emerton, smashed his free-kick high into the stands.

Arsenal were soon back on the offensive and broke quickly when Robin van Persie fed Nasri on the overlap, but as the French international cut the ball back on to the penalty spot, Jack Wilshere somehow stabbed his first-time shot wide.

Manuel Almunia had been a spectator, but was almost embarrassed when Olsson's 25-yard effort took a slight deflection and he was left out of position as the ball bounced off his gloves and rolled just past the post.

Hoilett then cut inside Sagna before darting into the penalty area only to skew his shot wide. Walcott burst clear from a quick throw-out, but had no support and eventually dragged his shot wide from 20 yards. Rovers sent a long ball into the Arsenal box from a free-kick in their own half, which Almunia failed to punch and Nzonzi saw his backward header drop just wide.

Again the hosts started brightly at the restart as Van Persie got away down the left to force a corner, which the Dutchman went across to take and then whipped straight across the face of goal. The game, though, soon slipped back into the same pattern as Rovers continued to break up Arsenal's attacks with relative ease.
Frustrations boiled over again when Wilshere elected to pass back to Andrey Arshavin rather than shoot, the ball going behind for a corner, which Koscielny guided goalwards, but Robinson held. Wenger had seen enough and with 32 minutes to go, sent on captain Cesc Fabregas, replacing Arshavin, on his return from a hamstring injury.

Arsenal, however, continued to lack a creative spark in the final third as time and again they failed to find the decisive pass. Van Persie made space for a low shot at the edge of the area, but Robinson was down quickly. Wilshere needed treatment after falling on his shoulder when sliding for a loose ball on the far side.

On 76 minutes, Rovers were reduced to ten men when Nzonzi was shown a straight red card after jumping in two-footed on Koscielny.

Wilshere's quick feet saw the ball pulled back for substitute Marouane Chamakh on the penalty spot, but his shot was blocked by Olsson's brave dive. Robinson produced a fine save from Chamakh's deflected header, but the whistle had already gone for a push by the Moroccan.

Fabregas smashed a 25-yard free-kick into the wall as Arsenal's frustration continued. Michel Salgado blocked Bendtner's goalbound header off the line, and Van Persie nodded over in stoppage time to leave Arsenal counting a costly third successive draw.

LINE-UPS:

ARSENAL: 01-Almunia, 03-Sagna, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 14-Walcott, 17-Song, 18-Squillaci, 19-Wilshere, 22-Clichy, 23-Arshavin SUBS USED: 04-Fabregas, 29-Chamakh, 52-Bendtner
BLACKBURN ROVERS: 01-Robinson, 02-J.Jones, 03-Olsson, 04-Samba, 06-Nelsen, 07-Emerton, 15-Nzonzi, 18-Santa Cruz, 23-Hoilett, 27-Salgado, 28-P.Jones SUBS USED: 08-Dunn, 30-Roberts

Next Title Match: Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers Title Match Number: 07

After the international break its finally back to the Premier League.
'Unofficial' champions Arsenal head into their seventh title match on Saturday when they host Blackburn Rovers at The Emirates.
Both sides will be looking for a win but looking at the history books you can understand why Arsenal are the strong favorites despite missing a whole host of players in fact as I am writing this the latest round of International matches are going on and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must be looking through his fingers hoping no-one else gets an injury.
Come Saturday Arsenal could be without the likes of Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Johan Djourou and Vermaelen but even with these players missing Arsenal will be to strong for Rovers.
Despite being in 13th place Blackburn are only one point away from the relegation zone so need a win to get themselves away from the chasing pack.
Rovers last win at Arsenal was in season 2002/03 when they beat the Gunners 1-2 (33/1 @ Skybet) but I can't see them repeating that feat.
The early kick-off see's Manchester United playing West Ham United at Upton Park and should the Red Devils win at Upton Park Arsenal will find themselves eight points behind the league leaders so a win is must if they are to remain in the title hunt.
The last match between these two here saw a 6-2 victory for Arsenal with eight different goalscorers. This time round it will still be a home win and this time it'll be 3-0 (15/2 PaddyPower)


