Arsenal through to Champions League group stage

As expected, Arsenal have cruised into the group stages of the Champions League at the expense of Fenerbache, as Ramsey was on hand to score a double in their 2-0 win last night (5-0 aggregate).

Goals in either half by the Welshman, including a well taken placed volley from a Gibbs cross, showed levels of confidence in the midfielder, as he followed on from his display against Fulham.

The 5-0 aggregate scoreline ensures Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League for the sixteenth time under Wenger's reign, making it twelve wins out twelve via the qualifier play-offs.

The draw for the group stage will take place in Monaco tomorrow (Thursday) at 5:45pm local time (4:45pm GMT).

After the match, Wenger refused to discuss new signings but is aware playing in the Champions League is a defining factor in players decisions to join new clubs. But it is whether players believe they can win trophies, and not just simply participate with Europe's top teams, that will make them join a new club.

Arsenal remain linked with Angel Di Maria but Galatasary are being reported by Turkish media that a transfer fee for the winger has been agreed, and so Wenger will have to react quickly if he wants to make signatures, with only five days left before the window slams shut. The media have also linked Arsenal to Mesut Ozil who didn't appear happy with being substituted in Madrid's last match, but then that isn't a great reason to simply want a move. A world-class signing he would be nonetheless.

Furthermore, Juan Mata's father was in the stands last night against Fenerbache. The Chelsea midfielder is another reported unsettled player who may not feature in Jose Mourinho's plans at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal were interested in his signature in the summer Chelsea signed him, with Wenger refusing to offer a few more million pounds for him. Transfer talk is fun, so it will be interesting to see what, if anything, materialises over the coming days.

As for now, Arsenal look ahead to Sunday's clash in the North London derby against Tottenham who have won both of their Premier League games so far. Arsenal go into the match with three successive wins in their League and Play-off ties which makes for a great meeting. However, the inform Ramsey left the pitch slightly early last night, while Podolski appears to have pulled a hamstring and could be out for three weeks Wenger confirmed. Wilshere played all of the 90 minutes last night despite taking a knock to his ankle late on, and Wenger has already said he doesn't want to over-use the young English midfielder.

Arsenal v Spurs kicks off at 4pm (GMT) at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday September 1.

Ramsey celebrates with Sanogo, after scoring his second
goal in last night's match against Fenerbache (5-0 agg)

Arsenal looking to build form

I go away for a little while and everything appears to be happening all at once! From deals and transfer talk, to the season finally getting off and running - it certainly has been blink and I've missed it.

I only managed to see football for the first time on yesterday's (26/08) FL48 Sky Sports programme, but I did manage to see the first major clash of the campaign being between Manchester United and Chelsea, although that was somewhat of a bore.

It is six days until the summer transfer window closes and Arsenal have remained quiet, at least in terms of getting player signatures. Deals for Suarez, Benzema and Rooney have all fallen through, but a move for the winger Angel Di Maria could still be on the cards with Real Madrid on the verge of signing Gareth Bale. That is one transfer I wish would hurry up and be completed, not because I would like to see the back of monkey-face, but it certainly is dragging on!

Wenger says players want to play in the Champions League and this is a huge factor in their decision (of which I'd say is pretty obvious), and so we shall see what deals may happen, after tonight's second-leg clash against Fenerbache (7:45pm k/o GMT). Arsenal are 3-0 up from last weeks' first round tie and look comfortable but I'm not going to jinx anything, so all to play for.

Still, Arsenal have looked in better form since the opening day of the season (in case you needed reminding of the 3-1 home defeat against the mighty Villa), with Podolski showing us why he needs more playing time, and Giroud is certainly proving his eye for goal. Aaron Ramsey was surprisingly good against Fulham, finding pockets of space and helping to control the midfield, but then I can't say I'm confident with him doing the same against those considered title contenders.

Wilshere will start tonight in the Champions League qualifier, despite Wenger saying he won't over-use the young midfielder this year following his dodgy ankle.

Arsenal team to face Fenerbache tonight (via Sky Sports): Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Jenkinson, Monreal, Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla, Podolski, Walcott, Giroud.

The starting XI suggests Wenger is aware the job is only half done and he will look to make the group stages of the Champions League in style, perhaps in a bid to make potential signings look our way.

Jack Wilshere saluting the fans

Unconvincing Arsenal

A fun day out it may have been on Saturday, but I think it may be fair to say Arsenal don't appear to be ready to compete with the big guns this coming season. Arsenal finished the Emirates Cup with one draw and a loss, with booing from the supporters ringing around the ground.

