Wenger - We’ll fight our ‘harsh’ FA charge.
Arsène Wenger believes the FA charge brought against Arsenal for the melee against Hull is “harsh”.
Players from both teams converged at Emirates Stadium on Saturday after an incident involving Samir Nasri just before half-time. The Frenchman escaped any punishment but, on Wednesday, the FA charged both sides with failing to control their players.
Wenger intends to fight his corner and believes that, after the initial spark, his side were more sinned against than sinning.
“I think it is harsh but we will try to defend ourselves,” he said. “I don’t think it was a major incident compared to what can happen in a football game.
“At the start, the incident was created by Nasri’s involvement but after that it was more players of Hull who were around it than Arsenal players. That’s why we will try to defend it.”
Manchester City want Arsene Wenger as their manager.
Manchester City want Arsene Wenger as their next manager - it must be true, it is in the Daily Star.
Former Arsenal winger Brian Marwood was appointed City’s football administrator in March and has persuaded owner Sheikh Mansour the Frenchman is the man to turn the club into title challengers and Champions League regulars, according to the red top.
Marwood and Wenger are said to have a “very good relationship”.
And the Daily Mirror reveal that Burnley boss Owen Coyle has failed in a bid to take Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere on loan for the rest of the season.
Coyle made the request before Wednesday’s meeting between the two sides at Turf Moor.
Fabregas set for swift return.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is awaiting scan results on Cesc Fabregas’ hamstring injury but is optimistic the problem is “not long term”.
Fabregas limped off before the break during the draw with Burnley in a match that left Wenger fuming at the fixture compilers and the Premier League defending their schedule. Wenger immediately ruled his captain out of the clash against Hull on Saturday, although the injury may not be as bad as first feared.
“If it is a tear it is a small one and the maximum would be 10 days. So it is not long-term.” said Wenger.
“Cesc had a scan today (Thursday). We have not had the result yet. The only thing that is sure is that he will not play on Saturday.
“Beyond that, it all depends on the scan. Is it a tightness that just presents a small risk on Saturday or is it a slight strain - grade one or two? We’ll know that later.”
Arshavin bullet downs Liverpool.
Andrei Arshavin netted the winner as Arsenal came from a goal down to beat Liverpool 2-1 in an entertaining Premier League encounter at Anfield.
Fernando Torres returned from injury for the hosts, who took a deserved lead on 41 minutes through Dirk Kuyt’s stabbed effort from close range.
But an eight-minute spell after the break saw the game turned on its head as an own-goal by Glen Johnson was swiftly followed by a sensational strike from Arshavin.
Victory sent the Gunners back into third place, three points behind Manchester United in second, but with a game in hand on the champions.
Liverpool’s sixth league defeat of the season sees them stay in seventh, level on points with Birmingham City.
Battle for Balotelli.
Arsenal and Chelsea are set to do battle over the signing of striker Mario Balotelli.
The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has lined up the fiery Internazionale striker to join in January with Robin van Persie out with a long-term injury, and reports in Italy claim that the Gunners are ready to pay £18m for him.
However, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has spoken of his admiration for the 19-year-old, and will be looking to bolster his own attack with Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou off to the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of next year.
Ancelotti said: “I would sign a player like Balotelli. I like him and he would always be in my first team.”
The same paper also reports that Chelsea are chasing another teen striking sensation, Brazilian forward Neymar. The 17-year-old has scored nine goals in 31 appearances for Santos on his debut season.
Walcott adds to Wenger woes.
Arsene Wenger’s problems this week have mounted with the news England winger Theo Walcott has picked up a hamstring injury and will miss Saturday’s Barclays Premier League clash against Stoke.
The hamstring complaint is described by Arsenal as “short term”, and Walcott will be desperate to return as soon as possible as he is yet to complete a match this season after shoulder and knee problems.
Wenger also has Alex Song suspended for the Stoke game at the Emirates Stadium but right-back Bacary Sagna has recovered from his ankle injury.
“We had Sagna out injured but, normally, he will be available,” said Wenger. “However, Theo Walcott will not be available. He has a hamstring injury.
“As for the other players we had injured, the long-term ones I do not even speak about. But the players who looked to be shorter - like (Gael) Clichy, (Abou) Diaby and (Nicklas) Bendtner - will not be available. And, of course, Song is suspended for the weekend.”
