Time for Arsenal to move on

Guest Article, Written by @Kevin_Mega

I was saddened to see Cesc Fabregas leave Arsenal as I wasn’t expecting him to leave this season. I was so confident that he would stay that I made a bet at the end of last month that we would see him captaining Arsenal this season. But he’s gone now, he gave arsenal eight years of great service and he will be sorely missed but it’s now time for Arsenal to move on.

As Wenger built the side around Fabregas, I believe the team may struggle as no-one can replicate the service he provided to Arsenals attacking players. Statistics have showed that the teams win percentage decreases when he isn’t in the line up. So what now for Arsenal?

External Recruitment
Many fans will be calling for Arsenal to spend the money made from the Fabregas sale on a player who’s experienced and able to take over the creative duties. Many names have been suggested by the media including Mata and Jadson however Wenger ruled them out in his press conference this week.  A player who I would like for Arsenal to try and purchase is Wesley Sneijder but I don’t see it happening as he’s not your typical Wenger signing.

Acquiring new players will also depend on whether we qualify for the Champions League. Failure to qualify would be a catastrophe as it would lead to Arsenal not being able to buy the ‘super quality’ players Wenger wants, and the £25m we would receive if we win the tie would give Wenger the extra cash to invest in a new DM and a striker.

Frankly I don’t see Wenger being able to sign a player to match Fabregas’ quality so I see him using one of the many centre midfielders he has at his disposal.


Internal Recruitment
The players who can perform for Arsenal in the hole behind the striker are: Rosicky, Ramsey, Wilshere, and Arshavin. All those players at one point have played in the centre attacking midfield position, except for Arshavin who should at least be given a few games in that role to see how he plays as the other mentioned players have never really performed.

Before he came to Arsenal, Arshavin used to play behind the striker, so he would be more than capable of excelling in that role. I however don’t see Arshavin getting a chance to make his mark there as Wenger prefers playing him on the wing.

Rosicky played in that position last season and he didn’t exactly impress either. This season however, Wenger has placed him in a better position alongside Song and he’s played well in the few games we've seen.

Ramsey is a player I rate highly, who I know for a fact would have been playing alongside Song last season instead of Wilshere if it wasn’t for the recovery process involved in his horrific injury.

He still hasn’t recaptured his form, but with the departure of Fabregas, he could rediscover it and forge an impressive partnership with Jack Wilshere. We saw a glimpse of them playing together when they ran the midfield against Manchester United at the Emirates last season, and this is the option I would choose if I was the Arsenal manager, if not, play Rosicky along with Song and Wilshere ahead of them.

Change of Formation to 4-4-1-1
I doubt Wenger would do this but I would love if he bought a very good striker, possibly Benzema, who would partner Arsenal's new captain, Robin Van Persie in attack. I know RVP is great as a lone striker as he showed last season but he has tendencies to drift out of the danger area, leaving our full backs and wingers with no-one to supply crosses to.

If Wenger buys a great striker it would allow Van Persie to play like his idol, Bergkamp. He already has his shirt number, and now it’s time for him to play in his role behind the striker. This I believe, would be a better option than the ones I’ve already mentioned, but again, I don’t believe Wenger would consider this option because it would halt the progress of Ramsey and if he was to change formation he would have done so in pre-season.

To conclude, I hope Wenger doesn’t build a team around one player because that’s why Arsenal seem to be collapsing. The invincible team was great because it had 11 quality players performing, and many more on the bench. It is time now for Arsenal to work as a unit just like they did in 2007-08 season after Thierry Henry left. Wenger is already looking to the future with the acquisitions of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain,  Carl Jenkinson, Ryo Miyaichi and the promotion of several youngsters into the first team like E. Frimpong, Henri Lansbury and Benik Afobe. I support building for the future but at the moment we need more experienced players.

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So, What Does Sneijder Actually Want?

