Homehttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/en-US2010-09-10T15:46:30ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Play Fantasy Wenger: Pick your Arsenal starting 11 for the Bolton gamehttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/10/play-fantasy-wenger-pick-your-arsenal-starting-11-for-the-bo.htmlGM2010-09-10T13:04:43ZBy Graham McNorthbank

Second home game of the season and the body count in the treatment room just keeps getting higher. This season has got Groundhog Day written all over it.

Thomas Vermaelen became the latest victim of the first team curse today when Arsene Wenger revealed he has an Achilles injury, which I'm praying won't keep him sidelined for too long.

In the Verminator's absence, we'll most likely play new signing Sebastien Squillaci or Johan Djourou. Having watched the reserves game mid-week when that pairing were part of an Arsenal defence that shipped three goals against Blackburn, to be frank I'd rather see Alex Song fill in. But perhaps that's harsh, so the toss of a coin opts for Djourou.

In midfield the news is slightly better with Le Boss hinting that we could see the return of Samir Nasri, although I fancy he'll save Samir for the Champions League game next week and go with Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky. I'd prefer Song over Diaby, but we'll see what Le Prof has in mind at 3pm tomorrow.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has been talking up Jack Wilshere during the week, but I reckon the teenager will be on the bench at kick-off tomorrow, but will perhaps get a cameo later in the second half.

That leaves us with the forward players. Not much choice there, I'm afraid, with Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner all queuing outside the physio's door, leaving us with Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Carlos Vela to do the business. Just who we will have on the bench should one of that trio pull up is anyone's guess.

So, short and not so sweet I know, but here's the Addict XI for tomorrow afternoon. Be sure to share your thoughts on team selection using our comments section below.

Almunia

Sagna Koscielny Djourou Clichy

Rosicky Song Fabregas

Arshavin Chamakh Vela

]]>What the papers say: Arsenal short of strikers for key gameshttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/10/what-the-papers-say-arsenal-short-of-strikers-for-key-games.htmlGM2010-09-10T07:34:37ZWe're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you.

The Sun - Walcott facing six weeks out
ARSENE WENGER'S worst fears were realised when Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie were ruled out for six weeks.

The Daily Mirror - Jack Wilshere went to Bolton a boy and returned to Arsenal a man, says Owen Coyle
Jack Wilshere went to Bolton as a boy - and was sent back to Arsenal as a man in every way. The young Gunner was a rookie when Owen Coyle and Wanderers took him under the wing but by the end of his loan spell he had grown into a player ready for the first team and his country.

The Daily Mail - Arsenal winger Walcott joins the sick list with six-week lay-off
Theo Walcott will be sidelined for up to six weeks with an ankle injury he sustained while playing for England, Arsenal have confirmed.

The Daily Express - WALCOTT OUT FOR UP TO SIX WEEKS 
Arsenal have confirmed that winger Theo Walcott will be sidelined for up to six weeks with an ankle injury he sustained on international duty with England.

The Daily Star - ARSENAL BLOW AS THEO WALCOTT RULED OUT FOR 6 WEEKS
ARSENAL were last night dealt a major injury blow after red-hot Theo Walcott was ruled out for up to six weeks.

The Guardian - Theo Walcott faces four to six weeks out after suffering ankle injury
Arsenal have suffered another injury blow with the news that they will be without Theo Walcott for "four to six weeks" because of strained ankle ligaments, meaning the winger could miss half of the club's Champions League group games. He is also definitely ruled out of England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro next month.

The Daily Telegraph - Arsenal winger Theo Walcott ruled out for 'four to six weeks' with ankle injury
Arsenal have confirmed that winger Theo Walcott will be sidelined for up to six weeks with an ankle injury he sustained on international duty with England.

Got an opinion on these stories? Then share it with your fellow Addicts using our comments section.

]]>What the papers say: Arsenal in pole position to land Belgian strikerhttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/9/what-the-papers-say-arsenal-in-pole-position-to-land-belgian.htmlGM2010-09-09T07:34:40ZWe're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you.

The Daily Mirror - Jack Wilshere and Tom Cleverley prove England's future is golden, says Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck claimed English football's future is bright after the Under-21 side scrambled into the European Championship play-offs.

