Ayew "Delighted" & "Speechless" At United Interest

Champions League

While some players feel transfer rumours are an irritating distraction which can damage their on-field performances, Andre Ayew, the Marseille winger/striker has told of how "fantastic" it is to see his name linked to big clubs in newspapers. Manchester United and Barcelona - the two 2011 Champions League finalists have been said to be following the 21 year-old, and the Ghanian did not attempt to hide his amazement:

"It is fantastic to hear these stories, even if it's just through newspapers."

 "I am delighted to be linked with two powerhouses of world football. It means I have improved.

"I have not got a favourite, I am just speechless!"

"It would be a dream to join one of them, but I am living the dream here with Marseille as well and also looking forward to a strong finish to the season."

After an impressive World Cup for Ghana, Ayew has had a very good season with his club, Marseille, scoring 10 goals and assisting 2 in the French Ligue 1. He was unable to grab a goal against Manchester United however, when he played against them for Marseille in this years Champions League, with a Javier Hernandez double sealing a United victory in that tie.

Despite his understandable enthusiasm to being linked with two of the best teams in Europe, he was obliged to emphasise his love of playing where he is now, at Marseille, describing it as a "dream":

"Do not forget last season, I was playing at Arles Avignon in the second division." 

"The World Cup has made me realise my potential. It is a dream to play for Marseille and I love every minute of it."

Manchester United are not said to have made a move for the player, but Barcelona are reported to be preparing an £8 million bid for the versatile winger. Below you can see some highlights of Andre Ayew:

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Wallpaper >> Manchester United vs Schalke 04 [UEFA Champios League]

Champions League

Champions League Photos | Manchester United vs Schalke 04 | Anderson | Dimitar Berbatov | Paul Scholes | John Evans | Chris Smalling | Darron Gibson | Paul Scholes | Rafael da Silva | John Oshea | Fletcher | Van der Sar | Ferguson | Nani | Wallpaper and Pictures | Season 2010/2011

Manchester United Squad

Anderson-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Anderson-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Fletcher-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Fletcher-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Rafael da Silva-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Rafael da Silva-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Gibson-Oshea-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Gibson-Oshea-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

John Evans-Chris Smalling-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

John Evans-Chris Smalling[UEFA Champions League]

Sir Alex Ferguson-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Sir Alex Ferguson-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Van der Sar-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Van der Sar-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Antonio Valencia-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Antonio Valencia-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Anderson-Patrice Evra-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Anderson-Patrice Evra[UEFA Champions League]

Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Luis Nani-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Luis Nani-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

John Oshea-Manchester United vs Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

John Oshea-Manchester United vs Schalke 04

Manchester United (4) vs (1) Schalke 04[UEFA Champions League]

Manchester United (4) vs (1) Schalke 04

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More : Manchester United vs Schalke 04 - Report | Man Utd News

"Second-String" United Were First Class

Champions League

Sir Alex Ferguson may have sent out a "second-string" team against Schalke on Wednesday night, but it was nothing less than a first-class performance in front of a delighted 70,000 at Old Trafford. The United boss admitted to having second, third and fourth thoughts about the risky decision to play some players whom wouldn't usually start while resting the big guns such as Rooney, Hernandez and Vidic, but in the end, the risk paid off emphatically.

Darron Gibson, who has been the subject of huge criticism from some sections of Manchester United support, had a very impressive game with both an assist and a goal to his name. The opener was huge credit to him, feeding through Antonio Valencia, ruthlessly cutting through the Schalke defence with a pin-point pass, which some even light-heartedly likened to Andres Iniesta's quality. Valencia was one one one with Neuer, and calmly struck it past the German to lift the nerves murmuring around Old Trafford.

The second goal, was quite ironic considering Manuel Neuer's outstanding performance in the first leg, as he spilled a classic Gibson rocket into his own net, and it was at that point when Schalke, if they hadn't already, realised their Champions League dream was well and truly over. Neuer, their top performer had made a bad mistake, and that only spelled worse to come for the German side.

