PRIEVIEW
Arsenal will be without the services of both Emmanuel Petit and Martin Keown for this weekend's clash with Newcastle, but with strike duo Nicolas Anelka and Dennis Bergkamp firing on all cylinders, the Gunners will be strong favourites to get a positive result. The Geordies look set to welcome Alan Shearer and Didier Domi back into their side after illness and injury, but Duncan Ferguson is not yet quite ready for a return to first team action. New £3.6 million signing Silvio Maric looks poised to make his Newcastle debut following his switch from Croatia Zagreb, and Ruud Gullit's side will be full of confidence after their midweek F.A Cup success at Blackburn. The game is live on Sky, kick-off 4pm.
NIC GOING NO WHERE
Arsene Wenger has spoken out about young hotshot Nicolas Anelka by saying that he would not swap the player for anyone, not even an Owen or a Ronaldo. The Highbury boss believes that a move like that would only weaken his team. On the back of the news that anyone who wanted to get into the transfer race for the 19 year old's signature would be looking at a £20 Million price tag, Wenger commented: "It shows how quickly things change. A year ago no one wanted to know him and I defended him as a good player. Now everyone is talking about him. I am not surprised that he is catching so much attention. He has the explosive power of Ronaldo, plus great skill."
24/2/99
PETIT SHOCKER
Emanuel Petit has been sent to the South of France in a bid to be rid of his long standing ankle problem. Petit is using the same hydrotherapy treatment centre as Tony Adams used last season. Petit has been troubled by his problem for sometime and is unable to walk or train after playing in matches. Arsene Wenger fears that the injury could turn into a long term problem unless it is sorted in the near future. He has therfore sent Petit for aome intensive treatment in a bid to find a speedy cure for the injury. Patit is expected to remain in France for the next couple of weeks at least before returning to Highbury. The Gunners are being kept in constant touch with Petit so they can montior the progress that he is making. Meanwhile the club have been linked to Olivier Dacourt a central midfielder with Everton, but also Kily Gozalez, who currently plays for Real Zaragoza. That news comes from an Italian Web site who reckon that Parma are also interested in the midfielder whose current contract ends in 2001.
NORWICH STAR LINKED
Reports have suggested that the Gunners and Spurs are interested in landing Norwich City's transfer listed star Keith O'Neill. Quite why both clubs should be interested in a left winger with Marc Overmars and David Ginola in North London is another question. The Republic of Ireland star is very highly rated and can play as an out and out striker, but it still seems rather unlikely that either club would be interested.
BARCA MYSTERY
Reports in the Spanish press appear to have cast doubts over whether Barcelona actually made a bid for Nicolas Anelka or not. If their press is to be believed the Spanish giants are interested but have not actually made an official bid. Reports on Tuesday had suggested that the Gunners and Anelka had turned down a possible move for the striker, which would have netted Arsenal £12m. However the good news is that having heard the speculation Anelka confirmed that he was happy to stay at Highbury in any case.
23/2/99
WE'RE THROUGH
The Gunners are finally through to the sixth round of the FA Cup by the same scoreline as the first attempt 10 days ago - 2-1 winners over Sheffield United. Dutch duo Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp did the damage and although the Blades scored with four minutes to go - it was too little too late. Arsenal now face the winners of the Derby v Huddersfield replay tomorrow in a sixth round tie to be played at Highbury on March 6. Arsene Wenger's side took the lead on 14 minutes through Overmars who capitalised on a defensive error as he collected the ball and shot powerfully past Alan Kelly for his 10th goal of the season. Earlier, United's Marcello volleyed over after a great run and cross from Shaun Derry to pick him out, the Brazilian had more time than he realised but cracked his right foot effort too high. Graeme Stuart was substituted in the early stages after picking up an injury, Bobby Ford coming on for the Blades. Dennis Bergkamp then doubled the home side's advantage by producing a classy finish to another incisive Arsenal move. Overmars cut in from the wing, slipping the ball to Ray Parlour who advanced into the penalty area before picking out Bergkamp. The Dutchman curled a cute chip over Kelly into the far corner of the net to give the Gunners a comfortable lead going into the break. Arsenal sat back in the second half to soak up the visitors' greater attacking threat, Steve Bruce having thrown forward another striker in a bid to get back into the match. But the Blades failed to create many clear cut opportunities, despite their territorial advantage, and were constantly caught offside by a Tony Adams-marshalled Arsenal back four. Eventually Lee Morris latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area after a good David Seaman save to force the ball into the back of the net. But with four minutes to go there was little time left for the visitors to force an equaliser and Arsenal hung on to go through - at the second time of asking.
PRIEVIEW VS SHEFFIELD UTD
The Gunners are expected to be close to full strength for the rematch against Sheffield United in the FA Cup. Emanuel Petit and Nigel Winterburn are returning to the squad after missing the victory against Leicester and should both return to the starting line-up at the expense of Nelson Vivas and Remi Garde. We expect Steve Bould to replace Gilles Grimandi, but although Nwankwo Kanu did well against the Blades first time round he is more likely to start on the bench. Both clubs have been told that they have to sign an agreement to abide by the outcome of tonight's game.
NIC IS HAPPY AND ON A PAR WITH OWEN
The Gunners are in a rich vein of form at present and this season could turn out to be another Double winning season for the club. Anelka: Set to stay ? As results have began to improve, so has morale and it seems that just about everybody is happy including Nicolas Anelka. The striker had complaints at the start of the season about his teammates and his general lot at Highbury, but he seems a good degree happier now. Latest reports have suggested that the Frenchman was informed about the recent bid from Barcelona, but wasn't interested. Barclelona was mentioned as a likely destination for the striker by himself at the start of the season and the club must have expected the player to urge the Gunners to accept the £12m bid for him. Nicolas and his brother Claude seem to think that he is better off in London for now and Arsene Wenger, who has been very supportive of his young striker must be congratulated for keeping hold of a player who now stands comparison to Michael Owen.
TWO FRENCHMEN LINKED
The club have been linked to two Frenchman this week although for the moment the stories appear to be mere speculation. One report has suggested that Arsene Wenger is very interested in trying to land Spanish based Jerome Bonissel. The 27 year old is the current left back for Deportivo La Coruna and is an very accomplished player. If Arsene Wenger is interested in signing him then he may have to fight off a challenge from Liverpool who have also been linked. The other Frenchman linked is Olivier Dacourt who plays in midfield for Everton. Aston Villa have also been linked to the star, who Everton signed from Remi Garde's old club Strasbourg last season. Dacourt would be a strange choice for the Gunners if you take into account his 12 bookings so far this season and the disciplinary problems that already beset the Gunners on a yearly basis.
