International Gunner Watch - Quarterfinals

UPDATE: Apparently, I completely missed Paraguay somehow. Apologies to Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz and Sunderland's Paulo da Silva and Cristian Riveros. So, it's ten clubs represented.

Guess how many English football club teams still have at least one of their players in South Africa?

The answer is nine, but what's surprising are the teams that are and aren't still represented. I thought it looked poor for Arsenal that only two of their players are still in the tournament (Robin van Persie with Holland and Cesc Fabregas with Spain's bench.) It turns out that only two English teams are currently better represented on the remaining eight nations. Here's the breakdown:

Liverpool (5): Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres (ESP), Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez (ARG), and Dirk Kuyt (NED).
Manchester City (3): Nigel de Jong (NED), Carlos Tevez (ARG), and David Silva (ESP).
Arsenal (2): Robin van Persie (NED) and Cesc Fabregas (ESP).
Everton (1): John Heitinga (NED).
Fulham (1): John Paintsil (GHA).
Newcastle United (1): Jonas Gutierrez (ARG).
Portsmouth (1): Kevin Prince Boateng (GHA).
Tottenham Hotspur (1): Heurelho Gomes (BRA).
Wigan Athletic (1): Richard Kingson (GHA).

Look at some of the teams that aren't on this list. Specifically, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Surprising, no?

Here's our Gunner schedule for the next round:

Robin van Persie: Netherlands v. Brazil, Friday early game (10:00 a.m. EST, 3:00 p.m. BST).
Cesc Fabregas: Spain v. Paraguay, Saturday late game (2:30 p.m. EST, 7:30 p.m. BST).

Transfer Lies and Slander - 6/30/10

Arsenal might just win at knifey-spoony after all! Pic via Daily Telegraph.

IN: 

Laurent Koscielny – The Sun says the deal is done for the Lorient center back at £8.5 million. The Daily Mail says it's £10 million. The Daily Telegraph has the former number. The deal should probably be done by the end of the week. Let's get the Gooner chant machine going!

Mark Schwarzer – That Telegraph article above lists Schwarzer as Arsenal's next number one target signing once the Koscielny contract is inked.

Joe Cole – It's between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to sign the former Chelsea midfielder. With England out of the World Cup, this deal should be complete within the next two weeks.

Loic Remy – This story has been around before (where I made a good number of Nice puns), but the Nice striker still would like to be a Gunner. Nice's asking price remains too high.

Mario Balotelli – The Inter Milan 19-year-old striker's stay at the San Siro is uncertain and he admits that Arsenal is "a great team."

Madjid Bougherra – The Algerian defender from Rangers in the SPL has spent time in England at Crewe Alexandra, Sheffield Wednesday, and Charlton Athletic, but only his brief stay in South-East London was top flight. With a Koscielny deal essentially done, I can only see this move happening if Sol Campbell departs.

OUT:

Henri Lansbury (LOAN) – Newcastle United is keen on the 19-year-old midfielder, who spent last year in the Championship on loan at Watford, and appeared for the Gunners in the final match of the year against Fulham.

William Gallas – Essentially out the door already, the conversation on his free agent singing appears to now be between Panathinaikos and PSG.

Sol Campbell – Arsenal's policy on contracts with 30+ players might have cost them Sol Campbell, as the big center back is looking for more than a one year deal. It looks like Celtic are willing to offer one.

Eduardo – The Brazilian-born Croatian has struggled with form since his catastrophic leg injury, and after the signing of Chamakh, it appears he may be surplus to necessity at the Emirates. Aston Villa is interested in him to replace the possibly departing John Carew.

Jay Simpson – The 21-year-old reserve forward has spent the last three years away from Arsenal on loan at Millwall, West Brom, and QPR, but as he desires consistent first-team football, he might have to depart the Gunners. A bevy of teams are interested.

Who needs the World Cup when you are...Arshavin

Andrey Arshavin is not at the World Cup because Russia lost to Slovenia in their play-off fixture. Players apparently channeled the spirit of Dionysus during qualification. Carrying on like true Chekhovian rascals they apparently exuded a sense of superiority, with Arshavin reported to have told random employees: "'I am – Arshavin".

You may wonder then what our favorite dimunitive Russian has been doing during his summer not in South Africa. The answer is, of course, slightly confusing. Hipster Gooner brings you the highlights of Andrey's summer (so far). For more snapshots visit Arshavin's fantastic website.

Wearing Bright Colored Clothes and Standing In Front of Scary Pictures of Himself

Standing on his Wife's Shoulders to Make Himself Appear Taller

Somehow Injuring the Very Tip of his Nose

Attending Some Top Secret Warehouse Raves in East London

Modelling Some Interesting Apparel (The apparent bag strap on this jumper is fake!)

His Suggestion For Arsenal's New Kit to Provide Much-Needed Discipline was Sadly Declined by Wenger

International Gunner Watch - Cesc Fabregas

WEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Pic via Yahoo.

Spain 1: David Villa 63
Portugal 0

Going into today, if there was a defensive system left in the World Cup which Cesc Fabregas is most adept at unlocking, it was Portugal's. Yes, today would have been the perfect day for Spain to start the Gunner captain.

Instead, Fabregas was left on the bench, behind Xavi, Busquets, and Iniesta (guess for whom all three play) and was never used. Yeah, Xabi Alonso started ahead of Cesc too, but he doesn't play for the club team in question, which plays a 4-3-3 anyway, instead of Spain's 4-4-1-1.

