FOOTBALL CLUB WORLD

1 GK Petr Čech
2 DF Branislav Ivanović
3 DF Ashley Cole
5 MF Michael Essien
6 DF Ricardo Carvalho
8 MF Frank Lampard (vice-captain)
9 FW Franco di Santo
10 MF Joe Cole
11 FW Didier Drogba
12 MF John Mikel Obi
13 MF Michael Ballack
15 MF Florent Malouda
16 FW Scott Sinclair
17 DF José Bosingwa
18 DF Wayne Bridge
19 DF Paulo Ferreira
20 MF Deco
21 FW Salomon Kalou
23 GK Carlo Cudicini
26 DF John Terry (captain)
27 MF Mineiro
33 DF Alex
35 MF Juliano Belletti
39 FW Nicolas Anelka
40 GK Henrique Hilário
43 FW Miroslav Stoch
44 MF Michael Woods

1 GK Manuel Almunia (2nd vice-captain)
2 MF Abou Diaby
3 DF Bacary Sagna
4 MF Cesc Fàbregas
5 DF Kolo Touré (vice-captain)
7 MF Tomáš Rosický
8 MF Samir Nasri
9 FW Eduardo
10 DF William Gallas (captain)
11 FW Robin van Persie
12 FW Carlos Vela
14 FW Theo Walcott
15 MF Denílson
16 MF Aaron Ramsey
17 MF Alexandre Song
18 DF Mikaël Silvestre
19 MF Jack Wilshere
20 DF Johan Djourou
21 GK Łukasz Fabiański
22 DF Gaël Clichy
24 GK Vito Mannone
25 FW Emmanuel Adebayor
26 FW Nicklas Bendtner
27 DF Emmanuel Eboué
28 MF Amaury Bischoff
35 MF Francis Coquelin
38 DF Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
39 FW Rui Fonte
40 MF Kieran Gibbs
41 DF Gavin Hoyte
42 MF Henri Lansbury
43 MF Fran Mérida
45 DF Håvard Nordtveit
47 MF Mark Randall
50 FW Jay Simpson
56 MF Emmanuel Frimpong

Keeper Jens Lehmann expects to return to the Arsenal team for the Premier League game against Bolton on Saturday. The 37-year-old's mistake in his last Arsenal appearance on 19 August led to a Blackburn equaliser and he has not played the last 10 games in goal.

He played for Germany in the draw with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday and claims his absence for the Gunners was an injury and not a selection issue. "I am fully fit and expect to be back against Bolton," said Lehmann.

"Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has not told me anything but I am here now and I expect him to play me, so no worries."

Manuel Almunia has played in nine of the last 10 games for the Gunners, with Lukasz Fabianski featuring in the Carling Cup win over Newcastle.

Lehmann aggravated an Achilles tendon problem when on international duty for Germany in August but has since has treatment for an elbow problem.

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]

PSV Eindhoven defender Alex threw Arsenal Club a Champions League lifeline with an own goal - then sent them crashing out with a superb late header.

Arsenal Team needed to score twice to reach the last eight, and looked on course when Alex diverted Denilson's corner into his own net after 58 minutes. Arsene Wenger's side then paid the ultimate price for missing chances.

Alex, on loan from Chelsea Club, headed in Edison Mendez's free-kick with eight minutes left for the vital away goal.

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]

Cardiff's Millennium Stadium gradually fills up prior to kick-off but many fans endure frustrating journeys after rail delays










The Gunners take a 12th-minute lead when Theo Walcott beats Petr Cech after exchanging passes with Abou Diaby










Chelsea equalise eight minutes later when Michael Ballack finds Didier Drogba who beats the offside trap to score










Disaster strikes for John Terry in the 56th minute - Diaby's attempted corner clearance accidentally hits him in the face










With the game in injury time, a mass brawl erupts and Mikel Jon Obi, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are all sent off

The Queen has hosted a reception for the Arsenal squad at Buckingham Palace, four months after she cancelled plans to open their new Emirates stadium.

Captain Thierry Henry and other players swapped the Gunners strip for suits as they toured the State Apartments. They then sipped tea with the Queen, whose bad back forced her to miss the opening of the new stadium in October. The reception marked the first time a football club has been invited to the royal residence.

