Watch: England 1 - 1 Ghana

[WATCH GOALS BELOW]
England put in an impressive performance against a determined, resilient and very well supported Ghana side and both teams left a vibrant Wembley stadium with a goal each. It was perhaps the deserved result in a well fought, passionate game fuelled with the huge vocal support from the fans, particularly the Ghanaians. 

Andy Carroll grabbed his first goal in an England shirt just before the end of the first half but it was cancelled out much to the delight of the African side who celebrated a last gasp winner thanks to the intricate silky skills of Assamoah Gyan who weaved the ball through the England defence to curl the ball round Joe Hart.

England put in a good performance, and should not be ashamed of a draw. It was a well played game of football in which Capello was able to learn a lot about the strength of his second - or "B" team. Downing was awarded man of the match and Ashley Young was also dangerous throughout - hitting the crossbar and having a long range shot well saved by Kingson. 

The night also saw the introduction of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck who was eligible for both England and Ghana due to his Ghanaian parents and Manchester birth. His introduction was met by boos from Ghana fans, but with ten minutes to play he didn't have much chance to make an impact.

Watch the goals below:

Carroll Goal

Gyan Goal

Watch: Wales 0 - 2 England

England played impressively on away soil at the Millenium Stadium today, with two early goals separating the two sides. The three lions proved too much for the one dragon as England breezed to victory without any real problems at the back whilst performing very well in the midfield and out wide. 

Watch the Goals below:

Nasri: Arsenal are "stronger" & "more macho"

Samir Nasri is full of confidence as his side prepare for an intense, hostile, and in the context of Arsenal's season, huge game at the Nou Camp next Tuesday. He believes that Arsenal have largely improved since being toppled at the stadium filled with close to 100,000 fiercely competitive Catalans, loyally cheering their stars and being rewarded royally last season with a 4 - 1 win.

The Frenchman was speaking at the Adidas launch of the official match ball for the UEFA Champions League final Wembley 2011 in which Nasri of course hopes to be a part of. He said:

"Barcelona seemed much better last year because we've become more macho, both physically and psychologically."

"Some of the players are much better this year than before - Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, myself. We've all stepped up and become stronger and more macho.

Players have stepped up and driven the team forward. We can compete with everyone now. We approached the game differently this time because last year we were a little bit scared of Barcelona."

"It was the first time we had played against a team like that. They were fantastic and played amazing football. We were really surprised at how good they were. This year we've said, 'listen, they are the best team in the world, if we beat them it will be fantastic.

If we lose, it will be normal because they are the best team in the world'. We went in without pressure and played our game. We showed everyone we can beat them."

Arsenal came back from a goal down in an incredible show of fight as they restored pride in front of their fan at the Emirates. It showed the improvement that Nasri spoke of for all to see. They had recovered from an early blow - not allowing it to knock them out, but helping it to spurn them on to turn the tables on the Spanish Champions. A late comeback showed the persistence and fighting spirit that has been said to have been lacking in recent seasons.

Arsenal need this kind of fight and resilience to survive on the 8th March, especially if they go down to a goal early on. Nasri said:

"We came back in the first leg because physically they dropped. This is because the Spanish league is not the same as the Premier League. In England there is an intensity that isn't there in Spain.

"It was good for us because in the last couple of years everyone has questioned our mental strength."

"We showed in the match that we have that mental strength. It was special for us because we proved to ourselves that we can beat big teams. We felt fitter in the first leg and last year as well. We were losing 2-0 but came back 2-2.

"This year for 70 minutes they were great, they had the ball and were playing. But they made some changes, were less dangerous and we put more pressure on them and became more aggressive.

"Barcelona are like Brazil. They don't like it when you put pressure on them and attack them. They want to play their game. If you put pressure on them, they're not the same team."

Arsenal have already lost a cup final already at the hands of Birmingham - an unlucky loss that will hve dented their confidence in a game they were expected to win. From what Nasri said here, it seems like he believes Arsenal have everything to play for, and will simply go for it - go for the win, and allow being the underdogs rather than favourites to work in their advantage.

One thing is for sure, it will be an excellent game.

Blues end 48 Year Drought to Keep Arsenal's One Going

Watch all Match Goals Here

Arsenal's 6 year trophy drought had nothing on Birmingham's 48, but it was the team in Blue who proudly walked away knowing that the sorry statistic is no more, and that Alex McLeish is now the proud manager who can place silverware in Birmingham's dusty trophy cabinet. So first of all, congratulations to Birmingham City.

