Wenger on Mertesacker's Defensive Struggles

Per Mertesacker is gaining a reputation at Arsenal, and so far, it isn't a good one. The German international has found it difficult in England so far and has been caught out on a number of occasions by the pace of the League, making some costly errors at the back which have not gone unnoticed.

This week-end he will have been counting his lucky stars that a man named Robin van Persie exists and plays up front for Arsenal, as he was able to cover up the calamitous blunder which saw Mertesacker gift the ball to Norwich's Steve Morison who gave the Canaries the lead. Van Persie grabbed a double to come from behind and win the three points, but it was another error which has Arsenal worried.

However, Arsene Wenger is well known for his unwavering faith in players whom he believes can improve, and the 27 year-old summer signing is no different. In fact, the French manager believes that he can learn from another defender who took some time to settle in at the Emirates; Laurent Koscielny. Wenger said:

“He had not completely recovered [fromthe internationals]. It is a different game in England, a very demanding gamefor the defender. In every second of the game you arereally tested with full commitment, and it takes some time to adapt." 

“We have seen that with [Laurent]Koscielny, who played at right-back and was exceptional. Last year he would not have delivered this kind ofperformance because you learn that from fighting in every game. That is why itis so difficult to buy defenders from abroad.”

Arsenal have conceded only seven goals in their last 8 matches in all competitions - a vast improvement to the beginning of the season which saw them concede 8 in just one game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The side are improving and growing in confidence with every game, but tightening up at the back and ironing out individual errors would go nicely with the sides recent form to propel them further up the table and add even more consistency to their play.

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Man City vs Newcastle United Live Stream Highlights 19 November 2011

League leaders Manchester City will be taking on Newcastle United in what will be a very exciting match and it will be interesting to see whether two inform sides can put together a good match or not. Manchester City might struggle in this match due to the fact that most of their players where on International duty and they will have to be at their sharpest against a very solid looking Newcastle United side who have had a wonderfull season so far.

Manchester City are currently leading the league tables by 5 points in the league as their nearest rivals Manchester United have 26 points on the table while and City have 31 which gives them another great oppertunity to put pressure on United by increasing the lead to 8 points atleast for couple of hours as United will will be playing against Swansea later that day.

Newcastle United on the other hand are currently 3rd in the league with 25 points which is massive, and they have been absolutely sensational so far in the league and from the looks of things they will definately put Manchester City under real pressure. You can tune in here to get the live updates, results and match highlights.

Manchester City vs Newcastle United:
English Premier League
Date: 19 November 2011 - Time: 15:00 BST
Venue: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester

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Watch: Arsenal's Joel Campbell Goal vs Spain

Arsenal's 19 year-old Costa Rican striker, Joel Campbell, currently on loan at the French side FC Lorient scored an impressive goal against the World and European Champions Spain on Tuesday night.

This was the young strikers third goal internationally in his seventh appearance for Costa Rica, and it will certainly be one to remember - against such fantastic opposition. This kind of skill in front of goal is what Arsenal have to look forward to having signed the youngster in August of 2011 amidst interest from several other top clubs. Watch his goal below:

 

After going two goals ahead, Costa Rica then lost their surprise lead thanks to strikes from David Silva and David Villa meaning the final score settled at 2 - 2.

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England 1-0 Spain Highlights Lampard Goal Video 12 November 2011

In the International Friendly match to be played on 12 November 2011 we will have England taking on World and European Champions Spain in what will be a huge match for both the sides for different reasons. Fabio Cappelo's England will be looking to get under the skin of spain by playing some good football and they will have to do that without some of the key players non more important than Wayne Rooney who after being suspended for the opening 3 matches of the Euros wont be part of England plans for next summer probably.

Spain on the other hand will be looking to keep their supermacy asserted on England and other big European Nations when they take on them and although this is just a friendly match we will see a thorough competitive game where Spain will be hoping to get another win over England who are quite young side and they will be looking to use different combinations and maybe try to compare the progress since the Football World Cup 2010.

You can tune in here to get the match highlights as well as the match updates and results which will be available after the match is over, It is one of the finest matches this week and loads of people looking forward to see this game live.



England vs Spain:
International Friendly Match:
Date: 12 November 2011 - Time: 7:45 BST
Venue:

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Arsenal Midfielder Considering Leaving

The last thing Arsenal want to be doing this winter is letting their best players go. Offers to take Robin van Persie away from the club seem inevitable, with Inter Milan and Real Madrid just a number of sides apparently preparing bids. However, Arsenal may face losing a player who is currently a lot less involved in first team proceedings like the club captain.

Francis Coquelin, Arsenal's 20 year-old defensive midfielder is giving serious thought to quitting the club during the January transfer window because of the "annoying" lack of first team football. He is frustrated that despite his season long loan to the French side FC Lorient last season to gain valuable experience, he has not been given enough of a chance so far with Arsenal.

