Seven games unbeaten, yet very unconvincing. That’s how the performance against Bolton was yesterday. Although we did manage to take the precious three points, which helped us stay close to United and Villa, there were dangers of dropping points in that game. It took us 84 minutes to break down the stubborn defence of the Trotters. Arsene Wenger admitted that

Although Arsenal are out of this year’s race to the league title, Wenger believes that there is still an outside chance of holding aloft the title in May. (In his first full season, Gunners overturned a 12-point deficit to take the title). According to him, the team would try and win every game and finish as high as possible on the table. He said:

“We are focused, we are resilient and we are strong. We are ready for a fight and let’s hope to be consistent. We will take it game by game and see where we go. I just hope to look back in May and say between January and May that we have done as well as we could. As long as we can be proud of what we have achieved, that is the best attitude. We will then see where we stand.”

However, if the team performs like it did yesterday, there are high chances that we could end up losing the 4^th spot to Villa. Bolton were depleted due to injuries and suspensions and had only four outfield players as substitutes, yet we couldn’t carve them open. The performance showed that we need a creative midfielder urgently. Samir Nasri was given the central role, with Diaby, who was later replaced by the talented Vela, on the left.

Robin van Persie saw his shot hit the post and his volley flying just over the cross bar. Adebayor received an inch-perfect pass from Nasri, however, a moment’s hesitation allowed Andy O’Brien to race across and block the shot.

Nicklas Bendtner, who replaced Emmanuel Eboue in the 75^th minute, had a disastrous start. The boo-boys were in action when Bendtner twice passed to the opponents and he was rewarded with an ironic cheer when he laid a short pass to a teammate. Bendtner soon redeemed himself, when Clichy dodged a couple of Bolton players before passing it to Van Persie. The Dutchman’s cross found the big Dane at the far post, who edged ahead of Samuel before smacking a delightful volley between Jussi Jaaskelainen’s legs.

Commenting on Bendtner’s problems initially, Wenger said:

“It was so cold and Nicklas, coming on late in the game, had no time to warm up. We had to finish up with good old-fashioned 4-2-4 to get a result. “

How long we have to play the ‘old-fashioned 4-2-4′ to get results is anybody’s guess. Wenger still refuses to confirm our interest in Arshavin or any other player. There are no confirmed news of transfer activities within the club.

There are reports however that Arsenal have decided to increase their bid for the Russian playmaker to GBP 12 million, after Zenit St Petersburg rejected their initial GBP 10 million offer. Zenit spokesman Alexei Petrov said:

“I can confirm that Zenit did get an official offer from Arsenal about Andrei Arshavin. It was rejected as insufficient. They offered about GBP 10 million. No new offers have arrived from them since. At the moment, Arsenal are the only club to have approached us about the player.”

It is reported that Arsenal may well break the club’s transfer record of GBP 13 million paid for Sylvain Wiltord more than eight years ago. Whether it is enough to land Arshavin remains to be seen.

“There is no news, no negotiations yet. I represent the player and I can assure you I would know if something had been discussed. It is the people of Zenit trying to initiate some kind of interest. They are trying to use the media to make the price of Arshavin £20million – I would not take it seriously.”

Meanwhile, Zenit have confirmed that Arsenal is the only club they are talking to about a deal for Arshavin. Maxim Mitrofanov, the club’s General Director, said that a deal could be reached within the next two weeks. However, he wasn’t willing to name a price for the player. He said:

“It’s very difficult to discuss the Arshavin value. We want to get an adequate payment. We also need to see what player will be coming to us to replace Andrei.”

Emmanuel Eboue, who said that the Emirates boo boys made him a stronger person, has now revealed that Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan are interested in him. He went on to say that although he is happy at the Emirates at the minute, the decision lies with the manager. He said:

“I have been linked with Inter before, but at the moment I am happy at Arsenal. I am fighting to reach the level I was at in 2006. I have been the victim of many injuries and that is why I have not been consistent enough. But I will fight and prove my worth to the fans. I am happy at the club. Inter are a great club as well, but I don’t know what will happen. Let’s wait and see.”

Jack Wilshere has signed professional terms with the club.  Jack turned 17 on New Year’s day, which allowed him to sign his first professional contract. Speaking about the boy’s qualities, Arsene Wenger said:

“We are delighted that Jack has signed a professional contract with us. Jack is a player with great potential, with an ability to find the final ball and also score goals.  Jack is a passionate and committed young player, he is not afraid of tackles and I am convinced he will have tremendous penetrative power in a few years.  We have already seen Jack’s qualities in both his first team performances and in training on a regular basis, and we look forward to Jack being an important part of our first team for years to come.”

What is happening there has no impact on me,” said the manager. “I do not know really what is behind that. It is a bit like what is happening inside the dressing room – you talk as little as you can about it.

“What is important in a football club is the directors do not speak about footballing technique and that I do not speak about shares.  I do not think [the changes will have an impact on the Club]. I know Nina Bracewell-Smith and she did a good job when she was on the Board. But I do not really know [why she left].”

Now, you don’t have to believe everything Wenger says. And him saying that he is not aware of the reasons behind Lady Nina’s departure is certainly not true. But you can see what the man is trying to do here. By saying that the players have not discussed the matter, he is relaying a message across that more than anything else, the team is focussed on the game tomorrow.

Wenger further said that the team knows that it is eight points behind, but it has not lost hoped and it could even surprise those who have written them off.

“Some people say it is a three-horse race but let them talk all they want. Let us show they are wrong. Last weekend when we made the draw against Middlesbrough, it was a disaster. But Chelsea drew later and so did Liverpool – and they were at home.  Manchester United played a draw at Tottenham, so overall that is why our result is not as bad as you would expect it to be. We were the first to play, and were away from home as well, and were maybe the ones who deserved more than any others to win their game.”

