Arsenal have signed Kyle Bartley and Gilles Sunu

You’ve got to love the outspoken William Gallas, at least it is positive now, Willy told the Sun, “In the past we have relied too much on lovely football to see us through. But we have learned from last season. Sometimes you have to fight to achieve success. “Some people have claimed this club is on a downward spiral. But there is an enormous determination to put things right. “Last season we were behind the leaders too early. We can’t let that happen again.”

He has hit the spot, some of the Arsenal lads need to toughen up, not with petulance, but with strong physical and mental presence. We also need more goals from the rest of the team!!

Gilles Grimandi has pushed through another player, this time it is French striker Gilles Sunu, at £1Mil (according to The Mail) he will join the reserve squad for next season. According to the Arsenal website they have also signed Kyle Bartley from Bolton.
He was hotly tipped to have signed for Man City but appears to have chosen Arsenal. Chippy Brady told Arsenal that ‘We watched him play and moved quickly to get him when he decided he didn’t want to sign for Bolton,” and he went onto say “He’s big and strong, six foot three or thereabouts already and we’re looking forward to having him here. I think he will give our Under-18s team something it lacked last season.” Kyle could be part of the Arsenal U-20 squad for the inaugural Under 20 Championships in Hong Kong starting next week.

Blackburn - Arsenal has been confirmed as a 3pm kick-off on Sunday 19th August.

That’s all from me for today folks, looking forward to see Van Persie wind up the Ajax fans tomorrow.

Lazio 1 v 2 Arsenal - Amsterdam Tournament

Arsenal got the perfect pre-match news as Arsene Wenger was present in London to see Eduardo granted a work permit and allow him to play against Lazio. Arsenal were slightly shaky during the opening stages of the first half. Senderos was looking rocky without the support of Gallas or Toure at the back.

It wasn’t long before Arsenal started to control the game and first Eduardo forced a corner from a deep Traore cross and then Walcott’s lofted ball failed to find Eduardo or Bendtner. Pressure was starting to build.

Senderos atoned for his error, a through ball to Lazio’s Pandev saw him beat Almunia, Senderos was back to tackle and clear the ball for a corner. It was great defending by Big Phil.

Arsenal then took the lead. Troare attacked the left flank and squared it to Cesc, Cesc tried a shot which deflected off a Lazio defender into the path of Bendtner. Nicklas stepped to the right and rounded the keeper before finishing from 6 yards. Arsenal were one-up, it shows that goals can come from deflected shots, take note guys, shoooooooooooooot!

Soon after Eduardo put two headers over from corners. Then Bendtner combined with Eduardo, Eduardo’s shot was deflected away. But 5 minutes before half time Lazio equalised again showing defensive frailties. Lazio had a corner headed away by Walcott but Eduardo slipped. It allowed Pandev to swivel and shoot low past Almunia. Senderos and Hoyte were far too slow to react.

There was time for Eduardo and Bendtner to combine again before half time, they forged a good partnership in the first half. At half time Flamini and Rosicky came on for Cesc and Clichy. Straight away Bendtner had the ball in the back of the net but the referee bought play back for a foul on Eduardo. Rosicky stepped up but failed to get his free-kick on target. Walcott was then fouled on the edge of the box but Eduardo again went over with a free-kick.

Eduardo got his goal on 55, again rising to win a header and firmly place it past the keeper at the back post, it was an excellent delivery from Rosicky. Both Tomas and Eduardo were controlling the play and Arsenal were attacking with style.

Arsenal still looked like they could concede at the back and last ditch tackles from Djourou and the introduction of Toure saved Arsenal. Van Persie came on to a great reception, his status has risen so much that it was a far cry from the last appearance here when he was just a returning Feyenord player and not the national star he is now. Van Persie was bringing out the tricks and him and Eduardo were running the show up top.

Van Persie turned defenders in and out and was only denied a goal by the keeper arse. His short performance deserved a goal. On full time Arsenal lead the table with 5 points, edging towards another pre-season trophy. It was a fantastic pre-season attacking display but it was a good job this was our second choice back four, these players need experience with them to help them shine. Arsenal could do well this season but the defence must be stronger and more organised.

Arsenal - Almunia, Hoyte, Djourou, Senderos, Traore, Walcott (Eboue 64), Fabregas (Flamini 46), Song (Toure 72), Clichy (Rosicky 46), Eduardo, Bendtner (Van Persie 64). Subs not used - Hleb, Fabianski.

Kanoute on his way?

