All Arshavin goals so far

UEFA rule out Eduardo's two match ban

UEFA have cancelled out Eduardo two match suspension. This is what UEFA had to say: “The UEFA Appeals Body today accepted the appeal lodged by Arsenal FC against the two-match suspension handed to striker Eduardo. "
“Following examination of all the evidence, notably the declarations of both the referee and the referees' assessor, as well as the various video footage, it was not established to the panel's satisfaction that the referee had been deceived in taking his decision on the penalty."
“Therefore, the decision of the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body of 1 September, in which the player was suspended for two UEFA club competition matches, is annulled.”
This is what the Croatian International had to say:
“I’m very pleased that we have finally arrived at the truth. All we needed to do was to prove what happened and we have managed to do that. This decision makes me feel a lot better." “I certainly feel relieved now. I have had great support from my family, friends and of course everyone at the Club."
“Now I just want to forget about this and think about our match against Standard Liege on Wednesday. I was always prepared for the match in Belgium because I had good feeling and I always remained positive about the outcome. Now we have a final result, I can now look forward to helping the team on Wednesday night."
“All I remember of the incident is that as soon as I had possession of the ball I headed towards goal at full speed. I was very close to the Celtic keeper and felt contact on my foot and then lost my balance. I know perhaps more than anyone else that when you have contact at speed it can be dangerous."“I just want to say that I’m a fair player. To score goals you must take your opportunities and I’m not the type of player who needs to be dishonest to score goals.”

Van Persie shocked from Adebayor incident

Robin Van Persie cannot believe what his former teammate did, leaving a scarr on his face. What looked like was just an accident actually wasn't, the replay clearly shows that Adebayor kicked Van Persie right on the edge of his eye. The injury could've been much worse than that.
This is what Robin had to say, "I am sad and disappointed by my former team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor's mindless and malicious stamp on me during today's match.""We are both professional footballers and I know that the game is physical, I too have made hard and sometimes mis-timed challenges but never with the intention of hurting an opponent. He set out to hurt me today.""I knew he was aiming for a collision because he changed the angle of his body to allow contact to be made. He moved backwards when his natural momentum would have t
aken him forward. I find that deeply disrespectful. He has shown a real lack of class today, to me and the fans."
"I do feel lucky that I have not suffered a greater injury. The contact was only centimetres from my eye. I have not received an apology from him, there were no words exchanged afterwards. He had his own agenda today and that is bad for football. It's bad for the game we all love.""I want to make it clear that this has nothing to do with the result of today's match. We do not hide from that disappointment but I need to speak out about his behaviour."

Manchester City upsets the Gunners

Manchester City have beaten Arsenal 4-2 at home to maintain their perfect start to their season. Arsenal played well in the first half but failed to create some chances. Man City were fortunate to score the opening goal as the ball rebounded of the post into Almunia's back and into the net. Robin Van Persie's superb right-footed goal gave the fans some hope but it all ended when Bellamy and Adebayor secured the win moments later. Shaun Wright Phillips scored the fourth after Arsenal were caught on the break. Arsenal looked like they were going to get back into the game despite the three-goal deficite after Van Persie's left-footed effort rebounded of the post. Robin Van Persie had another go but found his shot deflected inches away from Shay Given's left-hand post. There is some good news for the Gunners, as Thomas Rosicky made a positive return after 16 months out, scoring a superb teamwork goal.
The fans were very disappointed with Adebayor, there was no need for that type of behaviour (celebration). It was a lack of respect to his former teammates and fans. Adebayor's apolopgy won't mean anything for the fans, we will see how he will cope with the pressure when his side travel to the Emirates, that is if he turns up. Arsene Wenger was disappointed in the way Adebayor celebrated his goal, this is what he had to say, "As you know that is not welcome, but his attitude and his behaviour is out of my control and I cannot influence that."
It certainly looked like the mindless challenge Adebayor made on Van Persie was alleged. Van Persie was angry with his former teammate after Emmanuel made no apology after the game. It was a game where Arsenal looked like they could be potential winners but when they pushed everything foward, they were caught on the break and it resulted in three consecutive goals. Arsenal had many players out on International duty mid-week, which resulted in a lack of fitness, and what might have cost Arsenal the game. There was no doubt thogh that the Gunners played well, they gave Manchester City a scare and gave them a good test. But the Gunners were unlucky to be caught on the break in the final minutes of the game. Arsenal can still be very strong title contenders, and with players coming back from injury, they can show what they are really made of.