A consolation they did muster through Jurado, who no doubt upset Edwin van der sar by ruining his clean sheet, but it was too little too late for Schalke, who gave their fans at least something to cheer about.

Anderson then grabbed an unlikely double in the second half to seal a perfect Champions League semi-final tie, and book a place in the Champions League final with Barcelona at Wembley. It is an exciting prospect, and a game that will hopefully not be marred by the disgraceful antics that Barcelona have showcased in their far from perfect semi-final tie with Madrid.

Berbatov was his usual self; calm, drifting, and at one point showed off his outstanding and astonishingly abnormal ball control, holding off about five players and then unfortunately miscuing the cross. Michael Owen came off the bench to create a wonderful chance for himself, cutting inside on his right foot from the left and smash one towards the goal, and if it wasn't for a firm Neuer hand to stop it, the former Liverpool star would have been wheeling away in delight. That big goal he has promised is still being waited for, and he has four vital games left to do it in. Chelsea this week-end would be a good start.

Nevertheless, United have given Barcelona something to think about, with an emphatic win with their second team, having the likes of Rooney, Ferdinand and the rest watching from the stands. Schalke did not prove to be the most challenging of opposition by any means, but United did not do it the hard way like has been done before, but defeated them in style, and with apparent ease, both home and away with no blips.

 No player will miss the final due to suspension which is a huge bonus, and we must hope that no-one suffers an injury in the lead up to the huge game later this month.

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Results >> Manchester United to Wembley Final

Champions League

Latest Manchester United News | Man United Football Team | Match Results Review | Squad | Formation | Next Match : Man Utd vs Chelsea | Fixtures and Features | Scores | Valencia | Gibson | Anderson | News Now Man Utd | UEFA Champions League | Semi Final Second-Leg | Manchester United vs Schalke 04 | Season 2010/2011

Manchester United (4) vs (1) Schalke 04

Manchester United Result | Champions League Quarter Finals | 4 May 2011 | Season 2010/2011

Manchester United finally won the Champions League final ticket after defeating Schalke 04 at Old Trafford 4-1 (Agg 6-1). A very pleasing performance despite playing with a young squad for Manchester United.

With a 2-0 aggregate in the first leg, Sir Alex Ferguson to rotate players in order to maintain stamina fitness Manchester United's squad. Manchester United will face Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League continued on Sunday, 8 May 2011.

The victory was obtained through the Valencia goal in minute 26 ', Gibson at minute 31' and two goals from Anderson, each 72 minutes 'and 76'. Schalke could only respond by Jurado in the 35th minute '.

Manchester United will face Barcelona in the Champions League Final at Wembley on May 28, 2011. Barcelona cruised into the finals after beating Real Madrid on aggregate score of 3-1.

SCORES :

Manchester United : L.A. Valencia[26'], D. Gibson[31'], Anderson[72',76'].

Schalke 04 : J.M. Jurado[35'].

FORMATION

Man Utd Squad : 4-5-1

Van Der Sar, Oshea, Evan, Smalling, Rafael, Valencia, Scholes, Gibson, Carrick, Nani, Berbatov.

Schalke 04 Squad : 4-4-2

Neuer, Sarpei, Papadopoulos, Metzelder, Uchida, Matip, Baumjohann, Kluge, Edu, Raul, Farfan.

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More : Man Utd Transfers News | Man Utd Champions League

Regrettably, It's Best For Us All

Champions League

"Go on, just one more year!" Manchester United fans would be screaming that from the stands of Old Trafford for years to come if the evergreen Dutchman, Edwin van der sar were to change his mind and stay at United and in football for another year. Indeed he could - his quality as a world class goalkeeper has not faded in the slightest, with his reflexes being as swift and agile as ever, and his ability to save the unstoppable, as present as it ever was. His calming presence in the United goal is something very hard to find in goalkeepers today, and by him retiring, he is giving United an extremely hard job to do - but a job to be done sooner rather than later.