Quote of the day came before the Lazio Arsenal match when Nigel Winterburn told Sky Sport that “Arsene Wengers has never bought any big stars, he’s made big stars”. He was reacting to Freddie’s moans when he left the club. At least Nigel has been awake these last 10 years.

Arsenals’ game today highlighted defensive frailties but there is no need for panic Arsenal will not be starting Premiership games with these four at the back and if everyone stays fit only one of the four is likely to make the bench. Realistically this match gave this young back four a good chance to play against decent players and gain some ‘friendly’ European action. Senderos and Djourou had both poor moments and great moments, both players blocked certain goal chances. In attack Arsenal played with great style and Eduardo is a massive goal threat and will definitely score goals, Van Persie is also now an exceptional player. A comical moment did occur last on when Van Persie tricked his way into the box and past the keeper only to slide it to Rosicky who didn’t shoot with an open goal but slide it to Hoyte who did crack a shot but it hit the post. Rosicky looks like he is going to produce some good form for Arsenal but he must stay fit, and he must shoot, these midfielders must take a pop.

Apart from the win the best Arsenal news today, and probably most important, came from the immigration department who gave Eduardo a work permit. Wenger was always confident he’d get it but you never know. The Sun’s headline ‘relief’ is a little over the top.

Former Scummer Freddie Kanoute seems to think he’s in with a shout of an Arsenal move, he is quoted on tribalfootball as saying, “If my agent tells me they’re serious, then I will listen to what they have to say.” I’m not surprised Freddie! We are a little bigger than those boys from down the lane. The rumour mill really is grinding since Wenger said he wanted to sign one or two more players. Kanoute has improved since he left the scum though, he scored 21 goals in 32 games last season so those goals wouldn’t go a miss, I’m sure the written press will have picked up the Kanoute story by tomorrow, help them with their column inches anyway.

Breakings News Arsenal draw Sparta Prague in CL Qualifier

Arsenal have been drawn to play Sparta Prague in the 3rd Round of Champions League qualifiers.

Ties to be played 14/15 August Sparta Prague v Arsenal

and 28/29 August 2007 Arsenal v Sparta Prague

Tough trip to Prague / Adebayor won’t be fit for Fulham

Arsenal got a pig of a draw in the Champions League. They will play Sparta Prague who we had in our group in our run to the final in 2006. I’ll always have fond memories of Prague it’s a great city and Thierry beat the Arsenal goalscoring record on their ground. Luckily as the seeded team we are away to them first, as miffed at the draw Gooners are, as league and cup double winners they wouldn’t expect to come up against a team who beat them 2-nil and 3-nil two years ago.

Manu Adebayor will not be fit for the start of the season according to The Daily Star which will give Eduardo a chance to lead the line against Fulham. Arsenal have no other injuries and could start against Ajax tomorrow with their strongest XI in a bid to find consistency and wrap up the Amsterdam Tournament in style.

There’s no other decent Arsenal gossip or news doing the rounds today as most concentrate on the big Champions League draw.

More tomorrow from the Amsterdam Tournament.

Ajax 0 v 1 Arsenal - Amsterdam Tournament

The perfect Saturday, plenty of sport for all, starting nice and early with some 20/20 cricket. The Sun is out for Finals day (which Kent won) and it was perfect weather for a beer and a barbecue in the garden. The Amsterdam Tournament coincided with the final of the cricket as Atletico Madrid beat Lazio 3-1 and go top of the group for the Amsterdam Tournament with 6 points. Arsenal and Ajax started on five points. 

Cesc is ill, must have been a dodgy kebab after a trip to the Red Lights last night, so Flamini came into the Midfield for him. Denilson also played with Gilberto still being on holiday and it looks as though one of those players will start the season against Fulham. Wenger started with the formation that took Arsenal to the Champions League Final in 2005/2006. Arsenal had to win and this would be a good test for the ‘European Formation’ and the ‘European Kit’.

Hleb was first to attack, his quick feet, saw an Ajax defender haul him down but the free-kick came to nothing. Hleb certain has an impact on games when he takes this position, he was fouled again on the other side of the pitch moments later. Van Persie whipped the free-kick in but to no avail. Arsenal certainly dominated the opening stages but free-kicks would dominate this tough ‘non-friendly’.

A Rosicky free-kick saw the keeper fumble on 11 minutes but nothing came from it. Again on 19 the Ajax keeper could not hold onto a free-kick. Van Persie looped the ball into Toure who volleyed straight at the keeper. He jumped up and down in frustration. Ajax made a sub after just 25 minutes they were so far behind Arsenal, but the man coming on managed to get their first shot (Dennis Rommendahl). Soon after Eboue was booked for arguing with the ref, come on Eboue, stop moaning all the time. He showed his positive side of his game a moment later with a lovely cross that Denilson couldn’t get on the end of. Van Persie was booked for a late challenge, the ref must be on a bonus for bookings the way things were going.

