Arsenal

Arsenal pair make injury comeback
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has received mixed news on the injury front as he prepares his side to face Charlton. Sol Campbell and Robin van Persie came through Tuesday's behind-closed-doors friendly against Brighton unscathed and could feature in Saturday's clash. It would be the pair's first match since 1 February after Campbell's ankle problem and Van Persie's broken toe. However, Freddie Ljungberg has been ruled out for two weeks after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury. The 28-year-old Swede picked up the strain during Sunday's Premiership victory over Liverpool, his first game back since returning to the side following a similar problem. It means he will definitely sit out the match at Highbury on Saturday and the 26 March game against Portsmouth. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may decide not to risk Campbell and Van Persie, though, with a crucial Champions League quarter-final tie against Juventus and tough league campaign to face this month. The Gunners face Juve on 28 March, while they are currently trailing London rivals Tottenham by two points in the race for a Champions League qualifying spot.

Arsenal will not move for Beckham
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has dismissed the idea that England captain David Beckham might join the Gunners. Widespread reports on Sunday claimed Arsenal would make a move for the 30-year-old, who has one year left on his contract at Real Madrid. Arsene Wenger has praised Beckham's ability but Hill-Wood told the Daily Star: "It is absolute nonsense. "Beckham's name has never come up at boardroom level and I would be very surprised if Arsene is interested." Wenger was quoted as saying that he was a big fan of Beckham at the weekend but stopped short of saying he was interested in signing the former Manchester United player. And Hill-Wood added: "I am sure he is looking around for players, but for which position I don't know at the moment. "I don't think going for big names is Arsene's method. He will buy a young player he thinks is going to fit into his system." Sunday's reports suggested Wenger had earmarked Beckham as a player who could help the club fill their new stadium at Ashburton Grove as well as boost the club's income through shirt sales and sponsorship. But Hill-Wood said: "He's not interested in buying a star. We're playing good enough football to fill the new stadium anyway." Beckham was part of the Madrid side that were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal last week. The midfielder still has one more year on his deal after this season, and has indicated he would be willing to extend his stay at the Bernabeu. But the Spanish giants are, however, in a transition phase under temporary head coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro and following the resignation of president Florentino Perez. And Lorenzo Sanz, who is running for presidency at the end of this season, has been quoted as saying Beckham was not a great player and he had no interest in how many shirts he sells.

Arsenal v Charlton
Arsenal could include Robin van Persie after he made his comeback from injury, but Sol Campbell is not yet available. Jose Antonio Reyes (hamstring), Freddie Ljungberg (calf) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are all out along with Pascal Cygan, Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy. Charlton striker Marcus Bent looks set to miss out because of a back problem that is affecting his hamstrings. Long-term absentees Dennis Rommedahl (rib) and Gonzalo Sorondo (foot) are getting closer to recalls. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Flamini, Senderos, Eboue, Toure, Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb, Pires, Henry, Adebayor, Bergkamp, Almunia, Djourou, Song, Lupoli, Larsson, Walcott. Charlton (from): Myhre, Young, Perry, Hreidarsson, Powell, Kishishev, Holland, Hughes, Thomas, Ambrose, Bartlett, D Bent, Bothroyd, Euell, Andersen, Spector, Rommedahl, Sorondo, M Bent. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Alex Hleb: "He's one to gain confidence. When a player suffers for confidence you see it at home rather than away as there's less pressure from the crowd. "It's a vicious circle - when results are better the confidence is better. I believe the team has new balance and some young players have developed well. "I feel we're progressing and improving and the team is on the right track." Charlton boss Alan Curbishley on keeper Thomas Myhre: "Once Thomas became available I brought him in and he waited patiently for his chance. "He played 35 games for Sunderland last year in their promotion year and having been part of the team that took them to the Premiership he was disappointed that he then wasn't given an opportunity to stay there. "He has quietly produced quality performances. He doesn't shout too much but he is an absolute team player who has come in and done exactly what we had wanted."