21/2/99
SOOOPER SOOPER NIC
Arsenal produced a five-star performance against Leicester City to keep the pressure on Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premiership. Niclas Anelka was the hat-trick hero at Highbury, but Ray Parlour notched a brace and Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira were also outstanding. The game got under way with both sides looking like they were feeling the effects of their big games in midweek. The Gunners made three changes for the game, with Gilles Grimandi, Nelson Vivas, Remi Garde and Dennis Bergkamp coming in for Steve Bould, Nigel Winterburn, Stephen Hughes and Nwankwo Kanu. The Foxes were without striker pairing Tony Cottee and Emile Heskey. Early on, Arnar Gunnlaugsson and Theo Zagorakis both went close for the visitors before Bergkamp fired wide from the edge of the box. Leicester were then hit by an injury to Robert Ullathorne when he was caught just below the knee by Parlour and had to leave the pitch for treatment. The Gunners took the lead shortly afterwards and it was Bergkamp who provided the opportunity. He flicked the ball over the Leicester defence and Anelka sprinted through, chested the ball down and fired home. Foxes 'keeper Kasey Keller maybe should have come out earlier but the Frenchman's pace was decisive. Within four minutes it was 1-0 thanks to a carbon copy of the first goal. Again it was Bergkamp was created the opportunity and Anelka's pace ripped through the heart of the visitors defence and he made no mistake in front of goal. Arsenal really were in complete control with Vieira and Bergkamp outstanding. Vieira created a chance for the Dutchman five minutes before the break when he blasted over the bar but it wasn't long before the scoreline began to illustrate the Gunners' superiority. Bergkamp laid the ball off to Parlour on the edge of the box and he had the time to power the ball into the bottom corner of Keller's net. And right on the stroke of half time Anelka completed a superb hat-trick. Marc Overmars broke through the Foxes' defence and got tot the by-line before pulling the ball back to Anelka. He had the simplest task of side-footing the ball past Leicester's American stopper. Barely three minutes had elapsed in the second period before Arsenal got their fifth of the game. Anelka combined well with Parlour and this time it was the England man who scored his second. He broke through the Leicester defence before cutting inside and superbly curling the ball into the corner of the net. Before long Arsenal almost grabbed their sixth when Anelka again broke through the Leicester defence but this time his shot struck the post. The Gunners then took their foot off the pedal after that, substituting Anelka, and the game petered out. Neither side was able to create any more chances and the Foxes were happy to keep it at five. Arsene Wenger will be delighted at the way his side clinically finished off the weak challenge of Leicester within 48 minutes. The side have threatened to run riot in front of goal all season, and finally it has happened. With both United and Chelsea winning it's as you were at the top, with the Gunners five points behind Alex Ferguson's men with a game in hand on 49 points.
DOZEN UP FOR STAR
Arsenal are one of 12 English clubs chasing Rosenborg star defender Andre Bergolmo, according to reports today. With the World-renowned Arsenal back-four not getting any younger, Arsene Wenger is bound to be linked with numerous defenders ahead of the transfer deadline in March. Everton, Leeds, Spurs, Newcastle, West Ham, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Sunderland, Huddersfield and Wolves have also sent scouts to watch the £2 million-rated player in action over the last few weeks. We'll keep you fully up-to-date with developments
FRESH FRENCH LINK
Do Arsenal need anymore midfielders? Well, the Sunday tabloids seem to think so as Everton's Olivier Dacourt has again been linked with a move to Highbury. The 24-year-old former Strasbourg ace has won many admirers amid his team's desperate plight in the Premiership, although he has racked up disciplinary points at an alarming rate this term. Aston Villa and Chelsea are also rumoured to be interested and any club wanting to prize him away from Goodison will have to pay in the region of £6 million. Everton paid £3.8 million for him last summer.
12/2/99
PRIEVIEW
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will have to delay the naming of his Arsenal side, while he waits on the fitness of seven key players for the FA Cup 5th round Highbury tie against division one promotion hopefuls Sheffield United. It is already accepted that midfielder Emmanuel Petit will miss the match, as he begins his three-match suspension, after having been sent off during the 4th round victory over Wolves at Molineux. However there are a number of fitness concerns for the Cup holders, as they prepare for the clash with the Blades. Martin Keown and Lee Dixon will both be absent, after picking up their respective hamstring and concussion injuries in midweek, playing for England against France at Wembley. Keown will be out for a good three weeks, while Dixon may have to wait just the one week before he can return to the champions' side. Whilst not remotely being good news, there is perhaps no huge reason to be concerned with their combined absence, as Steve Bould and Nelson Vivas should be fine replacements in the meantime. But Keown and Dixon may not be the only casualties for the visit of Sheffield United. Matthew Upson (ankle), David Seaman (ribs), Marc Overmars (flu), Tony Adams, (nose) and Gilles Grimandi (calf) are all fitness doubts of varying degrees. Skipper Adams is not having any real problems with his breathing, following that nose break against France, but his vision is somewhat affected. Adams is very likely to play, but do not be too concerned if Upson - as long as he shrugs off his knock - replaces Big Tone at the heart of the defence. Seaman and Overmars should also, realistically, both be fine. For the visitors, full-back Roger Nilson misses a gander at the marble halls as he is suffering from the latest injury craze, as another hamstring injury victim. Wayne Quinn should deputise. In midfield Ian Hamilton looks set to press for a place, along with Nick Henry and Bobby Ford, while Lee Morris is set to partner Marcelo in attack as Andy Campbell is ineligible.
ANELKA MYSTERIES
Nicolas Anelka could be set to leave the club, after sources close to the player said that he has requested a move to Spain. The French hitman has spoken out once already this week, about life in England, claiming he has no friends in this country. Now it has been said he is looking to move to Spain to continue his career. Pedro Martinez, one of the men responsible for managing Anelka's career, told reporters from a Spanish TV station: "Nicholas simply cannot adapt to life in England and has asked me to find him a club in Spain." Anelka was given an improved contract by Arsenal last summer, but boss Arsene Wenger will know that there may be little that the club can do realistically if Nic does decide that he wants to leave. The whole, ever-shifting saga that is the future of Nicolas Anelka at Highbury, seems to be veering from one contradiction to another. Only on Thursday, after his two-goal (if not three-goal!) display for France against England, Anelka appeared to dispute recent accusations that he is angling for a move away from the Double winners. Anelka remarked: "Coming to England has been great for me, it has made me develop more physically. I have had to adapt to that side of the game and I think I can handle it better now. It helps me at international level. "There are problems when you move to another country. You don't have your friends around for one thing. But I'm very happy at Arsenal and I'm happy in London. I'm getting used to it." Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said that he was pleased, for the sake of Arsenal, with improvements in Anelka's game, as illustrated in his two-goal effort against England. Wenger revealed: "If Nicolas doesn't get any better he will be a guilty man. He's only nineteen and at that age he must be able to improve. I was pleased because he got into the box more than usual and did so well against Adams and Keown." So there would seem to be no reason to suggest that the club would be willing to let Anelka leave and one could well feel that Anelka himself is now more prepared than ever to be confident enough to star in the Arsenal shirt. All Arsenal supporters will just have to hope that the continuing rumours, counter-rumours and attempts to up the Anelka-unsettling ante do eventually come to nothing.