Gunners fans what do you think the score will be at the weekend. All views will be printed, as long as their clean!! Email jaymoe26@gmail.com for follow twitter @jamiemason76


Last match @ The Emirates: 04/10/2009 - Arsenal 6 (Vermaelen, Van Persie, Arshavin, Fabregas, Walcott, Bendtner) Blackburn Rovers 2 (Nzonzi, Dunn)


Head 2 Head: Arsenal: 51 wins Draw: 29 Blackburn Rovers: 25 wins


Best Odds: Arsenal 2/7 Draw 5/1 Blackburn Rovers 12/1


Prediction: Arsenal 3-0

Arsenal cling on to unofficial title West Brom 2 (Reid 3, Odemwingie 58), Arsenal 2 (Arshavin 70, Van Persie)

Arsenal's official title challenge suffered a blow as their late rally was only enough to secure a draw at West Brom.

Albion were 2-0 up just before the hour mark when Peter Odemwingie capitalised on a mix-up between Manuel Almunia and Sebastien Squillaci to add to Steven Reid's early header.

The Gunners staged a comeback with goals in the 70th minute from Andrey Arshavin and 78th from Robin van Persie, but they could not find a winner and are now five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United, who beat Bolton 1-0. The Baggies, meanwhile, are a point above the relegation zone in 16th place as they were at the start of the day.

Arsene Wenger's team were in need of a lift following their League Cup final defeat and elimination from the Champions League and FA Cup over the last few weeks, but they made the worst possible start as West Brom took the lead after only three minutes.

Albion skipper Chris Brunt swung in a corner and Reid was allowed the space to jump and crash a header beyond Almunia for his first Premier League goal for nearly five years. Aaron Ramsey, starting a game for the Gunners for the first time since breaking his leg last season, appeared to be the main culprit in failing to mark Reid as Arsenal's defensive frailties were laid bare.

Moments later Jerome Thomas won the ball and broke forward, sending in a dangerous delivery that just evaded Odemwingie. The visitors started to gain more possession but were struggling to get a proper foothold and the game was temporarily halted after 20 minutes when Laurent Koscielny clashed heads with James Morrison, the latter having to come off for treatment.

While Morrison was off the pitch Arsenal showed some threatening signs, with only the head of Jonas Olsson preventing Ramsey getting on the end of a Gael Clichy cross. Arsenal should have then equalised when Van Persie's header came back off the bar. The ball dropped to Ramsey right in front of goal, but the Wales midfielder could only strike it straight at Scott Carson.

As Morrison returned with a bandage around his head the Gunners continued to press, Samir Nasri seeing a cross come off the legs of Abdoulaye Meite towards goal but Carson was able to avert the danger. Van Persie tried his luck just before the break but his shot was off-target.

There was a substitution for each side at half-time as Albion boss Roy Hodgson brought on Marek Cech for Paul Scharner, who had also taken a knock to the head, and Wenger introduced Marouane Chamakh in place of Denilson in an attempt to give his side more attacking impetus.

Chamakh soon sent a header goalwards but it did not trouble Carson and within minutes, the Baggies were almost 2-0 in front as Brunt slid in to meet Cech's cross, the captain just poking it the wrong side of the post.

Wenger bolstered his forward line again with Nicklas Bendtner coming on for Ramsey, but just seconds later West Brom did score again - thanks in no small part to Almunia. The Spanish goalkeeper came charging out of his box when Youssouf Mulumbu launched a long ball forward but completely misjudged it before getting in a tangle with Squillaci and Odemwingie gleefully slotted into the net.

The watching Jens Lehmann, back on the Arsenal bench after rejoining the club on a rolling monthly contract earlier in the week, looked less than impressed.

