Footballbits and pieces

Two games, two wins and nine goals, this season’s Champions League has so far seen Arsenal at their best. Arsene Wenger has doggedly stuck to his pure footballing philosophy in recent years despite the lack of silverware leading to ever more vocal criticisms of his methods. On their day they are beautiful to watch, their [...]

Dedryck Boyata saw red for City after just five minutes after he brought Marouane Chamakh down with the striker through on goal. Samir Nasri put the Gunners ahead before Fabregas saw Joe Hart save his penalty after the Spaniard had been fouled by Vincent Kompany. But further goals followed in the second half for Alex [...]

Can you trust this man? Arsene Wenger admits he’s lied ‘for a good cause’ • Ferguson denies Rooney rift • Wenger rules out deal for Pires Ferguson has explained Rooney’s lack of match time in recent weeks by saying the Manchester United striker has had an ankle injury, but Rooney this week told reporters that was never [...]

Arsene Wenger believes that inexperience is no excuse for his youthful Arsenal side as the French tactician looks to secure his first trophy in five years. The Gunners have not tasted domestic success since lifting the FA Cup in 2005 after  a penalty shootout victory over Manchester United. Analysing the reasons behind the drought Wenger [...]

GettyImages Theo Walcott netted a hat-trick for the Gunners as Blackpool were swept aside at the Emirates Ian Holloway spoke pre-match about the need to ensure Blackpool’s dream afternoon did not turn into a nightmare in North London, but his players failed to heed the warning as they returned to the changing room at half [...]