Theo Walcott, Freddie Ljungberg and manager Arsene Wenger were also in attendance, spending 40 minutes viewing the palace's historic rooms.

'Very international'

"The Queen was disappointed about not being able to officially open the new Arsenal stadium due to her back strain," said a Buckingham Palace spokesman.

"Her Majesty therefore decided to host a tea to thank those involved in the project for all their hard work and to have a chance to meet some of those she would have seen on the day."

The Queen, whose place at the Emirates opening was filled by the Duke of Edinburgh, complimented Henry on his "very international side".

The Gunners moved to their new stadium over the summer after leaving Highbury, which had been their home for 93 years.

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]

Tomas Rosicky's first Premiership goal broke Wigan hearts as Arsenal Team fought back from a goal down in the last 10 minutes to move back into fourth spot.

Wigan Team took the lead when Denny Landzaat crashed home a superb strike from 35 yards that gave Jens Lehmann no chance.

Emile Heskey hit a post and missed another good chance to extend the lead, while Thierry Henry was also wasteful.

But Fitz Hall put into his own net to concede the equaliser, before Rosicky headed in Julio Baptista's cross.

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry rescued a point for his side after they were reduced to 10-men at Middlesbrough.

The game had been dominated by defences but sparked into life when Philippe Senderos was red-carded for hauling down Yakubu, who scored from the spot.

Boro Team threatened to increase their lead before Henry finished off a counter-attack with a shot across goal after 77 minutes. Arsenal Club pressed for a late winner but Boro held firm to earn a deserved draw.

Middlesbrough Football Club 1-1 Arsenal Football Club

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]

Arsenal Club boss Arsene Wenger paid tribute to his "lions" for fighting back from a goal down to beat leaders Manchester United Football Club 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

"We won by never giving up," he said after Thierry Henry's stoppage-time winner gave his side victory.

"We began nervously and Manchester United Club started with maturity but I knew after the break we would have a go.

"They got their goal with their only chance of the half, but we fought back because we have lions in our team."

Arsenal Football Club 2-1 Man Utd Football Club

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]

Arsenal club brushed aside Liverpool Club in clinical fashion to keep in touch with the Premiership pace-setters.

Mathieu Flamini put Arsenal ahead from close range five minutes before the end of an evenly contested first half.

But Arsenal team moved into top gear after the interval, Kolo Toure racing on to Robin van Persie's clever pass to slide home a cool finish after 56 minutes.

William Gallas was then left completely unmarked to head in Van Persie's corner to seal the win with 10 minutes left.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been hit by the news that Freddie Ljungberg, Emmanuel Eboue and Julio Baptista are all facing spells out through injury.

"Freddie has a calf injury, Emmanuel will miss three to four weeks with a medial knee ligaments injury and Julio has a hamstring problem," said Wenger. "Unfortunately when you have so many players away on international duty you can have some bad news."

However William Gallas is set to be fit for Saturday's game against Watford. Wenger also had some positive news on the progress of Philippe Senderos and Gael Clichy, who have yet to figure in the first-team this season.

"They are making good progress, but I do not know when they will be in the team," added the Frenchman. "They could be in the squad for one of the next two games - but they are still a little bit short of match fitness really."

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has compared international managers to joy-riding car thieves. Wenger has often expressed his frustration at seeing his players return tired or injured after international duty.

"Gerard (Houllier's) thoughts on the matter echo mine," Wenger said. "He thinks that what the national coaches are doing is like taking the car from his garage without even asking permission. "They will then use the car for 10 days and abandon it in a field without any petrol left in the tank.

"We then have to recover it, but it is broken down. Then a month later they will come to take your car again, and for good measure you're expected to be nice about it."

Wenger also complained that international managers fail to contact their club counterparts, with one notable exception. "Sven-Goran Eriksson was the only one who used to come and talk to me regularly," Wenger added.

[Source from; football365.com]

Arsenal Football club have slight doubts over midfielder Freddie Ljungberg (knee) and centre-back Johan Djourou (foot).

However boss Arsene Wenger said he is optimistc that Ljungberg, who missed training training on Monday, and Djourou will both be available.

Captain Thierry Henry is expected to start after playing on Saturday.

But Philippe Senderos (shoulder), Gael Clichy (foot), Lauren (knee) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are all still a few weeks away from a return.

