Van Pierse Hails Gomes for his World class saves

Arsenal fit-again star, Robin Van Pierse paid tribute to Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes for his ‘crazy’ saves which made Arsenal selling their title hopes to Chelsea.


It was first time for Van Pierse to play after five months of sideline and he made an impact when he was introduced in the 68^th minute in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat in the hands of Tottenham in the English Premier League clash at White Lane on Wednesday.

"Yes, especially the first one," he told Arsenal.com. "I expected that to go in but somehow he saved it which is crazy. The free-kick was going straight into the top corner and he saved that as well. Those were big moments.

"It is a thin line between winning and losing. We had some good chances, they had some too. I felt we deserved maybe a draw from tonight. If you look at the second half we had a number of good chances and their keeper made a couple of unbelievable saves."

The Dutch star also supported Wenger’s views that their title hopes have been ruined saying he don’t see Chelsea dropping over six points in their last five games but believes finishing second position is a great achievement and improvement.

He said "I don't think Chelsea will drop more than six points now."

"Definitely, if you look at last year," he said. "No one really expected this. But when you are this close you really want to win it. When you don't do that it is frustrating.

"It felt good and I am happy to be back. But when you are there and your team is behind you want to do something to help them.

"Unfortunately I could not do that this evening."

Andrey Arshavin: Arsenal won't win Premier League title this season

Arsenal striker, Andrey Arshavin says it will be difficult for Arsenal to win Premier League this season because of the last summer’s lack of signings and a string of injuries that have hit stars like Robin Van Persie, William Gallas, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs. More here

Reira in bitter relashionship with Benitez

Following bitter relationship between Albert Riera and his boss Rafael Benitez at Anfield, Liverpool winger has revealed his frustration and lashed out at his boss.


Joining Liverpool in 2008 from Espanyol, the Spain international has only made two appearances since January this year and he believes the issue is not about on the pitch but personal.

"When the coach says nothing to you and you are well, with no physical problems and training well, you cannot help but think it must be something personal." Riera was quoted as saying on Mirror Football site.

He added: "If I'm doing something badly and you are my boss, and you value me, then you are going to come and tell me what I have to do to play again. This is what hurts me.

"You see that the team are not doing well and there are no changes. It's a little frustrating because you see that you can help.

"I've been here two years and I know how he (Benitez) is. He's never sorted out a situation with a player by talking with him. He thinks he's in charge and everything else falls on deaf ears. His dialogue with the players is practically nil."

Riera further worried about his trip to South Africa as he believes that securing World Cup place, someone has to play in the first-team.

"I would like to be here for the rest of my career, but players live to play. My objective is to go to the World Cup and for this I have to play," he said.

"Right now the only market open is the Russian one, I have offers from two teams and, looking at my situation, that has made me reflect a lot."


Photo Courtesy: Mirror Football

Fletcher cautious of Liverpool clash

Darren Fletcher Photo: starvin4sport

Darren Fletcher has sent a word of warning to his Manchester United team-mates not to take Liverpool for granted. 

The Red Devils seeks a revenge when they meet this Sunday at Old Trafford after being beaten in their last three meetings and Fletcher is wary of the Benitez’s orchestra. Read more here

Walcott Should Forget About World Cup-Arsenal hero Winterburn

Nigel Winterburn-Photo: rovers.co.uk

Following Walcott's last Tuesday's night performance against Porto, Arsenal hero Nigel Winterburn says the England under 21 star should forget about World Cup.

Theo Walcott has been critized with his form since returning from back injury but showed something he can offer to Fabio Capello.

 "It was good to see Theo Walcott contribute in a positive way - I said the other week that he is going to have to be given the chance to play a few games to find his form, hewas quoted in Tribal Football.

"He struggled a bit for England and received plenty of criticism for that, but I still think that unless Fabio Capello is no longer manager Theo will be at the World Cup. 

"If he can finish the season well and stay fit then he is the kind of player you want in the squad. He has that pace and while Aaron Lennon may start ahead of him, the Spurs man is not fit at the moment and Theo would be my next in line."

Arsenal crushed FC Porto 4-0 in Champions League second leg clash to book their place in quarterfinals.