I hope you're paying attention, Cesc. If you're not starting here, you won't start there. It's the same players ahead of you. *coughstayonemoreyearcough*

As for the game itself, what is there to say? David Villa had the goal, again, on a second effort, becoming the first player to score on Portugal in this tournament. Ricardo Costa was send off for Portugal in the 89th for an elbow to the face of Joan Capdevila. Seven of the eight group winners advanced to the quarter-finals, only the United States won their group and were eliminated.

New Home Shirt Leaked?

Spanish kit blog Todo Sobre Camisetas (loosely "All About Shirts") has released leaked photos of what is possibly/probably Arsenal's 2010/11 home kit. As you can see, it's red. It's great to see a return to all white sleeves.

It looks very much like Arsenal's 2006/08 home kit, but is designed to honor the 1971 Double winning kit. Here are the subtle differences between this image and the old 06/08 shirt:

• The collar on the new kit is white all the way around. The older kit's collar tapered in the front.
• The older kit had a gold trim stripe down each side.
• The red cuff on the older kit also tapered, like the collar.
• I also feel like this red cuff is a thicker stripe than in the past.
• I don't think the older one said "ARSENAL" on the back. I don't know at the moment what the 06/08 kit said but the 08/10 kit said "Gunners." Right?

I like this kit, in that it's simple, sleek, and effective. Pure class. I am thrilled there's no trace of redcurrant. Of course, if you already own an 06/08 home kit, buying this one might feel unnecessary.

International Gunner Watch - Robin van Persie

Arjen Robben's opener gave Holland a comfortable, if listless, victory. Pic via Guardian.

Netherlands 2: Robben 18, Sneijder 84

Slovakia 1: Vittek 90+4 (pen)

Robin van Persie played 80 minutes of today's 2-1 victory for Holland over Slovakia in the Round of 16, but he, along with many of his Dutch teammates, did not have the best of games. Sure, they won fairly comfortably. It never seemed doubtful that the Dutch would lose this one. But Slovakia were a bit pesky, had one or two chances in the second half, and showed that if the Dutch play like this again on Friday, likely against Brazil, they're probably headed home.

Van Persie has had a great tournament so far, by far the best showing from an Arsenal player. That said, this match was his worst of the four. Arjen Robben scored a brilliant goal in the 18th minute, a classic Dutch strike, in his first start of the tournament, after he suffered a knock in their final friendly before the World Cup. RvP was subbed out in the 80th minute, unhappy with the manager's decision to remove him, even though he's been pulled around that mark in every match of the World Cup so far. Holland scored an insurance goal when the Slovaks fell asleep on a quick free kick in the 84th before pulling one back deep into stoppage time on a penalty kick.

Holland will know their quarter-final opponent later today as Brazil takes on Chile. As before, Arsenal still has two players remaining in the World Cup. Next matches for both are as follows:

Cesc Fabregas: Spain v. Portugal, Tuesday late game (2:30 p.m. EST, 7:30 p.m. BST) 

Robin van Persie: Netherlands v. Brazil or Chile, Friday early game (10:00 a.m. EST, 3:00 p.m. BST)

International Gunner Watch - Carlos Vela

Well, he's not as hurt as I thought at first. Good news? Pic via CBC.

Argentina 3: Tevez 26, 52, Higuain 33

Mexico 1: Hernandez 71

Carlos Vela, who injured his right hamstring in Mexico's second group stage match against France, returned to training before yesterday's Round of 16 match with Argentina, but did not play in El Tri's 3-1 loss to the South American nation. This leaves two Gunners left in the tournament.

Argentina opened the scoring controversially when Carlos Tevez was about seven miles offside. After mass protesting by the Mexican players, they lost their composure and conceded a beauty of a goal to Gonzalo Higuain. Tevez scored again in the second half before soon-to-be Manchester United man Javier Hernandez pinged back one that was too little too late for Mexico.

The good news is that, as opposed to what I previously feared, Vela should be fine for pre-season training with Arsenal. The bad news is there's almost no Arsenal representation left in South Africa, since Fabregas doesn't often start for Spain. So, what's left:

Robin van Persie: Netherlands v. Slovakia, Monday early game LIVE NOW!

Cesc Fabregas: Spain v. Portugal, Tuesday late game (2:30 p.m. EST, 7:30 p.m. BST)

Javier Aguirre is Very Disappointed in You

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javier_Aguirre

Eboue: Fluent in Korean and Hilariousness

Here's Emmanuel Eboue taking part in a conversation between North Korea's manager and captain and nodding along with the instructions. Pure brilliance.

Fabio Capello is Very Disappointed in You

You would be too if you lost 4-1

From: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2683542/Fabio-Capello-could-not-believe-David-Beckham-won-Man-of-the-Match-award.html

Bob Bradley is Very Disappointed in You

Arsene Wenger isn't the only one who can be disappointed. Especially Today.

From: http://www.matchfitusa.com/2009/09/return-of-fire-bob.html

Transfer Lies and Slander - 6/25/10

Kos-chell-ny? Ko-shell-ny? Kos-choo-cha-la... Pic via Daily Mail.

Unless an actual deal is completed, Hipster Gooner will keep you posted on all of the crazy transfer rumors and nonsense with a weekly feature called Transfer Lies and Slander! Throughout the window, moves that have officially been completed will be listed on the blog's frame to the right.

Enjoy the madness!