The Daily Mail - Arsenal hold the aces in chase for Romelu Lukaku after keeping tabs on younger brother Jordan
Arsenal may hold the upper hand in the chase for Anderlecht's teenage striker Romelu Lukaku after showing interest in his younger brother Jordan.

The Daily Telegraph - Theo Walcott's worst injury fears averted
Theo Walcott is optimistic that he has suffered only a sprained ankle, although he has been ruled out of Arsenal's next two matches.

Got an opinion on these stories? Then share it with your fellow Addicts using our comments section.

]]>What the papers say: Wilshere shines as Walcott compounds Arsenal's injury problemshttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/8/what-the-papers-say-wilshere-shines-as-walcott-compounds-ars.htmlGM2010-09-08T07:34:36ZWe're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you.

The Sun - Theo’s new injury blow
THEO WALCOTT suffered another injury scare as he was carried off on a stretcher last night. But the injury-jinxed England winger, 21, could be back in a week.

The Daily Mirror - Gunners' Brazilian superkid to make first team squad
Wonderkid Wellington Silva is returning to Brazil - but has been backed to become an Arsenal superstar.

The Daily Mail - Robin van Persie injury rocks Arsenal as Dutch striker is ruled out for six weeks
Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has been ruled out of action until the middle of October.

The Daily Express - EURO 2012 QUALIFIERS: JACK WILSHERE'S THE LAD TO RESCUE STUART PEARCE 
JACK Wilshere was arrested 10 days ago after a fracas outside a west London nightclub, but yesterday he was Stuart Pearce’s get-out-of-jail card with an inspirational second-half display.

The Daily Star - ARSENAL HIT BY DOUBLE BLOW
ARSENAL were hit by a double blow yesterday after England star Theo Walcott was carried off against Switzerland with an ankle injury hours after the Gunners revealed Robin van Persie would be out ­until the middle of October. 

The Guardian - Arsenal lose Robin van Persie until mid-October with ankle injury
Arsène Wenger has received some mixed injury news with Samir Nasri recovering well from knee surgery but Robin van Persie set to be out of action until mid‑October with an ankle injury.

The Daily Telegraph - Theo Walcott taken to hospital after ankle injury scare
Theo Walcott was rushed to hospital for scan on his right ankle after injuring it in the first 10 minutes of England’s 2-1 win over Switzerland in Basel last night.

Got an opinion on these stories? Then share it with your fellow Addicts using our comments section.

]]>What the papers say: Shawcross bleats to press about Wenger vendettahttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/7/what-the-papers-say-shawcross-bleats-to-press-about-wenger-v.htmlGM2010-09-07T07:34:22ZWe're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you. 

The Daily Mirror - Arsenal eyeing another Barca youth star
Arsenal are poised for yet another raid on the Barcelona youth academy with Oriol Romeu firmly in their sights.

The Daily Mail - Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross hits back at Arsene Wenger's claims he uses rough tactics
Ryan Shawcross believes Arsene Wenger has a personal vendetta against him and  Stoke City after the Arsenal boss criticised the defender's rough tactics.

The Daily Express - JACK WILSHERE IS BACK IN STUART PEARCE'S GOOD BOOKS 
JACK WILSHERE may come in from the cold tonight for England Under 21s’ must-win European Championship qualifier against Lithuania.

The Daily Star - STOKE'S RYAN SHAWCROSS HITS BACK AT ARSENE WENGER
RYAN SHAWCROSS has hit back at Arsene Wenger and accused the Arsenal boss of having a personal vendetta against him.

 

The Guardian - Ryan Shawcross accuses Arsène Wenger of holding personal vendetta
Ryan Shawcross has accused the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, of holding a personal vendetta against him.

The Daily Telegraph - Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross hits back at Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger
Stoke City's relations with Arsenal have soured further after defender Ryan Shawcross accused Arsène Wenger of having a personal vendetta against him.

Got an opinion on these stories? Then share it with your fellow Addicts using our comments section.

]]>What the papers say: Barca hold back No.4 shirt for Fabregashttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/6/what-the-papers-say-barca-hold-back-no4-shirt-for-fabregas.htmlGM2010-09-06T07:34:17ZWe're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you.