When Koscielny picked up a booking for a hefty challenge on Odemwingie and Van Persie blazed a free-kick over the bar, the Gunners seemed to be fading, but a slick move saw them suddenly pull a goal back through Arshavin, who played a one-two with Chamakh before turning and rifling a shot beyond Carson.

Marc-Antoine Fortune came on for Odemwingie but Arsenal began pouring forward and eight minutes after Arshavin's strike they found a leveller, with the Russian again the catalyst. His looping cross hit the post and Meite was unable to deal with the rebound before Van Persie bundled it over the line.

Arsenal now looked the more likely winners, but Fortune went close at the other end, cutting into the box and seeing his shot deflect wide. Play switched once more and the Gunners sent a succession of balls into the West Brom box, but there was no way through. Jack Wilshere shot over the bar and Carson saved from Clichy at the death as Albion hung on for a vital point.

LINE UPS:

WEST BROMWICH ALBION: 01-Carson, 03-Olsson, 07-Morrison, 11-Brunt, 12-Reid, 14-Thomas, 20-Shorey, 21-Mulumbu, 23-Meite, 24-Odemwingie, 33-Scharner SUBS USED: 04-Cech, 28-Fortune

ARSENAL: 01-Almunia, 03-Sagna, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 15-Denilson, 16-Ramsey, 18-Squillaci, 19-Wilshere, 22-Clichy, 23-Arshavin SUBS USED: 29-Chamakh, 52-Bendtner

Todays other scores:

Aston Villa 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: WW-Jarvis

Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Blackpool: BR-Samba, Hoilett; BP-Adam (2)

Everton 2-1 Fulham: EV-Coleman, Saha; FU-Dempsey

Manchester United 1-0 Bolton Wanderers: MU-Berbatov

Stoke City 4-0 Newcastle United: SC-Walters, Pennant, Higginbotham, Fuller

Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 West Ham United

Wigan Athletic 2-1 Birmingham City: WA-Cleverley, Figueroa; BC-Ridgewell

Swiss FA make statement regarding Djourou

The Swiss Football Association have backtracked on a statement released early yesterday which had hinted that centre-back Johan Djourou could feature for his homeland in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria.

The towering Arsenal defender is understood to have dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United last weekend; an injury which Arsene Wenger initially diagnosed as being serious enough to rule out the 24-year-old for the rest of the season.

Confusion reigned yesterday when a statement on the official website of the Swiss FA stressed that their own medical team felt Djourou could feature again in the near future having not sustained serious ligament or bone damage.

Nevertheless, under pressure from the Gunners the Swiss have again changed their stance in a statement entitled, Djourou: Hope Gone.

“Johan Djourou’s shoulder injury means he will definitely not play for Switzerland against Bulgaria on March 26.

“The 24-year-old defender will be examined by a specialist on Thursday.”

Djourou fit and well say Swiss FA

Arsenal expect defender Johan Djourou to be out for the rest of the season despite suggestions to the contrary from Switzerland today.

The Swiss Football Association posted a statement on their official website today suggesting a more positive prognosis than Arsene Wenger's initial post-match comments after Djourou suffered a dislocated shoulder in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Manchester United.
However, that article, which even went as far as to suggest the defender could feature in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria on March 26, has since been removed.
It is understood the 24-year-old will now have further scans with Arsenal's medical team and is expected to undergo corrective surgery later this week.
The Swiss FA had claimed that the damage was not as bad as initially feared after the defender underwent extensive tests on Monday.
Swiss team doctors found that Djourou did not have any broken bones and his shoulder ligaments were not seriously strained, prompting the Swiss FA to claim that they will make "every effort" to get Djourou fit to face Bulgaria in an away qualifier on March 26.

Andre Ayew silent over Arsenal transfer speculation

Marseille winger Andre Ayew has refused to be drawn into speculation that he is on the verge of moving to Arsenal at the end of the season.

