Club Focus - Arsenal - Gunners gear up for vital ‘Battle of Britain’ clash
The past week has been all about the start of the new Premier League season and how ready the Gunners are for the tough month ahead, which includes the Champions League play-off clash against Scottish giants Celtic. Ahead of such an important period for the north London side, Arsene Wenger was forced to quash suggestions that Barcelona has renewed its never-ending interest in the Gunners’ captain Cesc Fabregas. Reports in the media had suggested that the influential Spanish midfielder is keen to go back to his Catalan roots, yet the Frenchman has bluntly denied any such offer from Barca. In an interview to the club’s official website, Wenger was quoted as saying, “No chance (of Fabregas being sold). Do you really think that we’ll sell our players one day before the Premier League starts? Players who are basic players of the team? There is no chance.”
The manager also revealed why he rejected a move to Real Madrid recently, as he thought he would do injustice to his philosophy if he left the club at this stage and Arsenal fans were certainly heartened to hear that their beloved Arsene would like to finish his coaching career at the Emirates. Regarding the usual speculation of new players coming in, Wenger has again poured cold water on all the rumours as he was clearly focused on facing Everton in the Premier League opener. The story surrounding Marouane Chamakh’s arrival is still doing the rounds whereas if some reports are to be believed, Fulham defender Brede Hangeland is on his way to N5, although the ever-wily Wenger is keeping his cards very close to his chest.
With Arsenal starved of genuine silverware over the last five years, the 2009/10 season is probably one of the most important in the club’s history. An opening day trip to tricky Everton was always going to be a tough test, but not even the most optimistic Gunner would have guessed the emphatic nature of the Arsenal display at Goodison Park on Saturday. David Moyes’ highly rated side were ripped apart by a scintillating Arsenal attack as the hosts suffered an embarrassing 6-1 loss. Frankly the tennis-like scoreline surprised even captain Fabregas but it also underlined the fact that this young Arsenal team are mature enough to launch a serious assault on the Premier League title come May. It was a major statement from Wenger’s men, a clear message to their Premier League rivals as well as the bookies who are writing Arsenal off at their own peril. Saturday’s win is the best ever start to a season for Arsenal surpassing a 5-1 opening day win over Wimbledon in 1988.
There were obviously a lot of positives from the Everton tie. One stand out performance - apart from a very good team effort - was Thomas Vermaelen’s debut. Not only did the Belgian defender score on his first taste of Premier League football - the former Ajax captain showed with his ability both in the air and on the ground that he has the potential to be a fine Premier League defender. Fabregas’ imperious display that included a well taken brace, underlined that the Spaniard was not at all distracted by all the media talks linking him with a shock move to Barcelona. Most importantly, Arsenal’s counter-attacking football was at its devastating best and for once the Gunners took all three chances that came their way in the first half which happened very rarely last season. There’s still a long way to go but this could really be Arsenal’s year after all.
The sweet victory on Merseyside will put Arsenal in good stead when the side visits Glasgow to take on Celtic in the Champions League play-off first leg at the imposing Celtic Park. The north London side knows the task at hand given the hostile nature of the location and the passion Scottish teams show on any European night. This won’t be any different as Tony Mowbray’s Celtic warmed up for the ‘Battle of Britain’ clash with an equally emphatic opening day Scottish Premier League win over Aberdeen away from home. Wenger acknowledged the tough test Celtic would provide over the two legs but it is the first leg at Parkhead that could well decide the fate of the tie.
"You expect a massive support at Celtic," admitted Wenger on Arsenal’s official website. "Scotland is always a very special atmosphere, a special noise in the stands. But we have played everywhere in Europe and we can deal with that. It will be down to us and how well we play. We don’t go into this game with fear. We go with respect for Celtic, but we know it is a very important game for us and we want to come home with a positive result. I always prepare my team first with determination and not with fear. We have played everywhere and have good experience in the Champions League. But every game is different and we know what we will face on Tuesday night - a very determined Celtic team with quality." Determined words indeed from Mr Wenger, and he will hope his side are in equally determined mood on Tuesday night as no-one at Arsenal will need reminding the importance of competing in the Champions League this season.
Arsenal Club Focus
Pre-season preparations take a few hits - July 29
Gunners as prepared as they can be for Everton - August 12
Gunners gear up for vital ‘Battle of Britain’ clash - August 18
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