All he has to do, is say; "I, Wesley Sneijder, 27 year-old footballing Dutchman, can categorically deny that I will be leaving Inter Milan this summer." Perhaps then, this epic adventure through newspapers, gossip sites, Twitter feeds and professional bullsh*tters' "inside info", which has taken Manchester United fans from optimism to pessimism and back, but led nowhere really very productive, can end once and for all.

It seems so simple, yet the tangled, messy web which all of the rumours mixed with a touch of fact as well as misinterpreted quotes, has created, continues to spew out further information with no real substance at all. But dare we disbelieve it? Dare we brush it aside as nonsense? For all we know, the latest rumour that Wesley Sneijder is desperate to leave Inter Milan for Manchester United is absolutely true.

The past few weeks have been far quieter on the Sneijder to United front, but unsurprisingly, this week, more has "emerged." Sneijder has suddenly (and privately) changed his tune on a possible transfer away from Italy. Rather than see out the summer as an Inter player, quietly going about his business, he has (again, privately) stated that he wants a move.

He is "depressed," and "desperate" that his dream transfer to Manchester United has not materialised and feels as if he can do something about it. He has finally come to understand that asking for £200,000 per week in wages is simply not feasible, nor acceptable at a club like United, and has offered to lower his wage demands in order to force through a move.

With me so far? Believe any of it? No worries, there's only a little more to suffer through, as the final piece of the impossible puzzle is something Wesley will have to do in order to leave Inter; hand in a transfer request and force his way out.

As I said yesterday on Twitter, although I don't know Sneijder personally, I cannot see him showing the disrespect and dishonour of handing in a transfer request to a club that have treated him so well and that he loves so much. He loves Inter, he loves their fans and he loves the City, we know all of those things, but a transfer request, which is effectively saying; "thanks for everything, but I don't want to be here any more" would not be something I can see Sneijder doing.

Wayne Rooney did it, and look at the uproar among Manchester United fans it caused. Yes, he stayed, but it took a simply stunning overhead winner against United's fiercest rivals to win back most fans who chant his name loyally, and pay his wages.

It seems as if Wesley Sneijder is happy to stay at Inter, and happy to join Manchester United. Lets face it, it isn't a bad choice of clubs to play your football for, but if you really know what Wesley Sneijder wants and where he wants to play this season, you've either been told by the man himself, or are the man himself. The rest, are simply rumours.

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West Bromwich 1-2 Manchester United Highlights Video 14 August 2011

In the next match of the Premier League have which is the opening day fixtures we will have Champions of England taking on West Brom in the away tie which can be a very tricky match for the 19 time Champions of England. Sier alex Ferguson side has shown so much promise i nthe pre season that experts believe that this title is manchester's to lose and it will be interesting to see how this match goes about. West Brom will be hoping to keep the good run of form going as we will have all the live action of the match here which will be placed here shortly before it all starts.

Manchester United have bought in some very good players with the likes of Asley Young, Phil Jones in the squad which will only strenghten their Champions League Final playing squad. They will be hoping to go all the in this years Champions League while they have a good chance of making it another title in the 2011-2012 Premier League season.

West brom on the other hand will be looking to go out there and get a win under their belt, as they are playing at home and will be looking to go out there and get a good results. You can bookmark this page and comeback shortly before it all starts on the day to get the live streams and the match highlights.

West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United:
EPL Season 2011-2012
Date: 14 August 2011 - Time: 16:00 BST

Match Status and Highlights
[ West Brom 1-2 Manchester United ]
13' [0 - 1] W. Rooney











West Brom vs Manchester United Full Match CLICK HERE

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Stoke City vs Chelsea Live Stream Online - 14 August 2011

Blues will be opening their 2011-2012 Premier League season against Stoke City playing away from home which will be huge match for them as it always a very tricky match playing at the home ground of Stokey who are very physical and know their way playing against the big boys of the league. Chelsea who had a superb start last season but drifted horribly towards the middle of the season now will be hoping to against start with all three points and maintain the form throughout the season.