I don't appreciate the players being booed off but I can understand the fans frustration. Perhaps more games in pre-season against top level opposition will enable the players to get themselves back up to the standard they need for the return of the Premier League.

Of course it's pre-season and there were some positives from the Napoli match I watched, but they will need to improve quickly for when they take on Manchester City next weekend, and for when the season starts in under two weeks.

For all of Jenkinson's improvements last year it was he who slipped up in allowing Napoli to take an early lead, misjudging his header and spacial awareness. Ramsey looked sluggish, as per, while there appeared to be a lack of urgency breaking forward. Willshere looked to be the creative spark but he soon began to struggle understandably while Rosicky looked in fine form and Koscielny was a rock at the back.

I didn't get to see Yaya Sanogo who got his chance against Galatasary but I've heard some good reports as he made his first appearance for the team on Sunday. He'll be contending with Giroud for the position up-front who continued to both frustrate and give us something cheer about. I never thought I'd see him score an overhead kick!

Credit goes to Arsenal for fighting back from 2-0 down at half time against Napoli but they can't continue to let themselves get into those positions. Furthermore, they can't let teams turn a game in the final moments as Drogba proved against them yet again on Sunday as they lost 2-1.

Arsenal play Man City next weekend before their season kicks off against Aston Villa. A lot clearly needs to be worked on and many fans are calling for money to be spent. At least, however, they go into a new season without losing any key players.

Man-of-the-match Koscielny in action 

Pre-season: Emirates Cup 2013 weekend

This Saturday sees the return of the Emirates Cup (Aug 3 and 4) and I feel I've made a good decision in picking up a couple of tickets for the opening day. This tournament will be the sixth Emirates Cup, making a return after last year's break.

The cheapest tickets at £25.00 were all gone but I managed to pick a couple at £29.00 instead. Still a bargain mind, being able to watch two games in Galatasary v Porto and Arsenal v Napoli for that price. It is a great way to see some much missed live football, in preparation for the new season.

Arsenal have already won the tournament three times in its short history and, as I hate to say it, I might be seeing them play in this tournament (albeit a friendly one) where they end up lifting a trophy come Sunday afternoon!

I look forward to seeing a mix of the reserves and first team in action after their busy pre-season tour of Asia, of which I saw some promising and rusty football on show but that's pre-season I guess.

Arsenal beat Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1 in a hard-fought win, concluding their pre-season tour of Asia

I'll say I'm a little frustrated at the lack of movement in the transfer window, as any deals to be done should preferably be completed nearer the start of the transfer window opening. As the new season draws closer, there are fewer chances for any new signings to gel with the squad, but there may be one opportunity for a certain new boy to shine this weekend. Young French striker Yay Sanogo is the only new Wenger recruit and I'd hope he will give him a chance to meet the Arsenal crowd on Saturday.

I'm also excited for the new away strip. Playing in yellow reminds me of the days of Brady and co, and more recently the 2003-04 season, and we all know what happened there. I don't do superstition and all that but it looks nice at least!

Anyhow...whatever happens, I feel the prices on offer for two games of Arsenal's very own pre-season tournament is a great offer for those fans who want to see a show before the real thing begins, especially if seeing Arsenal live comes few and far between every season.

Of course, the tournament probably won't reflect Arsenal's forthcoming season, and though it's only pre-season, I hope they end up top of the table.

17 days and counting!...

The away kit launch,
 www.arsenal.com

Suarez may be edging closer to becoming a Gooner

First and foremost are my apologies for lack of posting over the last few weeks. While I have been away basking in the glorious sunshine Spain had to offer, I was constantly reading the sports pages of the English newspapers seeing what may be of interest to write about once I got home. I also entertained myself keeping count of all the Arsenal shirts with Cazorla's name printed on the back!

Interestingly, I am very surprised at the latest stages of the Suarez-Arsenal transfer talk. I can't say I imagined Arsene Wenger to be making such a serious move for the Uruguayan and perhaps he is looking to sign him over Real Madrid's Higuain.

I am confused however as Suarez has said he wishes to move away from England due to the media's attention around him and treatment, so why does he now want talks with Arsenal? Arsenal's £40,000,001 bid made me chuckle but hey, I like Arsene's style at triggering the clause in Suarez's contract.

