VOTE: Who Is Your Player of the Year?

Much has been made of this years PFA Player of he Year short-list, with there being controversy, particularly among Manchester United fans over seeing certain players left out, in United's case, Luis Nani. Above is the official list, and to avoid naming every player who has had an above average season, there is an added selection in which you can choose a player who you believe has had a season worthy of praise.
Below, are the players profiles:

Nemanja Vidic


Vidic has been a massive part of Manchester United's title push this season, being a solid, imposing and aggressive figure in the back four. A reliable defender who is never afraid to put his body on the line for his team has won countless contests with strikers this season, helping his veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der sar to keep 12 clean sheets in the league as well as being a threat from set pieces, scoring four goals in an outstanding season for the Serbian.

He has coped exceedingly well in the absence of his partner Rio Ferdinand, which was helped by the introduction of an impressive Chris Smalling. Vidic was given the captain's armband at the start of the season and has shown throughout that it was no mistake. A born leader, a brave defender, and a real contender for the Player of the Year.

Carlos Tevez


Just as Vidic is vital to United's defence and team as a whole, Carlos Tevez is also a crucial figure at City with his all round team displays. He never stops running, and plays with an admirable passion to win that is somewhat questioned by his off-field behaviour towards his contract. He has however recovered from certain differences he had with staff at Manchester City and continues to be a threat up front, and has his attentions turned to overtaking Dimitar Berbatov as the Leagues leading scorer.

19 goals and 6 assists in 27 league games emphasize the importance the Argentine has at City, who often struggle for goals and general creativity without him.Despite his troubles with the club in December, and his written transfer request, he remains a player who torments the best defenders, leads from the front and another strong contender for the award.

Charlie Adam

The Blackpool midfielder was the catalyst in helping his side to promotion to the Premier League and has this season been the very same thing in the clubs attempts to stay there. He has had a fantastic season, with his passing range and set piece ability worthy of praise alone. Indeed, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said of his corners: "his corner kicks are worth £10m". His inspired performances for Blackpool attracted interest from Liverpool, but petty offers were rejected by Ian Holloway, who claimed Adam to be worth well over the £4 million offered. 


9 goals in the League from midfield and 5 assists are impressive for a promoted player, but do not tell the whole story of his contribution to his side. However, he has been criticized for too many "Hollywood" passes in games, often giving the ball away in dangerous areas when a simple pass is on but this only highlights the 25 year-old's ambition and confidence in his ability, which he does have in abundance.

Gareth Bale


The Tottenham left midfielder has been raiding the left flank all season, and as a result has been subject to a few injuries which have, unfortunately for Tottenham halted his outstanding progress from the beginning of the season. He played the biggest part in beating Inter Milan in the Champions League, as he tore one of the supposed best right backs in the world to shreds with his blistering pace. His Premier League partnership with the strikers of Tottenham has also worked a treat with his crossing ability helping to score important goals for Spurs as balls are headed down by Crouch to the awaiting Dutchman and fellow nominee Rafael van der Vaart.

He has been excellent going forward on the flanks, but also has the goalscoring touch, with 7 goals and an assist to his name. Certainly a dangerous player who has come into the spotlight this season and is rated by his optimistic manager as worth the same as Crisitano Ronaldo.

Scott Parker


Scott Parker is a player whose passion, commitment, and desire to do whatever it takes to win ooze from him on the pitch. It is a phrase that is used a lot, but he really has almost single handedly kept West Ham in the fight for Premier League survival. He is just outstanding. There is no flashy business about him, or hogging of the limelight, like United's Paul Scholes, he gets on with his business because he loves to do it and because he is great at it.

His team mates confirm he is inspirational in the dressing room, and everyone who watches him play can confirm he is inspirational on the pitch. 5 goals and 2 assists are good for him, but is not what he is about. He is my favourite.

Samir Nasri


Arsenal are still fighting for the Premier League crown, and it is thanks in no small part to Samir Nasri, whose contribution to the title chase has been very much worth of praise. He is capable of pretty much anything in attack, and is a formidable attacking option for Arsenal, with his unpredictability being key to his quality and scaring defenders. It is a joy to watch him weave effortlessly in and around players as if the ball is stuck to his feet, and there is no doubt his performances this season are worthy of recognition.

His Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described the 23 year-old French play maker as "young, quick and technically outstanding player", and I'm not sure anyone can disagree. His passing and movement are outstanding, links up perfectly with his fellow mid fielders and has scored 9 goals this season in the league.


Rafael van der Vaart


The former Real Madrid midfielder made a blistering start to his Tottenham career with goals here there and everywhere. His buy proved an absolute bargain on Harry Redknapp's behalf, signing the player just before the deadline for a knock-down fee of £8 million. His passing ability has proven to be fantastic throughout the season, and like Nasri, is capable of creating something out of nothing with shots coming from his powerful left foot either just missing the target or bulging the back of the net.


An injury in December halted his progress really, and his form from the start of the season has not really been shown since, but the 28 year0old Dutchman remains a threat at Tottenham, with his tally for the season an impressive 10 goals and 6 assists. 

The Reds Go Marching On - Crushing Arsenal's Cup Hopes

Watch Goals Here

Manchester United don't lose three in a row. After two disappointing losses against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League, there was a wave of relief around Old Trafford when Fabio da Silva smashed the ball into the roof of the net to set United on track to overcome Arsenal. It was a fantastic team performance from a very much altered United side which saw some magnificent individual displays all round in a team which contained seven defenders.

Arsenal began well, keeping possession well when they had it and creating more shots in the first ten minutes than they did in the whole 90 at Barcelona in midweek. However, despite a bright start, Arsenal could not get past the quite amazing Edwin van der Sar who even at 40 displayed millions of reasons throughout why Sir Alex Ferguson is still attempting to persuade him out of retirement.

The two starting wingers, Fabio and Rafael da Silva combined to create a wonderful chance early in the first half as Fabio's cross was met by Rafael after a cutting run. Unfortunately, his header was not one from that of an experienced, prolific striker, but rather what he is; a right wing back, and his header went wildly over. It was however, a warning to Arsenal - these two were dangerous - and more was to come.

It was the goal that changed the game, and it came from Rafael. It was a brilliant move that would have been terrible if it wasn't finished with a goal. Fabio began the attack on the right, and feeding it to Rooney, continued his run. Rooney spotted the ever energetic Hernandez, and dinked it to him, and the "Little Pea" duly directed his header towards the goal brilliantly. Almunia kept it out, but pushed it into the path of the onrushing Fabio who smashed it into the net for the opener.

From then on, Unite has control, and played with confidence going forward and wonderful solidity at the back, with the Smalling, Vidic and Van der Sar keeping out the intricate Arsenal attack superbly.

Arsenal didn't create too much in retaliation, but a beautifully curling shot from van Persie which just dipped over the top corner of his compatriots goal, as well as a Samir Nasri's volley which bounced into the ground into van der Sar's safe hands. A Hernandez shot however, once again led to a United goal, doubling United's lead and giving Arsenal no chance of getting back into it.

Hernandez hit it in the box, only for Johan Djourou to get in the way. The blocked ball bounced up awkwardly and Rooney met it with a soft header which crept into the corner from the post. A flailing Sagna leg could not stop it, and as the ball nestled into the net, Rooney wheeled away with United fans overjoyed at the very likely possibility of an FA Cup semi final.

United held on well, and really could have scored two or three more goals but for a solid Almunia performance. Arsenal fans will be distraught after yet another trophy has slipped away from them. Not only that, but despite the fantastic sight of both Antonio Valencia and Aaron Ramsey returning to action after their terrible injuries, Johan Djourou was stretchered off with what looks a bad injury. The process of fixing him up, putting him on the stretcher and so on, took around six minutes, and we all wish him well in his recovery. It looked like a dislocated shoulder.

It was however, nice to see a Manchester United - Arsenal clash which for 90 minutes contained no bad blood or controversy. Then Paul Scholes came on. He received a yellow card for a rash tackle straight after coming on, and a few minutes into the injury time produced another slightly late tackle. It wasn't a bad tackle - he didn't get the ball, but didn't actually commit a foul. Arsenal players retaliated angrily, and a show of pushing and shoving began between a few players. Arsenal players were asking for a second yellow, but Chris Foy just gave him a stern talking to, which was a good decision.

If he had been sent off, we wouldn't have witnessed a truly beautiful volleyed pass to Rooney which saw United look for a third. Rooney crossed it to Chicharito but it was stopped by Almunia.

