[ENG] Premiership 2007/2008 (34 Viewers)
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This is for you fred. 
Prem Preview: Arsenal – Bolton Wanderers
What: Premier League
Who: Arsenal (1st EPL, 22/24 pts) v Bolton Wanderers (19th EPL, 5/27 pts)
When: Saturday, 20 October, Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Where: Emirates Stadium, London
The Streak Continues
As the Premier League superstars return from international duty, it’s time for Arsenal to remind the rest of the competition that they sit top of the pile on merit.
Arsene Wenger has once again managed to build a team that is capable of destroying anything that is put in front of them, but their season has had its nervy moments.
Before the international break The Gunners were pushed all the way against Sunderland in a thrilling 3-2 win. Being two up within twenty minutes Arsenal were guilty of resting on their laurels, when really they should have gone for the jugular.
If Sunderland’s comeback was inspiring, the way Arsenal responded really deserves credit. Last season the team would have accepted a draw and tried to defend it. But this time around the team spirit and belief of Wenger’s gaggle of youngsters meant that, like they had shown against Manchester City and Fulham, the fat lady was gagged, bound and locked in the store cupboard before she could sing a note.
With Robin van Persie injured in action with his country, Wenger will have to rely on other options for gals, namely new signing Eduardo, who is yet to settle in North London. The Croatian is a proven goalscorer, but it’s yet to be seen whether he can fit in to Wenger’s inimitable style of play.
Of course goals are a plenty in the Arsenal team, Adebayor on fire, Fabregas also a willing contributor, the end result being an average of just under three goals scored at the Emirates in every Premier League game so far this season.
At the back Arsenal are also on form, however the goalkeeping situation refuses to disappear, with Lehmann denied a place, even on the bench, despite being back to full-fitness. However, the positives are that William Gallas is back for the first time in two months, and Senderos did well in his absence, which is sure to settle the nerves ahead of the African Nations when Toure will be missing for two months.
Despite all this, Arsenal are likely to be wary of the visit of Bolton Wanderers.
Managerless, but Clueless?
The Trotters take the long trip south without manager Sammy Lee, sacked just three days ago. The former assistant at Wanderers managed just 170 days at The Reebok, in which time he managed just one win and three draws in his eleven league games.
Currently only goal difference keeps The Trotters off the foot of the table after a disastrous start to the season. Losing Sam Allardyce was always going to be tough, and implementing a new style even harder, but perhaps it was Lee’s bid to separate himself from Allardyce, thus any previous success, that was his downfall.
Nevertheless, the season continues and Bolton need to start winning, and quick, if they are going to retain their Premier League status.
A trip to Arsenal then is perhaps not the best thing for the club, but the fixture list is indiscriminate, and you’d suggest that even with Lee, this game would be tough.
But football is a funny game and the departure of Lee might liberate a clearly talented side. In the last few weeks of Lee’s reign, the unrest in the dressing room was plain to see, and Wanderers were struggling. Without the manager’s influence, caretaker Archie Knox will probably tell his lads to get out and play their natural game, which will be to suffocate the opponent and play direct football, which won’t favour the home side.
At The Reebok, Bolton have a bit of a jinx over The Gunners, but in North London Arsenal have never been beaten in the league by the Lancashire outfit.
If The Trotters are to secure their first away win of the season, it’ll be the biggest upset of the season so far and could see Knox be handed the position on a permanent basis.
FORM GUIDE
Arsenal
07 Oct v Sunderland (H) WON 3-2 (Prem)
02 Oct v Steaua Bucharest (A) WON 1-0 (CL)
29 Sept v West Ham (A) WON 1-0 (Prem)
25 Sept v Newcastle United (H) WON 2-0 (CC)
22 Sept v Derby County (H) WON 5-0 (Prem)
Bolton Wanderers
07 Oct v Chelsea (H) LOST 1-0 (Prem)
04 Sept v FK Rabotniki (H) WON 1-0 (UEFA)
29 Sept v Derby County (A) DREW 1-1 (Prem)
26 Sept v Fulham (A) WON 2-1 aet (CC)
23 Sept v Tottenham (H) DREW 1-1 (Prem)
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Tomas Rosicky is fit again and ready for selection, but is likely to start on the bench. Having travelled back from South America, Gilberto is likely to be road-weary and will also start on the bench.