Captain Gallas was also booked and the resulting free-kick bough the best out of Lehmann who had to make another save a minute later. The ref was breaking up the game and Ajax were coming back into it. At half time it was 0-0 and Atletico Madrid were still top of the table.

Heart in mouth time as Gallas went down holding his calf twice inside the first few minutes. Of all things in these pre-season matches the main thing is that everyone stays fit, he would not be the last person to go down worryingly tonight.

Clichy was the first Gooner to have a shot in the second half he raced down the left and smashed a shot goal-wards as he entered the box, the keeper had to turn it away for a corner. Clichy is looking like the best left back in the league and in this form will catch many headlines this season. He has added to his game and his fitness and pace will mean he is always involved in the game.

Gooners got another glimpse of Eduardo as he replaced Rosicky on 62. He had an edge to keep the ball and showed great hunger. I’m really excited to see him play in the Premiership.

All the challenges and booking culminated for me in an awful tackle by Colin on Clichy in the 68^th minute. It was fucking awful and I hope we meet Ajax in a proper game during the season and someone can get the little prick back!!

Arsenal had three chances in he 74^th minutes, firstly with a thundering shot from Van Persie but the Ajax keep proved his worth. Eboue and Hleb couldn’t finish the move off either.

Arsenal were certainly getting in the positions but weren’t able to convert the chances in similar fashion to last season. Eduardo showed brilliant strength to get in n 80 but was held back and Van Persie could not get on the end of the rebound. Ajax could have won it on 85 if it was not for a big arm for Mad Jens. 

But to dispel our fears of last seasons misses, Van Persie scored, 87 minutes in saw an unbelievable run from Gael Clichy. He roared up the left and inside the box, Van Persie controlled it with he left foot and slapped it past the Ajax keeper with his right. There was still time for Ajax to force another save from Lehmann. But Ajax got what they wanted to injure and Arsenal player. I don’t know what their problem is but yet another foul saw Van Persie stretchered off.

The final whistle came as Robin was on his way down the tunnel. Arsenal had though won the Tournament for the second time in three years. The biggest smile was bought to my face to see Van Persie back on the field and jumping up and down with the lads as the trophy was presented to The Arsenal.

In my opinion the Arsenal lads are hungry to prove they are a top side and these lads are ready to roar out of the traps against Fulham. With pace and free-flowing football and with Eduardo and Van Persie Arsenal can cause damage this season. We are ready for the Premiership and I can’t wait!

Arsenal: Lehmann, Sagna (Hoyte 86), Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Flamini, Rosicky (Eduardo 62), Hleb, Van Persie (Traore 90), Subs: Fabianski, Senderos, Song, Bendtner.

In other Arsenal news today, Carlos Vela will spend his second season on loan in Spain, this year at Osasuna. The Mexican Under-20 signed for Arsenal in 2005 but still can’t play due to Work Permit restrictions. He scored 8 goals while on loan at Salamanca last season in the Spanish second division.

Arsenal also announced their squad for the Champions Youth Cup played in Malaysia. It will be a great experience for these lads as they take on Milan, Ajax, and Flamengo in the group stages.

More news tomorrow I’m sure, probably made up by The News of the World!

Wenger approaches Roeder / Gilberto is worth more than £10Mil

The football world was focused on the season curtain raiser today at Wembley between Manure and the chavs. It was such an un-inspiring game I was grateful Arsenal took part in a very good match the night before in Amsterdam. It was great to see Arsenal push to the last and grab the win at the death something we didn’t do enough last season.

With the Community Shield on it meant Arsenal were spared any made up stories for headline attention.  Van did make the press with a little dig at Freddie (after Freddie moaned we lacked ambition), obviously it was The News of the World that got the scoop, “If you play nine years at a club like Arsenal you can say some nice words. “If you’re coming up with excuses about Thierry’s departure and about promises from the club it’s a bit weak.” said Robin. Also The People say Wenger has turned down a £10Mil offer for Gilberto from Valencia. The Sunday Express also say Wenger has now approached Glenn Roeder to be Football Director at Arsenal. Wenger had said before the Emirates Cup he hadn’t approached Roeder but didn’t say he wouldn’t.

