Arsenal FC @ Emirates All Gunner fans fall in

[gooner_gunner]

Arsenal is on course to qualify for knock out stage in champion league after beating Dutch team Alkimar 4-1, Fab scored 2 goals, Nasri and Diaby 1 each. Arshavin set up 3 goals.

[kiko]

Merida's future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, with Atletico Madrid keen to bring him back to Spain.

The 19-year-old's current contract expires next summer and Arsenal are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract.

However, Wenger admits other clubs have been undermining their attempts to agree a new contract with Merida and the Frenchman is not happy with the way Atletico Madrid have let their interest be known.

"He has an offer which he has agreed, but has not signed yet," said Wenger.

"Some clubs are doing their work behind our back to destabilise him. We cannot stop that, but it is a fact."

[kiko]

Carlo Ancelotti insists the Barclays Premier League title race is not a two-horse race between Chelsea and Manchester United and cites Arsenal as a real threat to his chances of winning the championship in his first season as boss at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues hold a two-point lead over United at the top of the table and entertain Sir Alex Ferguson's side in West London on Sunday.

But Ancelotti has played down the significance of the match and has revealed he is more concerned about Arsenal stealing a march on them.

The Chelsea manager said: 'We will play against the second team in the list of the Premier League, but I think that it's just a game that carries three points like the others.

'Arsenal have good possibilities to arrive in first place. We can't think about Liverpool at this moment because they are behind, but Arsenal have a very good team and a very good chance to win.'

Didier Drogba will provide Chelsea with their most potent threat but Ancelotti has called on other members of the team to take the pressure of the Ivory Coast frontman and step up and score goals.

[kiko]

Arsenal underlined their credentials as serious challengers for the Barclays Premier League title with an imperious 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Arsene Wenger's side were widely written off as also-rans after an unsettling pre-season, but they look increasingly capable of pushing Chelsea and Manchester United for the English crown.

The Gunners were at their eye-catching best at Molineux as own goals from Ronald Zubar and Jody Craddock were followed by strikes from Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin to move them above United into second place - two points behind leaders Chelsea.

Wenger's team are playing some of the best football in the country at present and are unquestionably the most lethal, with 55 goals in all competitions.

Arsenal, who have gone four seasons without a trophy, are determined to muscle in on the title race this season and 24 hours before United and Chelsea locked horns at Stamford Bridge, they put down their own marker.

They are averaging three goals a game and hit that mark before half-time with a mix of brilliance and sheer good luck.

Wolves played a major part in their own downfall, even though boss Mick McCarthy had insisted they would not roll over for the only team he would pay to watch in the top flight.

In a 14 minute spell, McCarthy's side did not so much roll over as get well and truly mauled.

Zubar started the downfall when he nudged Fabregas's 28th minute corner into his own net after goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a hash of collecting inside the six-yard box.

Wenger hardly needed any luck but it came in bucketloads for a team he reckons could be as exciting as his 'Invincibles', who went through the entire 2003-04 league season without defeat.

In the 36th minute, Eduardo's chip was heading miles wide of the far post until striking Craddock's head to loop over Hennessey.

If the first two were lucky, the third from Fabregas was pure class.

The Arsenal captain finished off a move he started on the half-way line after Robin Van Persie's brilliant lay-off.

McCarthy knows life at this level was always going to be tough and things are not likely to get any easier at Chelsea next week.

At least Wolves, who are third from bottom of the table, limited the damage in the second period and restricted Arsenal to a solitary strike from Arshavin.

The Russia winger volleyed in from the edge of the area - after a poor punch from Hennessey - to increase McCarthy's misery.

Craddock's 89th minute header will be no consolation for McCarthy who has another relegation scrap looming and the former Republic of Ireland manager has his work cut out to survive.

As for Wenger, he has a squad capable of really pushing United and Chelsea all the way this season.

Agence France-Presse

[kiko]

England striker Darren Bent fired title-chasing Arsenal to a first defeat in 14 games as Sunderland battled their way to victory.

• Bruce backs Bent's England claims

Bent struck 19 minutes from time to seal a tight contest after the Gunners had failed to make the most of the possession they enjoyed at the Stadium of Light.

It might have been different had keeper Marton Fulop not denied Tomas Rosicky with a vital fifth minute save or had referee Alan Wiley pointed to the penalty spot after substitute Carlos Vela went down in the box in injury time.

But the Black Cats battled all the way to the whistle to condemn the visitors to defeat for the first time since September 12.

At the start of the season, Sunderland had not beaten one of the traditional big four clubs since their return to the Barclays Premier League, but their victory today in front of a crowd of 44,918 was their first since they defeated Liverpool on Wearside on October 17.

The Gunners arrived on Wearside without star striker Robin van Persie, the subject of much discussion this week after opting for treatment on his injured ankle which included the use of horse placenta.

His absence, coupled with that of Nicklas Bendtner, left manager Arsene Wenger with few options in attack, although his team-sheet still made for impressive reading.