IN:

Laurent Koscielny (CB, from Lorient)

With William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre gone and possibly Sol Campbell too, Arsenal has a well-documented crisis at center back. Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou are currently the only players on the squad in this position. Arsenal is currently very close to completing a deal for Laurent Koscielny from Lorient in France's Ligue 1.

The Gunners have shipped Francis Coquelin in the opposite direction for a loan spell in order to sweeten the deal, but Lorient wants Arsenal to up their bid for Koscielny. Word from the Daily Mail is, there's a deal on the table, but it is being held back because Arsene Wenger, in South Africa covering the World Cup for French television, left his Blackberry in London and is unable to review the terms of the deal. How bizarre. In any case, it appears that this transfer is all but complete.

Now, is it "Kos-chell-ny" or "Ko-shell-ny" or neither? I imagine it's supposed to be the first, but most British commentators will say it the latter way.

Mark Schwarzer (GK, from Fulham)

We've covered the fact that Fulham has already denied one offer for their 37-year-old Australian goalkeeper, but word is that Arsenal have sent the Cottagers an updated offer, near £3.5 million. It is obvious that Arsenal needs an experienced goalkeeper to bridge the gap between current goalkeeper tandem Tweedledee and Tweedledum and goalkeeper of the future, Wojciech Szczesny.

Schwarzer, of course, did not have the best of World Cups for the Aussies, being at fault for at least two goals conceded by the Socceroos. It seems that many goalies linked with Arsenal (also notably Hugo Lloris of France) allowed a few howlers. Auditioning for the role of new Almunianski, are they?

Mesut Ozil (MF, from Werder Bremen)

Ozil has been linked with Arsenal in transfer windows past, but now the young star for the German national team is linked with a number of big name teams, including Chelsea and Manchester City. Arsenal may see Ozil as a replacement should they lose Cesc Fabregas, though Ozil is more of an attack minded midfielder, rather than a box-to-box playmaker like Cesc.

Of course, now Barcelona want Ozil too. Why do Barcelona think they have all the money in the world? They probably can't afford Fabregas alone, considering what Arsenal deserves to be paid for him, yet the Catalans think they can buy Fabregas, Ozil, Torres, and others in addition to already splashing for David Villa? Their Catalan egos are frustrating the rest of the world.

Federico Marchetti (GK, from Cagliari)

If Schwarzer does not work out for the Gunners, they've also been linked with Federico Marchetti of Cagliari in Serie A and the Italian national team. Like Schwarzer and Lloris, Marchetti did not have a great World Cup, replacing the injured Gianluigi Buffon. Who was the last Italian keeper to allow four goals in the group stage and not win a game? I'll wait for your answer because that's more research than I feel like doing right now.

In any case, this move looks highly unlikely. It seems like Marchetti won't move unless Cagliari receives "an offer he cannot refuse" (thanks for The Godfather reference, Sky Sports.)

Joe Cole (MF, from Chelsea)

Joe Cole is one of very few Chelsea players that I really don't hate on a personal level. Chelsea will be releasing the 28-year-old midfielder as of July 1 and there in interest in his services from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United. It is said that United is not, in fact, in the running, and there have been rumors that a deal with Arsenal has already been completed, but no word is likely to be announced until after the World Cup.

Renat Yanbaev (LB, from Lokomotiv Moscow)

Barcelona wants Gael Clichy, in addition to kidnapping Cesc Fabregas, which could leave Arsenal in need of another left back, assuming Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore are not yet ready to start. Considering I can't see Arsenal having much of a conversation with Barcelona over anybody right now, I don't really see this move being necessary, but there have been whispers that they have been looking at Renat Yanbaev, a 26-year-old Russian defender that can play on either the left or right side. Making this transfer even more unlikely is that fact that Yanbaev would not be awarded a work permit to play in England right away anyway.

OUT:

Cesc Fabregas (MF, to Barcelona)

I don't think I could say much here that you don't already know.

Gael Clichy (LB, to Barcelona)

Rumors that Clichy might leave to Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Juventus have been circulating slowly all summer, but Arsenal are not likely to be selling a young defender already under contract, given the team's general frailty at the position. The rumors will likely continue, but I would expect Clichy to stay.

William Gallas (CB, to Juventus)

It's no surprise: William Gallas will not play for Arsenal next year. I think we all know that.

He's not under contract either, so there's no transfer fee to discuss. Arsenal does have a one-year deal on the table, but Gallas wants more money (and I'm not so sure he deserves it), which leaves Gallas now looking at offers from Juventus (though he wants more money from them than they're offering), PSG, Roma, and the two big Greek sides in Athens. After a disastrous World Cup for France, I can't see Gallas getting the contract he desires; he's probably best to settle soon.

Alex Song (MF, to Galatasaray)

Turkish side Galatasaray have reportedly offered £4 million for the services of the Cameroonian holding midfielder and Arsenal have, unsurprisingly, said no. Arsene Wenger is likely to keep Song, the linchpin of the defensive midfield, until his contract expires in 2014.

Sol Campbell (CB, to Celtic)

Sol Campbell had a surprisingly successful return to North London last spring, but his contract has expired. While Arsenal has sent a one-year contract proposal his way, Campbell is taking his time in reviewing his options. Last year proved that Campbell still has it, and he is now hearing interest from Celtic of the SPL. Newcastle United have denied interest.

International Gunner Watch - Cesc Fabregas

Oh snap. Pic via Yahoo.

