FIFA 12 is easy now i've put Ashley Young in goal, his diving is 99 #disgrace
By AnfieldCat

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has criticised football's governing bodies for their "conservative" reaction to the need for video technology.

Wenger has long bemoaned the lack of technology in football and has again called for the availability of video replays for referees.

The criticism follows a number of dubious decisions, including referee Martin Atkinson's failure to spot a knee-high challenge by Mario Balotelli on Alex Song and decision to award Chelsea their second goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur when replays suggested the goal should not have stood.

As officials come under ever-increasing pressure and scrutiny, Wenger believes that football authorities have been too slow to react.

"I would like to assess the situation as a whole at the end of the season," Wenger told the club’s official website.

"Last weekend was a very bad weekend, but we need to assess the global situation.

"I think the football authorities need to sit together and see how we can improve it. It is time for us to help the referees and not be so conservative and finally opt for video."

Wenger counters claims that video technology would stem the flow of the game or undermine the authority of referees.

He says the technology would improve the game on both those fronts, offering referees more protection and improving the flow.

"Video will help the referees, not question their authority. It will give them more credit, more authority and [produce] fewer mistakes," he said.

"We need instant video replays on the demand of the referee. It would not stop the game. It would sometimes give an even bigger flow to the game.

"Why? Because if I am a linesman and the offside situation is a 50/50, I am tempted to stop the game. If I know I have video behind me I am likely to let it go. You could improve the flow of the game and then check after."

He added: "I believe that football is the [number one] sport in the whole world but we have to accept that we have a more conservative approach than any other sport."

Johan Djourou has insisted that Arsenal cannot take a fatigued Chelsea for granted when the two clubs clash at Emirates Stadium in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

The 25-year-old Ivorian started alongside Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the defence for the Gunners as they crashed to a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to lowly Wigan Athletic.

And Djourou believes that Arsenal must step up their game against Chelsea to help seal third place, and with it qualification for next season's Champions League group stage.

"They still want to have Champions League football next season as well so we know it is going to be a tough game," he told Arsenal's official website.

"Obviously they have a lot of fixtures, the two Barcelona games are [either side of Saturday's derby] but we don't really concentrate on that. We have to be focused on our game and be focused on what we do best.

"We need to play football the way we did against Manchester City and Wolves, that is the sort of situation we have to get back into. We have to show that again. Unfortunately it wasn't the case against Wigan but we have to be sure it is there on Saturday."

Arsenal missed the chance to extend their hold on third spot to eight points against Wigan, but the Swiss international still feels the North London side are in pole position.

"Of course we are and we would rather be in that situation," he said. "It was a disappointing result, we know that, and now we have to dig in and just go forward because Saturday is around the corner and we have to make sure we are ready for that."

Wojciech Szczesny, the new face of Pepsi in his homeland, has been speaking to the Polish press as part of his commercial responsibilities for the sugary drinks company and managed to get a dig in at Chelsea whilst also discussing his domestic and international duties.

Speaking to Goal.pl, the 21-year-old keeper, continued where he left off in interviews with Sky at the weekend by revealing that he was frustrated by another trophyless season at the Emirates.

“I cannot say anything other than that this season was not successful, we are not happy with it because we did not win any trophy, and this is what we fought for.”

The charismatic Pole, who will line up as his country’s number one (ahead of Lukasz Fabianski) when Euro 2012 kicks-off in Warsaw in June, made clear that Premier League disappointment had not dampened his enthusiasm for the challenge awaiting this summer.

“I intend to win the Euros, I do not know to what extent it’s a dream, but that’s the objective and I will fight with all my strength to achieve this.

While the joint hosts are certainly long-shots for international glory, the strength of Borussia Dortmund trio Jakub Błaszczykowski, Robert Lewandowski, Łukasz Piszczek certainly hints at a bright future.

“Robert, Jakub and Lukasz are in excellent shape. Jakub is our captain and always gives his all to the team, Lukasz is is one of the best right-sided defenders in the world, and Robert is a splendid forward. We have a really good team.”

Lewandowski in particular has caught the eye in the Bundesliga leading the line for the reigning champions as they close in on a second successive title. Asked if he felt whether his compatriot could succeed in England, Szczesny explained that he’d have no qualms having the 23-year-old hitman on the books at Arsenal. (Disclaimer: This is not Arseblog News linking this fella with a move to Arsenal)

“Robert is in great form, he’s scored 20 goals already this season including the goal against Bayern which basically assures Borussia will be champions. His style would suit the Premier League and I’d accept him at Arsenal with open arms.”

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s massive clash with Chelsea, Szczesny was also asked to give his thoughts on the Stamford Bridge side’s chances against Barcelona, a side he faced in last year’s Champions League.

“For me I think Chelsea will draw with Barcelona at home, but in the second leg at the Nou Camp they’ll get a good thrashing.”

Fair play to Wojciech, I suppose he’s just saying what we’re all thinking and hoping. He’d better back up his cheekiness with a stellar performance this weekend.

Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has admitted Eden Hazard would fit the Arsenal mould, and the Gunners are a much better fit for the winger then rivals Spurs.

