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Tag: Arsenal

  • EPL: Arsenal sees off Huddersfield with Torreira’s late strike

    EPL: Arsenal sees off Huddersfield with Torreira’s late strike

    Lucas Torreira’s late overhead kick gave Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 win over Huddersfield and extended their unbeaten run to 21 games.

    Unai Emery’s side were frustrated for long periods during a tetchy encounter at the Emirates but Torreira’s acrobatic effort from close range (83) was enough to secure all three points for the hosts.

    Referee Paul Tierney was kept busy with nine players booked in total, three for simulation, as tempers flared either side of the break while Alexandre Lacazette had a goal controversially disallowed for offside in the first half.

    The win lifts Arsenal to third in the table while Huddersfield drop into the relegation places after a third defeat on the bounce.

  • Lingard’s quick response saves point for United against Arsenal [EPL standings]

    Lingard’s quick response saves point for United against Arsenal [EPL standings]

    Jesse Lingard rescued Manchester United as the Red Devils twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with in-form Arsenal at Old Trafford.

    Lingard nipped in to exploit a mix-up between Sead Kolasinac and goalkeeper Bernd Leno straight from the kick-off after Alexandre Lacazette bundled in following Marcos Rojo’s mistake.

    Before the break, Shkodran Mustafi’s header had squirmed through David de Gea’s gloves to open the scoring for the Gunners, via goalline technology.

    That early lead lasted only four minutes, with Anthony Martial sweeping home Ander Herrera’s cross.

    Both team had chances in the final 20 minutes but, with heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury in the crowd, neither could land a knockout punch.

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s brilliant volley from an acute angle was rightly ruled out for offside as the visitors came closest to a winner.

    Manchester United are now four Premier League games without a victory.

    See Premier League standings:

  • EPL: Arsenal’s win over Tottenham a special moment – Emery

    EPL: Arsenal’s win over Tottenham a special moment – Emery

    Arsenal’s relentless attacking performance to overpower Tottenham was a “special” moment, says Unai Emery.

    His side extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches, moving above Spurs into the top four, with a display that reflected the outstanding work the Spaniard has done since succeeding Arsene Wenger.

    Despite his satisfaction at beating their arch-rivals in his first north London derby, Emery has challenged his players to continue improving.

    “It is a very big victory; we showed our supporters and we gave them the victory because it is a very special match against Tottenham, for us it is special also,” the Arsenal manager said.

    “But above all it is three points, like against Bournemouth last weekend.

    “We need to continue our process, creating our way. I want to do more.”

    Arsenal’s fast start drew early reward when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put them ahead from the spot after Jan Vertonghen’s handball.

    Yet Spurs, against the run of play, were ahead before the break. Eric Dier glanced home Christian Eriksen’s free-kick to equalise, sparking a melee involving players from both sides with his celebrations in front of Arsenal’s fans, before Harry Kane scored from the spot after Rob Holding was penalised for a challenge on Son Heung-min.

    Emery introduced Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey at the start of the second half to dramatic effect.

    The Welshman set up Aubameyang’s magnificent finish and the France striker’s deflected shot beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from the edge of the area to put Arsenal ahead with 16 minutes left.

    The outstanding Lucas Torreira ran clear to wrap up Arsenal’s win and Spurs’ misery was complete when Vertonghen was sent off for a foul on Lacazette.

    “Until they scored the third goal I think the game was even, after that we started to pay,” Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

    “It was difficult for the team to show the energy that we normally show.”

  • Arsenal wants to create new history, says Emery ahead of London derby

    Arsenal wants to create new history, says Emery ahead of London derby

    Unai Emery wants to create “new history” at Arsenal as they prepare for a first north London derby against Tottenham without Arsene Wenger at the helm.

    Arsenal host Spurs on Sunday, with Emery’s side currently three points behind their rivals in the Premier League table.

    Wenger’s 22-year reign at Arsenal ended with a derby record of 18 wins, 18 draws and eight losses, with three of those defeats coming against current Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.

    But Emery insists every derby is different and believes Arsenal’s management overhaul poses a new challenge for both sides.

    “Each match, like this derby, is different. We want to create a new history – it’s a different moment for Tottenham and for us,” Emery told Sky Sports.

    “They are going to play for the first time [against] players with us – the coach and all the staff.

    “We want to start playing one derby like that, with a good experience. But above all, in the 90 minutes, we [want to] show everybody a good performance and energy.

    “I know from living in Spain and France, different matches like this, and I want to feel this match here with our supporters at the Emirates.

    “I know it’s going to have a very big atmosphere for us, and we want to win, first as it’s a derby, but also for the three points because in the table we need to continue in our process.”

    Emery faces Pochettino for the first time in England, having first met in Spain when the duo were watching now Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa train his Chile side in Valencia.

    Emery’s Valencia took on Pochettino’s Espanyol seven times in four seasons from 2009 to 2012, and the pair remain on good terms following their battles in Spain.