Arsenal 3-0 Charlton
Arsenal gave Charlton a lesson in free-flowing football as they swaggered to a crushing win at Highbury. The Gunners' opening goal came after a slick four-man move, with Robert Pires converting Thierry Henry's cutback. Emmanuel Adebayor, who should have had a hat-trick, took advantage of Hermann Hreidarsson's stumble to poke home the second as Arsenal totally dominated. Alexsander Hleb volleyed in to make it 3-0 after a surging run, while Pires was denied a second goal by the post. Charlton did not manage a strike of note all match and appeared relieved to hear the final whistle. The visitors had come up against an Arsenal side in a rich vein of form - and in supremely confident mood. And the Addicks left Highbury, after visiting for the final time, bemused and embarrassed. So superior were Arsenal that Charlton would not have scored had they played continuously for the 50 days that Highbury will remain Arsenal's ground before their move to Ashburton Grove. Cesc Fabregas ran the midfield, Adebayor was alert and a constant danger up front, while the Charlton defence contributed to their own downfall. First Jonathan Spector slipped and presented Adebayor with a chance but the Togo striker hesitated and allowed the on-loan Manchester United youngster to make a recovering tackle. Henry, who was unmarked at the back post, thumped his fist into the ground to show his disgust at not receiving a pass. But the Arsenal strike pair were in tune on 13 minutes when Henry collected a pass from Hleb and played a one-two with Adebayor on the edge of the box. The Frenchman then picked out compatriot Pires superbly, and he tucked his shot into the right corner. Adebayor then nodded wide after a pin-point cross from Henry before Arsenal's January signing finally scored - after another Charlton error. Hreidarsson trod on the ball in his penalty area and Adebayor stole in to steer the ball beyond Thomas Myhre The outstanding Henry went close with a curling free-kick as Arsenal cruised, while Charlton clung on. It took only four minutes after the restart for Arsenal to breach the visitors' rearguard for a third time. Hleb picked up the ball on the halfway line and made rapid progress to the Charlton penalty area. He laid the ball off to Adebayor, whose shot was blocked and rebounded back to the Belarus midfielder, who lashed the ball home. The only surprise of the afternoon was that Arsenal did not score more - the closest they came to a fourth was when Pires struck a low shot against the post. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We dominated the game. We scored early on and sometimes it became too easy for us. "But the confidence is back in the team and we have found the way we want to play the game. "It is enjoyable to see how quickly the young players have improved and how strong they look. I am very, very happy for them and for the club." Charlton boss Alan Curbishley: "We gave a typical performance from our recent visits to Highbury - and Arsenal's performance was typical for them. "We found ourselves 2-0 down quickly and you are not going to come back from that against a side as good as them - and especially the way they were playing. "Some of the football Arsenal played in the first half, we had no chance of living with it and I don't think a lot of clubs would have." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Flamini, Hleb (Van Persie 68), Fabregas (Song Billong 78), Silva, Pires, Henry, Adebayor (Bergkamp 68). Subs Not Used: Almunia, Djourou. Goals: Pires 13, Adebayor 32, Hleb 49. Charlton: Myhre, Young (Powell 73), Hreidarsson, Perry, Spector, Rommedahl, Euell, Hughes (Bartlett 45), Kishishev, Thomas (Holland 65), Darren Bent. Subs Not Used: Andersen, Sorondo. Booked: Young. Att: 38,223 Ref: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).

Pires' agent denies Rangers link
Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has not held talks with Scottish champions Rangers, according to his agent. Newspaper reports claimed the 32-year-old, who has only been offered a one-year deal by Arsenal, had agreed a summer Bosman move to Rangers. But Stephane Courbis told Sir Stanley: "It's not true. We are only talking with Arsenal for the moment. "Robert has a proposition from Arsenal in his hands and he is thinking about it. For the moment he does not know." Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has insisted he wants Pires to stay at the club - but says the Frenchman will only be offered a 12-month contract extension. The player's deal ends in the summer but he has delayed signing a one-year extension in the hope of securing a longer deal. "He is at an age where he would like three years. If I was in his place, I would as well," said Wenger. "He will get one year. We will stick to our policy for older players." Wenger said Pires still had an important role to play in his team. "I have always said I want Robert to stay for at least another year and I hope he will make that decision sooner rather than later. He is always an important player for us," he added. Pires has said he would like to remain at Arsenal, who are moving into a new 60,000 stadium for the start of next season. "We have a new generation with huge potential. If I can act as a guide it will be with pleasure," said Pires. The Frenchman joined the club in 2000 and was voted Football Writers' Player of the Year in 2002. He has made over 250 appearances for the club since his £6m arrival from Marseille.