Chile 1: Millar 47
Spain 2: David Villa 24, Iniesta 37

U.S.-supporting Cesc Fabregas and Spain survived their early group stage scare to win Group H, thanks to a 2-1 win over Chile in Pretoria. Fabregas started on the bench again, but entered the match in the 55th minute, replacing a knocked Fernando Torres.

Spain struck first on a gift, as Chilean keeper Claudio Bravo charged out of his box to try to clear a loose ball with a sliding challenge. His clearance was sent directly to David Villa, who chipped an easy opening goal into a gaping net. Andres Iniesta, back in the line-up after injury put Spain up 2-0 just as Chile was put down to ten men after a second yellow card to Marco Estrada, who was booked the second time for a seemingly accidental collision with Torres. Chile pinged one back early in the second half with a goal from halftime substitute Rodrigo Millar in the 47th, but they could never find the equalizer. Chile will advance to face Brazil anyway, as Switzerland and Honduras played to a 0-0 draw.

With group play complete, Arsenal is left with three players remaining in the tournament. Carlos Vela has returned to training for Mexico and might potentially be available for their Round of 16 date with Argentina on Sunday. The Gunner schedule for the Round of 16:

Carlos Vela: Mexico v. Argentina, Sunday late game (2:30 p.m. EST, 7:30 p.m. BST)
Robin van Persie: Netherlands v. Slovakia, Monday early game (10:00 a.m. EST, 3:00 p.m. BST)
Cesc Fabregas: Spain v. Portugal, Tuesday late game (2:30 p.m. EST, 7:30 p.m. BST)

International Gunner Watch - Emmanuel Eboue

F

For no reason, here's Gunnersaurus with a baby. Pic via Junior Gunners.

North Korea 0
Côte d'Ivoire 3: Yaya Toure 14, Romaric 20, Kalou 82

Emmanuel Eboue and the Ivorians did not get the eleventy billion goals they needed to make up the goal differential deficit against Portugal, and as such, have crashed out of the 2010 World Cup. Seven of the ten Gunners in South Africa have now been eliminated; only two have had their sides advance as of yet (with Spain playing later), and one of those two players is now out hurt for the remainder of the finals (and it's Vela and not van Persie!)

Les Elephants needed to make up a nine goal deficit against Portugal after the Iberian side defeated North Korea 7-0 earlier this week; they also needed Portugal to lose to Brazil, which also didn't happen after their 0-0 draw that saw both of those sides advance.

The Ivorians had a slew of great chances at the start, and through twenty minutes were, in fact, on pace to win 9-0. But the goals would not come, two were negated on offside calls, and numerous chances went just wide. Eboue started on the back line rather than in midfield, had several dangerous crosses, but no assists, and the Ivory Coast once against has crashed out of a Group of Death.

International Gunner Watch - Most Gunners Out!

It's been a while since I've updated this (sorry!), but basically, since the last update, most Gunners in the tournament have had their nations eliminated. In a way, this is good news; one Arsenal player has already been hurt (Vela), we really can't stand any more.

Emmanuel Eboue's tournament will likely end tomorrow unless he scores ten goals or something; Cesc Fabregas and Spain could possibly be a shock elimination too, if they lose or draw to Chile and don't get help.

France 1: Malouda 70
South Africa 2: Khumalo 20, Mphela 37

France's nightmare of a tournament ended Tuesday with a 2-1 loss to the host nation. After the ridiculous walk out/mutiny/etc, four Gunners started for the French against South Africa (Sagna, Gallas, Clichy, and Diaby.) Hugo Lloris misplayed a cross into the box leading to South Africa's first goal and Gael Clichy lost the ball at his feet, leading to the second, with Yoann Gourcuff sent off for the French in between. Flourent Malouda scored a consolation goal late.

Cameroon 1: Eto'o 65 (pen)
Netherlands 2: van Persie 36, Huntelaar 83

If Spain manages to get knocked out of the tournament tomorrow, Robin van Persie will be the only Arsenal player who is both healthy and has his team still in the tournament at the same time (Mexico has advanced, but Carlos Vela is hurt.)

Van Persie scored the opener for the Dutch today, who were already assured of a slot in the knockout stage. It was van Persie's first of the World Cup, having set up a few others for the Oranje. Samuel Eto'o equalized for already eliminated Cameroon before van Persie's replacement, Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored the winner, his second of the World Cup finals.

Alex Song played all 90 minutes for Cameroon.

Denmark 1: Tomasson 81
Japan 3: Honda 17, Endo 30, Okazaki 87

Nicklas Bendtner, groin injury and all, played 90 minutes for the now eliminated Danes, who were outclassed by Japan from the start. Japan took a 2-0 lead in the first half hour, both strikes from direct free kicks. The Danes pulled one back after Jon Dahl Tomasson badly had a penalty saved only to poke home the rebound, but were finished when substitute Shinji Okazaki closed the scoring.

Bendtner was booked for getting his elbow too high on a challenge for a header by a referee that seemed to enjoy showing yellow cards; five players were booked in all.

International Gunner Watch - Cesc Fabregas

Ball levitation skills don't earn you a start with Spain? Pic via Guardian.

Cesc Fabregas, who probably already plays for Barcelona in the deluded minds of their front office, made his first appearance of the 2010 World Cup for Spain yesterday, in a 2-0 win over Honduras. Fabregas replaced Xavi and nearly put his first touch of the tournament into a wide open net, were it not saved at the line by a defender at the last second.