Now to Arsenal. I said before the game, that if Arsenal were to lose, it would be through an individual error, and not the fact that Birmingham's quality was greater. In the end, it proved to be true, as Koscielny hesitated in clearing the ball in front of his goalkeeper, only for the ball to rebound off of Sczcesny into the path of Obafemi Martins for the easiest goal he will ever hope to score. Arsenal threw away their best chance to lift silverware today, and it is that reason why Arsenal fans will be so distraught.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, end to end, with full commitment from both sides as they fought fiercely in front of their passionate and willing fans who created a brilliant atmosphere at a packed Wembley Stadium. The pitch was perfect, much improved from the previous finals, which suited Arsenal's silky passing and quick, intricate play, but the Gunners could not take full advantage of it against the resilient Birmingham defence who stood strong for much of the game.

After Nicola Zigic's headed goal opened the scoring, anything looked possible, only for the stand-in captain Robin van Persie to strike into the corner for the equaliser. But it was the final goal from super substitute Martins that won the game and broke Arsenal hearts.

The man of the match was awarded to the deserving Ben Foster who was once again outstanding in a Carling Cup final win, mirroring his stunning performance for former club Manchester United two years ago. The Englishman told Sky Sports that winning the cup was the best feeling after the birth of his two children, and they would certainly be proud of him, just as the whole of Birmingham, and his former employers Manchester United surely are.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenals wonder kid was excellent again, doing his best to run the midfield in the absence of Fabregas, and doing a very good job. He couldn't lead his side to a win, but he created the goal after bringing the ball forward and striking the bar with a spectacular shot, however, he was left with his hands on has had after the winning goal rippled the net, and Arsenal fell, defeated.

The game may decide Arsenal's future. At the start of play, they were in all four competitions, and favourites to grab at least one. That chance has been blown by yet another defensive error, although very unlucky, and could break their season as they head into the vital closing stages of the title race and Champions League knockout-stages.

Arsenal may still be in all three competitions, including that knockout stage with Barcelona fast approaching, but it was Birmingham who delivered an unlikely knockout blow today which saw the Gunners fall to their knees in disbelief and distress. How will they react to such a cruel blow?

Arsenal Midfield v United Midfield

After about 20 or so minutes in the Manchester United - Marseille game yesterday, it became very clear that neither side was prepared to take a risk going forward and give the opposition a chance to score. It was the kind of game that the commentators like calling "cagey". It was true - neither side wanted to give anything away, which resulted only in a tedious, drab draw which left pretty much everyone frustrated.

United's best effort was a Darren Fletcher snap shot which he hit into the ground proving awkward for the goalkeeper, but he dived well to save it despite seeing it late through a sea of flailing legs.

Then, probably the most interesting and curious event was Wayne Rooney looking up to see the keeper off is line only for him to attempt a Beckham style half way line goal that was easily caught.
Those two attempts were the only two that United managed to get on target - long range efforts that required no clever or defence cutting passing, no midfield creativity, no team imagination - simply a spur of the moment snap shot and an individual piece of forward thinking which in the end, both led to nothing.

Before the game, the Marseille manager Didier Deschamps claimed that this United team lacked "fantasy". Unfortunately, his comments were pretty well supported with clear evidence on the pitch last night (not that his team proved to be creative masterminds themselves).

A look at the starting midfield for Manchester United explains a lot. Darron Gibson, Darren Fletcher and Michel Carrick. They are all good midfielders, and they all do their own job - granted, not always well, but they can sure up the midfield, making it a steady area and so on. The problem is, they don't have that inventive artistry that makes Paul Scholes such a great midfielder with his superb vision, and ability to follow through that vision with his astonishing passing range. The midfield last night was left passing sideways to each other and could not find an innovative forward ball enough.

Compare United's central midfield triplet last night to Arsenal's three, Nasri, Fabregas and Wilshere, and no matter which way you look at it, even if you are the most avid United fan, the Arsenal midfield is far more dangerous, imaginative and attackingly productive.

This is why Paul Scholes is so important to United. He has the quality and vision to do what the Arsenal midfield do - find that clever ball, cut open the opposition defence - create a goal.

