Arsenal

Arsenal News

Saturday, May 26, 2007

FABIANSKI SECURES GUNNERS MOVE

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has clinched the signing of young Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old has signed what the club describes as a "long-term" contract.

Fabianski has made four appearances for his country and was voted the Polish league's best goalkeeper for the previous two seasons after some fine performances for former club Legia Warsaw.


Wenger told the club's official website: "We are pleased to have signed Lukasz Fabianski.



"He is a very good young goalkeeper who will provide good support to our squad.



"He has performed consistently well for Legia Warsaw in recent seasons and was rightfully rewarded with a place in the Polish World Cup squad.



"Lukasz will be a big asset to our squad and we are looking forward to him joining us for pre-season."

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WENGER: GET REAL, FAB STAYS

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists Cesc Fabregas will be at the Emirates Stadium next season.

Fabregas has been the subject of speculation in the Spanish media about a move to Real Madrid, but Wenger is confident the 20-year-old will be at the heart of the Gunners' midfield for the next Barclays Premiership campaign.

Wenger told Spanish newspaper Marca: "Cesc is going to spend the next year with Arsenal."

Fabregas trained with Barcelona before joining Arsenal four years ago and seeing his development accelerate.

The Spain international has been the focal point of Wenger's midfield this season, leading to inevitable speculation regarding a return to his native country.

While Wenger is confident Fabregas will not move to Spain, Julio Baptista is set to return to the Bernabeu following his season with Arsenal.

The future of Jose Antonio Reyes, who was loaned to Madrid in the other direction, appears more uncertain as he has consistently repeated his wish to remain in Spain.

Wenger's options in attack will be complicated further next season as Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to play for Togo in the African Nations.

It could give Theo Walcott a chance to shine. The 18-year-old is determined to impress after scoring his first goal for Arsenal in the Carling Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

He said: "It was a big disappointment not to win the Carling Cup but it shows what the young players can do and hopefully we can do it again.

"And I'm sure if we work hard we will be right up there in the title race too."

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

OWEN NEXT FOR GUNNERS?

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor has signed a new 'long-term' deal at Arsenal as speculation continues to link the Gunners with a move for Newcastle and England's Michael Owen.

The Togo international has established himself as a regular in Arsene Wenger's first team after arriving at the club in the 2006 January transfer window.

Adebayor's contract extension is hot on the heels of Emmanuel Eboue's decision to make a similar commitment to Arsenal.

The length of Adebayor's new contract was not disclosed by the Gunners but the move comes in the wake of renewed speculation that Owen could be bound for the Emirates.

Wenger is expected to watch Owen play for England B against Albania on Friday and again when England play Brazil and Estonia.

Owen's chances of moving to champions Manchester United are understood to have evaporated because of the combination of his ฃ5million-a-year wages and doubts over his fitness.

He has yet to discuss his future on Tyneside with new manager Sam Allardyce but his Liverpool counterpart Rafa Benitez has no interest in taking the former Liverpool striker back to Anfield.

Wenger, in the meantime, has assured fans they will be back among the silverware next season.

Arsenal have not won anything for two years but the French coach believes his young side have the ability to end that run next term.

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BRUCE TARGETS ANOTHER GUNNER

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce insisted he has learnt from his previous mistakes and will not buy ageing players in a bid to keep the club in the Barclays Premiership.

Bruce admitted he got it wrong by bringing in players at the tail-end of their careers two years ago as City were relegated from the top flight.

He dismantled his squad 12 months ago, put the accent on young players and was rewarded with instant promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.

Bruce is aware of the need to strengthen but the accent will primarily be on players like Arsenal's 20-year-old defender Johan Djourou who he is hoping to sign on loan.

The Blues boss said: "When we went down 12 months ago, the average age of the squad was something like 31, 32 which was ridiculous so we won't make that mistake again.

"We had too many players at the wrong age, at the wrong time of their career, and that wasn't helpful.

"We let 18-20 players go and brought in a whole new squad to get us promoted. The vast majority of the players here now are young and hungry and they deserve a crack at the Premiership.

