Ivorian duo in contention for Old Trafford tie

By Chris Harris
Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue are in contention for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Manchester United.
The Ivorian duo returned from the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday and are due to report for training today. Neither Toure or Eboue played in their country's final game in Ghana, the third and fourth place play-off against the hosts on Saturday, but they could feature at Old Trafford.

Arsène Wenger admitted before the Blackburn game that he was down to the "bare bones" thanks to injuries and international commitments. Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Robin van Persie, Denilson and Johan Djourou were all sidelined for Arsenal’s 2-0 victory but Rosicky could return at the weekend.

"Kolo and Eboue came back today [Monday] so we hope to see them tomorrow to see if they're not injured," said Wenger at his post-match press conference.

"Rosicky, he looks better. Van Persie looks better, but he is still a few weeks away. But Rosicky maybe has a little chance for Saturday."

[ Tuesday, February 12, 2008]

Dein Hails Wenger 'The Miracle Worker'

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has praised close friend Arsene Wenger for leading the Gunners to the summit of the Premier League table.

Dein, 64, is credited for bringing Wenger to Arsenal during his role as vice-chairman in the late 1990’s, and togther they led the club to much success whilst building a close working relationship.

He, however, left the club in April 2007 due to “irreconcilable differences” between himself and the rest of the board, especially chairman Peter Hill-Wood.

After Dein’s split with the Gunners, rumours persisted that the businessman left because his view that Arsenal couldn’t challenge the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea without significant investment from an outside source wasn’t shared by certain board members.

Fast-forward nine months and Arsenal top the Premiership, and could open up a five-point gap between them and nearest rivals Manchester United with a win tonight against visitors Blackburn.

Arsenal’s fabulous revival has moved Dein to hail his former colleague, "Everyone thought Arsenal was finished, but now look at the new generation of players performing in the English Premier League. Emmanuel Adebayor has scored in eight consecutive matches," Dein told the Daily Monitor.

“He [Wenger] is a miracle worker.”

Dein was speaking whilst in Ghana attending the African Cup of Nations, where apparently by chance he met ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. "Jose had just arrived in Accra. There was nothing special about it. It was purely social," he said.

Clichy: I Nearly Quit Arsenal

Arsenal's Gael Clichy has admitted he thought he would have to leave the club when Ashley Cole was keeping him out of the first team.

The French left-back said he was so disappointed when he picked up an injury whilst battling for his place in the side that he seriously considered moving away from North London in order to get regular first-team football.

Clichy now says he is delighted he decided to stay with The Gunners and is now happier than ever with an international career beckoning.

"When I look back, I was nothing but now I'm Arsenal's first [choice] left back," he told Setanta Sports. "In a big way, I've progressed a lot. I was just playing for Cannes in the Third Division and never thought Arsenal would be there looking for me.

"There was really a bad time since I joined Arsenal when Ashley got injured and I wasn't happy, I would not say I was happy but I got a chance to play," continued the 22-year-old.

"Then, a week later, I got the same injury. Of course, it was in my mind to just think that the chance is gone.I'll have to work hard and move elsewhere to do something. "At the end of the day, I'm here today and I'm really pleased with that. I can look back at the past and say all those things just made me stronger."

He said it was Wenger's decision not to replace Ashley Cole after he moved to Chelsea that gave him the confidence to remain at the club.

"When Ashley left, he [Arsene Wenger] didn't buy anyone and that is the best sign of confidence for me and was a big boost."

Palladino On His Way To Arsenal?

Raffaele Palladino is not so happy and could be on his way to Arsenal in the summer.

The Neapolitan would have been expecting to start the match after a superb performance for Italy in the midweek friendly win over Portugal.

Palladino has been complaining about his lack of action and for having to play out of position, and even hinted of a summer exit.
This possibility is growing as reports are strengthening that Arsenal are set to launch a summer bid for the star.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is a huge admirer of the 23-year-old and has attempted unsuccessfully to sign him in the past.

Adebayor Inspired By 'Big Brother' Henry

Emmanuel Adebayor just can't stop scoring, and has acknowledged former Arsenal great Thierry Henry as his inspiration.


The Togolese hitman found the net for the ninth successive match during the 2-0 win over Blackburn, which has much to do with the fact that the Gunners are now five points clear of Manchester United on the top of the table.

There was a lot of pressure on Adebayor's shoulders when Henry left for Barcelona for £16million in the summer, and the 23-year-old has done brilliantly well to fill the void left by the player he looks up to more than any other.

"Thierry is like a big brother," he said with a wide grin."A lot of times he is sending me a message saying things like, 'I know you have a lot of quality, you have scored 15 or 16 goals now and you can score more if you put more concentration in every game.'"So that is what I am trying to do, to listen to the elder players."He believes in me, in my strength of character and my quality."

I want to thank him as he has helped me a lot. We are in touch always."He talked to me during the summer when he was leaving. We have a lot in common and get on well."

Adebayor went on to claim that Arsenal are full of conviction now that they are five points clear of their nearest rivals."We are feeling closer to the title," the leggy striker admitted."Kolo Toure is coming back, Emmanuel Eboue is coming back and Alexandre Song will be back in two or three days."We have done well while they have been at the African Nations Cup and want to push even more when they get back.

"The title is not finished yet. You know Manchester United can come from behind but we just have to keep our focus and see whether we win the title.

"We have a lot of big games coming up. We go to Manchester, we go to Chelsea, we play at Liverpool as well so it is going to be exciting."The belief is there but the most important thing is to keep our feet on the ground. It is not going to be easy."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com