Unfortunately, when he came on yesterday, he was getting frustrated by the movement around him, and couldn't make the impact that was hoped for. He has been sitting on the bench all game watching the defence and midfield try hopeful long balls to no avail, with the penetrative "fantasy" that Deschamps was talking about woefully absent.

United can be better, they have proved it before this season, but unfortunately, they haven't shown it enough, especially away from home. Ferguson will certainly need to add to his midfield in the summer that is beyond doubt, especially if he is to be without Paul Scholes if he decides to retire. The United manager will also need to spend big on quality and not potential, as this is a problem that needs to be fixed sooner rather than later.

United have some tough remaining fixtures with two games against Chelsea, and one away game against Arsenal at the Emirates where the two midfields will come face to face. I still tip United for the win, as the defence is far stronger (Chris Smalling was brilliant with Vidic again yesterday), but Arsenal have a superior midfield, which is something that needs to be sorted out if the Red Devils are to challenge for all the trophies next season.

Wilshere Admirers Grow by the Day

Jack Wilshere told of the best week of his life after Arsenal's win against Barcelona at the Emirates, and as his excellent performances become an ever frequent feature at the North London club, his fans, admirers, supporters, followers - call them what you like - increase by the day. No-one can doubt his obvious quality, skill and footballing artistry, and in such a young player it is very rare to see such natural ability so perhaps it is unsurprising that praise for him is not in short supply.

The most recent to heap praise on the 19 year-old is Barcelona's manager, Pep Guardiola. The manager, who has led Barcelona to eight trophies since taking over in 2008, is about to sign a contract extension at his club. Speculation had begun however, as to whether Guardiola may try to sign Wilshere for Barca in light of his brilliant performance against his side. The 40 year-old moved to rubbish the rumours, but not before adding his compliments to the players growing number of them:

"He [Wilshere] is a great player - a great player for Arsenal and in any case, Arsene Wenger doesn't sell his best players."

He continued to praise Arsenal:

"Arsenal are a wonderful side. You will not hear me discredit Arsenal - they are a great side with a great coach and they will be a very difficult opponent. It will be a great game against a great team."

His own manager has nothing but good to say about Wilshere. Arsene Wenger likened his playing style to that of Spanish players while applauding how he plays unworried and unfazed by his surroundings and occasion:

"He has a Spanish technique certainly, yes. He has an English heart because he's an English boy.

"He takes everything at the moment with a cool head, that's what I like. At his age you want to play and play again and show what you are. What I like as well is he isn't fazed by the occasion; he's not inhibited and just plays free off his chest which is fantastic."

Meanwhile his team mates, both club and country have told how they love to play with him. Fellow Arsenal midfielder Alex Song called him an "unbelievable young player" and he s "very happy to play alongside him". Song said Wilshere "always want to listen and learn" an invaluable quality in young players.
Wayne Rooney, who has had the privilege of playing with Wilshere for England and will undoubtedly do so in he future too, said after Wilshere's first start for England:

"I thought Jack Wilshere did really well. He is really composed on the ball and really good to play with. You can see the potential he has got."

Chelsea's Frank Lampard echoed Rooney's comments:

"We have learned that Wilshere can come in and continue showing the composure he plays with for Arsenal. Credit to him on his full debut because it isn't easy, but he is only going to get better and better now.

The media have given Wilshere rave reviews after watching his performance very closely, and he has been compared to the likes of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, Wilshere's Arsenal team mate Cesc Fabregas, and the two Spanish central midfielders Xavi and Iniesta. He is a superb player, and one with a fantastic future. If he continues to improve and showcase his excellent performances on footballs biggest stages, there will be little doubt that in the future, up and coming quality players will be compared to Wilshere himself.


With the Nou Camp coming up, he will have possibly the biggest stage in world football to pull Arsenal through to the final stages of the Champions League.

Fabregas: Wilshere was Scared to ask Messi to Swap Shirts

Despite being probably the best player on the pitch, which held the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Fabregas, Nasri and David Villa, Jack Wilshere was apparently too scared to ask Lionel Messi for his shirt after the game between Arsenal and Barcelona. 

The Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas, tweeted Wilshere saying:

"can't believe i had to go to get Messi's shirt for u. U were so scared. You were MOTM [Man of the match] so next time please ask urself!"