Ayew, son of Ghanaian football legend Abedi Pele, has impressed for the Ligue 1 club this season after spending the last few years away on-loan.

The youngster has persistently been linked with moves to English sides with Manchester United and Liverpool touted as the clubs keen on signing him.

According to fresh English media reports on Tuesday, the 21-year-old had been on the radar of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for some time, and the Frenchman is certain now is the time to sign his man.

But Ayew would not discuss the matter, other than to stress that the speculation would not affect his quest to win laurels for his clubs this season.

“I’m not going to talk about speculation in the newspapers and websites about my future with Marseille,” Ayew told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“These speculations won’t affect me at all because I am only focused on doing one thing and that’s helping my club Marseille this season.

“When these reports started to filter out, I extended my contract with this great club Marseille and I am keen to continue here.

“I will continue to play my heart out for my club as we want to win trophies and not to concentrate on what the media is speculating.”

The deal could spark the end of Andrey Arshavin’s time in North London after the Russian has grown frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities.

Blackburn plan £15m striker swoops

Blackburn Rovers are believed to be interested in acquiring the services of Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner.

The Dane has in the past voiced concerns about his situation at the north London club and has made just three starts in the Premier League this term.

And having failed to lure the likes of David Beckham and Ronaldinho in the past, The Daily Mail reports that Rovers are now looking to make a £15 million move for the towering forward.

It is thought that Blackburn may look to lure the forward with a hefty wage package, despite currently struggling in the Premier League.

Gunners could sign keepers on Lehmans terms

Jens Lehmann is set to come out of retirement and return to Arsenal on a short-term contract if he can prove his fitness to Arsene Wenger.

Lehmann, 41, is in talks with the Gunners about a shock return three years after leaving them and hopes to be included in the squad for this weekend's trip to West Brom.

It is understood that the veteran, who was at Camp Nou last week for Arsenal's Champions League elimination at the hands of Barcelona, will be assessed by Wenger in training sessions at London Colney this week.

Manuel Almunia is the Londoners' only senior goalkeeper currently available following injuries to Wojciech Szczesny (finger) and Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder), while rookie Vito Mannone, currently on loan at Hull City, is sidelined with a thigh problem.

James Shea, a 19-year-old England youth international, has been recalled from a loan spell at Southampton but is considered too inexperienced for frontline action.

Lehmann is currently a free agent having retired from the game last summer after two seasons with Stuttgart back in the Bundesliga following his five-year spell at Arsenal.

The Premier League have confirmed that the German can be signed outside the transfer window as he is currently without a club and Wenger, who revealed last week that he intended to bring in cover for the run-in, would hope to have him available and on the bench at the Hawthorns.  Lehmann made almost 200 appearances for the club after signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2003 and was sent off in the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona before losing his place to Almunia, although he would be considered very much understudy to the Spaniard this time around.
The former Germany international has been working in the media since retiring from the game and has attended matches at the Emirates already this season as a pundit for both English and German broadcasters.

Arsenal fans, would you like to see the mad German have a final swansong for the Gunners or at 41 should Wenger have looked for other options.  Email us at jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Ramsey Happy To Be Back In Action

Aaron Ramsey insists he is not haunted by the memory of his broken leg as he bids to get Arsenal's season back on track.

The Wales midfielder came on as a substitute in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United as the Gunners crashed out of a third cup competition in the space of a fortnight.

Having got matches under his belt at Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Cardiff, Ramsey pulled on an Arsenal shirt for the first time in over a year after breaking his leg in a tackle against Stoke's Ryan Shawcross in February 2010.

He was unable to turn around the Gunners' fortunes at Old Trafford, but he hopes his return to action can help give Arsenal a much-needed boost as they turn their focus to the Premier League.

Unofficial Champions Arsenal Exit FA CupManchester United 2 (Fabio 28, Rooney 49) Arsenal 0

Two weeks ago Arsene Wengers side had the chance of winning the quadruple.  Now, after defeats to Birmingham City, Barcelona and now Manchester United all Arsene Wengers team have to fight for is the Official Premier League title.