The Frenchman opted to field Rosicky and Samir Nasri in support of lone frontman Eduardo, and that meant he still had Andrey Arshavin in reserve on the bench.

But opposite number Steve Bruce had problems in central defence with Michael Turner suspended, and Paulo da Silva and John Mensah, back after six games out with a calf problem, found themselves fully extended at times during a tight first half.

Rosicky and Nasri repeatedly linked with Eduardo and skipper Cesc Fabregas, while Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Song kept Lorik Cana and Jordan Henderson occupied in the middle of the field.

The Gunners might have been in front as early as the fifth minute when Fabregas expertly turned Bacary Sagna's deep cross into the path of Rosicky, who forced a good save from Fulop with a well-struck volley.

Fabregas whistled a 13th minute drive just over the bar, but Fulop was a relieved man after Song and Eduardo had combined to carve their way into the penalty area with 32 minutes gone.

The pair exchanged passes on the edge of the box and Song continued his run, only to just fail to get a touch to Eduardo's shot as it ran agonisingly wide of the post.

In the meantime, Sunderland had created two chances of their own, both of them falling to Steed Malbranque from left wing crosses.

The first saw him fire just over from full-back George McCartney's ball in, but he skied the second, with Andy Reid this time the provider, high over the bar.

Arsenal resumed in much the same vein as they took the game to Sunderland, although they were still unable to pierce the Black Cats' defence.

But Sunderland produced a flurry of their own, full-back Armand Traore just managing to cut out Henderson's 52nd minute through-ball to Bent and keeper Manuel Almunia coming from his line to claim possession with Reid putting William Gallas under intense pressure seconds later.

Almunia's goal came under threat once again five minutes later when Reid drilled a long-range free kick just wide, and the Irishman then skied a snapshot high over the bar.

Wenger's response was to replace Ramsey with Arshavin, and Bruce quickly followed suit when he withdrew Malbranque and sent on Fraizer Campbell.

But it was Sunderland's newcomer who made a swift impact with 71 minutes gone, although he did not know a lot about it.

Bent's header from a Reid corner cannoned back off his legs at the far post and fell perfectly for his strike partner to smash it home before Almunia could get there.

Wenger immediately sent on Theo Walcott and Vela for Rosicky and Eduardo, but it was Arshavin who very nearly came to their rescue with three minutes remaining.

The midfielder got to Song's cross at the far post, but he could only direct his shot into the side-netting.

But the Gunners could not believe they were not awarded an injury time penalty for Campbell's challenge on Vela with referee Alan Wiley waving their appeals away.

# Bruce backs Bent's England claims

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce backed Darren Bent's claims on a place in England's World Cup squad after seeing him fire Arsenal to their first defeat in 14 games.

Asked if he would take Bent to South Africa if he were England manager, Bruce replied: "Absolutely, 100%. If there is a better one than him...we all know [Wayne] Rooney. But it's not just his goalscoring, his appetite and his work-rate are absolutely unbelievable.

"He played on his own today and ran a million miles for the team. For me, he would have to be [in the squad] because he scores a goal - he has scored against all the big clubs. I don't think he is going to be judged on a 55-minute friendly [appearance] in Qatar. I don't think Mr Capello will take any notice of that.

"I would have thought he will pick a team that's in form, and when you have got an outstanding goalscorer, as Darren is. That shows what type of person he is. His overall work-rate and attitude for it were terrific after what has been a difficult couple of weeks for him, missing [a penalty] at Tottenham and then the England debacle. But he has bounced back the way he should.''

Substitute Carlos Vela had appeals for a penalty waved away in injury time, but the Black Cats held firm to ensure the points remained on Wearside. Bruce said: "To beat Arsenal, you have always got to play well - and it wasn't one of those lucky ones either when Arsenal have missed chance after chance. That wasn't the case.

"We matched them in the middle of the park, and that was the key area to it. They are excellent in the middle of the park the way they play, they are so fluid. But defensively as a team, we set out a game-plan and stuck to it and got the result. It was terrific.''

Defeat left the Gunners eight points adrift of Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea, and manager Arsene Wenger admitted they had only themselves to blame. He said: "We lost a game and we can only fault ourselves because we didn't score. Some players were not at their best and we gave a goal away on the only situation where Sunderland could score one today, a set-piece, and that sums it up well.

"Rather than focusing on any individual, I believe it's more down to the fact that we made a big mistake on the corner, because the game was there for the taking in the last 20 minutes. But of course, 1-0 down makes it more difficult.''

Asked about the late penalty incident, Wenger said: "It's difficult for us to get penalties, even the most obvious ones.'' Asked further what he meant by that, he replied cryptically: "I mean nothing.''

[kiko]

We’re through to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the 10th season in a row thanks to last night’s 2-0 win over Standard Liege. Quite an impressive achievement, much more impressive than scoring nine goals against some shitkickers for example. That said, I doubt we’ll be bringing any DVDs out marking the occasion.