In the end, Wilshere walked away with both Messi's and Xavi's shirts, and tweeted a picture of him [Right] and his dad holding the precious items which hold such significance to the young man early in his career.
He said:

"Morning tweeps. You will like this one. Me and my dad with Messi and Xavi's shirt after the game."

Wilshere was praised by his manager Arsene Wenger as outstanding after the Champions League clash, saying that the young midfielder was unfazed by the quality that surrounded him. After all, he will be - if not already - as good, if not better than the players he was up against. Wilshere is an outstanding and rare English talent and Arsenal are lucky to have such a down to earth, footballing man, who plays football so well - the heartbeat of the Arsenal midfield at times.

After the game, Wilshere was ecstatic:

"It's been a great couple of weeks - the best of my life.

"Outstanding" Wilshere has Wenger "Delighted"

Jack Wilshere showcased his fantastic natural - and rare - ability to keep calm on the ball as he played the heartbeat of Arsenals centre of midfield when he came up against some of the best central midfielders in the World; Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquettes. Those three Spanish midfielders were an integral part of the World Cup winning side of 2010, and as they came up against Arsenal's midfield on Wednesday, they must have been very excited at the prospect of the 19 year-old Englishman.

Wenger had only good words to say about Wilshere after Arsenal's first ever win over Barcelona, and quite correctly pointed out that Wilshere was not fazed by the occasion, despite the massive significance of the hard fought game:

"He was outstanding tonight. Jack (Wilshere) wasn’t fazed by the occasion. In the difficult periods when we were under pressure he took the ball and kept the ball. He played really well."

Wilshere had a great time, relishing every opportunity to show off his talents, and admitted he has had the best couple of weeks in his life playing for Arsenal:

"It's been a great couple of weeks - the best of my life. There was a spell in the first half where for about 20 minutes we (Arsenal) didn't touch the ball. But we knew they were going to do that."

The young midfielder praised the Spanish midfield, but despite the quality of the opponent emphasised the need for Arsenal to continue to play their way, and in the end, it paid off:

"I watched these [Barcelona] players in the World Cup and they were the best team there, so I knew a bit about them before the game. But once you get into a game, you get used to them," Wilshere said.

"We had to go up a level in the second half and we passed it around better. We had to carry on playing the Arsenal way and we did that."

The second leg at the Nou Camp will be an altogether different proposition, and a far harder one, as the Gunners learned last year when they felt the full force of Lionel Messi's magic as he scored all of the goals for Barca in a convincing 4 - 1 defeat of Arsenal. March 8th will determine how far Arsenal have come since last year. They gave a good account of themselves in a breathtaking comeback at the Emirates, and were drawing 2 - 2 this time last year, so an improvement is clear, but Barca need only one goal with no reply from Arsenal to progress on away goals.

Wenger however, is still revelling in the success of Wednesday night, and he highlighted the psychological
belief that his team now have going into the secnd leg. The players now know that Barca are beatable, and they can go into the second leg, remembering this, and using it to their advantage:

"I am highly delighted. It was a special football night. The game promised a lot and fulfilled that promise. It was two exceptional teams who tried always to be positive.

"We are not favourites now, but what is important is the belief that we have a chance. Barcelona are still favourites. We know now that we can beat them, though. We did not know that last year.

"This gives us a chance to to go to Barcelona with belief. Every game is difficult but we will prepare well and be highly focused.

"We took advantage through one special skill from Robin van Persie and a second goal through a build-up of how we like it."

Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona: Brilliant Comeback Does Gunners Proud

When Arsenal went behind to a David Villa goal, it looked as if some impressive Arsenal play would count for absolutely nothing as Barcelona looked to keep possession and settle, as they capably do, with the 0 - 1 result. They may not have expected then, that Arsenal, in front of their brilliantly supportive fans who stayed on their side all night would bravely fight back for a memorable win at the Emirates - their first ever win against Barcelona.

It is hard to pick out an Arsenal player who had a bad game. Every one of them did themselves proud, with the young Jack Wilshere doing particularly magnificently among some of the greatest central midfielders on the planet. He was brilliant at knocking the ball around as well as getting out of some tricky and tight situations, portraying a footballing age years beyond his own 19.