It all looked to rosy for the Gunners a couple of weeks backj, playing there famous attractive football they were brushing teams aside at ease but since the Carling Cup Final its all gone a bit, well, wrong really.

The defensive mix-up between Koscielny and Szcz ... Sx.... the keeper cost them their first cup of the season and they were outclassed by a much superior Barcelona who I feel would've knocked Arsenal out even if RVP hadn't been sent off but I felt they could beat a Manchester United side that fielded SEVEN defenders.

The beginning of the match would've given Arsenal fans a lot of hope playing some decent football but it was United that opened the scoring. Arsenal pushed forward but United won the ball and hit the Gunners on the counter attack.  A lovely floated ball from Rooney found Hernandez who's header was parried by the returning Almunia but the ball only went as far as Fabio, or was it Raphael, no definately Fabio who slid in and put the ball into the roof of the net.

Arsenal were still attacking and if it weren't for the heroics of veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar maybe the score line would've been different but at half time United were leading 1-0.

The second half couldn't have started better for United.  Antonio Valencia made his return after a long absense recovering from a broken leg.  Again it was an Arsenal attack that led to United extedning their lead.  Koscielny twice denied by the outstanding van der Sar was out of position and as United attacked Hernandez shot was again blocked but Wayne Rooney, who is getting back to his best, was there to nod home.

From here I felt the game was over.

With Arsenal trying to get back into the game they left spaces at the back and United tried to get the third.  They almost did with eight minutes remianing, Hernandez shot was blocked by a combination of Sagna and Djourou. Djourou stayed on the floor for over five minutes where he recieved oxygen and was stretchered off.  Later it was discovered the defenders season was over suffering a dislocated shoulder.

Wenger had used up his three substitutes so Arsenal for the second game running finished with 10 men.  Now the game was over.

Verdict on the game: Very entertaining.  I can see why Ferguson wants Van der Sar to stay for another season at United.  Even though he is now 40 he showed today he is still the best keeper in the Premier League, maybe even Europe.

United head into the semi-finals, where they were joined today by Bolton Wanderers, looking forward to maybe another treble while Arsenal can concentrate on their Premier League ambitions (as well as keeping the more important unofficial title!!)

United fans, do you think you can repeat the feat of 1999, and Arsenal fans, do you think Wenger will get that ellusive trophy or will it be another year of what if's and maybe, let me know by emailing us at jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter #jamiemason76

Line Ups:

Manchester United: 01-Van der Sar, 03-Evra, 06-Brown, 10-Rooney, 12-Smalling, 14-Hernandez, 15-Vidic, 20-Fabio Da Silva, 21-Rafael Da Silva, 22-O'Shea, 28-Gibson SUBS USED: 11-Giggs, 18-Scholes, 25-Valencia

Arsenal: 01-Almunia, 02-Diaby, 03-Sagna, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 15-Denilson, 19-Wilshere, 20-Djourou, 23-Arshavin, 28-Gibbs SUBS USED: 07-Rosicky, 16-Ramsey, 29-Chamakh

Unofficial Title Holder Out Of Champions LeagueBarcelona 3 (Messi 45, 71, Xavi, 69) Arsenal 1 (Busquets 51og) Barca win 4-3 on agg

Ten-man Arsenal succumbed to Barcelona as they were again knocked out of the Champions League by the Catalan outfit.

A Cesc Fabregas mistake allowed Lionel Messi to chip a ball over keeper Manuel Almunia and slot in for Barca.

Arsenal levelled through a Sergio Busquets own goal before the visitors had Robin van Persie harshly sent off.

Barcelona took full advantage as a brilliant move led to Xavi slotting in before Laurent Koscielny's foul on Pedro let Messi score from the spot.