A fantastic game, which sees United cruise into the semi-finals of the FA Cup in search of their 12th win of the trophy. So many positives can be taken out of this game from Sir Alex, who may have been worried about a self destruction by his players towards the end of the season. It was quite the opposite to that, and United have a great confidence boost going into their Marseille game on Tuesday. On the other hand, it's time for Arsenal to push on and commit to winning the League.

Arsenal Will Rely on Suarez & Carroll for Tomorrow

Arsene Wenger's stony expression pasted on his appalled faced was clear for all to see as he trudged down the tunnel at the Emirates, knowing his side had wasted a glorious chance. The chance to close the gap to just one point on United had been fought for fiercely, but against a resilient Sunderland defence that United's own Steve Bruce had organised, the Gunners could not break through.

All they needed was a goal, but it just wasn't to be. It was just one of those days- all teams have them - when that goal simply doesn't come, and it is unfortunate for Arsenal that it came today, at a crucial time in their season. Five goals in midweek against Leyton Orient meant nothing against a Sunderland defence which was in a different class to that of Orient's.

Wenger may count him and his side unlucky with some of the officiating as two crucial calls in particular will possibly be questioned. An offside decision late on in the 87th minute was called up for Andrey Arshavin, whilst replay's show that although very borderline, and very close, the little Russian was probably onside and would have been clear through.

A little earlier too, there was a penalty shout for the Gunners, which was denied, as Arshavin went down from a push from Titus Bramble in the box. Arshavin's subsequent shot was an unbalanced one as he hit it wide of the post as a result of the push. Arshavin was clean through, only for Bramble to fall into his back with arms outstretched. This went undetected and the chance was gone.

In the absence of two of Arsenal's best in Fabregas and van Persie, the other players had to step up and fill in. Nasri, Wilshere and Bendtner helped Arsenal to a total of seven shots on target, but none found themselves go beyond Simon Mignolet in the Black Cat's goal, as the away side held on for the point.

Arsenal were never going to overtake Manchester United through a win in this game, obviously because it was mathematically impossible but they would have expected a win against a side who have been struggling recently since the departure of Darren Bent to Aston Villa. A win would have been a significant stride towards their first League title since 2004, especially considering United's tough trip to Anfield tomorrow.

Arsenal’s strikers may have misfired today, but they do have two aces up their sleeve, or rather Kenny Dalglish's sleeve which Arsenal will borrow. Manchester United travel to Anfield with a weakened defence, and will face a Liverpool front line which has recently been boosted by the additions of Suarez and Carroll. Wenger will be hoping the penetrative power of Liverpool will be greater than United's defensive abilities in the absence of Vidic and Ferdinand. If so, the disappointing draw to Sunderland won't look to bad, and rather a point gained than to points dropped.

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.

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.

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.

Arsenal Injury Update: Djourou, Vermaelen, Nasri & Song

There is yet more woe for Arsenal on the injury front. The Barcelona game in the Champions League is fast approaching, and Arsenal are facing an uphill battle to field a strong enough team who could challenge the goal hungry Catalans.

Facing Barcelona is a match that can border on impossible to win at the best of times. With a front line that strikes fear into even the strongest defence in the land, and a defence that can drive out some of the most potent attackers around, when you play Barcelona with the objective of winning, you need a strong team.

Losing a four goal lead away to Newcastle on Saturday isn't going to inspire confidence into the Arsenal side, and at the same time, the poor result certainly won't see the Barcelona team quaking in their boots. It is made worse then, that some of Arsenal's brightest players this season look likely to miss the first leg on the 16th February.

The injury list is as follows: Samir Nasri, Lukasz Fabianski, Alex Song, Thomas Vermaelen and now Johan Djourou.

Johan Djourou was taken off in the eight goal thriller at Newcastle on the week end, and was feared may be out for the rest of the season with damage to his knee ligaments. However, it has since been confirmed that he has not suffered a serious injury, but bruising to the knee. The Swiss national doctor confirmed that Djourou could be back in training very soon: "Djourou is probably less than one week away of beginning training" - very good news for Arsenal fans.

Samir Nasri will return in around three weeks after suffering a hamstring strain last week which certainly rules him out of the Barca game.

Thomas Vermaelen has been out since early September but Arsene Wenger can now see the finishing line for his Belgian centre back. "Thomas Vermaelen is making very good progress so he should be [back in] three to four more weeks,” said the manager on February 3rd, which again, rules him out of the Barca game.