The France Under 21 international has started just two games this year, with a total of five appearances, but he is not satisfied by his use by the London club. His performance at Old Trafford in Arsenal's humiliation at the hands of Manchester United was seen as a shining light among a number of awful performances - particularly defensively, but once player began to return from injury as well as the addition of Mikel Arteta to the side, first team opportunities have become scarce. He said:

"I thought I had a shot to play so I decided to stay at Arsenal. I played a lot at first, even big games, but when players came back from injury I just disappeared."

"It is often said that when you are young you have time but I played a whole season at Lorient and now I'm virtually not playing at all. It's annoying. Given my playing time for sure the idea of a departure this winter is in my head."

It is rare when players speak out against Arsene Wenger's decision making; the sides experienced Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin confirmed as much when he said recently: "Wenger is a very strict manager… nobody at Arsenal even thinks to talk him into changes when it comes to football issues." 

So Coquelin's quite public show of irritation of Wenger's decision making may not go down too well. However, it is, if viewed in a more positive light, a clear sign that the youngster is eager to play and confident enough to perform at the highest level. One thing is for sure; the next time he gets a first team place, he must prove he's worth it.

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Arsenal Face Big January Bids for Van Persie

A look down the list of clubs supposedly preparing a January move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, and you will see the likes of Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and AC Milan. They are some of the biggest and most prestigious football clubs in Europe - but considering van Persie's sensational form in the Premier League, their interest is hardly surprising.

Arsenal without Robin van Persie at the moment would be a disaster; his 13 goals and 4 assists this season have carried Arsenal through number of difficult games which would have been lost or drawn in his absence. Keeping hold of the Dutchman is essential. These words will therefore give something for fans to cling ahold of as the January window draws nearer: "I am committed to Arsenal and that's how it is."

The words of Netherlands legend Marco van Basten will also give Arsenal hope that van Persie decides to sign a new Arsenal contract rather than move to another club. "Robin must not leave Arsenal," he said. "Arsenal have the most ­amazing stadium, they have a style of play, they have a ­beautiful shirt – in every way I consider Arsenal as the ­ultimate football club. It is the club where Robin belongs."

However, a number of reports have claimed that Arsenal must prepare themselves for inevitable bids for their star striker from Inter Milan in particular, whose new manager Claudio Ranieri, is looking for stronger attacking options having seen the side score only 2 goals at home so far this season. Inter sit a place above the relegation positions and desperately need to buck their ideas up, and hope to start with a few new January signings. But would van Persie really want to leave Arsenal  a side now going strong in the top half of the Premier League for Inter  a side struggling to keep their heads above the water in Serie A?

Arsene Wenger will surely not be accepting any offers for van Persie any time soon, so it is unlikely that a £25.8 million bid from Real Madrid would succeed in persuading him to rip the heartbeat from Arsenal's squad. Madrid may interest van Persie, but it remains unlikely, especially considering his exclamations of loyalty to the London club that he will be leaving this January.

He has 18 months remaining on his contact, and at 28 is at his peak - so it is only natural the interest in him is there. Unfortunately for anyone else, Wenger's and Arsenal's interest in selling him is nil, so bar a miracle, you can most definitely rule out any January move for now.

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Manchester United to Sign Exciting Midfielder

Manchester United's uninspiring midfield has been exposed on several occasions this season, and despite the club sitting in a respectable second position, improvement is clearly needed.

While the signing of PSV's 15 year-old attacking midfielder, Andreas Pereira, is not the marquee signing many Manchester United fans would have liked to see added to the midfield, it is yet another building block that Sir Alex Ferguson has added to his magnificent Old Trafford empire, built over and over again throughout the past 25 years of unrivalled success.

United managed to steal the youngster from underneath a number of high profile clubs' noses, including Premier League rivals Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea as well as Italian giants, AC Milan. It seems Pereira, who was not able to sign a professional contract with PSV because of his young age, was impressed with the treatment he received from United, having several tours of Old Trafford as well as a meeting with Sir Alex himself. He said:

“I knew that PSV had given me my chance, but Manchester United is obviously a great club, other British clubs were interested. I thought about it, but Manchester United is a dream club for me. I have been a few times to Manchester United to have a look.”

“I got a tour and spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson. Being a 15-year-old and being able to talk with him is great!

Pereira is yet another promising young talent, described as the 'best in the world for his age,' who will no doubt be a huge part of a future United squad, slotting in alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison and Ryan Tunicliffe in United's exciting system filled with potential stars.

Manchester United have had to move the impressive Wayne Rooney into the middle to make up for the lack of central midfield prowess, especially in the absence of several key player including another youngster who has managed to rise to the top, Tom Cleverley. January will see the arrival of the Brazilian-born Belgian Pereira, but do not be surprised to see United linked to a number of more established central midfielder's too.

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