Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers".

Wenger announced on Friday that he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign at the north London club.

Tributes to Wenger poured in from all quarters, but Ferguson's words are particularly poignant given the longstanding rivalry between the two men who often clashed before the Scot retired in 2013.

"I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal," Ferguson said in a statement on United's website.

"It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves.

"In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal.

"He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man."

The 68-year-old Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, but bows out with Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against West Ham United.

Wenger's team face Spain's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next week.

Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers"

Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers". Wenger announced on Friday that he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign at the north London club. Tributes to Wenger poured in from all quarters, but Ferguson's words are particularly poignant given the longstanding rivalry between the two men who often clashed before the Scot retired in 2013. "I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal," Ferguson said in a statement on United's website. "It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves. "In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal. "He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man." The 68-year-old Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, but bows out with Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against West Ham United. Wenger's team face Spain's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next week.

Arsene Wenger 'one of the greatest Premier League managers', says Alex Ferguson

Arsene Wenger has announced that he will step down as Arsenal's manager at the end of the season. He spent almost 22 years with the club and under his guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups.

On hearing the news of&nbspWenger's&nbspoutgoing, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said, "It's his decision first of all and we have to respect that and I have no problem respecting that."

While interacting with the media, Klopp said, "He's still an influencer in football."

Liverpool boss also said, "He always developed teams, brought some fantastic players in, was the dominating guy mid-90s maybe, early 2000s when he was really winning pretty much everything, played wonderful football."

"I admired his work always, it was always brilliant. Since I'm in England it's a little bit different because now we have to challenge them of course but from Germany, he was always a big, big role model in that job," said Juergen Klopp.

Watch the full interview:

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Classy from Jurgen Klopp on Arsene Wenger ? <a href="https://t.co/p8ALJGWoxA">pic.twitter.com/p8ALJGWoxA</a>
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/987283482677338112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I admired his work always, it was always brilliant: Juergen Klopp

Arsene Wenger has announced that he will step down as Arsenal's manager at the end of the season. He spent almost 22 years with the club and under his guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups. On hearing the news of&nbspWenger's&nbspoutgoing, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said, "It's his decision first of all and we have to respect that and I have no problem respecting that." While interacting with the media, Klopp said, "He's still an influencer in football." Liverpool boss also said, "He always developed teams, brought some fantastic players in, was the dominating guy mid-90s maybe, early 2000s when he was really winning pretty much everything, played wonderful football." "I admired his work always, it was always brilliant. Since I'm in England it's a little bit different because now we have to challenge them of course but from Germany, he was always a big, big role model in that job," said Juergen Klopp. Watch the full interview: Classy from Jurgen Klopp on Arsene Wenger ? pic.twitter.com/p8ALJGWoxA — Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) April 20, 2018 ×

'He's still an influencer in football,' says Juergen Klopp on Wenger's outgoing

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Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has refused to attend a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "recent events" in the country, the organisers said, announcing the prizegiving had been cancelled.

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<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/arsene-wenger-to-step-down-as-arsenal-manager-131646">Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager</a>

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history.

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Congress using CJI Deepak Misra's impeachment as a 'political tool': Arun Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday accused the Congress party of trivialising the power of impeachment and using it as a political tool. In a scathing Facebook post, the senior BJP leader said the 114-page judgement in the Judge Loya death case authored by Justice D Y Chandrachud on behalf of the three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court "exposes every fact of the conspiracy" to generate falsehood as propaganda in the public and political space. 'Will not be accepted': After Trump's tweet on oil, prices dip As oil prices touched a new high today, US President tweeted saying it was "very high" and "will not be accepted", after the president's tweet, Brent and WTI crude prices turned "negative". Watch: Natalie Portman withdraws attendance from Israeli award ceremony Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has refused to attend a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "recent events" in the country, the organisers said, announcing the prizegiving had been cancelled. MeToo# in Pak: After Meesha Shafi, more women accuse Ali Zafar of sexual harassment Meesha Shafi is not the only woman to have gone through harassment by singer Ali Zafar it seems as more women have broken their silence and spoken about Zafar's misconduct. Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Arsene Wenger has spent almost 22 years with the club Arsenal and has announced his retirement on Friday. He said he will leave the club at the end of the season.

In 2017, Wenger had signed a two-year contract but now has overruled it, he said, "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season."

The Frenchman also said, "I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special."

He requested the fans for their love and support for the club and also asked them to take care of the values of the club.

In his statement he mentioned, "I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club."

<img alt="Arsene Wenger.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="690" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Arsene%20Wenger.JPG" width="885" />

The 68-year-old concluded his statement by saying, "My love and support forever."

After his announcement to step down as the Arsenal's manager, Twitterati reacted with emotional and heartfelt messages.

See some tweets:

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Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday ?
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/987292110301868033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhyb6xEFYEz/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Wow. I never expected that but it shows the great dignity and class of the man. I will never forget his guidance and support, his tutelage and mentorship. He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best. Arsene, you deserve all the respect and happiness in the world. #classact ??</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cescf4bregas/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Cesc Fàbregas</a> (@cescf4bregas) on <time datetime="2018-04-20T09:58:14+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 20, 2018 at 2:58am PDT</time>
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Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English Football .The 98 team was Amazing.The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks.
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) <a href="https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/987257706858901505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sad day for <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arsenal</a> with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rememberthetrophies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rememberthetrophies</a>
— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/thedavidseaman/status/987261862109679617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Where it all began for Arsene Wenger in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a>... <a href="https://t.co/gbhqBu9LTq">pic.twitter.com/gbhqBu9LTq</a>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/987305506904657921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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? Arsène Wenger at Arsenal ⚪️ 
 
Appointed manager: 1996 
Total games in charge (so far): 1,228 
Premier League: ??? 
FA Cup: ??????? 
Club legend ✔️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/GR4ac156la">pic.twitter.com/GR4ac156la</a>
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropaLeague/status/987297733680750594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Arsene Wenger is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season

Arsene Wenger has spent almost 22 years with the club Arsenal and has announced his retirement on Friday. He said he will leave the club at the end of the season. In 2017, Wenger had signed a two-year contract but now has overruled it, he said, "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season." The Frenchman also said, "I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special." He requested the fans for their love and support for the club and also asked them to take care of the values of the club. In his statement he mentioned, "I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club." The 68-year-old concluded his statement by saying, "My love and support forever." After his announcement to step down as the Arsenal's manager, Twitterati reacted with emotional and heartfelt messages. See some tweets: Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday ? — Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2018 × Wow. I never expected that but it shows the great dignity and class of the man. I will never forget his guidance and support, his tutelage and mentorship. He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best. Arsene, you deserve all the respect and happiness in the world. #classact ?? A post shared by Cesc Fàbregas (@cescf4bregas) on Apr 20, 2018 at 2:58am PDT × Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English Football .The 98 team was Amazing.The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks. — Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 20, 2018 × Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies — David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018 × Where it all began for Arsene Wenger in the #PL... pic.twitter.com/gbhqBu9LTq — Premier League (@premierleague) April 20, 2018 × ? Arsène Wenger at Arsenal ⚪️ Appointed manager: 1996 Total games in charge (so far): 1,228 Premier League: ??? FA Cup: ??????? Club legend ✔️#MerciArsène #UEL pic.twitter.com/GR4ac156la — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 20, 2018 ×

Arsene Wenger to quit as Arsenal manager - who's saying what

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history.

The 68-year-old has been with the North Londoners since October 1996 and, with 1228 games in charge, is by far the longest-serving current manager in English soccer.

"After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in a statement issued by the Gunners on Friday.

Wenger signed a two-year contract extension in 2017 and had said he planned to see it out.

He has faced mounting criticism, however, for the club's failure to sustain a serious title challenge in recent seasons, with some fans calling for him to be replaced.

The Gunners are a distant sixth in the league, 14 points adrift of fourth-placed North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur with five games remaining.

<img alt="Arsene Wenger.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Arsene%20Wenger.JPG" width="770" />

They are also in the semi-finals of the Europa League, however, which represents their only realistic route to the lucrative Champions League next season.

"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity," said Wenger, who urged the fans to stand behind the team and end the season on a high.

The club said a successor would be appointed as soon as possible with German Thomas Tuchel, out of work since leaving Borussia Dortmund almost a year ago, installed as the early bookmakers' favourite.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://t.co/h3XAQvr2pw">pic.twitter.com/h3XAQvr2pw</a>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987272181880098816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Difficult Day

Arsenal's majority owner Stan Kroenke said it was "one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport."

"One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch," he said.

"His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched."

Wenger won three Premier League titles, including in 2003-04 when 'The Invincibles' went unbeaten for an entire season, and seven FA Cups. He took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row.

They won the league and FA cup double in 1998 and 2002.

"My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment," he had told reporters on Thursday when asked about his future.

"My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments away from home into a success, and that’s what matters to me."

News of his decision drew a flood of tributes and reaction from throughout the game.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://t.co/bjP0wLMgee">pic.twitter.com/bjP0wLMgee</a>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987265043355009024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies," former goalkeeper Bob Wilson told the BBC, adding that he was "shell-shocked" by the news.

"Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal's history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he respected the decision: "He is an influence in football. Had a fantastic career. Outstanding personality," the German told reporters.

"He was there for so long, 22 years is a long time. Maybe in the last few months not everybody was happy with this result or that... he was the dominating guy in the mid 1990s, 2000s."

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman said it was a sad day for the club.

"Can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves," he asked on Twitter.

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— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987258924897329152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history. The 68-year-old has been with the North Londoners since October 1996 and, with 1228 games in charge, is by far the longest-serving current manager in English soccer. "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in a statement issued by the Gunners on Friday. Wenger signed a two-year contract extension in 2017 and had said he planned to see it out. He has faced mounting criticism, however, for the club's failure to sustain a serious title challenge in recent seasons, with some fans calling for him to be replaced. The Gunners are a distant sixth in the league, 14 points adrift of fourth-placed North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur with five games remaining. They are also in the semi-finals of the Europa League, however, which represents their only realistic route to the lucrative Champions League next season. "I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity," said Wenger, who urged the fans to stand behind the team and end the season on a high. The club said a successor would be appointed as soon as possible with German Thomas Tuchel, out of work since leaving Borussia Dortmund almost a year ago, installed as the early bookmakers' favourite. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/h3XAQvr2pw — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 × Difficult Day Arsenal's majority owner Stan Kroenke said it was "one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport." "One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch," he said. "His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched." Wenger won three Premier League titles, including in 2003-04 when 'The Invincibles' went unbeaten for an entire season, and seven FA Cups. He took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row. They won the league and FA cup double in 1998 and 2002. "My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment," he had told reporters on Thursday when asked about his future. "My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments away from home into a success, and that’s what matters to me." News of his decision drew a flood of tributes and reaction from throughout the game. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/bjP0wLMgee — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 × "He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies," former goalkeeper Bob Wilson told the BBC, adding that he was "shell-shocked" by the news. "Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal's history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country." Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he respected the decision: "He is an influence in football. Had a fantastic career. Outstanding personality," the German told reporters. "He was there for so long, 22 years is a long time. Maybe in the last few months not everybody was happy with this result or that... he was the dominating guy in the mid 1990s, 2000s." Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman said it was a sad day for the club. "Can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves," he asked on Twitter. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/7wqOwveCfz — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 ×

Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager

Arsenal&nbsp;manager Arsene Wenger expressed his relief after his side&#39;s Europa League success at AC Milan on Thursday by describing it as an important win after a nightmare week.

&quot;I am happy with the spirit and response we gave,&quot; said the Frenchman after a 2-0 victory at San Siro in the last 16 first leg tie ended a run of four successive defeats.

&ldquo;We were not in a position to take risks, but we could not be too cautious as you lose fluidity. We defended with resilience until the end,&quot; he said.

&quot;When you are knocked down like a boxer, you don&rsquo;t have time to react and you are only halfway up, but you have to respond. Your pride and desire to show quality has to come through in the game.

&quot;It is an important win of course after we had a nightmare week,&quot; added Wenger, whose side came to Milan after losing to Premier League leaders Manchester City -- who also beat them in last month&#39;s League Cup final -- and Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.

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Squad ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheArsenal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheArsenal</a> <a href="https://t.co/6WwNDnCaq3">pic.twitter.com/6WwNDnCaq3</a>
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Arsenal&#39;s Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil described the win in Milan as &quot;our best away performance for some time&quot;, while Aaron Ramsey, scorer of the second goal, called it a &quot;great response.&quot;

Arsenal&nbsp;are 13 points adrift of the Champions League places in the Premier League and are pinning their hopes on winning the Europa League to qualify for Europe&#39;s elite club competition.

Not surprisingly, Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso was far from happy after seeing his team&#39;s 13-match unbeaten run end.

&quot;We made too many mistakes,&quot; he said. &quot;We never played as a compact team and they deserved the win.

&quot;Every time they attacked, they could have scored. Playing at this level is something new for our lads but there were too many mistakes,&quot; he added.

However, the famously fiery coach refused to throw in the towel in the tie.

&quot;In football, you never say never,&quot; he said. &quot;We&#39;ll go to London to try and win, we&#39;re not going on an excursion. This is Milan and there is a shirt we have to respect.&quot;

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It is an important win of course after we had a nightmare week: Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expressed his relief after his side's Europa League success at AC Milan on Thursday by describing it as an important win after a nightmare week. "I am happy with the spirit and response we gave," said the Frenchman after a 2-0 victory at San Siro in the last 16 first leg tie ended a run of four successive defeats. “We were not in a position to take risks, but we could not be too cautious as you lose fluidity. We defended with resilience until the end," he said. "When you are knocked down like a boxer, you don’t have time to react and you are only halfway up, but you have to respond. Your pride and desire to show quality has to come through in the game. "It is an important win of course after we had a nightmare week," added Wenger, whose side came to Milan after losing to Premier League leaders Manchester City -- who also beat them in last month's League Cup final -- and Brighton & Hove Albion. Squad ????#WeAreTheArsenal pic.twitter.com/6WwNDnCaq3 — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 9, 2018 × Arsenal's Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil described the win in Milan as "our best away performance for some time", while Aaron Ramsey, scorer of the second goal, called it a "great response." Arsenal are 13 points adrift of the Champions League places in the Premier League and are pinning their hopes on winning the Europa League to qualify for Europe's elite club competition. Not surprisingly, Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso was far from happy after seeing his team's 13-match unbeaten run end. "We made too many mistakes," he said. "We never played as a compact team and they deserved the win. "Every time they attacked, they could have scored. Playing at this level is something new for our lads but there were too many mistakes," he added. However, the famously fiery coach refused to throw in the towel in the tie. "In football, you never say never," he said. "We'll go to London to try and win, we're not going on an excursion. This is Milan and there is a shirt we have to respect."

Arsenal beat AC Milan to register much-awaited victory

Arsene Wenger said Arsenal must recover quickly if they are to avoid suffering a fifth successive defeat when they visit AC Milan in the Europa League this week.

The under-fire Gunners manager accepted winning the competition marks his side&#39;s best hope of returning to the Champions League next season after a 2-1 defeat at Brighton left Arsenal 13 points adrift of the Premier League&#39;s top four.

But Wenger warned the effects of the London club`s recent schedule that included back-to-back 3-0 losses to Manchester City in the League Cup final and the league, had taken their toll on his players.

Wenger gave fatigue as the reason he opted to leave Aaron Ramsey, Hector Bellerin and Danny Welbeck out of his starting line-up at south coast club Brighton&#39;s Amex Stadium and the veteran manager is hoping his decision means he can call on fresh legs at the San Siro.

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&quot;It is important to recover mentally and physically, we are still jaded today, we gave a lot on Thursday night (against Manchester City) and you can see that today,&quot; he said after Sunday`s latest setback.

&quot;We have to continue, first to recover now. We play Sunday, Thursday, Sunday, Sunday... it&#39;s nearly physically impossible to play this number of games.

&quot;The veteran French boss, who took charge at Arsenal in 1996, added: &quot;I left Ramsey out completely of the squad, left him at home, after everything he gave physically. We have to be realistic, we need two teams to collapse to qualify for the Champions League, and I don`t see that happening.