What he said is true. When we dropped 2 points against Middlesbrough, the other three teams did the same, so it wasn’t a very bad result for us. However, what are the chances of that happening again, when all three of our main rivals drop points on the same week? Whatever one says, it was a golden opportunity for us to close the gap with our rivals.

“We are highly motivated to beat another of the so-called top four and I am convinced we have the quality to do it,” Wenger says.

With Samir Nasri back in the side for tomorrow’s game, Arsenal do look to have the ability to do it. Whatever the result, it will be one cracking game for sure.

“I’m in total shock and very upset about the appalling way I have been treated. The board have no manners whatsoever and my views were ignored on many occassions. I can’t understand why I have been removed in such a ruthless fashion. I have had no proper explanation as to why they wanted me out so much. It is very difficult to accept especially after what my family has done for Arsenal for so many years.”

It is now believed that she would go ahead and cash in her 15.9% stake in the club, although she said:

“I’ve never had a thought of selling my Arsenal shares and I still don’t.”

Although it is made out to be that she had way too much ego and her increasing frustration led the board to ask her to leave, there is also a section that is asking question of the current remaining members of the board, especially Chairman Peter Hill-Wood and Danny Fiszman.

David Dein, who was instrumental in getting some brilliant deals for Arsenal in terms of signing players and bringing in Arsene Wenger, was thrown out by this board. Dein promptly went ahead and sold his shares to Alisher Usmanov. This is the same board that critised Stan Kroenke, before allowing him to be a part of them. And this is the same board that has now sidelined Lady Nina and chances are high that she might sell her shares to Usmanov.

Amidst all the uncertainities, Danny Fiszman, who currently lives as a tax exile in Switzerland, has declared that Arsene Wenger would be provided with a big enough transfer kitty to battle other clubs in the January window.

Image courtesy : Telegraph.co.uk

PS: This blog has moved to this address. Please click here to read the latest news about Arsenal Football Club

“We hope that she would remain a shareholder but she has not spoken to me about it lately.”

When asked if a board member would buy her shares if she does decide to sell, Hill-Wood said,

“A number of the Board have indicated in the past that they are interested in buying more shares so the future stability of the Club is secure. The Board is very keen to retain control of the Club to ensure that its values and traditions are upheld and live on for many years to come.”

What prompted Lady Nina to end 70 years of family ties with the club is not known yet. If she did it because of a fallout with other board members, then it could very well be the opportunity Usmanov was looking for. She was instrumental in keeping out the Uzbeki by signing the lockdown agreement. However, she could sell her shares to him now. Another candidate who could buy her shares is Stan Kroenke, who is part of the Arsenal board now. If it is a choice between two evils, Kroenke is surely the lesser evil. As Arsenal fans, we need to understand that it would be very hard to resist these investors (buyers). But we wouldn’t want a Manchester United supporter to buy up our club.
The developments in the next few weeks would be interesting. If it tilts towards Kroenke, that would still be okay. However, if it were the Uzbeki, make no mistake,  Gooners would make their feelings known and do everything possible to resist that fat man.

Read the entire interview with Peter Hill-Wood here

Update: As was feared, the exit of Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith from Arsenal board was not amicable. Infact, far from it. If reports are to be believed,over the years she felt that the board was marginalising her. The disagreement is nothing new, as it is believed that she felt sidelined from a commercial deal in India, which she, through her Indian connections, brought before the board. Also, she was part of the club’s committee to appoint the chief executive, but her choice was overlooked and with Stan Kroenke’s recommendation, Ivan Gazidis was appointed.  It is understood that she was offered the role of  life president, but she refused.

The fact that would worry Arsenal fans most is that Alisher Usmanov, who has a 24.9%  stake, would try and seize this opportunity.  Although under normal market rules, if Usmanov’s stake rises above 30%, he would be obliged to make an offer for the rest of the shares , but it is quite possible that he may be able to obtain a waiver from this.

As already mentioned, interesting few weeks coming ahead for Arsenal fans.

At present, Arsenal look like a team bereft of ideas.  With long term injuries to Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri, Denilson is forced to play on the wings, while Alexander Song is asked to partner Cesc in the middle.  Abou Diaby, the supposed replacement of Patrick Vieira, finds himself on the left midfield. Four central midfielders in the middle of the park tells a lot about the depth of the Arsenal squad. The strike partnership of Adebayor and RvP doesn’t seem to work very well and that is our first choice partnership. Bendtner is getting worse each passing day, with his first touch no where near the level of a top premier league striker.  Although Eduardo made his return in a reserve game against Portsmouth yesterday, it’ll be mid – January before he plays a competitive game with the first team.

Arsene Wenger’s choice of team also seems strange. With players like Aaron Ramsey and Carlos Vela available, the choice of Denilson and Diaby on the flanks defy logic.

Also, before the Champions League game against Porto, Wenger said that he would be disappointed if the team finished second. Yet, he rested 5 first team players, with an eye on the game against Boro. Porto promptly dispatched Arsenal and now Arsenal could face Juventus, Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the next round.

The move didn’t pay off in the league as well, as Arsenal managed to draw the game and in the process dropped to the 5th spot. With 8 points behind the leaders, Arsenal now play Liverpool and then Aston Villa and must win both games to keep their title hopes alive.

With the transfer window out of bounds for another two weeks, Arsenal must use all their energy and minds to ensure 6 points out of these two matches. And Wenger should make sure that he reinforces the squad in the winter transfer window.