Fabregas Ruled Out Of Champions League Second Leg Tie

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Cesc Fabregas have been ruled out in tomorrow’s Champions League last 16 second leg tie against FC Porto after sustaining another hamstring injury in the first-half of Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Burnley.

“He’s ruled out for tomorrow’s game – we can’t take a gamble,” said Wenger in Monday’s pre-match press conference.

 “He has damaged his hamstring. Ideally you want him there but the absence of Cesc is not any excuse, we have enough players and a strong enough squad.”

Wenger also said that the injury is not for a long term although he did not confirm if he will be fit by Saturday as they take on Hull City in Premier League clash.

. “He has a scan today and we will know more,” he said in Monday's pre-match conference.

“We are all convinced it will be small amount of time – next weekend he has a small chance against Hull, if not the week after. To play again tomorrow would be significant damage and be out for a month. He gave a lot, he plays in every single game. We have to find out why it is always the same hamstring.”

The absence of Fabregas means that inform Samir Nasri will take the new role with his standard skills and tenacity like he excelled last Saturday at Emirates Stadium.

“He started the season with a fibula fracture and it took him a while to get back to his best,” said Wenger. “Now he gets stronger, more confident. He is very versatile and can play defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder or on the flanks. We have a few like that and I love that. If you ask any player they say they want to play in middle but with his pace he can play on the flanks as well.”

Arsenal lost 2-1 in the first leg against Porto in Portugal after Fabiansk warded free goals to the hosts and they are supposed to score  at least once if they want to progress in the competition.

Wenger however said they have a good opportunity and have a lot of chances to make  history as they have an advantage of an away goal.

“We have a good opportunity, we have good chances to make history,” said Wenger. “To score away from home is still a massive advantage in Uefa rules; that is why we are confident that we can do it. We have scored, that is a massive difference. 1-0 away would be a terrible result. It’s completely different. We know it’s a tricky game. We believe we can do it, we have good confidence, we are in a good position so let’s just go for it. Any scenario that qualifies us is positive."

Wenger also said that he still keeps faith in Nicklas Bendtner although the Dunne missed a lot of chances that would have given him a famous hat-trick on Saturday against Burnley.

“He is on the way up in his overall game and contribution,” said Wenger. “He isolates the factor why he missed and gets it right into the next game. I’m convinced that he is really improving at the moment. For me, it was an isolated game.”

Arsenal defender, William Gallas has also ruled out with calf problem but Sol Campbel and Alex Song are all back in the squad.

Photo: Reuters

I thought everyone was going to die, says Salifou

Salifou Moustapha-Togolese Midfielder

 Photo:Sky Sports

Togolese international midfielder Moustapha Salifou yesterday said that he thought everyone was going to die after their national team bus was shot in Cambinda ahead of the just ended Angola 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

Several players were wounded including their goalkeeper Obilade Kossi and their coach during the attack.

"It was terrifying. The goalkeeper, (Obilade Kossi -- who was seriously wounded) had been dancing and the press assistant was taking pictures of him. They were shot," he was quoted in  the Daily Mail online .

"I didn't feel I would make it off the bus alive. I thought everyone was going to die."
Salifou, further said that he did not sleep well for about four days since he was just recalling that horrendous incident.

"Since I've been back, I've not slept for four days," said the Aston Villa star

"When I do, I wake up at 3am or 4am and somebody is shooting at me. I'm trying to forget, but it's difficult."
Former Swiss side FC Wil player then went further to depict how the incident happened.

"We were travelling through a forest when people started to shoot at the coach," said Salifou, who was a key figure when Togo qualified for their first ever World Cup finals in 2006.

"The attackers shot the driver. After two or three minutes we lay on the floor and everyone started crying.
"We couldn't see anyone shooting because of the forest. It was difficult to say how close they were. After two minutes, we all lay on the floor and I was protecting myself.

"We shouted to each other every few minutes: 'Are you okay? Are you okay?' "Our security guys started firing back and then one of them boarded the bus and told us not to scream. If we screamed they would know we were still alive.

"We had to be quiet. Everyone started praying while shots flew over our heads and blood was on the coach floor."

However, Togolese government was given a four year ban for interfering football matters which is against the law- but Salifou said he was shocked with the news and he thinks this was so because Togo is a small country.