The Arsenal defence, often questioned and exposed as their main weakness, was resilient and made very few mistakes - only falling asleep a couple of times, with only one of those instances being punished. Koscielny was very good at the back and coped with the explosive attack of Barca very well.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, and it did fly by, with the football from both sides being typically technically wonderful, and at times was end to end football. The entertaining game was constantly competitive, with Arsenal being spurred on by their excellent fans who played a very big part in the comeback, giving the players the belief that they needed to pick themselves up after some rocky spells.

A blasted Van Persie shot from an impossible angle caught Victor Valdes on his near post as he occupied himself with the prospect of a flashed cross. The Dutch striker caught everyone out with the shot, and it took a moment to sink in for the fans that the back of the net was bulging.

Five minutes later, and the breathtaking comeback was complete with an Andrei Arshavin winner. He popped off the bench late on and in a counter attack which saw the surprise starter Samir Nasri (after injury) roll it back almost in slow motion, the little Russian stroked the ball past Valdes for a second time. He wheeled away to the delight of the Arsenal fans who mustn't have believed the astonishing sight, as Barcelona players held their heads in their hands.

Arsenal should enjoy it while they can. Yes, they have beaten one of the best teams in the world for the first time in Barcelona. Yes, they showed excellent character to come back from behind. Yes they take a lead into the second leg. But, the second leg will be far higher task for them to complete. The atmosphere will be hostile, the players will be up for it, and Arsenal will be desperate to cling on to their win.

It would be absolutely fantastic for English football and Arsenal if they could pull off an aggregate win over Barcelona at Camp Nou. But it will be, as they undoubtedly know, a very tough task. Even if they do not, they can take great solace in the fact that they have improved from last year and shown great character to come from behind and win. They should use this as a spring board for better things, and finally come of age.

Wenger on Twitter

In 2010, it was found that the number of Twitter users increases by 300,000 a day and a massive 55 million tweets are tweeted every day. A number of Arsenal players have contributed to those massive figures too, with Jack Wilshere only last week criticizing a referee decision after the Gunner's draw at Newcastle.

At the moment, Cesc Fabregas, Denilson, Jack Wilshere, Johan Djourou, Wojciech Szczesny, and Sebastien Squillaci are among those big name Arsenal players who pour their thoughts onto the social networking site. So naturally, it is of interest to their manager, Arsene Wenger to know what the Internet phenomenon is all about to keep his players in check - making sure that they don't deliver any controversial messages and get themselves into trouble.

The Arsenal manager had this to say about Twitter:

"I don't believe you can stop the players using it because everyone has the freedom to press his point.”

“You want it to be intelligent in a good way, in a positive way. The players can get closer to the fans and that is one of the positive aspects of it.

“But let the referee do his job and let us make sure that we are 100 per cent right with our attitude and behaviour.”

“We do not want to get involved in referee's decisions, we want to take care of our attitude and behaviour.

“No matter what kind of decisions we had on Saturday we could have won the game and that is what we want to take care of.”

So it seems that Wenger won't be dusting off his keyboard any time soon to sign up for Twitter, and will leave the informing of fans up to his players - just as long as they don't insult the referees. Someone the Arsenal manager doesn't need to worry about is Theo Walcott, who expressed his confusion at the concept:

"I don't tweet myself, I really don't have a clue what it's all about. It doesn't really interest me."

Bolton Get Sturridge Instead of Vela

There have been some massive transfers this deadline day involving big players, big clubs and big money. This transfer isn't as big as those including Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez or Andy Carroll, but it sees Danny Sturridge of Chelsea joining Bolton Wanderers in a loan deal until the end of the season.

After Chelsea's £50 million signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool, Sturridge will obviously find it harder than it already has been for him to grab a place in the first team ahead of Drogba, Anelka and now the new Spaniard. A move away which guarantees him games is a great move for the promising young English forward where he can prove his obvious talents ad grow as a player with some decent time on the pitch at an increasingly talented Bolton side.

Bolton had tried to sign the Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, but the Mexican's agent was a big stumbling block for the transfer, and in the end, Vela joined West Brom from Arsenal rather than Bolton. Sturridge is, nevertheless, a big scoop for Bolton.
It seems both parties are very pleased with the transfer. Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager said of his new signing:

"I'm really pleased to have Daniel with us,"

"He's a terrific young talent and one of the most exciting strikers in the country. We're all looking forward to working with him."

