By Ian Grant
As ANR enters its eighth year: Happy New Year to all readers. Here’s a quick news review to send off the year.
TEAM
Arsenal are the only club in the four English divisions unbeaten on their [Premiership] travels this season.
But Arsenal head the ‘discipline’ league with 48 yellows and 5 reds. Ray Parlour has taken over the mantle as ‘baddest boy’ from Vieira with 3 yellows and 2 reds.
WENGERSPEAK
On the sendings off, Wenger said: “Maybe we should practise playing with 10 in training.”
And in general:”My team has belief and character. The team’s soul and togetherness has been outstanding.”
And on the style of play:”Our football is based on pace, movement and commitment, and sometimes we go a bit overboard on the third quality, but we never go into any game intending to kick somebody.”
On the number of cards he said:”We try to play very fast. We are always taking the game to the opponents and that often leads to irregular tackles.”
On Anelka, Wenger said: “Liverpool have done a great deal with Anelka. He is a hugely talented player with a lot of hunger after his disappointments.”
PLAYERS
Thierry Henry said:”There is never any pressure on me when I step up to take a penalty. Not even in front of the Kop.”
Freddie Ljungberg confessed he loves rotation:”Sometimes the boss leaves me out of a match. And I am grateful because I can rest.”
Ljungberg acknowledges his game is based on speed not strength. “As long as I know I’ll play in the important games, I’m happy.”
On defending himself against being kicked, he said: “It was very difficult. I had to work at it. But don’t forget I have a good coach.”
On going to other teams:”I don’t dream of shirts or cities. My dream is to be in a winning team.”
It emerged that Patrick Vieira is a shareholder in World Sports Solutions, the sports marketing group. WSS advise Vieira on his business affairs.
Thiery Henry leads Hasselbaink in the scoring charts.
According to the S.Mirror, Arsene Wenger is ready to offer Martin Keown a new two-year deal to ensure he ends his career at Highbury.
Wenger and vice-chairman David Dein met Robert Pires’ advisers to discuss an improved and extended contract, according to the Observer.
Arsene Wenger has asked whether he can keep Kanu and Lauren wanted by their respective countries for the African Nations Cup, until after the Liverpool game. They are expected to be away one month.
MISCELLANEOUS
People are writing Man U off at their peril: United, sixth in the table after 17 games this season, occupied the same position after 17 games in 1996-97, when they went on to win the championship by seven points.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea spent more than 40 million pounds on wages in the 1999-2000 season, according to Deloitte and Touche
Jerzy Dudek said:”The set-up at Arsenal’s training complex, which is one of the most modern facilities in European football, was incredible. I could not believe my eyes. It was so luxurious and so impressive.”
And on Wenger:” “He is one of those people in football who players want to work with and who they want to fight for. I think he is the ideal manager in modern European football. His ideas and philosophy about the game say it all.”
TRANSFER TALK
Arsenal are said to be monitoring the form of Benfica’s £24 year-old German goalkeeper, Robert Enke. Benfica may allow Enke to leave in the New Year for a fee in the region of £2m because he’s Bosmanised in June.