11/2/99
INJURY WOE
Arsenal's league and cup aspirations have been dealt a severe blow with three of their defensive players all picking up injuries in England's 2-0 defeat against France on Wednesday night. Worse hit is Martin Keown who will be out for three weeks after straining a hamstring. Lee Dixon, who was making his first England appearance since 1993, will not feature for the next seven days after being carried off with concussion following a clash of heads with Christophe Dugarry. This means that Keown is definitely ruled out of both Saturday's FA Cup fifth round clash with Sheffield United at Highbury and next Wednesday's massive Premiership game against Manchester United. With Emmanuel Petit and Dennis Bergkamp both suspended for the trip to Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger faces big selection problems. Dixon will miss the cup game but could make the United match, while Tony Adams, who suffered a broken nose against the French, should be fit.
DEFENDER BID ON?
Arsenal have reportedly made a bid for Sporting Lisbon's 22 year old star Roberto Beto. The central defender has been capped more than a dozen times by Portugal, and he is rated as one of the best emerging defenders on the continent. Lisbon are looking for around £5 million for the player, but we understand that the Gunners are looking to pay somewhere in the region of £3 million for his services. Arsene Wenger has stated that he will not be rushed into making any moves into the transfer market, and he has hinted that he may be ready to ease up on his spending for the moment. However, he has also revealed that he is keen to strengthen other areas of his squad after his recent double striker signing, and Wenger said: "I don't want to lose any opportunity to strengthen the squadwhen players are available at the right price."
9/2/99
MORE ANELKA CONTRAVERCY
Reported comments in an interview in a French magazine with Nicolas Anelka looks sure to catch the headlines as the Gunners striker appeared to criticise teammate Marc Overmars. The French international reportedly said that Overmars plays for himself. It is reported he commented: "It's true that Overmars plays only for his own mug and will never give me the ball that I score from. So why shouldn't I say it ? There is no reason why I should stay quiet and run like a dog behind the missiles he sends my way." The 19 year old reportedly added: "The passes come to me just away from the centre so I have no other choice but to give him them back in the middle. That's so he can shine all on his own because that is his main aim." This interview follows reported comments earlier in the season by Anelka regarding Overmars not giving him enough of the ball, for which Anelka said sorry. It waits to be seen what reaction there is to the reported comments by Anelka in this interview.
Arsenal powered their way to an awesome performance at Upton Park, with four separate players each cracking goals past a poor West Ham side, to lift the champions into third place in the Premiership and to achieve a sixth successive clean sheet. In the early stages of this match, West Ham enjoyed a strong level of possession, without really offering much in the way of penetration, as Arsenal's famed defensive unit held the Hammers at bay. For their part, the Gunners were intent on counter-attacking and certainly striker Nicolas Anelka was at the forefront of Arsenal's attacking forays, squandering two fair half chances. Ray Parlour also tested Shaka Hislop from near the bye-line, while for West Ham Paolo Di Canio was pleasing the Upton Park faithful with his nifty footwork. Arsenal previewed their attacking intent, with Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars combining, just after the half-hour mark, for Overmars to skip beyond the Hammers' back-line, past keeper Hislop, but his angled shot was cleared off the line. But the Gunners were not to be denied and on thirty-four minutes, Bergkamp was again the bane of the West Ham defence. The Dutchman set off from the halfway line and nipped past a couple of challenges, before slipping a beautiful right-foot shot into the far corner. Arsenal continued to overcome the Hammers with some ease and the Gunners illustrated that they are currently in a rich vein of form, by adding to their lead with a second goal on the edge of half-time. Marc Overmars joined his Dutch colleague Bergkamp on the scoresheet, when he responded to Hislop saving an intial forty-fourth minute effort, by turning home a left-footed rebound. Eyal Berkovic entered the fray for the Hammers, in the second period, as West Ham tried desperately to crack holes in the Arsenal defence, but it was still to no avail as the Gunners' legendary back-line was once again impenetrable. As the minutes ticked away, the Hammers' toil proved to lead nowhere and the Gunners hit two further late goals, to confirm the three points for the champions. On eighty-three minutes, under-fire striker Nicolas Anelka raced clear, under suspicion of offside, to net his first goal since November 28th against Middlesbrough. 'Super Nic' beat the West Ham defence before surging past Hislop, to clip the third Arsenal goal in off a post. With the Upton Park faithful becoming increasingly disturbed with their side's performance, Arsenal added the fourth goal, with Marc Overmars' shot being blocked by Hislop but followed in by Ray Parlour. The result was a colossal achievement by Arsenal, regardless of the club's excellent record at Upton Park, as with West Ham giving home debuts to both Paolo Di Canio and Marc-Vivien Foe, today's match could easily have turned sour for the Gunners. But the resilience of the champions' defence was at his usual incredible best, when it needed to be, and for once the attackers were each able to fire on target. The victory sees Arsenal rise above Aston Villa, surprisingly beaten 3-1 at Villa Park by Blackburn Rovers, but without making much impact on second-placed Chelsea, who beat Southampton 1-0 with a Ginfranco Zola free-kick. The Gunners' win also leaves no dent in the gap held by leaders Manchester United, who have albeit played one match more. United surpassed even Arsenal's four-goal scoreline by mashing desperate Nottingham Forest 8-1 away at the City Ground. But that score will be irrelevent to the Gunners, as the champions continue their surging run, of eight wins in nine matches, in the steadily-gaining bid to retain their Premiership title.
6/2/99
PRIEVIEW VS WEST HAM
Arsenal look set to offer supporters a novel treat at Upton Park as, with Patrick Vieira available once again after serving a three-match suspension and Emmanuel Petit not beginning his identical ban until he has faced West Ham, the Gunners should actually be able to field a first-choice team! Boss Arsene Wenger will be without striker Nwankwo Kanu, as he is not due to arrive in England until Saturday The Nigerian international's work permit did of course arrive this week but Wenger will instead select Kaba Diawara for the bench. Kanu is however highly likely to play for the reserves against Brighton on Monday. A reminder for supporters, particularly those unable to secure tickets for Upton Park, is that the club are beaming live match action back to Highbury. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. The Hammers are set to hand home debuts to striker Paolo Di Canio and midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe, with Trevor Sinclair replacing Tim Breacker at right wing-back. The match will also feature Nigel Winterburn up against good friend Paolo Di Canio, for the first time since the infamous 'ref-pushing' incident at Hillsborough in September, when Di Canio was still with Sheffield Wednesday.
ANELKA IN SWAP TALKS
Nicolas Anelka - currently suffering from homesickness and a loss of confidence - could be heading out of Highbury. Reports are suggesting that Barcelona could offer an escape route with Dutch midfielder Ronald De Boer arriving at Arsenal in a swap deal. De Boer has always expressed a wish to play in the premiership and came close to joining the Gunners for £7 million in the summer. His move to Barcelona was only seen as a stepping stone to London, and the 28 year old admitted : "I will have to wait and see what happens in the next few months." Anelka's old club Paris St Germain are also expressing an interest in ending the 19 year old's two year stay in the capital.