&quot;Two teams to drop so many points is very difficult to imagine. But we have to give our best as long as we can, and the Europa League becomes important.&quot;

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Chris Hughton is only the 3rd manager to beat Arsene Wenger in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a> with three different clubs (after Mark Hughes &amp; Sam Allardyce)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BHAARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/t5y8caNm4j">pic.twitter.com/t5y8caNm4j</a>
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First-half goals from Brighton`s Lewis Dunk and Glenn Murray put Chris Hughton&#39;s side in control, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replying for Arsenal.

Wenger admitted his side&#39;s confidence is low after a woeful run that has brought eight defeats since the turn of the year and he said he did not wish to add to that problem by criticising the display against Brighton.

&quot;It&#39;s difficult for me to get into any negative assessment,&quot; he explained. &quot;The team needs more support at the moment. Tough objective judgement as well.&quot;

Wenger, in a somewhat bizarre analogy more befitting the occasional ramblings of compatriot Eric Cantona, the former Manchester United star, added: &quot;When you struggle for confidence, it&#39;s difficult as well when you have just the trousers on... It&#39;s easy to take the trousers off as well, but when you are naked completely you have to try and find a shirt and get dressed properly again.&quot;

Defeat intensified the pressure on Wenger but he insisted he had more immediate concerns.

&quot;At the moment, my future is not my main worry. My worry is to get Arsenal winning football games. Then we&#39;ll see where we go from there. I`ll try and give my best as long as I am here.&quot;

Brighton is now seven points clear of the bottom three and manager Hughton said: &quot;It&#39;s relieved a bit of the pressure of having to get a result. It&#39;s a nice position to be in.

&quot;Hopefully it will create some confidence. This group are working that hard, giving themselves every chance.&quot;

Hughton added: &quot;But we`re all professionals around here and, come tomorrow, our thoughts have to be in the next game -- can we get more points to make it even more comforting?&nbsp;&quot;As soon as you take your foot off the pedal, there are too many good teams around who can knock you down again.&quot;

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The under-fire Gunners manager accepted winning the competition marks his side's best hope of returning to the Champions League next season

Arsene Wenger said Arsenal must recover quickly if they are to avoid suffering a fifth successive defeat when they visit AC Milan in the Europa League this week. The under-fire Gunners manager accepted winning the competition marks his side's best hope of returning to the Champions League next season after a 2-1 defeat at Brighton left Arsenal 13 points adrift of the Premier League's top four. But Wenger warned the effects of the London club`s recent schedule that included back-to-back 3-0 losses to Manchester City in the League Cup final and the league, had taken their toll on his players. Wenger gave fatigue as the reason he opted to leave Aaron Ramsey, Hector Bellerin and Danny Welbeck out of his starting line-up at south coast club Brighton's Amex Stadium and the veteran manager is hoping his decision means he can call on fresh legs at the San Siro. "Couldn't have been placed better"#GoalOfTheDay @OfficialBHAFC pic.twitter.com/n9GHoSmham — Premier League (@premierleague) March 4, 2018 × "It is important to recover mentally and physically, we are still jaded today, we gave a lot on Thursday night (against Manchester City) and you can see that today," he said after Sunday`s latest setback. "We have to continue, first to recover now. We play Sunday, Thursday, Sunday, Sunday... it's nearly physically impossible to play this number of games. "The veteran French boss, who took charge at Arsenal in 1996, added: "I left Ramsey out completely of the squad, left him at home, after everything he gave physically. We have to be realistic, we need two teams to collapse to qualify for the Champions League, and I don`t see that happening. "Two teams to drop so many points is very difficult to imagine. But we have to give our best as long as we can, and the Europa League becomes important." Chris Hughton is only the 3rd manager to beat Arsene Wenger in the #PL with three different clubs (after Mark Hughes & Sam Allardyce)#BHAARS pic.twitter.com/t5y8caNm4j — Premier League (@premierleague) March 4, 2018 × First-half goals from Brighton`s Lewis Dunk and Glenn Murray put Chris Hughton's side in control, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replying for Arsenal. Wenger admitted his side's confidence is low after a woeful run that has brought eight defeats since the turn of the year and he said he did not wish to add to that problem by criticising the display against Brighton. "It's difficult for me to get into any negative assessment," he explained. "The team needs more support at the moment. Tough objective judgement as well." Wenger, in a somewhat bizarre analogy more befitting the occasional ramblings of compatriot Eric Cantona, the former Manchester United star, added: "When you struggle for confidence, it's difficult as well when you have just the trousers on... It's easy to take the trousers off as well, but when you are naked completely you have to try and find a shirt and get dressed properly again." Defeat intensified the pressure on Wenger but he insisted he had more immediate concerns. "At the moment, my future is not my main worry. My worry is to get Arsenal winning football games. Then we'll see where we go from there. I`ll try and give my best as long as I am here." Brighton is now seven points clear of the bottom three and manager Hughton said: "It's relieved a bit of the pressure of having to get a result. It's a nice position to be in. "Hopefully it will create some confidence. This group are working that hard, giving themselves every chance." Hughton added: "But we`re all professionals around here and, come tomorrow, our thoughts have to be in the next game -- can we get more points to make it even more comforting? "As soon as you take your foot off the pedal, there are too many good teams around who can knock you down again."

Arsene Wenger wary of Milan as Arsenal try to snap losing run

Manchester City tore Arsenal apart for the second time in five days on Thursday, beating them 3-0 on a freezing night at The Emirates to restore their 16-point lead as they close in on the Premier League title.

Arsenal hoped for redemption after City thrashed them by the same scoreline in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday but first-half goals by Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sane handed the Gunners their second home league loss this season.

Arsenal&#39;s club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added to the home side&#39;s woes when his penalty was saved by Ederson early in the second half after fellow new arrival Henrikh Mkhitaryan was brought down just inside the area.

The win leaves Pep Guardiola&#39;s scintillating City side on 75 points from 28 games ahead of second-placed Manchester United and they only have to win five of their last 10 matches to be crowned champions for the third time in seven seasons.

&quot;We are close. It&#39;s in our hands, we can&#39;t deny it,&quot; Guardiola said, while stressing his team must focus on the next game at home to last season&#39;s champions Chelsea on Sunday.

He expressed some sympathy for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has faced renewed speculation over his future at the London club as the Gunners slide out of contention for Champions League football next season for the second year in a row.

&quot;He knows my admiration for him... I know all the managers can be in that situation. I&#39;m sure he&#39;s going to take the right decision for him and for the club,&quot; Guardiola told a post-match news conference without elaborating.

LOW CONFIDENCE

The result leaves Arsenal sixth, 10 points outside the top four places that guarantee Champions League football next term.

They can still qualify for Europe&#39;s elite club competition, but to do so they will almost certainly have to win the Europa League in which they meet AC Milan in the last 16.

&quot;We played with low confidence, you could see that at the start of the game and we paid for it,&quot; said Wenger.

&quot;We needed the penalty to go in, but that was another negative. We lost to a team that is the best in the country at the moment... The difference in the league is no coincidence.&quot;

On a snowy night at The Emirates, City&#39;s Portuguese forward Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 14th minute, collecting a pass after a long weaving run from Leroy Sane and delightfully curling his shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Petr Cech.

City sliced open Arsenal&#39;s defence again just before the half-hour, moving the ball swiftly upfield to Aguero who laid it into the path of David Silva racing up on the left, and the Spaniard drove a low shot into the corner to double the lead.

Sane made it 3-0 five minutes later, walking the ball into the goal after another quick-fire City move had bamboozled Arsenal&#39;s ramshackle defence who were left chasing shadows.

The young German&#39;s goal drew the first of many boos from the home fans in the less than full stadium as their team headed for home and away defeats by City for the first time in 42 years.

Arsenal had a chance to get back into the game when they won a penalty early in the second half but their Gabon striker Aubameyang saw his spot kick saved by Ederson to complete a miserable night that piles more pressure on Wenger&#39;s team.

Manchester City tore Arsenal apart for the second time in five day, beating them 3-0 at The Emirates to restore their 16-point lead at the top of the table

Manchester City tore Arsenal apart for the second time in five days on Thursday, beating them 3-0 on a freezing night at The Emirates to restore their 16-point lead as they close in on the Premier League title. Arsenal hoped for redemption after City thrashed them by the same scoreline in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday but first-half goals by Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sane handed the Gunners their second home league loss this season. Arsenal's club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added to the home side's woes when his penalty was saved by Ederson early in the second half after fellow new arrival Henrikh Mkhitaryan was brought down just inside the area. The win leaves Pep Guardiola's scintillating City side on 75 points from 28 games ahead of second-placed Manchester United and they only have to win five of their last 10 matches to be crowned champions for the third time in seven seasons. "We are close. It's in our hands, we can't deny it," Guardiola said, while stressing his team must focus on the next game at home to last season's champions Chelsea on Sunday. He expressed some sympathy for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has faced renewed speculation over his future at the London club as the Gunners slide out of contention for Champions League football next season for the second year in a row. "He knows my admiration for him... I know all the managers can be in that situation. I'm sure he's going to take the right decision for him and for the club," Guardiola told a post-match news conference without elaborating. LOW CONFIDENCE The result leaves Arsenal sixth, 10 points outside the top four places that guarantee Champions League football next term. They can still qualify for Europe's elite club competition, but to do so they will almost certainly have to win the Europa League in which they meet AC Milan in the last 16. "We played with low confidence, you could see that at the start of the game and we paid for it," said Wenger. "We needed the penalty to go in, but that was another negative. We lost to a team that is the best in the country at the moment... The difference in the league is no coincidence." On a snowy night at The Emirates, City's Portuguese forward Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 14th minute, collecting a pass after a long weaving run from Leroy Sane and delightfully curling his shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Petr Cech. City sliced open Arsenal's defence again just before the half-hour, moving the ball swiftly upfield to Aguero who laid it into the path of David Silva racing up on the left, and the Spaniard drove a low shot into the corner to double the lead. Sane made it 3-0 five minutes later, walking the ball into the goal after another quick-fire City move had bamboozled Arsenal's ramshackle defence who were left chasing shadows. The young German's goal drew the first of many boos from the home fans in the less than full stadium as their team headed for home and away defeats by City for the first time in 42 years. Arsenal had a chance to get back into the game when they won a penalty early in the second half but their Gabon striker Aubameyang saw his spot kick saved by Ederson to complete a miserable night that piles more pressure on Wenger's team.

EPL: Sparkling City close in on title by thrashing Arsenal again

Everything is going against Arsenal in the ongoing season as they sit at spot number 6 of English Premier League table. Also, they are 27 points behind the table leaders, Manchester City. Recently, they suffered a massive 3-0 defeat against the Reds in the finals of Carabao Cup. Arsenal, led by Arsene Wenger has a voodoo of losing in the finals as no manager has lost more League Cup finals than Arsene Wenger (2007, 2011 and 2018). This was the fourth time when the Gunners lost in a final clash. Last season was Wenger&rsquo;s worst at the club. This season is shaping up to be even poorer.

The Gunners, especially coach Wenger is facing criticism from all the corners. Recently, Harsha Bhogle, an Indian cricket commentator, a sports journalist and also an Arsenal fan lashed out at Wenger.

He took to Twitter to troll Arsene Wenger he especially&nbsp;targeted Wenger and mentioned &quot;new manager&quot; in his tweets and in a way supported #WengerOut.

Here is what he has tweeted:

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For a football club that is really a no 5/no 6 club and which, at best, could aspire for no 4, Arsenal gets a lot of media attention. Maybe even more next year when they have to have a new manager.
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/968030026070454272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Currently that is what they are and emotion rarely covers reality. Yes, great club, no doubt at all about it and hopefully, will go back to where they should be. When a new manager arrives and everyone can offer a genuine thank you to a great manager. <a href="https://t.co/fmy50WC8vL">https://t.co/fmy50WC8vL</a>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/968053299080499200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Harsha quoted the tweets as, &quot;For a football club that is really a no 5/no 6 club and which, at best, could aspire for no 4, Arsenal gets a lot of media attention. Maybe even more &nbsp;next year when they have to have a new manager.&quot;

In another tweet, he said, &quot;Currently that is what they are and emotion rarely covers reality. Yes, great club, no doubt at all about it and hopefully, will go back to where they should be. When a new manager arrives and everyone can offer a genuine thank you to a great manager.&quot;

On the contrary, cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin came in Wenger&#39;s defence and said, &quot;Oh no, Arsenal ain&rsquo;t so bad Harsha, all teams go through ups and downs.

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Oh no ????&zwj;♂️ Arsenal ain&rsquo;t so bad Harsha, all teams go through ups and downs.☺️ <a href="https://t.co/DhtaNdKAYi">https://t.co/DhtaNdKAYi</a>
&mdash; Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/968031593930530816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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An Arsenal fan Harsha Bhogle took to Twitter to troll Arsene Wenger, he mentioned "new manager" in his tweets and in a way supported #WengerOut campaign

Everything is going against Arsenal in the ongoing season as they sit at spot number 6 of English Premier League table. Also, they are 27 points behind the table leaders, Manchester City. Recently, they suffered a massive 3-0 defeat against the Reds in the finals of Carabao Cup. Arsenal, led by Arsene Wenger has a voodoo of losing in the finals as no manager has lost more League Cup finals than Arsene Wenger (2007, 2011 and 2018). This was the fourth time when the Gunners lost in a final clash. Last season was Wenger’s worst at the club. This season is shaping up to be even poorer. The Gunners, especially coach Wenger is facing criticism from all the corners. Recently, Harsha Bhogle, an Indian cricket commentator, a sports journalist and also an Arsenal fan lashed out at Wenger. He took to Twitter to troll Arsene Wenger he especially targeted Wenger and mentioned "new manager" in his tweets and in a way supported #WengerOut. Here is what he has tweeted: For a football club that is really a no 5/no 6 club and which, at best, could aspire for no 4, Arsenal gets a lot of media attention. Maybe even more next year when they have to have a new manager. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 26, 2018 × Currently that is what they are and emotion rarely covers reality. Yes, great club, no doubt at all about it and hopefully, will go back to where they should be. When a new manager arrives and everyone can offer a genuine thank you to a great manager. https://t.co/fmy50WC8vL — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 26, 2018 × Harsha quoted the tweets as, "For a football club that is really a no 5/no 6 club and which, at best, could aspire for no 4, Arsenal gets a lot of media attention. Maybe even more next year when they have to have a new manager." In another tweet, he said, "Currently that is what they are and emotion rarely covers reality. Yes, great club, no doubt at all about it and hopefully, will go back to where they should be. When a new manager arrives and everyone can offer a genuine thank you to a great manager." On the contrary, cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin came in Wenger's defence and said, "Oh no, Arsenal ain’t so bad Harsha, all teams go through ups and downs. Oh no ????‍♂️ Arsenal ain’t so bad Harsha, all teams go through ups and downs.☺️ https://t.co/DhtaNdKAYi — Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2018 ×

Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle trolls Arsenal's manager Wenger

Manchester City won the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era with three of their veteran players scoring in an emphatic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/aguero-kompany-silva-inspire-city-to-win-first-trophy-of-guardiola-era-34056">3-0 win against Arenal</a> at Wembley. Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy for the fifth time. &quot;We&#39;re so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me,&quot; said City coach Guardiola.

Unsurprisingly, the other team, Arsenal was again overshadowed by the voodoo of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/aguero-kompany-silva-inspire-city-to-win-first-trophy-of-guardiola-era-34056">losing in the finals</a>. No manager has lost more League Cup finals than Arsene Wenger (2007, 2011 and 2018). This was the fourth time when the Gunners lost in a final clash. Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal&#39;s Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City on Sunday was caused by their own mistakes.&nbsp;Last season was Wenger&rsquo;s worst at the club. This season is shaping up to be even poorer.

In the post-match presentation, Wenger said, &quot;Well done to (Manchester) City. Congratulations to them, they won the trophy, they won the cup and they will go happy home and we will go very <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/aguero-kompany-silva-inspire-city-to-win-first-trophy-of-guardiola-era-34056">disappointed</a>.

&quot;I feel that a little bit everything went against us today and we self-inflicted our punishment because we had an unbelievable chance at nil-nil. We gave them a goal at one-nil,&quot; he added.