Campbell makes reserves comeback
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell came through Monday's reserve team victory against Charlton unscathed. He played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 win - his first competitive match since coming off with an ankle injury against West Ham in February. The 32-year-old captained a side that also contained Dutch striker Robin van Persie who continues his recovery from a broken toe. Teenager Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner scored the Gunners' goals. The England international featured in last Tuesday's behind-closed-doors friendly against Brighton but did not make the squad that beat Charlton on Saturday. Campbell left Highbury at half-time after being substituted during the loss to the Hammers on 1 February sparking rumours of off-the-field problems. But Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insisted the ankle problem is a genuine injury.

Inter eye Henry & Van Nistelrooy
Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti has opened the door to a move for Thierry Henry - but admits Ruud van Nistelrooy is a more realistic transfer target. The 28-year-old Henry is discussing a new contract at Arsenal, while Van Nistelrooy, 29, has lost his place to Louis Saha at Manchester United. Moratti said: "Henry is a player I enjoy watching. "The difference between Henry and Van Nistelrooy is I know Van Nistelrooy is not happy in Manchester." Moratti said on the club's website: "I think the Frenchman is happy in London and Arsenal are preparing a contract extension for him. "Hence, they have first choice. It would be a different situation if the player wanted to have another experience elsewhere." Henry's Arsenal deal expires in the summer of 2007 and he has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid. Arsenal are hoping he will sign an extension - but if he fails to agree a new deal his fee will fall next season. Moratti said: "We wouldn't take advantage of this as it wouldn't be an honourable move. We don't do this between big clubs." Henry had an unsuccessful stint with Juventus in 1998-99, but is now among the world's most prized stars. United are adamant Van Nistelrooy will not be sold in the summer, but Moratti believes he would be a more attainable target. "Van Nistelrooy is a very good forward," Moratti told www.gazzetta.it.

Pires sets terms on Arsenal deal
Midfielder Robert Pires says the amount of time he is likely to play for the first team will determine whether he signs a new contract with Arsenal. Pires, 32, who is out of contract in the summer and has been linked to Rangers, wanted a longer deal than the 12-month one being offered by Arsenal. But he told The Sun: "The important thing in the negotiations will be the amount of time I am allowed to play. "I always been happy at Arsenal and would like to stay." Pires had previously made it clear that he would like to help the young players at the club. "We have a new generation with huge potential. If I can act as a guide it will be with pleasure," added Pires. The Frenchman is now free to talk to other clubs but his agent has denied that talks have already taken place with Rangers over a Bosman move to Ibrox. Stephane Courbis told Sir Stanley: "It's not true. We are only talking with Arsenal for the moment. "Robert has a proposition from Arsenal in his hands and he is thinking about it. For the moment he does not know." The Frenchman joined the club in 2000 and was voted Football Writers' Player of the Year in 2002. He has made over 250 appearances for the club since his £6m arrival from Marseille. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has insisted he wants Pires to stay at the club - but is only willing to offer a 12-month contract extension. "He is at an age where he would like three years. If I was in his place, I would as well," said Wenger. "He will get one year. We will stick to our policy for older players." Wenger said Pires still had an important role to play in his team. "I have always said I want Robert to stay for at least another year and I hope he will make that decision sooner rather than later. He is always an important player for us," he added.

Del Piero will miss Arsenal match
Juventus striker Alessandro del Piero will miss Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal after suffering a thigh injury. The Italy international forward, 31, went off after 15 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Serie A rivals Roma. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to play alongside Frenchman David Trezeguet in Juve's attack. Midfielder Pavel Nedved is suspended but former Gunner Patrick Vieira is poised for a return to Highbury. Del Piero has been in superb form this season, scoring three times in seven Champions League appearances and 10 goals in 26 Serie A matches, to become the club's all-time leading scorer. The injury is not expected to keep him out of the return leg at Turin's Stadio delle Alpi on 5 April.