In-form Robin van Persie is out for at least a month with a knee injury, although scans carried out later this week may reveal that the damage is more serious. New signing Eduardo will start in his place.
William Gallas will make his first start since August 19, and will replace Philippe Senderos who is out with a back injury.
Jens Lehmann is fit and ready, but won’t even get a place on the bench as Almunia continues, with youngster Fabianski on the sidelines.
Last Starting XI: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Van Persie.
Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Eduardo, Almunia, Eboue, Walcott, Gilberto, Rosicky, Bendtner, Denilson.
Bolton Wanderers
Caretaker Archie Knox has few injury concerns, but Nicolas Anelka’s ability to shake off a thigh injury will be top of his wish list as he takes his first game in charge.
One of Sammy Lee’s summer signings, Christian Wilhelmsson is the only other doubt, suffering an ankle problem that will undergo a late test.
Last Starting XI: Jaaskelainen, J O’Brien, A O’Brien, Meite, Gardner, Campo, Davies, Guthrie, McCann, Diouf, Anelka
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Walker, Al Habsi, J O'Brien, Hunt, Meite, Michalik, A O'Brien, Cid, Gardner, Campo, Wilhelmsson, Teymourian, Nolan, Speed, McCann, Stelios, Alonso, Braaten, Guthrie, Diouf, Anelka, Davies.
WATCH OUT FOR
Arsenal
Much has been made of the form of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor so far this season, but in Bacary Sagna, Wenger seems to have uncovered a real gem. As Arsenal continue to develop new dimensions of their game, Sagna has shown that Arsenal have real width and pace, as well as attacking flair. His work ethic down the right is first rate, his defensive skills better than those of Eboue, and the young French star slips into the Wenger mould perfectly. Definitely a star of the future, and one to watch for now.
Bolton Wanderers
If there is one player that could frustrate Arsenal on Saturday it’s Jussi Jaaskelainen. Time after time against tough opposition Jussi has shown that he his one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. On his day he will save everything a team can throw at him. With Arsenal bound to be in a shooting mood, the keeper will be kept very busy. If he has a good day, Bolton could leave with a point.
PREDICTION
For Arsenal, this fixture represents one of the toughest of the season, as in recent years Bolton have become somewhat of a bogey club for The Gunners. Under Sam Allardyce The Trotters were directed to get in amongst the midfield and break up the attacks with aggression and persistence. With no real leader sat on the bench, Bolton are an unknown quantity, but will perhaps play the football that comes natural to them. Expect a tough match for Arsenal, but current form suggests their winning run is set to continue for another week at lest.
goal.com
Prem Preview: Arsenal – Bolton Wanderers
What: Premier League
Who: Arsenal (1st EPL, 22/24 pts) v Bolton Wanderers (19th EPL, 5/27 pts)
When: Saturday, 20 October, Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Where: Emirates Stadium, London
The Streak Continues
As the Premier League superstars return from international duty, it’s time for Arsenal to remind the rest of the competition that they sit top of the pile on merit.
Arsene Wenger has once again managed to build a team that is capable of destroying anything that is put in front of them, but their season has had its nervy moments.
Before the international break The Gunners were pushed all the way against Sunderland in a thrilling 3-2 win. Being two up within twenty minutes Arsenal were guilty of resting on their laurels, when really they should have gone for the jugular.
If Sunderland’s comeback was inspiring, the way Arsenal responded really deserves credit. Last season the team would have accepted a draw and tried to defend it. But this time around the team spirit and belief of Wenger’s gaggle of youngsters meant that, like they had shown against Manchester City and Fulham, the fat lady was gagged, bound and locked in the store cupboard before she could sing a note.
With Robin van Persie injured in action with his country, Wenger will have to rely on other options for gals, namely new signing Eduardo, who is yet to settle in North London. The Croatian is a proven goalscorer, but it’s yet to be seen whether he can fit in to Wenger’s inimitable style of play.
Of course goals are a plenty in the Arsenal team, Adebayor on fire, Fabregas also a willing contributor, the end result being an average of just under three goals scored at the Emirates in every Premier League game so far this season.
At the back Arsenal are also on form, however the goalkeeping situation refuses to disappear, with Lehmann denied a place, even on the bench, despite being back to full-fitness. However, the positives are that William Gallas is back for the first time in two months, and Senderos did well in his absence, which is sure to settle the nerves ahead of the African Nations when Toure will be missing for two months.
