Wenger

At his press conference on the eve of the game, Wenger was asked if fourth place would be out of reach if Arsenal failed to win.

Wenger is inclined to break from his policy of only offering one-year extensions to players over the age of 30.

"I am not a specialist but he overstretched his knee at the back when he made the volley [to score on Sunday], " said Wenger.

As the new season comes over the horizon, Wenger finds himself in a similar position to a year ago.

The Dane has found the net twice in three Premier League starts but Wenger insists he has no plans to let Bendtner leave in the summer.

Wenger had been linked as a possible successor to Sven Goran Eriksson in charge of England, but he has no interest in coaching a country.

I could try to call Arsene Wenger to see if they've done a deal without me, but I can't imagine that would happen.

The case against Jones was thrown out within a week of it reaching court and Wenger admires the way the 52-year-old handled the situation.

Wenger - Bendtner needs to be patient "I communicate every day with him and he never told me that, " responded Wenger.

"What I would like from our fans is to be behind the team until the last day, the last minute, of the season, " said Wenger.

The German is now 37 and, in keeping with Wenger's well-established policy for his older players, is only given yearly contracts.

"It is always tempting when you lose a game to say there is no leader but I believe you share leadership, " said Wenger.

He did not know that Wenger made up his mind on the move just before the session.

Wenger knows how much is at stake on Sunday but all he asks of his players is that they have no regrets when they leave Wembley.

Speaking after Wednesday's win, Wenger ear-marked that North London derby as the beginning of a "very uncertain time" for the midfielder.

Wenger added: "You don't realise how much a player needs his arms and shoulders to play football. "

Wenger said: "He makes goals as well. For me that is in his position as important as scoring goals. "

"Since the start I do not completely understand this story and I would be a little bit surprising with my statements, " said Wenger.

"Certainly what's happening at Liverpool is not down to the sport or to results, it's down to other, internal differences, " Wenger said.

Wenger was prepared to wait a year while signing Jones's Blackburn team-mate Chris Samba now.

Wenger: It was the right move for Henry to move [to New York Red Bulls]. He looks very happy with the few words I had with him today.

Later Arsene Wenger called me to ask if I was available, and I said 'let me talk to my wife' - now I am here.

Wenger, though, has no intention of letting any of his star names leave and slammed all the speculation behind the political wrangling.

"For me, Dynamo Kiev is a bit of an unknown quantity for the moment, " said Wenger.

Wenger seems to be more inclined on passing the ball than taking shots.

Lehmann is 37 but is showing no signs of slowing down and Wenger is ready to ask him to postpone his retirement.

Wenger said: "We had an enormously physical game on Saturday and maybe we lacked a little bit of sharpness in the final third. "

Wenger feels Allardyce has brought stability after inheriting a team in the relegation zone when he took charge in December 2008.

As Mourinho attempted to call a truce in his war of words with Wenger, he again demonstrated that humility is not part of his character.

"I had Gerard on the phone to see how Robert was physically and I told him only good information, " said Wenger.

When asked if the Fulham boss was one of the best English managers in the game, Wenger was unequivocal.

Wenger said to leave it in his hands and he will deal with whatever happens in the future.

Wenger was surprised and disappointed by his team's lack of cutting edge and he does not want to see it happen again.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger told me that he was looking for a midfielder to replace Vieira, that I had the same profile and that I would play.

Arsenal manager Aresene Wenger only expects him to be out for a week.

Wenger could not pick a winner amongst the last eight but he did suggest it would be one of his domestic rivals.

As the story gained impetus last night, Wenger said: 'We will investigate to see if there has been a breach of the regulations.

"It was all change in the summer and some of that was for unwanted reasons, " Wenger told the Official Arsenal Magazine.

"I cannot for ever be at the top as a manager because you need physical strength, some bestial strength to do this job, " Wenger says.