Letting go has proven hard for Van der sar, who recently admitted that he still asks himself why he is retiring. He says that physically he does not need to stop, and by his performances this season, no one can argue with that; he is still, as he says, "fit as a fiddle". But it is a decision he has made with the help of the people most important to him; his family and his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
It takes a brave man to disagree with Sir Alex about football. The United manager said:

"If I was giving advice to Edwin van der Sar, right now, I would say retire. He is at the absolute pinnacle of his career but sometimes, when a player gets to that age, age comes onto you very suddenly. I wouldn't want to see Edwin van der Sar in that situation."

As players such as Rooney and Rio Ferdinand call for the 40 year-old to abandon his plans of retirement to no avail, they must turn their attention to making this season his greatest at United. Manchester United must ensure that his final season can be his best season - a season of success - a season when the great goalkeeper goes out of the game he loves on an almighty high. It is only added incentive for the United players to go out against Schalke on Wednesday and Chelsea on the week-end and take a win to propel the club closer to a prestigious double in the name of their goalkeeper.

Unfortunately, United must move on quickly. A replacement needs to be found; one of the quality, or potential quality to fill Edwin van der sar's boots and safe gloves for the next decade or so. With Manuel Neur pretty much crossed off the list already, Sir Alex's short-list will be even shorter. No doubt Edwin will help Sir Alex in choosing his successor if he hasn't already, but United will buy a new goalkeeper in the summer - that is for sure - that is the priority. It is what is needed.

I'm not saying I wouldn't like him to stay another year, but at his age, United cannot be reliant on him as the number 1 goalkeeper, especially when looking forward in the long term future of the club. Perhaps however, the veteran goalkeeper will consider the words of  United legend Eric Cantona when he retires from the game at the end of the season:

"If you have only one passion in life - football - and you pursue it to the exclusion of everything else, it becomes very dangerous. When you stop doing this activity it is as though you are dying. The death of that activity is a death in itself."

It's a bit dramatic, but that's Cantona.

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Guardiola Making a Mockery of Football

Champions League

I, like you reading this now, am a fan of football. Many of you will also be a fan of beautiful football, that of which Barcelona have been praised for countless times. Indeed, their play is admirably graceful and magnificently elegant with splendid passing and exquisitely dominant attacking play. It is something that many clubs around the world aspire to be like, with Arsenal and Arsene Wenger trying their own style of beautiful passing to create the perfect goal. However, we all saw a far uglier side to their football last week in the "El Clasico" - the first leg of their Champion's League semi-final against Real Madrid.

For those who have watched the fixture before in recent times, it will have come as no surprise. It would have come as no surprise that certain players were falling on the floor as if they had been shot, rolling around on the grass as if they were on the verge of death, and screaming in absolute agony as if someone had repeatedly kicked them in the stomach with steel toe capped boots. It was a disgrace. Yet nothing was done to punish the players who were in blatant wrong.

Real Madrid, knowing that they have little chance of winning the tie thanks to the sublime Lionel Messi, resorted to accusations that some Barcelona players had been racist to their defender, Marcelo by calling him a monkey. Of course, if that is true, there must be enquiries; UEFA cannot simply sweep the matter under the carpet like no doubt they would love to do. In response however, Pep Guardiola said something quite amazing. It actually made me laugh a little in exasperation. He leapt to the defence of his player Sergio Busquets by saying:

“I know these kind of players, all of them. They are an example of professionalism, of honesty. They love the values of the sport.

“They know we play for the rest of the world. Of course they can make mistakes but as a human, they are an example as a player of Barcelona, as players of Spain.”

Professionalism? Honesty? Was this not the player who was rolling around on the floor in the first leg after jumping on a Real's player's back? Replays showed that there was no contact on his face, yet he persisted to clutch it in pain and suffering, and even required medics on the field to cure his complete and utter lie of an injury. How can he possibly "love the values of the sport" when he is purposely attempting to get a fellow professional sent off for doing nothing wrong?

