No more No 1: Manuel Almunia has officially lost
his place as Arsenal's top stopper, replaced by Wojciech Szczesny
Safe hands: Statistically Szczesny
has been Arsenal's best goalkeeper
CESC FABREGAS moved to defuse a potential row with Huddersfield after Arsenal's edgy 2-1 FA Cup win at the Emirates. Some Terriers players accused Fabregas of bad sportsmanship for refusing to swap shirts with them at the match's end.
But Fabregas steadfastly played down the claims and the Sun columnist insisted: "It was a complete misunderstanding - 10 Huddersfield players asked me for my shirt. But I only have two match shirts, which I happily handed out. "I am sorry the other eight didn't get a shirt but I physically didn't have any others to give away. What more could I do?"
Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that young Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract. 18 year-old Miyaichi has just completed taking part in the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament in his home country, where he represented Chukyodai Chukyo High School. In order to gain valuable experience, Miyaichi has joined Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord on loan for the remainder of the 2010/11 season to further develop his game.
Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said: Were delighted that Ryo Miyaichi has joined us. He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world. We wish him luck in Rotterdam with Feyenoord and we look forward to helping him with his continued progression when he returns to Arsenal. Everyone at the Club welcomes Ryo to Arsenal and wish him the best of luck during his time with Feyenoord.
SAMIR NASRI is desperate to stay at Arsenal and sign a new contract.
The French star has 18 months to see out but will accept a five-year deal worth £75,000-a-week. Nasri's agent, Jean-Pierre Bernes, revealed: "He's happy at the club, the coach believes in him, the directors believe in him as well. "He said to me, 'You won't believe the great atmosphere in the changing room, I've rarely experienced anything like this'."
Nasri, 23, arrived from Marseille in 2008 for £15.8million but is enjoying his best season. Meanwhile, Barcelona's Xavi last night risked the wrath of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger by insisting Cesc Fabregas will join the Catalan club. Xavi said: "Cesc's dream is to return to Barca. "He was formed here, he has the Barca DNA." Xavi's words are sure to infuriate Arsenal who face Barca in the Champions League in a fortnight.
ARSH BUT FLAIR ... Robin van Persie congratulates Andrey Arshavin
for his leveller
Laurent Koscielny anaweka kitu cha uhakika .... ......
Kama kawa wenye wivu wajinyonge .....
Wenger was asked by reporters at his pre-match press conference whether Fabregas had been the victim of a 'witch-hunt'. "Yes," replied the Frenchman. "We are long enough in the job to know that somebody picks on you for a while, and you are in the heat of the moment. "But for me what is the most important is the player behaves well.
"When Cesc is on the pitch, he tries to play football - I cannot say everybody who plays against him tries to do that. "For example, some people reproach him for not exchanging shirts with a player after the game - but I hope he will not exchange shirts with players who try to kick him for 90 minutes and then come to say 'please can I get your shirt?' I think that is a normal and natural reaction.
"Overall this guy is an example on the football pitch and shows you how to play football." Fabregas recently entered his third year as Arsenal captain and, according to his manager, the 23-year-old is getting stronger and stronger. "People are more demanding, and Cesc has to live with that," said Wenger. "It is not easy, but he is a very intelligent man and he will learn very quickly to cope with that.
"Cesc is 24 this year, he has played 250 games in the Premier League - at that age, it is absolutely remarkable. He has gone through a lot, difficult moments, but has always come out stronger - this guy is a fantastic leader."
Arsene Wenger hit back .... ... its all witch hunt .. ...
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