Euro 2012 qualifying Group H wrap: No splitting rivals

A late Erik Huseklepp strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for Norway in Saturday?s Euro 2012 qualifier with Denmark, while Cyprus and Iceland drew.

Veteran winger Dennis Rommedahl fired Denmark into the lead with a well-struck volley in the 27th minute, but Huseklepp guided a left-footed shot home nine minutes from time to grant the hosts a point that stretches their lead atop Group H to three points.The home side failed to carve out clear-cut chances throughout the encounter and opted for a direct route to goal, with towering Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland a constant menace for the Danish defence from set pieces. Olympiaklos winger Rommedahl netted the opener somewhat against the run of play, firing home a fierce volley into the top-right corner after Norway?s defence failed to clear a corner.The Danes settled well after taking the lead and motored occasional bursts forward through Ajax man Christian Eriksen, a constant menace for the Norwegian defence on the wing.After seeing his side struggle to trouble the goal of Thomas Sorensen for most of the second half, Norway coach Egil Olsen replaced defender Espen Ruud with forward Daniel Braaten, a ploy that paid off when Braaten fed Bari front-man Huseklepp to level proceedings.The draw means Norway lead the group standings on 10 points, three ahead of Portugal and Denmark on seven.Cyprus and Iceland round out the standings but remain winless after sharing the spoils from a lacklustre 0-0 draw in Nicosia.Chryssis Michail squandered a 21st-minute penalty for the hosts, with Iceland gloveman Stefan Magnusson parrying his effort to safety.The hosts were also denied a late winner when Constantinos Makridis? long-range effort struck the post, while Iceland, who spent most of the match defending, saw Birkir Saevarsson waste their only opportunity of note before half-time.

Sat 26 March, 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying Group H wrap: No splitting rivals

A late Erik Huseklepp strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for Norway in Saturday?s Euro 2012 qualifier with Denmark, while Cyprus and Iceland drew.

Veteran winger Dennis Rommedahl fired Denmark into the lead with a well-struck volley in the 27th minute, but Huseklepp guided a left-footed shot home nine minutes from time to grant the hosts a point that stretches their lead atop Group H to three points.The home side failed to carve out clear-cut chances throughout the encounter and opted for a direct route to goal, with towering Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland a constant menace for the Danish defence from set pieces. Olympiaklos winger Rommedahl netted the opener somewhat against the run of play, firing home a fierce volley into the top-right corner after Norway?s defence failed to clear a corner.The Danes settled well after taking the lead and motored occasional bursts forward through Ajax man Christian Eriksen, a constant menace for the Norwegian defence on the wing.After seeing his side struggle to trouble the goal of Thomas Sorensen for most of the second half, Norway coach Egil Olsen replaced defender Espen Ruud with forward Daniel Braaten, a ploy that paid off when Braaten fed Bari front-man Huseklepp to level proceedings.The draw means Norway lead the group standings on 10 points, three ahead of Portugal and Denmark on seven.Cyprus and Iceland round out the standings but remain winless after sharing the spoils from a lacklustre 0-0 draw in Nicosia.Chryssis Michail squandered a 21st-minute penalty for the hosts, with Iceland gloveman Stefan Magnusson parrying his effort to safety.The hosts were also denied a late winner when Constantinos Makridis? long-range effort struck the post, while Iceland, who spent most of the match defending, saw Birkir Saevarsson waste their only opportunity of note before half-time.

Sat 26 March, 2011

Rome rivals prepare for Coppa clash

Little separates them in the Serie A, paving the way for an intriguing Coppa Italia derby between Lazio and Roma on Wednesday.

Both bring winning form into the quarter-final meeting, with Lazio holding league bragging rights at one spot and two points above their fourth-placed Rome rivals.

But while league status counts for little in the club competition, not even a 1-0 over Cesena in the Serie A on Sunday has totally eased the off-field woes of manager Claudio Ranieri and his Roma side.