While Sturridge, who was linked to a move to Liverpool in a part exchange deal for Torres said:

"I spoke with the manager and he outlined what he hopes to achieve and his plans. It was an easy decision to sign for Bolton Wanderers and I'm looking forward to linking up with the squad on Tuesday."

The 21 year-old also said that Jack Wilshere, the Arsenal midfielder who spent a good spell at Bolton on loan had encouraged him to join the Bolton set up:

"I'm good friends with Jack (Wilshere) and he told me all about the club too. He said how much he had enjoyed his time here and how good the set-up was."

Balotelli on the Insult Offensive again

Mario is at it again. Not a month has passed since the Manchester City striker claimed to be better than Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney, that he didn't know who Jack Wilshere was and that Lionel Messi was only a "little" better than him, but now the 20 year-old has had more to say! Joy! This time his comments regard club rivals Manchester United and their striker Wayne Rooney, Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, the lack of manners and respect that Jose Mourinho has (the irony!), and the way in which Rafael Benitez got rid of Balotelli from Inter.

Lets start with Rooney. He isn't having the best of seasons, I'm sure even he would admit that. He hasn't scored the goals he would have like, he hasn't had the perfect touch that he had previous to the World Cup, and he hasn't been passing it well enough (50% pass rate against Tottenham). Balotelli on the other hand, when he has played this season has looked impressive, scoring 5 goals in 9 appearances for City, and there is somone who has noticed this.

"He [Rooney] is a very good player but not the best [striker] in Manchester"

From that quote, and from the fact that Balotelli is completely infatuated with himself, the only conclusion I can take is that he is saying that he is better than Rooney - he surely couldn't be praising another player, could he, like Carlos Tevez or even Dimitar Berbatov - joint top scorers this season. At the moment, you would have to agree, Rooney isn't the best striker in Manchester, he is far from it, but it is quite surprising that a player could be so confident (or perhaps cocky) to say such a thing.

Currently sidelined with a knee injury, Balotelli turned his head towards his, and two of his other team mates' brilliance. Claiming that him, Tevez and Dzeko are better than both Barcelona and Real Madrid's attack:

"Our attack of Balotelli-Tevez-Dzeko is the best in the world. We are the strongest. Better even than Barcelona and Real Madrid."

Next, the former Inter striker had a bit of advice for Jose Mourinho. Although calling him the "best manager in the world", Balotelli commented on a couple of things the current Real Madrid manager needs improving on. Two things that, personally, I don't think Balotelli is an expert on himself: manners and respect;

"[Mourinho] is the best coach in the world, but as a man he still has to learn manners and respect. [Mancini] is the most important coach I've ever had. He'll soon become the No1 in the world. But already now, in terms of human qualities, he is two kilometres ahead of Mourinho, wait, make that 10 kilometres."

He is obviously a big fan of Mancini - of course not as big a fan than he is of himself, but a fan nonetheless, and it is nice to see that Mancini is held in high regard by Balotelli, he does after all have to manage the player every day on the training field.
One manager he doesn't have this kind of respect for is Rafael Benitez. He was manager for Inter for a short period when Balotelli was in Milan:

 "He just told me: 'You come after Milito, Eto'o and Pandev, fourth-choice striker.' I said: 'That's it, ciao.'"

It can be nice to see strong headed, confident players expressing their views and then backing them up on the football pitch with outstanding shows of brilliance. However, it is not great when a player like Balotelli, seemingly arrogant, smug, egotistical, over confident, cocky, insulting and self adoring insults fellow professionals time after time. He is only 20 years-old, and immature, but there is no doubting his obvious talents. I just don't see why he has to continuously tell the world about it as well as being disrespectful when he can just show his qualities on the field.

"Balotelli will know who Jack Wilshere is After Tonight"

Arsenal play Manchester City tonight, as both teams chase Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table, and there will be one intriguing battle in particular on the field at The Emirates - between Jack Wilshere and Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli claimed to not know who Jack Wilshere was when receiving a prize for the best young player in Europe - with Wilshere in second place. On a social networking site, Wilshere commented:

"Balotelli will know who Jack Wilshere is After Tonight"

The post ended in "lol", so there is nothing bitter between them, and at the time of Balotelli's comment, Wilshere took no offence.
Both players are very talented, hence the reason they came first and second for the young European player, but I would much have the talented, hard working, technically gifted, young, clever Arsenal midfielder in my team over the egotistical, big-headed arrogance of Mario Balotelli - although he is a big talent.

