The Nation Newspaper

Tag: arsenal

  • Cech’s farewell message to Chelsea

    Cech’s farewell message to Chelsea

    Petr Cech, goalkeeper of Premier League champions, Chelsea has finally completed his transfer to Arsenal.
    Cech recorded no fewer than 400 appearances during his 11 years career for the Stamford Bridge club.
    The 33-year-old goalkeeper seems to enjoy long-term contracts as he signs another long one with Arsenal Football Club.
    The transferred news was made public through a statement signed by the skipper himself.
    The statement reads in part: “I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea Football Club. The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in July 2004, the club I though I’s hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn’t always turn out the way you think it will.

    Read full text of his speech in the tweets below:

     

  • Aliko vs. Arsenal’s long juju

    Nigeria’s own Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has obviously been caught in the thrall of the White man’s long juju – football. And Arsenal Football Club is no doubt one major coves of worship. This is quite understandable. Yours truly too must confess upfront that he is also under the same spell of English football and a member of the Arsenal FC congregation.

    Football indeed may well be the new religion, the new opium, the new global economy and even the future world order. Is it for nothing that the US recently started fiddling with FIFA? Or has the new power game just begun? Why are the Abramovichs, the Glazers, the Kroenkes, Usmanovs the Arab and Asian moguls taking positions in English and European leagues? Now Aliko has joined the fray. These fellows are no ordinary folks, they sure see farther than the rest of us.

    Such is the growing importance of football that Aliko wishes to buy Arsenal – almost at all cost. He is pitching in a board that has strong American (Kroenke) and Russian (Usmanov) blocs. Over the years, the Gunners, as Arsenal is known, has grown to be among the greatest soccer landmarks not only of England but in the football world. Nigeria alone would boast of no fewer than 10 million fans while its worldwide fan base would likely nudge the billion mark.

    This is no doubt a huge global brand that could be deployed to sell even products as lugubrious as cement. This may explain why Aliko, Nigeria’s own Midas has been under the spell of this football club and insists he must own it if not today, certainly, tomorrow. He had made the first bid to acquire substantial interest five years ago but was apparently rebuffed.

    He was not deterred. Aliko said recently that he had been a fan for about 30 years when he was taken to watch Arsenal by David Dein, a one-time major shareholder and grandee of the club. And here is what the multi-billion dollars mogul thinks: “What I always say is that money doesn’t have colour. It doesn’t matter whether you are from Africa or anywhere in the world. The colour of money is the same. Once I put money on the table, they will not think if I am an African.”

    Aliko also debunked the notion by some commentators that he is setting about some form of vanity investing in which he is bound to lose money. He said pointedly that the club is doing well and requires just another strategic direction for it to do even better.

    Well, Hardball has one or two frank words for Aliko here: first, without discounting his deep business acumen, football doesn’t seem like such a money spinner; it seems more an ego business. Second point is that it would take some doing and an unduly large cash too to hand Arsenal to an African.

    Finally, Aliko’s charity must begin from home. Kano, his home state is teeming with a horde of sports-crazy youth who have scarce opportunity to express themselves or get discovered. Kano could use some modern sporting facilities for catching and grooming young talents. Aliko can help in this regard before he buys Arsenal.

  • Man Utd, Arsenal battle for FA Cup ticket

    Man Utd, Arsenal battle for FA Cup ticket

    WHAT will be perceived as a successful season for Louis van Gaal and Arsène Wenger  is a top-four place alone enough to satisfy frustrated boards and fans? Perhaps not, which is why both are striving to add the FA Cup, something Arsenal managed to do last season. Wenger has not overseen a win at Old Trafford since 2006, however, and no win over United at all in seven attempts.

    In a Friday press conference, Wenger stressed that Arsenal care about winning the FA Cup, and doesn’t see any type of advantage of separating the Gunners from their rivals in the Premier League table.

    “It’s a different competition,” Wenger said. “For us, we won the FA Cup last year, and we are the holders of the Cup, and we want of course to keep it. This competition is important to us. We want to go up there and produce the result. I don’t think it’s linked at all with the Premiership.”

    He also dismissed Arsenal’s past struggles at Old Trafford.

    “I don’t believe too much in history. I believe just in performance of the day.

    “At the moment we are doing very well away from home. The size of the pitch is exactly the same everywhere. It’s just down to how much we turn up and how much effort we put in to win the game.”

    As usual, Wenger is dealing with a litany of injuries, and he can add center back Gabriel to the list. The Brazilian injured his hamstring this week in a match against Queens Park Rangers, and will be sidelined for two-to-three weeks. Midfielders Jack Wilshere (ankle), Mikel Arteta (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf) and right back Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder) are also out. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who was absent against QPR due to illness, may not be fit by Monday. Left back Nacho Monreal (back) and defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini (hamstring) are also questionable for the match.