It was a slightly under strength line up but still enough to do the job. Eduardo was rested and Vela started as the centre forward, he was flanked by Nasri and Arshavin. Denilson returned to the starting line up for his 100th appearance and had a good game scoring a great goal for our second. Alex Song also had a good game, in fact he had a great game and was my man of the match by far. It’s just been announced he’s signed a new long-term contract which is great news. He’s come so, so far in the last year or two and has won over literally hundreds of thousands of Arsenal fans including myself. Here’s to a positive future!

We got going straight from kick off, keen to finish this one off early and get qualified. We could’ve easily been 3-0 up inside 15 minutes we were creating that many chances. Nasri should’ve scored in the 9th minute when he was put clear but pulled a totally unexpected Alex Hleb impression and decided to pass. A few minutes after that there was one of the most incredible goalmouth scrambles I’ve even seen including a powered shot from Vela six yards out blocked on the line and a Vermaelen volley only stopped from crossing the line by hitting Arshavin.

Whilst still at 0-0 there was a bit of a shock when Liege had a rare trip down our end and hit the post with swerving long-range effort. Ashburton Grove let out one of the biggest sighs of relief you’ll ever hear.

With half an hour gone there was a bad clash of head between Arshavin and Gallas. Although Arshavin looked to come off worse with blood streaming down his face, Gallas seemed a bit confused as to where he was and had a massive swollen eye.

Both were still receiving treatment when our opener came. After all our nicely built up moves it was a defensive error that lead to the first goal. A long ball was put forward and right at the vital moment the centre back slipped. Samir Nasri was close by to out a cool finish past the ‘keeper.

10 minutes later it was 2-0, Denilson marking his 100th game and return to the side with a dipping 30-yarder. The ‘keeper might’ve done better but credit to the Brazilian for the shot.

So we were 2-0 up at half time and cruising. It could’ve been plenty more but then again we could’ve easily been 1-0 down earlier in the half. Gallas was replaced by Silvestre at half time, I was surprised he was allowed to continue as long as he did really but hopefully he’ll recover ok to face his former club this Sunday.

We took the foot off the gas a little in the second half – there was just a two-goal lead (and we know how to let one of those slip) but we were by far on top and there never looked like there was going to be a come back from Liege. We didn’t stop trying or anything like that, but I don’t think anyone was worried about the result.

Theo Walcott replaced Nasri on the hour and a few minutes later Denilson came off for Thomas Rosicky as we pushed to consolidate our win. Theo looked alright, he still needs more games though before we start seeing the best of him again. He had one chance with an early shot from the corner of the box but it went the wrong side of the post.

Clearly not getting back in the game, the visitors resorted to violence in the second half. As the clock ticked on, they started flying in more and more. They had a player sent off late of for a clash of heads with Fabregas, the two squared up face to face after a challenge and Cesc did well not to react when he was ‘nodded’. You’d see a lot of others players rolling around on the floor but there wasn’t much in it, it was still head contact though and the red card was shown.

Right at the end we paid for Liege’s strong challenges. Kieran Gibbs, who has just come back from a bruised metatarsal has now broken his foot and will be out for 2-3 months. Just when he thought he had a bit of luck just coming off with a bruising with England, he’s now really going to miss his chance whilst Clichy is out. It’s a terrible shame for Gibbs and I hope he makes a strong recovery.

It means that either Traore or Silvestre will have to fill in. To be honest I think I would prefer Sagna and Eboue to play wing-backs against Chelsea but we’ll talk more about that in the build up to that game this week.

[rusaka]

Arsenal will beat chelsea.. Gunners go go go...

[kiko]

Arsenal leapfrogged Tottenham into third place in the Premier League with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Stoke.

• Wenger salutes Arshavin

Andrey Arshavin, who was by far the Gunners' best player, slotted home from a tight angle in the first half minutes after Cesc Fabregas had missed a penalty on his 250th appearance for the club.

After a largely frustrating second half, impressive substitute Aaron Ramsey sealed the win with a cool finish 10 minutes from time.

With Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott out injured, Arsene Wenger's options up front were further reduced by the late withdrawal of Eduardo, who was left out with a "minor muscular problem".

Arshavin spearheaded the Gunners attack in a line-up that included eight changes from the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City in midweek while Fabregas captained the Arsenal side in Wenger's 100th league game in charge.

Abdoulaye Faye, Rory Delap and Tuncay Sanli came in for Stoke, who were without Ryan Shawcross after he failed a late fitness test.

Wenger admitted yesterday confidence in the Arsenal camp had been hit following their defeat at Manchester City in the Carling Cup and last week's 3-0 humbling against Chelsea, which put them 11 points behind the leaders.

The Gunners started brightly, however, and Fabregas put Arshavin through one on one with Thomas Sorensen but he came out to block the Russian's shot.

Stoke's first meaningful attack came eight minutes in when Manuel Almunia had to come out and punch away one of Delap's trademark long throws. Delap's throws were the Potters' main attacking option and Almunia looked nervous as he struggled to deal with the defender's third throw of the game 11 minutes in.