In the match itself, David Villa scored twice, while also rattling the crossbar and blatantly missing a penalty kick, so really, he probably should have had eight goals, or something. But he also got away with a blatant hit to the face of a defender, which only means one thing: players are only sent off for hits to the face when the performance of the defender hit is worthy of an Academy Award.

As we speak, four Gunners are in the line-up for Les Train Wreck France, including three on the back line. France is losing anyway.

International Gunner Watch - Weekend Recap

Netherlands 1: Sneijder 53
Japan 0

De Oranje are assured a spot in the Round of 16 after their second win of the tournament, a 1-0 win over Japan in the early match on Saturday. Robin van Persie had the assist on Wesley Sneijder's 53rd minute winner and played 88 minutes before being substituted for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Cameroon 1: Eto'o 10
Denmark 2: Bendtner 33, Rommedahl 61

Alex Song and Cameroon will not advance beyond the group stage after their 2-1 loss to the Danes on Saturday. Samuel Eto'o and Cameroon struck first in the 10th minute, but Nicklas Bendtner registered the first goal of the tournament scored by an Arsenal player with a perfectly played sliding shot on a brilliant cross from Dennis Rommedahl. Rommedahl would go on to score the winner, this time benefiting from Bendtner's assist.

Brazil 3: Luis Fabiano 25, 50, Etano 62
Côte d'Ivoire 1: Drogba 79

Les Éléphants are in some trouble now, especially with Portugal's 7-0 thrashing of North Korea this morning. And by some trouble, I mean they need to beat North Korea and have Brazil beat Portugal by a combined nine goals. And that only brings Ivory Coast level on the first tie-breaker.

Emmanuel Eboue was used largely as an attacking midfielder in a match where his squad was largely outclassed by the Brazilians. Eboue departed the match in the 72nd minute, with his team already down 3-0.

International Gunner Watch - Mexico v. Les Catastrophes

France = Fail. Pic Source = Guardian.

France 0

Mexico 2: Hernandez 64, Blanco 79 (pen)

Pay attention to France now, because it doesn't look like you'll be seeing them for much longer.

Bacary Sagna, William Gallas, and Abou Diaby all started for the French team, who were pretty dreadful on the whole. France have now appeared ridiculously frustrated for 180 minutes in this tournament, and from the results they've put up so far, it looks like they have 90 minutes left in South Africa.

In their 0-0 draw with Uruguay, they at least kept the door shut defensively. Today, they did not. Mexico perfectly beat a woeful offside trap with a perfect chip pass, giving soon-to-be Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez a beautiful opening goal. It's not so much the trap failing that was bad, rather, it was the defenders' lack of hustle to fix the situation when the flag didn't go up from the assistant. They just stood around with their arms in the air in confusion.

The second goal came as a consequence of some bad defense again, but this time, the Gunners on the back line can't be faulted. Patrice Evra, captain and all, appeared to give up on the play as Barrero carried the ball into the box on the break and was taken out poorly by Barcelona's Eric Abidal, giving Mexico a penalty. It was truly a poor challenge from Abidal; he has the speed to be able to close down Barrero, but instead, chose to lunge at him in a sliding challenge that was nowhere near the ball. Blanco converted the penalty, giving Mexico a great chance to advance to the Round of 16.

Carlos Vela started for Mexico, but left with a hamstring injury at the half hour mark. His tournament is probably over. Arsenal players remain made of glass.

Premier League Announces 2010/11 Fixture List

Andrei Arshavin has scored 807 career goals in two games at Anfield. Pic via Guardian.

As reported by REDAction yesterday, Arsenal will indeed open their 2010/11 season with a trip to Anfield to play Liverpool. Considering this match is a prime candidate to be televised, that leaves it with about a 50/50 chance to be played on either Saturday, August 14 or Sunday, August 15. Arsenal opened in the late game on Saturday last year while Liverpool opened with the early game on Sunday.

Anfield has historically been a house of horrors for the Gunners. For example, before Arsenal's 2-0 win to dramatically clinch the 1988/89 league title on goals scored, Arsenal had not won in 13 tries. Before last December's 2-1 win, Arsenal's last victory at Anfield was in October of 2003, during the Invicibles season. Both sides played a thrilling 4-4 draw in April of 2009, with Andrei Arshavin scoring all four Arsenal goals.

Arsenal's first home match of rhe season will be the following the week against promotion playoff champion Blackpool. This is followed by meetings with Bolton, Sunderland, and West Brom before a trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first weekend of October.

The North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur will be played on November 20 at the Emirates and February 26 at White Hart Lane. Arsenal will host Chelsea on Boxing Day and they'll host Liverpool on April 16.

Arsenal's first match against Manchester United will be at Old Trafford on December 11, then at the Emirates on April 30.

Arsenal will open group stage play in the Champions League on either September 14th or 15th, depending on the draw. They'll enter the Carling Cup in the third round on September 22nd and they'll enter the third round of the FA Cup on January 8th.

The fixtures list is available at Arsenal.com. All times are subject to change based on tournament draws and television selection.

International Gunner Watch - Cesc Fabregas

This was an enjoyable match for the neutrals and the Neutrals. Pic via Guardian.

Spain 0
Switzerland 1: Fernandes 52

Still-Arsenal-captain-despite-Barca-douchery Cesc Fabregas was left on the bench for Spain's shocking 1-0 loss to Switzerland today, the first legitimate upset victory of the 2010 World Cup. I hope this incident sours him a bit on all things Spain.