"There will be a few comings and goings but the vast majority of the squad deserve a chance. Of course we have to strengthen. We are back in the best league in the world again.

"We will have to spend a bit but rest assured I won't go down that route of signing too many players at the wrong end of my career."

Birmingham have an excellent relationship with Arsenal and last season Nicklas Bendtner, Fabrice Muamba and Sebastian Larsson were all signed on loan with the latter two eventually moving to St. Andrews on a permanent basis.

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ADEBAYOR SIGNS NEW ARSENAL DEAL

Arsenal striker Emanuel Adebayor has signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Togo forward, 23, joined the Gunners from French club Monaco in the 2006 January transfer window and has impressed manager Arsene Wenger enough to earn an extended contract.

Adebayor has become a key part of Wenger's plans, shouldering much of the side's attacking burden in Thierry Henry's recent absence through injury, scoring 16 goals in 57 appearances since joining the club.

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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

WENGER 'SENT BY GOD' - HLEB

Arsene Wenger is a "coach sent by God", according to Arsenal winger Alexander Hleb.

The Gunners boss is determined to mould his squad into one capable of competing for honours again next season.

While Wenger knows he must find a new balance to make Arsenal an effective fighting unit - especially away from home - the Frenchman also has great belief in the potential of his players.

Hleb has now chalked up more than 80 appearances for the Gunners, having joined from Stuttgart during the summer of 2005 for a reported ฃ10million.

The Belarus winger took some time to settle, but has always been supported by Wenger despite often heavy criticism.

It is a trait which Hleb feels puts Wenger in a league of his own.

"At Stuttgart I played just behind the main striker and the play all went through me. Then at Arsenal, I got a different role and it took me a while to adapt to the constant movement on the right side of midfield," he said.

"Wenger is a great tactician, he sees absolutely everything.

"He knows how to find a key to every player - he is a coach sent by God.

Hleb told World Soccer magazine: "I still remember him saying: 'Alexander, I do not just buy any player; I watched you for two years. Everyone finds it hard at first, especially if you come from another country. I am convinced everything will work out.'

"Those words helped me a lot."

The midfielder, 26, added: "I am loving being able to work under him. He supported me through the difficult times early on and carried on believing in me.

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MATURING DJOUROU TARGETS TROPHIES

Arsenal's young Gunners reckon they can rise to the challenges of next season and fight for top honours.

Full-back Emmanuel Eboue, 23, has been rewarded with a new long-term deal and is one of several youngsters with plenty of first-team experience due to the confidence shown by manager Arsene Wenger.

However, those emerging talents are all too aware they must deliver sooner rather than later.

Swiss defender Johan Djourou is one of several hungry youngsters eager to make their mark.

"I am very proud of my season. I am only 20 and I have played a lot of games in the Premiership," said Djourou, whose progress was hampered by a groin problem.

"That is all good for my experience and I hope I can keep going now, to play even more."

Djourou added: "We have guys like Cesc [Fabregas], Denilson and Justin Hoyte, who have all shown when they have played that they are ready for it.

"Next season we have to take that step further and try to be in there for all the games.

"When you are a young player you want to continue to improve and be first choice."

Wenger remains a staunch supporter of the young players in his squad, having sought to build a team for the future following the club's move to their new Emirates Stadium home and the ongoing financial commitments which came with it.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

WENGER WANTS GUNNERS FIT FOR PURPOSE

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reckons getting all his key men fit will feel like the "biggest transfer" he can pull off this summer.

The Gunners ended a disappointing campaign with a goalless draw at Portsmouth on Sunday to finish fourth in the Barclays Premiership for the second year running.

Wenger accepts that is not good enough, and is determined to lift his emerging squad back into title contention next season.

While some may feel the team needs a significant injection of proven talent to get close to Manchester United and Chelsea, the Arsenal manager has every confidence in the players already at the club.

Wenger believes the Gunners will be a different proposition next season should the likes of inspirational captain Thierry Henry, leading scorer Robin van Persie and England international Theo Walcott all come into August in top condition.