I would not be against Stokes at Charlton but it depends on him, " said Wenger. I have had no request from Charlton until now. "

The young Dutchman says that he needs a more ruthless streak in his finishing to force his way into Arsene Wenger's thinking.

His recovery has been swift since then but, until today, Wenger had not revealed the expected date of his comeback.

He said: "Arsenal fans can be completely relaxed that Wenger has got this signing spot on - Da Silva is a great buy. "

Alexander HLEB is impressed by Liverpool's summer signings - but is out to prove Arsene Wenger was right to have faith in his young squad.

Burnley survived and hit back through Graham Alexander's first-half penalty, leaving Wenger to reflect on what might have been.

Wenger is confident that Arsenal's defensive record will prove important in holding on for a place in the final.

What I fail to understand is Wenger's logic regarding this experience, or composure, or killer instinct thing.

Wenger's youngsters were subjected to a brutal kicking from Ajax during Saturday's warm-up in the Amsterdam Arena.

The same team that, it was later proved, denied Wenger's Monaco at least two French titles through their match-fixing.

"He gave you [reporters] some good stuff to make it all hot before the game, " said Wenger.

Wenger: Search your feelings. You know it to be true.

"Jens Lehmann at the moment has not made up his mind, " said Wenger.

However Wenger suggested that Grant would need time, especially as his appointment had not been met with enthusiasm in some quarters.

"There is nothing there, we are a little bit in no-man's land at the moment, " said Wenger.

That said, Wenger is happy to let Van Persie supplement his usual treatment with a more experimental approach.

But Wenger has not closed the door on Senderos' Arsenal career, even though the 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer.

But boss Arsene Wenger is ready to recall the winger, having failed to convince Real to make the move permanent.

Wenger's first move into management came a year later when he accepted a post with Nancy Lorraine.

Should such a row develop, Wenger may be put off making a bid for the player, and may pursue other alternatives.

"The Gallas [contract talks] have to be a bit earlier because he plays, " said Wenger.

Wenger decided it was a risk worth taking and, not for the last time, the Frenchman 's judgement was impeccable.

Wenger revealed that the second-half display was more to do with the home team tiring rather than his side dominating.

However, the 21-year-old has failed to hold down a regular place in La Seleccion, but Wenger was keen to defend the Catalan playmaker.

ARSENE WENGER has still not found a stand-in keeper to replace injured Manuel Almunia with the Community Shield against Chelsea looming.

Wenger accepts that Barcelona are better than ever but he insists that the same applies to his own squad.

However, when asked if the fitness sessions would develop into anything more serious, Wenger was adamant that would not be the case.

"Of course I would consider signing Beckham but it's in an area where we do not need players, " explained Wenger.

Wenger seems to grow more stubborn by the year. He has a tried and trusted way of doing things and he isn't going to change it now.

Arsenal are prepared to break their transfer record in January to ensure that Arsene Wenger can keep pace with Manchester United.

Wenger confirmed: "We needed a centre-back of quality and experience if possible, and at the right price - he was all of that. "

Aliadiere out to ko Arsenal JEREMIE ALIADIERE has vowed to prove Arsene Wenger wrong after finally escaping from his Arsenal hell.

"I met him in Japan because he was over there, although he did not stay for very long because he didn't like the sushi, " recalled Wenger.

Wenger's satisfaction with the season's progress was reflected in a vow to stay out of the January transfer scramble.

I'll try to see Wenger in South Africa, then we'll tell you what happens.

Wenger was asked whether Arsenal held out for a higher transfer fee when negotiating the sale of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.

At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Wenger did not entirely rule out the move.

Wenger won the Double in his first full season in charge and almost repeated the feat a year later.

Wenger has messed with players positions ever since I have been aware of him.

Wenger - It's hard to explain Diaby injury "It's something we cannot explain, " said the manager.

Sevilla appear resigned to losing the Brazil international but Wenger again shied away from committing himself to a swoop for Baptista.

I've left four or five messages with him [Chamakh] in two months, I've also tried Wenger.