"If we had returned to the tournament, there were going to be no sanctions against Togo," said Salilou.
"Now they CAF say we have a four year ban".

"They treat us like they have because we are a small country. If it had been Cameroon or the Ivory Coast, nobody would say they are banned from two African Cup of Nations.

"Have we been picked on? Yes, I think so. If the crime had been against Cameroon or the Ivory Coast, they would never have played the tournament.

"When it is a small country like Togo, it is not the same, although I believe we are appealing the decision."

O’NEIL NOT HAPPY AFTER BEING HELD BY 10 MEN MAN UTD

Martin O'Neill is not happy after his team was held by 10 men Manchester United in the Premier League action on Wednesday.

Nani was sent off in the first half after making a ghastly two-footed challenge on Villa player.

 "When they had the man sent off, I was hoping we'd be able to take the initiative. But in the second half, we didn't create enough really and didn't make enough use of the extra man,” he told club’s official website.

"Having said that, we were playing against a real quality side who have been in situations like that before.

"I suppose if you'd told me at the start of the season that we would take four points against Manchester United I would have been pretty happy with that.

"When they had the man sent off, we almost played into their hands for 10 or 15 minutes and didn't get enough momentum going in the second half.

"When you consider we are playing against the champions who are going for their fourth successive title, one of the best teams in Europe - and have been for a considerable time - in the end, despite the fact we were at home, the draw was okay.

"It was a great goal for Carlos. He did brilliantly. The header was exceptional but then we didn't hold on for long enough really.

"We scored an own-goal soon after. I'd liked to have carved out more chances and we put on John (Carew) for the last half hour, hoping with the extra man that might make the difference.

"But Manchester United got into a bit of a rhythm themselves and probably thought they could win it by putting Berbatov on.

"So in the end I suppose I am satisfied to a certain extent but we're not jumping through hoops - although we have taken four points from them this season."

The boss also confirmed that the captain was "sore" after injuring his ankle in the ghastly two-footed tackle by Nani.

He continued: "He is pretty sore. He felt he was going to be okay at half-time. He said he could continue on. It certainly stiffened up a little bit.

"He thought he'd be okay. I took young Delph off, who did fine for us in the game although I thought he was getting a little bit tired. And then after we had done that, Stiliyan three or four minutes later was unable to continue.

"It must have been really sore if Stiliyan was unable to continue. I don't know about Sunday yet. There must be some sort of doubt about it. We will see. The doctor doesn't think there is any serious damage done."

The manager further thought that a tackle really qualified for the red card.

"I thought so. It was a red card - it was, “ he added.

"I have always been one for outlawing two-foot challenges. Stiliyan did well to manoeuvre out of the way. I have only seen it back once and I think it was a red card."

Malawi vs Ghana-Match Preview

Malawi and Ghana are playing their last friendly match today in Swaziland ahead of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournament that will start on January 10 to January 31.

Malawi have started well in their 2010 Afcon preparations campaign-they beat Mozamabique at home and held Egypt one all draw in Cairo last week.


Ghana dismantled local third division side Chimungwe FC 8 goals to nil on Sunday in their test match which gives them confidence that they can also do the same to The Flames.

Ghana probable line up: Daniel Agyei, Samuel Inkoom, Harrison Afful, Jonathan Mensah, Vorsah Isaac, Ransford Osei, Dede Ayew, Dominic Adiyiah, Agyemang Dadu, Opoku Agyemang and Moussa Narry.

The Black Stars will be without Sunderland defender John Mensah and John Pantsil (knee) but Essien will be fit for the tournament.

Malawi probable line up:1 Swadick SANUDI,Peter WADABWA,Moses CHAVULA,James SANGALA,Allan KAMANGA,Peter MPONDA (Captain),Davie BANDA, Russell MWAFULIRWA,Joseph KAMWENDO,Elvis KAFOTEKA and Hellings MWAKASUNGULA.

Malawi are playing Algeria in their First game in Luanda Monday, January 11. Ghana will be playing Togo in Cambinda.

Why Manutd Are Not Performing Well This Season In All Competitions?

Manchester united is a Team which everyone knows that it is one of the best clubs in the world. They have won several trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson. But this season things seem to be not well at Old Trafford.

So I would like to know the reason behind this poor performance.Please give your suggestion by leaving comments below.