It promises to be a good game tonight, and one that will play a big part in this tight title race.

IN REFLECTION:

Well, Balotelli didn't play, dispelling the whole purpose of this article. Why didn't he play? Because he is a striker, and Manchester City, against an attacking side like Arsenal simply defend. One up top in Tevez, and even he was taken off for a defender late on - disappointing performance from City.
Wilshere couldn't really make much of an impact, much like the majority of the Arsenal midfield, but he was cool on the ball, and passed the ball well.
Good night for Manchester United, as a 0 - 0 draw is all Arsenal and City could muster.

Wise Wenger & Wilshere Wants Beckham at Arsenal

David Beckham is a footballer in demand at the moment, with several Premier League clubs interested in bringing him back to England in a short term loan deal. Tottenham, Newcastle and Blackburn have all confirmed their interest, and Jack Wilshere of Arsenal has also expressed his feelings that Beckham would be a great example to him and the team thanks to his "professional attitude, ability and experience". But by the looks of L.A Galaxy's stance on things, no deal will be done quickly. Why? The MLS side are baffled that Beckham wants to leave.

Its odd they think that. Absolutely no disrespect to the American football League, but it is nothing compared to English football. Can you blame Beckham for thinking about a move back to the place where he made his name; a place which turned him into a global star - a place he shouldn't have ever left? England is where the real competitive football is, and Beckham knows it. His Manchester United days were the best of his life and he cannot be blamed for wanting to relive something similar with Tottenham.

The move isn't about grabbing headlines, nor is it about making money - he has a life time supply of both. This is about playing some real football against world class professionals in an environment of a team challenging for the title - and it is also to maintain his fitness of course.

I couldn't agree more with what Arsene Wenger said:

"At the time he was practising here, he was ready. Since he had his injury I don’t know because I haven’t seen him practice or play.

"The only thing I can say, of course you don’t need to speak about his talent or his professional attitude because that was absolutely fantastic.

"I respect a lot, the guy who plays until the last day of his potential and doesn’t care too much about what people say because he knows he will never play again after that,”

Beckham of course trained at Arsenal a few years back and obviously impressed Wenger. Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere said on Twitter:

"Bring Becks to Arsenal. what a great Example he would be for all of us! His professional attitude, ability and experience! love 2 work with him!"

I can understand that Galaxy don't want a repeat of the last loan deal to AC Milan in which Beckham received a terrible injury to his achilles, and therefore missed a few games for the MLS side. But to be honest, I think they just don't want to let him go as they are afraid that he may become too comfortable in England. Comfortable enough to stay.

Balotelli: I'm better than Fabregas & Rooney, and who is Wilshere?

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli claimed after winning an award naming him as the best European player under the age of 21, that he is better than Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, and has never even heard of the player voted in second place in the award, Jack Wilshere. He went on to say that Lionel Messi is the only previous winner of the award who is better than him - but only a "little" better.

In reference to 18 year-old Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, Balotelli said:

'What's his name? Wil...? No, I just don’t know him, but the next time I play against Arsenal I'll try to be careful. Maybe I could show him the Golden Boy trophy and remind him that I won."

He may be excused for this, as Wilshere has only recently broken through into the Arsenal first team - making a total of 16 league appearances for the Gunners. But he has been very impressive - justifying being voted second out of every European player under 21. However, for Balotelli to claim he is better than Fabregas and Rooney? Not so excusable.

Talking about the previous winners of the award - including Rooney and Fabregas, the Italian said:

'There's only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi. All the others behind me.

'I am delighted to receive the award, but who else would have won if not me? Two years ago I finished sixth and then fourth in 2009. Now it's my turn, no?

I think it would be very safe to say that Balotelli's ego is quite large, and he is certainly not short on self-confidence. He is full of the talk. But where is his proof to support his statements? He would have to go a long way in the next few years to prove that he is even in the same league as the players he has mentioned.

Rooney has won 3 Premier League titles, 2 League Cups and one Champions League trophy, as well as being awarded countless individual awards. While Fabregas was named club captain at 21, he went on to win both the UEFA European Championship in 2008, and the biggest prize in world football, the FIFA World Cup in 2010, both with his country, Spain. Both are considered very special players with superb ability and desire to help their team win trophies. The big headed Balotelli on the other hand seems to me as someone far more interested in making himself look good for his own personal gain.