"If you look at the number of players who were not at Portsmouth and the quality of our performance, we have the right to be optimistic," said Wenger.

"I am looking [for new players], but I am also at the moment happy with the players I have and am also focused on developing the team I have. I feel the team is growing well."

Wenger declared: "The biggest transfer I can make is to try to get everybody fit by the start of next season.

"If I manage that I have done 80% of the job and I will be pleased, the other 20% is optional - whether I buy or not.

"If I can just manage to do that 80%, to get everybody in perfect shape for the start of the season, then I have done a good job."

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EBOUE PENS GUNNERS DEAL

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger today continued to show faith in his young Gunners by rewarding full-back Emmanuel Eboue with a new long-term deal.

However, the emerging talents within the squad are all too aware they must deliver sooner rather than later.

Eboue, 23, has come a long way in a short space of time since joining from Belgian club Beveren two years ago.

The Ivory Coast international was in the starting XI for last season's Champions League final, and went on to play at the World Cup.

Eboue retained his place at right-back for Arsenal following the return to fitness of veteran Brazilian Lauren, who was eventually released to join Portsmouth.

Wenger remains a staunch supporter of the young players in his squad, having sought to build a team for the future following the club's move to their new Emirates Stadium home and the ongoing financial commitments which came with it.

However, for all his strengths, particularly in helping support the attack down the flanks, Eboue is still somewhat a raw talent - and prone to the odd loss of self control, as shown during his involvement in the melee at the end of the Carling Cup final which earned him a three-match ban.

Wenger, though, clearly believes the African has a bright future ahead, despite the club not revealing the length of the "long-term contract".

Another young Gunner hoping for more first-team action next season is Johan Djourou.

The Swiss defender, 20, was utilised in a holding midfield role during the final Barclays Premiership match of the season at Portsmouth.

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Sunday, May 13, 2007

WENGER WAITS FOR BUDGET DECISION

Manager Arsene Wenger expects to find out next week just what funds he will have available this summer - but knows throwing money at the Arsenal squad in search of a quick fix is not necessarily the answer.

The Gunners boss has been promised the finances for investment in new players by the board should he want it.

However, that is likely to be far less than what is to be made available from the new American owners at Liverpool and Aston Villa, not to mention how much Chelsea will spend looking to wrestle the Barclays Premiership title back from Manchester United - themselves also sure to strengthen.

It remains to be seen what will transpire from the interests of new Arsenal shareholder Stan Kroenke, with the involvement of the American billionaire understood to be behind the shock departure of vice-chairman David Dein.

For the moment, however, Wenger has little choice than to accept what is on offer within the constraints the club operate under, having an on-going commitment to their new 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium.

"Certainly there is money to spend in the summer. How much? Frankly at the moment I do not know. We have to see," said the Arsenal boss.

"It is linked as well with who goes out, who comes in.

"You can create money. That is what we always try to do - but how much I do not know."

Wenger added: "I will be meeting the board at some point next week to discuss the budget."

The Gunners manager, though, knows there can be no quick fix to regain the vast experience gone from his squad in recent seasons.

He said: "You look in the last two years - we have lost Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp, Sylvain Wiltord, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Patrick Vieira, Edu, Kanu, Martin Keown.

"It is a capital of experience you lose and you do not replace that from one second to the next."

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RICHARDS - ARSENAL IS 'DREAM' CLUB

Micah Richards admits he is not unsettled at Manchester City but would relish a "dream move" to Arsenal.

The England international full-back, 18, is expected to be a target for the Premiership's 'top four' during the summer.

But Richards told the News of the World: "Obviously I'd like to play Champions League football, but time is on my side.

"I have three years left on my contract and I feel a commitment to the manager and fans. I like working for Stuart Pearce. He gave me my chance. I can learn a lot from him.

"I am ambitious and flattered to be linked with the big clubs, but I got into the England squad playing for City, so there's no reason why I need to move at the moment."

He added: "Arsenal are my team and it would be a dream move. I grew up supporting the Gunners."

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WENGER READY TO START AFRESH

Arsene Wenger would be happy to scrap the summer break and get on with the business of Arsenal challenging again for the Barclays Premiership title straight away.