    “We knew each other at Valencia when we were both looking at Chile training with Marcelo Bielsa,” Emery added.

    “I was Valencia [coach], he was finishing his career as a player, and we met for three days looking at this training.

     

     

  • UEFA confirms Arsenal’s Europa tie against Vorskla will hold

    UEFA confirms Arsenal’s Europa tie against Vorskla will hold

    Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev on Thursday, UEFA has confirmed.

    The match had been in doubt after the Ukrainian side said they could not guarantee they would be able to fulfil the fixture, following a change of venue. Vorskla later confirmed the game will take place, following an official Instagram post that showed the squad boarding a coach for the country’s capital.

    UEFA took the decision to move the game to Kiev, following the introduction of martial law in some parts of Ukraine due to escalating tensions with Russia amid a row over Ukrainian ships in Crimea.

    Around 500 Arsenal fans are expected to make the trip and some have already been affected by the late change of venue, with the club’s supporters critical of UEFA’s decision.

    Speaking ahead of the game, Arsenal boss Unai Emery said he was respectful of the process UEFA had undertaken to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

    “First, we need to respect UEFA’s decision because I think it’s not easy for Vorskla,” said Emery.

    “It’s not changing a lot to play here. It is clear they are playing in Ukraine, not in their town, but here in Kiev they can also move their supporters.

    “In 90 minutes we want to do our work here. The decision is not easy but with big responsibility. UEFA yesterday found the best decision to play and also with protecting everybody, us and them.”

    Emery has taken a youthful-looking squad to Ukraine with the Gunners already through to the knockout stages of the Europa League.

  • Europa: Chaos as Arsenal’s clash with Vorskla left in doubt

    Arsenal may not be able to play their penultimate Europa League tie with Ukraine side Vorskla Poltava in Kiev amid tensions in the region.

    The match had been scheduled to take place in Poltava but has been moved after martial law was declared in some regions of Ukraine.

    It was due to take place in Kiev due to security concerns, UEFA had announced, but the Ukraine side say they cannot guarantee the match will be played. The news emerged as Arsenal were on their flight to Kiev.

    Manager Unai Emery have taken a young squad to Kiev having already qualified for the last 32 with two games to spare ahead of the North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

    Oleh Lysak, the Vorskla vice president, confirmed the match may not be played and said “‘the Olympic Stadium hasn’t given us any kind of confirmation or any other kind of answer” with the Ukraine club apparently attempting to switch the fixture back to the original venue.

    The Group E fixture had been scheduled to be held in Stadion Vorskla im. Olexiy Butovskiy in Poltava, around 185 miles (300 kilometres) east of the Ukrainian capital.

    However, after martial law was declared in some regions of the country, UEFA’s emergency panel announced the match will now take place in Kiev’s Olimpiyskiy Stadium.

    A statement from European football’s governing body read: “UEFA’s emergency panel has today taken the decision to relocate FC Vorskla’s UEFA Europa League group stage match against Arsenal FC from the city of Poltava, following the introduction of martial law into certain regions in Ukraine.

    “The match will now take place at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev on Thursday, November 29.

    “UEFA will continue to monitor and assess the security situation in Ukraine in the coming days before making any decision on potentially relocating other matches.”

    Kiev’s Olimpiyskiy Stadium hosted the 2018 Champions League final in May, as well as the Euro 2012 final.

    Ukraine’s president has called for martial law to be imposed in the country due to escalating tensions with Russia, whose coastguards are accused of seizing three Ukrainian ships in Crimea on Sunday.

    Up to 500 Arsenal fans were expected to travel to the game in Poltava and had to make alternative arrangements to travel to the Ukraine capital.

    Arsenal said in a statement on their website they were “currently working closely with UEFA and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and welfare” of all Gunners fans travelling to the match and would provide further updates on match arrangements as soon as they had received confirmation from UEFA.

    Arsenal are already through to the Europa League’s last 32 and will win the group with victory over a side they beat 4-2 in London in September.

  • EPL: Why Arsenal must finish in top four – Unai Emery

    Unai Emery has revealed Arsenal’s top priority is the Champions League spot as to finish in the top four of the Premier League season.

    Emery, who will be looking to get back to winning ways when the Gunners travel to Bournemouth on Sunday on the back of a stunning 16-game unbeaten run.

    The Spaniard said: “For two years we lost out on playing in the Champions League. That is the first thing in mind we want to recover.

    “But also now the Premier League is at a big level with big teams and with big demands for us.

    “Our first idea is to recover this position in Europe and to play in the Champions League.”

    TNG reports, that the Gunners are without a win in their last three Premier League games and will be looking to boost their top-four hopes with victory at the Vitality Stadium.

    Emery will be hoping the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have recovered from knocks in time to face the Cherries.

    Speaking on Bournemouth’s threat, Emery said “Now they are just four points behind us and on Sunday we are playing there”.

    “They are a good team with a young coach but he has very big experience. I know Bournemouth, they prepare well with good tactical movement on the pitch”.

    “They have a big intensity with each player. When they play at home we know it is difficult”.