"I still have a contract with two years left on it and the boss (Arsene Wenger) wants me to stay, " said the towering centre-back.

The feud between Ferguson and Wenger might be over, the intensity of their rivalry is undiminished.

Wenger expects him to be 'match fit' by the time Arsenal face Blackburn on Saturday week.

At Thursday's AGM at Emirates Stadium, Wenger said he was "convinced that we have a chance to qualify [for the Champions League] again" .

Eto'o might be a difficult star for some coaches to handle but I'm sure he'd get on well with Arsene Wenger.

In related studies, postmenopausal women at the peak age of bone decline, experienced results similar to those of Wenger's aging mice.

"When we moved from Highbury to the Emirates I knew it would be a sensitive period, " said Wenger at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday.

That prompted Wenger to say last week: "One thing's for sure, we're not selling him to Manchester United. "

Wenger is reluctant to improve his bid and has admitted that, in his eyes, the agreement is dead unless Bordeaux change their stance.

"I believe it was a good reaction and that's what you look for, " said Wenger.

However, he was forced off in the first half with a recurrence of the injury and Wenger accepts that it was a mistake to play him.

Wenger should also be praised for the manner in which his team plays, with style, breathtaking pace and wonderful attacking invention.

"The goalkeepers are great, all ready to play, " said Wenger ahead of the trip to Liverpool.

I needed to train somewhere, Arsene [Wenger] has done me a great favour and you can't do any better than Arsenal.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old has reiterated his desire to stay at the club, although he admits Arsene Wenger is still to reveal his hand.

Wenger reported that the groin injuries suffered by Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner did "not look big. "

The Gunners are also in the market for at least one defender with Gary Cahill and Scott Dann top of Wenger's wanted list.

"He is expected to return but don't expect miracles when a guy has been out for such a long time, " said Wenger.

But Wenger insists his team simply had an off day and says panic buying is not the best way to deal with the problem.

After the 2-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium last season, Wenger accused Stoke of deliberately trying to injure his players.

However, it is understood that Wenger would not allow Bendtner to move in January unless he is presented with an offer he could not refuse.

Wenger believes that the striker's options are still open but he is not pursuing Chamakh at the moment.

I heard from London guys that Dzeko made a deal with Wenger and he joined Arsenal confirming the contract on 5 years. . . what do you think?

"He [Robin] was a bit on the edge after the Chelsea game but he was not injured, " said Wenger.

Wenger - The most open title race in years "Certainly [it will be the most open] for a long long time, " said the manager.

Arsene Wenger sees himself finishing his career at the helm of Arsenal and has no ambition to coach a national side.

Fabregas injury problem not like Owen's' "Cesc is a ball giver and Owen was more a runner, " said Wenger.

So it seems to be with Wenger and Ferguson.

But Wenger has told the 19-year-old he is not ready to play for Arsenal week-in and week-out.

That's why Wenger will spend January doing what much of the British population does - hunting for bargains.

Wenger's machinations are set to intrigue us yet again but it will be the greatest feat of his career if they also overthrow Chelsea.

"It was a good game at good pace, slowly we took over and in the second half it was all us, " said Wenger.

As Wenger said, he cannot decide Campbell's participation this summer.

Wenger insists that the Premier League's claim to be the best league in the world could be compromised by poor pitches.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was more cautious than Fabregas, insisting the Gunners "need a miracle" to claim the title.

Boss Wenger had insisted that yesterday was the deadline for Flamini to accept a fresh deal worth ? 5, 000 a week.

Arsenal could have tried to sign Torres but I believe Wenger and Arsenal have got it right again.

And while Wenger believes he still needs to become stronger as a player, he expects him to realise his potential.

But Wenger has defended his old centre back, insisting that Campbell has the strength of character to move into a coaching role.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says his search for a new centre-back is going nowhere as he seeks to bring in quality.

I don't know why one player should incite another to leave his club, " said Wenger. "

At his pre-match press conference, Wenger was confident this would be different but he could provide no promises.