Arsenal were then given a golden chance to take the lead in the 20th minute when Arshavin was tripped by Delap in the box and referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot. Fabregas stepped up to take the penalty but Sorensen stretched to his left to palm the ball around the post.

Six minutes later, Arshavin made amends for a horrible mis-hit by slotting the ball home from a Fabregas pass to pick up his seventh of the season and give Arsenal the lead.

They then came agonisingly close to doubling their lead straight after the goal. Armand Traore slipped in Fabregas, whose shot rebounded off Faye onto the post. The ball then fell back to the Spaniard, who lashed the ball towards goal only for Emmanuel Eboue to accidentally block the ball on the Stoke line.

Arsenal felt they should have had a second penalty on the stroke of half-time when Samir Nasri's pass brushed Faye's hand but Clattenburg waved away the Gunners' appeals.

Tuncay turned neatly on the edge of the box but shot straight at Almunia for Stoke's first attack of the second half as the rain started to fall on the Emirates pitch.

Wenger had accused Stoke of deliberately attempting to injure his players during the fixture between the two at the Britannia Stadium last year and the Potters maintained their physical approach in the second half.

Andy Wilkinson was lucky to escape a booking after his late challenge on Thomas Vermaelen two minutes after the break.

Arshavin, who continued as Arsenal's lone striker despite Carlos Vela's introduction, continued to pose a threat and forced Sorensen into a fine save shortly after.

Ramsey replaced Eboue, who hobbled off and went down the tunnel with an injury.

Tuncay then broke the offside trip to latch onto Liam Lawrence's long ball down field but he lacked pace and composure, allowing William Gallas to track back and block the striker's shot.

Arshavin was unlucky not to add his second when his shot was deflected onto the bar by Stoke captain Faye. The home crowd sensed the Gunners needed a second and it came with 11 minutes left when Ramsey picked the ball up on the edge of the box, jinked inside and calmly stroked the ball past Sorensen.

Fabregas and Arshavin both had chances towards the end for the Gunners while Gallas finished the match hobbling with what looked like a thigh injury. Unlike Wednesday, Wenger shook his counterpart's hand at full-time.

# Wenger salutes Arshavin

Arsene Wenger believes he may have stumbled upon the perfect to solution to Arsenal's injury problems up front after Andrey Arshavin starred in the Gunners' 2-0 win over Stoke.

Wenger's striking options were limited today by injuries to Theo Walcott (hamstring), Robin van Persie (ankle), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Eduardo, who was a late withdrawal with a thigh problem. Those injuries caused Wenger to turn to Arshavin, who led the line from start to finish.

"I don't think he was a big fanatic to play centre forward but I'm convinced he can play there because he has good body power, good movement and technique,'' Wenger said. "He made intelligent movements and it worked today. He got a goal but could have had two or three and overall he did very well.

"I have to try it again to see if it works, at home and away from home, and to find a balance because I have many technical players around the team - (Tomas) Rosicky, (Samir) Nasri, (Cesc) Fabregas and (Emmanuel) Eboue. They all can penetrate from deep positions and that's needed when you have a player like him. We'll see. At the moment we don't have much choice, of course. Walcott is out, Bendtner is out and Robin van Persie as well.''

[kiko]

Arsene Wenger's young Gunners put on a brave display but were defeated by Olympiacos in tonight's final Champions League Group H clash in Athens.

• Jon Carter: Kids lack cutting edge
• Wenger upbeat despite defeat

With safe passage to the last 16 already secured, Wenger chose to rest most of his first-team regulars - with 18-year-old left-back Tom Cruise handed a debut and reserve captain Kyle Bartley playing alongside Mikael Silvestre, 32, in central defence.

It was, though, the display of Aaron Ramsey, still only 18 but already a full Wales international, which caught the eye, the teenager relishing in the role of midfield playmaker filled so well by rested captain Cesc Fabregas.

Indeed, but for some better finishing from England forward Theo Walcott - fit again following a hamstring problem - and the wasteful Mexican Carlos Vela, Arsenal's youngsters would have taken a deserved result from the game.

Ramsey, who saw a late effort cleared off the line, will probably be back on the bench when the Gunners head to Liverpool for Sunday's crunch Barclays Premier League clash - but on tonight's evidence, the young Welshman certainly had what it takes to compete at the highest level.

As expected, the atmosphere inside the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium was white hot as the passionate home support attempted to drag their team into the knockout stages.

It was, though, a bright start by the young Gunners, with an average age of 21 - and that boosted by the presence of veteran Silvestre.

On 10 minutes, Walcott dashed into the right side of the penalty area, but his rising shot was parried by keeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

Olympiacos broke quickly through Argentinean Luciano Galletti down the right, with Oscar Gonzalez touching the all off to Kostas Mitroglou - only for the Greek striker to fire over the crossbar.