Wenger also mentioned, &quot;We were a bit unlucky in the second half even if I think we didn&#39;t start well at all in the second half and we were punished but that second goal is offside.&quot;

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When Wenger complained about added time, the fourth official replied: &#39;Why would you want more time?!&#39; ???? <a href="https://t.co/7n5VL5HF1a">pic.twitter.com/7n5VL5HF1a</a>
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He also made an astonishing remark on added injury time and said, &quot;Why would you want more time?&quot;

He asked the team to focus on the next match, &quot;You have to prioritise your next game first before we speak about the Europa League. We will, of course, take the Europa League very seriously but we have to as well win big games because if you want to go far in the Europa League you have to win big games as well if you look at the opponents already in the Europa League many big teams are in there.&quot;

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Manchester City defeated Arsenal by 3-0 to win the first trophy of Guardiola era

Manchester City won the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era with three of their veteran players scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win against Arenal at Wembley. Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy for the fifth time. "We're so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me," said City coach Guardiola. Unsurprisingly, the other team, Arsenal was again overshadowed by the voodoo of losing in the finals. No manager has lost more League Cup finals than Arsene Wenger (2007, 2011 and 2018). This was the fourth time when the Gunners lost in a final clash. Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City on Sunday was caused by their own mistakes. Last season was Wenger’s worst at the club. This season is shaping up to be even poorer. In the post-match presentation, Wenger said, "Well done to (Manchester) City. Congratulations to them, they won the trophy, they won the cup and they will go happy home and we will go very disappointed. "I feel that a little bit everything went against us today and we self-inflicted our punishment because we had an unbelievable chance at nil-nil. We gave them a goal at one-nil," he added. Wenger also mentioned, "We were a bit unlucky in the second half even if I think we didn't start well at all in the second half and we were punished but that second goal is offside." When Wenger complained about added time, the fourth official replied: 'Why would you want more time?!' ???? pic.twitter.com/7n5VL5HF1a — Goal UK (@GoalUK) February 25, 2018 × He also made an astonishing remark on added injury time and said, "Why would you want more time?" He asked the team to focus on the next match, "You have to prioritise your next game first before we speak about the Europa League. We will, of course, take the Europa League very seriously but we have to as well win big games because if you want to go far in the Europa League you have to win big games as well if you look at the opponents already in the Europa League many big teams are in there."

'Defeat caused by own mistakes,' says Arsene Wenger after losing to City

Manchester City rolled back the years on Sunday to win the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era with three of their veteran players scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win against Arsenal at Wembley.

Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy for the fifth time -- only Liverpool have won it more.

&quot;It&#39;s important,&quot; said Guardiola. &quot;We&#39;re so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me.

&quot;The first half we were not good, there were a lot of mistakes. In the second half we played with a lot more courage and personality -- we were outstanding.&quot;

City&#39;s first goal, in the first half, came in unlikely circumstances for a side lauded for their slick passing style.

A long punt upfield from goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was controlled by Sergio Aguero, who coolly lifted the ball over a helpless David Ospina in the Arsenal goal.

Captain Kompany doubled the lead in the second half with just over half an hour to go and Silva put the game out of the reach of Arsene Wenger&#39;s team.&nbsp;

The runaway Premier League leaders will be hoping to use the victory as a springboard to greater glory as the season approaches its final stretch but defeat for Wenger means he has never lifted the League Cup.

Control

On a bitterly cold, clear day in London, City, in their light blue kit, took control early, playing measured football and enjoying the lion&#39;s share of possession against a side who have made Wembley a second home in recent years.

But Arsenal went closest to taking the lead within the first 10 minutes, with new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seeing his scuffed shot saved by a sprawling Bravo.

Seconds later Aguero found the side netting after an incisive break from City, who looked short of their fluent best.&nbsp;

But it was Aguero who broke the deadlock, controlling the ball as Arsenal&#39;s defence failed to deal with the danger.

The Argentine striker has scored in each of his past five games in all competitions against Arsenal and this was his 199th goal in City colours.

It was an unusual goal for Guardiola&#39;s team, who have been lauded for their silky passing game this season, which has already seen them hailed as one of the finest sides in Premier League history.

City made a bright start to the second half and captain Kompany was in the right place to steer home Ilkay Gundogan&#39;s shot from the edge of the box after a Kevin De Bruyne corner in the 58th minute.

It was no more than City deserved against a lacklustre Arsenal and the Belgian celebrated wildly in front of his own fans.

Just seven minutes later Arsenal was left with a mountain to climb when Silva smashed the ball past Ospina into the far corner of the net to make it 3-0.

Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola kept faith with reserve goalkeeper Bravo for the Wembley showpiece ahead of first-choice Ederson. Bravo has played in every round of the competition so far.

Wenger also played his number two between the sticks, fielding Ospina ahead of Petr Cech.

A disappointed Wenger bemoaned his side&#39;s failure to take the lead through Aubameyang.

&quot;I felt the game, we had the first good chance, a very easy one that we missed,&quot; he said.

&quot;After that we made a big mistake for their first goal. But we controlled them pretty well in the first half, but they came out in the second half, and we were unlucky because the second goal was offside. But congratulations to Man City, they deserve the win.&quot;

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Manchester City defeats Arsenal to register their first victory of the season

Manchester City rolled back the years on Sunday to win the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era with three of their veteran players scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win against Arsenal at Wembley. Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy for the fifth time -- only Liverpool have won it more. "It's important," said Guardiola. "We're so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me. "The first half we were not good, there were a lot of mistakes. In the second half we played with a lot more courage and personality -- we were outstanding." City's first goal, in the first half, came in unlikely circumstances for a side lauded for their slick passing style. A long punt upfield from goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was controlled by Sergio Aguero, who coolly lifted the ball over a helpless David Ospina in the Arsenal goal. Captain Kompany doubled the lead in the second half with just over half an hour to go and Silva put the game out of the reach of Arsene Wenger's team. The runaway Premier League leaders will be hoping to use the victory as a springboard to greater glory as the season approaches its final stretch but defeat for Wenger means he has never lifted the League Cup. Control On a bitterly cold, clear day in London, City, in their light blue kit, took control early, playing measured football and enjoying the lion's share of possession against a side who have made Wembley a second home in recent years. But Arsenal went closest to taking the lead within the first 10 minutes, with new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seeing his scuffed shot saved by a sprawling Bravo. Seconds later Aguero found the side netting after an incisive break from City, who looked short of their fluent best. But it was Aguero who broke the deadlock, controlling the ball as Arsenal's defence failed to deal with the danger. The Argentine striker has scored in each of his past five games in all competitions against Arsenal and this was his 199th goal in City colours. It was an unusual goal for Guardiola's team, who have been lauded for their silky passing game this season, which has already seen them hailed as one of the finest sides in Premier League history. City made a bright start to the second half and captain Kompany was in the right place to steer home Ilkay Gundogan's shot from the edge of the box after a Kevin De Bruyne corner in the 58th minute. It was no more than City deserved against a lacklustre Arsenal and the Belgian celebrated wildly in front of his own fans. Just seven minutes later Arsenal was left with a mountain to climb when Silva smashed the ball past Ospina into the far corner of the net to make it 3-0. Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola kept faith with reserve goalkeeper Bravo for the Wembley showpiece ahead of first-choice Ederson. Bravo has played in every round of the competition so far. Wenger also played his number two between the sticks, fielding Ospina ahead of Petr Cech. A disappointed Wenger bemoaned his side's failure to take the lead through Aubameyang. "I felt the game, we had the first good chance, a very easy one that we missed," he said. "After that we made a big mistake for their first goal. But we controlled them pretty well in the first half, but they came out in the second half, and we were unlucky because the second goal was offside. But congratulations to Man City, they deserve the win."

Aguero, Kompany, Silva inspire City to win first trophy of Guardiola era

Hector Bellerin came to Arsenal&#39;s rescue as the defender&#39;s last-gasp strike earned a dramatic 2-2 draw in a heated London derby against Chelsea on Wednesday.

Bellerin looked set to be the villain of the piece for Arsenal after the Spaniard&#39;s foul on Eden Hazard conceded a penalty that allowed the Chelsea star to cancel out Jack Wilshere&#39;s opener.

When Marcos Alonso put Chelsea in front with just six minutes left at the Emirates Stadium, Bellerin&#39;s misery seemed complete.

But the 22-year-old enjoyed a sweet moment of redemption in the 90th minute as he lashed in only his second goal of the season.

The frenetic conclusion to a thrilling encounter actually did little for either team&#39;s prospects in the Premier League.

Chelsea remain in third place, one point behind Manchester United and 16 adrift of runaway leaders Manchester City.

Arsenal, who have now won only once in 13 league meetings with Chelsea, are languishing in sixth place, five points behind fourth placed Liverpool in the battle to qualify for the Champions League.

In an early sign of the drama to come, Alvaro Morata squandered a golden opportunity to put Chelsea ahead when Arsenal defender Calum Chambers completely misjudged a long pass.

Morata pounced on the loose ball and sprinted clear but with only Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech to beat, the Spain striker scuffed woefully wide.

Foreshadowing the penalty angst to come for Wenger, Ainsley Maitland-Niles had a spot-kick appeal turned down following Victor Moses&#39; challenge.

It looked a good decision by referee Anthony Taylor however and there was more frustration for Wenger moments later.

Alexis Sanchez wriggled into position for a powerful shot that Thibaut Courtois pushed onto one post, with the ball rolling agonisingly along the goalline, then hitting the other post before rebounding into the keeper&#39;s arms.

If that was a stroke of luck for Chelsea, there was no fortune about Courtois&#39;s next contribution as he produced a fine save to deny Alexandre Lacazette after the Arsenal forward turned Gary Cahill and unleashed a powerful low strike.

Arsenal&#39;s Mesut Ozil almost opened the scoring just before half-time with a stinging drive that whistled narrowly wide.

- Conspiracies - 
Cech was called into action twice in quick succession after the interval as he repelled Hazard&#39;s low shot and palmed away Alonso&#39;s header.

Courtois was matching Cech save for save and the Belgian produced another brilliant block to stop Lacazette&#39;s close-range effort.

But the Chelsea keeper was finally beaten in the 63rd minute.

Ozil picked out Rob Holding on the edge of the area and when the defender&#39;s pass was deflected into Wilshere&#39;s path, he reacted instinctively to drive his shot high into the net at Courtois&#39;s near post.

It was Wilshere&#39;s first league goal since May 2015, although he might have been fortune to still be on the pitch after avoiding a second booking for a theatrical tumble just before he scored.

Yet the crucial moment in a pulsating clash came just four minutes later.&nbsp;

As Hazard twisted and turned inside the Arsenal area, Bellerin rashly stuck out a leg to halt his progress and Taylor pointed to the spot.

Hazard stepped up to convert the 67th minute penalty for his ninth Chelsea goal this season.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had ranted darkly about refereeing conspiracies after Arsenal&#39;s Calum Chambers conceded a debatable penalty for handball in Sunday&#39;s draw at West Bromwich Albion.

The Frenchman has already been charged by the Football Association for his angry protests at the weekend, but his expression after the decision suggests another blast is in the offing.

When Alonso timed his run perfectly to meet Davide Zappacosta&#39;s cross with a cool finish in the 84th minute, it seemed certain Chelsea would start 2018 in winning style.

But Bellerin was determined not to end the night as the fall guy and the wing-back pounced on Alonso&#39;s weak header to crash in the equaliser.

Even then there was almost a sting in the tale when Zappacosta smashed against the bar in stoppage-time.

The defender's last-gasp strike earned Arsenal a dramatic 2-2 draw in a heated London derby

Hector Bellerin came to Arsenal's rescue as the defender's last-gasp strike earned a dramatic 2-2 draw in a heated London derby against Chelsea on Wednesday. Bellerin looked set to be the villain of the piece for Arsenal after the Spaniard's foul on Eden Hazard conceded a penalty that allowed the Chelsea star to cancel out Jack Wilshere's opener. When Marcos Alonso put Chelsea in front with just six minutes left at the Emirates Stadium, Bellerin's misery seemed complete. But the 22-year-old enjoyed a sweet moment of redemption in the 90th minute as he lashed in only his second goal of the season. The frenetic conclusion to a thrilling encounter actually did little for either team's prospects in the Premier League. Chelsea remain in third place, one point behind Manchester United and 16 adrift of runaway leaders Manchester City. Arsenal, who have now won only once in 13 league meetings with Chelsea, are languishing in sixth place, five points behind fourth placed Liverpool in the battle to qualify for the Champions League. In an early sign of the drama to come, Alvaro Morata squandered a golden opportunity to put Chelsea ahead when Arsenal defender Calum Chambers completely misjudged a long pass. Morata pounced on the loose ball and sprinted clear but with only Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech to beat, the Spain striker scuffed woefully wide. Foreshadowing the penalty angst to come for Wenger, Ainsley Maitland-Niles had a spot-kick appeal turned down following Victor Moses' challenge. It looked a good decision by referee Anthony Taylor however and there was more frustration for Wenger moments later. Alexis Sanchez wriggled into position for a powerful shot that Thibaut Courtois pushed onto one post, with the ball rolling agonisingly along the goalline, then hitting the other post before rebounding into the keeper's arms. If that was a stroke of luck for Chelsea, there was no fortune about Courtois's next contribution as he produced a fine save to deny Alexandre Lacazette after the Arsenal forward turned Gary Cahill and unleashed a powerful low strike. Arsenal's Mesut Ozil almost opened the scoring just before half-time with a stinging drive that whistled narrowly wide. - Conspiracies - Cech was called into action twice in quick succession after the interval as he repelled Hazard's low shot and palmed away Alonso's header. Courtois was matching Cech save for save and the Belgian produced another brilliant block to stop Lacazette's close-range effort. But the Chelsea keeper was finally beaten in the 63rd minute. Ozil picked out Rob Holding on the edge of the area and when the defender's pass was deflected into Wilshere's path, he reacted instinctively to drive his shot high into the net at Courtois's near post. It was Wilshere's first league goal since May 2015, although he might have been fortune to still be on the pitch after avoiding a second booking for a theatrical tumble just before he scored. Yet the crucial moment in a pulsating clash came just four minutes later. As Hazard twisted and turned inside the Arsenal area, Bellerin rashly stuck out a leg to halt his progress and Taylor pointed to the spot. Hazard stepped up to convert the 67th minute penalty for his ninth Chelsea goal this season. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had ranted darkly about refereeing conspiracies after Arsenal's Calum Chambers conceded a debatable penalty for handball in Sunday's draw at West Bromwich Albion. The Frenchman has already been charged by the Football Association for his angry protests at the weekend, but his expression after the decision suggests another blast is in the offing. When Alonso timed his run perfectly to meet Davide Zappacosta's cross with a cool finish in the 84th minute, it seemed certain Chelsea would start 2018 in winning style. But Bellerin was determined not to end the night as the fall guy and the wing-back pounced on Alonso's weak header to crash in the equaliser. Even then there was almost a sting in the tale when Zappacosta smashed against the bar in stoppage-time.

EPL: Bellerin strikes late to rescue Arsenal in Chelsea thriller

Alexis Sanchez scored twice in four second half minutes to give Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger victory on the night he equalled Alex Ferguson&#39;s Premier League record of matches in charge with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.

Sanchez&#39;s brace yesterday - the second a beauty from Jack Wilshere&#39;s superb pass - added to Shkodran Mustafi&#39;s first ever away goal for the Gunners was just enough to get them past the Eagles in Wenger&#39;s 810th Premier League game as a manager.

James Tomkins&#39;s 89th minute header - Andros Townsend had drawn them level at 1-1 early in the second-half before Sanchez&#39;s scoring burst - ensured a nervy finish, but the Gunners deserved to run out winners and end Palace&#39;s eight- game unbeaten run.

Arsenal drew level with fourth-placed north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur but with a worse goal difference whilst Palace remain firmly embroiled in a battle against relegation just a point above the bottom three.

Palace were able to apply some pressure during the opening stages, the closest they came to testing Petr Cech came when Yohan Cabaye shot narrowly wide from 20 yards out.