    Despite the injury setbacks, Arsenal have reason to feel confident. After losing to Tottenham on Feb. 7, Arsenal are riding a four-game Premier League winning streak. In FA Cup play, Wenger’s side outscored Hull City, Brighton, and Middlesbrough by a combined score of 7-2. The lone disappointment in recent weeks has been the painful first-leg home loss to AS Monaco, 3-1, on Feb. 25.

  • Arsenal, West Brom, Hull chase Kigbu

    Arsenal, West Brom, Hull chase Kigbu

    Manchester City defender Ashinme Kigbu is attracting attention from English Premier League (EPL) clubs including Arsenal, West Brom, Hull and Leicester City, according to his dad Vincent Kigbu.

    The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be monitoring the situation of the soon-to-be 16-year-old at the Etihad.

    Manchester City and Ashinme Kigbu’s representatives are scheduled to meet next week over the extension of his stay at The Citizens, and the youngster is not lacking suitors if negotiations break down.

    ”We have opened talks with Manchester City, and they plan to make a decision on all the players they wish to offer contracts by next week,” Vincent Kigbu told SL10.ng.

    ”There are definitely other teams interested. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal want him.

    ”So many top ten Premier League clubs have contacted me for permission so they can talk to Manchester City, I’m yet to make that decision.

    ”My son is happy at Manchester City CFA and I really would love that he remains in Manchester City, however, whatever step he takes regarding his football future and development will depend on what Manchester City CFA offer him.”

    Manchester City snatched Ashinme Kigbu from under the noses of Manchester United back in the 2011 – 2012 season and he could be reunited with his old employer sooner rather than later if the EPL champions fail to meet his demand.

    ”Both Manchester City and Manchester United scouted him at the prime age of 7.

    ”I opted for Manchester United until he progressed to their youth academy then The Cliff. I took him off football for a couple of years so he can progress in his education.

    ”At the age of 11 he was made the captain of his secondary school and then Manchester Boys got him for a short while and then both Man United and Manchester City came calling again.

    ”He went back to Manchester United for a short while and Manchester City got him since 2011/2012 season up until date,” Vincent Kigbu added.

    Kigbu, who was born in Nigeria, is described as a versatile defender, who can also operate in midfield and attack.

  • Feyenoord, FC Twente chase Arsenal’s Akpom

    Feyenoord, FC Twente chase Arsenal’s Akpom

    Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom is attracting Eredivisie interest.

    The young forward is expected to be made available for loan during the January market.

    Feyenoord and FC Twente have both been in contact with the Gunners to ask to be kept informed over Akpom’s situation. Both Dutch clubs enjoy a close relationship with Arsenal.

    Akpom is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has interest arriving from within the Premier League.

    Manchester City, Tottenham and Everton are all said to be monitoring Akpom’s progress and could pounce in January.

  • Formidable Dortmund too strong for Arsenal

    Formidable Dortmund too strong for Arsenal

    Goals either side of half-time from Ciro Immobile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earned a highly impressive victory for Dortmund at home to Arsenal.

    Jürgen Klopp’s side made their intentions clear from the off, winning possession soon after kick-off and rarely losing it as the chances began to flow. It took until the stroke of half-time for Immobile to break the deadlock but Aubameyang doubled the advantage soon after the interval in a performance which will imbue the 2013 finalists with confidence.

    Roared on by the ever-vociferous home crowd, Dortmund began with intensity, pressing their visitors and earning a string of early corners. One delivery was stabbed wide by Sokratis Papastathopoulos before the industrious Immobile dragged his first effort past the post.

    As the pressure increased, it seemed a Dortmund breakthrough was inevitable. Yet as Aubameyang was denied from close range by Wojciech Szczesny and Jack Wilshere stretched to prevent Henrikh Mkhitaryan from slamming in, it began to feel as though it might not be their night.

    Those fears only worsened as Arsenal began to come out of their shell, with Danny Welbeck twice getting into good positions. Aubameyang  and Immobile had each drawn saves from Szczesny between times and the Italian striker’s hard work was rewarded with an outstanding opener, sprinting from his own half, holding off the challenges of Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs and slotting in his first competitive goal in a Dortmund shirt.

  • Arsenal ready for title challenge — Flamini

    Arsenal ready for title challenge — Flamini

    Mathieu Flamini believes Arsenal can challenge for the Premier League title again after a disappointing finish to the previous campaign.

    Arsene Wenger’s side occupied top spot in the Premier League for 128 days last term, more than any club in the division, but fell away in the latter stages of the season and ended up battling for a UEFA Champions League place.

    Arsenal ultimately secured fourth place to ensure a 17th successive season in Europe’s elite competition, and also lifted the FA Cup to end their nine-year silverware drought.