Sir Alex Ferguson Admit He Was Dissapointed By His Team's FA Cup Performance

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted  he was shocked on his teams' New Year performance at Old Trafford that led them to be booted out of FA CUP trophy.

The Red devils were beaten by a division 3 side, Leeds United on Saturday-thanks to Jermaine Beckford who separated two sides in 19 minutes in the first half.

“The preparation for the game was very good, but I’m shocked by the performance,” the football veteran told MUTV.

 “We didn’t start right and Leeds did start right. They got their goal and had something to hold onto. They fought like tigers, and we expect that with any team coming to Old Trafford for an FA Cup tie. It’s a disappointment.”

“We did speak about Beckford’s pace up front,” he said. “We were caught napping really, it was a bad goal for us to lose. The whole performance in the first half was bad. We never got going and the quality of the passing… the whole performance was just bad.

“It’s one of these things. We’re only human and sometimes you have performances that surprise you. But we didn’t expect that today.”

 United dominated the game in the second half but Leeds kept to hold the ball until the final whistle.

 “I don’t think any of the players can say they had a good day. Maybe only [Antonio] Valencia, when he came on, can say that. Even then it took us about ten minutes to get the ball to him.

 The manager also said everybody expect them to get a goal at Old Trafford but that was not impossible though they dominated the game in the second half.

 Ferguson said: “You expect us to get a goal at Old Trafford, and the intensity of our game improved a little bit in the second half. We had a lot of chances in the box, but on the day we didn’t take them.”

 11-time winners, had not been knocked out of the third round for 26 quite seasons -their defeat was at Bournemouth.

 Meanwhile United are expected to meet Manchester on January 19 in League Cup semifinals.

 In other matches that played on Sunday, Chelsea thrashed Watford by 5-0 at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal came from behind to beat Westham United 1-2 at Upton Park. Liverpool forced themselves in a one all draw against Reading.

Antar Yahia Is 2009 Best Arab Player

Photo: Wikipedia

The Vfl Bochum and Algeria international defender,Antar Yahia  has been named 2009 best player of the year in Arabic Television, MBC 1 poll survey-according to Algeria Football Federation website.

Mr. Mustapha, the moderator of the sports programme called 'Sada El Maalab' said more than one million people responded to the poll and Yahia got 48% of all votes seconded by Egyptian player, Abu Trika who got 20.25%.

Algerian Rafik Saifi was on third place with 11% before Haithel Sudan  Riafat Ali of Jordan who got 6.5% and 5.77% respectively.

On his remarks after the earnings Yahia said: ''It's an honor to receive this award which I associate all my teammates for the selection of Algeria." 

He has 38 cups and 5 goals- his international career started on January,15th 2004 against Mali in preparation of the African nations Cup.

Algeria On Second Phase Of Training Camp

Photo: APS

The Desert Foxes of Algeria have started their second camp training campaign in region of Castellet near Toulon, southern France as their preparations for the Angola 2010 AFCON tornament continues.

Acording Algeria news Agency website, national coach Rabah Saadane said:

"In the second phase, to run until the day (we) leave for Angola (January 7), we will get to the heart of the matter, with the beginning of the real preparation for the competition, and especially our first match against Malawi."

Algeria are in Group A together with Angola, Mali and Malawi. Their first game is on January 11 where they are expected to meet Malawi.

Algeria also qualified for World Cup after beating Egypt in Sudan. 

Wenger Rejects That He Has Re-opened Chamakh Talks

Yahoo Images

Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger has said he did not re-open talks about Maroune Chamakh. Wenger told club's official website that he either made contact with the striker or his agent.

Wenger said:"Chamakh will stay in Bordeaux until the end of the season," said the Frenchman.

"Then he will go where he wants to go because he will be completely free.

"He could [sign a pre-contract agreement] but there is nothing concrete at all between us and Chamakh.

This follows rumours that lingered during last year's transfer period that Arsene Wenger was interested in the Bordeaux star.

Chamakh is out of contract for the period of six months which means he can join any club he can wish. 

"He is completely free at the end of the year and I have not been in touch with his agent at all. It came up in June and it's true that in June I wanted to take him but since we had no contact at all," said Wenger.