Galletti volleyed wide at the far post following another swift counter by the hosts. Walcott, though, continued to look menacing, and again burst into the area, this time on the left before being crowded out by two defenders.

However, Olympiacos took the lead at the start of the second half.

Bartley upended Oscar Gonzalez, but the referee played a good advantage as Leonardo latched onto the loose ball and dashed into the left side of the area before slotting through Lukasz Fabianski's legs to put the Greeks within sight of the knockout stage.

Arsenal should have equalised when Ramsey dashed clear down the Olympiacos left and to the edge of the 18-yard box before cleverly cutting a pass square to Vela - but the Mexican hit his shot straight at the keeper.

As the hour mark passed, to their credit the youngsters continued to take the game to the Greeks. Ramsey's angled ball put Walcott in down the right, but Raul Bravo got across to make a timely block.

From the resulting corner, the Wales midfielder then failed to get any real power with his downward header at the far post. Vela was again wasteful when slipped into the area by Merida, this time firing over the top with a first-time effort when he could have taken another touch. Fabianski denied Leonardo a second with a fine reaction save as the Brazilian cut into the left side of the Arsenal box before.

On 76 minutes, Jack Wilshere, who looks set to go out on loan in January for more regular first-team football, was replaced by 18-year-old Frenchman Gilles Sunu - another from the impressive Arsenal academy production line.

Arsenal's youngsters continued to fight to the end, almost grabbing a late equaliser when Ramsey's close-range effort was cleared off the line following a corner, and will certainly have grown a bit wiser from the experience.

# Wenger upbeat despite defeat

Arsene Wenger admitted the young side he sent to Olympiacos lacked the necessary experience after they went down 1-0 in their Group H clash in Greece.

With the Gunners already sure of taking first place in the group, the Frenchman named an experimental line-up that came off second best against a side playing for their place in the competition.

Wenger told ITV1: ''We had a positive attitude and they tried to catch us on the break, which basically they did. I put that down to a lack of experience rather than a lack of quality. I'm happy with the performance but don't deny we missed a little but in the final ball, or in the finishing.''

Wenger refused to draw comparisons when asked whether Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey could progress at a similar rate to Cesc Fabregas, but was impressed by the 18-year-old.

He added: ''I don't like to compare players who are different but he (Ramsey) has a good presence, a good personality and gets in the final third. He improves technically from game to game and that is promising.''

[kiko]

Liverpool suffered their second home embarrassment in five days as Arsenal grabbed a 2-1 victory in a game which was supposed to be a new beginning for the Anfield men.

• Wenger outburst inspired Arsenal, says Fabregas
• Jolly: Liverpool left to look at what they lost
• Premier League Gallery

Manager Rafael Benitez had insisted the season started again for his side after their midweek Champions League defeat to Fiorentina.

But he did not get his wish even though Liverpool led at the break through Dirk Kuyt and should have had a penalty when William Gallas felled Steven Gerrard.

Arsenal grabbed two quick goals through a Glen Johnson own goal and an outstanding winner from Andrey Arshavin to heap more misery on the men from Merseyside.

Arshavin hit four last season in a 4-4 draw, but this time one was enough.

Bill Shankly's first official day behind the manager's desk at Liverpool was 50 years ago on Monday, and Benitez will sit uncomfortably in that same office after this.

Liverpool made six changes from the side dumped out of the Champions League in midweek, with Fernando Torres back in the starting line-up for the first time since early November. Fabio Aurelio was brought in at left-back against the pace of Theo Walcott.

Arsenal were unrecognisable from the side that lost to Olympiacos in Greece, only Walcott being retained by manager Arsene Wenger.

With Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs all dropping points 24 hours earlier, both sides were desperate to take advantage.

And at last Anfield was treated to a pulsating clash after weeks of insipid displays.

The tempo and passion came from both sides and Liverpool could have had two goals in the opening 13 minutes.

First Torres broke away, fed Gerrard to his right and then took the return before failing to lift the ball over Almunia when clear.

Two minutes later referee Howard Webb controversially denied Liverpool a penalty when Gallas felled Gerrard.

The Liverpool skipper may have pushed the ball too far, but Gallas clearly took Gerrard's legs.

Denilson was booked for a high tackle on Mascherano as Liverpool poured forward.

Arsenal survived, at times with difficulty, but still sought to play their intelligent, passing football out of defence.

Samir Nasri fired wide and Cesc Fabregas tested Jose Reina as the threat on the break from the Gunners became increasingly apparent.

But four minutes from the break Arsenal finally cracked.

Aurelio lifted a free-kick into the six-yard box, where Almunia, under intense pressure in the air, managed only a weak punch and Kuyt fired home from 10 yards.

Arsenal were furious with a supposed aerial assault on their goalkeeper, Wenger making the point angrily to fourth official Andre Marriner.

The Gunners' chief was even more upset two minutes later when it looked like Aurelio stopped Walcott's run with an arm across his face. Only a booking ensured.

Arsenal came out after the break fired up for the challenge and were level after 50 minutes.