Ranieri has had to hose down rumours of player discontent, with club legend Francesco Totti and star striker Mirko Vucinic both linked with transfers away from the club.

“Well, there are no bad moods, only reactions, but they’re positive,” Ranieri said.

“Those small episodes that did occur, I think, are due to a determination to do well. Everyone wants to be part of this recovery. I’ve said to them before that matches are decided in the last 15 minutes and players and teams with more skills have more chances, therefore I’ll do my best to play the last 15 minutes.”

Lazio clinched their own 1-0 league win on Sunday, at home against Sampdoria, though it was the title aspirants’ first win of 2011.

Still without injured striker veteran striker Tommaso Rocchi, Reja is likely to carry an unchanged team into the cup clash and is well aware of what is riding on the outcome.

“If we don’t win this match, we’re out,” he said.

“We’re aware of this as well as Roma. They will be playing both for the derby, and for the quarter-finals. I believe that both teams are aiming to get as high as possible. Therefore it’s going to be a very intense match.”

Wed 19 January, 2011

Rome rivals prepare for Coppa clash

Little separates them in the Serie A, paving the way for an intriguing Coppa Italia derby between Lazio and Roma on Wednesday.

Both bring winning form into the quarter-final meeting, with Lazio holding league bragging rights at one spot and two points above their fourth-placed Rome rivals.

But while league status counts for little in the club competition, not even a 1-0 over Cesena in the Serie A on Sunday has totally eased the off-field woes of manager Claudio Ranieri and his Roma side.

Ranieri has had to hose down rumours of player discontent, with club legend Francesco Totti and star striker Mirko Vucinic both linked with transfers away from the club.

“Well, there are no bad moods, only reactions, but they’re positive,” Ranieri said.

“Those small episodes that did occur, I think, are due to a determination to do well. Everyone wants to be part of this recovery. I’ve said to them before that matches are decided in the last 15 minutes and players and teams with more skills have more chances, therefore I’ll do my best to play the last 15 minutes.”

Lazio clinched their own 1-0 league win on Sunday, at home against Sampdoria, though it was the title aspirants’ first win of 2011.

Still without injured striker veteran striker Tommaso Rocchi, Reja is likely to carry an unchanged team into the cup clash and is well aware of what is riding on the outcome.

“If we don’t win this match, we’re out,” he said.

“We’re aware of this as well as Roma. They will be playing both for the derby, and for the quarter-finals. I believe that both teams are aiming to get as high as possible. Therefore it’s going to be a very intense match.”

Wed 19 January, 2011

Ferguson impressed by quality of rivals

Sir Alex Ferguson has not been short on Christmas cheer when speaking of the quality of managers in the English Premier League.

Having been with United since 1986, Ferguson has seen plenty of managers come and go around him.

He was talking ahead of his side’s trip to Birmingham on Tuesday, with United then hosting West Brom on Thursday. Both rival managers came in for praise from the United boss.

“I just think that there (are) a lot of good young managers in the Premier League, a lot of good managers and they are galvanising their teams very well,” Ferguson said.

“They are very difficult to beat now and we’ve experienced that. Alex McLeish at Birmingham … Di Matteo at West Brom … the football they are playing this season and the goals they are scoring away from home, they are a highlight.”

“So you have to give credit to what’s happening in terms of the management structure of the league there are some good managers about.”

Tue 28 December, 2010

Giggs wary of league rivals

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs said his side are taking nothing for granted in their bid to regain the English Premier League title.

After winning the title three years in succession, Manchester United’s grip on English football loosened last season when Chelsea lifted the much-coveted trophy under Carlo Ancelotti.

But with Chelsea having won just one of their last eight matches, they are now six points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s side – who also have a game in hand.

Unbeaten this season, Giggs said while the side is confident, they will guard against complacency and keep their feet on the ground.

“You are obviously wary because of the way the league has been this year,” Giggs told SkySports.