Lukasz Fabianski, the Polish goalkeeper has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The Polish goalkeeper has been sidelined since early January with a shoulder injury and he is about to undergo surgery to cure the problem.

Alex Song's injury isn't as serious as the above, and will most probably be back for the 16th, as he only suffered a kick, but the injuries above still highlight the problem that will face Wenger when the time comes for him to pick the defence against Barcelona.

In the immediate future however, Arsenal will be hosting Wolves at the Emirates, and it is Wolves who have all of the momentum. After ending Manchester United's 29 game Premier League unbeaten run, the players in orange will be on an almighty high as they continue in the fierce relegation scrap. Arsenal meanwhile will be deflated after their astonishing  breakdown at St James Park. They will be without Abou Diaby due to his sending off in that game, and, of course, the casualties will be missing.

Wenger: Nasri Will Miss Barcelona Game

Arsenal's fears were confirmed yesterday, as Arsene Wenger revealed that their talismanic midfielder this season, Samir Nasri will miss the all important fixture against Barcelona in the Champions League - a match that can border on impossible to win at the best of times. With a front line that strikes fear into even the strongest defence in the land, and a defence that can drive out some of the most potent attackers around, when you play Barcelona with the objective of winning, you need a strong team.

Arsenal's game against Barcelona is on the 16th of February, and with that date only being just under two weeks away, the hamstring injury that the Frenchman has suffered will most certainly keep him out of it - barring a miraculous recovery. Wenger said:

"For Nasri, the scan shows a hamstring strain. [He will be out for] 21 days."

Wenger's plan to play Nasri in the F.A Cup clash with Huddersfield has backfired - something which he admits, but it is now not the only injury problem that Wenger must solve. There are also concerns over the fitness of another midfielder, Alex Song. The Arsenal manager said:

"Song cannot walk. I don't know what he has got. He was kicked, I think it was by [Laurent] Koscielny; he knocks out everybody in our team. So we have to see how he responds to that in the next days, but he cannot walk at the moment."

Apart from knocking "out everybody in the team", Koscielny has been talking about winning the title, and has pointed out, probably quite rightly, that Arsenal are the only challengers with Manchester United for the Premier League title. Continuing to comment on the blatantly obvious, Koscielny said:

"We have got more points than Manchester City, Chelsea and the others"

He continued:

"Anything can happen in this league. That's why we must keep working hard together. We will keep fighting. It's important we keep our defence strong.

"If we don't concede, we will always make chances to score ourselves. It's going to be a big battle between us and Manchester United and hopefully they will drop points, not us.

"It's not going to be easy. But we have faith in ourselves and in the squad. We do believe we can do it so bring it on."

Arsenal's next game is against a side only recently freed of their talisman, Andy Carroll. Newcastle have £35 million in the bank, but can do nothing with it at the present time, and last night saw yet another striker leave their team. Shola Ameobi walked off in agony with an apparent broke cheekbone, or something painful, and he will either miss the game, or wear a protective mask. Arsenal are not the only team with problems it seems.

Nasri Could Miss Barca Game but Wenger Won't Buy

Samir Nasri has been Arsenal's best player this season, so Wenger must have been feeling his compatriots pain when the 23 year-old midfielder pulled up with a hamstring injury against Huddersfield in the F.A Cup. After chasing a long ball from the returning Almunia, Nasri pulled up, and every Arsenal fans' breath was held, hoping that it would be nothing serious, and Nasri would be back to terrorise the opposition defence in a couple of short minutes. But it won't be minutes that Arsenal will have to wait for Nasri's return, it will be weeks.

Wenger had risked Nasri for the game, and now admits his regret at doing so, as it looks as if the injury could rule Nasri out for the next thee weeks - that is including Arsenal's massive clash with Spanish giants Barcelona. But will Wenger buy a replacement for Nasri in the remaining day of the transfer window? Take a guess.

The Arsenal manager was reluctant to predict when Nasri would return, but had a go nevertheless:

"Nasri looks to have a serious hamstring injury. Usually it is three weeks. We have to see if it is a grade 1, it will be two weeks, so we will see. It is very difficult to predict.

"I have now regrets because the plan was to play Rosicky, but he was still too weak because he was sick, so I took the gamble on Nasri. It backfired, but he could have come on and that happened as well.

“We are at the stage of the season where we play so many games that to lose bodies is very difficult for us. But Samir is a big blow."