However, a bid of £50m may be able to persuade Liverpool to part with the striker.

I remain down the middle on whether I would like to see the striker at Arsenal. As I have written before, the striker has been lethal and proved himself in the Premier League but his attitude and behaviour has proved to be unprofessional and disgusting, but then maybe Arsene will have a more controlling and positive influence on him all round.

I read today that Brendan Rodgers feels Suarez owes something to Liverpool, who have backed him during difficult times at the club, but then again Van Persie left for United when maybe he owed us Arsenal fans who backed him during his injury-ridden career in North London.

However when a player wants out it is only fair to let them go and so if Suarez wants to leave then it would only be bad for Liverpool and Rodgers to wish to keep him at Anfield.

To see Arsene bring him in and screw Liverpool over, would show a different and stronger approach by Arsenal in the transfer market and signal intent of their aggressiveness that we may need to show more of, both on and off the pitch.  

Suarez on the bench among his Liverpool team-mates in a pre-season friendly v Melbourne Victory 

Suarez a definite no go?

I always take reading the football stories printed in The Sun with a pinch of salt, but still nearly coughed up my drink reading the reports of Suarez's link with Arsenal.

In my amazement at such a story I referred to my trusty source in the BBC who reported on a rejected Arsenal bid by Liverpool for the striker. I was amazed.

Is this a player, or character, Arsene should be going for? This had me wondering and I feel torn in two minds as to if an actual deal goes ahead, would I be happy with it? 

Suarez has talent on the pitch and Liverpool could have struggled without him last year; much like Arsenal may have done with Van Persie in his final season.

The Uruguayan scored 23 Premier League goals last season (Soccerstats.com) and Arsenal could do with a talisman up-front with Giroud (11), Walcott (14) and Podolski (11) sharing the load in another up and down season for the Gunners. Imagine the attacking fire power Arsene would then have.

However, the link with Real Madrid's Higuain remains but another non-established player joining the squad who may fail to fit in with the English game yet again, could delay Arsenal trying to progress further than aiming for fourth spot. Suarez is already a proven goalscorer in the league and knows the English game and so this could work in Arsenal's favour.

But reports suggest Arsene is merely taunting Madrid to further their own pursuit of Suarez, who would then act as a replacement for Higuain who would as a result, join Arsenal. Clever Arsene!

But for all of Suarez's abilities he is, as a character, not someone you would want in you team. Take the biting of Ivanovic last season for example. I do not know what went through the 26-year-old's head to do that. But he is also known for his cheating and I hold a definite grudge against the man for his handball against Ghana at the 2010 World Cup finals. These are just a couple of examples against the player who is generally disliked by a lot of non Liverpool fans.

Yet I can't doubt his footballing skills and I remain unsure as to whether I would want him to represent my club. Still, if he joined and bagged 30 goals next season, I guess I still wouldn't have to like him?

May the summer transfer stories continue!

Luis Suarez

Yaya Sanogo first in for Arsenal this summer

With the transfer window now re-open Arsenal have made their first signing but, surprise surprise, Arsene Wenger has felt the need to bolster his youth squad over world-class talent for the first team.

French striker Yaya Sanogo signed for the club on Monday from Auxerre and though I don't doubt his potential, I feel other areas within the squad need looking at with more priority.

The signing of the 20-year-old forward reflects the belief Wenger has in young players but this hasn't helped Arsenal win a trophy in the last eight seasons.

Recent media hype has linked the club with Wayne Rooney and Higuain, both of whom are well established players although there's nothing to suggest Higuain would settle in the Premier League and I'm not so sure about Rooney's attitude at times.

Still, Arsenal may not need another striker this season if Giroud, Podolski and Walcott find constant form alongside the attacking prowess of Santi Cazorla. 

The defence still remains the biggest area for improvement and with the transfer window now open, Wenger must sign an established defender quickly, with the right-back position and central defence key areas.

Still, I take nothing away from Arsenal's new signing, albeit another youngster, who has a chance to prove himself in North London. During his four year spell in the Auxerre ranks he scored 11 goals in 24 appearances and all Arsenal fans hope he can make a big contribution to the club during his Arsenal career.

Elsewhere Vito Mannone has left the club to join Sunderland, after eight seasons with Arsenal. He had his good moments...while others made for a laugh.

Mannone howler v Olympiakos

45 days until the new season!

Yaya Sanogo celebrating a goal for France U-21s