The Gunners head to Portsmouth on Sunday looking to sign off from what has been an overall disappointing campaign with a victory, which could see them finish third ahead of Champions League finalists Liverpool.

Despite reaching the Carling Cup final with a youthful team, there is no doubt this year could have yielded so much more for Wenger's men.

Even though they beat champions Manchester United at home and away in the Premiership, and also scored three wins over Liverpool as well as drawing with Chelsea twice, performances against sides which they should have turned over comfortably proved their Achilles' heel.

An early exit from the FA Cup was swiftly followed by the end of their European campaign, and the sidelining of inspirational captain Thierry Henry for the remainder of the season through injury.

However, such disappointments spur Wenger on to come out fighting again in August - which cannot come soon enough for the Gunners boss.

He said: "We want to finish as quickly as possible and start again.

"I would be happy if you said to me tomorrow we start again straight away, cut out the holidays and let's go for it again, because it will be a long summer.

"But we have to adapt and use this period to go away and reflect on what has happened this year, make the right assessment and start again in a very efficient way.

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Friday, May 11, 2007

CLICHY KEEN TO KEEP IT TIGHT

Gael Clichy knows Arsenal must tighten up at the back if they are to become genuine Barclays Premiership title challengers again next season.

The Gunners kept just two clean sheets during the last 10 matches following their early exit from the Champions League.

While they have won four of those games, lapses in defensive concentration have proved costly too often this season.

Arsenal could finish third in the Barclays Premiership should they better Liverpool's result on Sunday, but there remains a feeling this campaign promised so much more.

Having only stopped the opposition from scoring eight times in 27 games at Emirates Stadium this season, Clichy knows there is certainly room for improvement.

"I do not think it is only frustrating for the back four, I think it is for the team and the fans," said the 21-year-old left-back.

"But like I always say when you cannot keep a clean sheet or you make a mistake, you have to ask yourself the right question.

"I think that is what we miss [clean sheets] because we play well and we know if we do not concede any goals then we will have the chance and the opportunities to score.

"We are trying really hard I can tell you, but for some time we have missed focus and we have made some mistakes. The important thing is to avoid those mistakes."

Clichy added: "I will work even harder next season to keep my position and I am looking to keep playing with all the defenders, because we all have qualities and we work hard to make something happen for the team."

Arsenal could come up against two of their former players in their last game of the season against Portsmouth at Fratton Park - Lauren and Sol Campbell.

Former England defender Campbell, 32, currently struggling with an Achilles problem, and the Cameroonian full-back, 30, were part of the all-conquering 'Invincibles' side who lifted the Premier League trophy in such style three years ago.

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HENRY WILL STAY - WENGER

Arsene Wenger has 'guaranteed' Arsenal captain Thierry Henry will not be sold this summer.

Recent reports have linked the France international, 29, with a move to Barcelona during the close season.

Following a fallow season at the Emirates Stadium, during which a Carling Cup final appearance was the closest the Gunners came to silverware, it has been suggested that Henry might look elsewhere in search of honours as he nears his 30th birthday.

The striker has not played since March due to stomach and groin injuries, prompting fears he may have made his last appearance in north London.

But Wenger has dismissed that suggestion and said: "It is more down to imagination than anything else, Thierry Henry will be here next year."

Asked whether he could guarantee to fans that Henry would remain at the Emirates after the current campaign, Wenger told the club's website: "Yes, of course."

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WENGER CONFIRMS KEEPER DEAL

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal are set to sign Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Fabianski, 22, is about to join the Gunners from Legia Warsaw and will challenge Jens Lehmann next season.

"That will be done," Wenger told the club's website.

"He will be our new goalkeeper. He will join us next year, be in the squad and compete for a position.

"He is one for the future. We have identified him as having all the qualities to challenge here and be one of the future great goalkeepers for Arsenal."

Wenger was, however, coy about Fabianski's chances of challenging Lehmann and Manuel Almunia for a first-team place straight away.

"We will assess him when he joins the squad to see how mature he is," the Frenchman added.