“Anyone can beat anyone. We are thankful we remain unbeaten and confidence is high. But we realise that nothing can be taken for granted.”

“It is a tough league and we need to be at our best in every game.”

Arsenal and Manchester City are the Old Trafford outfit’s closest title challengers at present, but Giggs is hoping to kick away from the chasing pack and is expecting big things from his side in the remainder of the season.

“We hope to get better in the second half of the season,” he said.

“Our form over the last few weeks has been really good. We looked sharp against Arsenal and Blackburn, and it was the same against Sunderland.”

“Some of the play we produced, the one-touch passing and the movement, was great to be involved in.”

Giggs admits it is a big blow to lose influential midfielder Park Ji-Sung, who could miss as many as seven matches to play for the Korea Republic at the Asian Cup.

“We are disappointed Ji is going away at this time because he has been playing so well. Any of the lads would have Ji in the team every time because of his work rate and what he puts into the game,” Giggs said.

“But this is what the squad is for. We have players who aren’t getting games but will be ready to come in and do a job.”

Tue 28 December, 2010

Ferguson impressed by quality of rivals

Sir Alex Ferguson has not been short on Christmas cheer when speaking of the quality of managers in the English Premier League.

Having been with United since 1986, Ferguson has seen plenty of managers come and go around him.

He was talking ahead of his side’s trip to Birmingham on Tuesday, with United then hosting West Brom on Thursday. Both rival managers came in for praise from the United boss.

“I just think that there (are) a lot of good young managers in the Premier League, a lot of good managers and they are galvanising their teams very well,” Ferguson said.

“They are very difficult to beat now and we’ve experienced that. Alex McLeish at Birmingham … Di Matteo at West Brom … the football they are playing this season and the goals they are scoring away from home, they are a highlight.”

“So you have to give credit to what’s happening in terms of the management structure of the league there are some good managers about.”

Tue 28 December, 2010

Giggs wary of league rivals

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs said his side are taking nothing for granted in their bid to regain the English Premier League title.

After winning the title three years in succession, Manchester United’s grip on English football loosened last season when Chelsea lifted the much-coveted trophy under Carlo Ancelotti.

But with Chelsea having won just one of their last eight matches, they are now six points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s side – who also have a game in hand.

Unbeaten this season, Giggs said while the side is confident, they will guard against complacency and keep their feet on the ground.

“You are obviously wary because of the way the league has been this year,” Giggs told SkySports.

“Anyone can beat anyone. We are thankful we remain unbeaten and confidence is high. But we realise that nothing can be taken for granted.”

“It is a tough league and we need to be at our best in every game.”

Arsenal and Manchester City are the Old Trafford outfit’s closest title challengers at present, but Giggs is hoping to kick away from the chasing pack and is expecting big things from his side in the remainder of the season.

“We hope to get better in the second half of the season,” he said.

“Our form over the last few weeks has been really good. We looked sharp against Arsenal and Blackburn, and it was the same against Sunderland.”

“Some of the play we produced, the one-touch passing and the movement, was great to be involved in.”

Giggs admits it is a big blow to lose influential midfielder Park Ji-Sung, who could miss as many as seven matches to play for the Korea Republic at the Asian Cup.

“We are disappointed Ji is going away at this time because he has been playing so well. Any of the lads would have Ji in the team every time because of his work rate and what he puts into the game,” Giggs said.

“But this is what the squad is for. We have players who aren’t getting games but will be ready to come in and do a job.”

Tue 28 December, 2010

Looking Ahead To A Clash with Old Rivals

By: Sairax | December 11th, 2010

A weekend without Arsenal just isn’t as much fun is it? It already feels like Monday can’t come soon enough. It’s a big match, first place v second place, and one that has a history of being intense and full of drama. That’s why recent comments from Patrice Evra can still get us all fired up before a game, it’s all part of that age-old rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal. Need to refresh your memory?