And Wenger had a humorous way of explaining the situation to journalists at his press conference ahead of the trip to Goodison Park.

Ahead of his team's Premier League clash at City, Wenger accepted each philosophy has its own obstacles.

Now Nordtveit is hoping that Wenger decides to promote from within when he assesses his squad at the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger has hailed Ashley Cole's contribution to Arsenal and insisted that the fans wanted him to stay at the club forever.

'If Fabregas is committed to this club and wants to stay, no money will get him out of here, ' Wenger said before the Emirates Cup.

"Birmingham worked very hard and regrouped quickly whenever they lost the ball, " Wenger said.

If he faces Arsene Wenger's men he is likely to go head-to head with some of the best young talent in the country.

Arsene wenger has demanded an improvement from his players in the wake of Saturday's goalless draw at home against Blackburn Rovers.

"Our position is always the same, we want to keep Cesc and I will fight as hard as I can to keep him, " said Wenger.

Wenger may now offer Philippe Senderos to Fiorentina as part of a proposed move for tough-tackling Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo.

"There is a big question mark about him at the moment, " said Wenger.

"I would not like to put too much pressure on Jack because of the expectation level, " said Wenger.

"It was a great goal, a great run and he is getting his legs back, " said Wenger of Henry's killer third goal.

However Gallas is still absent with, what Wenger described as, "an endless calf injury" .

Wenger said Vieira was an "exceptional" player for his side.

In a bid to keep fit, Campbell asked Wenger if he could train at Arsenal and the Frenchman was only too happy to oblige.

The highly-rated full back became Wenger's first capture of the summer when he put pen to paper on a move from Charlton Athletic.

" Wenger added: " Part of being at a big club is you accept that other players might come in and do extremely well and he has to be patient.

He was a bit stiff at half time but he should be OK, " confirmed Wenger. " Nasri is alright.

Wenger feels his young side have shown great character to produce such a response.

Manager Arsene Wenger admitted last week that he was searching for a defender capable of playing at both centre-half and left-back.

Wenger knows there can be little margin for error again given their defeat at Fulham in their opening away game of the domestic campaign.

"We are in a waiting period, everybody is waiting that the other [club] moves, " Wenger said in an interview with Alsace TV.

"He had a good start [against Blackburn] and he became stronger and stronger, " continued Wenger.

Wenger intends to give his players around a month off from the date their teams were knocked out of the tournament.

It will be now up to Wenger and his young charges to emulate Manchester United's class of '95, and try and win something with kids.

It is believed the player no longer sees eye to eye with Arsene Wenger and that his future at the Emirates isn't as secure as it looks.

Wenger wants his players to regain their confidence with a string of victories, starting when Bolton visit Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

But Wenger is determined to leave a lasting legacy.

When asked about media reports linking him with Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer, Wenger replied: "Not really. "

I'm a different person now. Then I was an immature boy and looking back now, I guess Wenger was right at the time.

Just over a year ago The Red Devils ended Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten run, a defeat Arsene Wenger's side took time to recover from.

The 22-year-old now hopes to prove he is deserving of a regular place in Arsene Wenger's starting line-up.

Vieira was a youngster in AC Milan's reserves when Wenger brought him to Highbury.

Arsene Wenger, though, knows his cosmopolitan squad will have little down-time between now and then as they jet off around the world.

It is certain that her most wonderful time was the last decade after the arrival of Manager Wenger.

Arsenal boss Wenger's faith in his upcoming players has drawn criticism from the club's fans after four years without a trophy.

But Wenger says that he would spend as much as he needs to get his man.

The FA have since studied Wenger's comments and concluded that he has no case to answer.

But, speaking after Tuesday's victory over SC Columbia, Wenger cleared up the reason for his absence.

And Wenger claims it is those results against the lesser teams which has convinced him Arsenal would be deserving title winners.