Arsene Wenger's side had their Champions League dreams shattered at the Nou Camp last season when a Messi-inspired Barcelona came from a goal down to win their quarter-final 4-1 and 6-3 on aggregate.

The Gunners' return this time around, with a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their last 16 tie, was a test of whether they had progressed and developed enough to show the steel and substance to beat the Spaniards.

Ultimately, they fell short again and, although the north London outfit will have cause for complaint with the dismissal of Van Persie for a second yellow card, they were given another footballing lesson by the home side.

Arsenal barely failed to muster a shot on goal as they spent most of the game trying to stop the Barca tide.

Van Persie and Fabregas had missed the defeat at the Nou Camp last season and, although they started this time around, the result was the same as the pair played pivotal roles in Arsenal's downfall.

The Gunners had been forced to swap their artistry for attrition as Pep Guardiola's team quickly set the tone of the game by dominating possession while passing and probing for an opening.

Barcelona's work rate in winning the ball back helped keep up their relentless pressure as Arsenal, who had to replace goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with Almunia early on, could not produce the crisp and controlled passing required to provide some relief.

The saving grace for the Gunners was that they were defending with discipline and determination, which was initially limiting their opponents to fleeting chances.

Overlapping Barcelona left-back Adriano hit the outside of the bar with an acute-angled shot before a weaving Messi run ended in him shooting straight at Almunia.

However, as half-time beckoned when Fabregas, who had described the Nou Camp as "mythical" in the build-up, inexplicably attempted a back-heel to Jack Wilshere 30 yards out only to give the ball away to Iniesta.

The Barcelona midfielder accepted the gift and dinked a ball through to Messi, who brilliantly lofted it over the onrushing Almunia before smacking in a shot.

It was a body blow for the Gunners and, despite being given a route back into the game when a Samir Nasri corner was headed into his own net by Busquets after 53 minutes, the visitors quickly suffered another setback.

Van Persie, who had been booked for an earlier foul on Dani Alves, was dismissed three minutes later for a second booking after attempting a shot at goal just after the whistle had been blown.

The Dutchman claimed he had not heard the whistle but it did not take the Catalan club long to make their numerical advantage count as Iniesta produced a wriggling run before finding Villa and his first time pass released Xavi, who slotted in.

Koscielny felled Pedro to concede a spot-kick, which Messi expertly converted, as Arsenal were on the brink of capitulation.

It was only the heroics of Almunia which kept the score down as he denied Ibrahim Afellay and Messi, while Alves missed a gilt-edged chance.

Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner could have punished the La Liga outfit by getting a goal which would have seen his side win on away goals.

But, when found by a late Wilshere cross, like his team, the striker did not have the quality needed as his control let him down.

LINE UPS:

Barcelona: 01-Valdes, 02-Daniel, 06-Xavi, 07-Villa, 08-Iniesta, 10-Messi, 14-Mascherano, 16-Busquets, 17-Pedrito, 21-Adriano Correia, 22-Abidal SUBS USED: 15-Keita, 19-Maxwell, 20-Afellay

Arsenal: 53-Szczesny, 02-Diaby, 03-Sagna, 04-Fabregas, 06-Koscielny, 07-Rosicky, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 19-Wilshere, 20-Djourou, 22-Clichy SUBS USED: 01-Almunia, 23-Arshavin, 52-Bendtner

Arsenal Blow Chance To Close Title Gap Arsenal 0 Sunderland 0

Arsenal missed the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to one point after being held to a goalless draw by resilient Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners knew that with United away to Liverpool on Sunday they could take a potentially significant stride towards a first top-flight title since 2004.

Instead, they will be frustrated that they stand three points behind their rivals after being denied victory by a mixture of questionable refereeing decisions and poor finishing.

Andrey Arshavin was involved in the two key incidents in the game. The Russian had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside and was denied a penalty when Titus Bramble appeared to push the forward as he was about to shoot.

Arsenal also missed chances as Samir Nasri had his free-kick parried by Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Marouane Chamakh was thwarted by the crossbar and Arshavin shot tamely from 12 yards.