Nasri tore down the right and fired in a low cross that Johnson turned past Reina for an own goal with Walcott lurking behind him.

Mascherano was soon booked for a foul on Fabregas and it was soon to get worse for Liverpool, and especially Johnson.

Fabregas' cross after 58 minutes eluded Johnson, who then failed to stop Arshavin turning to fire in off the post from 18 yards.

Benitez finally turned to Aquilani with 25 minutes left, Mascherano making way, and with the watching Xabi Alonso applauding from the directors' box as the man bought to replace him trotted on.

But Aquilani made little impact and finished the game limping.

As much as the first half had been so positive for an aggressive Liverpool, the second was becoming deeply frustrating.

Passes started going astray, Liverpool were no longer in Arsenal's faces, rather chasing their heels.

The passion had gone from Liverpool and the accomplished young Gunners had a measure of control they were not going to lose.

Arshavin was booked for one too many late challenges on defenders clearing the ball, then Fabregas for kicking the ball away from a free-kick.

David Ngog coming on for Yossi Benayoun and then Philipp Degen for a flagging, disconsolate Johnson did little to change the flow of the match and Liverpool now have just three wins in their last 15 games.

[kiko]

Portsmouth's troubles on and off the pitch deepened following a 4-1 home defeat by Arsenal, who remain in the hunt for the Premier League title.

• Wenger tightlipped on transfers

The club had earlier issued a statement denying being formally served with a winding up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in respect of disputed VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions of a reported £3.5million.

While that matter may yet be resolved in a High Court hearing early next month to avoid administration, it is clear Pompey - FA Cup winners last year under Harry Redknapp - face an uphill battle to save themselves from relegation come May 2010.

Arsenal fans, meanwhile, could well have the champagne on ice in anticipation of what may yet prove a vintage year for Arsene Wenger's young Gunners - now just four points behind leaders Chelsea and with a match in hand.

The visitors were always in command after Eduardo's free-kick had deflected off Younes Kaboul, before Samir Nasri drilled in a second just before half-time and Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey smashed home a third on 69 minutes.

Although Nadir Belhadj - one of several Pompey players set to leave for African Nations Cup duty - pulled a goal back, Cameroon midfielder Alex Song nodded in a fourth with 10 minutes left.

Wenger had confirmed before kick-off he expected injured captain Cesc Fabregas to be out for around 10 days with a hamstring problem - meaning the influential Spaniard would miss the FA Cup third-round tie at West Ham this weekend as well as tonight's contest.

Pompey had beaten Liverpool here just before Christmas and started well.

Kevin-Prince Boateng caused problems down the right and fired in a shot from a tight angle which Manuel Almunia beat away at the near post.

However, Arsenal looked dangerous on the break and Andrey Arshavin collected a loose ball before drilling a shot from 20 yards over.

Bacary Sagna's cross from the right was glanced wide by Eduardo, before the Croatian got away down the left and laid the ball back into the path of Abou Diaby, who forced a good save from Asmir Begovic at close range.

Pompey captain Aaron Mokoena fouled Ramsey some 25 yards out in a central position - and it proved a costly error.

Eduardo drilled the 28th minute free-kick low, with the ball deflecting off former Tottenham defender Kaboul and past a static Hermann Hreidarsson on the right-hand post to give the visitors the lead on 28 minutes.

Algerian midfielder Belhadj tried to relieve the pressure with a determined run and angled shot, which flew past the far post.

However, in the 42nd minute it was 2-0 when Song - who will not join up with Cameroon until the New Year - fed Eduardo in the left of the area. He pulled the ball back for Ramsey, who picked out Nasri - and the French midfielder drilled a low strike into the bottom corner.

To their credit, Portsmouth started the second half on the offensive and in the 52nd minute Belhadj flashed the ball across the six-yard box from the left.

The Fratton Park faithful chanted "where's all our money gone?", and cheered when captain Mokoena was replaced by Anthony Vanden Borre.

Hassan Yebda - another African Nations Cup departure - drilled a 20-yard effort straight at Almunia.

In the 65th minute there was a length stoppage as Boateng needed treatment after falling heavily in the Arsenal penalty area.

The Portsmouth fans used the break in play to again vent their anger towards owner Ali Al Faraj as chants of "sack the board'' and "you're not fit to run a club'' rang out.

But, in the 69th minute, the home fans were silenced when Ramsey robbed Vanden Borre and charged past Frederic Piquionne before lashing a left-foot shot into the net from the edge of the box.

The home side at least had something to shout about five minutes later when Belhadj converted a low cross from Vanden Borre.

However, hopes of an unlikely home comeback were ended 10 minutes from time when Song headed in Nasri's right-wing cross.

# Wenger tightlipped on transfers

Arsene Wenger refused to confirm he would be strengthening his Arsenal squad in January.

He told Sky Sports: "Everybody tells us to buy strikers but we score goals and we believe our team play allows us to score.