Chelsea did not spent big in the transfer window and they will be hoping to utilize their current squad to its full potential, although IF Torrest start to score goals for them he will be like a brand new signing who failed to impress since arriving at Stamford Bridge. While Lampard and Terry are no longer their players they use to be and it will take some extra effort to keep the pressure on United.

Stoke City on the other hand are kind of team who tend to play well at home and Chelsea will dind it very difficult to get all three points here. You can always tune in here to get the live action of the match here, which will be available closer to start of the match.

Stoke City vs Chelsea:
EPL 2011-2012
Date: 14 August 2011 - Time: 13:30 BST

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Germany vs Brazil Friendly Live Stream Online - 10 August 2011

Two of the biggest sides in the Football world will be taking on each other for the International Friendly match to be played on 10 August 2011 and it will be interesting to see how this match goes about. THe match will be between 3 time Champions of the World Cup Germany who will be hosting 5 time World Champions in what will be a very exciting match.

Germany are playing on top of their game at the moment, they have so many talented youngsters in their squad and they have had some great results in the past which was evident in the World Cup 2010 when not many people expected them to do well and they went on to be in the Semifinals where Only eventual Champions Spain defeated them.

Brazil on the other hand are no longer the force and team they use to be, they have lost some of their big name players and are going through a transational period where some of the youngsters are taking them forward. With the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos all gone it is now up to some of the young players to take up the charge.

Watch the live aciton of the match here, which will be avialable closer to start of the match.

Germany vs Brazil Friendly Match:
Date: 10 August 2011 - Time: 19:45 BST

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Arsenal's Miyaichi Granted Work Permit

Arsenal's 18 year-old Japanese midfielder has been granted a work permit and is now officially allowed to play for Arsenal in the Premier League.

Arsenal had lodged a special talent work permit late in July to allow him to play and work in England, and now that this has been accepted, his immediate future at Arsenal has been made a whole lot clearer.

Miyaichi has excited many around the world during his loan spell at Feyenoord when Arsenal were deciding his future as well as in his appearances in Arsenal's pre season games. He has been able to play in the pre season friendlies, as a work permit is only required for competitive games, such as the Premier League and FA Cup.

Arsene Wenger is clearly excited by the talent Miyaichi holds, showing his delight that the work permit has been granted, saying:

"We are absolutely delighted that Ryo has been granted a work permit. This is almost like a new signing for us as we weren’t completely sure we would be given the authorization. Ryo has worked extremely hard in pre season and performed well in the matches in Asia Germany and Portugal."

While the young attacking midfielder may not be put straight into the first team for the big games at Arsenal, it will be interesting to see some cameo performances in the Premier League, starting next week as well as competitions such as the Carling Cup.

 To find out more about Ryo Miyaichi, Click Here.

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AC Milan 2-1 Inter Milan Super Cup 2011 Highlights Video 6 August 2011

In the first competitive match in the Italian League we will have the traditional curtain raiser as two of the Milan sides go head to head for the Itlaina Super Cup 2011 on Saturday afternoon, 6th August 2011. We will have the live action of this match here, links will be placed here shortly before it all starts on the night and you can tune in here to get the live action just before it gets udner way. AC MIlan are coming into this match on the back of successful US Tour while Inter were also there and got some good match practice under their belt.

Inter Milan has been very poor since they won the treble and it will be interesting to see how this match goes about, as both of the sides are equaly matched although Inter do have some concerns over keeping their big names players with the likes of Snieder and Eto linked with two manchester clubs.

Itlaian Super cup always produced some great matches and this years we have the Milan Derby which itself is a big match and will be very exciting match to watch.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan Supercoppa:
Date: 6th August 2011 - Time:





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Match Result and Highlights
[ AC Milan 2-1 Inter Milan ]
22' [0 - 1] W. Sneijder
60' [1 - 1] Z. Ibrahimovic
69' [2 - 1] K. Boateng

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Obertan Agrees to Leave United

Manchester United are close to selling their young French winger, Gabriel Obertan to Newcastle in a £3 million deal.