Arshavin 'ruled out' for three matches

Andrey Arshavin will not feature in three of Arsenal's upcoming games after he picked up a groin injury while playing for Russia in Wales. Wenger is "upset" because he believes that the Russian shouldn't have played 90 minutes against Wales.
There is good news though, Thomas Rosicky has finally played in a proffessional match for Czech Republic but Wenger is not quite sure if he will be included in the squad for Saturday's blockbuster at the Eastlands. Cesc Fabregas has also recovered from his hamstring problem, he had a good game for Spain midweek and could be back this weekend. But the manager is concerned about their fitness levels. Theo Walcott is injury-free now but it is too risky for him to play against Manchester City, he should be back for the Champions League Clash against Standard Liege midweek.
We all hope that these injuries will not affect the brilliant form the Gunners are in at the moment.

Theo Walcott set to return for Manchester City

Theo Walcott is set to return against Manchester City this week-end. The 20-year-old has not played a proffesional match since August 8th but he is set to come back for one of the biggest games of the season. It is a big bonus for the gunners, having such a talented player returning to action.

Last season, he showed that he has the capability to be a World-Class player with his speed, technique and accuracy in front of goal. We all remember that superb chip from the Villareal encounter last season in the Champions League. England manager, Fabio Capello will also be happy to have him back ahead of the important International matches coming up.

There is more good news as Cesc Fabregas is recovering from a hamstring problem which ruled him out of the big clashes from Celtic and Manchester United, he looks likely to be featured for the clash at the Eastlands. Things are looking great for the gunners, four wins from five, they can be the real deal this season.

Djourou out for six months

Johan Djourou will be out for six months after undergoing a knee surgery. The 22-year old looked very promising last season and proved that he can be a very important player for Arsenal. This will not only affect Djourou, Arsene Wenger will also be affected by his injury as Arsenal are short of Central defenders.

Djourou was looking foward to be playing more games for his side after the departure of Kolo Toure to big-spending side Manchester City, Arsenal's next opponent in the Premier League. He needs to forget about this injury and needs to focus on recovering as quick as he can. The Swiss International is hoping to be back in action by March 2010 when the World Cup Finals take place in South Africa, that's if Switzerland qualify.

'Harsh' punishment for Eduardo

Arsenal forward Eduardo Da Silva will serve a ‘harsh’ two match ban for the first two matches of the Champions League. It is not going to worry Arsène Wenger too much because those two matches are from the group stages. Eduardo will be forced to sit out for the clashes against Standard Liege and Olympiacos. It is harsh for Eduardo though after just recovering from a breaking an ankle 18 months ago, he already has a lot going through his mind. Looking at the replay, it certainly looked like there was no contact from Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc but I believe that he was trying to protect himself from what looked like was going to be a tough challenge. I believe that referees should really think before awarding penalties, it has happened many times in the past and it is becoming a big problem for football nowadays. Once you get a penalty, you’re not going to refuse to take it, it’s like a lottery ticket, you’re going to accept it. It is not Eduardo’s fault for diving, it’s the referee’s fault for making a wrong decision. It is not fair for Eduardo, he is the one who misses out on two important games for Arsenal, what does the Referee get?

Thomas Vermaelen great signing for Arsenal

The arrival this summer of former Ajax captain, Thomas Vermaelen looks to have strengthen the Arsenal squad. Arsenal have had one loss in their opening five games of the season. I am very impressed by the way he has adapted to the speed of the English game under an Arsenal shirt. I remember him in an arguement with Robin Van Persie two years ago during a European match, because Vermaelen was playing hard on Van Persie. But to be a good defender, that’s what you need, you need to be tough and quick, he certainly has those skills undoubtedly. He is a menace in the air and he is great with the ball at his feet. What else can you ask from a defender. He looks to be a great signing for Arsenal.