WENGER URGES FA TO GET ENGLSIH MANAGER
Arsene Wenger is as short as 12/1 with bookies William Hill to become the next England manager despite ruling himself out of the job. Wenger though has certainly not been slow in coming forward and offering advice as to who should appointed. He believes that it would be wrong for a foreign coach to take over the hardest job in English football, saying : "There are 50 million Englishmen in this country, you must be able to find one to run your football team." Wenger advocates getting an experienced man at the helm, and he feels it's a straight choice between Howard Wilkinson and Roy Hodgson. Whoever takes on the enormous task will have Wenger's sympathy, the Frenchman adding : "Leaving a premiership club to take the post would be twice the stick for half the money."
4/2/99
TRIO NAMED IN FRENCH SQUAD
Gunners trio Nicolas Anelka, Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira have all been selected to play for France against England, in next Wednesday's friendly at Wembley. The squad chosen by Roger Lemerre, the coach of the French national team, also features Chelsea defenders Marcel Desailly and Frank Leboeuf. The expected inclusion of the three Arsenal heroes will throw up both intriguing encounters and somewhat divided loyalties for Arsenal supporters. The contest will see the pace and ingenuity of Anelka, Petit and Vieira up against Arsenal's legendary England contingent of goalkeeper David Seaman and central defenders Tony Adams and Martin Keown. Should be fun! The 18-man squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Barthez (Monaco), Porato (Marseille) Defenders: Blanc (Marseille), Candela (Roma), Desailly, Leboeuf (both Chelsea), Lizarazu, (Bayern Munich), Thuram (Parma) Midfielders: Boghossian (Parma), Deschamps, Zidane (both Juventus), Djorkaeff (Inter Milan), Petit, Vieira (both Arsenal) Strikers: Anelka (Arsenal), Dugarry, Pires (both Marseille), Laslandes (Bordeaux).
KANU TO BEGIN HIGHBURY CAREER?
Arsene Wenger will assess the fitness of Nwankwo Kanu over the next couple of days before making a decision on whether or not to include him in his squad for Saturday's clash with West Ham. Kanu has been unable to train with the Gunners because he has been stranded in Amsterdam waiting for his work permit to come through. But Wenger is delighted to have him on board now, and he said: "I am very pleased. It is important he comes to training and integrates with the group. "He will give us a lift because with Christopher Wreh leaving and Alberto Mendez going it leaves us a bit short. "It is important that he can join in and show us what he can do. We have to check how fit he is and how close to game fitness he is." Although Kanu will not start against West Ham this weekend, there is a chance that he could be on the bench.
WRIGHT WILL NOT PLAY FOR ENGLAND AGAIN
Following the sacking of Glenn Hoddle as England coach, former Gunners striker Ian Wright has decided to call time on his international career. Wright, who has been out with a knee injury for the past five weeks, revitalised his dream of playing for England under Hoddle. But West Ham may benefit by the striker's decision. The 35-year-old has now said he wants to concentrate on playing for the Hammers and help the side gain a top six finish. "All I want to do now is bust a gut for my club West Ham and help them get into Europe," he said. The Highbury legend made his England debut against Cameroon in 1991, while he was playing for Crystal Palace, but he then suffered under the managemnt of Graham Taylor who did not rate the effervescent striker. "The only regret I have is not gaining more caps but Graham Taylor never rated me highly enough when I was coming through. "Injury also robbed me of playing a part in the last World Cup, while I missed out on Euro 96," Wright said. He scored nine goals for his country and the highlights were his four strikes against San Marino in 1993 and his man of the match performance against the Czech's last year. But, Wright recognises with younger strikers finding form and fitness it is the correct time to hang up his international boots. "Now with Robbie Fowler back to full fitness and Andy Cole firing, I can walk away," he said. "I will always have my critics, most of all those who try to put me down for my international scoring record. "But I'm one of the few England strikers to score four goals in a match," he added.
WENGER AS ENGLAND BOSS????????
Arsene Wenger continues to be linked with the post of England manager, and with a growing body of opinion suggesting that the F.A should opt for a foreign coach, Wenger is one of the favourites with the bookies to get the job. The Gunners chief is the best priced foreign coach with bookmakers William Hill, and he is quoted at odds of 12-1 to become the next England boss. Although it would be nothing short of a major surprise if Wenger were to leave Highbury to take the job, the F.A have revealed that they may look to being in a foreign coach to fill the position. Former Arsenal midfielder David Platt is quoted at 4-1 by William Hill to succeed Glenn Hoddle, whilst former Gunners boss George Graham is an outsider at 25-1.
2/2/99
PETIT's THOUGHTS
French midfielder Emmanuel Petit has revealed that his move to Highbury was the turning point of his career. Petit says that he was going nowhere until he joined the Gunners from Arsene Wenger's former club Monaco. It has been a dramatic rise for Petit, and he said: "When I arrived here I asked myself 'what am I doing'. "I had an irresistable urge to clear off." Petit believes the move to Highbury has rekindled the warrior spirit within him.
THOUGHTS ON UPSON
England Under 21 international boss Peter Taylor says he believes that foreign players are holding back home grown youngsters. Taylor feels there are a lot of young players in the reserve teams of Premier League clubs who would walk into Nationwide teams. Talor said: "Mathew Upson is a prime example. He's a potential full international and for me an automatic choice at Under 21 level. "But even when Tony Adams and Martin Keown are injured he can't be sure of a first team game. I think he's only had four or five starts this season."
BERGY D-DAY
Arsenal will learn later today if Dennis Bergkamp will be suspended or not for the clash with Manchester United on February 17th. Bergkamp will be eligible for the Old Trafford clash if Spurs lose to Wimbledon tonight in the F.A Cup. If Spurs beat Wimbledon then Bergkamp will miss the F.A Cup tie with Sheffield United instead.
29/1/99
SUNDAY PRIEVIEW
28/1/99
Arsene Wenger has almost a full squad to choose from for Sunday's big title clash at Highbury against Chelsea. Keown: Free to return Martin Keown is available again after suspension whilst Dennis Bergkamp and Emmanual Petit are both expected to recover from minor knocks. David Seaman is also back in contention, although Alex Manninger could still keep his place in the side. Kaba Diawara could also be included on the bench. In fact the only absentee for Arsenal will be Patrick Vieira who serves the third game of his three match suspension. Chelsea hope to have player-boss Gianluca Vialli fit, even though he suffered a foot injury in the clash against Oxford in the F.A Cup on Monday night.