Arsenal v Juventus
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has recovered from an ankle injury, but a bruised toe has now ruled him out of a return against Juventus. Freddie Ljungberg (calf) is out, Jose Antonio Reyes (hamstring) is a doubt and Emmanuel Adebayor is cup-tied. In-form striker Alessandro Del Piero is out of the Juventus squad after picking up a thigh problem in the 1-1 draw with Roma on Saturday. Czech Republic midielder Pavel Nedved is suspended.

Vieira set for emotional return
Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira expects a good reception from Arsenal fans when he returns for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final tie. Vieira, 29, said going back to Highbury would be an emotional experience. He said: "When you play for a team for nine years you can't not be emotional. I enjoyed many good moments in that stadium. I expect a warm welcome." The France international won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal before leaving last year. And he was full of praise for his old club ahead of the first-leg match. "In terms of the way they play, if I had to compare Arsenal to an Italian team, I would compare them to Milan," he told Italian television programme Domenica Sportiva. "They like to play football and have some great individual players. Their play is more based on technique than physique - but we have what is needed to beat them." Vieira said his coach at Juve, Fabio Capello, was more of an extrovert than Wenger, but both men had great football brains. "He (Wenger) is more reserved, while the other is more expressive but they have the same passion and the same vision of football," said Vieira. Wenger admitted that midfield would be the key to the contest, but insisted that it was not all about the 18-year-old Cesc Fabregas versus Vieira. He added: "What is interesting will be to see our midfield against their midfield, because it is not only Patrick, they have Emerson and Mauro Camoranesi too, so the strength of Juventus in there is high." Wenger said the Spaniard Fabregas differed in style to Vieira. "I feel Cesc is a different player, one based more on mobility, whereas Patrick is more on physical presence," he said. "They have the same understanding of the game, but the way they express their game intentions is a little bit different. "For us, Patrick was an amazing player and I am convinced Cesc will be."

Arsenal and Chelsea warn off Real
Chelsea and Arsenal have told Real Madrid there is no chance of their managers leaving in the summer. Real president Fernando Martin named Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger on a managerial shortlist on Monday. "Arsene Wenger has repeatedly made his position clear. He is happy here and is not planning to move," an Arsenal spokesperson told the Evening Standard. A Chelsea representative said: "Chelsea and Mourinho are united in an exciting and long-term project." Real are looking for someone to succeed Juan Lopez Caro, who was promoted from the B team four months ago to replace Wanderley Luxemburgo. REAL MADRID'S SHORTLIST Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) Jose Mourinho (Chelsea) Rafael Benitez (Liverpool) Sven-Goran Eriksson (England) Marcello Lippi (Italy) Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan) Fabio Capello (Juventus) England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson and Liverpool's Rafael Benitez were also named on Real's shortlist. The other prospective managers were all Italian - AC Milan's Carlo Ancelotti, Juventus' Fabio Capello and Marcello Lippi, coach of Italy's national team. Martin said: "We are clear about the type of coach we want. "We want one of the coaches you all know we want - Mourinho, Capello, Benitez, Wenger, Ancelotti, Lippi or Eriksson." Wenger, Benitez and Capello have all distanced themselves from the job in recent weeks.