I loved The Irish Independent’s season previews, it listed Tottenham’s ‘best case scenario’ as Berbatov scoring few enough goals so Manure don’t try and sign him. Arsenal’s was to beat Barcelona in the Champions League Final, a fair balance of where the two clubs stand I think.

Cesc has been singing Eduardo’s praises he told the Star that he thinks Eduardo “is very clever. He has a lot of skill and will do well for Arsenal this season.” I just can’t wait to see him strum it in the Premiership, he’s sure to be an exciting player and so far I’ve been on the edge of my seat every time he’s touched the ball.

Only 6 days to go before we are back in the Matchday routine.

Team are TOGETHER / Arsena watches Drenthe

Wenger has been heaping praise on Nicklas Bendtner ahead of the big kick off. Arsene Wenger told Arsenal.com “Certainly I believe the talent is in there. He (Bendtner) is super quick, very tall with good technique and he is intelligent. He just needs to play at a higher pace now.” Arsene was also keen to point out “At the moment he is a raw talent,” and that he is not ready for The Premiership week in week out. Nicklas will certainly make the bench against Fulham with Adebayor out. If he can make a goal scoring impression he has a chance to remain a permanent part of the squad.

Arsene was also keen to point out that Arsenal are a strong unit and he said “We have built up our belief and confidence. There is a great solidarity in the squad now.” Arsenal certainly seem to have that good old spirit back and the Ajax game highlighted that. One of the players at the front of this spirit is Matty Flamini, he was first to tell the Ajax players were they stand, despite his moaning last season he can now be a vital squad player. This may be upset by Birmingham who are chasing Flamini. Wenger might be tempted by an offer of £4-5Mil.

Ryan Garry has found a club after being released by Arsenal. He will play his football at Bournemouth next season. Ryan is now 23 and only managed 2 appearances for the Gooner first team. Hopefully he does well at The Cherries and can stay injury free.

According to some media sources Wenger watched Liverpool draw 1-1 with Feyenoord on Sunday, one man will have definitely caught his eye and that is Royston Drenthe. We mentioned the Dutch winger before on Block19, he not only scored against the Scousers but lit up the game. Wenger can’t have failed to have noticed a young player who fits the bill for the type he is looking to sign prior to the 31^st August.

The Telegraph are insisting Chavski will not let Lassana Diarra sign for Arsenal but he will let him leave if he is unhappy. He is obviously confident Diarra won’t insist on a move to The Gooners, perhaps Wenger will upset Lassana as much as Mouron-iho did to Casher Cole. I doubt he would deal at the low class level the Moro does. Perhaps the Chavs’ worry is Arsene will work his magic and turn Diarra into a World-Class player.

Only 5 days to go guys.

Arsenal v Sparta Praha

info@block19.com

Prague confirmed / Hoyte Off / Clichy for France

Block 19’s first big night out of the season has been confirmed as Wednesday 29th August 2007 Arsenal v Sparta Prague (or Praha as they prefer). What’s even better is it’s an 8.05pm KO, 20 minutes extra drinking time, should be a great night.

According to reliable sources (tribalfootball, yes I’m joking) Aston Villa are chasing Justin Hoyte, I suppose he’s an obvious target, I can’t see a figure of £2Mil persuading Wenger. Justin still has a major role at the club especially when Eboue and Toure go off on their jollies in Jan/Feb.

Hleb has made the press today, he is quoted in The Mirror, as saying “It’s my dream to score 10 or more goals this season.” It’s mine too Alex, and you need to, the amount we paid for you it’s time to step up. Alex definitely has the potential and he has shown in his role just of the front he can add to Arsenal’s attacking game I’m positive Alex came get up to double figures in the goal stakes. I’d say exactly the same to Rosicky, after seeing him in Germany 2006, I expected 15 from him, his 6 last season was better than Hleb’s but, this year he should be doubling that. With those extra goals Arsenal will challenge for the title.

Le Boss was singing Gael Clichy’s praises today, too right, he’s awesome. Arsene said, “I would love him to [get called],” said the Arsenal manager. “But then at the same time I feel it probably best not to talk about it too much and let him get on quietly to play and improve. He will not be ignored.” Wenger was talking about the possibility of Clichy being included in the French first team at just 22. Evra gives Clichy tough competition but by the end of the season I can see Clichy ahead of Evra, his attacking now gives any team he plays for an extra option.

Come on only 4 days to go to the big kick off, I’ve been trying to sort out my Fantasy League team, just checking for any injuries. If you fancy joining our league it’s free and a load of fun, all the info you need to join is here http://hbarsenal.com/afc/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=42