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so Gervinho nominated for african footballer of the year.anybody surprised?

Gervinho nominated for African Footballer of the Year
As the influx of exciting Arsenal-related news during the Interlull continues, Gervinho comes to the fore – head ing up a list of 10 nominees for the African Player of the Year award.

Coming on the back of a title-winning season with Lille in which he contributed 18 goals and 10 assists, and a subsequent big money move to the Premiership, the Ivorian is well worth his nomination.

The rest of the nominees are a mix of established names and up-and-coming players, most of whom have played in the Premier League at some point. Familiar faces include former winners Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, along with Seydou Keita, Yaya Toure, and Ghanaian penalty specialist Asamoah Gyan.

The list is completed by Gervinho’s former teammate Moussa Sow, Marseille’s Andrew Ayew, Kevin Prince-Boateng of AC Milan, and QPR playmaker and computer whizkid Adel Terabyte.

Were he to win, Gervinho would be the third Arsenal player to claim the award – former Gunners Nwanko Kanu and Emmanuel Adebayor won in 1999 and 2007
ARSEBLOG

it's between Gervinho, Boateng and Sow....

Sow will probably win it...

Not so great quote from Coquelin - I hope he keep on fighting, he will see decent minutes if Frimpong gets a loan deal somewhere.

“I said to myself that I will have some chances to play when I returned to Arsenal this summer, so I decided to stay with this team. I played not badly at the beginning, even in the big matches but with the returns of the main players of the team, I have disappeared little.

“People always say to me that I’m still young, that there is time, but I played a whole season in Lorient, and today, I almost don’t play at all. Return to nothing, it’s annoying.”

“Considering my time of play, its sure that the idea of a departure this winter is in my head”.

Samuelj29060 wrote:Nice words from Santi Cazorla on the Arsenal:

"In England, the style of play is back + forth. In Spain it's about possession. Only Arsenal play a similar game to us".

It makes me proud to be a gooner, when despite winning nothing since 05, we are still recognised world wide for our style of play.

it's not about possession. It's about style. Barca play possession

Yeah, we play possession + attack + don't score without RVP

beatrixasdfghjk. wrote:Yeah, we play possession + attack + don't score without RVP

lol.

New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry thinks that Arsene Wenger's contribution to Arsenal is still under-appreciated.The French manager found himself under pressure during the early stages of the season following the sale of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and a poor Premier League start.

But former Gunners forward Henry, the club's all-time leading goalscorer, maintains that there is no better man for the job.

"The day he stops, quite a lot of people will realise what he's done for the club," Henry told The Sun.
"It's always easy to criticise but can you find better than Wenger?

"It hasn't been easy for Arsene. I hope with all my heart that we'll win a trophy.

"The two Manchester clubs will make it difficult but, once again, let's not forget what Arsene has done for Arsenal.

"It's always easy to judge on the spur of the moment in football, that's the way it is."

Henry admitted that he still felt attached to Arsenal despite having now spent five seasons away from London, having moved to Barcelona before making the switch to Major League Soccer.

"Arsenal play good football and I've become a Gunners supporter for life," he said.

"Something happened between me and the fans that I'll never forget."

Arsenal’s latest starlet, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, has hailed the experience he is gaining at his new club, even though he is not getting a lot of game time.

The 18-year-old has claimed that he has the potential to impress after struggling to claim a spot in Arsene Wenger’s immediately side since making his summer move.The youngster has praised the amount of support he is getting from the manager and his team-mates, opining that he is still a "work in progress" and that this time in his career is about development.

He told the club’s official website: "I think there's a lot more to come from me so I am just going to keep working hard, keep learning in training and get some more appearances to do well,

“It's down to me at the end of the day, I've got to put pressure on the boss to select me. I can only do that by training well and, when I do get my chance, impress him. The boss has said it's up to me, he's going to work with me the same way I have to with him.

"It's a work in progress and I don't think there's any need to rush into things. I trust the boss and he's going to develop me in the same way.

"I knew that when I signed here it would be hard for me,

“I was playing more week-in week-out at Southampton and I knew that maybe in my first season I wouldn't get a lot of game time.

"But I'm learning so much in training from the likes of Robin van Persie and the rest of the boys - and the manager as well. I've only had a few appearances but I've scored two goals and I'm happy with that."

Oxlade-Chamberlain has managed two goals in his four appearances for the Gunners, also bagging a hat-trick whilst on duty with the England Under-21 squad earlier this year.