It was a welcome reverse for Wenger, who was short of attacking options for the trip to Liege on Wednesday.

After the match Wenger could not confirm whether Fabregas would be fit for selection against the current European Champions.

"We haven't made an approach, for the moment, for Jenas, " Wenger told Sky Sports News.

Arsene Wenger gave the player two days off to clear his head, but the centre-half has been phoning home in despair every night.

Wenger admits the negotiating process is always tricky so he is not wasting any time.

Wenger would have thought the young Brazilian could be tested following his suspect showings against Manchester City in the Carling Cup.

Dein was forced out of his job as vice-chairman last month, leaving Arsene Wenger without his trusted ally in the boardroom.

Wenger: If you only knew the power of the Arsenal. Pat Rice never told you what happened to your father.

"I think we are the team who brought out more young players than any other team in the country, " said Wenger.

But, at his pre-match press conference, that was the last thing on Wenger's mind.

Not so from Wenger when he addressed his team in his normal, measured way at half-time at Highbury.

And from what I know of Wenger, he will be thinking exactly the same as he shapes his plans for next season.

Countless cards have been dished out to the Gunners, with Wenger claiming that referees have a hidden agenda against his club.

But Wenger believes that Nasri and Arshavin have the talent and versatility to make their mark in a number of positions.

Wenger's record says he is winning the consistency battle of being at the top of the football food chain in Europe.

To avoid conflict, the Swiss government gives half of the military knife & bayonet blade production quota to Wenger and half to Victorinox.

Last year I was missing some incredible chances and this year I am putting the ball away, " he said. " One day Wenger told me to relax.

For Wenger, it is still Barca, and their greatest rivals, who pose the biggest threat to an English winner this year.

Wenger is struggling to find anyone who he feels can add to his squad and is available at reasonable cost.

On the upside, Wenger has added Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song to his squad after they returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The template is there for Arsenal, but it would not be the first time Arsene Wenger has eschewed pragmatism.

Wenger acknowledged that his team did not perform to their highest standards in last Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Perez has made no secret of his admiration for Wenger and tried to sign him during his first spell in charge in 2003.

Wenger is not deaf to the criticism but he has tried to turn down the volume in order to turn around his season.

Wenger was asked whether he could let a potentially unhappy player just leave, but the manager believes that would set a dangerous trend.

Instead, Wenger pointed at Arsenal's lack of height throughout the team as a reason for the defeat.

Wenger explained simply: "Robin took the second penalty because he is one of the players on list for penalties. "

They believe that Wenger was entitled to raise general concerns about refereeing and trends that are occurring during matches.

However, Wenger is not expecting a repeat of this summer when Nasri and Cesc Fabregas both departed.

Wenger was adamant though they do not suffer a mental block when they come to the Reebok Stadium.

However if you look at the numbers we are over reliant on him at the moment, " added Wenger. "

"My favourite Italian star is Gennaro Gattuso: when he is fit, he is a real lion on the pitch, " Wenger told ControCampo.

My agent has met with coach Arsene Wenger about a new deal and I am happy about how the talks are going so the fans can rest assured.

"Eboue is a guy who needs to be loved, " Wenger explained at his post-match press conference.

Wenger, though, maintains until the ink is dry, no deal can be considered done.

Wenger added that Tomas Rosicky is likely to be back after missing the game at Upton Park.

I feel the 18-point gap is a reflection we have to take on the chin, " said Wenger at his pre-match press conference. "

"I expected Rooney to be in there, also Owen but he was injured, " said Wenger.

"We had a short recovery time [from Sunday's game] so we have a few bumps and bruises, " said Wenger at his pre-match press conference.

"From last week's squad we have Eduardo and Song back in the squad, " said Wenger on Friday.

He later gave the trophy to Wenger as a token of his appreciation.

However for Wenger, the attributes from the first match remain key to any title bid.

Wenger has seen many a young striker rise up through the ranks and his belief in Bendtner is unwavering.