It might even have been worse for Arsenal as Sunderland, who had lost each of their previous four matches, came close to snatching a late winner through Danny Welbeck.

Arsene Wenger's men must now shake off their disappointment and turn their attention to Tuesday's critical Champions League last-16 second leg against Barcelona - where they will aim to defend a 2-1 lead.

Cesc Fabregas is likely to recover from a hamstring injury in time to start at the Nou Camp but in his programme notes the Gunners captain urged Arsenal to focus solely on Sunderland with the title race "in our hands now".

Focus was indeed a key requirement for them in the early stages as Sunderland enjoyed plenty of possession, passing and moving with confidence and intent.

Johan Djourou needed to be alert to clear a low Jordan Henderson cross with Asamoah Gyan ready to pounce, while Phil Bardsley drilled narrowly wide from 20 yards.

Both sides were set up in 4-2-3-1 formations yet it was the visitors, winless in the league at Arsenal since 1983, who carried the greater threat going forward.

Lacking the calming influences of Fabregas and Robin van Persie, the hosts were forced to play largely on the counter-attack in the first half and the home supporters were soon murmuring in frustration.

A sliding Nicklas Bendtner almost connected with Gael Clichy's cross from the left but they had still yet to test Mignolet when Stephane Sessegnon saw a powerful effort repelled by Wojciech Szczesny at the other end.

Eventually Nasri began to drift infield from his position on the right of midfield and it seemed to help Arsenal settle into something resembling their usual rhythm.

On 35 minutes the Frenchman slalomed his way past several Sunderland defenders before his cut-back was deflected behind, and from the resultant corner Bendtner hit a close-range overhead kick straight at Mignolet.

Sunderland were now carrying less of a threat and manager Steve Bruce's concern showed when he lambasted Gyan for losing the ball on the near touchline and then failing to chase back.

The Black Cats were almost made to pay as Jack Wilshere released Bendtner, only for Mignolet to claw the Dane's goal-bound shot over the bar.

Arsenal started the second half much as they finished the first - seeing plenty of the ball but struggling to put Sunderland under sustained pressure or create meaningful openings.

But when Chamakh was brought on for Denilson - Wenger replacing a holding midfielder with a striker - the substitute almost had an immediate impact, only for Mignolet to deny Arshavin after the Moroccan's run and pass from right.

It was not long before Arsenal were applying pressure and Nasri's free-kick was clawed away before Chamakh rattled the woodwork with a close-range header.

The Gunners were laying siege to Sunderland's goal and they had a glorious chance to break the deadlock when Wilshere put Arshavin away but the Russian sliced wide under pressure from Bramble, who was lucky not to concede a spot-kick for a shove in the back of his opponent.

Sunderland managed to weather the storm and even pushed for a winner themselves, substitute Welbeck - returning from six weeks out - turning and delivering a shot that a diving Szczesny did brilliantly to turn behind. Bramble fired over from the corner.

But the game's most controversial moment came when Arshavin rounded Mignolet and put the ball into the Sunderland net only to be pulled back for offside despite being clearly level when played through by Bendtner.

Right at the last, Bendtner sent a glanced header goalwards and Djourou was inches away from diverting the ball past Mignolet as Arsenal's last hopes of a winner disappeared.

LINE UPS:

Arsenal: 53-Szczesny, 02-Diaby, 03-Sagna, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 15-Denilson, 19-Wilshere, 20-Djourou, 22-Clichy, 23-Arshavin, 52-Bendtner SUBS USED: 07-Rosicky, 29-Chamakh

Sunderland: 22-Mignolet, 02-Bardsley, 03-Richardson, 05-Mensah, 08-Malbranque, 10-Henderson, 11-Muntari, 19-Bramble, 28, Sessegnon, 29-Ferdinand, 33-Gyan SUBS USED: 17-Welbeck, 25-Colback