Guardiola goes on to say that his side play for world, and Busquets sets an example for the players of Barcelona and Spain. What kind of example does faking injuries to get other people unfairly in trouble set? When the children of Barcelona, the children of Spain, and the children watching anywhere in the world see him do what he did, it suddenly makes them start to think that perhaps this behaviour is acceptable when in fact, it is the very behaviour that we do not want to see in football.

I have never had a problem with Guardiola before, but those words wound me up. It is a blatant ignorance of the facts that a lot of his players are clear cheats, who in their competitiveness, will attempt to shamelessly con the referee into thinking that they have been the subject of red-card worthy tackles. In view of hundreds of high definition camera's, which will tell us all whether there is contact or not, it is unprincipled, and unfair.

Guardiola added that he “was getting sick of playing Madrid” because of all the noises off the pitch. Well that is something I can agree on. I'd much rather watch Arsenal, Manchester United and the rest of the Premier League who, though far from perfect, and not free from diving and cheating, do have some restraint on their diving practice on the pitch, and get on with playing football - entertaining football. Arsenal, United and the rest may not have the inch perfect passing and extraordinary attacking force as Barcelona and sometimes Madrid do, but I'll be glad when this semi-final is over, so we can all watch some football free from so much blatant cheating.

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Owen Wants To be The New Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Champions League

Michael Owen joined Manchester United in the knowledge that a starting place would be very rare. At 31, he has come to accept this, and the cameo role he plays in certain matches often prove absolutely vital in games, especially when you consider he was a free signing for United. But the main reason the former Liverpool fan favourite joined United was to do something that his previous teams rarely did in his time there - win trophies.

He came to no better place, and this season, he has the chance to help United to win both the Premier League trophy, and the Champions League trophy, both of which would be the first of his long, goal filled career. In a recent interview, Owen put his lack of pitch time down to the quality and depth of the squad at United. He said:

"Even if it is just one goal or one good performance, everyone is going to play their part."

"I was in the stand on Tuesday against Schalke. You are feeling sorry for yourself thinking I would like to be on the pitch or on the bench.

"Next to you is Wes Brown, who has dozens of England caps and John O'Shea, who has got even more for the Republic of Ireland. Darron Gibson is also an international.

"They are not even getting stripped. That tells you everything about the squad of player we have got.

The majority of Manchester Untied fans see Owen's best position as on the bench, and coming on late in the game when a goal is needed - a "super-sub" if you like, and it the interview, he said something quite interesting considering United's history:

"I suppose I am dreaming of coming off the bench and scoring the stoppage-time winner in the Champions League final.

"That is the motivation that drives me on. Every day I have to be ready and prepared to come in and do something."

Sound familiar? Cast your minds back to the 1999 Champions League final, and who came on in a Champions League final to score the winner? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of course, and what was he genreally known as? A "super-sub". Scoring a late winner in the Champions League final must be a dream come true for any player, and every time I watch Solskjaer's winner in that final, goosebumps run fiercely all over my skin, so what it must be like for a player only they will know.

Michael Owen has done it before in his time at United - not in a Champions League final - but in the Manchester derby last season, when a draw seemed certain late on. His 96th minute goal is typical of United's never say die attitude, and there is no doubt, that if United make this years European Cup final, and they need a goal, Michael Owen will surely be sent on to find one. Like Solskjaer, his finishing and eye for goal are deadly. Who knows, perhaps late in May, Owen's dream may become a reality. Lets hope so.

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European Final Beckons For United

Champions League

Manchester United showed class, composure, and complete domination in their Champions League semi-final first leg win over Schalke on Tuesday night. A two goal win really does not represent the extent of United's controlling command over the German side, who put in an uninspiring, unadventurous and pretty poor performance in a game which the underdogs were supposed to shine.

The second leg will decipher whether Inter Milan were terribly poor in their heavy defeat to Schalke in the quarter's or United just played outstandingly well on Tuesday, but either way, United take a huge advantage into the second leg. They look the huge favourites now to face a massive test in the final where they may either face Real Madrid or Barcelona.