Wenger&#39;s side gradually took charge and they forced the breakthrough in the 24th minute when Palace&#39;s failure to clear Mesut Ozil&#39;s free-kick eventually led to Mustafi&#39;s opening goal.

The ball was played back towards the right side of the area where Alexandre Lacazette drew a good save from Julian Speroni only for the ball to fall to Mustafi who finished neatly with a first time shot.

Six minutes later, Arsenal would have been two up but for Speroni who produced an excellent, one-handed reaction save after Ozil had latched onto Sanchez&#39;s superbly weighted through ball.

Wilfried Zaha was Palace&#39;s most threatening player throughout the first half with the Ivorian maintaining the form that has seen him linked with a number of top clubs this season.

It also made the winger a target for some robust treatment with Callum Chambers booked for pulling him back.

Zaha made the point he believed he deserved more protection too vigorously to referee Michael Oliver as they left the pitch at half time and could have been sent off after sarcastically reacting to the match official&#39;s decision to show him a yellow card.

Zaha though reacted in a more positive way after the restart as he eased his way past Chambers before pulling the ball back towards Townsend who struck a first time shot past Cech from near the penalty spot.

At that point Palace were in the ascendancy but Sanchez&#39;s quick double soon killed off the home side&#39;s hopes.

The first came after Chambers played a deep ball into the home penalty area that was controlled by Sanchez before the Chile international exchanged passes with Lacazette and drilled the ball past Speroni.

Then four minutes later, the forward had his second after collecting Wilshere&#39;s long ball over the top with his first touch and finishing with his second. 
Tomkins late header from a corner came too late for the home side.

Sanchez's brace yesterday - the second a beauty from Jack Wilshere's superb pass - added to Shkodran Mustafi's first ever away goal for the Gunners was just enough to get them past the Eagles in Wenger's 810th Premier League game as a manager.

Alexis Sanchez scored twice in four second half minutes to give Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger victory on the night he equalled Alex Ferguson's Premier League record of matches in charge with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Sanchez's brace yesterday - the second a beauty from Jack Wilshere's superb pass - added to Shkodran Mustafi's first ever away goal for the Gunners was just enough to get them past the Eagles in Wenger's 810th Premier League game as a manager. James Tomkins's 89th minute header - Andros Townsend had drawn them level at 1-1 early in the second-half before Sanchez's scoring burst - ensured a nervy finish, but the Gunners deserved to run out winners and end Palace's eight- game unbeaten run. Arsenal drew level with fourth-placed north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur but with a worse goal difference whilst Palace remain firmly embroiled in a battle against relegation just a point above the bottom three. Palace were able to apply some pressure during the opening stages, the closest they came to testing Petr Cech came when Yohan Cabaye shot narrowly wide from 20 yards out. Wenger's side gradually took charge and they forced the breakthrough in the 24th minute when Palace's failure to clear Mesut Ozil's free-kick eventually led to Mustafi's opening goal. The ball was played back towards the right side of the area where Alexandre Lacazette drew a good save from Julian Speroni only for the ball to fall to Mustafi who finished neatly with a first time shot. Six minutes later, Arsenal would have been two up but for Speroni who produced an excellent, one-handed reaction save after Ozil had latched onto Sanchez's superbly weighted through ball. Wilfried Zaha was Palace's most threatening player throughout the first half with the Ivorian maintaining the form that has seen him linked with a number of top clubs this season. It also made the winger a target for some robust treatment with Callum Chambers booked for pulling him back. Zaha made the point he believed he deserved more protection too vigorously to referee Michael Oliver as they left the pitch at half time and could have been sent off after sarcastically reacting to the match official's decision to show him a yellow card. Zaha though reacted in a more positive way after the restart as he eased his way past Chambers before pulling the ball back towards Townsend who struck a first time shot past Cech from near the penalty spot. At that point Palace were in the ascendancy but Sanchez's quick double soon killed off the home side's hopes. The first came after Chambers played a deep ball into the home penalty area that was controlled by Sanchez before the Chile international exchanged passes with Lacazette and drilled the ball past Speroni. Then four minutes later, the forward had his second after collecting Wilshere's long ball over the top with his first touch and finishing with his second. Tomkins late header from a corner came too late for the home side.

Alexis Sanchez gives record-equalling Wenger victory

Just when the chasing pack thought the Manchester City juggernaut was suffering a misfire Raheem Sterling scored a stunning stoppage-time winner to give the Premier League leaders a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday.

With Manchester United having cut the gap to five points and Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool winning, any City stutter would have been cause for celebration. But Pep Guardiola&#39;s side thundered on with a club record 12th successive league victory.

Former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu had cancelled out Kevin De Bruyne&#39;s opener in the 75th minute but six minutes into stoppage time Sterling, for the third match running, snatched City&#39;s winner, this time with a sublime curling shot.

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<h5>Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City</h5>
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Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Rudiger&#39;s first Premier League goal sealed victory.

&quot;I have apologised because I did the wrong thing,&quot; Conte said of his angry reaction to a fourth official when his side were denied a corner in the first half.

&quot;I have been in to see them after the game. It&#39;s right to speak and apologise with them.&quot;

Arsenal struck three goals in four second-half minutes as they thrashed Huddersfield Town 5-0 with Mesut Ozil scoring one and supplying assists for Olivier Giroud, who scored a brace, and Alexis Sanchez.

Alexandre Lacazette&#39;s early goal had separated the sides before the interval although the French striker went off with a suspected groin injury and will probably miss Saturday&#39;s home clash against Manchester United. Arsenal have won 12 consecutive home matches.

Liverpool moved into fifth place with Mohamed Salah taking his tally for the season to a chart-topping 12 thanks to a double in a 3-0 victory at Stoke City.

After 14 games City have 40 points, with United on 32, Chelsea 29, Arsenal 28 and Liverpool 26.

Heady sixth

Burnley rose to a heady sixth, ahead of a sliding Tottenham Hotspur, as Chris Wood and Robbie Brady scored in a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth - their fourth win in five league games.

&quot;Where we are in the league, everyone will be surprised by that,&quot; Burnley boss Sean Dyche said.

Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick, the third with a wonder goal from inside his own half, as Everton thrashed West Ham United 4-0 on a horrible return to Goodison Park for David Moyes whose West Ham side remained in the bottom three.

Sam Allardyce, who will be named shortly as Everton&#39;s new manager, watched on from the stands as caretaker boss David Unsworth signed off with a victory that lifted Everton to 13th.

Whatever happens below them, City are looking unstoppable and with 40 points from 14 games and a goal difference of 35 they have recorded the best start in Premier League history.

They were not at their fluent best and Southampton came closest to scoring before the break with Wesley Hoedt striking the woodwork for the visitors.

But Sterling&#39;s effort sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad as the former Liverpool player struck yet another late goal to take his tally for the season to 13.

He has now earned City nine extra points this season with his timely interventions and his latest effort was arguably his best, picking out the top corner with an unstoppable effort.

&quot;Raheem is a match-winner, I am so happy for him. He is special, it was an amazing goal. It is more than important, it is beautiful,&quot; Guardiola, whose side have dropped only two points this season, said.

City are now two wins away from matching Arsenal&#39;s record 14-match winning run in the Premier League.

City beat Southampton 2-1. This was City's 12th successive league victory

Just when the chasing pack thought the Manchester City juggernaut was suffering a misfire Raheem Sterling scored a stunning stoppage-time winner to give the Premier League leaders a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday. With Manchester United having cut the gap to five points and Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool winning, any City stutter would have been cause for celebration. But Pep Guardiola's side thundered on with a club record 12th successive league victory. Former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu had cancelled out Kevin De Bruyne's opener in the 75th minute but six minutes into stoppage time Sterling, for the third match running, snatched City's winner, this time with a sublime curling shot. Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City × Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Rudiger's first Premier League goal sealed victory. "I have apologised because I did the wrong thing," Conte said of his angry reaction to a fourth official when his side were denied a corner in the first half. "I have been in to see them after the game. It's right to speak and apologise with them." Arsenal struck three goals in four second-half minutes as they thrashed Huddersfield Town 5-0 with Mesut Ozil scoring one and supplying assists for Olivier Giroud, who scored a brace, and Alexis Sanchez. Alexandre Lacazette's early goal had separated the sides before the interval although the French striker went off with a suspected groin injury and will probably miss Saturday's home clash against Manchester United. Arsenal have won 12 consecutive home matches. Liverpool moved into fifth place with Mohamed Salah taking his tally for the season to a chart-topping 12 thanks to a double in a 3-0 victory at Stoke City. After 14 games City have 40 points, with United on 32, Chelsea 29, Arsenal 28 and Liverpool 26. Heady sixth Burnley rose to a heady sixth, ahead of a sliding Tottenham Hotspur, as Chris Wood and Robbie Brady scored in a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth - their fourth win in five league games. "Where we are in the league, everyone will be surprised by that," Burnley boss Sean Dyche said. Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick, the third with a wonder goal from inside his own half, as Everton thrashed West Ham United 4-0 on a horrible return to Goodison Park for David Moyes whose West Ham side remained in the bottom three. Sam Allardyce, who will be named shortly as Everton's new manager, watched on from the stands as caretaker boss David Unsworth signed off with a victory that lifted Everton to 13th. Whatever happens below them, City are looking unstoppable and with 40 points from 14 games and a goal difference of 35 they have recorded the best start in Premier League history. They were not at their fluent best and Southampton came closest to scoring before the break with Wesley Hoedt striking the woodwork for the visitors. But Sterling's effort sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad as the former Liverpool player struck yet another late goal to take his tally for the season to 13. He has now earned City nine extra points this season with his timely interventions and his latest effort was arguably his best, picking out the top corner with an unstoppable effort. "Raheem is a match-winner, I am so happy for him. He is special, it was an amazing goal. It is more than important, it is beautiful," Guardiola, whose side have dropped only two points this season, said. City are now two wins away from matching Arsenal's record 14-match winning run in the Premier League.

EPL: League leaders Manchester City win, chasers keep chasing

Arsene Wenger says it will be &quot;difficult&quot; for any team to stop Manchester City from winning the Premier League after his Arsenal side lost 3-1 at the Etihad on Sunday - a result which left him fuming at referee Michael Oliver.

Wenger said City&#39;s quality, shown in their club record 15 straight wins in all competitions, makes it hard to imagine any team overtaking them but he also took aim at the officials after his team suffered a disputed penalty and a goal which appeared offside.

The win gave City an eight-point lead over Manchester United ahead of their game at Chelsea later on Sunday and left them 12 points clear of the Gunners.

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&quot;Can anyone stop them? It will be difficult this season, the way they have started the quality they have, but you never know. If, on top of that, they have decisions at home like that, they will be unstoppable,&quot; Wenger told reporters.

City went 2-0 up five minutes into the second half after referee Oliver ruled that Nacho Monreal had bundled over Raheem Sterling inside the area and Sergio Aguero converted from the spot.

Arsenal players disputed that decision and were also upset that City&#39;s third goal came after a pass from David Silva whom television replays showed was narrowly in an offside position.

&quot;I don&rsquo;t want to take anything away from the quality but it happened at a moment when we were really in the game at 2-1 and it killed the game. It is the second year. We got two offside goals here last year and one this year,&quot; Wenger added.

The Frenchman felt his team had created opportunities and were in the contest until the controversial third goal.

&quot;I felt it was an intense game of quality of both sides. Man City are on a high but I felt we had plenty of dangerous situations and chances,&quot; he said.

&quot;Overall, once again, the referee made the decision again, with a penalty and an offside goal. We are used to it when we come here,&quot; he said.

&quot;I feel they (referees) don&rsquo;t work enough, because it happens every season. It is unacceptable&quot;.

Arsenal lost 3-1 to City at the Etihad on Sunday

Arsene Wenger says it will be "difficult" for any team to stop Manchester City from winning the Premier League after his Arsenal side lost 3-1 at the Etihad on Sunday - a result which left him fuming at referee Michael Oliver. Wenger said City's quality, shown in their club record 15 straight wins in all competitions, makes it hard to imagine any team overtaking them but he also took aim at the officials after his team suffered a disputed penalty and a goal which appeared offside. The win gave City an eight-point lead over Manchester United ahead of their game at Chelsea later on Sunday and left them 12 points clear of the Gunners. Can anyone stop them? It will be difficult this season, the way they have started the quality they have, but you never know. If, on top of that, they have decisions at home like that, they will be unstoppable,' Wenger told reporters × "Can anyone stop them? It will be difficult this season, the way they have started the quality they have, but you never know. If, on top of that, they have decisions at home like that, they will be unstoppable," Wenger told reporters. City went 2-0 up five minutes into the second half after referee Oliver ruled that Nacho Monreal had bundled over Raheem Sterling inside the area and Sergio Aguero converted from the spot. Arsenal players disputed that decision and were also upset that City's third goal came after a pass from David Silva whom television replays showed was narrowly in an offside position. "I don’t want to take anything away from the quality but it happened at a moment when we were really in the game at 2-1 and it killed the game. It is the second year. We got two offside goals here last year and one this year," Wenger added. The Frenchman felt his team had created opportunities and were in the contest until the controversial third goal. "I felt it was an intense game of quality of both sides. Man City are on a high but I felt we had plenty of dangerous situations and chances," he said. "Overall, once again, the referee made the decision again, with a penalty and an offside goal. We are used to it when we come here," he said. "I feel they (referees) don’t work enough, because it happens every season. It is unacceptable".

EPL: Wenger says 'difficult' to see anyone stopping City

Arsene&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;has told Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke he will accept the Premier League club&#39;s offer of a new two-year contract, according to reports on Tuesday.

Wenger&nbsp;met Gunners majority shareholder Kroenke and chief executive Ivan Gazidis on Monday to discuss his future before his contract expires next month.

The 67-year-old has been heavily criticised this season, with Arsenal fans calling for his resignation after their team failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

Suggestions that Arsenal may insist on hiring a director of football to work with&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;had sparked claims the Frenchman was considering ending his 21-year reign.

But after leading Arsenal to an impressive 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Premier League champions Chelsea with Kroenke watching from the stands on Saturday,&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;had hinted he was willing to stay.

And the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror reported&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;has informed American tycoon Kroenke, who remains a firm supporter of his manager, that he wants to remain in charge of the north London club.

A formal announcement of&nbsp;Wenger&#39;s new contract is expected to come on Wednesday.

&quot;The club are planning to make an announcement on Wednesday afternoon,&quot; a spokesman said after refusing to confirm the reports of&nbsp;Wenger&#39;s decision.

Wenger, who has won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups with the Gunners, will attend an Arsenal board meeting on Tuesday when the contract should be rubber-stamped.

Wenger&nbsp;will outline his plans for close-season signings and while there may still be some tinkering with his backroom staff it will not be without his approval.

Gazidis would still like to bring in a sporting director to coordinate issues ranging from scouting and medicine to youth development and analytics.

But&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;has been told he will retain control of the key areas of team selection and transfers.

Tough task&nbsp;

With his reign set to reach 23 years if he sees out the new deal,&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;has a chance to salvage what was in danger of becoming a tarnished reputation.

First on his to-do list will be making improved contract offers to Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

The unsettled Arsenal stars are holding out for weekly wages of around &pound;300,000 ($385,000) per week with their present deals due to expire at the end of next season.

With no Champions League football to offer to potential new recruits,&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;still faces a tough task to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

Fifth-placed Arsenal finished 18 points behind Chelsea, with embarrassing defeats at Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion ruining their chances of staying in the top four.

Those losses, combined with a Champions League last 16 thrashing by Bayern Munich, prompted the most sustained fan protests against&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;in his two-decade reign.

Fans staged protest marches, flew planes over Arsenal matches trailing banners calling for&nbsp;Wenger&nbsp;to go and even stayed away in droves when the Gunners faces Sunderland in their penultimate home match.

Wenger, who has won the FA Cup three times in the last four years, showed how much the abuse had affected him last week when he spoke to the BBC before the Wembley showdown with Chelsea.&nbsp;

&quot;I believe there&#39;s a difference between being criticised and being treated in a way that human beings don&#39;t deserve,&quot; he said.

&quot;The lack of respect from some has been a disgrace and I will never accept that. I will never forget it.