"We look but we are not on any case. It depends on how the injuries come back. We have very good young players and we have to evaluate that as well."

Regarding the performance and his team's title prospects, the Frenchman continued: "It was a very competitive game, we looked like a team that were ready for it.

"We're up for it, the commitment is there and the talent is there. We'll fight and this team is ready to give everything."

[zeratul]

who would you guys like to see coming in during the transfer window?

[kiko]

Arsene Wenger has admitted he needs a new striker - with Croatia's Mario Mandzukic on his radar - even though high-scoring Arsenal are the form team of the Premier League as title rivals have stumbled.

With Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott injured, Wenger has finally conceded he is looking for another forward but is struggling, he says, to identify one good enough.

The 23-year-old Mandzukic, who scored the only goal in Croatia's 4-1 home defeat by England last year, has been watched by Arsenal but they have doubts about the man Dinamo Zagreb signed to replace Eduardo.

'I am thinking about signing a striker but I must confess I am not close to doing anything because I do not find a player who can convince me,' said Wenger, whose team play at Bolton today on the back of five wins and two draws since what seemed a demoralising 3-0 defeat by Chelsea in November.

But a tough programme follows with games against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

And Wenger is likely to still be pinning his striking hopes on Andrey Arshavin and Eduardo.

'Andrey has had a foot injury and has not been able to kick the ball well,' said Wenger.

'His movement around the box is very intelligent and it is how strikers move around the box that makes the difference.'

[kiko]

ARSENE Wenger admits he is still desperate to sign a world-class striker to keep Arsenal’s title challenge on track.

And with barely two weeks left in the current transfer window, the Gunners boss knows time is running out in his search for greater firepower.

With Dutch ace Robin van Persie out until mid-April with his crocked ankle and both Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott still injured, Wenger’s attacking options are extremely limited.

It’s no surprise that he has been linked with any number of top-class strikers lately. His No.1 target is Wolfsburg hitman Edin Dzeko, 23 – but the Bundesliga ace would cost a massive £20million.

West Ham’s Carlton Cole, 26, could be brought in at half that price. Inter Milan’s Mario Balotelli, 19, Bordeaux’s Marouane Chamakh, 26 and Bojan Krkic, 19, of Barcelona are other options. For the last six games, Wenger has used Russia winger Andre Arshavin as a makeshift partner for Croatian Eduardo.

And while they have done a decent job, ensuring Arsenal are still snapping at the heels of Premier League leaders Chelsea, the Frenchman wants an authentic forward to boost his depleted ranks.

Ahead of today’s trip to Bolton, he said: “Yes, I am still thinking about trying to bring someone in this month – but I must confess I am not very close to doing anything at this moment."

“I am looking at buying strikers because when we started the season we were playing with Van Persie and Bendtner up front. But at the moment we don’t have either of them, while we are also without Walcott. So we are missing those three as we enter a very important period of the season when every point is crucial and can make the difference at the end of a season.”

However, finding a proven goalscorer, capable of enhancing Arsenal’s free-flowing game and who is available right now, has so far been beyond even Wenger’s renowned scouting network.

This time last year Arshavin arrived at The Emirates from Zenit St Petersburg in an £18m deal that was only finalised after deadline day. But Wenger, whose one signing to date has been Sol Campbell, claims it is unlikely that he will pull off a similar coup between now and January 31.

He said: “It’s true I did sign Arshavin very late on in last year’s window – but we had him on our side, he wanted to leave and he had authorisation to speak to clubs."

“But right now I am not close, because I am yet to find a player who can convince me that he is better than what we have already.” If he doesn’t buy, Wenger will have to persevere with Arshavin and Eduardo up front until Bendtner is fully fit.

It’s not an ideal situation with a crunch spell of league games against Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Liverpool coming up. At least Wenger is confident that both Arshavin – hampered by a foot injury recently – and Eduardo, now fully fit after his broken leg, are only going to improve in the coming weeks.

He said: “The problem with Arshavin is that he has not been able to kick the ball properly because of his foot. But it is getting better now. I believe he can carry on up front because his movement and intelligence about the box is excellent – and that’s what matters with a striker in this team."

“And now when I see Eduardo training, it is much closer to the Eduardo I know. That was not the case even a month ago. With every game he gets stronger and stronger. The vibes coming out of his game are so much better.”

[kiko]

Cesc Fabregas produced an impressive display on his return from injury as Arsenal spoiled new Bolton manager Owen Coyle's 'homecoming' by recording a 2-0 victory at the Reebok Stadium.

• Wenger hails returning Fabregas
• Harris: Cesc can fire title bid

The Spain midfielder, who missed three matches with a hamstring injury, scored his 10th league goal of the season in the 28th minute after a neat one-two with Eduardo.

His surging run then led to substitute Fran Merida scoring the second 12 minutes from time as former Wanderers player Coyle's reign got off to a losing start.

Arsenal's victory, which saw then soak up plenty of pressure from a struggling Bolton side trying to play their way out of trouble, lifted them to within three points of league leaders Chelsea.