    “We need to prepare well with every player to have a big mentality and intensity for the 90 minutes.”

  • Arsenal were in decline under Wenger, Emery declares

    Arsenal were in decline under Wenger, Emery declares

    Arsenal head coach Unai Emery believes Arsenal were in decline towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s 22-year reign and “had to change things”.

    The Gunners will resume Premier League action following the international break with a trip to Bournemouth on Sunday, looking to extend a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

    Arsenal failed to finish in the top four for the first time under Wenger in his final two campaigns, a situation former Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery believes was down to losing the “defensive structure”.

    In an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca, Arsenal head coach Emery said: “I met once with him, and little else. I respect him a lot, but no matter how much info he gave me, I had to change things.

    “I told the players: ‘We started at kilometre zero’. Even now, four months later, I still say it: ‘We are in the beginning!’.”

    Emery feels Arsenal lost sight of a key aspect during Wenger’s closing seasons.

    “Before Wenger arrived, Arsenal celebrated the 1-0 (win) and was based on defensive solidity. Then with Arsene, joy was turned into attack, with players of good standing, and the perfect combination was ‘The Invincibles’ (when Arsenal won the Premier League undefeated in 2003-2004),” he said.

    “But over time, only technical quality and offensive freedom were taken care of, and the team lost the defensive structure.

    “What I want is to unite both essences and be more competitive. The Arsenal was in decline. We had to stop it and start climbing.”

    Arsenal head to Bournemouth looking to close the gap on north-London rivals Tottenham, who are three points clear in fourth place.

    While Emery’s side have also impressed in their Europa League campaign so far, the Gunners head coach is keeping attention on their key target.

    “The Premier League is our priority, and our objective in terms of the table is to finish in the top four,” Emery told Arsenal official website.

    “The club wants to return to Europe’s top club competition which is the Champions League, and we have two opportunities by which to do that – one is the Premier League, and the other is the Europa League, because obviously you qualify by winning that competition.

    “Both are very difficult, but we want to ensure we perform the best we can on both fronts.

    “At the same time, every competition where there’s a title up for grabs is important and that counts for the two domestic cup competitions as well.”

    Emery also revealed a “third objective” of transmitting a “connection with the fans”, who were so divided under towards the end of Wenger’s tenure.

    “We want it to convey energy, desire about winning and also a sense of solidity,” he said. “Within that we want to see individual footballers growing and developing.

    “We want to create that kind of atmosphere so it’s about both how we finish in the table and also in terms of creating a team both individually and collectively that has motivation.

    “We want Arsenal to convey energy and hunger.”

  • Transfer news: Bayern interested in signing Ramsey from Arsenal

    Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have shown an interest in signing Aaron Ramsey from Premier League side Arsenal in January.

    Ramsey will leave Arsenal for free at the end of the season when his contract expires after the club told him he would not be offered a new deal, Sky Sports understands.

    Bayern can complete a pre-contract agreement with Ramsey from January, with clubs outside England permitted to sign Premier League players in the final six months of their contracts.

    Ramsey has now accepted this will be his last season at the Emirates following a decade at the club, having made 341 appearances and scored 59 goals since he joined from Cardiff City for just under £5m in 2008.

    Arsenal’s reasons for not offering Ramsey a new deal were finally explained to him at the end of October.

    Prior to that the Wales midfielder was unhappy the club had not directly explained why the offer of a new long-term deal was withdrawn following months of talks.

    Ramsey had found out via his agent before speaking out publicly on the issue, hoping “somebody will come up and tell me why” the option to stay was taken off the table.

    Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been pleased with Ramsey, who won October’s Goal of the Month for his finish against Fulham on October 7.

    Emery said last month he hopes the player will remain focused on the rest of the campaign, despite ‘the possibility that he won’t continue here’.

    “For me, for us and for the team, it’s about being together and getting better in each training,” he said.

  • Former Arsenal midfielder Nasri to have West Ham medical

    Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri is to undergo a medical at West Ham before a proposed move to the London club.

    Nasri, 31, is allowed to start training again this month after completing an 18-month doping ban.

    It is understood that the former France international will join the Hammers for an initial six months with the option to extend.

    He will be able to play from 1 January, 2019 and would be reunited with one of his bosses at City, Manuel Pellegrini.

    Nasri most recently played for Turkish club Antalyaspor, but his contract terminated on 31 January this year.

    A month later he was banned, initially for six months, for using an intravenous drip treatment that contravened World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) rules, leading to a Spanish Anti-Doping investigation.

    It was alleged that in 2016, while on loan from City to Sevilla, he received 500 milliliters of hydration in the form of sterile water containing micronutrient components, which exceeds the permissible limit.

    In February 2017, a request by Sevilla for a retroactive therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for Nasri was refused by Uefa, and its decision was later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    The France midfielder has made 215 appearances in the Premier League, featuring for Arsenal from 2008 to 2011 before moving to Manchester City for £25m, where he stayed until August 2017.