SINGNING COMPLETE
Arsenal have completed the signing of French under-21 international Kaba Diawara. The Gunners have rushed through the reported £3.5million deal in time for the 23-year-old to make his debut against Premiership leaders Chelsea on Sunday. Diawara is likely to take up a place on the bench for the Highbury clash which could see Arsenal close the gap on their London rivals to a point. Diawara said he was 'delighted to join such a great club'. While Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes he has uncovered a potential star of the future. He said: "He has huge potential, he is technically gifted and posseses real physical power. He still needs to improve in terms of mental and physical strength and movement off the ball. But apart from that all he needs is more experience."
ANOTHER FRENCHMAN JOINING VERY SOON
Double winners Arsenal are believed to be close to signing Bordeaux striker Kaba Diawara, for around £2.5m. The club are keen to clinch his signature soon as there are fears that the work permit for recent Nigerian capture Nwankwo Kanu may be still be some three weeks off. Twenty-three year old Diawara has scored five goals so far this season, despite having largely been used as a substitute by his club and a deal is expected with the Gunners on Friday. An Arsenal official revealed: "There are still a few details to be tied up but we are hopeful of completing the signing before the weekend." In a move which may well precipitate Arsenal's capture of Diawara, Bordeaux have now completed the signing of Real Betis striker Ivan Perez, for an undisclosed fee. Perez has put pen to paper on a four and a half year deal and it would now seem likely that the future for Diawara at Bordeaux would be even bleaker if he did not join the Gunners.
RONALDO GIVES US SOME PROMISING NEWS
Brazilian star Ronaldo has spoken out to highlight the abilities of new signing Nwankwo Kanu. Ronaldo, who played alongside Kanu at Inter Milan says that the Nigerian is the most talented player that he has ever seen on the training ground. Ronaldo said: "He is the best player I have ever seen in training, and he can do things with the ball that I have never seen done before." "He can make the ball dance." Ronaldo's comments would suggest that Arsene Wenger has made a shrewd signing, bearing in mind that Ronaldo has played and trained with some of the best footballers in the world with Barcelona, Inter Milan and with the Brazilian national team.
DAVIDS LINKED
Arsenal are being linked with a move for the Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids. Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the Dutch player, and with Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp already at Highbury, he would stand a good chance of signing him. The player was rumoured to have been in London last week, and Wenger may see him as one of his main transfer targets in the summer.
24/1/99
MUCH SHOCKING NEWS TODAY!
WE WIN AND GET "EASY" DRAW
Depleted Arsenal advanced into round five thanks to a deflected effort from Dennis Bergkamp 20 minutes from time. There were starts for Remi Garde and Matthew Upson in the Arsenal starting line-up this afternoon, whilst Alex Manninger continued in place of the injured David Seaman. All the early possession went the way of the visitors and Tony Adams found himself with an early chance as Emmanuel Petit swerved in a free kick, but the England centre-back was inches away from making contact. After six minutes the Gunners thought they had taken the lead when Ray Parlour's cross was beautifully swept home by Nicolas Anelka only for a late flag from the linesman to rule the effort out. However, four minutes later and the double winners were in lead as the Wolves defence backed off Marc Overmars who netted a drive from 20 yards. Wolves battled back quickly and Michael Gilkes made room on the left and his cross-cum-shot deceived Manninger and rattled the cross bar but no-one reacted quick enough to slot home the rebound. Colin Lee's side were unable to build up any kind of concerted pressure as Robbie Keane, linked with a move to Highbury was well-shackled by Nigel Winterburn, especially early on. However, it only takes a second to score a goal and on 36 minutes a cross from deep was missed by Alex Manninger as Harvard Flo beat him to the punch and headed into the empty net to level things up. As the interval approached it was the home side who looked the most likely to score and two minutes into injury time, Keane brought the ball down brilliantly in the area but his left foot shot flew high and wide. The second half started slowly but Anelka really should have put his side ahead on 52 minutes as Remi Garde played his fellow Frenchman in but Mike Stowell came off his line and forced him to fire wide. The match began to ebb and flow and at the other end Wolves had two chances to score, first Keane was denied by a super tackle from Winterburn before Flo's shot cannoned off the post with Manninger well beaten. Defences became stretched with both sides clearly gunning for a winning goal and Arsenal were denied by Stowell on the hour as he turned away Lee Dixon's powerful drive and Dean Richards booted away the loose ball. The visitors began to pile on the pressure and again Stowell came to Wolves' resuce - doing extremely well to get a hand to Bergkamp's dipping 20 yard volley before the defence scrambled the ball away with Anelka lurking. Overmars then had a powerful shot turned for a corner, but from the set piece Bergkamp's weak 20 yard shot on 70 minutes was deflected past a helpless Stowell to give the Premiership side the lead. Trailing going into the last ten minutes Wolves had to commit players forward, but consequently, that left the defence more vulnerable and both Overmars and Ray Parlour had chances to make it 3-1 while Nelson Vivas had a shot blocked as he took one touch too many when well placed. Wolves were given hope with three minutes to go when referee Steve Dunn, acting on the advice of his assistant sent Petit for an early bath for on off-the-ball incident while Arsenal were defending a Wolves free-kick. Tempers became frayed late on as the pressure mounted - Keith Curle lucky not to get sent off, and Wolves threw on David Connolly in a final attempt for an equaliser but Paul Simpson's off-target free-kick was as near as the hosts came.
Arsenal's reward for their battling victory at Molineux this afternoon, is a home tie against another Nationwide side - the third consecutive time the Gunners have been pitted against lower division opposition. Arsene Wenger's men will face the winners of the Sheffield United-Cardiff City tie, in a game scheduled to be played on February 13/14/15.
DENNIS OUT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!
Monaco are set to make a £20 million bid for Dennis Bergkamp, if Sunday newspaper reports are to be believed. Many say Arsenal have had the best out of him and would do well to sell now, but I believe there is not enough cover at the club yet to enable Arsene Wenger to cash in on the Dutch World-cup star. Monaco are desperately seeking a new goal-getter, and a £20 million move would see Arsenal almost triple their investment after signing Bergkamp from Inter Milan in 1995.
KEAN LATEST
Wolves have finally conceded they could lose Irish sensation Robbie Keane to Arsenal. The £8 million-rated 18-year-old has been in startling form this term and Arsene Wenger has been closely tracking the Eire international. "It is inevitable that Robbie Keane will leave Wolves simply because of the power that lies with players and agents," said John Richards, Wolves' chief-executive. "Arsenal coach Pat Rice has watch him many times. "We've not put a valuation on Robbie, but people are paying silly money for ordinary players, so imagine what he is worth." Middlesbrough had a recent £5.5 million approach knocked back, but they, along with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool continue to be linked with him. Arsenal have always been favourites to sign the teen-sensation, and something could develop over the next couple of weeks.
SPONSOR LATEST
Newspaper reports today are suggesting Arsenal and Sega are on the verge of completing a £10 million shirt sponsorship deal. If all goes ahead the deal will be the biggest in British soccer history and Arsenal have confirmed they are in advanced negotiations with vice-chairman David Dein at the centre of things. The deal would see Arsenal collect £2.5 million per-year over four years, eclipsing the £1.5 million per year Manchester United receive from Sharp. Again, it is expected a deal will be signed sooner rather than later.