Arsenal play Barcelona on the 16th February, which means that if Nasri recovers in two weeks, he could play some part at least in the Champions League match. However, if it is three weeks out that Nasri must suffer, he will certainly miss Arsenal's biggest test of the season. It is so unlucky for Arsenal that the player who has been in such fantastically blistering form this season is the one who could miss the match that he could make such a difference in, and showcase his skills against the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and so on.

A familiar quote that passes Wengers lips nowadays is:

"No, we will not sign anyone."  

He has said it again.
Instead of splashing the cash on a player like Eden Hazard who has expressed his desire to play for Arsenal, Wenger will recall Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Henri Lansbury, who are currently on loan spells. This could irritate those Arsenal fans becoming more and more frustrated by the lack of movement in the transfer window, especially considering the big games coming up as Arsenal challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League in the next few games or so.


The calmer Arsenal fans with more faith in Wenger will once again respect his decision not to sign anyone in the January transfer window, and happily see the younger players step up and help to take on the big teams. Wenger has never been one for a knee-jerk reaction, but we will have to wait and see if his patience and relaxed attitude towards transfers pays off against such a good side in Barcelona without their top player in Nasri.

Leeds 1 - 3 Arsenal - Best Goal?

What an absolute beauty of a goal this was. As I watched, my jaw was firmly rooted to my chest for a good couple of minutes as I soaked up the replays of an unstoppable, stunning strike. He will surely never hit a ball any better than he did in that moment. The only criticism there could possibly be was the celebration - didn't he realise what he had just done?! Its the goal you always dream of when playing the game, and what a stunner it was.

It did not however, stop Arsenal from progressing through to the next stage of the F.A Cup. Goals from Nasri, Sagna and van Persie (which you can see here) wrapped up the win for the Gunners who battled well against a resilient home side backed by their roaring, passionate fans. It was a proper F.A Cup match, great entertainment, great goals, two committed sides, fantastic home support - and even the goalkeeper went up for a corner at the end.

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.

Wenger: Evra Lacking in Respect after Arsenal "Crisis" Comments

The build up and tough talk before big games like the Arsenal - United clash on Monday are always fiesty. There are always the outspoken players, passionate about their own club and slightly disrespectful to the opposition club in attempt to fuel the fire and tension that will be carried into the game. Patrice Evra is the bearer of this burden this time, and he has faced a cool back lash from Arsene Wenger.

Evra stated that Arsenal were in crisis due to the lack of trophies in the past few years, whilst claiming that Arsenal have no chance of winning the league, he also suggested that Arsenal are simply a "training centre" for youngsters.

Wenger is a footballing manager. He likes to play and watch good football, and he also likes to win - but on the pitch in a war of footballing skills, not a war of words. Wenger dismissed Evra's comments:

"He gave you some good stuff to make it all hot before the game. We are guided by the way we want to play football and not by the statements of anybody who plays against us. Personally, I believe if you are a big player you always respect your opponent and that is what we try to do."

"We want to focus on the way we want to play and ignore any provocation before a game. We are motivated by the desire to win the game and by the quality of the football we want to play."

Patrice Evra isn't inexperienced when it come to controversy. He was after all involved in the disgrace of a French side at the World Cup who proved an absolute shambles in which he was the captain. The Frenchman will have to stay out of trouble on Monday though as the two big clubs take to the stage in the battle for first place - he could be up against the speedy Theo Walcott and the (very) in form Samir Nasri. If anything, he should be afraid... very afraid.

If you miss the match, check back here an I'll have video Highlights. Become a fan/ Like DBSFootball here http://on.fb.me/hiBVze

Arsenal 2 - 1 Fulham - Video Goals

Watch the Goals Here

Arsenal jumped above Manchester United to the top of the table after a 2 - 1 win at the Emirates, thanks in no small part to the brilliance of Samir Nasri.

The Frenchman grabbed both of the goals, making his tally for the season go into double figures to 11, and they were very important goals too, as Chelsea faltered at home against Everton. With Manchester United not playing due to snowy conditions at Blackpool, it was the chasers chance to leap frog the Red Devils at the top as well as gain some momentum going into next weeks games. Arsenal have benefited, while a poor Chelsea, despite the return of John Terry, drew against Everton, thanks to a late Jermaine Beckford goal which results in the Blues sitting third.