Switzerland's goal came in the 52nd minute during a bizarre series of events. Following a Swiss goal kick, Carles Puyol was caught pinching forward, creating a chasm between he and fellow defender Gerard Pique, which the Swiss exploited. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas charged out feet first to break up the play, but failed, as his clearing attempt bounced backward off a teammate. Then, everything went even crazier for a second, as bodies started flying everywhere in the box. Gerard Pique landed on the ground, handling the ball and picking up a gash above the right eye in the process, but the Swiss had advantage and Gelson Fernandes finally pushed the loose ball into the net.

Ex-Gunner Philippe Senderos injured his right ankle in a collision with a teammate early in the match, and was subbed out after 32 minutes.

All 32 teams have played at least one match now. A bit of a recap post will be up on the blog later tonight.

REDAction Source: Arsenal to Open 2010/11 Season at Anfield

Actually, I'd like some time to myself, thank you very much.

According to REDAction, one of their sources have informed them that Arsenal will open their 2010/11 Premier League campaign with one of the more difficult matches on the list, Liverpool away at Anfield.

The fixture list is officially released by the Premier League tomorrow morning, at 9 a.m. BST, so we'll know then whether or not this rumor is true.

[via REDAction on Facebook]

International Gunner Watch - Emmanuel Eboue

 Exchanging tips about rolling around on the pitch? Pic via Eurosport.

Côte d'Ivoire 0
Portugal 0

Emmanuel Eboue played 88 minutes in Côte d'Ivoire's nil-nil draw with Portugal today, opening play in this year's "group of death." Eboue was solid (read: not noticeably terrible) in a match that featured a struggle between both sides' midfielders and few significant offensive chances.

Eboue was down injured at one point in the first half, having taken a nasty challenge from Portugal's Pedro Mendes. Mendes' cleats caught the back of Eboue's calf and the stretcher was brought onto the pitch, but Eboue remained in the match.

Neither side seemed willing to attack in this match, possibly out of fear of being burned on the counter. Many assumed that Brazil would run away with Group G, so with North Korea likely running away from Group G, this match would have likely decided second place in the group and a ticket to the next round; therefore, a tight, defensive battle felt unexpected and unfortunate.

Then again, after Brazil struggled a bit with the Communists, perhaps they won't run away with things.

Arsenal Unveils Next Year's Away Kit

Arsenal have released images of the away kit they will be wearing next season (of course, that doesn't necessarily mean all away matches, but rather away matches where their opponent is already wearing red.)

The Gunners will revert back to the yellow strip that they have historically worn away from home, with a redcurrant trim that harks back to the club's formative years as Woolwich Arsenal. 2010/11 is the club's 125th season.

The strip, designed by Nike, is yellow with thin redcurrant pinstripes. The trim on the sleeves and collar are redcurrant as well. The shorts will also be redcurrant in color with yellow trim and the socks are predominantly yellow with horizontal redcurrant stripes.

Last season, Arsenal wore a navy blue strip away from home; that kit will now be Arsenal's third alternate kit. The white jersey that just reminded everyone of Tottenham Hotspur (which is, yes, blasphemy) will no longer be in use. I think we should celebrate that.

Arsenal wore yellow on the road in 2008/09, but the year prior used a white strip away from home. Aside from that year, the last time Arsenal had not worn yellow as their road strip was 2004/05. Arsenal wore a redcurrant strip instead of their standard red color at home in 2005/06, their final season at Highbury.

The Sun article includes the full advertisement for the kit, which sparks the following thoughts

1. Clearly the fact that Cesc Fabregas is in the advertisement means he's not being sold. Clearly.
2. The tracksuit, as modeled by Theo Walcott, looks absolutely amazing and I want one...
3. ...but doesn't it strike you as amusing that Walcott is being relegated to the bench even in the ad?
4. The over-sized image of Arshavin in the top right serves absolutely no purpose.

I sincerely hope, however, that the home kit is still going to be the standard red color next year. In any case, this shirt has been growing on me since I first saw it. What are your thoughts?

International Gunner Watch - Alex Song

Their faces go from excited to shocked to... roaring? Pic via Yahoo Sports.

Japan 1: Honda 39
Cameroon 0

Alex Song did not feature off the bench today as Cameroon fell to Japan 1-0, in what might just be the first surprise victory of this 2010 World Cup.

It took almost 40 minutes for Japan to register a shot on goal, but that shot went in off the foot of CSKA Moscow's Keisuke Honda, completely against the run of play. It was the only highlight of a slow moving first half. Cameroon had a number of chances at the death to salvage a point from the match. In the 86th, Stephane Mbia fired a rocket of a shot from a little under 30 yards out that was destined to be the equalizer, until it twisted to the left and pinged hard off the joint of the crossbar and post. Then a huge diving save from Eiji Kawashima in the 93rd kept the clean shot, though Cameroon were whistled for a foul on the play anyway.

A disappointing loss for Cameroon, who appeared to lack cohesion as a team for much of the match and will now find themselves struggling to advance from the group unless they upset the Dutch.

International Gunner Watch - Dutch v. Danes

Robin van Persie (second left, #9) and the Dutch go ahead 1-0 on a Danish own goal. Pic via Yahoo Sports.