The Sun - I know how to be a top Gunner 
ANDREY ARSHAVIN insists he has become a more effective player since joining Arsenal.

The Daily Mirror - John Lukic: Wenger should have signed Reina, Valdes, or Julio Cesar
Arsenal will pay a heavy price for failing to recruit a top-class goalie this summer. The class of 2010 may be developing nicely, with the likes of Theo Walcott grabbing centre stage while Cesc ­Fabregas gradually returns from World Cup duty.

The Daily Mail - It's waiting FOUR you: Barcelona keep No 4 shirt vacated for Fabregas' arrival next summer
Barcelona are saving their famous No 4 shirt for Cesc Fabregas because they are convinced Arsenal’s refusal to sell him has only delayed his arrival one more year.

The Independent - Arsenal have made Arshavin 'effective, but with less sparkle'
Andrei Arshavin believes he has become "more effective" since joining Arsenal, even if the Russian playmaker feels he is now "less sparkling".

Got an opinion on these stories? Then share it with your fellow Addicts using our comments section.

]]>What the papers say: Arsenal legend backs Walcott to prove doubters wronghttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/3/what-the-papers-say-arsenal-legend-backs-walcott-to-prove-do.htmlGM2010-09-03T07:34:53ZWe're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you.

The Sun - Oui were such plonkers   
ARSENAL'S Bacary Sagna and his France team-mates have signed a charter promising to stop acting like plonkers.

The Daily Mirror - The failure to sign Mark Schwarzer will cost Arsenal dear - and they only have themselves to blame
Arsene Wenger claimed in one of our little press gatherings last season that he often reads what fans say about him and Arsenal on websites, forums and blogs.

The Independent - Lee Dixon: It's a real no-brainer... Walcott will learn the winger's tricks that befuddle a full-back
As Match of the Day viewers may have noticed, there is a bit of an argument going on about whether Theo Walcott has a "football brain". Well I can understand why people say he has not got one because that is what you say when you get frustrated with a player who has ability but is not learning, but I don't believe in the concept.

The Guardian - José Mourinho: Arsenal will not win the Champions League this season
José Mourinho does not believe Arsenal are capable of winning the Champions League this season. The Real Madrid coach, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, said he thought only seven clubs have a chance of winning European football's premier competition – and Arsène Wenger's team were not among them.

Got an opinion on these stories? Then share it with your fellow Addicts using our comments section.

]]>What the papers say: Samir Nasri to return early after knee surgeryhttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/2/what-the-papers-say-samir-nasri-to-return-early-after-knee-s.htmlGM2010-09-02T07:34:44ZWe're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you.

The Sun - New 25-man rule is just a fArse   
ARSENAL and Manchester City helped turn the Premier League's brave new dawn into a farce last night.

The Daily Mirror - Nasri hands Arsenal fitness boost
Samir Nasri is ready to give Arsenal a major fitness boost. Nasri underwent knee surgery after Arsenal's draw at Liverpool on August 15 and it was feared the French midfielder could be out for a month.

The Daily Mail - Arsenal set to move for Japanese youngster Ryo Miyaichi
Arsenal are considering a deal for Japanese strike prodigy Ryo Miyaichi. The teenager impressed on trial last month after previously playing at the U17 World Cup in Nigeria last year.

Got an opinion on these stories? Then share it with your fellow Addicts using our comments section.

 

]]>Time to give Project Youth one last push, Arsenehttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/1/time-to-give-project-youth-one-last-push-arsene.htmlDA2010-09-01T10:28:21ZBy Avenell Dave

Hands up if you felt depressed at 6pm yesterday?

Yep, I think it's fair to say most Addicts thought that maybe, just maybe, Arsene Wenger would make it a clean sweep and address all the areas where Arsenal needed to strengthen this summer.

That the most important position that needed a new face, goalkeeper, was not addressed has brought out the worst in many Gooners I've seen commenting on blogs, texts and Twitter.

Did Arsenal believe that they would get Mark Schwarzer on the cheap? Did they not have a plan B?

We can but speculate. The truth is that, as far as Fulham has made out, we made two bids for him, one when Roy Hodgson was in charge and one with Mark Hughes as manager. Both were in the region of £2m and were rejected.