With these two teams due to meet in the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Arsene Wenger's side could well take over at the top in the next few days.

The Gunners, unbeaten in the league since the end of November, owed everything to their inspirational captain, who, even though his influence faded in the second half, was instrumental in the win.

How Coyle, who swapped one relegation battle with Burnley for another with Bolton, must wish he had a player with half the drive and invention.

The paucity of resources available to the Bolton boss was evident by the fact he named exactly the same starting XI and bench as predecessor Gary Megson had done in his final game - the 2-2 league draw with Hull on December 29.

Initially he will have been pleased by what he saw as the new manager factor had an immediate effect with Kevin Davies having a close-range shot blocked and Ivan Klasnic drilling a 20-yard effort past Manuel Almunia only to be flagged offside in the opening two minutes.

The transition from Megson's long-ball tactics to Coyle's football is something that will obviously take a while to get used to but there were fleeting glimpses of the 'new' Bolton.

Davies, Gretar Steinsson and Klasnic combined down the right in a short passing move to set up Tamir Cohen 20 yards out but he fired well over.

Arsenal, with Fabregas at the heart of everything, had struggled to create a clear opportunity until they took the lead in the 28th minute.

Steinsson slipped on the edge of the penalty area to hand possession to Fabregas and the Spain international capitalised, quickly exchanging passes with Eduardo before slotting a low shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen's outstretched right hand.

Arsenal's 19-year-old midfielder Craig Eastmond, making his first league start, almost doubled the lead four minutes later with a first-time shot from Fabregas' corner, which Jaaskelainen saved on the line with his legs.

And the excellent Gunners captain should have had a penalty in the 33rd minute when he was caught by Zat Knight but referee Phil Dowd waved away claims.

Two minutes before the interval Fabregas missed his easiest chance from only seven yards from Andrey Arshavin's cut-back before Klasnic mis-kicked from even closer range in added time at the end of the first half.

Bolton began the second half as they had the first, with both Matt Taylor and Cohen causing Almunia concern in the early stages.

Lee Chung-Yong, Wanderers' best player, had caused Armand Traore problems all game and, having out-stripped the left-back once again, his low cross was deflected goalwards by William Gallas but Almunia collected.

Taylor was guilty of not testing the Arsenal goalkeeper in the 61st minute when Klasnic spun on the edge of the area to release him on the left only for his team-mate to blaze over.

Taylor was again the culprit in the 70th minute when he sprang the offside trap from substitute Gavin McCann's lofted pass but tried to beat Almunia from 35 yards despite being well clear of the nearest defender and ended up shooting wide.

Arsenal's response was for Thomas Vermaelen to curl a 25-yard free-kick on to the top of Jaaskelainen's net.

Fabregas had been quieter after the break but, when he did take control again, it set up the second goal 12 minutes from time.

His surging run into the penalty area allowed Eduardo to cross to the far post where Merida side-footed home to clinch victory.

# Wenger hails returning Fabregas

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed the return of captain Cesc Fabregas after the midfielder inspired their 2-0 victory at Bolton and warned the rest of the Premier League he will only get better.

"If you watched the game it is difficult to say how much we have missed him but you don't need to explain to anyone that it is important,'' said the Frenchman.

"I do not see all the games but what is very interesting for us is Cesc gets stronger and stronger and has more personality on the pitch, like the whole team. He grows. He will be 23 this year - he is just starting.''

Wenger dismissed concerns his captain had been targeted unfairly by Bolton's players after he received some rough treatment from a Bolton side playing their first match under new boss Owen Coyle. "Sometimes it looked, from the outside, that he got harshly treated. That is linked with gifted players,'' he added.

"It is difficult to take the ball off them but he is the guy who touches the ball more than anyone else so it is not illogical the opposition should try to stop him playing. We expected a fully-committed Bolton team and we were not disappointed.

"They gave absolutely everything and put us under pressure a lot but we tried to put the ball down and play, sometimes it worked very well during spells in the first half.

"I expected them to drop a little bit at the beginning of the second half as we dropped our level but they had a period for 20 minutes when they had chances and looked dangerous because we lost too many balls in midfield. It was important for us not to get to the last 15 minutes only one goal up and the second goal killed the game.''

Coyle was obviously disappointed with the result but delighted with the display. "I thought the level of performance was terrific,'' he said. "What we offered for the duration of the match would, on another day, have resulted in points - whether it be one or three.

"We were always in the game, particularly second half, and they weren't half-chances, they were real gilt-edged chances. We created chances from the first minute of the match and if you analyse that game I think we were deserving of a better result.

"We never got that break you need against these elite clubs - the first goal hit Matt Taylor on the back of the head and a couple of boys have fallen over when the ball has come into the box.''

However, he could not argue with the performance of Fabregas. "The quality of Fabregas, with the first goal when he bounced a one-two off Eduardo, he could play for anyone in world football,'' Coyle said. "He is such a top player.''