The first half left United fans frustrated at the lack of goals despite a barrage of chances thrust at the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who was outstanding all night. Chances came and went for United players all over the field - from Giggs to Fabio and from Rooney to Chicharito - the opportunities bounced about like ping pong balls. Despite the clear authority United possessed, you always have to be careful away from home with the opposing crowds ready to get at you whenever possible.

Giggs put a stop to those worries in the second half however, becoming the oldest player to score in the Champions League's history. A precious away goal which really was a joy to behold. It wasn't just that United had deservedly beaten this seemingly unbeatable goalkeeper with a cute little tap in through his legs, but it was the pass that created it. A pass crafted by a man who just seems to get better and better as the season draws to a close. A shimmy to the right and a shot faked by Wayne Rooney then led to a beautifully precise and perfectly weighted ball inside the defence into the path of Giggs to slot home.

The second was poor defending on Schalke's part, who allowed Chicharito time and space to feed in Rooney who was gifted a great chance which he duly obliged to convert past a now helpless Neuer whose outstanding performance was destroyed by his poor side. It is no wonder why he is looking to move on.

The goals had been achieved, and now Sir Alex was keen to look forward to the week end. Arsenal will have watched this fantastic attacking display, and be very wary of it. Rooney, Chicharito and Park were taken off early in preparation for the Arsenal game, a great bonus in an impressive day of Champions League football.

Bar a catastrophic meltdown which is extremely uncharacteristic of Manchester United, Sir Alex will guide United to their fifth European Cup final. That Rooney said after the game that he was slightly disappointed with a 0 - 2 away win really sums up the hunger, desire and expectation to win. He, along with every other United player - all of whom played fantastically - will be looking to finish the job in the second leg, and if they don't, they will have only themselves to blame.

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News >> Manchester Uniteds poor record against face Bundesliga clubs in the Champions league

Champions League

Manchester United Football Team | News Now Man Utd | Latest News Man United | Sir ALex Ferguson | Manchester United vs Schalke 04 | Champions League Semi-Final | April 26, 2011 | Season 2010/2011

Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United 2011

Manchester United News | Sir Alex Ferguson | Latest News Football | Manchester United vs Schalke 04 | Champions League Semi-Final | Season 2010/2011

Manchester United will face Schalke 04 in the phase of the Champions League semi-final on April 26, 2011. Manchester United want to stop the poor record face Bundelliga club in the Champions league.

Manchester United had a poor experience in the face of the Bundelliga clubs. In the last season, Manchester United defeated Bayern Munich in the knock-out phase of the Champions league.



Manchester United also recorded once defeated Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League semi-final in 1997 and 2002.

And this season, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed will break the bad record and ready to go to the Champions league final in Webley.

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Sir Alex Has Confidence in His Winning Team

Champions League

Manchester United may not have the cutting edge of previous title and double winning sides, but they possess the one thing that really matters, and the one thing that is so rare and therefore valuable to a trophy challenging side; the ability to dig out a win when the opposite looks inevitable. It is a trait that Sir Alex Ferguson has pumping through his veins and has clearly rubbed off on his side as they sit six points clear at the top of the League and in the Champions League semi-final.

Sir Alex was speaking this week-end of the final few fixtures this season which include games against the two title challengers, Arsenal and Chelsea. He was frustrated that people who talk of the two games against Arsenal and Chelsea suggest that United will lose them, or at least drop points. This may be the likely possibility in at least one of the fixtures as the side may be suffering from fatigue as they battle on both the European and domestic fronts, but Sir Alex remains defiant:

"The thing that puzzles me is that people keep saying we still have to play Arsenal and Chelsea and they talk about these games as if we are going to lose them."

"Why can't we win these games? Why can't we go to the Emirates Stadium and win, as we have done previously? I told the players to forget about all that nonsense and just win their games."

United are favourites for the League, as they have been for a few months now, but with the recent slip-ups of Arsenal, it is generally thought that United will have the trophy in their hands sooner rather than later. If they win both games against Arsenal and Chelsea, they will have their 19th title, overtaking Liverpool's record, as Sir Alex Ferguson finally completes his promise to knock Liverpool off their perch. How has he done it? How has the greatest manager of his generation, and possibly ever, been able to guide this team to close success? A winning mentality, great character, and a fierce fight until the end:

"There is that winning attitude about them. We will keep our heads down and not get carried away. There are only four games left and the way they are going about their business and the effort they have shown, it gives them an outstanding chance of being champions. You can test people's character but they keep coming through. 