SEAMAN SHOCKER
IT looks as though David "safe hands" may be out for the rest of the season. His operation has not gone to plan and he is seeing a specialist. I await development.
22/1/99
WOLVES PRIEVIEW
Nicolas Anelka has passed himself fit for Sunday's F.A Cup clash with Wolves. Anelka picked up an ankle injury whilst on international duty with France in midweek, but he has told Arsene Wenger that the ankle is okay and he will play. The Gunners will be without the suspended duo of Patrick Vieira and Martin Keown, whilst Steve Bould and Giles Grimandi will also be missing through injury. Alex Manninger will continue to deputise in goal in place of the injured David Seaman. Wolves are close to full strength and will have both Robbie Keane and Dean Richards in their starting line-up. Both have been strongly linked with a move to Highbury. The game kicks-off at 3.30pm.
FRENCH MOVE CLOSE
Arsenal are understood to be close to completing the signing of Bordeaux striker Kaba Diawara. The 23 year old will cost in excess of £3.5 million, and it now looks as though the talks that have been taken place over the last few days will bear fruit. It is also being suggested that Marseille are ready to step in to sign Diawara in the summer if his move to Highbury does not work out.
PENANT GAGGED
The Gunners have banned recent teenage signing Jermaine Pennant from speaking to the media. Pennant has caused problems this weekend by making some embarrassing comments to the press, and Director of Youth Development Liam Brady has taken him to one side to warn him to keep quiet. Brady said: "I told Jermaine it was time to concentrate on his football. He has to watch out because things can be misconstrued. I have told him that the more he is in the paper the more pressure he is under."
NEW WONDERKID EYED
Arsenal are chasing yet another youngster as Arsene Wenger looks to build for the future. This time the Gunners are keeping tabs on 15 year old French striker Jeremy Aladiere, and Arsene Wenger said: "He is a player I am interested in." The youngster is not attached to any club so Arsenal will not have to pay a fee for him should they decide to pursue their interest.
21/1/99
YET ANOTHER FRENCH LINK
Arsenal are being linked with a move for another French striker as Arsene Wenger continues to look to his native home for new talent. The Gunners are now understood to be keeping an eye on the Bordeaux striker Kaba Diawara, although as yet the interest has not progressed into anything further. Wenger knows that he can pick up bargains in the French transfer market, and he appears to be keen to exploit that fact at every available opportunity.
KEAN RACE ON,br>Wolves are reported to have laughed off a £5m bid from Middlesbrough for 18 year old striker Robbie Keane. Keane has been watched a number of times by Arsene Wenger and his scouts, but Wolves will clearly only sell if they receive a substantial offer. Arsene Wenger will get a chance to make a personal check on Keane this weekend, but he knows that even if he decides to make an offer, then he is surely bound to face competition for the young Irish stars signature.
WINTERBURN HITS BACK
Nigel Winterburn has hit back at reports that he is ready to quit Higbbury to join either Millwall or Wycombe. Winterburn is unhappy with the speculation, and he says that he is as keen as ever to stay with the Gunners. He said: "My priority is to secure a new deal with Arsenal. I would like to finish my career at Highbury and I am keen to sign on for another year."
20/1/99
ANOTHER FRENCHMAN ON THE WAY?
The Gunners have been offered the chance to sign an eighth French defender, after being given the first option on Inter Milan's Zoumama Camara. Wenger has long been looking to add young defenders to the Arsenal squad, as the legendary back four of Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould, Tony Adams and Lee Dxion will surely, at some point in the history of the world, truly have to be replaced eventually. Camara is a nineteen year-old, not twenty until April 3rd, who signed for Inter from St Etienne in the summer. He played thirty-two times for the French side over the last two seasons, scoring once, but has so far made only two appearances for Inter, in the Italian Cup. Camara made his Italian move before Arsenal agreed their youth development deal with St Etienne and prior to David Grondin joining the Gunners from the very same French club. Wenger has been looking for possible defensive signings in England but has found that quality has not been matching transfer fees requested. Yet if the boss decides to take up the option on Camara, the Frenchman may cost only around £1m. One factor which may auger well for the champions is that Camara is a dead-ringer for Patrick Vieira! So if his physical likeness to Vieira is comparable to his ability on the pitch, then Arsenal could be onto a winner. Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger has told Thierry Henry that if his move to Juventus does not work out then he still has a future at Arsenal! Henry left Monaco on Monday, in an £11m move to Turin, but Wenger has made no secret of his admiration for the player. This development is hardly likely to fill Arsenal supporters with immense joy, as many had been expecting Henry to sign for the Gunners rather than Juve this week. But with the fee for Henry having been too prohibitive for Arsenal at £11m, rather than the £5m bid that the Gunners made, a possible future move for Henry is at least better than all lost hope.
TRIO OFFERED DEALS
Arsenal's legendary defensive triumvirate of Lee Dixon, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn have all been offered one-year contract extensions, as Arsene Wenger looks to retain their playing abilities and experience for at least another season. The trio have been instrumental in all of Arsenal's title and cup-winning glories of the last decade and rumours have flown for the last five years that each must be replaced imminently otherwise Arsenal would sink without a trace. But such banality has been forcibly eroded by season upon season of still excellent defending and, of course, last season's imperious Double. Winterburn has though been reportedly offered two chances of management, as an alternative to staying at Highbury. Wycombe allegedly want him to take over at Adams Park, after the club recently sacked Neil Smilie. However Millwall chairman has slated as 'utter rubbish' any suggestion that the Lions want Winterburn to take over from Keith Stevens, at the New Den.
18/1/99
THREE TRANSFER BLOWS
Arsenal have been dealt three major transfer shocks today, with the news that two very srtong transfer targets have now joined other clubs and a further target looks set to sign a new contract to stay with his current team. Th first major blow is that Crystal Palace striker Matt Jansen has joined Blackburn Rovers in a £4m deal, with the 21-year old signing a six-year contract. The former Carlisle United forward adds to a peculiarly long list of strikers at Ewood Park: Chris Sutton, Kevin Gallacher, Nathan Blake, Ashley Ward, Kevin Davies and now Jansen too. One would think that something has to give on that score and our sources suggest that Kevin Gallacher may be primed for a return to Coventry City. Nevertheless, Rover's deal for Jansen is a heavy blow for Arsene Wenger who, when concluding the signing of striker Nwankwo Kanu on Friday, reiterated that he was still interested in netting Jansen, as he saw him as a striker or wide man. The second major blow is that long-time transfer target Thierry Henry, the striker-come-winger from AS Monaco, has signed for Italian champions Juventus, for an undisclosed fee.The French World Cup winner has long been linked with a move to Arsenal. It had seemed, in the recent past, that the only real obstacle to Henry arriving at Highbury was that the Monaco chairman did not want him to leave the club. But with Monaco coach Jean Tigana having been sacked last week, many Gunners fans felt it was only a matter of time before Henry would become an Arsenal player, particularly as he is such a close friend of striker Nicolas Anelka. The third painful transfer blow is that Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has suggested that he is very close to being ready to sign a new contract, to stay at Anfield. This would seem to toll the bell of any chance Arsenal supporters were harbouring that Fowler would be joining the Gunners, to add his goal-poaching abilities to the Arsenal strike-force. Fowler has commented that he is optimistic about Liverpool's future and feels that they are on the verge of something big.