&quot;The behaviour of some people during the season, that is what hurts me most.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s not my person that is hurt but the impeccable image of the club around the world.

&quot;That kind of behaviour does not reflect what Arsenal is.&quot;

(AFP)

Arlene Wenger met the club's top brass on Monday to discuss his future

Arsene Wenger has told Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke he will accept the Premier League club's offer of a new two-year contract, according to reports on Tuesday. Wenger met Gunners majority shareholder Kroenke and chief executive Ivan Gazidis on Monday to discuss his future before his contract expires next month. The 67-year-old has been heavily criticised this season, with Arsenal fans calling for his resignation after their team failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. Suggestions that Arsenal may insist on hiring a director of football to work with Wenger had sparked claims the Frenchman was considering ending his 21-year reign. But after leading Arsenal to an impressive 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Premier League champions Chelsea with Kroenke watching from the stands on Saturday, Wenger had hinted he was willing to stay. And the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror reported Wenger has informed American tycoon Kroenke, who remains a firm supporter of his manager, that he wants to remain in charge of the north London club. A formal announcement of Wenger's new contract is expected to come on Wednesday. "The club are planning to make an announcement on Wednesday afternoon," a spokesman said after refusing to confirm the reports of Wenger's decision. Wenger, who has won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups with the Gunners, will attend an Arsenal board meeting on Tuesday when the contract should be rubber-stamped. Wenger will outline his plans for close-season signings and while there may still be some tinkering with his backroom staff it will not be without his approval. Gazidis would still like to bring in a sporting director to coordinate issues ranging from scouting and medicine to youth development and analytics. But Wenger has been told he will retain control of the key areas of team selection and transfers. Tough task With his reign set to reach 23 years if he sees out the new deal, Wenger has a chance to salvage what was in danger of becoming a tarnished reputation. First on his to-do list will be making improved contract offers to Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. The unsettled Arsenal stars are holding out for weekly wages of around £300,000 ($385,000) per week with their present deals due to expire at the end of next season. With no Champions League football to offer to potential new recruits, Wenger still faces a tough task to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004. Fifth-placed Arsenal finished 18 points behind Chelsea, with embarrassing defeats at Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion ruining their chances of staying in the top four. Those losses, combined with a Champions League last 16 thrashing by Bayern Munich, prompted the most sustained fan protests against Wenger in his two-decade reign. Fans staged protest marches, flew planes over Arsenal matches trailing banners calling for Wenger to go and even stayed away in droves when the Gunners faces Sunderland in their penultimate home match. Wenger, who has won the FA Cup three times in the last four years, showed how much the abuse had affected him last week when he spoke to the BBC before the Wembley showdown with Chelsea. "I believe there's a difference between being criticised and being treated in a way that human beings don't deserve," he said. "The lack of respect from some has been a disgrace and I will never accept that. I will never forget it. "The behaviour of some people during the season, that is what hurts me most. "It's not my person that is hurt but the impeccable image of the club around the world. "That kind of behaviour does not reflect what Arsenal is." (AFP)

Wenger to stay on at Arsenal for two more years: Reports

Aaron Ramsey scored a 79th-minute header to earn Arsenal a stunning 2-1 win over Double-chasing Chelsea on Saturday and deliver embattled manager Arsene Wenger a record seventh FA Cup.

Wenger has been barracked by his own fans and failed to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years, but he ends the season by surpassing Aston Villa&#39;s George Ramsey as the FA Cup&#39;s greatest manager.

Alexis Sanchez&#39;s early opener for Arsenal, allowed to stand despite an apparent handball, was cancelled out by Diego Costa, only for Ramsey to reply immediately with the second FA Cup-winning goal of his career.

&quot;This team has suffered,&quot; said Wenger. &quot;They&#39;ve united and responded. They showed strength and unity and played spectacular football today.

&quot;I&#39;m proud to have won seven of these cups.&quot;

Arsenal, plagued by defensive selection issues, claimed a third FA Cup win in four seasons and 13th in total, making them the outright most successful team in the competition&#39;s history ahead of Manchester United.

Antonio Conte&#39;s Chelsea, who had Victor Moses sent off after he received a second booking for diving, were thwarted in their attempt to complete a Premier League and FA Cup Double for the second time.

It meant no glorious farewell for departing skipper John Terry, who bows out on 717 appearances and 17 major honours after spending the match on the bench.

Victory was rich vindication for Wenger, whose Arsenal future is due to be decided by a board meeting on Tuesday, and allowed him to salvage something from the most difficult season of his 21-year tenure.

He is reported to have been offered a two-year contract and while dissent against him has mounted this season, the stirring nature of his side&#39;s win will surely have won back some of his team&#39;s disgruntled fans.

Ramsey said: &quot;Of course I want him to stay at the club. He deserves this.

&quot;I&#39;ve got the winner again. I love this competition.&quot;

Mertesacker magnificent&nbsp;

Arsenal took a fourth-minute lead with a goal that will be debated long after the final whistle.

After blocking N&#39;Golo Kante&#39;s attempted clearance on the edge of Chelsea&#39;s box, Sanchez ran through to skewer a shot past Thibaut Courtois, only for an offside flag to be raised against Ramsey.

Referee Anthony Taylor consulted his assistant referee before concluding, correctly, that Ramsey had not been interfering with play, but replays showed Sanchez had handled the ball as he charged down Kante&#39;s clearance.

Arsenal&#39;s play brimmed with belief, Mesut Ozil forcing Gary Cahill to clear off his own line and Danny Welbeck and Ramsey hitting the same post in quick succession from a corner.

The absences of the suspended Laurent Koscielny, the injured Gabriel and the concussed Shkodran Mustafi brought club captain Per Mertesacker into Arsenal&#39;s back three for his first start of the season.

But there were few signs of ring-rust as the former Germany defender produced three crucial last-ditch blocks to thwart Costa.

Chelsea&nbsp;stepped things up in the second half, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina foiling Kante and Moses and Pedro curling narrowly wide.

But Arsenal continued to threaten on the break, Hector Bellerin working Courtois with a firm, low shot, and in the 68th minute the momentum tilted yet further in their direction.

Already booked for holding back Welbeck on the touchline, Moses was shown a second yellow card for hurling himself to the ground in the Arsenal box in anticipation of an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain challenge that never came.

Despite going a man down, Chelsea contrived to equalise in the 76th minute when Costa chested down substitute Willian&#39;s pass before beating Ospina with the aid of a slight deflection off Mertesacker.

But Wenger reacted by sending on Olivier Giroud and within a minute of coming on for Welbeck, he crossed from the byline on the left and Ramsey charged in to net the winner with a stooping header.

Bellerin shot just wide and Ozil hit the post after cutting inside Cesar Azpilicueta, but just as in the 2014 final against Hull City, Ramsey&#39;s goal was to prove the winner.

(AFP)

Arsenal's Ramsey scored the winning goal to hand embattled manager Arsene Wenger his seventh FA Cup

Aaron Ramsey scored a 79th-minute header to earn Arsenal a stunning 2-1 win over Double-chasing Chelsea on Saturday and deliver embattled manager Arsene Wenger a record seventh FA Cup. Wenger has been barracked by his own fans and failed to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years, but he ends the season by surpassing Aston Villa's George Ramsey as the FA Cup's greatest manager. Alexis Sanchez's early opener for Arsenal, allowed to stand despite an apparent handball, was cancelled out by Diego Costa, only for Ramsey to reply immediately with the second FA Cup-winning goal of his career. "This team has suffered," said Wenger. "They've united and responded. They showed strength and unity and played spectacular football today. "I'm proud to have won seven of these cups." Arsenal, plagued by defensive selection issues, claimed a third FA Cup win in four seasons and 13th in total, making them the outright most successful team in the competition's history ahead of Manchester United. Antonio Conte's Chelsea, who had Victor Moses sent off after he received a second booking for diving, were thwarted in their attempt to complete a Premier League and FA Cup Double for the second time. It meant no glorious farewell for departing skipper John Terry, who bows out on 717 appearances and 17 major honours after spending the match on the bench. Victory was rich vindication for Wenger, whose Arsenal future is due to be decided by a board meeting on Tuesday, and allowed him to salvage something from the most difficult season of his 21-year tenure. He is reported to have been offered a two-year contract and while dissent against him has mounted this season, the stirring nature of his side's win will surely have won back some of his team's disgruntled fans. Ramsey said: "Of course I want him to stay at the club. He deserves this. "I've got the winner again. I love this competition." Mertesacker magnificent Arsenal took a fourth-minute lead with a goal that will be debated long after the final whistle. After blocking N'Golo Kante's attempted clearance on the edge of Chelsea's box, Sanchez ran through to skewer a shot past Thibaut Courtois, only for an offside flag to be raised against Ramsey. Referee Anthony Taylor consulted his assistant referee before concluding, correctly, that Ramsey had not been interfering with play, but replays showed Sanchez had handled the ball as he charged down Kante's clearance. Arsenal's play brimmed with belief, Mesut Ozil forcing Gary Cahill to clear off his own line and Danny Welbeck and Ramsey hitting the same post in quick succession from a corner. The absences of the suspended Laurent Koscielny, the injured Gabriel and the concussed Shkodran Mustafi brought club captain Per Mertesacker into Arsenal's back three for his first start of the season. But there were few signs of ring-rust as the former Germany defender produced three crucial last-ditch blocks to thwart Costa. Chelsea stepped things up in the second half, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina foiling Kante and Moses and Pedro curling narrowly wide. But Arsenal continued to threaten on the break, Hector Bellerin working Courtois with a firm, low shot, and in the 68th minute the momentum tilted yet further in their direction. Already booked for holding back Welbeck on the touchline, Moses was shown a second yellow card for hurling himself to the ground in the Arsenal box in anticipation of an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain challenge that never came. Despite going a man down, Chelsea contrived to equalise in the 76th minute when Costa chested down substitute Willian's pass before beating Ospina with the aid of a slight deflection off Mertesacker. But Wenger reacted by sending on Olivier Giroud and within a minute of coming on for Welbeck, he crossed from the byline on the left and Ramsey charged in to net the winner with a stooping header. Bellerin shot just wide and Ozil hit the post after cutting inside Cesar Azpilicueta, but just as in the 2014 final against Hull City, Ramsey's goal was to prove the winner. (AFP)

Arsenal beat ten-man Chelsea to lift FA Cup

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said an &quot;absolutely horrendous&quot; atmosphere had been partly responsible for his club&#39;s failure to secure a Champions League place for the first time in 20 years.

Speaking after a 3-1 victory over Everton on the final day of the Premier League season, Wenger accepted that uncertainty over his future as manager, which has divided fans, had polluted the air at the Emirates Stadium.

He said there were other explanatory factors behind the club&#39;s difficulties, but refused to go into greater detail.

&quot;Overall I believe that we played since January in a very difficult environment for different reasons,&quot; Wenger told reporters at the Emirates on Sunday.

&quot;Some obviously that you know about and that is very difficult for the group of players to cope with that. Some other reasons, where we will talk about another day.

&quot;But the psychological environment for the group of players was absolutely horrendous. I am very proud of what they have done, the way they responded and finished the season.&quot;

He added: &quot;It has been difficult. Certainly my personal situation has contributed to that.&quot;

Wenger said earlier this year that he would make an announcement about his future before the end of the season, but he has repeatedly ducked opportunities to reveal his intentions.

Asked why his personal situation had not been resolved, he replied: &quot;I don&#39;t know.&quot;

Pressed as to when exactly he felt the uncertainty about his future had affected his players, he said: &quot;It&#39;s a good question. I cannot give you the answer today. I will give you an answer one day. But not today.&quot;

The 67-year-old would only say his future would be sorted out &quot;soon&quot;.

With Arsenal having finished fifth in the league, attention now turns to Saturday&#39;s FA Cup final against Chelsea, when victory would give Wenger a record seventh success in the competition.

But he will be missing Laurent Koscielny after the French centre-back was sent off for a rash challenge on Enner Valencia and also expects to be without Gabriel, who was stretchered off with a knee injury.

Wenger defends Kroenke

Arsenal&#39;s 10 men prevailed courtesy of goals from Hector Bellerin, Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, with Romelu Lukaku replying from the penalty spot.

Wenger suggested his decision not to take part in the post-match lap of appreciation had been influenced by fears of a negative reaction from fans.

&quot;The players, they have been disturbed enough,&quot; he said.

&quot;I was out there, to show respect, but I wanted the players to have the quiet lap of honour they deserved.&quot;

Wenger also said Arsenal&#39;s supporters&#39; protests against shareholder Stan Kroenke -- who was loudly and repeatedly told to &quot;get out of our club&quot;, were misplaced.

&quot;I think you respect everybody in life. I respect Stan Kroenke a lot,&quot; Wenger said.

&quot;He is not at fault if we did not reach the Champions League tonight. It is the technical department who is responsible for that. I don&#39;t see what he has to do with that.&quot;

Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, who is stalling over a new contract, came off the bench to replace Tom Davies as part of a 26th-minute reshuffle by visiting manager Ronald Koeman.

Koeman said his decision to leave Barkley out had nothing to do with his contract situation, but said he expected to be able to make an announcement about the England midfielder&#39;s future imminently.

&quot;I will speak to the board tomorrow and we will make a statement about that,&quot; said the Dutchman, whose side finished seventh and will enter the Europa League next season.

On his ambitions for the close-season transfer window, Koeman said: &quot;First of all we need more numbers in to be prepared for a long, tough season with different competitions.

&quot;And I think we need more aggression in the team. The big point is to get in players who will have more productivity. That&#39;s what we try to find and that&#39;s not easy.&quot;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

He accepted uncertainty over his future as manager had polluted the air at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said an "absolutely horrendous" atmosphere had been partly responsible for his club's failure to secure a Champions League place for the first time in 20 years. Speaking after a 3-1 victory over Everton on the final day of the Premier League season, Wenger accepted that uncertainty over his future as manager, which has divided fans, had polluted the air at the Emirates Stadium. He said there were other explanatory factors behind the club's difficulties, but refused to go into greater detail. "Overall I believe that we played since January in a very difficult environment for different reasons," Wenger told reporters at the Emirates on Sunday. "Some obviously that you know about and that is very difficult for the group of players to cope with that. Some other reasons, where we will talk about another day. "But the psychological environment for the group of players was absolutely horrendous. I am very proud of what they have done, the way they responded and finished the season." He added: "It has been difficult. Certainly my personal situation has contributed to that." Wenger said earlier this year that he would make an announcement about his future before the end of the season, but he has repeatedly ducked opportunities to reveal his intentions. Asked why his personal situation had not been resolved, he replied: "I don't know." Pressed as to when exactly he felt the uncertainty about his future had affected his players, he said: "It's a good question. I cannot give you the answer today. I will give you an answer one day. But not today." The 67-year-old would only say his future would be sorted out "soon". With Arsenal having finished fifth in the league, attention now turns to Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea, when victory would give Wenger a record seventh success in the competition. But he will be missing Laurent Koscielny after the French centre-back was sent off for a rash challenge on Enner Valencia and also expects to be without Gabriel, who was stretchered off with a knee injury. Wenger defends Kroenke Arsenal's 10 men prevailed courtesy of goals from Hector Bellerin, Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, with Romelu Lukaku replying from the penalty spot. Wenger suggested his decision not to take part in the post-match lap of appreciation had been influenced by fears of a negative reaction from fans. "The players, they have been disturbed enough," he said. "I was out there, to show respect, but I wanted the players to have the quiet lap of honour they deserved." Wenger also said Arsenal's supporters' protests against shareholder Stan Kroenke -- who was loudly and repeatedly told to "get out of our club", were misplaced. "I think you respect everybody in life. I respect Stan Kroenke a lot," Wenger said. "He is not at fault if we did not reach the Champions League tonight. It is the technical department who is responsible for that. I don't see what he has to do with that." Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, who is stalling over a new contract, came off the bench to replace Tom Davies as part of a 26th-minute reshuffle by visiting manager Ronald Koeman. Koeman said his decision to leave Barkley out had nothing to do with his contract situation, but said he expected to be able to make an announcement about the England midfielder's future imminently. "I will speak to the board tomorrow and we will make a statement about that," said the Dutchman, whose side finished seventh and will enter the Europa League next season. On his ambitions for the close-season transfer window, Koeman said: "First of all we need more numbers in to be prepared for a long, tough season with different competitions. "And I think we need more aggression in the team. The big point is to get in players who will have more productivity. That's what we try to find and that's not easy." (AFP)

Arsenal hurt by 'horrendous' atmosphere: Wenger

Arsene Wenger says his future as Arsenal manager will likely be decided at the club&#39;s board meeting after the May 27 FA Cup final.