"We have to be open-minded, it is down to performances."

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LAUREN MISSES OUT AGAINST FORMER CLUB

Former Arsenal defender Lauren has been added to Portsmouth's casualty list for Sunday's home clash with his old club.

The Cameroon star has a foot injury and joins another ex-Gunner Sol Campbell (Achilles) and skipper Dejan Stefanovic (thigh) on the sidelines.

Midfielders Matt Taylor (ankle) and Richard Hughes (knee) continue to be doubtful after missing the game at Everton but Pedro Mendes is back in the squad and could play his first game since an ankle operation in February.

Teams:

Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Primus, Pamarot, Traore, O'Neil, Davis, Hughes, Pedro Mendes, Kranjcar, Taylor, Benjani, Kanu, Lualua, Todorov, O'Brien, Mvuemba, Ashdown.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2007

WENGER - GUNNERS MORE AT HOME NOW

Arsene Wenger intends for Arsenal to put the squeeze on teams at Emirates Stadium next season to force their way back into title contention.

The Gunners could yet finish third in the Barclays Premiership if they better Liverpool's result when they travel to Portsmouth on the final day of the campaign.

However, there remains a feeling of underachievement within the Arsenal camp, having ended another season without silverware.

Although reaching the Carling Cup final with a youthful squad may well bode well for the future, Wenger knows his first-team players must become more consistent to close the gap on the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as pressing for honours in the Champions League.

Part of the problem this season, in the Premiership at least, has been dropping too many points at their new Emirates Stadium home.

Converting those six draws into victories would have lifted the Gunners into contention for second place, albeit still lagging behind United because of seven costly away defeats.

Wenger believes things will be different next season, his men now familiar with the impressive surroundings of the 60,000-seater venue.

"Now we feel we are nearly there, not completely, but we feel much more at home now," said the Arsenal boss, whose men drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Sunday to end the visitors' own title hopes.

"At the start of the season we allowed too much space to our opponents, and we do not do that as much anymore.

"It is true that we have scored a lot of different types of goals here to the ones we scored at Highbury.

"We scored a lot more counter-attacking, direct goals there, because at Emirates teams have more time to regroup behind the ball. Also they tend to play 4-5-1 more here because they do not want to leave as much space for us to exploit.

Wenger added: "The size of the pitch has affected the way Arsenal have played this season too.

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BARCA BACK FOR HENRY

Barcelona are set to have another crack at signing Arsenal's Thierry Henry and are expected to make a ฃ15million summer bid, according to reports.

The Primera Liga giants are aiming to capitalise on the current unrest at the Gunners, who have failed to win any trophies for the second successive season, to land the French striker.

With the possibility of manager Arsene Wenger leaving after his contract expires next year, the Daily Star claims Arsenal could be ready to sell their captain as they prepare to reshape the club.

There have been concerns regarding Henry's influence at the Emirates Stadium and Barca now hope Arsenal will decide this is the time to cash in on their talisman.

Frank Rijkaard could well lose Samuel Eto'o to Manchester United this summer and will therefore need a replacement to lead Barcelona to glory on multiple fronts next season.

Although Henry has turned down a move to the Nou Camp in the past, he's thought to be top of president Joan Laporta's wish-list and he could well be lured to Spain by the offer of a four-year deal worth a possible ฃ7m a season.

Henry has made it clear in recent weeks he doesn't want to leave Arsenal but with his future entwined with that of Wenger, there could be a swift change of stance this summer.

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VAN PERSIE BACKS GUNNERS FOR GLORY

Robin van Persie had plenty of time to reflect on life with Arsenal during his enforced injury lay-off - and the Dutch forward is as determined as ever to guide the Gunners back to the glory trail again next season.

Arsenal had to make do without their top-scorer since the end of January when he suffered a fractured metatarsal as he netted against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

Van Persie, whose tally of 13 has yet to be beaten by any of his team-mates, has undergone an extensive course of rehabilitation, and had to take a complete break from the hectic routine of a professional footballer.