Head to Head

Arsenal and FC Porto have never met before. Arsenal have hosted Portuguese opposition twice, winning once and losing once. Most recently they lost 4-2 on aggregate to Benfica in the 1991-92 Champions Cup.

FC Porto travel to England for the ninth time. They have failed to win in their eight previous trips, drawing once and losing seven. Honours were even in the 2003-04 CL match at Old Trafford, when they drew 1-1 with Manchester United.

Emirates Stadium in London
Tuesday, 26 September

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that midfielder Cesc Fabregas will sign a new eight-year contract.

Fabregas, 19, recently signed a new contract that was agreed when he penned his initial deal with the football club.

But Wenger said: "The real new contract is now. Nineteen plus eight is 27. There are not many longer contracts.

"But when you are 19-years-old and are already a regular football player in the team, I do not have a problem. It is a wonderful commitment from him."

Spanish side Real Madrid expressed an interest in signing the midfielder during the summer - but Fabregas made it clear he was happy in London.

Fabregas, who played for Spain at the World Cup in the summer, joined Arsenal from the youth ranks at Barcelona in July 2003.

And Wenger added the willingness of Fabregas to sign such a long deal was a reflection of the investment and work they have done with the player.

"It is a reward for us because we brought him over at 16 years of age," said the Gunners boss.

[Source from; news,bbc.co.uk]

Arsenal Football Club were forced to come from behind again at their new Emirates Stadium to rescue a point against Middlesbrough Football Club.

James Morrison curled in on 21 minutes after a one-two with Jason Euell - and keeper Mark Schwarzer kept Boro ahead with a number of fine saves.

But Boro had skipper George Boateng sent off on 64 minutes for two cautions and then Thierry Henry scored from the spot after Emanuel Eboue was fouled.

Arsenal Club poured forward after that but Boro withstood the intense pressure.

William Gallas made his Arsenal debut and was employed at left-back - a position he was supposedly reluctant to play at with former club Chelsea.

And he was caught napping for Boro's goal, admittedly along with the rest of the Arsenal defence, when Boro took an unexpected lead.

Schwarzer was easily equal to efforts from Henry and Robin van Persie - and made one outstanding reflex save to tip over a fierce shot from Alexander Hleb.

Boro's doggedness in defence was typified by Jonathan Woodgate, making his debut following his loan move from Real Madrid.

Tough in the tackle and bossing his team-mates with authority, Woodgate led Boro's backline with a genuinely classy performance.

And in midfield, Boateng performed similarly, until he got himself sent off.

His first yellow card was unnecessary as he argued with the referee following a quick free-kick taken by Henry, which clipped the outside of the post.

Moments later Boateng clipped Freddie Ljungberg, appeared to hurt himself in the process and his misery was compounded when he was booked again.

And then it got even worse for Boro, as they conceded a penalty after Stewart Downing was judged to have tripped Eboue.

Henry converted with ease to bring his side level - and immediately Arsenal made three changes to their line-up.

Among those to come on was new signing Julio Baptista, the muscled Brazilian seemingly introduced to add steel to Arsenal's silk.

But he could not help Arsenal find a way through, and their usually measured approach play became increasingly frantic.

Boro will be delighted to have come away with a point, while Arsenal continue to misfire and the concerns must be growing in north London with the side fourth bottom of the Premiership table.

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]

Arsenal Football Club resisted the challenge of Dinamo Zagreb Football Club to book their place in the Champions League group stages.

The visitors went ahead when Eduardo reduced Dinamo's deficit to 3-1 when he fired in after Kolo Toure's attempted clearance fell into his path.

Robin van Persie almost ended Dinamo's feint hopes only to see a shot steered on to the woodwork and to safety.

But Freddie Ljungberg's late header and Mathieu Flamini's tap-in saw Arsenal to victory and a place in Thursday's draw.

There was an air of co-ordinated adventure about Dinamo's play early on as they looked to engineer an unlikely comeback in the second leg of the third round qualifier.

And the Croatian side were rewarded with an early goal to give them hope.

Eduardo thrust in from the left and played the ball wide to Etto before continuing his run into the Arsenal box.

Etto slipped the ball back to his fellow Brazilian and, after Toure could only steer his clearance into the run of Eduardo, the Dinamo striker pounced to slot in an angled shot.