"Theo went home early and was due to have an MRI on Tuesday, " said Wenger.

Wenger - Subtlety can find the right balance Get the balance of your team right and the results usually follow.

Wenger has highlighted his team's defensive underachieving as the reason for Arsenal's failure to capture any silverware this season.

How other clubs will occupy themselves while Wenger is waiting for his players to ripen, Arsenal fans may not like to ponder.

"We have to assess Sol this [Friday] morning and how he recovers, " said Wenger at his pre-match press conference.

"Generally I feel we have done well in the derbies, " said Wenger.

Wenger has recently suggested that Traore's power, pace and crossing ability may see him get his first-team chance in left-midfield.

"For me Fenerbahce look to be an upcoming team, " said Wenger.

"I believe a mutual respect between the clubs should stop this kind of comment, " Wenger said.

With Jens Lehmann's Arsenal future a tenuous one, Arsene Wenger is rumoured to be considering a move for Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabio.

"I believe you can exaggerate the responsibility of footballers, that they should all be candidates for Paradise, " Wenger says.

With qualification assured, Wenger is fielding a youthful squad at the home of the Greek champions on Matchday Six.

Wenger also believes his players are starting to hit their stride this season after making it three wins in a row in all competitions.

Wenger is not ruling out some transfer activity at Emirates Stadium but he is keen to keep expectations at a realistic level.

Arsene Wenger was forced to continue his search for a director of football last night after being snubbed by Reading's Nicky Hammond.

You could say Wenger has done a good selling job over the past decade on fans like me.

Wenger: "It was vital for us to win the game. We started well and, slowly, the nerves took over. We just wanted to get over the line. "

And according to manager Wenger, Bendtner has improved dramatically over the last month.

"I think the French Football Federation has to do that [call for a replay], " said Wenger at his pre-match press conference.

And, speaking after the Molineux win, the captain was not harking back to Wenger's last title-winning side for inspiration.

Wenger might like to rest Hleb but his midfield options have been restricted by Tomas Rosicky's continued absence.

Wenger: There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you. You do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power.

Frenchman Wenger still firmly believes in his young side and wants to keep Fabregas as his leader, captain and star player.

On Saturday, Wenger's men went on to win a crucial game and are now within touching distance of Chelsea.

Arsene Wenger is reportedly also looking to trim squad players to help make room for much needed additions.

"I just spoke with my heart and of course, " said Wenger.

In 2008, Wenger sent out a weakened line-up against United in the FA Cup and watched as they were crushed 4-0.

But Wenger still wants another centre half, having had a bid knocked back for Everton's Phil Jagielka.

Wenger has seen plenty of forwards go through scoring droughts before and he will do his best to help Gervinho over this particular hurdle.

But Wenger has told Sunu that he will not be going anywhere until he commits his future to Arsenal with a new contract extension.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, who has given Flamini a deadline to sign up or leave, is now almost resigned to losing him.

Wenger has railed at the busy fixtures list and its demands on his squad.

At his post-match press conference, Wenger suggested he needed to talk to Henry.

But, ahead of Tuesday's Champions League game against Barcelona, Wenger says his players are equipped to cope with the expectation.

Wenger, who celebrated his 100th match as a Champions League manager, said: "To win away in Europe is difficult. "

"Some players are not even back yet [from international duty], " explained Wenger at his pre-match press conference.

Wenger acknowledges that injuries are part and parcel of international football but what bothers him is what happens directly after.

ARSENE WENGER has warned Robin van Persie not to go looking for revenge against Emmanuel Adebayor today.

One player set to be integral to Wenger's plans next season is midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Four of the top six clubs in the country have managers in their sixties - Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Harry Redknapp and myself.

Wenger also stated that despite Cole's controversy, he wants the England international to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Wenger believes Reds fans will show their respect to a player he says is 'loved' at Anfield.

enger: 'Szczesny is not fazed by pressure "I feel he is not fazed by the pressure, he looks calm and focused, " said Wenger.