At 37 and the victim of a number of goal gluts at our hands for both Fulham and Boro, I've always had my doubts about Schwarzer as a significant improvement on what we have.

It was as much about having a new face as anything else, someone without the negative baggage our senior keepers have.

If it's true that we didn't bid again for him yesterday, that suggests we were either looking elsewhere or had decided to keep our cash.

It's easy to forget that paying off the capital debt overrides everything at Arsenal even if £5m on a quality keeper would have brought in more in terms of bums on seats, CL bonus payments etc.

Of course, Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Flapihandski both have challenges that they cannot overcome at Arsenal: the fans have lost faith in their ability to live up to the exacting standards expected of an Arsenal goalkeeper.

Both make unforced errors, both fail to command their box or organise their defence and both make questionable decisions that have cost us rather than won us points.

Look at that bunch down the road and you'd have to say that Almunia would probably be fourth choice and that underlines the problems we have.

Those idiots who now hope we do badly should take their ire and their bad will down the Seven Sisters Road and wish such ill on the north London team who deserve it most.

For the sane amongst us, we are in a quandary.

Can we seriously expect to win major prizes with Almunia in goal or Flapihandski between the sticks? It's not likely.

There were those who scratched their heads when George Graham dumped John Lukic, the first Arsenal goalkeeper in 18 yrs to play in a Championship winning team, for David Seaman.

It was about percentages and Graham knew that Seaman was that much better than Lukic. History proved him to be correct.

Wenger got it right with Jens Lehmann, even if he dumped him prematurely after a couple of mistakes.

That was Wenger at his most ruthless and it showed how tough he can be.

Flapihanski is simply not good enough and should be sent out on loan as soon as possible to get more experience and regain his confidence. And hopefully catch the eye of a new club.

As for Almunia, I think he's a decent guy who has conducted himself admirably in the face of his club looking to replace him.

May this be a spur for him to keep working and keep seeking to improve.

But if he doesn't, maybe this is a blessing in disguise - and Wojciech Szczesny should be given his chance to establish himself.

Wenger believes in Project Youth - now's his chance to prove it works once again.

]]>What the papers say: Bendtner suffers fresh injury blowhttp://www.arsenaladdict.com/home/2010/9/1/what-the-papers-say-bendtner-suffers-fresh-injury-blow.htmlGM2010-09-01T07:34:37ZWe're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you.

The Sun - Bendtner injury rocks Arsenal
NICKLAS BENDTNER has rocked Arsenal with a fresh injury blow.

The Daily Mirror - Traore heads to Juve
Juventus have signed Armand Traore on a season-loan deal from Arsenal, the Serie A club has confirmed.

The Daily Mail - Arsenal hotshot Theo Walcott ready to tough it out for England after shock World Cup axe
A good kicking from an opposing full back is not only something Theo Walcott anticipates but something he says he can now physically withstand.

The Daily Express - THEO WALCOTT IS OUT TO SHOW DOUBTERS 
THEO Walcott had settled on his couch alongside girlfriend Mel, no doubt confident of a glowing report after plundering a hat-trick against one of the Premier League’s early-season pace-setters.

The Daily Star - THEO WALCOTT HITS BACK AT PUNDITS
THEO Walcott yesterday hit back at Match of the Day pundits – insisting he prefers PG Tips to Alan Hansen’s tips.

The Independent - Capello was right to drop me from World Cup, admits Walcott
His omission from England's World Cup finals squad was the pre-tournament surprise of the summer but yesterday Theo Walcott said that he understood why manager Fabio Capello had made the decision to leave him out and that his form at the end of last season had not been good enough.

The Guardian - England call on Arsenal's youth goalkeeper to make up the numbers
Fabio Capello expects Ben Foster and Scott Carson to return to training tomorrow having been forced to turn to Arsenal's fifth-choice goalkeeper, James Shea, to make up the numbers at the squad's first training session ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

The Daily Telegraph - Armand Traore quits Arsenal for Juventus on season-long loan deal
Juventus have signed Armand Traore on a season-loan deal from Arsenal, the Serie A club confirmed.

Got an opinion on these stories? Then share it with your fellow Addicts using our comments section.

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