After spending some time in his native Holland, the 23-year-old has recently stepped up his fitness work and will return to pre-season training a couple of weeks earlier than the rest of the squad.

Van Persie, who could have been rushed back into action if needed by Arsene Wenger, feels such a period away from the game will see him return refreshed for the battles ahead next season.

"For the first two weeks all I could do was sit at home. That moment was very hard for me," the young Dutch forward recalled.

"I was watching lots of football, but there I was, not even able to go to my own kitchen to get a drink. Everything had to be done for me.

"I had a lot of time to think about things such as how I see Arsenal, how Arsenal sees me, how I can improve. Those things you can really think about, but when you live day to day there is no time to stop and think about it.

"You are too tired and also in football it is always 'the next game, the next game, this game has gone, look at the next one' - and suddenly I did not have that for three or four months. Trust me that was very interesting."

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Sunday, May 6, 2007

UNITED CHAMPS AFTER CHELSEA DRAW

Manchester United were crowned Barclays Premiership champions for a record ninth time on Sunday.

United have a seven-point lead over second-placed Chelsea with two games remaining after they beat Manchester City 1-0 on Saturday and Jose Mourinho's side could only draw 1-1 at Arsenal.

It means Sir Alex Ferguson can take his team to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night having already reclaimed the title from Chelsea, who had won it for the last two seasons.

There were few chances at the Emirates Stadium before Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz was shown a red card for hauling down Julio Baptista on 42 minutes and Gilberto converted the resulting penalty.

Michael Essien's close-range header with 20 minutes left gave the Blues renewed hope - but a draw was not enough and United were champions again for the first time since 2003.

Sir Alex admitted he was "in agony" watching the final few minutes at the Emirates.

Ferguson had vowed to avoid the game but admitted he ran out of things to do to keep him occupied.

"I went to see my grandson play this afternoon; they won their league and we won ours!" Ferguson said.

"I was twiddling my thumbs. I watched the last 15 minutes at the Emirates and was in agony.

"My heart was in my mouth.

"It's a great effort by Chelsea, we've got to give them great credit."

Asked how the triumph rates with the previous eight, Ferguson said: "All of them were good.

"Maybe the fact that for two years Chelsea dominated the Premier League and we had a big job to do to catch them (makes this one special).

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JOSE HAILS DETHRONED 'HEROES'

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho labelled his players "heroes" despite seeing the Barclays Premiership title head to Old Trafford.

Chelsea needed to win at Arsenal to keep the season alive but could only manage a 1-1 draw, Michael Essien equalising after a Gilberto penalty put the home side in front.

Asked if the best team had won the title, Mourinho said: "It doesn't matter, what matters is the team with more points is the champion.

"I have to congratulate the champions, the players, the manager, the fans, the board; all the people that help them be champions.

"I have to say that maybe I'm prouder today than when I was champion. My players are heroes. All season, against absolutely everything, they did brilliantly.

"The season was magnificent and I think today is a game to remember. It showed how big Chelsea players are and I couldn't be happier with the way it finished for us."

Speaking on Sky Sports 1, Mourinho added: "We had a big problem only to play all season only with (Ricardo) Carvalho at centre-half but now is not the moment to talk about that.

"I'm very proud of my players. Normally when a team has a lot of success and loses a championship it's lack of motivation, not the same spirit or ambition, but it was exactly the opposite.

"My team was brilliant."

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Thursday, May 3, 2007

HENRY IN BUT BECKS OUT OF TIME

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been named by Time magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential people - but Los Angeles-bound David Beckham did not make the cut.

The US-based magazine first published their list in 1999 and each year honour individuals divided into five groups - Leaders and Revolutionaries, Builders and Titans, Artists and Entertainers, Scientists and Thinkers, and Heroes and Icons.

Henry, 29, has been named in the latter section, but there was no room for the former England captain despite his big-money transfer to Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy.

NBA star Tony Parker, who captains the French basketball team, praised Henry's contribution to race awareness in sport.

The San Antonio Spurs point guard said: "He wants to change the world. It's no secret that European soccer is fighting a racism problem, in the crowd and on the field, and no player has done more to exorcise it than Thierry.