The 67-year-old has just two matches remaining before his contract expires but has yet to announce publicly if he will sign fresh terms to remain at the north London club, where he has been in charge for 20 years.

The Frenchman has been batting away questions over his future for the last few months, but confirmed a meeting held in the days following the final against Chelsea -- he will be looking to win a record eighth FA Cup -- will be when his fate is discussed.

Asked when the board meeting is scheduled for, Wenger replied: &quot;I think it is after the FA Cup final.&quot;

When pushed on whether that is when a decision on his future will be finalised, he said: &quot;Yes.

&quot;You have certainly to know that there are many aspects of a football club which have to be discussed at a board meeting.

&quot;One of them is, of course, what is happening with the manager, the future, the players who have to come in, the renewal of contracts. You don&#39;t miss problems in a board meeting.

&quot;Of course I will be there. At the moment I think we should focus on short term and what&#39;s going on on Sunday and in the cup final.&quot;

Wenger faces an uphill task to continue a proud record of finishing inside the Premier League top four in all of his full seasons at the helm.

Arsenal go into the final round of league fixtures in fifth, needing to beat Everton at home and hope either Liverpool or Manchester City slip up to allow them to gatecrash the Champions League places.

After that, Wenger will prepare his players for a third FA Cup final in five years.

A number of vocal Arsenal supporters have been leading protests in recent weeks against Wenger remaining in charge beyond this season while the Frenchman has also faced increased criticism from a host of former Arsenal players.

(AFP)

Managing Arsenal since 1996, Arsene Wenger Wenger faces an uphill task to continue a proud record of finishing inside the Premier League top four in all of his full seasons at the helm

Arsene Wenger says his future as Arsenal manager will likely be decided at the club's board meeting after the May 27 FA Cup final. The 67-year-old has just two matches remaining before his contract expires but has yet to announce publicly if he will sign fresh terms to remain at the north London club, where he has been in charge for 20 years. The Frenchman has been batting away questions over his future for the last few months, but confirmed a meeting held in the days following the final against Chelsea -- he will be looking to win a record eighth FA Cup -- will be when his fate is discussed. Asked when the board meeting is scheduled for, Wenger replied: "I think it is after the FA Cup final." When pushed on whether that is when a decision on his future will be finalised, he said: "Yes. "You have certainly to know that there are many aspects of a football club which have to be discussed at a board meeting. "One of them is, of course, what is happening with the manager, the future, the players who have to come in, the renewal of contracts. You don't miss problems in a board meeting. "Of course I will be there. At the moment I think we should focus on short term and what's going on on Sunday and in the cup final." Wenger faces an uphill task to continue a proud record of finishing inside the Premier League top four in all of his full seasons at the helm. Arsenal go into the final round of league fixtures in fifth, needing to beat Everton at home and hope either Liverpool or Manchester City slip up to allow them to gatecrash the Champions League places. After that, Wenger will prepare his players for a third FA Cup final in five years. A number of vocal Arsenal supporters have been leading protests in recent weeks against Wenger remaining in charge beyond this season while the Frenchman has also faced increased criticism from a host of former Arsenal players. (AFP)

Wenger's Arsenal future to be decided after FA Cup final

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his future was &quot;not sorted completely&quot; on Thursday as he ducked another opportunity to make an announcement about what he intends to do.

Wenger, Arsenal&#39;s manager since 1996, has come under fire from fans after the club were humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and dropped out of the Premier League top four.

The Frenchman said recently that he would make an announcement on his future &quot;very soon&quot;, but he did not divulge any new information when invited to do so at his weekly press conference.

&quot;Not today, but I&#39;m very clear in my mind,&quot; he told reporters at Arsenal&#39;s London Colney training base when asked if there was any news on his future.

&quot;Do I stay two months or two years? My commitment will be exactly the same. The time I spent here doesn&#39;t influence at all my attitude.

&quot;I&#39;ve always been very clear in my mind, but I think it&#39;s a subject that is not sorted completely out.&quot;

Wenger is reported to have been offered a new two-year contract by Arsenal.

It is 13 years since Arsenal last won the league and their 10-2 aggregate defeat by Bayern condemned them to a seventh successive last 16 exit in the Champions League.

The north London club are sixth in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday&#39;s home game with Manchester City, having lost four of their last five games.

But Wenger dismissed the suggestion that the uncertainty about his future was having a negative impact on his players.

&quot;No, I believe the priority in life is always to focus on what is important and not to look for excuses,&quot; he said.

&quot;At the moment our results are not going the way they should, but we have to make sure the priority is what happens on the pitch.&quot;

&#39;I&#39;m not answering&#39;&nbsp;

Arsenal chairman Chips Keswick refused to comment on Wenger&#39;s future after being doorstepped by a camera crew from Sky Sports News.

&quot;I never make press statements and I&#39;m not about to start now,&quot; Keswick said.

Asked if Wenger was still the right man for the job, he replied: &quot;I&#39;m not answering that.&quot;

Wenger also reacted to comments attributed to star forward Alexis Sanchez in the Chilean media.

Sanchez, said to be a target for Premier League leaders Chelsea, is reported to have said he is &quot;happy in London&quot;, but wants to play for a team with a &quot;winning mentality&quot;.

&quot;There&#39;s only one team in London, so he&#39;s happy,&quot; Wenger joked.

&quot;I think personally he&#39;s happy here. It&#39;s true we haven&#39;t extended his contract yet. I hope he&#39;ll stay at the club.

&quot;You always have to be cautious when people give interviews in their home countries because the interpretation is not always what they wanted to say.

&quot;But I don&#39;t see anything negative. He said he wants to win the championship. That&#39;s what everybody wants and I can understand that completely.&quot;

Sanchez and German playmaker Mesut Ozil are stalling over new contracts, but Wenger expressed confidence they will both elect to stay at the Emirates Stadium.

&quot;I personally believe that both of them want to stay and hope the club finds an agreement with them,&quot; he said.

Wenger said Ozil was in line to make his first league appearance since February 11 against City following illness and injury.

But Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla is not expected to feature again this season due to an Achilles problem.

&quot;I think the season is over for him,&quot; Wenger said.

(AFP)

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's manager since 1996, has come under fire from fans after the club's poor displays this season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his future was "not sorted completely" on Thursday as he ducked another opportunity to make an announcement about what he intends to do. Wenger, Arsenal's manager since 1996, has come under fire from fans after the club were humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and dropped out of the Premier League top four. The Frenchman said recently that he would make an announcement on his future "very soon", but he did not divulge any new information when invited to do so at his weekly press conference. "Not today, but I'm very clear in my mind," he told reporters at Arsenal's London Colney training base when asked if there was any news on his future. "Do I stay two months or two years? My commitment will be exactly the same. The time I spent here doesn't influence at all my attitude. "I've always been very clear in my mind, but I think it's a subject that is not sorted completely out." Wenger is reported to have been offered a new two-year contract by Arsenal. It is 13 years since Arsenal last won the league and their 10-2 aggregate defeat by Bayern condemned them to a seventh successive last 16 exit in the Champions League. The north London club are sixth in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday's home game with Manchester City, having lost four of their last five games. But Wenger dismissed the suggestion that the uncertainty about his future was having a negative impact on his players. "No, I believe the priority in life is always to focus on what is important and not to look for excuses," he said. "At the moment our results are not going the way they should, but we have to make sure the priority is what happens on the pitch." 'I'm not answering' Arsenal chairman Chips Keswick refused to comment on Wenger's future after being doorstepped by a camera crew from Sky Sports News. "I never make press statements and I'm not about to start now," Keswick said. Asked if Wenger was still the right man for the job, he replied: "I'm not answering that." Wenger also reacted to comments attributed to star forward Alexis Sanchez in the Chilean media. Sanchez, said to be a target for Premier League leaders Chelsea, is reported to have said he is "happy in London", but wants to play for a team with a "winning mentality". "There's only one team in London, so he's happy," Wenger joked. "I think personally he's happy here. It's true we haven't extended his contract yet. I hope he'll stay at the club. "You always have to be cautious when people give interviews in their home countries because the interpretation is not always what they wanted to say. "But I don't see anything negative. He said he wants to win the championship. That's what everybody wants and I can understand that completely." Sanchez and German playmaker Mesut Ozil are stalling over new contracts, but Wenger expressed confidence they will both elect to stay at the Emirates Stadium. "I personally believe that both of them want to stay and hope the club finds an agreement with them," he said. Wenger said Ozil was in line to make his first league appearance since February 11 against City following illness and injury. But Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla is not expected to feature again this season due to an Achilles problem. "I think the season is over for him," Wenger said. (AFP)

Arsenal future 'not sorted completely', says Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he had made a decision about his future following his side&#39;s dispiriting 3-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Wenger, Arsenal&#39;s manager since 1996, has come under heavy pressure since his team&#39;s 10-2 Champions League thrashing by Bayern Munich and fans made renewed calls for him to step down at The Hawthorns.

&quot;I know what I&#39;ll do in my future&nbsp;and you&#39;ll know very soon,&quot; he told reporters after the game.

Rival groups of Arsenal supporters paid for planes trailing banners that were both critical and supportive of Wenger to fly over the stadium during the game.

A banner that read &quot;NO CONTRACT #WENGER OUT&quot; was seen flying above the stadium shortly before kick-off.

But in the 16th minute, with the score 1-1, another plane was spotted overhead with a banner that read: &quot;IN ARSENE WE TRUST #RESPECTAW&quot;.

Several fans brandished &quot;WENGER OUT&quot; banners at the final whistle.

The 67-year-old Frenchman is believed to have been offered a new two-year contract by the club.

Arsenal&#39;s support is split over Wenger, who won seven trophies in his first nine seasons as manager but has won only two FA Cups in the 12 years since.

(AFP)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he will announce his decision 'very soon'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he had made a decision about his future following his side's dispiriting 3-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Wenger, Arsenal's manager since 1996, has come under heavy pressure since his team's 10-2 Champions League thrashing by Bayern Munich and fans made renewed calls for him to step down at The Hawthorns. "I know what I'll do in my future and you'll know very soon," he told reporters after the game. Rival groups of Arsenal supporters paid for planes trailing banners that were both critical and supportive of Wenger to fly over the stadium during the game. A banner that read "NO CONTRACT #WENGER OUT" was seen flying above the stadium shortly before kick-off. But in the 16th minute, with the score 1-1, another plane was spotted overhead with a banner that read: "IN ARSENE WE TRUST #RESPECTAW". Several fans brandished "WENGER OUT" banners at the final whistle. The 67-year-old Frenchman is believed to have been offered a new two-year contract by the club. Arsenal's support is split over Wenger, who won seven trophies in his first nine seasons as manager but has won only two FA Cups in the 12 years since. (AFP)

Under-fire Wenger has made decision about future at Arsenal

Arsenal fans again rounded on under-fire manager Arsene Wenger as defender Craig Dawson scored twice in a comprehensive 3-1 victory for West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Dawson headed home from corners either side of half-time to book-end the goalscoring action in West Brom&#39;s eighth win in their last 10 Premier League home games.

In between Dawson&#39;s goals, Alexis Sanchez equalised for Arsenal before substitute Hal Robson-Kanu restored the home side&#39;s lead.

But it was the renewed criticism of Wenger that grabbed the attention as fans displayed &quot;Wenger Out&quot; banners after two aeroplanes had towed banners above The Hawthorns with rival views on the Frenchman.

One banner read &quot;NO CONTRACT #WENGER OUT&quot;, while another proclaimed &quot;IN ARSENE WE TRUST #RESPECTAW&quot;.

Wenger&#39;s decision to replace Sanchez late on prompted more abuse from travelling fans, who had earlier engaged in a muted chorus of &quot;We want Wenger out!&quot; as their side slid to a fourth defeat in five league games.

The result prevented Arsenal from whittling down the five-point gap separating them from the top five, further compromising their hopes of qualifying for next season&#39;s Champions League.

Compounding Arsenal&#39;s disappointment, the visitors also lost goalkeeper Petr Cech to an apparent muscular injury during the first half, with David Ospina taking his place.

West Brom began purposefully, with James McClean heading Nacer Chadli&#39;s cross tamely at Cech before bursting forwards and stinging the Arsenal goalkeeper&#39;s hands.

It was little surprise when West Brom went ahead from the corner that followed.

Chadli delivered it from the left and Dawson rose above Laurent Koscielny to head home as Cech flapped.

The visitors were level within four minutes as Granit Xhaka floated a pass to Sanchez, who coolly finished off the underside of the crossbar with his right foot.

West Brom responded well to the equaliser, though, and threatened the visitors on the break when Chadli raced down the right flank and threaded a pass to the feet of Salomon Rondon.

Cech injured&nbsp;

But the striker dragged his shot across goal and wide of the far post.

West Brom repelled an Arsenal attack when goalkeeper Ben Foster saved from Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott was crowded out as he tried to turn in the rebound.

Then Cech made a smart save to his right to keep out a dipping half-volley from Darren Fletcher.

Shortly afterwards the Arsenal goalkeeper limped off, having appeared to injure himself when he landed awkwardly while collecting a routine through-ball.

West Brom should have doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when Chris Brunt peeled out wide and delivered a superb cross to Rondon in the centre.

The striker beat Koscielny to a header, but glanced his effort wide.

That was Rondon&#39;s last action of the game and replacement Robson-Kanu grabbed the second Albion goal just a minute after stepping off the bench.

He pounced after Chadli&#39;s lofted pass from the edge of the area was spilt by substitute goalkeeper Ospina, the Wales striker firing home between the legs of McClean.

The goal was awarded despite Arsenal&#39;s appeals that the offside McClean had been interfering with play.

Arsenal had been sluggish, but they almost levelled again from a corner on 66 minutes, with Danny Welbeck heading against the crossbar.

The hosts then went close to wrapping up the game when Robson-Kanu raced onto a through-ball and was denied by a low save from Ospina, Nacho Monreal blocking Chadli&#39;s follow-up effort.

However, the third Albion goal arrived with 15 minutes remaining as McClean delivered a corner from the right and the unmarked Dawson dispatched another header.