"We had some great openings and could have had this match finished by half-time but it is in the traditions of Manchester United that we don't do that. We always wait until the very end and keep everyone high on the edge of their seats but we get there."

United will face Schalke 04 on Tuesday, a match which the German side will be underdogs, a position that so far in the European campaign, they have thrived on. It will be a tough test for Sir Alex's side, who will come up against a player who is a European legend, and a player that United held talks to sign last summer. 


Former Real Madrid striker Raul had attracted Ferguson, and he said that although United were looking for young players, Raul is still a top striker, and could make it at United. However, with the strikers already at United, including Rooney, Berbatov, Owen and the then newly acquired Javier Hernandez, Sir Alex decided to pass up the opportunity to sign the Spaniard:

"You can make exceptions for certain players, because experience is so valuable. We thought the same when we signed Michael Owen, who has been a terrific professional for us, and bringing in Raúl would have been similar to when we managed to get Henrik Larsson for a short time a few years ago. 

"It was obvious his time at Real Madrid had come to an end, and he certainly wasn't too old to be effective, as he has been showing in Germany. We spoke to his agent about a possible move but we already had Javier Hernández by then and, with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen available, we thought we could afford to let the chance pass."

 "If we hadn't had Michael at the club at the time I might well have signed him." 

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Fabregas & Szczesny Contradict Wenger

Champions League

Arsene Wenger is undoubtedly an excellent manager, he has been a big success at Arsenal and is a man of great knowledge and huge managerial talent. But when he recently claimed that coming second in the League is not a "disaster" - implying that his club would be happy with second place, it prompted more than a few raised eyebrows. Wenger is a winner, you can see from his reactions when his side loses, or suffer a bad result that he oozes the passion to win, however, defending his sides performances and position in the League when supporters have been waiting 6 years for a trophy is not the way to go to appease those fans.

I agree to an extent with what Wenger said; yes, there are 18 other teams in the League who would love to be in Arsenal's position, yes there are clubs all over the world that would give anything to be in the Champions League every year, and yes, every club would love to be in a comfortable financial position. But when fans have been waiting so long for any silverware, and the manager, some say does not buy enough big name players or spend enough money, it mus become frustrating.

Now Fabregas, who was in Arsenal's 'invincible' side of 2003/04 knows what it is like to win a trophy at Arsenal. The majority of Arsenal players currently at the club, do not, and the Arsenal captain has seen this situation coming for a while. He made some very intriguing and valid points too, especially as his manager only recently defended the clubs position on the issues he raises:

 “That the team are always in the Champions League, that we compete until the end, that we have young players, economic stability – for the board this is important. 

“But I imagine there will be a moment when you have to decide do you win things or not? 
The ‘Invincibles’ team (of 2003-4) is the best I have played in. 

“Now a lot has changed. From 2007 on I started to say, ‘We don’t win but we play very well’. After that you realise it doesn’t work. You enjoy it, during a part of the season, like this year, when we were in four competitions. 

“You say, ‘Here I have it all’. But then you cannot make the fi nal step and a decision has to be made – to go out to win or to develop players. But I imagine there will be a moment when you have to decide do you win things or not?"

"From 2007 on I started to say, ‘We don’t win but we play very well'. After that you realise it doesn’t work. You enjoy it, during a part of the season, like this year, when we were in four competitions.

“You say, ‘Here I have it all’. But then you cannot make the final step and a decision has to be made – to go out to win or to develop players.” 

These are genuine concerns from a player who has seen, and captained a side full to the brim with talent, yet unable to bring trophies home. It is sad really, that one of the greatest players of his generation may prove unable to bring Arsenal glory in the form of prestigious trophies.