Andrey Arshavin says securing qualification for Euro 2012 with Russia has relaxed him, and hopes to perform better for Arsenal as a result.The forward recently described his efforts since joining the Gunners as “average”, but believes the mental boost from reaching top spot in Group B to confirm his country’s presence in Poland and Ukraine next summer will help remedy that.

“Since Russia qualified for Euro 2012 I’ve felt completely relaxed and comfortable,” Arshavin told the club’s official website.

“Hopefully that will show in my performances, because mentally I feel much better than before.

“International results are very important to me and it’s vital that Russia go to big tournaments - we missed out on the World Cup but have made a big step now.

“I think people are happier and I certainly know everyone’s hoping that we are drawn to play our games in Ukraine. The fans won’t need visas there and we will have huge travelling support.

“That can only be good for us. The mood is good; the media has been very critical but since we qualified they have been silent, which is fine by me.”

The former Zenit player, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium in January 2009, is looking to win a regular starting place in Arsene Wenger’s side, having warned recently that he may seek to leave the club if he does not get more game time.

England Under-21s boss Stuart Pearce has highlighted the similarities between Arsenal starlets Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.Both wingers were budding talents at Southampton before being signed by the Gunners to be developed by Arsene Wenger.

Many have been quick to notice the similarities between the two, and now Pearce has commented on the link, stating that Oxlade-Chamberlain's development mirrors that of Walcott's.

He told Sky Sports News: "If you roll the clock back it was probably a similar situation with Theo. When he was playing regularly for the Under-21s he was not playing a lot for Arsenal.

"At the moment Alex is in a similar position.

"Every 90 minutes he can get, whether it be international or club football, will benefit him greatly.

"I think he will get better and better the more games he plays.”

The former Manchester City boss also claimed that despite Oxlade-Chamberlain impressing in recent weeks, he must improve if he is to be ready to play for the senior England team.

“There were one or two things in Norway which we were not happy with in regards to his play,” he stated.

"But the only way you find that out is by putting him on the pitch, letting him make mistakes, flourish and praise him for the good things, then give him little pointers to improve.

"That is the case for all of our players in the squad."

Arsenal midfield prospect Zak Ansah is delighted with his promotion to the reserve-team this season.

The 17 year-old, however, won't let his progress go to his head.

“Steve (Bould) tells us to work as a team, we're not just individuals and we have to work together,” Ansah told Arsenal.com. “'Don't be the star' is his motto really.

“Hopefully I can do as well as I can for Steve in the youth team, play well in the Youth Cup and then break through properly into Neil (Banfield)'s Reserve team.

“It's a big step up from playing that football on a Saturday to the Reserves. Sometimes you might play against experienced first-team players for example.

“I think it's going well, I'm just getting used to the pace of the game. All the lads have welcomed me in so far.

“Playing with somebody like Emmanuel Frimpong who has broken into the first team is great. It's a big level physically but it's really good. Hopefully fingers crossed I'll keep doing well when I get my chance and we'll see what happens.”

ARSENAL new boy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes manager Arsene Wenger will help him become a star at the Emirates.
The 18-year-old has impressed on his four appearances for the Gunners this season following his £12million summer move from Southampton, scoring against Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup and Olympiakos in the Champions League.

Oxlade-Chamberlain — the Ox to fans — is set to feature for England under-21s at Colchester in tomorrow night's European Championship qualifier with Iceland.

Iceland suffered last month as the Ox smashed a hat-trick against them in Reykjavik.

But despite his rapid progress, the youngster is determined to take things one step at a time.

He said: "It is a work in progress and I don't think there's any need to rush into things. I trust the boss.

"I knew when I signed that it would be hard for me and that maybe in my first season I wouldn't get a lot of game time.

"But I'm learning so much in training from the likes of Robin van Persie and the rest of the boys — and the manager as well.

"There's a lot more to come from me so I'll keep working hard, and keep learning in training.

"It's down to me, I have got to put pressure on the boss to select me.

"I can only do that by training well and, when I do get my chance, impress him.

"The boss has said it is up to me, he is going to work with me the same way I have to with him."

England have won all three of their qualifying matches to lead the group as they look to reach the 2013 finals in Israel.

Oxlade-Chamberlain believes Stuart Pearce's squad are bonding well.

He said: "The new team that's being put together is really good - we have a lot of youth mixed with the older heads."