Despite all this, Arsenal are likely to be wary of the visit of Bolton Wanderers.
Managerless, but Clueless?
The Trotters take the long trip south without manager Sammy Lee, sacked just three days ago. The former assistant at Wanderers managed just 170 days at The Reebok, in which time he managed just one win and three draws in his eleven league games.
Currently only goal difference keeps The Trotters off the foot of the table after a disastrous start to the season. Losing Sam Allardyce was always going to be tough, and implementing a new style even harder, but perhaps it was Lee’s bid to separate himself from Allardyce, thus any previous success, that was his downfall.
Nevertheless, the season continues and Bolton need to start winning, and quick, if they are going to retain their Premier League status.
A trip to Arsenal then is perhaps not the best thing for the club, but the fixture list is indiscriminate, and you’d suggest that even with Lee, this game would be tough.
But football is a funny game and the departure of Lee might liberate a clearly talented side. In the last few weeks of Lee’s reign, the unrest in the dressing room was plain to see, and Wanderers were struggling. Without the manager’s influence, caretaker Archie Knox will probably tell his lads to get out and play their natural game, which will be to suffocate the opponent and play direct football, which won’t favour the home side.
At The Reebok, Bolton have a bit of a jinx over The Gunners, but in North London Arsenal have never been beaten in the league by the Lancashire outfit.
If The Trotters are to secure their first away win of the season, it’ll be the biggest upset of the season so far and could see Knox be handed the position on a permanent basis.
FORM GUIDE
Arsenal
07 Oct v Sunderland (H) WON 3-2 (Prem)
02 Oct v Steaua Bucharest (A) WON 1-0 (CL)
29 Sept v West Ham (A) WON 1-0 (Prem)
25 Sept v Newcastle United (H) WON 2-0 (CC)
22 Sept v Derby County (H) WON 5-0 (Prem)
Bolton Wanderers
07 Oct v Chelsea (H) LOST 1-0 (Prem)
04 Sept v FK Rabotniki (H) WON 1-0 (UEFA)
29 Sept v Derby County (A) DREW 1-1 (Prem)
26 Sept v Fulham (A) WON 2-1 aet (CC)
23 Sept v Tottenham (H) DREW 1-1 (Prem)
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Tomas Rosicky is fit again and ready for selection, but is likely to start on the bench. Having travelled back from South America, Gilberto is likely to be road-weary and will also start on the bench.
In-form Robin van Persie is out for at least a month with a knee injury, although scans carried out later this week may reveal that the damage is more serious. New signing Eduardo will start in his place.
William Gallas will make his first start since August 19, and will replace Philippe Senderos who is out with a back injury.
Jens Lehmann is fit and ready, but won’t even get a place on the bench as Almunia continues, with youngster Fabianski on the sidelines.
Last Starting XI: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Van Persie.
Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Eduardo, Almunia, Eboue, Walcott, Gilberto, Rosicky, Bendtner, Denilson.
Bolton Wanderers
Caretaker Archie Knox has few injury concerns, but Nicolas Anelka’s ability to shake off a thigh injury will be top of his wish list as he takes his first game in charge.
One of Sammy Lee’s summer signings, Christian Wilhelmsson is the only other doubt, suffering an ankle problem that will undergo a late test.
Last Starting XI: Jaaskelainen, J O’Brien, A O’Brien, Meite, Gardner, Campo, Davies, Guthrie, McCann, Diouf, Anelka
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Walker, Al Habsi, J O'Brien, Hunt, Meite, Michalik, A O'Brien, Cid, Gardner, Campo, Wilhelmsson, Teymourian, Nolan, Speed, McCann, Stelios, Alonso, Braaten, Guthrie, Diouf, Anelka, Davies.
WATCH OUT FOR
Arsenal
Much has been made of the form of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor so far this season, but in Bacary Sagna, Wenger seems to have uncovered a real gem. As Arsenal continue to develop new dimensions of their game, Sagna has shown that Arsenal have real width and pace, as well as attacking flair. His work ethic down the right is first rate, his defensive skills better than those of Eboue, and the young French star slips into the Wenger mould perfectly. Definitely a star of the future, and one to watch for now.
