By Ian Grant
TRANSFER TALK
The Sunday Express reckons Arsenal are lining up PSV Eindhoven’s Dutch international Marc van Bommel as a possible replacement, if Patrick Vieira leaves at the end of the season.
The Express and the News of the World’s both say that the German midfielder, and B international Torsten Frings, of Werder Bremen, is also being tracked by Arsenal. “Yes, Arsenal have been in touch with my agent,” he told German paper, Bild. Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin are also said to be interested.
The Sunday People says Arsenal are considering a move for Jerome Rothen, of Troyes, said to have a £2.5m get-out clause in his contract.
Wenger said yesterday that he’s not looking at the transfer market, and is not going to bring any new players in this season.
PLAYERS
In the Independent’s Premiership midfielder ratings, three Arsenal players make it to the top ten: Vieira is equal second; Pires is fourth; and Freddie Ljungberg is sixth. In the strikers’ section, Thierry Henry is second and Dennis Bergkamp sixth.
According to press speculation, the FA video panel are to look at two off the ball incidents: Vieira against Le Saux; and Keown against Ricard.
Sol Campbell said of his mis-hit back-pass: “I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t make mistakes. I think it was just too easy and I got a little bit sloppy. What else can you say? It’s not the best feeling. But all the lads responded, and in the second half it was 100 per cent better – the urgency was there. We were patient and the chances kept on coming. It’s good to have the belief. We know we can create chances and score goals.”
Ashley Cole will miss the Arsenal v Liverpool game after receiving his fifth yellow card.
According to the S.Mirror, Arsenal are preparing to offer keeper Stuart Taylor, 21, new terms. It is reported that Arsene Wenger wants him to sign a five-year contract.
It is also reported that David Seaman will not be fit for another month as he recovers from a shoulder operation.
Vieira and Henry made L’Equipe’s World XI fantasy team.
Wenger has asked FIFA for special permission to keep hold of Kanu and Lauren wanted by their respective countries for African Nations Cup duty, until after Arsenal’s match with Liverpool.
Wenger said: “They both want to stay as long as they can. I hope they will not leave until January 13 which is after the Liverpool game.
Lee Dixon and Francis Jeffers both back from injury, look timely replacements.
TEAM
The Observer’s Ian Ridley says: “Arsenal, with Tony Adams ready to return from injury at the same stage as he did in 1998 to lead them to the championship, look the best equipped for the run-in, though Nicolas Anelka might just prove an inspired signing to give Liverpool an edge.”
Sky TV’s Andy Gray says: “what I have seen of Arsene Wenger’s men in the past few weeks I am convinced they have the players, desire, ability and determination to take the Premiership crown back to Highbury. Arsenal went top yesterday and I think they will win it even though their inconsistency can drive you crackers.”
MISCELLANEOUS
Noel Whelan said on the Pires goal on Saturday: “He [the referee] must have been p*****. It is a massive mistake by the ref and anybody will see that when they watch it on television tonight. It looks like the game was too big for him and he’s cost us with that decision.”
At time of writing, the latest Hills Premiership odds are: 6-4 Man Utd; 2-1 Arsenal; 7-2 Liverpool; 13-2 Leeds; 16-1 Chelsea; 18-1 Newcastle; 200-1 Spurs;
Liverpool and Arsenal are at 14-1 and 20-1 respectively with Chandler to win the Champions League. But Manchester United are 11/2.
Liverpool head the FA Cup betting market at 9-2 with Hill’s. Arsenal are 6-1 with Surrey
Craig Bellamy has had his red card against Arsenal rescinded.
At time of writing, Chelsea are closing in on Arsenal with the most yellow cards in the Premiership: 44 to 48. Leicester have caught Arsenal in the red card league with five.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is attracting shorter odds to finish as the top Premiership goalscorer. Blue Square has cut the odds from 10-1 to 9-2 after his hat-trick against Southampton. He is currently on11 league goals compared with Thierry Henry’s 16.
WENGERSPEAK
Wenger said this week: “It was super by Dennis. There is a big competition for places here because we have so many world-class players but it does not affect squad spirit. Dennis certainly played his part but what’s important for me is the team and what you get out of players to make their best contribution.”
Arsene Wenger said Arsenal are paying the price [in terms of reds and yellows] for having so many matches shown live on TV, and also for having a bad boy reputation.
OLD BOYS
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Paolo Vernazza, who faced Arsenal yesterday said on his recent violent attack by a burglar:”I realised after that attack how valuable life is. I want to grasp the opportunity in football now.”
Pat Rice remembers a Cup tie at Watford in 1980: “The atmosphere in the Arsenal dressing room at half-time wasn’t too good.” David O’Leary, Graham Rix, Frank Stapleton and Pat Jennings were silent, but then Liam Brady spoke up. “Unless we get it together, this lot will kill us.” Arsenal won.