Both of the Gunners goals were sublime. Their small, tricky passing doesn't always pay off or turn into goals, but when Samir Nasri is in this kind of form, you just need to pass to him in the box and there will be only one result. Arshavin, fresh from winning the controversial 2018 World Cup bid, fed in  Nasri on the right of the penalty box for the first goal. Nasri then faked a shot as one Fulham defender came sliding in for the block. He then faked another, as another defender came sliding helplessly passed, and then with the coolest finish, he smashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net - with no challengers ahead of him. "Beautiful!", "magnificent!", "fantastic!" screamed the commentator, and you just have to agree.

Fulham then equalised in the 30th minute through striker Kamara. Confusion at the back left Diamante Kamara free in the middle, and as the American Clint Dempsey clipped the ball over everyone to the waiting striker, it was only going to be a simple placement into the net passed Fabianski. It has happened quite often this season, and it is a problem Wenger needs to address. His defence is caught out to often, and something must be done, because a winning team can't keep leaking goals, especially when it comes to the better sides.

15 minutes left of the match, and Arsenal know that a win takes them top. Step up Mr Nasri. Again, the Frenchman's trickery inside the box is excellent after he is fed in by Robin van Persie. Nasri bursted into the box with the ball at his feet, slipped round the goalkeeper with ease, swivelled around to the left of the goal, adjusted his feet, and lifted the ball into the back of the net for the winner. Just brilliant.

Goals like that deserve to win games, and it just so happens that these goals also took Arsenal to the top of the table too.

Watch the Goals Here

Now "Like" or Become a fan of DBSFootball on Facebook here: http://on.fb.me/hiBVze

Arsenal 2 - 3 Tottenham - Redknapp: We can win the Title

Arsene Wenger watched his team throw away a two goal lead against arch rivals Tottenham at the Emirates, and was it is fair to say he was absolutely furious - Pat Rice next to him must have been fearing for his own safety as Wenger threw a bottle to the floor in a passionate show of rage.

Arsenal dominated the first half with an early nine minute goal from Nasri as he went round Gomes and from a tight angle slipped the ball in the net. Chamakh then doubled the lead with his ninth goal of the season after a cute cross from Arshavin on the left.

Harry Redknapp sent on Jermain Defoe on at half time in the hope that the game would swing on its head. It did.

A long ball played forward was met with Jermaine Defoe - beating an Arsenal defender in the air, with van der vaart running on to it. Bale made a run down the middle just to the right of van der vaart, and there was no doubt that the Dutchman would find him. Bale duly and expertly slotted the ball passed a diving Fabianski to set up the Tottenham comeback.

A free kick was awarded to Tottenham just passed he 65th minute, and as van der vaart struck the ball, two players in the wall raised their arms above their heads. These players were both Fabregas and Chamakh, and thought that protecting their faces took priority over the risk of giving away a penalty. Phil Dowd the referee had no choice but to point to the penalty spot, and who else but the trusty Dutchman van der vaart coolly sent Faianski the wrong way to slot the ball home for the equaliser.

It was all level, and Tottenham were in the ascendancy. Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny then had the opportunity to knock Totenham down from their high with a glorious chance to score from a great cross. He wasn't stretching for the ball, he was unmarked, and he was about 5 yards out with virtually the whole goal the aim for. But he is a defender. And he headed over.

In the 84th minute, Gareth Bale - the man who never seems to stop running, bursted down the right, and as the ball was fed to him, he was inevitably brought down by Koscielny. Van der vaart took the subsequent free kick, and Younes Kaboul got a minimal touch as it bounced passed Fabianski to win the game for Tottenham.

As the 4th official raised the board in the 90th minute to show five minuets of added time, the Arsenal fans, with no real belief on their faces, weakly encouraged the players to fight for an equaliser. The fans belief seemed to be mirrored by the players - mounting no real chances again, and trudged off at the end of the match knowing that they had blown the chance to go top.

Harry Redknapp said at the end of the game:

"We can beat anybody and this win today has put us right back in the race again. It is wide open.

"We can achieve anything. We have to believe. It is not impossible to win the title. Let's see how we go."

If Tottenham continue to play with this resilience and fight, not forgetting their obvious quality, this kind of result will become far more common.

Before handing the man of the match award to Bale van der vaart said:

"It's a great day for the club."

This is something that Tottenham fans will get used to hearing.