Bolton Wanderers
If there is one player that could frustrate Arsenal on Saturday it’s Jussi Jaaskelainen. Time after time against tough opposition Jussi has shown that he his one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. On his day he will save everything a team can throw at him. With Arsenal bound to be in a shooting mood, the keeper will be kept very busy. If he has a good day, Bolton could leave with a point.
PREDICTION
For Arsenal, this fixture represents one of the toughest of the season, as in recent years Bolton have become somewhat of a bogey club for The Gunners. Under Sam Allardyce The Trotters were directed to get in amongst the midfield and break up the attacks with aggression and persistence. With no real leader sat on the bench, Bolton are an unknown quantity, but will perhaps play the football that comes natural to them. Expect a tough match for Arsenal, but current form suggests their winning run is set to continue for another week at lest.
goal.com
Wenger Selects His Arsenal Dream Team
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has selected his 'Dream Team' from the players who have represented the Premier League club during his 11 years in charge.
Wenger - who was named yesterday as the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month for September, while one of his young stars, Ces Fabregas, won the Player of the Month award for a Gunners double - has selected his 11 best players for a new DVD.
"Arsene's XI', the DVD, is released on Monday, with the manager giving his verdicts on the stars who have served the club well in the Frenchman's reign.
Here are the XI he selected, with his comments on what made them special:
DAVID SEAMAN (Goalkeeper; 245 apps)
“Hewas always so calm, he was always smiling. When his back was to the wall he always responded well. He hid his steel behind that nice smile of his.”
LAUREN (Right-back; 227 apps, 14 sub)
“He was playing in midfield when I signed him but he didn’t know he would be my replacement for Lee Dixon. Lauren’s a very tough guy, you can go to war with him as he is a real winner. He will fight the toughest players and never lie down.”
ASHLEY COLE (Left-back; 218 apps, 10 sub)
“Ashley will remain red ’n white all his life. He is a defender who loves to attack. Everybody loves him because when you regain possession of the ball, he is there alongside you, ready to attack. A top-level performer.”
MARTIN KEOWN (Centre-back; 250 apps, 14 sub)
“Martin had a tremendous appetite for winning. He was unbelievable in one-on-ones and had the technique but not always the confidence.”
KOLO TOURE (Centre-back; 217 apps, 27 sub)
“Kolo was turned down by three clubs but I signed him after a short trial. His conversion from midfield was an amazing success. He has a natural desire to help people, to give everyone and everything 100 per cent.”
FREDDIE LJUNGBERG (Right-midfield; 285 apps, 43 sub)
“I became a fan of his the moment I saw him play forSweden against England. He took on Martin Keown and got past him. When he loses a game he is sick for two days.”
PATRICK VIEIRA (Centre-midfield; 393 apps, 9 sub)
“When I knew I was coming to Arsenal, I asked Patrick to come as well. He had it all. Whether it was Sheffield Wednesday on a wet Monday or Milan in the Champions League, he gave you his all.”
RAY PARLOUR (Centre-midfield; 270 apps, 48 sub)
“Look at his medals. It tells you he is one of the biggest-ever players for Arsenal. He is better in the last minute than the first. Ray’s an engine that never stops.”
ROBERT PIRES (Left-midfield; 238 apps, 46 sub)
“I think he’s the best left-sided midfielder in the world. With the ball at his feet he became a ballet dancer. He will remain one of the greatest- ever players for this club.”
THIERRY HENRY (Striker; 337 apps, 33 sub)
“He had lost his appetite at Juve and was convinced he couldn’t score goals! But for us he had years when he was the Michael Jordan of football — he could score when he wanted.”
DENNIS BERGKAMP (Striker; 298 apps, 78 sub)
“He was the most gifted player when I took over. Ask Henry or Ian Wright who they wanted alongside and it was Dennis. You could almost touch his class.”
goal.com
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has selected his 'Dream Team' from the players who have represented the Premier League club during his 11 years in charge.
Wenger - who was named yesterday as the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month for September, while one of his young stars, Ces Fabregas, won the Player of the Month award for a Gunners double - has selected his 11 best players for a new DVD.
"Arsene's XI', the DVD, is released on Monday, with the manager giving his verdicts on the stars who have served the club well in the Frenchman's reign.