Arsenal 3 - 0 Totenham Hotspur

Three goals from Robin Van Pierse and Cesc Fabregas have given Arsenal's title dreams alive. Totenham started very well the first 30 minutes of first half before conceding two goals.

Inform RobinVan Pierse who is also Arsenal's top goal scorer with six goals from five games, scored a superb goal from Bacarry Sagna's good cross before Cesc Fabregas extended the lead in 43rd minute. Totenham Hotspur started well with good passing but Almunia's good goal keeping made their day to end in mystery.

In the second half David Bentrey would have scored after Totenham Hotspur got a free kick from William Gallas's handball but it went far post. Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger seemed not happy especially when he remembered his team conceding two goals in 89th minute to Westham United last week but his young squad did not frabagast him than securing his 1000 points in his 13 years as Arsenal incharge.

more to come

Fernando Torres: Is a Nice Day When You Win Against United

Liverpool Star Fernando Torres insists that Liverpool can continue the performance they showed even without him, Steven Gerald and Benayoun.
Spanish star who scored a superb goal on Sunday against Manchester United at Anfield said that Liverpool have to be strong and focus on their possibilities.  

“When you win against United it is always a nice day,” said Torres- according to Telegraph
 
“We knew it was a massive game, as we needed to win to keep our chances in the title race. 


“We had to play as a team and keep working hard. When we play as a unit, we can beat anyone, so we need to be strong and focus on our possibilities. 


“After this game we have more confidence. That was the main thing we take from the game. We knew we had the players to beat United but we needed to do it for confidence. 


“It would have been very low if we could not have done that. But now we are talking about a victory and a fantastic performance. 



“Now we know we have to play all together as a team. It doesn’t matter who the players are. We could beat everyone without me, Stevie [Gerrard], Dirk [Kuyt] or Yossi [Benayoun]. Liverpool have a fantastic team and we have to show that.”

NO MORE EXCUSES WENGER- ARSENAL CHIEF

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has for the first time told Arsenal's long serving boss Arsenal Wenger to bring the the trophy this season. Wenger who has served Arsenal for about 13 years, has brought three Premier League and four F A Cups.

But the club has not achieved anything since 2005 than launching a four year trophy drought the thing that has made the CEO to request point of order.

Wenger’s kids have lost a Champions League final against AC Milan in 2006 and while finishing for the third and fourth in the Premier League.


“Second, third or fourth isn’t good enough. We want to win something – this season – and we believe we have the squad to do that.” he said in a Daily Star Sunday

Every year Wenger has said he is building up a team especially when the faint-hearted gunners fans asked about trophy but Gazidis said no excuse this season to Arsenal’s frustrated fans should they fail to end that trophy drought.


“It’s wonderful to watch and very  exciting at times.

“We’ve spoken about the group’s potential. Now – and by now I mean this season – it’s very important for us to
focus strongly on winning something for the fans. They deserve it.

We can talk about football as a business but, fundamentally, this club exists for the fans – and they don’t care about financial reports, they care about what happens on the pitch.”

Gunners have started well this season registering 34 goals in their last eight premier league games and they have beaten twice.

Aaron Ramsey Hails Arsene Wenger

A Gunner youngster, Aaron Ramsey has praised Arsene Wenger for considering him into the big squad. According to Telegraph.

The 18-year-old who is playing for Arsenal as winger, has performed well in all premier league games and scored his first goal for the premier league against Portsmouth.

"The manager has set me a target of 15 to 20 starts this season. We have little chats about my game one to one and he does show a lot of interest in what I do, he said.

"There is no question he looks after the youngsters like that, he has brought through so many young players. He has given them opportunities, developed them, and turned them into great players. I hope he can do that with me.

"He doesn't shout at you, he is relaxed and tells you ways that you can improve. He is also very quick to praise if you do something very well in a game.

"If you make an assist instead of trying to shoot yourself, then he will tell you how great you are but he will always tell you the negatives too."

Arsenal has started well this season in both leagues including champions league where they are at the top position in their group.

They are also the team with a lot of goals in premiership registering 34 goals in 7 games and they have moved from position 14 to 4 in last three games.

EPL Special Preview : Manchester United vs Arsenal

by Salaar Shamsi (Senior Writer) Bleacher Report





Manchester United vs. Arsenal.