Wenger has always been a man of strong principles, and Arshavin has revealed the players are given no input into the way the football club is run.

"When you have a mundane, domestic problem, he's always very supportive," Arshavin is quoted as saying by The Sun. "But when it comes to Arsenal, no-one would dare approach him with questions about football or suggestions to change something round. Everyone knows what the answer would be.

"We've never had the 'big talk', although I have voiced my opinion a couple of times. He smiled in an understanding way but he has his own ideas."

Arshavin has found himself marginalised at Arsenal this season, with Gervinho and Theo Walcott preferred in advanced wide positions. His contract is due to expire in the summer, leading to suggestions he will return to Russia - perhaps as soon as January, should Arsenal want to recoup some cash for the man they signed in 2009.

"If my situation does not change, I may look at it [in January] - but not right now. But it is clear the salary is important," Arshavin said.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/982089/andrei-arshavin-lifts-lid-on-arsene-wenger's-managerial-style?cc=5901

imalegend wrote:Wenger has always been a man of strong principles, and Arshavin has revealed the players are given no input into the way the football club is run.

"When you have a mundane, domestic problem, he's always very supportive," Arshavin is quoted as saying by The Sun. "But when it comes to Arsenal, no-one would dare approach him with questions about football or suggestions to change something round. Everyone knows what the answer would be.

"We've never had the 'big talk', although I have voiced my opinion a couple of times. He smiled in an understanding way but he has his own ideas."

Arshavin has found himself marginalised at Arsenal this season, with Gervinho and Theo Walcott preferred in advanced wide positions. His contract is due to expire in the summer, leading to suggestions he will return to Russia - perhaps as soon as January, should Arsenal want to recoup some cash for the man they signed in 2009.

"If my situation does not change, I may look at it [in January] - but not right now. But it is clear the salary is important," Arshavin said.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/982089/andrei-arshavin-lifts-lid-on-arsene-wenger's-managerial-style?cc=5901

We are going to have big problems in January...Gervinho goes to the African cup and we are stuck with Arshavin who doesn't want to be here.

gunnerlistick wrote:

imalegend wrote:Wenger has always been a man of strong principles, and Arshavin has revealed the players are given no input into the way the football club is run.

"When you have a mundane, domestic problem, he's always very supportive," Arshavin is quoted as saying by The Sun. "But when it comes to Arsenal, no-one would dare approach him with questions about football or suggestions to change something round. Everyone knows what the answer would be.

"We've never had the 'big talk', although I have voiced my opinion a couple of times. He smiled in an understanding way but he has his own ideas."

Arshavin has found himself marginalised at Arsenal this season, with Gervinho and Theo Walcott preferred in advanced wide positions. His contract is due to expire in the summer, leading to suggestions he will return to Russia - perhaps as soon as January, should Arsenal want to recoup some cash for the man they signed in 2009.

"If my situation does not change, I may look at it [in January] - but not right now. But it is clear the salary is important," Arshavin said.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/982089/andrei-arshavin-lifts-lid-on-arsene-wenger's-managerial-style?cc=5901

We are going to have big problems in January...Gervinho goes to the African cup and we are stuck with Arshavin who doesn't want to be here.

So you are ruling out any signings?

Samuelj29060 wrote:

gunnerlistick wrote:

imalegend wrote:Wenger has always been a man of strong principles, and Arshavin has revealed the players are given no input into the way the football club is run.

"When you have a mundane, domestic problem, he's always very supportive," Arshavin is quoted as saying by The Sun. "But when it comes to Arsenal, no-one would dare approach him with questions about football or suggestions to change something round. Everyone knows what the answer would be.

"We've never had the 'big talk', although I have voiced my opinion a couple of times. He smiled in an understanding way but he has his own ideas."

Arshavin has found himself marginalised at Arsenal this season, with Gervinho and Theo Walcott preferred in advanced wide positions. His contract is due to expire in the summer, leading to suggestions he will return to Russia - perhaps as soon as January, should Arsenal want to recoup some cash for the man they signed in 2009.

"If my situation does not change, I may look at it [in January] - but not right now. But it is clear the salary is important," Arshavin said.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/982089/andrei-arshavin-lifts-lid-on-arsene-wenger's-managerial-style?cc=5901

We are going to have big problems in January...Gervinho goes to the African cup and we are stuck with Arshavin who doesn't want to be here.