Here are the XI he selected, with his comments on what made them special:
DAVID SEAMAN (Goalkeeper; 245 apps)
“Hewas always so calm, he was always smiling. When his back was to the wall he always responded well. He hid his steel behind that nice smile of his.”
LAUREN (Right-back; 227 apps, 14 sub)
“He was playing in midfield when I signed him but he didn’t know he would be my replacement for Lee Dixon. Lauren’s a very tough guy, you can go to war with him as he is a real winner. He will fight the toughest players and never lie down.”
ASHLEY COLE (Left-back; 218 apps, 10 sub)
“Ashley will remain red ’n white all his life. He is a defender who loves to attack. Everybody loves him because when you regain possession of the ball, he is there alongside you, ready to attack. A top-level performer.”
MARTIN KEOWN (Centre-back; 250 apps, 14 sub)
“Martin had a tremendous appetite for winning. He was unbelievable in one-on-ones and had the technique but not always the confidence.”
KOLO TOURE (Centre-back; 217 apps, 27 sub)
“Kolo was turned down by three clubs but I signed him after a short trial. His conversion from midfield was an amazing success. He has a natural desire to help people, to give everyone and everything 100 per cent.”
FREDDIE LJUNGBERG (Right-midfield; 285 apps, 43 sub)
“I became a fan of his the moment I saw him play forSweden against England. He took on Martin Keown and got past him. When he loses a game he is sick for two days.”
PATRICK VIEIRA (Centre-midfield; 393 apps, 9 sub)
“When I knew I was coming to Arsenal, I asked Patrick to come as well. He had it all. Whether it was Sheffield Wednesday on a wet Monday or Milan in the Champions League, he gave you his all.”
RAY PARLOUR (Centre-midfield; 270 apps, 48 sub)
“Look at his medals. It tells you he is one of the biggest-ever players for Arsenal. He is better in the last minute than the first. Ray’s an engine that never stops.”
ROBERT PIRES (Left-midfield; 238 apps, 46 sub)
“I think he’s the best left-sided midfielder in the world. With the ball at his feet he became a ballet dancer. He will remain one of the greatest- ever players for this club.”
THIERRY HENRY (Striker; 337 apps, 33 sub)
“He had lost his appetite at Juve and was convinced he couldn’t score goals! But for us he had years when he was the Michael Jordan of football — he could score when he wanted.”
DENNIS BERGKAMP (Striker; 298 apps, 78 sub)
“He was the most gifted player when I took over. Ask Henry or Ian Wright who they wanted alongside and it was Dennis. You could almost touch his class.”
goal.com
saw today this arsenal v bolton game. Who do you think weasley will mature this season and will be starter next season, eduardo or walcott? Walcott was just sooooo fast when he got the ball. Eduardo looks ok, but not really that special(no, i am not comparing him with henry here, but he runs like flamini ). Adebayor really needs to work his finishing as well, he had a very good chance with keeper to beat and ended up being rather clumsy.
oh and do you think persie and walcott can play together, both rightside?
). Adebayor really needs to work his finishing as well, he had a very good chance with keeper to beat and ended up being rather clumsy.oh and do you think persie and walcott can play together, both rightside?
saw today this arsenal v bolton game. Who do you think weasley will mature this season and will be starter next season, eduardo or walcott? Walcott was just sooooo fast when he got the ball. Eduardo looks ok, but not really that special(no, i am not comparing him with henry here, but he runs like flamini ). Adebayor really needs to work his finishing as well, he had a very good chance with keeper to beat and ended up being rather clumsy.
oh and do you think persie and walcott can play together, both rightside?
). Adebayor really needs to work his finishing as well, he had a very good chance with keeper to beat and ended up being rather clumsy.oh and do you think persie and walcott can play together, both rightside?
As for Walcott..i have to say he's surprised me the past 2 games..he's come in both games and influenced the result..but for now he's more an impact sub..he hasnt proven he can play with this level over 90 minutes..but then again,he's just 18..
Can Rvp and walcott play together??for one Wenger doesnt play walcott as a striker,he plays him on the wings..But if Wenger plays Walcott as a striker..i dont see why a partnership with RVP wont work..but personally i'd rather walcott be played with adebayor.
I never knew what people saw in Keown..his lapses of concentration would make even Senderos ashamed..the only thing that made me like him was the RVN incident
after that he became a legend in my eyes.
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