Netherlands 2: Agger 46 (og), Kuyt 85
Denmark 0

For an Arsenal supporter, Group E is the group to keep your eye on during this first round of the World Cup tournament, as three different Gunners appear for three different nations. As such, there'll be no match within this group that won't feature at least one Arsenal player. Today, our first look at an Arsenal v. Arsenal battle, and a battle of forward talent as Robin van Persie's Netherlands played Nicklas Bendtner's Denmark.

Bendtner wasn't really supposed to play in this match and was, in fact, a surprise starter up front for the Danes. He's been nursing a groin injury since the end of the club season, and as far as I'm aware, did not feature in any pre-tournament friendlies for Denmark. Bendtner had one of Denmark's best chances of the first half, heading a cross just wide of the post, though in the process, he failed to notice a wide open teammate (who I believe was Thomas Enevoldsen) standing on the six yard line. Bendtner, still perhaps hampered by injury, was substituted off while the Danes trailed 1-0 just after the hour mark.

While Bendtner may have had the first chance for a Gunner in this match, it was Robin van Persie who dominated at times. His first chance came in the closing minutes of the first half, as he tried to find space in the area, but Liverpool defender Daniel Agger stayed with him and forced him onto his less-preferred right foot; van Persie fired wide.

Van Persie wasted no time in the second half, beating Danish and Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen to a ball on the by-line and crossed to a sea of opposing defenders and only one teammate. But it was defender Simon Poulsen whose headed clearance was poor, it deflected off the back of Agger and into the goal to give Holland the lead. Despite last touching Agger, Poulsen was originally given credit for the dreaded O.G. FIFA eventually changed the crediting to Agger after the match.

Three minutes later, van Persie was booked for a late challenge, then could have received a second yellow card near the hour mark when he took a shot on goal despite play already being whistled down for offside. A Danish player tried to talk the referee into pulling out a card, but at least van Persie had a good excuse, as he pointed to his ear as if to say, "I couldn't hear the whistle over the swarms of killer bees in the stands." I don't blame him.

Van Persie was taken out in the 77th with the Dutch still leading 1-0. Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt sealed the three points, banging in a rebound that Eljero Elia had sent off the far post in the 85th. Ibrahim Affelay nearly had a third in the 87th, but Poulsen, with an own goal already in the match, acrobatically cleared the ball off the line.

Stay tuned later today as Alex Song's Cameroon takes on Japan.

International Gunner Watch - Les Bleus

A clip from Abou Diaby's Rockettes audition tape. Pic via Guardian.

Uruguay 0

France 0 

Three Gunners cracked the starting XI for France as Les Bleus opened their 2010 FIFA World Cup with a scoreless draw against Uruguay. Abou Diaby made the surprise start in place of Chelsea's Flourent Malouda in midfield, while Bacary Sagna and still-technically-a-Gunner William Gallas started on the back line. Gael Clichy did not feature off the bench.

Scary moment for Arsenal fans toward the end of a match that was frustrating for France offensively. Bacary Sagna was taken out with a studs-up challenge from Lodeiro, who was subsequently sent off for his second bookable foul. The way his studs caught Sagna in the shin reminded me very much of the impact between Martin Taylor and Eduardo with which I am sure we are all familiar. Thankfully, Sagna's fate was much kinder, and after a quick check-up, the man with the blond dreadlocks reappeared on the pitch, and nearly set up a winning header from Thierry Henry.

Abou Diaby, who had a fine match in midfield, drew a free kick at the top of the area a minute from time, but Henry sent the shot into the wall, and France had to settle with a nil-nil share of the points.

All four teams in Group A drew today's opening matches.

International Gunner Watch - Carlos Vela

Vela's World Cup opening goal that wasn't. Pic via Eurosport.

South Africa 1: Tshabalala 55

Mexico 1: Marquez 79

Arsenal's Carlos Vela became the first player in the 2010 FIFA World Cup to put the ball in the net. He was also the first player to have a goal called back on an offside. And yes, it was the correct call.

In a 0-0 game in the first half, a Mexico corner came to Carlos Vela. South Africa's keeper disastrously put himself out of position by missing the crossing ball by a mile. But, in the process of making this mistake in positioning, he put Vela behind 10 of the 11 South African players in addition to the ball, and as such, he put Vela into an offside position.

Despite dominating the early going of play, Mexico found themselves scoreless at the halftime mark against hosts South Africa in the first match of the World Cup. Then, South Africa struck first in the 55th with a brilliant left footed strike from Tshabalala. Vela was subbed off in the 69th minute and Mexico equalized ten minutes later and eleven minutes from time after a defensive lapse by the home side followed a botched short corner by the Mexicans. South Africa had a brilliant chance to score a late winner, but Mphela hit the post after not getting the best of final touches on the ball.

The French, along with their four Gunners, will play Uruguay later today.

Arsene Wenger Is Very Disappointed in You 6/10/10

Still disappointed.

From: http://www.world-track.org/sportsnews/2010/06/09/arsenal-manager-arsene-wenger-says-world-cup-affect-season-opener/

News Roundup 6/10/10 - The Wild Transfer Crazy Time Edition

Arsene Wenger is surprisingly not very disappointed in you today. Pic via Guardian.