So you are ruling out any signings?

nah but i hope we sign someone.....get a striker and a winger then sell Chamack

I

Carlo Ancelotti to replace PSG manager Antoine Kombouaré next Tuesday according to Canal+.

Why is this Arsenal-related? Well Wenger has been linked with PSG many times, this could rule out any move anytime soon.

Thierry named in MLS team of the season:

http://fxn.ws/t3vZhZ

Arsenal will listen to offers for Chamakh, Almunia and Squillaci in January. http://bit.ly/uZMe09

Theo Walcott has backed Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as an outsider to make England’s Euro 2012 squad.Since joining from Southampton in the summer in a deal worth a reported £12 million, Oxlade-Chamberlain has already scored in the League Cup and the Champions League.

He also opened his international account with a hat-trick for the under-21’s against Iceland.

Walcott himself knows all about the pressures of being taken to a major tournament at an early age, but he believes Oxlade-Chamberlain to be far better prepared than he was for the 2006 World Cup.

He told Arsenal Player: "Alex has definitely got the potential to be there [at Euro 2012]. I don't think I deserved to go to the World Cup in 2006 but I hadn't played any games in the Premier League while Alex has played in the Champions League.

“He knows he has a lot to learn but he is showing very good signs at this moment in time."

Not only has Walcott been impressed with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performances, but also his attitude and desire.

He continued: "When you get the opportunities [as a teenager] you have to grab it with both hands and he has done that.

"He's shown what he can do in the Carling Cup games and the Champions League. He's got a good head, he wants to learn, and that's very important.

“He's very relaxed as well and that does him a big favour because he fits in well.”

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on in-form forward Robin van Persie by calling him one of the best players he's ever played with.The Dutchman has been in fine form this term, topping the scoring charts with 11 goals this season and has found the back of the net 29 times in 28 Premier League matches since the turn of the year.

"He is up there with the best three or four players I have ever played with, a natural talent," Arteta told his club's official website.

"There is no effort when he plays. He scores goals and plays beautifully.

"As a captain he is a really nice person who tries to help people. We are pleased we have got him."

Unlike most of his club team-mates, the Spainard will be taking won't be appearing for his national team over the international break.

Despite featuring prominently for Everton and now Arsenal for many seasons, the 29-year-old has only been capped by Spain at junior levels.

Arsenal face Norwich City away in Saturday's early kick-off when the Premier League returns to action next weekend.

Ryo Miyaichi is eager to make his first Premier League appearance for Arsenal, but is more than willing to bide his time.

A regular fixture in reserve matches, there are high expectations for the starlet who scored three times in 12 appearances with Feyenoord last season.
"I can tell I am improving a lot through training sessions with my team-mates," he told Arsenal's official website.

"I am also getting used to expressing myself to them without hesitation."

Some Japanese players in Europe have struggled with adapting to the local language, but Miyaichi has worked on improving his communication both on and off the pitch.

“I was too shy and nervous when I first joined the team. Now I feel more settled living in this environment. Arsenal found an English teacher for me. I suppose I am improving [because] I can understand what the coaches are saying."

Miyaichi will be out for three weeks after sustaining an injury in a reserve match earlier this week, but is optimistic about his future with the London squad.

“I am not in a rush,” the youngster commented. [Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger] advises me to concentrate on training."

The 18-year-old has yet to take the field for the Gunners in league play, putting in just 40 minutes in two League Cup appearances so far this year, but has found inspiration in practice, particularly in a team-mate.

"I also pay attention to Robin van Persie when he plays. He can release defenders with just one touch - he is so good at it.”

Samuelj29060 wrote:Arsenal will listen to offers for Chamakh, Almunia and Squillaci in January. http://bit.ly/uZMe09

dailyfail

Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas is disappointed Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere isn't available for England today.

Wilshere is still sidelined with his ankle injury.

Cesc tweeted: "What a great stadium Wembley is. Can't wait for tomorrow's game. Shame @JackWilshere is not playing so i won't be able to nutmeg him."

But Wilshere quickly shot back: "haha don't lie you use to hate playing against me in training! Just wait Arsenal V barca champions league! Wilshere v Cesc "

New Post - 16 games unbeaten but France far from unbeatable http://bit.ly/w1MFG2

Samuelj29060 wrote:Arsenal will listen to offers for Chamakh, Almunia and Squillaci in January. http://bit.ly/uZMe09

Now that is some good news.