Wenger responded by replacing fans&#39; favourite Sanchez with Alex Iwobi and was immediately derided by visiting fans, who sang: &quot;You don&#39;t know what you&#39;re doing!&quot;

(AFP)

&nbsp;

Craig Dawson scored twice on a day when two planes towed contrasting banners about manager Arsene Wenger's future

Arsenal fans again rounded on under-fire manager Arsene Wenger as defender Craig Dawson scored twice in a comprehensive 3-1 victory for West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Dawson headed home from corners either side of half-time to book-end the goalscoring action in West Brom's eighth win in their last 10 Premier League home games. In between Dawson's goals, Alexis Sanchez equalised for Arsenal before substitute Hal Robson-Kanu restored the home side's lead. But it was the renewed criticism of Wenger that grabbed the attention as fans displayed "Wenger Out" banners after two aeroplanes had towed banners above The Hawthorns with rival views on the Frenchman. One banner read "NO CONTRACT #WENGER OUT", while another proclaimed "IN ARSENE WE TRUST #RESPECTAW". Wenger's decision to replace Sanchez late on prompted more abuse from travelling fans, who had earlier engaged in a muted chorus of "We want Wenger out!" as their side slid to a fourth defeat in five league games. The result prevented Arsenal from whittling down the five-point gap separating them from the top five, further compromising their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League. Compounding Arsenal's disappointment, the visitors also lost goalkeeper Petr Cech to an apparent muscular injury during the first half, with David Ospina taking his place. West Brom began purposefully, with James McClean heading Nacer Chadli's cross tamely at Cech before bursting forwards and stinging the Arsenal goalkeeper's hands. It was little surprise when West Brom went ahead from the corner that followed. Chadli delivered it from the left and Dawson rose above Laurent Koscielny to head home as Cech flapped. The visitors were level within four minutes as Granit Xhaka floated a pass to Sanchez, who coolly finished off the underside of the crossbar with his right foot. West Brom responded well to the equaliser, though, and threatened the visitors on the break when Chadli raced down the right flank and threaded a pass to the feet of Salomon Rondon. Cech injured But the striker dragged his shot across goal and wide of the far post. West Brom repelled an Arsenal attack when goalkeeper Ben Foster saved from Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott was crowded out as he tried to turn in the rebound. Then Cech made a smart save to his right to keep out a dipping half-volley from Darren Fletcher. Shortly afterwards the Arsenal goalkeeper limped off, having appeared to injure himself when he landed awkwardly while collecting a routine through-ball. West Brom should have doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when Chris Brunt peeled out wide and delivered a superb cross to Rondon in the centre. The striker beat Koscielny to a header, but glanced his effort wide. That was Rondon's last action of the game and replacement Robson-Kanu grabbed the second Albion goal just a minute after stepping off the bench. He pounced after Chadli's lofted pass from the edge of the area was spilt by substitute goalkeeper Ospina, the Wales striker firing home between the legs of McClean. The goal was awarded despite Arsenal's appeals that the offside McClean had been interfering with play. Arsenal had been sluggish, but they almost levelled again from a corner on 66 minutes, with Danny Welbeck heading against the crossbar. The hosts then went close to wrapping up the game when Robson-Kanu raced onto a through-ball and was denied by a low save from Ospina, Nacho Monreal blocking Chadli's follow-up effort. However, the third Albion goal arrived with 15 minutes remaining as McClean delivered a corner from the right and the unmarked Dawson dispatched another header. Wenger responded by replacing fans' favourite Sanchez with Alex Iwobi and was immediately derided by visiting fans, who sang: "You don't know what you're doing!" (AFP)

West Brom's win over Arsenal leaves Wenger's job in peril

Arsenal ended Lincoln City&#39;s historic FA Cup run and eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a 5-0 victory over the valiant non-league side in Saturday&#39;s quarter-finals.

After Tuesday&#39;s&nbsp;humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, Wenger had endured calls for his resignation and the Gunners boss must have breathed a sigh of relief as Arsenal avoided even greater ignominy.

A contest that should have been a mismatch given the supposed gulf in class between fifth-tier Lincoln and their illustrious opponents was actually a tense affair until first-half stoppage time when Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead.

But even after goals from Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and a Luke Waterfall own goal, the day belonged to the fifth-tier leaders, for whom the competition has generated a &pound;1.6 million ($1.9m) cash windfall.

For a club whose record signings, Dean Walling and Tony Battersby, each cost &pound;75,000 in 1997 and 1978, respectively, that is quite a sum.

The 9,000 travelling Lincoln supporters certainly brought their voices and generated more noise than the Emirates Stadium has heard during many Premier League games this season.

Almost 10 minutes had elapsed before Arsenal created an opening. Hector Bellerin slid the ball along the ground from the right-hand side but Ramsey swept his shot just wide of the post.

Four minutes later Walcott connected sweetly with a volley only for Lincoln keeper Paul Farman to plunge to his left to palm the ball on to the same upright.

Arsenal were forced into a change after 26 minutes, although if the non-league side were glad to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain go, the sight of German World Cup-winner Mesut Ozil coming on to replace him was less welcome.

Lincoln&#39;s compactness in defence was limiting Arsenal to very few chances.&nbsp;

Urgency 
 
And in contrast to Lincoln&#39;s collective discipline, inspired by the organisational skill of their impressive young manager Danny Cowley, it was the Arsenal players who were guilty of impetuosity in the tackle, with both Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny booked for lunging challenges.

Nathan Arnold, who scored the winning goal against Ipswich Town in the third-round replay, came closest to a goal for the visitors as the half-hour approached.

Cutting inside Kieran Gibbs, he forced Petr Cech to fling himself to his right for a fine save.

Ramsey sent a stabbed effort over the bar as half-time approached, but just as it seemed that Lincoln would deservedly reach the interval on level terms, the Premier League side struck.

Farman had difficulty in dealing with an Ozil cross and from the resulting corner a goalmouth melee ended with Gibbs setting up Walcott to put Arsenal ahead with a deflected effort.

Wenger&#39;s side re-emerged with a sense of urgency that had been largely absent in the first half.

The goal that effectively sealed Arsenal&#39;s passage to a Wembley semi-final arrived after 53 minutes.

Bellerin swapped passes with Sanchez before laying the ball back for Giroud to sidefoot home.

Five minutes later, Arsenal led 3-0. Gibbs drove in a low hard cross that was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Waterfall.&nbsp;

Sanchez then made it four after 73 minutes, riding two challenges before curling home beautifully.

The scoreline began to look unjustifiably one-sided when Ramsey walked the ball home following a Sanchez cross.

At the other end, midfielder Alan Power forced a save from Cech as Lincoln sought the most glorious of consolation goals.

Arsenal progressed to Wenger&#39;s relief, but it is Lincoln who will take home all of the memories.

(AFP)

The win eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger who endured calls for resignation after the humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern

Arsenal ended Lincoln City's historic FA Cup run and eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a 5-0 victory over the valiant non-league side in Saturday's quarter-finals. After Tuesday's humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, Wenger had endured calls for his resignation and the Gunners boss must have breathed a sigh of relief as Arsenal avoided even greater ignominy. A contest that should have been a mismatch given the supposed gulf in class between fifth-tier Lincoln and their illustrious opponents was actually a tense affair until first-half stoppage time when Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead. But even after goals from Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and a Luke Waterfall own goal, the day belonged to the fifth-tier leaders, for whom the competition has generated a £1.6 million ($1.9m) cash windfall. For a club whose record signings, Dean Walling and Tony Battersby, each cost £75,000 in 1997 and 1978, respectively, that is quite a sum. The 9,000 travelling Lincoln supporters certainly brought their voices and generated more noise than the Emirates Stadium has heard during many Premier League games this season. Almost 10 minutes had elapsed before Arsenal created an opening. Hector Bellerin slid the ball along the ground from the right-hand side but Ramsey swept his shot just wide of the post. Four minutes later Walcott connected sweetly with a volley only for Lincoln keeper Paul Farman to plunge to his left to palm the ball on to the same upright. Arsenal were forced into a change after 26 minutes, although if the non-league side were glad to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain go, the sight of German World Cup-winner Mesut Ozil coming on to replace him was less welcome. Lincoln's compactness in defence was limiting Arsenal to very few chances. Urgency And in contrast to Lincoln's collective discipline, inspired by the organisational skill of their impressive young manager Danny Cowley, it was the Arsenal players who were guilty of impetuosity in the tackle, with both Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny booked for lunging challenges. Nathan Arnold, who scored the winning goal against Ipswich Town in the third-round replay, came closest to a goal for the visitors as the half-hour approached. Cutting inside Kieran Gibbs, he forced Petr Cech to fling himself to his right for a fine save. Ramsey sent a stabbed effort over the bar as half-time approached, but just as it seemed that Lincoln would deservedly reach the interval on level terms, the Premier League side struck. Farman had difficulty in dealing with an Ozil cross and from the resulting corner a goalmouth melee ended with Gibbs setting up Walcott to put Arsenal ahead with a deflected effort. Wenger's side re-emerged with a sense of urgency that had been largely absent in the first half. The goal that effectively sealed Arsenal's passage to a Wembley semi-final arrived after 53 minutes. Bellerin swapped passes with Sanchez before laying the ball back for Giroud to sidefoot home. Five minutes later, Arsenal led 3-0. Gibbs drove in a low hard cross that was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Waterfall. Sanchez then made it four after 73 minutes, riding two challenges before curling home beautifully. The scoreline began to look unjustifiably one-sided when Ramsey walked the ball home following a Sanchez cross. At the other end, midfielder Alan Power forced a save from Cech as Lincoln sought the most glorious of consolation goals. Arsenal progressed to Wenger's relief, but it is Lincoln who will take home all of the memories. (AFP)

Arsenal 5-0 Lincoln City, move to FA Cup semi-finals

Arsene Wenger&#39;s decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench backfired as first half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane set Liverpool on course for a vital 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Wenger eventually brought on the Chilean international at half-time at Anfield and he set up Danny Welbeck for a goal that breathed life into Arsenal.

But in the closely-fought contest for a top-four finish, this was a disappointing result for the Arsenal manager and Georginio Wijnaldum added Liverpool&#39;s third goal in stoppage-time to cap a wretched evening for the Gunners.

Arsenal drop below Liverpool to fifth place and sit two points outside the top four after a third defeat in their last four league games.

Faced with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 second leg, Wenger knows the critics will be sharpening their knives again on Tuesday and he can&#39;t expect any sympathy after this bizarre selection gamble.

Liverpool, who climb to third place, took nine minutes to score the opening goal in an effort to maintain their record of not having lost to a team currently in the top half of the Premier League this season.

It was the home team&#39;s first notable chance as Mane crossed from the right and Philippe Coutinho dummied the ball to allow it into the path of Firmino at the far post.

The Brazilian appeared to have mis-controlled the ball, with Hector Bellerin closing him down just six yards out, but Firmino had the presence of mind to recover and deposit the ball into the roof of the Arsenal goal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had led a couple of early attacks with Bellerin sending over a dangerous cross from one of them which Joel Matip did well to defend at the expense of a corner.

But the second goal, five minutes before half-time, was an even better worked effort as Wijnaldum&#39;s pass from the left was moved on superbly by Firmino and Mane drove in an unstoppable finish.

Superiority&nbsp;

Liverpool, with just two wins in 12 attempts in the calendar year before this meeting, looked anxious in defence.

Oxlade-Chamberlain&#39;s 21st minute chip to the far post caused one such moment of concern as Olivier Giroud rose with Mignolet who flapped at the ball before it went out for a corner.

An entertaining game continued in that fashion with Firmino fractionally offside as he readied himself to tear through on goal and Petr Cech being forced to tip Coutinho&#39;s 18-yard shot over the Arsenal bar after Wijnaldum&#39;s lay-off.

But as the half wore on, Liverpool&#39;s superiority began to tell and the visiting supporters greeted a wayward effort by Granit Xhaka with ironic cheers of &quot;We&#39;ve had a shot&quot;.

Francis Coquelin, who was enduring a miserable, error-strewn evening, became the game&#39;s first booking for a petulant tug on the shirt of Adam Lallana and Liverpool&#39;s second goal soon after left his team in even deeper trouble.

Coutinho could have added a third before the interval as Lallana&#39;s pass deflected into his path but he could only scoop his shot into Cech&#39;s arms.

Wenger predictably threw on Sanchez as a half-time substitute and the forward soon provided two dangerous left-wing crosses - one which Mignolet turned away and another which found Giroud whose header was turned over by the Liverpool keeper.

The momentum was now with Arsenal and, on 56 minutes, a brilliant pass by Sanchez threaded the ball between Nathaniel Clyne and Matip for Welbeck to chase into the area.

The England forward lifted an accomplished finish over Mignolet for his first league goal since the end of April.

Arsenal looked more capable than the first half but Liverpool responded well to conceding and could have extended their lead before eventually scoring a deserved third.

(AFP)

Firmino and Mane set Liverpool on course for a 3-1 win over Arsenal, who had their talisman Sanchez sitting on the bench for the first half

Arsene Wenger's decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench backfired as first half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane set Liverpool on course for a vital 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday. Wenger eventually brought on the Chilean international at half-time at Anfield and he set up Danny Welbeck for a goal that breathed life into Arsenal. But in the closely-fought contest for a top-four finish, this was a disappointing result for the Arsenal manager and Georginio Wijnaldum added Liverpool's third goal in stoppage-time to cap a wretched evening for the Gunners. Arsenal drop below Liverpool to fifth place and sit two points outside the top four after a third defeat in their last four league games. Faced with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 second leg, Wenger knows the critics will be sharpening their knives again on Tuesday and he can't expect any sympathy after this bizarre selection gamble. Liverpool, who climb to third place, took nine minutes to score the opening goal in an effort to maintain their record of not having lost to a team currently in the top half of the Premier League this season. It was the home team's first notable chance as Mane crossed from the right and Philippe Coutinho dummied the ball to allow it into the path of Firmino at the far post. The Brazilian appeared to have mis-controlled the ball, with Hector Bellerin closing him down just six yards out, but Firmino had the presence of mind to recover and deposit the ball into the roof of the Arsenal goal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had led a couple of early attacks with Bellerin sending over a dangerous cross from one of them which Joel Matip did well to defend at the expense of a corner. But the second goal, five minutes before half-time, was an even better worked effort as Wijnaldum's pass from the left was moved on superbly by Firmino and Mane drove in an unstoppable finish. Superiority Liverpool, with just two wins in 12 attempts in the calendar year before this meeting, looked anxious in defence. Oxlade-Chamberlain's 21st minute chip to the far post caused one such moment of concern as Olivier Giroud rose with Mignolet who flapped at the ball before it went out for a corner. An entertaining game continued in that fashion with Firmino fractionally offside as he readied himself to tear through on goal and Petr Cech being forced to tip Coutinho's 18-yard shot over the Arsenal bar after Wijnaldum's lay-off. But as the half wore on, Liverpool's superiority began to tell and the visiting supporters greeted a wayward effort by Granit Xhaka with ironic cheers of "We've had a shot". Francis Coquelin, who was enduring a miserable, error-strewn evening, became the game's first booking for a petulant tug on the shirt of Adam Lallana and Liverpool's second goal soon after left his team in even deeper trouble. Coutinho could have added a third before the interval as Lallana's pass deflected into his path but he could only scoop his shot into Cech's arms. Wenger predictably threw on Sanchez as a half-time substitute and the forward soon provided two dangerous left-wing crosses - one which Mignolet turned away and another which found Giroud whose header was turned over by the Liverpool keeper. The momentum was now with Arsenal and, on 56 minutes, a brilliant pass by Sanchez threaded the ball between Nathaniel Clyne and Matip for Welbeck to chase into the area. The England forward lifted an accomplished finish over Mignolet for his first league goal since the end of April. Arsenal looked more capable than the first half but Liverpool responded well to conceding and could have extended their lead before eventually scoring a deserved third. (AFP)

Mane-led Liverpool sparkle against lacklustre Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could continue in management for four more years and his preference is to stay at the north London club, the Frenchman was quoted as saying by British media on Saturday.

Wenger, whose side were thrashed 5-1 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, said this week that he would make a decision in March or April on whether to extend his 20-year spell at the club.

The 67-year-old added on Friday, however, that he would definitely still be a manager next season, whether at Arsenal or &quot;somewhere else&quot;.

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Wenger denied in media reports published on Saturday that this was meant as a threat and said that his preference was to remain with his current club.

&ldquo;It is not a threat at all,&rdquo; said Wenger, who has faced severe criticism in the wake of Wednesday&#39;s first-leg defeat.

&ldquo;My preference is always to manage Arsenal and I have shown that. But I think that I am adult enough to analyse the situation.&rdquo;

The second longest-serving manager in the history of the Premier League, Wenger is out of contract at the end of the season.

In drawing comparisons between himself and former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, the Premier League&#39;s longest serving boss, Wenger also said that he could stay in the job for another four years.

&ldquo;Ferguson was four years older than I am today (when he retired),&rdquo; Wenger said. &ldquo;So maybe there are four seasons left -- or maybe there are some more or some less, I don&rsquo;t know.

&ldquo;Everybody is different on that front. But Ferguson has some other interests in his life. He was an unbelievable manager, but when you have had enough you have had enough. And I am not at that stage.&rdquo;

Wenger has not won the league title since 2004, and calls for him to end his association with Arsenal have grown louder since Wednesday&#39;s mauling in Germany.