• Some sort of major international tournament or something starts tomorrow. Yeah, I know, I haven't heard anything about it either. This one really flew under my radar.
• Philippe Senderos has officially signed with Fulham. This fancy little "best moments at Arsenal" feature includes "being loaned to AC Milan," for some reason. [Guardian, Arsenal.com]
• It appears the Gunners officially made a bid for Fulham and Australia goalkeeper Mick "Crocodile" Dundee Mark Schwarzer. Word is, Fulham said "That's not a bid. This is a bid!" and then pulled out a spoon. The big knifey-spoony game has begun. [Sky Sports, ESPN Soccernet, Daily Mirror]
• Also covered in those Schwarzer articles: Chairman Peter Hill-Wood has called William Gallas's wage demands "excessive." Given the current situation at center back, it appears Vermaelen and Djourou will not be permitted to get hurt this year.
• Joe Cole will be released from his contract at Chelsea at the end of the month. Arsene Wenger says he likes Cole as a player, but apparently you shouldn't read into this, because that deal isn't happening. [Guardian, Daily Mirror]
• Arsenal will not be selling Fabregas, especially now that they put him on the cover of the newest edition of the club magazine! [Daily Mirror]
• This article that includes actual quotes from Wenger drives that point across a little better... [ESPN Soccernet]
• If you haven't heard, Barcelona might try to include Yaya Toure in a transfer deal to sweeten the Cesc move a little bit, but his agent says Barca is demanding too much money for him, which will hurt a potential move. [Guardian, Daily Mail]

Happy Birthday!

Today is Emmanuel Eboué's birthday. As far as I've been told, there will be celebrations all over the world.

Make sure you raise a glass in his honor tonight, or at least roll around on a pitch for a while!

Arsene Wenger is Very Disappointed in You 6/3/2010

A New Month. A New Set of Disappointments

From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1283337/Arsene-Wenger-rebuild-Theo-Walcotts-confidence-quickly-warns-Sir-Geoff-Hurst.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

International Gunner Watch - Clean Sheet for Fabianski

Clean sheet!? Really? Pic via Ole Ole.

Tuesday: Austria 1 - 0 Denmark

• Nicklas Bendtner was held out of Denmark's 1-0 loss, with what has been described as a groin injury, which should not keep him out of the tournament.

Tuesday: Netherlands 4 - 1 Ghana

• Robin van Persie played all 90 minutes and converted a penalty in the 87th minute to complete the scoring in a Dutch rout.

Tuesday: Portgual 3 - 1 Cameroon

• Alex Song started in the midfield and played 62 minutes in Cameroon's 3-1 loss to Portugal. Cameroon already trailed 2-0 when Song was pulled out.

Wednesday: Serbia 0 - 0 Poland

• Lukasz Fabianski kept a clean sheet, making two saves, in a torrential rain storm as Poland and Serbia played to a nil-nil draw in a game without very many chances. 

International Gunner Watch - Official Squads

11 Gunners will go to South Africa, that is, if Senderos still counts... he does, right? Pic via Daily Mail.

In January, center back Philippe Senderos was moved to Everton on loan because he wasn't getting playing time in North London and needed to see time on the pitch to assure his spot on Switzerland's World Cup squad.

Looking back five months later: Senderos made only three appearances for the Toffees while Arsenal immediately suffered an injury crisis at his position; in the end, Senderos made the Swiss squad anyway. At the time, it appeared that Senderos was gone for good, and that's still probably true; his contract expires this summer. But for now, he still counts as one of 11 Arsenal players heading to South Africa for the World Cup, which begins a week from Friday.

Of those named to their respective national preliminary squads, only Theo Walcott failed to make the final cut to 23-man squads, a somewhat surprising revelation we touched on yesterday.

As for the other ten Arsenal players at the World Cup? France lays claim to four of them, which includes William Gallas, who may also not be long for North London. He joins Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, and Abou Diaby on the French squad in Group A.

Mexico, also in Group A includes Carlos Vela as a striker.

The aforementioned Senderos and Switzerland are in Group H, along with Spain, and Cesc Fabregas, who is also still a Gunner for now.

Everybody's favorite should-have-been-voted-Prime-Minister Emmanuel Eboue will play for the Ivory Coast in Group G.

And Group E will feature three Gunners on three different teams: Holland with Robin van Persie, Denmark with Nicklas Bendtner, and Cameroon with Alex Song.

Barça Make Formal Offer for Fabregas, Arsenal Laughs in Their Face

Pic via Guardian.

After months of speculation, wild rumors, and no more than informal conversation between the two clubs, F.C. Barcelona yesterday made an official transfer offer to Arsenal for captain Cesc Fabregas.

Turns out, that offer was for £29 million. While that might be four million more than Arsenal received from Manchester City for Emmanuel Adebayor last summer, this value is still appallingly low for a player of the caliber and role of Fabregas. So, in a move that should surprise nobody, Arsenal said no to the offer.

Arsenal's response was blunt: Fabregas is under contract until 2015, we have no intention of selling him right now, we're not making a counter-proposal, and we're not going to talk about it, so goodbye.

So, what does this mean? That this saga is long from over! Aren't you so very excited about that!?!

Report: Walcott Left Off England Squad

Unlucky Theo... Pic via Daily Mail.

Fabio Capello will name his 23-man squad for the England side at the World Cup at 4 pm BST today (or, twenty minutes from now) and reports indicate that the most surprising name not listed on that squad is Arsenal's Theo Walcott.

According to the Guardian, Walcott was omitted in the wing in favor of Tottenham Hotspur's Aaron Lennon, and Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips. I can't think of a single pundit that expected Wright-Phillips to make the cut ahead of Walcott.

More later.