"His impact has been immense."

Beckham did make the list in 2004 - alongside golfer Tiger Woods, British athlete Paula Radcliffe and Tour de France legend Lance Armstrong - but has failed to regain his place after resigning the England captaincy and then losing his place in the international team.

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WENGER FINED OVER LINESMAN COMMENT

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been fined ฃ2,500 by the Football Association for comments he made about an assistant referee following the Carling Cup final.

At a disciplinary hearing, the Gunners boss denied a charge of improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute for his remarks after the clash with Chelsea on February 23, which his side lost in controversial fashion.

However, the FA commission found against the Frenchman and concluded that his use of the word "lie" when describing the assistant's intervention, which led to the sending-off of Emmanuel Adebayor, constituted improper conduct.

Wenger made the comment after seeing three of his players - Adebayor, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue - sent off following a scuffle at the end of the match in Cardiff.



In bringing the charge against him in March, the FA demanded an explanation both for his comments about the assistant referee and his remark that "the whole system is not honest" after seeing Adebayor's appeal against a three-game ban dismissed.



Wenger said at the time: "The officials made a mistake. Adebayor did not punch Lampard and didn't intend to, we can prove it. It isn't the truth, I don't accept it.



"I cannot accept that our club is treated like this.



"I will defend it to the FA. It was a lie and is not responsible."

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Tuesday, May 1, 2007

WENGER WARNS UNITED OF LEAGUE COLLAPSE

Arsene Wenger has warned Manchester United getting knocked out of the Champions League could dent their Barclays Premiership hopes.

United defend a 3-2 semi-final lead against AC Milan and are on course for the treble, although they could also end up empty-handed.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are five points clear at the top of the Premiership with three games to play but would need to lift themselves quickly for Saturday's derby at Manchester City should they lose in Italy.

Arsenal boss Wenger, who saw his side's form dip after their Champions League exit this season, said: "The team that goes out of the Champions League now - whether it's Manchester United or Chelsea or Liverpool - they will have a little dip because it's like losing someone from your family.

"You need time to recover from that. The team who goes out will suffer in the championship. That is for sure."

The Gunners were knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage earlier this season and then won once in five games.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believes Arsenal will be among the contenders for Europe's top prize this time next year, one of the reasons why he signed a new contract until the end of the next campaign.

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WALCOTT WON'T BE SENT TO COVENTRY

Coventry assistant manager Tim Flowers has dismissed rumours linking Arsenal starlet Theo Walcott with a season-long loan spell at the Ricoh Arena.

Flowers brushed off any links with Walcott but hinted he and manager Iain Dowie are looking at similar arrangements for other players ahead of next season.

"Theo Walcott? It is a great rumour, but no," Flowers told the Coventry Telegraph.

"But Birmingham brought in three players from Arsenal who have massively improved their squad so you have to look at things like that.

"What we do will be determined by the budget but there will be changes in the summer, and hopefully quite a few."

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SUNDAY WILL DECIDE FUTURE - ADEBAYOR

Emmanuel Adebayor feels beating Chelsea on Sunday will show just what Arsenal can achieve next season.

The Togo striker chalked up his 12th goal of the campaign with a late strike in the 3-1 victory over Fulham at Emirates Stadium yesterday.

The Gunners are now only a point behind Liverpool as they look to salvage a third-place finish from what has been a disappointing year for Arsene Wenger's squad.

Chelsea's hopes of retaining the Barclays Premiership title could end with defeat in north London to the side they beat in the Carling Cup final.

However, Adebayor - who served a four-match ban for his part in the melee which marred the end of the match at the Millennium Stadium - maintains Sunday's encounter will be about putting on a fine display for the home fans, rather than exacting any sort of "revenge".

"It hurt all the players to lose to them in the Carling Cup final, especially after we played so well and did not get the result we deserved," the 23-year-old said.

"But with all that happened in Cardiff, it is not about us taking revenge.

"We are just going to play the game to win for the fans and as a footballer you always want to win against a big team like Chelsea.

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