In the Premier League, it doesn't really get any bigger than this.

Over the years, United and Arsenal have provided us with some exciting encounters. Given Arsenal's sensational start to the season, where the Gunners have scored a mouthwatering 12 goals in their first three games, this one could prove to be another fierce clash.

Arsenal began their season with a 6-1 thrashing of Everton at Goodison Park.

The Gunners then travelled to Scotland, defeating Celtic 2-0 in a Champions League qualifier.

When Portsmouth travelled to the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal's first home game of the season, Abou Diaby scored a brace in a 4-1 victory for Arsene Wenger's men, which ensures Arsenal will come into Saturday's late kickoff with Manchester United high on confidence.

I caught up with Bleacher Report analyst Deepak Israni, a well-known Arsenal supporter and the Real Madrid Community Leader, to discuss what he expected from this game.



Deepak Israni's prediction for Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Arsenal have been pretty good in the three matches played so far, and the results speak for themselves, but Manchester United are obviously better than the three teams that Arsenal have played so far.

However, Manchester United are facing problems in the defense—Nemanja Vidic's probable three-match ban, Jonny Evans waiting for surgery, Rio Ferdinand out injured, and Edwin Van der Sar missing as well will allow Arsenal to score goals.

Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas have made a solid partnership at the back for Arsenal, so United will find the goals hard to come by. Also, they will find it hard to create something from the midfield even if Michael Carrick plays. Alexandre Song and Denilson have been playing very good, and they might well be able to manage without Cesc Fabregas—who remains a doubt.

It would take individual brilliance, which Cristiano Ronaldo provided, which maybe Wayne Rooney can deliver. I was in favor of a 1-3 win for Arsenal, but the Rooney factor has made me think more in the lines of 2-3.



Manchester United's season got off to a rather traditional slow start, with a scrappy 1-0 victory against Birmingham and a shock 1-0 defeat to Burnley. However, a 5-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic at DW Stadium last week means United have proved that there is life after Ronaldo.

Much like Arsenal, the Red Devils will come into the game high on confidence.

Vidic's alleged ban hasn't been confirmed yet, and neither has Evans' surgery, which means both are still in contention to start against the Gunners.

Rooney is undoubtedly the man to watch out for, as far as United are concerned. He has three goals in three appearances this season.

Fortunately for United, both Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen also netted their own first goals of the season at the DW Stadium.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas may miss the match with a hamstring injury.



Salaar Shamsi's prediction for Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Arsenal's outstanding start to the season means the Gunners will be high on confidence coming to Old Trafford. This is Arsenal's first test against a major opponent this season. No disrespect to Everton, Celtic, or Portsmouth, but Man United is in a league of its own. This game might bring Arsenal back down to earth.

This means it's a chance for the likes of Song, Denilson, and Co. to show what they're made of against a quality opponent.

However, I'm not saying much till the players walk out on the pitch. Looking at Arsenal's good form, it will be a very close game, but considering it's at Old Trafford, United to nip it for me.

2-1 to the Red Devils.

Keep It Real, Fabregas

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas insisted his side must not get carried away after thrashing Everton 6-1 on the opening day at Goodson Park.

Fabregas scored two goals in addition to goals of Denilson, Eduardo, William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen who led the gunners into memorable start. The captain told ESPN after the game that he was very happy with the victory but he said it was vital for them to keep it real as it is not everyday that will be going to win 6-1.

“Well we wanted to win, for us this is a good start but let’s face it we are not going to win 6-1 every day,” explained Fabregas.

“It’s just one more game we are not going to get too carried away with this result, it’s not normal, we had a good game, but six goals is good for the team.”

The Spaniard also made a clean breast that the team had not missed Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure and persisted their leaving had been the best solution for all involved.

“They are great players but they had problems,” added the midfielder.

“They didn’t really want to continue at Arsenal so it was the best thing for them to do and for us as well because we want players who are committed and want to be together for the season.”

The Spaniard also warned that football is a whimsical beast and that not too much should be read into today's stunning result.

“It’s just one game, we won 6-1, one day they beat us 3-0, football is like that," he mused.

“This is football, we know this, one day you are the best and two days later you are the worst team in the world so let’s keep it real.”



NOTE: Other information was obtained from Goal.com