SEAMAN BACK FOR RESERVES
Amidst the disappointment of three unfulfilled striker transfers, there is at least one piece of good news today, with the inclusion of goalkeper David Seaman in the squad for tonight's reserve team match at Peterborough United. Seaman has been absent from the champions' first team line-up since injuring his shoulder in training, before the 3-1 win over Leeds United at Highbury on December 20th. 'England's number one' has been training for the past week and Arsene Wenger wants him to play for the second string as, if he makes it through the match without hitches, Seaman could feature in Sunday's FA Cup 4th round tie at Wolves. The match takes place at Peterborough's London Road ground and the kick-off is at 7pm. Reserve team coach Geordie Arnstrong is likely to have a pretty damn strong squad for the trip, with Chris Wreh, Matthew Upson, Gilles Grimandi, Luis Boa Morte and Nelson Vivas all due to play, along with Fabien Caballero. It is a particularly important match for dentral defenders Upson and Grimandi as, with Martin Keown suspended for the Wolves tie, Arsene Wenger will have to find somebody to replace him. Meanwhile, the Gunners youth team faces a difficult trip tonight, one known all too well by the senior team. The young Arsenal side travel to Deepdale to take on Preston North End in the FA Youth Cup. This match comes just two weeks after the champions came back from 2-0 behind to win 4-2, in the FA Cup third round. PNE are bound to be seeking some sort of revenge and the Lancastrians expect a sizeable crowd. If you're in the vicinity, adults pay £3 on the door and it's £1.50 for concessions.
NEW PENNANT TWIST
The Jermaine Pennant saga will take a new twist when the player's official agent faxes a letter of complaint to the Football Association. Essex-based agent Skylet Andrew, who claims to be Pennant's representative, is furious after he was cut out of the deal by another agent Mark Curtis, and has said that he will fax a letter to the FA by the close of business on Monday. The press on Sunday were alleging that Curtis had offered a 'bung' to Pennant's father Garry. While Andrew is angry that the deal taking Pennant to Arsenal from Notts County went ahead without him. The Gunners have said that they will launch an enquiry and it may embarrass Arsenal vice chairman David Dein slightly, who hopes to be the next chairman of the FA.
TRI0 WAIT OVER CONTRACTS
Boss Arsene Wenger will decide soon whether or not to hand new contracts to legendary defensive trio Lee Dixon, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn. A choice is likely to be made by the end of the month, with all three players out of contract in the summer. Some quarters would have you believe that all three players will receive free transfers, but that has been said for the last five years and the trio keep proving blinkered doubters wrong. Their performances this season have been outstanding, particularly Bould - who has tackled, intercepted and anticipated to an extremely high standard. Wenger commented: "I will have to sort out the situation regarding the three players by the end of the month. But there is a good possibility they will be at Arsenal next season."
14/1/99
KANU IS HERE.....AT LAST!
Arsenal have signed Nigerian international Nwankwo Kanu as top-class back-up for strikers Dennis Bergkamp and Nicolas Anelka. The fee paid to Italian giants Inter Milan for the 22-year-old who has already won the European Cup and Olympic gold has not been disclosed but is believed to be around £4.5million and Kanu has been given a long-term contract, likely to be for six years. The deal has gone through after months of negotiating with Inter and follows a rigorous medical examination in London on Thursday when Arsenal wanted to ensure that a heart valve operation Kanu had in America two years ago was completely successful and that a knee condition will not cause long-term problems. Kanu, who led Nigeria to victory in the 1996 Olympic Games soccer tournament shortly after lifting the European Cup with Dutch club Ajax, has 11 international caps and has scored twice for his country. He last played for Nigeria in June in a 4-1 defeat by Denmark in the World Cup finals in France but his opportunities at Inter, who signed him for £1.3million in 1997, have been severely limited because of medical doubts and the Italian club's subsequent signings, Ronaldo, Roberto Baggio and Youri Djorkaeff. But Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "He is a very welcome addition to our squad and will be a great asset to us as he has already proved his talent at club and international level.
HARTSON MOVE TO GIVE CASH BOOST
It is understood that the Gunners could receive a cash boost following the sale of John Hartson for £7.5 million from West Ham to Wimbledon. Details are sketchy, but reports suggest the Gunners did insist on a sell-on fee when they sold Hartson to the Hammers.
TEAM NEWS
Arsene Wenger is set for a double fitness boost ahead of Saturday's trip to struggling Nottingham Forest. Dennis Bergkamp and Tony Adams appear set to take their place in the starting line-up at the City Ground. Adams played for the reserves at the start of the week after six weeks out of action with a back problem - Bergkamp has been out since the 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic. Veteran left-back Nigel Winterburn is also pushing for a return to the starting 11 after also coming through the recent reserve outing. Patrick Vieira will be missing as he starts his three match suspension while Steve Bould is rated very doubtful.
14/1/99
JANSEN AND KANU MOVES ON?Arsenal are certainly one of the busiest teams in the transfer market today as they are again being linked with a £10 million double swoop for Matt Jansen and Nwanku Kanu. Arsenal have played down reports suggesting they have actually signed the Nigerian star. Some reports claimed the double winners were on the verge of completing a five-year deal with the highly-rated Inter Milan striker. But spokeswoman for the club, Amanda Docherty said: "I can confirm that Arsenal have not signed any player and we refuse to comment on such speculation." Kanu, of course, was a European Cup winner while with Dutch giants Ajax in 1996, however he suffered heart problems which eventually forced him to undergo surgery. Cartilage problems scuppered an autumn move to Highbury, be he has now fully recovered and is seeking a move from Italy. Our understanding, despite Arsenal's denial, is that he is due in London today for talks, but await developments. The Jansen situation is not yet any clearer, but the Gunners are favourites to land the former Carlisle United man ahead of Newcastle United and Aston Villa. It remains to be seen whether or not Wenger would move for both players baring in mind he currently has Dennis Bergkamp and Nicolas Anelka to fill the striker berths, but both Bergkamp and Kanu can operate in midfield so both could be fitted into the squad.
JERMINE TO BE SUED?