Arsenal 2-0 Juventus.......first rate!!!
Arsenal produced a scintillating performance to take a commanding lead to Turin after the home leg of their Champions League tie with Juventus. Cesc Fabregas put Arsenal ahead with a low strike from 20 yards and later passed for Thierry Henry to convert into an empty net from 12 yards out. Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon made good second-half saves from Henry, Fabregas and Alexander Hleb. Mauro Camoranesi and Jonathan Zebina were both sent off late in the match. Juventus might be eight points ahead at the top of Serie A but they were a ragged mess by the end of the match. They had heavy legs and bowed heads after being blown away by an Arsenal side that played with great verve and invention. It was a difficult return to Highbury for Patrick Vieira, who received a warm reception but then went on to pick up a second-half booking that means he, along with Camoranesi and Zebina, will miss the return leg. Vieira was penalised for a challenge on Fabregas inside two minutes as Juve looked to stamp their physical superiority on the midfield. Arsenal, though, showed an appetite to compete and it was a superb tackle by Pires that dispossessed Vieira and led to Arsenal's opening goal shortly before half time. Pires passed to Thierry Henry, who in turn found Fabregas and the young Spaniard wrong-footed Buffon with a cleverly disguised shot from the edge of the area. As against Real Madrid, Arsenal played with great passion and, although guilty at times of over elaborate play, they created the bulk of the first-half openings. Fabregas dragged a shot wide after collecting a deft flick from Pires, Buffon saved from Kolo Toure and Henry twice went close from free-kicks, one of them taken quickly. A minute after Fabregas' goal, Henry went close with a shot from a very tight angle and the home team were firmly in the ascendancy at the break. Juve almost forced their way back into the contest early in the second half after David Trezeguet appeared to have played Zlatan Ibrahimovic through, but Toure made a superb covering tackle. Any thought that Arsenal would try to sit on their lead proved incorrect as full-backs Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Eboue continued to push forward. Arsenal's speed on the break and tight control was at times breathtaking, and Buffon saved from Henry, Fabregas and Alexander Hleb as the home team sought a deserved second goal. It came eventually from Henry, who had plenty of time to collect a pass from Fabregas that was slightly behind him and slotted home into an empty net after his team-mate had drawn the goalkeeper. Vieira was then booked for a tackle on Jose Reyes as Arsenal stroked the ball about with an ease that embarrassed their esteemed opponents. In the final minutes Camoranesi and Zebina both received second yellow cards and Juve ended the match with nine men. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Flamini, Hleb, Silva, Fabregas, Pires, Henry, Reyes (Van Persie 82). Subs Not Used: Almunia, Diaby, Bergkamp, Song Billong, Walcott, Djourou. Goals: Fabregas 40, Henry 69. Juventus: Buffon, Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Vieira, Emerson, Mutu (Chiellini 71), Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet (Zalayeta 79). Subs Not Used: Abbiati, Kovac, Balzaretti, Blasi, Giannichedda. Sent Off: Camoranesi (87), Zebina (89). Booked: Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Vieira, Zebina. Att: 35,472

Wenger hails young Arsenal stars
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his young team have even more to offer after outplaying Juventus in a stunning 2-0 Champions League win at Highbury. "I believe we will finish the job in the second leg in Italy but there is still a lot to come," said Wenger. "We have to keep our feet on the ground and keep our football simple. "That is what the boys do and they can do better. They are not inhibited. There is quality in this team and they are good to watch." It was a miserable return to Highbury for former Gunners midfielder Patrick Vieira, who was dispossessed at the start of the move that led to Arsenal's opening goal and later picked up a booking that rules him out of the second leg. Vieira's replacement at the London club, Cesc Fabregas, scored Arsenal's opener and had a superb game but Wenger added: "It wasn't my target tonight to justify selling Patrick. "He is a tremendous player and you never lose a player like that without suffering a bit. "But another team was born and is growing slowly. Football is like that." Arsenal, who have had a largely disappointing domestic season, knocked out Spanish giants Real Madrid in the last round and Wenger believes that may have been a turning point for his players. "For a long time we needed to adjust to the Premiership to find confidence," said the Frenchman. "The win against Real Madrid may have helped us but football is fragile. You have to be cautious. One unexpected defeat and you are back again." Wenger's only regret from a rousing night at Highbury was that Arsenal did not score more. "I felt there was one more goal in the game for us," he stated. "I'm very happy with the performance of the team and the togetherness. There was also fluency and speed and the technical quality was very high in patches." Thierry Henry set up Fabregas to open the scoring, with the Spaniard returning the favour for the Gunners captain to make it 2-0 in the second half. Henry said: "Cesc is doing extremely well. If you let him play he can kill a team. "I think you see more of him when we play five in middle. He knew today that he had Gilberto behind him. He knows when to go into the box, when to join and when he has time on the ball." Juventus coach Fabio Capello was unhappy with his team's discipline but believes they can still win the tie. Mauro Camoranesi and Jonathan Zebina were both dismissed in the final 10 minutes after picking up second yellow cards. "What annoyed me were the two expulsions," said Capello. "The tie is still alive and my team need a big game in Turin. "In the first half we played as well as Arsenal until we conceded the goal but after the goal they got better. "It's difficult to play against a team with 10 players behind the line of the ball. There was no space for us."