Now if that doesn’t get you pumped up for the match, I don’t know what will. Martin has already written a great post about previous big clashes between our two clubs, you should check it out. With the title race being so wide open this season, we could really make a statement by beating ManUtd on Monday. They also have a match against Chelsea 6 days later, while Chelsea have a game against the Spuds this weekend, so it’s going to be a big week for the top of the table.

You might also notice that currently Manchester United are unbeaten in the league. The only reason they don’t have more points is that they have racked up too many draws. You may recall that Arsenal once had their own unbeaten record. In fact, we went a whole season unbeaten in the league. Then came the day where we were set to extend our run to 50 games unbeaten in the league. It was away at Old Trafford:

They ended our unbeaten run that day with that disgraceful display you can watch above. And now we have a chance to really take hold of the league and end their unbeaten run at the same time. Just a thought.

A quick news round up for you all. In the build up to the game on Monday, Fergie has asked the ManUtd supporters to stop chanting vile abuse at Wenger. I commend him for speaking out, though I’m not sure that will do much if those fans are not dealt with by security on the grounds.

In injury news, Gibbs is expected to be out 3 weeks with an ankle sprain, which is unfortunate. He can’t seem to catch a break with injuries these days. Djourou and Clichy are expected to be fit for the clash, and Fabregas is still a question mark. He’s trying his best to be fit for the clash, but he might only be ready for the bench from the looks of things. They will probably leave it until the last second to decide whether he’ll play, so we’re keeping our eyes on the situation.

In the world of transfers and the like, Wenger has stated that Almunia will not be sold in January even though his agent has come out and said Almunia wants to leave. In fact, Wenger says Almunia has no agent, so how could said agent have talked to the press? This is all very bizarre indeed, but I think that there is still a very good chance that Almunia could be gone in the next transfer window, especially with reports that Malaga are interested in taking him. With regards to other transfers, it seems our little Brazilian wunderkind Wellington Silva was denied a work permit and will not be able to join the team in January. The plan now is to send him on loan and most probably appeal the decision on the permit. It’s all a bit complicated, but you can get all the best information on the situation from Young Guns Blog who is following the story. It’s unfortunate for Wellington since everyone was so excited to see him join up with us, but hopefully a good loan spell will be sorted out for him and he can come back to Arsenal within a reasonable amount of time.

Finally, some random links: Marcel Desailly talks about Samir Nasri being the surprise package in this year’s Premier League season; a closer look at Arsenal’s WAGs teaming up to help orphans in Zambia; and Tony Adams talks about his experiences in Azerbaijian. It’s a really interesting read and of course TA mentions that if he were to ever manage a team in England, it would be the Arsenal. Martin Keown also weighs in on his mate’s decision to go so far away to become a coach in a league most people have never heard of.

That’s it for today. Martin will be back tomorrow with an epic preview of our game on Monday. Make sure you also check out our contest where you can win a Dennis Bergkamp shirt! You have until kickoff on Monday to get your answers in, so hurry up and enter and good luck!

