By Ian Grant
PLAYERS
Arsenal’s front pair at the Valley, Fredrik Ljungberg and Kanu have scored two goals in 36 Premiership appearances between them this season.
The Guardian says that Emmanuel Petit being replaced by Gilles Grimandi has always looked a case of replacing the dash of Marshal Ney with the swagger of Marshal Murat.
The Times and BBC both say that the lack of Petit is the problem behind Arsenal’s lack of form. “Had Vieira been barged around with Petit next to him, Petit would have taken the load while Vieira regained his composure,” said the former.
The inclusion of the Lithuanian forward, Tomas, means that Arsenal already match Chelsea in having used players of 14 non-British nationalities during 2000.
According to the Mirror, Arsene Wenger has offered new deals to David Seaman and Tony Adams. Wenger, it says, is confident they will sign new contracts along with Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira within the next month.
It adds that Ray Parlour has signed a one-year extension to his current deal that will virtually keep him at the club for the rest of his career.
Thierry Henry won Andy Gray’s vote for player of 2000. He also won Gary’s choice for goal of the season against Manchester United at Highbury.
WENGERSPEAK
Arsene Wenger said:”I am ready to spend money and if anyone knows players of the level of Tony Adams who I can find, I would like his name.”
And:”When you play for Arsenal you must fight for every ball and [take] more responsibility.You can dream about how good you are but the table tells you the truth.”
And:”I feel that away from home we don’t perform well enough to say that we will finish second or third or even sixth,” Wenger said.
Wenger said after the Sunderland game: “If you stop Patrick playing, then Arsenal have a problem.”
OLD BOY
Wimbledon are keen to offload the ex-Arsenal striker John Hartson and are ready to accept a £4 million offer from Serie A strugglers Brescia. Saving grace is that Hartson may partner Roberto Baggio.
TRANSFERS?
The Sunday Mirror reports Arsenal interest in Coventry’s goalkeeper Magnus Hedman on one page and a “secret” £4.5m deal with Feyenoord for Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek on another, while also claiming a £1.75m offer from Lens for Alex Manninger has been turned down.
Arsenal have confirmed they turned down an offer from Lazio to take Robert Pires on loan for the rest of the season.
MISCELLANEOUS
Peter Reid said: “I still think we are a long way behind Manchester United and Arsenal. It is a very difficult league – we are moving the right way but you have to do it over the whole season.”
Charlton fans were singing: “One-nil but not to the Arsenal.”
The RAF skydiver, Nigel Rogoff, who was critically injured in a charity parachute jump into Aston Villa’s football ground when Arsenal were the visitors, is to become a father of twins by the nurse who helped save his life. It was thought at the time his injuries would prevent him having children.
Outgoing Celtic chief executive Allan MacDonald insists that the club were prepared to sell Henrik Larsson to either Manchester United or Arsenal in 1999, but that he was instrumental in stopping it.
Cardiff City said that if punters bring in the shirt of an English League club, including Arsenal shirts, before 1 March, we’ll give them a 25% discount on a new City shirt. They will also get a free Welsh flag to remind them of their allegiance. There’s also talk of a shirt bonfire in the city.