Arsenal 5-0 Aston Villa
Arsenal produced a scintillating display to thrash a poor Aston Villa and keep up their charge for a place in next season's Champions League. Villa carved out two early chances but Arsenal took the lead on 19 minutes through Emmanuel Adebayor's header. Thierry Henry's sublime lob made it two six minutes later before adding a third with a curling effort after half-time. Robin Van Persie fired in a fourth from an acute angle while Abou Diaby struck late on to round off a fine win. The only worries for Arsenal were the injuries to midfielder Cesc Fabregas and defender Emmanuel Eboue. Fabregas, basking in the glow of his display in the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus, came off on 16 minutes with a foot injury and must now be a doubt for Wednesday's return leg in Italy. Eboue was forced off in the second half with a groin problem. The early Fabregas setback did not bother the home side however, and the Gunners had no trouble in securing their fourth straight league win. Out-of-form Villa, who have now only picked up one point out of a possible 12, are still in relegation trouble and manager David O'Leary will be concerned that his side offered very little after Arsenal took the lead. Villa started well enough and with Arsenal struggling to find their rhythm in the opening stages, the Midlanders carved out two opportunities for Kevin Phillips. But three minutes after Fabregas departed, Arsenal took the lead. A well-timed pass released Henry on the left and although his attempted lob was headed off the line by Aaron Hughes, the clearance fell to Adebayor - who just managed to squeeze the ball underneath the bar. With Arsenal starting to exert their dominance, a second goal always looked likely and skipper Henry obliged on 25 minutes. He latched onto Reyes' ball over the top of the defence, and after pulling the ball down expertly, he produced a sublime lob over the outcoming Thomas Sorensen for his 20th Premiership goal of the season. Villa brought on Juan Pablo Angel for Phillips at half-time but the visitors had little chance to try to get back into the game as Henry put the result beyond doubt in the first minute of the second half. Another long ball was not dealt with by the Villa defence, Adebayor back heeled it into the path of Henry who produced a wonderful curling shot into the top corner from 20 yards out. It was all Arsenal in the second half and Sorensen was the busiest man on the field keeping out efforts from Adebayor and Kolo Toure. Villa did have a superb chance to get back into the game midway through the half but with just the keeper to beat, Luke Moore fired straight at Jens Lehmann. But Arsenal never really looked in any trouble and substitute Van Persie piled on the misery when he kept the ball away from a scrambling Sorensen to fire into the roof of the net. The scoring was rounded off with just 10 minutes left when Diaby fired home after a trademark counter attack to heap more pressure on the beleaguered O'Leary. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "Cesc's foot has blown up, that's not a good sign. It can be a vein that has exploded or it's coming from a bone." "Eboue did his groin because he played like Garrincha on the right side and didn't stop going forward. Both are rated 40-60 for Wednesday night. "Scoring the third goal so early in the second half allowed us to control the game, and it was a very positive performance." Aston Villa manager David O'Leary "Arsenal were outstanding. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up, we are looking at a team that could become the champions of Europe. "When they are like this they can take anyone apart. It was not a very nice experience but our young players will learn from it. "I'm disappointed, we should have scored a couple of goals early on, and that would have made it a different match." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue (Djourou 67), Toure, Senderos, Flamini, Pires, Fabregas (Diaby 15), Silva, Reyes, Adebayor, Henry (Van Persie 65). Subs Not Used: Almunia, Hleb. Goals: Adebayor 19, Henry 25, 46, Van Persie 71, Diaby 80. Aston Villa: Sorensen, De la Cruz (Cahill 52), Hughes, Ridgewell, Bouma, Hendrie, McCann, Davis, Barry (Agbonlahor 52), Phillips (Angel 45), Moore. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Gardner. Booked: Bouma. Att: 38,183 Ref: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

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