Some Related Stories:JET in Talks to Go to QPR on Loan; Vermaelen Injury Now “Long Term;” Cesc, Rosicky Talk Ahead of Man City ClashArsenal Win Emirates Cup; Wilshere, Frimpong to Stay; Wenger Confirms “Not Close” to Signing AnyoneArsenal Draw Ipswich for CC Semi & A Look to the Month AheadNew Gunner Ryo Miyaichi could lead the way for Arsenal to take over JapanSpecial 1 TV Returns; Rooney to Leave United in January?; Eastmond Arrested; Brum Highlights Video
Category: Arsenal News, Cesc Fabregas, Injury Report, Kieran Gibbs, Manchester United, Manuel Almunia, Randoms, Transfer News and Player Movement, Video Tags: Arsenal News, Cesc Fabregas, Injury Report, Kieran Gibbs, Manchester United, Manuel Almunia, Martin Keown, Randoms, Tony Adams, Transfer News and Player Movement, Video
« Score a Bergkamp Shirt From Arsenal Offside! | Home | JGHonestly, if we lose on Sunday, a clear loss not a Riley-like freakshow, I will lose all hope of this Arsenal team winning anything past the domestic Cups. I still remember Evra's "men vs. boys" comment after our 1-3 loss to them at home in the UCL a couple of years ago. And then, last year we lost at home to them by the same scoreline! I hurt me so much. It's time to take our well-deserved revenge on these narcissistic douchebags. Come on ARSENAL!!Darren_VIt will hurt to lose, no doubt. But I don't think it has THAT big a bearing on the entire season, as you suggest.JGStatistically you are right, it's one loss out of 38 matches. But mentally, if Evra's words, if the history of the game, now that most of our squad is fit, i mean the conditions are perfect for a big win. if they fail to take hold of it, who says they will be able to respond to chelsea and whoever we get in the UCL?Darren_VWhat's worse mentally... losing to the unbeaten team, a team noone outrightly expects you to win, or losing to WBA and Newcastle, games you are completely expecting to win and walk over your opponents?
I'd say its worse mentally to lose to the minnows over the big guys. But that's just me.SairaxYes....I've gotten everyone riled up....eeeeeeexcellent *taps fingers*Gigi_manmore pressure nw, MANcity even with points with us...
nerves, nerves, frnakly I dont expect much, visitors at Old Trafford is intense, but we have to give a fight, fight, fight, fight, thats all I ask fellas.RedCapedWonderCity are second, United play Chelsea next week, not us. we play Stoke, then Chelsea.Wolffywe got completely screwed in the game. We better reign down on these bastards this monday. Riley you can rot in hell.RedandDreadForgot how they fookin' cheated us out of that game. And as for that prick Riley, I had forgotten what a "homer", he was. Geez that was disgusting. Believe this was the end of Jose Antonio-I also forgot what a good player he was and how he could have ebcome a great with us.MartinYeah, that game was awful, awful -- what a travesty of a way to end a 49-match unbeaten run.Darren_VI love how the press NEVER mention that Rooney dive when they discuss them.Darren_VI was just wondering/thinking, that with Wellington needing to go off on loan for a few years now, how much that impacts JET. We have been hearing rumors of him going out on loan for awhile now. Maybe he sticks around as insurance for the first team?
Or am I off my rocker?MartinWell, a couple of things:

(1) I'm not convinced that Wellington will necessarily be off on loan for a couple of years. I think Arsenal can still appeal, and yesterday Wellington was tweeting that he had calmed down, and would be back where he belonged "next year." Which leads me to believe that Arsenal are planning on appealing over the summer and are confident of winning the appeal. But regardless, we won't see him this season.

(2) I don't think JET will stick around as insurance unless there are a couple of injuries between now and the end of January. As it is, Bendtner and Vela can barely get a game, Rosicky doesn't get to play much, and it's unclear how van Persie and Chamakh can play at the same time. For once, we have the luxury of trying to find playing time for too many fit first-team players, and JET just doesn't really fit in this season, so I think a loan is very likely for him.Darren_VWell, my thoughts were just geared to the rest of this year, not beyond. Arsenal have stated they are going to loan him for the rest of this season so to my the question can still be relevant.
I ask the question because I was thinking that if Wenger really wanted him loaned out, the logical answer would've been that he should've been sent out already. I remember reading (not sure where) that Arsenal was thinking of loaning him in January as that was when Wellington would be available. If the playing time was the issue for JET, why hasn't he gone off already?MartinI think Wenger just likes to keep some of the really advanced players around during the season so they can train and practice with the first team, get to know their teammates and coaches, and get as settled in as possible in London. Same thing he did with Jack Wilshere last season.ladyarseGreat round-up as always :)blog comments powered by Disqus
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