Yes, he is a good player, and yes he probably did deserve the recognition and award, but he is such an arrogant, self-centred, egotistical person, its hard to have much respect for him, especially when he is putting fellow professionals down.

Denilson to Wolfsburg?

According to several news sources, the former England manager and current manager of German side Wolfsburg is very interested in signing the Arsenal central midfielder for around £11 million in the January transfer window.

It is thought that Wolfsburg are prepared to let their centre back, Simon Kjaer leave for Chelsea, who are keen to strengthen their defence with the £7 million signing so that Wolfsburg can then use the money in the Kjaer sale to help facilitate a move for Denilson.

The 22 year-old has played only 8 time in the Premier League for Arsenal this season. His lack of game time may persuade him to move away from Arsenal instead offighting for a first team place against the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere - who can all and have all played in a similar position to the Brazilian. Aaron Ramsey is also likely to return from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest in January, which would leave Denilson in the midst of a massive fight for a first team place.

Henderson, Carroll and Jay Bothroyd are In England Squad

Fabio Capello announced his England Squad for the friendly against France. The names included a lot of young talent which the Italian coach will be hoping to create a different kind of team with a different dimension to it which will be the England of the future.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Ben Foster, Robert Green, Joe Hart

Defenders:
Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Chris Smalling, John Terry

Midfelders:
Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, James Milner, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young

Strikers:
Gabriel Agbonlahor, Jay Bothroyd, Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Newcastle - Carroll Steals the Win

A beautifully floated free-kick from Joey Barton just before half time prompted Fabianski to stagger out of his six yard box, wave his arms about, and allow the monster of Andy Carroll to power the flying ball into the back of an empty Arsenal net. It was that simple.

But the hard bit was yet to come for Newcastle. They had to resist the Arsenal attack, break up the play, and just get it out of their area. They did it brilliantly, with every single player working so hard for the team to keep out the Arsenal force. Tiote and Barton controlled the midfield - breaking down any attacks and running and running until the final minutes to win a valuable three point for the Magpies.

Arsenal had limited chances with a Nasri strike in the first half well saved by Tim Krul in the goal, while a Fabregas free-kick, also in the first half, hit the cross bar. But that was really as close as Arsenal came to scoring. All in all it was a very frustrating home game for Arsenal, who simply couldn't get passed the very well organised defence and midfield of Newcastle.

The strikers too, of Carroll, Ameobi and Ranger worked their socks off. They often didn't have much support in the box and had to come deep to receive the ball as well as moving out wide, but they didn't stop working, and also helped in defence.

Capello sat in the stands, watching the Englishmen on show closely. Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll in particular played well, and with Capello looking for different, new players to break into his squad of national failures, they all have a chance.

Rooney's bad form has been well publicised, and Andy Carroll's good form was clear for the England manager to see today. He could be looking at a place in the England squad, or team in the near future if his form continues.

Rare English Talent to be Rewarded

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger are well known for nurturing young footballers, and giving them a chance to perform on a bigger stage in which they can showcase their talents. The 18 year old English talent Jack Wilshere has benefited from Arsenal's system, and after a successful loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, has returned to Arsenal and has exceeded expectations.

His current salary at Arsenal is £15,000 a week. However, in an attempt to keep him at the club, Arsene Wenger will offer the youngster almost double that amount in a new deal.

Wenger said:

“We are confident we will sign Jack very quickly, he has 18 months to go. I will try to get him on a longer contract and we hope we can announce that soon.

“Jack has had a great start to the season. He has the same confidence Wayne Rooney had at the same age, it is just natural for him.

“It looks like Jack can handle the pressure well and even though he is a quiet guy, you see that in the big games he wants the ball all of the time.”

The Frenchman is not silly. Comparing Wilshere to Wayne Rooney is understandable. Wilshere obviously has the talents, and loves football. You can see it when watching him - he always does his best for the team, his team mates and himself. He is known for his passing, dribbling, vision, movement and combination play, and his commitment is something that is hard to come by.

It is the enjoyment of football that runs him, and it is great to see. However, it is something that is rare to see. With players being paid so much money, some seem to lose sight of the reasons that they play football, other than receiving the hefty pay packet.