The 22 year-old, who signed for United in 2009 after Cristiano Ronaldo had left for Real Madrid, has found it difficult to establish a starting spot and has rarely impressed at Old Trafford.

He was relatively unknown before his £3 million move to United, and after two seasons with only 28 appearances and one goal in total, as well as a bunch of reserve games in which he seemed a lot more comfortable, Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to say goodbye.

Few will be shedding a tear at the thought of Obertan departing United, but most at the club will wish him well for the future at a club whose fans may give him more time and exert less pressure or immediate expectation on an inexperienced, young, potential talent.

According to the Mail, the player has agreed a five year deal at Newcastle after discussing personal terms with Newcastle, with United expecting to recoup the fee paid for him in 2009.

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SPAIN DEFEATS ECUADOR 0 - 2 IN U-20 GROUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS GAME

Another example of early morning Football ( from a local Spanish time perspective), too early to watch locally,  that gave me good news when I checked the result this morning. The SPANISH U-20 FOOTBALL NATIONAL TEAM defeated 0 - 2 ECUADOR in ther Group match in Colombia where the FIFA U-20 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is being held. The win keeps SPAIN in top spot of the group with 6 points ( out of 2 games ) & assures their continued participation for the following phase. 

Spain u-20

Watching the highlights, it looked as if it was a tough day at the office for the Spaniards who faced a sticky & uncomfortable Ecuador that were, to say the least, frustrating for them. The Spanish team had to resort to SERGIO CANALES who has recovered from injury & came on in the second half to "open the can" & score in the 66 min. From here Ecuador was forced to open up to & attempt to find the equalizer & the spaces created allowed another substitute VAZQUEZ to score the second goal. Lastly, the red card to Ecuador which left them with 10 men did not help their cause, but that´s Football.

Overall, good victory & great result as Spain remains on course.

Details-starting 11:
Ecuador 0: Jaramillo; Pineida, Narváez, Quiñónez, Fuertes; Govea, Gaibor, Oña, Caicedo; De Jesús y Montaño.
Spain 2: Pacheco; Hugo Mallo, Bartra, Amat, Planas; Oriol, Koke, Isco, Pacheco; Tello y Rodrigo.


Goals: 0-1 (66'): Canales. 0-2 (85'): Álvaro Vázquez

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THREE SPANISH U-19 FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN UEFA "BEST XI"

UEFA has handed in this afternoon their list of "The Ideal U-19 Europen Team" after the U-19 European Championships ended yesterday with SPAIN proclaiming its 5th title. In the "Best XI" there are three Spanish Football players: Alex Fernandez, Deulofeu & Morata. I personally miss another Spanish Football youngster who I thought deserved a mention in the name of Ruben Pardo, however the UEFA experts thought something else.

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Manchester United vs Marseille Friendly Live Stream Online 2 August 2011

In the next friendly match to be played on 2 August 2011 we will have manchester United taking on Frendch side Olympic Marseille which will be a very interesting match I have to say. Manchester United are coming into this match on the back of winning the match against FC Barcelona in USA Tour which will be a really big boost to their moral just before the stat of the big season. Manchester United are playing on top of their game at the moment and they would like to keep the good run of form going in what will be a huge match.

Marseille on the other hand are kind of team who is playing on top of their game at the moment and it will be intesesting to see how this match goes about. Manchester United and Marseille meet in the last years Champions League knockout stages and it was United who came up as winners and sailed through to the next round.

You can always tune in here to watch the live action of the match here, which will be available shortly before it all starts on the night. You can come back here to get the live action.

Man Utd vs Marseille:
Date: 2 August 2011 - Time: 7:45 PM BST

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