Arsenal heeded the warning and exerted some pressure to go along with their superior possession and they were only denied by the frame of the goal.

Dinamo keeper Ivan Turina missed a Cesc Fabregas cross and Dutch forward Van Persie seemed set to score.

But his shot was blocked by the outstretched leg of Mario Cvitanovic before the ball cannoned off the underside of the bar and to safety.

The influential Van Persie then produced a sublime piece of skill and had an acute-angled strike saved.

Ljungberg had an excellent chance after Adebayor's knockdown but placed his effort too close to the legs of grateful keeper Turina.

But Dinamo remained a threat and Luca Modric went close with a shot across goal and a deflected Etto strike just before half-time.

Arsenal striker Emanuel Adebayor should have put the home side beyond reach after 53 minutes but blazed high from 12 yards.

The game started to open up as the Croatian side became stretched in their attempts to score again and send a ripple of anxiety around the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal could not take advantage of the extra space in attack and manager Arsene Wenger introduced star striker Thierry Henry.

Henry's arrival gave his side more of a threat up front and Ljungberg headed in a Van Persie cross to mark his first game as captain with a goal.

Theo Walcott then set up his second goal in as many games as he crossed for Flamini to give the Gunners a win in their first European game at their new stadium.

[Source from; bbc.news.co.uk]

Two of the brightest young midfield talents in the Premiership Soccer go head to head when Emirates Stadium hosts its inaugural Premiership encounter on Saturday.

Cesc Fabregas, 19, lit up this summer’s World Cup with a series of mature displays for Spain and began the new campaign in style last week, scoring twice as Arsenal Football Club beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 in their Champions League qualifier.

Aston Villa’s Steven Davis, meanwhile, has declared himself fit for what will be Martin O’Neill’s first competitive game in charge of Villa.

Both players made 35 league appearances for their clubs last season although the Villa man clocked up over 300 more minutes than his Arsenal counterpart. Despite the shortfall in playing time, Fabregas [5] created four more goals for his team-mates than Davis [1].

But the 21-year-old Davis did manage one more goal - contributing a quartet of strikes to the Villa cause.

The end-of-season statistics for the 2005/06 campaign also indicate that Davis was marginally the better tackler last season, achieving a success rate of 67 per cent compared with the Spaniard’s 65 per cent.

But Fabregas leaves Davis in his wake in most other departments according to the stats. The Spaniard had a shot accuracy of 71 per cent compared to Davis’ 52 per cent and made more passes, [207] in less time, with a higher success rate [54] than the Villa man [196 and 51 per cent respectively].

Fabregas also comes out on top in the dribbling stakes with a success rate of 49 per cent compared to Davis’ 38 per cent. The Arsenal teenager did however pick up five bookings in the league last term while Davis avoided seeing yellow all campaign long.

[Source from; www.arsenal.com]

Name; Francesc Fabregas
Born; May 04, 1987, Vilessoc de Mar, Casal de Curacion, Spain
Position; Midfielder
Squad Number; 4
Previous Club(s); Barcelona
Joined Arsenal; September 11, 2003
Arsenal Debut; Rotherham United (h), Carling Cup 3rd Round, October 28, 2003, Drew 1-1. Won on pens

Cesc has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past two seasons and is now one of Arsenal's greatest assets - at the tender age of 19.

After a promising breakthrough season at Highbury, Cesc Fabregas stepped into the void left by Patrick Vieira's departure last summer and was a revelation in the centre of midfield. Technically excellent, Cesc rarely wastes a pass and dictates the pace and rhythm of Arsenal's attacks as he probes for openings and picks out the runs of Thierry Henry and company.

Cesc is not just a creator though. He scored five times last season, including the goal which broke the deadlock on the night Juventus were humbled at Highbury and the young Catalan eclipsed his former team-mate, Vieira.

The teenager was rewarded for his outstanding displays with a call-up to the Spanish national side. He kept his place for the World Cup and emerged with his reputation enhanced after coming off the bench to inspire a comeback victory against Tunisia in the group stage.

Fabregas became the Club's youngest football player and youngest goalscorer shortly after joining the Gunners in 2004. On the evidence of last season, Arsenal's 'Fab 4' will be an influential figure at Emirates Stadium for years to come.

[Source from; www.arsenal.com]