The Gunners' latest signing Jermaine Pennant could face legal action from his own agent following his £2 million switch to Highbury. Pennant signed for Arsenal from Division Two Notts County last week amid a blaze of publicity from the media. But the deal was signed without the knowledge of his Essex-based agent Skylet Andrew - the former British table-tennis champion. Andrew claims he signed an exclusive agreement with Pennant's father towards the end of last year. The player, however, went ahead and signed for the Gunners, leaving Andrew firmly on the sidelines. "I advised the Pennant family not to sign for anyone without my knowledge so I could get them the best terms," he said. "They insisted they were not going to sign with anyone behind my back, but went ahead and did that - I am shocked,"
13/1/99
JANSEN TIPPED FOR ARSENAL MOVE
It is being heavily promoted today that champions Arsenal are poised to pip Newcastle United and Aston Villa for Crystal Palace's unsettled striker Matt Jansen. Palace chairman Mark Goldberg has admitted that the England under-21 star is determined to leave Selhurst Park and the club are financially powerless to prevent him from doing so. A fee of £5m is muted for the much-lauded talent, which may rule out Villa from the race to sign Jansen as they apparently are not prepared to bid beyond £4.5m. It would appear that the links to Nwankwu Kanu and Dani have both died down. So far, there have been no quotes from either Crystal Palace or Arsenal to substantiate the Jansen link.
NEW SPONSOR
Rumours have suggested that the next shirt sponsor will be computer giants Sega. The asking price to sponsor the club for a year is £2.5m. Meanwhile the away game against Manchester United will now be played on Wednesday 17th of February. The Academy U-19's will play at Millwall at London Colney training Ground on Friday morning.
9/1/99
GUNNERS DRAW BLANK
Arsenal supporters had to endure yet another match where the Gunners enjoyed the majority of chances but couldn't find the killer touch in front of goal, against Liverpool, to force home the advantage and collect maximum points. The champions had the better of the game, but simply could not find a way through a determined Liverpool defence, which held out for a point at Highbury, in the clubs' second goalless encounter of the campaign. Chances were at a premium at Highbury and each effort seemed either to be blocked or sent just wide, as far as the Gunners were concerned. Liverpool had their own opportunities too but Alex Manninger was in fine form to ensure the Gunners picked up at least the one point. That moves Arsenal up one place to third, but that could change tomorrow when Manchester United take on West Ham. There were chances for each side early on at Highbury, with both keepers having to keep their eyes open to hold together their respective defensive rearguards. The Gunners had opportunities in the opening period, through Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit. Vieira's effort was a 25 yarder, which David James did very well to reach, by the foot of a post. Petit struck in a shot that went just a few yards wide. Liverpool matched this intent with a cracking effort from Patrick Berger. He lashed a thirty-yard free-kick towards the Arsenal goal and Gunners fans breathed a sigh of relief when the goalbound shot clipped off the wall. By this point, Michael Owen had already caused concern for the Gunners' defence too. He cut in from a narrow angle and had his attempt gathered well at the foot of the post by Manninger. Owen came close to giving Liverpool the lead just before the interval, when he produced a good run and ended it with a volley which Manninger had to stretch to turn away. A collision between Steve Bould and Jamie Redknapp saw the Gunners defender come off worse, late in the half, collecting a knock from Redknapp's studs just next to his shins. Bould had to go off, with Matty Upson replacing him, and the young former Luton player was soon in the action. David James had to make a good save to deny him a headed goal when Upson got up at the far post when a free-kick was flicked on to him. Luis Boa Morte almost gave the Gunners the lead just after the break, when a corner came right across goal and he was a fraction away from getting his studs away from the ball. Paul Ince was then booked when he seemed to catch Petit with an arm as the pair went up for an aerial challenge. Boa Morte and Petit both had volleys which caused problems for the visitors, Boa Morte's being blocked while Petit was just wide. The home side were continuing to do most of the attacking, but Liverpool did cause the occasional problem and Jamie Redknapp's free-kick from just outside the area brought the best out of Manninger. Michael Owen thought he had cause for a penalty near the end and the Liverpool supporters in the ground howled for a spot-kick - don't they always! Fortunately, the referee judged that Owen had merely collided with Martin Keown. In the end neither side could find a way through and, perhaps, with Leeds losing at Blackburn and Aston Villa being held at Middlesbrough, this does not seem a bad result. But for many Gunners fans the question will once again be this: when, oh when, will we finally sign a striker to score the many chances that currently are just not being put away?
YOUNGSTER SIGNS, TWO OTHERS LINKED!
Arsenal have signed £2m-rated teenager Jermaine Pennant from Second Division Notts County. He has been captured on academy forms and will sign schoolboy terms next season. Several top clubs had been tracking the 15-year-old but Liam Brady, head of youth development at Highbury, has come in to snap the player up. Brady said: "He is a very talented youngster with potential to do well." County will not be able to demand a fee for the starlet as he was not on professional terms at Meadow Lane, but the two clubs have come to an agreement on a compensation package. The Gunners will be forced to pay up to £2m for the England Schoolboy international, depending on the progress that the youngster makes. Notts County chairman Derek Pavis has made it clear that the Gunners had acted properly throughout negotiations, despite reported comments from the Meadow Lane boss Sam Allardyce that certain Premiership clubs had been trying to entice Pennant illegally. Pavis said of Arsenal's conduct: "They have acted responsibly throughout. We are disappointed to lose Jermaine but it was inevitable." Pennant, who is 16 this month, has already made two appearances for County. He played in last Saturday's FA Cup game against Sheffield United. That makes him the second youngster player ever to feature in the competition - Scott Endersby became the youngest when he played for Kettering at the age of 15 years and 288 days in 1977. Meanwhile, the club have been heavily linked with a move for a further impressive youngster, this time Millwall's young striker Cherno Samba. The up and coming goalscorer is still only thirteen years of age, but his record is already astounding for one so young. The six-foot South Londoner has already attracted interest from Chelsea, West Ham and Charlton, as well as the champions, and Samba's goalscoring record is unthinkably high, even rivalling that of Liverpool's Michael Owen when he was still at school. Samba scored over a colossal 150 goals last season, for his school team and Millwall's youth side combined. He netted 37 goals in 15 appearances for his school side, St Joseph's Academy, and added to that fantastic tally with an astounding haul of 122 goals in 37 matches for the young Lions. It is rumoured that after a recent Millwall vs Arsenal youth match, Samba was approached and told "you'd look great in red." Just how likely it is that Arsenal will add Samba's undoubted goalscoring ability to the club's youth ranks, alongside Pennant, is one link we will have to wait on. Which is also the case with the second player Arsenal are being linked to today, Zinedine Zidane of Juventus. Zizou has been linked with the Gunners on a number of occasions of course, but Juve have at least now admitted that they would be willing to listen to offers of £20m for the French midfielder. The World Cup winner has understandably been linked to all and sundry, but it is still good to see that Arsenal are considered to be amongst those clubs that Zidane would like to join. With Arsene Wenger being a fan of Zidane's many skills, and international team-mates Petit, Vieira and Anelka all present at Highbury, the link is both understandable and plausible, given too that the club should be able to offer Champions' League action next season and a challenge for this season's title. But the alleged fee of £20m looks like rather a huge stumbling block, given Arsenal's much-publicised stance that the club will not pay more than £10m for one individual player.
5/1/99
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