When Arsenal's performances force their website to have to publish headlines like:

"Gunners let half-time lead slip in London derby on Saturday."

"Gunners lose ground after letting a four-goal lead slip."

"Last-minute mix-up ends Gunners' hopes of glory at Wembley."

It is a shame as the squad is full of talent, but, as their manager implies, their position isn't bad enough for supporters to complain or criticize. Arsenal's goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny agrees with his captain; he wants to win, and is not happy with settling with second place:

 "We are only thinking about winning the title, not who is behind us.

"We go into everything to finish first. We are Arsenal - we don't want to finish second and we definitely don't want to finish third. We just think about winning."

This is the right attitude to have, and Arsenal and their manager must have it when going into their game against Tottenham. It is crucial that they make the most of Manchester United's minor slip-up against Newcastle. Arsenal must win against their local rivals Tottenham to keep the pressure on United, because if they don't, quite frankly, they don't deserve to finish first. It will be a season of missed opportunities, avoidable slip-ups and unfortunate incidents that define Arsenal's season rather than trophies. This isn't what any Arsenal fans want, and it is surely not what Wenger wants.

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Watch: Gomes Blunder v Real Madrid

Champions League

Tottenham's chances of progressing into the semi finals of the Champions League were pretty much dead in the water before this game even started. It would have been the biggest and best comeback in Champions League history if it were to have been completed, but it was never very likely. Spurs held hope as they kept it a 0 - 0 a half time, but when a Ronaldo shot left the former Manchester United players' right boot, Tottenham's 'keeper, Gomes was left looking like another Robert Green.

It was all too much for Gomes and Spurs, and this goal simply emphasises the overpowering force that Tottenham faced over the two ties. A very good team who are entertaining and attacking, with two fantastic wingers and a brilliantly creative midfield were outdone by a team who are filled with international superstars, worth in today's money, fees of £60 and £80 million.

Tottenham had a great journey on their debut season in the European competition, and they entertained throughout, but this was one comeback that proved too much. Next up for them is Arsenal, a completely different prospect. A win against Wenger's side may just make up for this quarter final tie forget.

Man Utd Pictures>> Manchester United (2) vs (1) Chelsea [UEFA Champions League]

Champions League

UEFA Champions League Photos | Manchester United vs Chelsea | Ji Sung Park | Patrice Evra | Javier Hernandez | Rio Ferdinand | Wayne Rooney | Ryan Giggs | MIchael Carrick | Joel Glazer and Avram Glazer | Ramires Red Card | Wallpaper and Pictures | Season 2010/2011

Javier Hernandez-Wayne Rooney[Champions League]

Javier Hernandez celebrates with Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick after scoring first goal against Chelsea during their Champions League quarterfinal second leg.

Javier Hernandez celebrates with Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick[Champions League]

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez Celebrates goal[UEFA Champions League]-Man Utd (2) vs Chelsea (1)

Javier Chicharito Hernandez celebrates first goal[Champions League]

Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand-Man Utd vs Chelsea.

Rio Ferdinand-Ryan Giggs(Man Utd)- Frank Lampard(Chelsea)-[Champions League]

Patrice Evra challenges Drogba during their Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Patrice Evra(Man Utd)-Drogba(Chelsea)-[Champions League]

Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer look on before the Champions League quarterfinal second leg.

Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer(Owner Man Utd)-[Champions League]

Park Ji-Sung leaves the pitch for treatment after cutting his head during their Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Park Ji-Sung leaves the pitch for treatment after cutting his head[Champions League]

Park Ji-Sung celebrates with Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney after scoring goal-Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Park Ji-Sung celebrates with Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney[Champions League]

Ramires Red Card referee Olegario Benquerenca[Champions League : Man Utd vs Chelsea]

Ramires Red Card referee Olegario Benquerenca[Champions League]

Park Ji-Sung is challenged by John Terry and Alex during their Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Park Ji-Sung is challenged by John Terry and Alex[Champions League]

Javier Hernandez challenges John Terry during their Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Javier Hernandez challenges John Terry[Champions League]

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