    Flamini is convinced those experiences – together with Sunday’s Community Shield victory over champions Manchester City at Wembley – will stand the club in good stead

    “It’s very good for the confidence,” he told Sky Sports News after the 3-0 triumph against Manuel Pellegrini’s men. “But now we’re going to start the season, we have to be very focussed and ready because it is going to be a long one.

    “It’s important to not forget that it’s a marathon and not a sprint.

    “We had a good year last year, even though we collapsed in the last couple of months, and I think we’re ready.

    “I think we have a strong team with a lot of qualities, we are one of the big teams and I think we can fight for the title.”

    Arsenal open their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.

  • Iwobi, Akpom in Arsenal’s Champions League squad

    Iwobi, Akpom in Arsenal’s Champions League squad

    Nigeria youngsters Chuba Akpom and Alex Iwobi were both included in Arsenal’s  list of eligible players for their two-legged Champions League Play-Off Round tie against Besiktas.

    Akpom, who made last season’s Champions League team and was even on the bench against Marseille in Arsenal’s group game, will dorn Jersey number 38 if he gets to play against Besiktas.

    The youngster was a constant feature in Arsenal’s pre season games, but he missed out on selection for the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

    Big things are expected of the 19-year-old who is still eligible for Nigeria, but a loan spell according to reports is in the offing for the England youth international, when Arsenal’s run in domestic cup games come to an end.

    Alex Iwobi was included for the first time, and has been given squad number 45 for the Besiktas game, even though he only turned professional on  May 9, 2014.

    The nephew to former Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers captain Austin Okocha turned down an invitation to be part of Nigeria’s last Under-17 team after he was asked to fund his trip to camp. The 18-year-old represented England at Under-16 level same year he snubbed Nigeria.

    The duo are part of 15 youngsters named by manager Arsene Wenger for the two-legged Champions League Play-Off Round tie against Besiktas. However, the other Nigerian on the cusp of the Arsenal first team Semi Ajayi was left out, as he isn’t eligible to be included until the end of this season.

    Ironically, the 19-year-old’s contract will run out by the summer of 2015 when he will be eligible to be included in Arsenal’s Champions League team, and he is yet to be offered fresh terms for a new deal.

    Major absentees from the squad, which can be amended when Arsenal progress to the group stage are Theo Walcott and new signing goalkeeper David Ospina.

    Both players are currently undergoing rehabilitation after picking up injuries, and alongside Ryo Miyachi, were snubbed.

  • Arsenal lucky not to sign disrespectful Suarez –Campbell

    Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has slammed Goal 50 star Luis Suarez and says his old side are fortunate they failed in their attempt to sign the Uruguay striker last year.

    The north Londoners famously tabled a bid of €50 million plus €1 for the 27-year-old, but the frontman remained at Liverpool for another year before completing a big-money transfer to Barcelona this summer.

    “Mentality-wise he would not have been a good fit for Arsenal,” Campbell told Goal.

    “He has been caught [biting players] a few times now, including Brainslav Ivanovic. He has said he is sorry, but it is not a classy thing to do. He has done it on the biggest stage ever [at the World Cup] and for me it shows a lack of respect.

    “There are so many kids watching and billions of fans around the world. Maybe Barcelona can sort him out.”

    But Campbell, who won two Premier League titles at Arsenal during two spells at the club, did have words of praise for two other World Cup stars.

    On Chile hero Alexis Sanchez, who has recently signed for Arsenal, he said: “Alexis is definitely going to be a good signing. His dynamics are good, he knows where the goal and he has a fantastic balance.”

    On Colombia phenomenon James Rodriguez, who finished 6th in the Goal 50, Campbell remarked: “He is fantastic. He can shoot, read the game and find positions to utilise to score or put people in.”

  • Alex on target for Arsenal

    Alex on target for Arsenal

    Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha’s nephew Alex Iwobi scored the fifth and final goal for Arsenal Under-21 in a 5-1 thrashing of Harrow Borough in a pre-season game.

    Iwobi signed his professional deal with Arsenal on the 9th of May 2014 and his display against the Isthmian League Premier Division side proved Arsenal were right in tying him down.

    The 18-year-old who, was a regular for Arsenal Under-18s last season, aside making six appearances in the U-21 Premier League in 2013/14 was a thorn in the flesh of the opposition defenders.

    He helped himself to a goal in the 52nd minute after two assists to Dan Crowley and Benik Afobe for the third and fourth goal respectively.

    Now an England Under-18 international, SL10 can reveal he shunned an invitation to be a part of the Nigeria Under-17 team last year after he was asked to fly himself to Nigeria for camping.

    Quick and skilful, Iwobi was a stand-out performer in the Gunners’ FA Youth Cup campaign last season.

    He scored three goals in six appearances to help the team to the semi-finals of the elite youth competition, including a crucial strike against Charlton Athletic in the fifth round.