The Belgian international has been linked with a host of top clubs around Europe, however the Premier League is most preferred destination for the forward as he looks to prove his talent at an elite club on English soil.



Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and the Gunners have been heavily linked with the Lille man who has been making headlines all season, with United looking the most likely destination with their title winning credentials and Fergurson spotted watching the 21-year-old in action recently.

But it’s Arsenal where former team mate Cabaye believes Hazard will shine rather than Spurs where there are instabilities relating to the unknown future of manager Harry Redknapp.

Cabaye told L’Equipe:

I am friends with Eden and if he comes to England then it will be good news for the Premier League.

Tottenham or Arsenal? I recommend Arsenal. Spurs is a good club now but it’s not clear who will be coach next season.

Arsenal would be good for Hazard. Wenger speaks French and mentally Lille have a similar philosophy to Arsenal. I don’t know if conversations are advanced but Arsenal would be the best club for Hazard.


Manchester United are rumoured to have moved for the ‘Argentine Christiano Ronaldo’ which could potentially throw a spanner in the works for Hazards move to the current Premier League leaders, but will Wenger sanction a big money move for the talented Lille forward?

His wages and transfer fee alone is likely to blow Arsenal’s budget for the summer and whether he can succeed on the big stage is another question to be answered too as the English league is a totally different kettle of fish to the French Ligue 1.

But I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if Hazard does indeed head to the Emirates as he would provide plenty of competition to the likes of Walcott, Gervinho and Miyaichi for the wide positions and maybe Wenger has other ideas about Oxlade-Chamberlain playing more centrally sooner than we expect.

It’s that time of the year again when the league’s top players are shortlisted for the inaugural PFA’ Player of the Year award. Arsenal’s talisman skipper Robin van Persie, Manchester City boasting a trio of Joe Hart, David Silva and Sergio Aguero, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Tottenham Hotspurs’ Scott Parker are the nominees, but van Persie is being touted as a clear favorite for the title.

The Dutchman has had a sparkling season in front of goal for Arsenal, scoring 34 goals this season, and has also set a new record for Arsenal by scoring 35 goals in the calendar year of 2011, surpassing the great Thierry Henry. Van Persie is the best bet for clinching the award this year.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor sang praises of the 28-year old, as he said, ”He has been amazing. When you think of the players Arsene Wenger has brought to the club – he came from Feyenoord for £2.75million I think and that is incredible really.

“When you think of (Dennis) Bergkamp, (Ruud) van Nistelrooy, (Marco) van Basten – he is in that mould of absolutely top-class strikers that Holland, quite phenomenally, manages to produce.

“You could pick half a dozen of his goals out for goal of the season.

“Arsenal were struggling for some time but he was a real talisman for them.

“He seems to have lifted the team and got them back believing in themselves again and looking to qualify for the Champions League, giving all the Arsenal fans some hope.”

Real Betis have joined a whole host of La Liga clubs interested in signing Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, who is currently on loan at Real Sociedad.

The Mexican international has enjoyed a brilliant season on loan with Real Sociedad, scoring 10 goals in 30 appearances with the highlight being a superb strike against Barcelona at Camp Nou earlier in the year.

His performances have his current club Real Sociedad interested in a permanent deal but with finances low at the Basque club, a deal has yet to be made.

Now, according to Diario de Sevilla, Real Betis are lining up a swoop for the Arsenal forward and it is thought that an offer of around £2m is likely to see English club Arsenal let Vela leave.

Vela joined Arsenal in 2005 but has since enjoyed five loan spells with Celta Vigo, Salamanca, Osasuna, West Brom and now,Real Sociedad.

Espanyol have also shown interest but once again are unsure the exact amount of money they will available at the end of the season, after finances at the club have once again dipped.

Arsenal defender Andre Santos has thanked Mikel Arteta for helping him adapt to life in England, having moved to the Emirates Stadium from Fenerbahce last summer.

The Brazil international signed for the Gunners on the final day of the transfer deadline in August; the same day Areta completed his move to Arsenal from Everton.

While the latter has flourished during his brief spell in north London, the former has struggled somewhat to adapt, owing predominately to a sustained period on the sidelines.

Santos spent three months out of action after damaging ankle ligaments, but has returned to the fold hoping to claim a regular place in Arsene Wenger's first-team once more.

Despite his injury setback, the 29-year-old has clearly enjoyed his short time with Arsenal, and has outlined Arteta in particular as the colleague to have eased his transition to English life.

“I get on well with every single one of the players, I treat and respect everyone equally and vice versa,” Santos told Arsenal Player.

“Mikel Arteta is Spanish and our languages are quite similar so he is helping me the most.

“He is always giving me instructions about the Premier League. He played for Everton for a long time and arrived at Arsenal at the same time as I did so he helped me settle.

“We’re always messing around in the changing room, on the pitch during the warm up; he’s always saying something to make me laugh or calling me nicknames but it’s always good spirited with no harm. We work together every day and need these moments of distraction."

Santos is in contention to start against Chelsea on Saturday, and scored his only league goal for Arsenal so far in the 5-3 thriller at Stamford Bridge on October.