That defeat is almost certain to condemn Arsenal to their seventh successive Champions League exit at the competition&#39;s first knockout stage.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

The Frenchman had on Friday said he would remain a manager next season, whether at Arsenal or 'somewhere else'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could continue in management for four more years and his preference is to stay at the north London club, the Frenchman was quoted as saying by British media on Saturday. Wenger, whose side were thrashed 5-1 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, said this week that he would make a decision in March or April on whether to extend his 20-year spell at the club. The 67-year-old added on Friday, however, that he would definitely still be a manager next season, whether at Arsenal or "somewhere else". It is not a threat at all,' said Wenger, who has faced severe criticism in the wake of Wednesday's 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich × Wenger denied in media reports published on Saturday that this was meant as a threat and said that his preference was to remain with his current club. “It is not a threat at all,” said Wenger, who has faced severe criticism in the wake of Wednesday's first-leg defeat. “My preference is always to manage Arsenal and I have shown that. But I think that I am adult enough to analyse the situation.” The second longest-serving manager in the history of the Premier League, Wenger is out of contract at the end of the season. In drawing comparisons between himself and former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, the Premier League's longest serving boss, Wenger also said that he could stay in the job for another four years. “Ferguson was four years older than I am today (when he retired),” Wenger said. “So maybe there are four seasons left -- or maybe there are some more or some less, I don’t know. “Everybody is different on that front. But Ferguson has some other interests in his life. He was an unbelievable manager, but when you have had enough you have had enough. And I am not at that stage.” Wenger has not won the league title since 2004, and calls for him to end his association with Arsenal have grown louder since Wednesday's mauling in Germany. That defeat is almost certain to condemn Arsenal to their seventh successive Champions League exit at the competition's first knockout stage. (Reuters)

Wenger says he would prefer to remain at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger was given a four-game touchline ban with &quot;immediate effect&quot; by the Football Association on Friday after accepting a misconduct charge following an incident that saw the veteran Arsenal manager sent off in Sunday&#39;s dramatic win over Burnley.

Wenger will now be forced to sit in the stands for Arsenal&#39;s FA Cup trip to top-flight rivals Southampton on Saturday, as well as Premier League games against Watford, leaders Chelsea and Hull City.&nbsp;

Wenger was sent off by referee Jon Moss after allegedly using abusive or insulting language towards fourth official Anthony Taylor after Burnley were given a stoppage-time penalty at the Emirates Stadium.

The French coach, 67, tried to watch the final moments of the match from the entrance to the tunnel and was shown pushing Taylor when the official asked him to leave the area.

Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1 after being awarded a penalty of their own in the final minute, with victory taking them second in the Premier League table, eight points behind Chelsea.

Wenger&#39;s post-match apology for his behaviour couldn&#39;t stop the FA, English football&#39;s governing body, charging him.

The FA said Friday that it was alleged that Wenger, Arsenal&#39;s manager since 1996, had &quot;in or around the 92nd minute, used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official&quot;.

The FA statement added: &quot;It was further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct.&quot;

Wenger was also fined &pound;25,000 ($31,000, 29,000 euros) after formally admitting the charge at a personal hearing before an independent regulatory commission.

(AFP)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was punished for being sent off in Sunday's dramatic win over Burnley

Arsene Wenger was given a four-game touchline ban with "immediate effect" by the Football Association on Friday after accepting a misconduct charge following an incident that saw the veteran Arsenal manager sent off in Sunday's dramatic win over Burnley. Wenger will now be forced to sit in the stands for Arsenal's FA Cup trip to top-flight rivals Southampton on Saturday, as well as Premier League games against Watford, leaders Chelsea and Hull City. Wenger was sent off by referee Jon Moss after allegedly using abusive or insulting language towards fourth official Anthony Taylor after Burnley were given a stoppage-time penalty at the Emirates Stadium. The French coach, 67, tried to watch the final moments of the match from the entrance to the tunnel and was shown pushing Taylor when the official asked him to leave the area. Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1 after being awarded a penalty of their own in the final minute, with victory taking them second in the Premier League table, eight points behind Chelsea. Wenger's post-match apology for his behaviour couldn't stop the FA, English football's governing body, charging him. The FA said Friday that it was alleged that Wenger, Arsenal's manager since 1996, had "in or around the 92nd minute, used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official". The FA statement added: "It was further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct." Wenger was also fined £25,000 ($31,000, 29,000 euros) after formally admitting the charge at a personal hearing before an independent regulatory commission. (AFP)

Arsenal's Wenger slapped with four-match ban for misconduct

&nbsp;

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal but the attacking midfielder wants to know if manager Arsene Wenger is staying at the club beyond this season.&nbsp;Wenger`s contract expires at the end of the current season, while Ozil and teammate Alexis Sanchez both have 18 months left on their deals.

&quot;I feel very, very happy at Arsenal and have let the club know I would be willing to extend. The fans want me to stay, and now it&#39;s only down to the club,&quot; Ozil told German football magazine Kicker.

&quot;The club knows I am here mainly because of Arsene Wenger, who brought me here and whose trust I have. The club also knows that I want clarity about what the manager is doing.&quot; 
 
Ozil, who joined the North London club in 2013, has been criticised by former Arsenal players including Thierry Henry, who said the German international was &quot;holding the club hostage&quot; with his wage demands.&nbsp;&quot;Everyone has a right to say what they want, but what they have to say doesn&#39;t interest me,&quot; Ozil said.

&quot;Ex-players or other people who have a view don&#39;t know what is actually being said between me and the club,&quot;&nbsp; Ozil pointed.&nbsp;Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League with 41 points from 20 games, trailing leaders Chelsea by eight points.

(Reuters)

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract but he wants to know if Arsene Wenger will stay with Arsenal.

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal but the attacking midfielder wants to know if manager Arsene Wenger is staying at the club beyond this season. Wenger`s contract expires at the end of the current season, while Ozil and teammate Alexis Sanchez both have 18 months left on their deals. "I feel very, very happy at Arsenal and have let the club know I would be willing to extend. The fans want me to stay, and now it's only down to the club," Ozil told German football magazine Kicker. "The club knows I am here mainly because of Arsene Wenger, who brought me here and whose trust I have. The club also knows that I want clarity about what the manager is doing." Ozil, who joined the North London club in 2013, has been criticised by former Arsenal players including Thierry Henry, who said the German international was "holding the club hostage" with his wage demands. "Everyone has a right to say what they want, but what they have to say doesn't interest me," Ozil said. "Ex-players or other people who have a view don't know what is actually being said between me and the club," Ozil pointed. Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League with 41 points from 20 games, trailing leaders Chelsea by eight points. (Reuters)

Want clarity over Wenger staying with Arsenal: Ozil

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hit back today at suggestions he is afraid to spend in the transfer market amid concerns the Gunners are losing ground to other leading Premier League clubs. 
 
The north London club, who were last crowned Premier League champions back in 2004, are estimated to have cash reserves in the region of &pound;200 million ($263 million, 232 million Euros). 
 
But their only signing this summer has been that of Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka for a reported &pound;30 million from Borussia Moenchengladbach. 
 
That is in stark contrast to the transfer activity elsewhere, including Manchester United&#39;s world-record &pound;89 million move to bring the French midfielder Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford from Juventus amid several signings. 
 
With centre-backs Gabriel and Per Mertesacker injured, veteran French manager Wenger decided against recalling defender Laurent Koscielny, as well as Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil, for Sunday&#39;s Premier League opener against Liverpool after they were all involved at Euro 2016. 
 
Buying not the only way&nbsp; 
 
As a result, the fledgling partnership of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding started in a 4-3 defeat -- a result that raised fresh questions about the strength of Arsenal&#39;s defence and the scope of their ambition amid accusations they&#39;ve &#39;settled&#39; for finishing in the top four and a place in the Champions League 
 
But Wenger, speaking ahead of Arsenal&#39;s trip to champions Leicester City on Saturday, said: &quot;You (the media) are absolutely convinced that I do not want to spend the money, but I reassure you we are ready to spend the money. 
 
&quot;Buying calms the fans, of course, but we have to make sure...it is important to spend money but we have to spend it the right way,&quot; the 66-year-old, in charge of Arsenal since 1996, added. 
 
&quot;What I fight against is to think that the only way in football to deal, is to buy. 
 
&quot;It is right when you need the players and you identify the players and we are not scared to spend money, but to buy in itself is not a quality but to buy the good players is a quality, and I think this club has been built on that. 
 
&quot;We had great success in the last 20 years in improving our structures and the main thing is based on a transfer policy.&quot; 
 
Wenger did try to sign striker Jamie Vardy from Leicester, only for the England forward to decide to sign a new contract with the Midlands club. 
 
&quot;You have to respect the decisions of people and that&#39;s part of it and I think on every transfer market you have one or two who have decisions to make and you have to respect them,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think he has something special against us, I don&#39;t see why he would.&quot; 
 
Arsenal beat Leicester home and away last season but still finished 10 points behind the shock champions. 
 
Leicester started the defence of their Premier League crown with a surprise 2-1 loss away to Hull City last weekend and Wenger said: &quot;The challenge for them is to do well again and to show that their last year was not a one-off. 
 
&quot;They need to be capable of challenging and will need to be to show if they can be considered as one of the top teams in England.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Arsenal's only signing this summer has been Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka for a reported ?30 million from Borussia Moenchengladbach

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hit back today at suggestions he is afraid to spend in the transfer market amid concerns the Gunners are losing ground to other leading Premier League clubs. The north London club, who were last crowned Premier League champions back in 2004, are estimated to have cash reserves in the region of £200 million ($263 million, 232 million Euros). But their only signing this summer has been that of Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka for a reported £30 million from Borussia Moenchengladbach. That is in stark contrast to the transfer activity elsewhere, including Manchester United's world-record £89 million move to bring the French midfielder Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford from Juventus amid several signings. With centre-backs Gabriel and Per Mertesacker injured, veteran French manager Wenger decided against recalling defender Laurent Koscielny, as well as Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil, for Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool after they were all involved at Euro 2016. Buying not the only way As a result, the fledgling partnership of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding started in a 4-3 defeat -- a result that raised fresh questions about the strength of Arsenal's defence and the scope of their ambition amid accusations they've 'settled' for finishing in the top four and a place in the Champions League But Wenger, speaking ahead of Arsenal's trip to champions Leicester City on Saturday, said: "You (the media) are absolutely convinced that I do not want to spend the money, but I reassure you we are ready to spend the money. "Buying calms the fans, of course, but we have to make sure...it is important to spend money but we have to spend it the right way," the 66-year-old, in charge of Arsenal since 1996, added. "What I fight against is to think that the only way in football to deal, is to buy. "It is right when you need the players and you identify the players and we are not scared to spend money, but to buy in itself is not a quality but to buy the good players is a quality, and I think this club has been built on that. "We had great success in the last 20 years in improving our structures and the main thing is based on a transfer policy." Wenger did try to sign striker Jamie Vardy from Leicester, only for the England forward to decide to sign a new contract with the Midlands club. "You have to respect the decisions of people and that's part of it and I think on every transfer market you have one or two who have decisions to make and you have to respect them," he said. "I don't think he has something special against us, I don't see why he would." Arsenal beat Leicester home and away last season but still finished 10 points behind the shock champions. Leicester started the defence of their Premier League crown with a surprise 2-1 loss away to Hull City last weekend and Wenger said: "The challenge for them is to do well again and to show that their last year was not a one-off. "They need to be capable of challenging and will need to be to show if they can be considered as one of the top teams in England." (AFP)

Wenger adamant he's ready to spend

England&#39;s under-21 football coach Gareth Southgate looks likely to be put in temporary charge of the national team after the resignation of Roy Hodgson following the side&#39;s Euro 2016 exit, British media reported on Wednesday. 
 
&quot;Southgate is believed to have already been asked whether he is prepared to take over on a temporary basis and has indicated that he is,&quot; the Daily Telegraph said. 
 
A three-man Football Association (FA) panel has begun the job of finding a successor to Hodgson, who resigned in the wake of England&#39;s humiliating 2-1 defeat by Iceland in the last 16 of the European Championship on Monday. 
 
FA chief executive Martin Glenn has suggested that England might wait to fill the post because it is &quot;such an important decision&quot;, meaning it is unlikely they will have a new man permanently in place before their first World Cup qualifier away to Slovakia on Sept. 4. 
 
British media said that opened the way for former England centre-half Southgate. 
 
The prospect of a delay has intensified speculation that Frenchman Arsene Wenger could take the post in the long term. 
 
Wenger is the final year of his contract with Arsenal and was reported to be open to the idea of talking to England&#39;s football authorities about the job, but the FA may be unwilling to wait a year for the 66-year-old who has always maintained that he would never break a contract. 
 
Other names linked with the job include Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, possibly in tandem with former England international Steven Gerrard, Hull City&#39;s Steve Bruce, former England manager Glenn Hoddle and Italian Claudio Ranieri, who won many admirers by steering Leicester City to their first Premier League title last month. 
 
The FA would have to move quickly to secure Ranieri, who is expected to sign an improved contract with Leicester next month. 
 
Glenn told a news conference on Tuesday: &quot;We clearly need an inspirational manager who can harness all of the resources that the English game... has got, everything we have now got at (the national football centre) St George&#39;s Park, to make us more resilient in tournaments. 
 
&quot;That I think is the brief... it is for an inspirational manager and management team to get the best out of a squad which has got high potential.&rdquo; 
 
(Reuters)

It is unlikely that the Football Association will have a new man in place before their first World Cup qualifier away to Slovakia

England's under-21 football coach Gareth Southgate looks likely to be put in temporary charge of the national team after the resignation of Roy Hodgson following the side's Euro 2016 exit, British media reported on Wednesday. "Southgate is believed to have already been asked whether he is prepared to take over on a temporary basis and has indicated that he is," the Daily Telegraph said. A three-man Football Association (FA) panel has begun the job of finding a successor to Hodgson, who resigned in the wake of England's humiliating 2-1 defeat by Iceland in the last 16 of the European Championship on Monday. FA chief executive Martin Glenn has suggested that England might wait to fill the post because it is "such an important decision", meaning it is unlikely they will have a new man permanently in place before their first World Cup qualifier away to Slovakia on Sept. 4. British media said that opened the way for former England centre-half Southgate. The prospect of a delay has intensified speculation that Frenchman Arsene Wenger could take the post in the long term. Wenger is the final year of his contract with Arsenal and was reported to be open to the idea of talking to England's football authorities about the job, but the FA may be unwilling to wait a year for the 66-year-old who has always maintained that he would never break a contract. Other names linked with the job include Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, possibly in tandem with former England international Steven Gerrard, Hull City's Steve Bruce, former England manager Glenn Hoddle and Italian Claudio Ranieri, who won many admirers by steering Leicester City to their first Premier League title last month. The FA would have to move quickly to secure Ranieri, who is expected to sign an improved contract with Leicester next month. Glenn told a news conference on Tuesday: "We clearly need an inspirational manager who can harness all of the resources that the English game... has got, everything we have now got at (the national football centre) St George's Park, to make us more resilient in tournaments. "That I think is the brief... it is for an inspirational manager and management team to get the best out of a squad which has got high potential.” (Reuters)

Reports say Southgate may be England's temporary manager

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has confirmed Sam Allardyce will be hired as England&#39;s next manager at an FA board meeting at Wembley today. 
 
Allardyce has been selected by a three-man panel who decided the Sunderland boss was the best bet on a short-list that also included Hull manager Steve Bruce, Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann. 
 
It has been reported that the FA&#39;s first choice was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, but when he snubbed their approach, Allardyce, who had received a strong recommendation from former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, shot to the top of their list of candidates to replace Roy Hodgson. 
 
Dyke is due to step down after three years as FA chairman today but, although he was not involved in the head-hunting process, he will be present as FA chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill present their reasons for nominating Allardyce. 
 
Asked if Allardyce was the man to take over from Hodgson, who stepped down after England&#39;s humiliating Euro 2016 defeat against Iceland, Dyke told Sky Sports News: &quot;Clearly the three-man group are convinced he&#39;s the right man and I go along with that, yes. 
 
&quot;We appointed a three-man committee to go out and look at all the candidates, come back with a recommendation who they thought was the best man. They&#39;ve taken that decision and obviously we&#39;ll agree with them. I think you&#39;d have to ask them but as far as I understand it that&#39;s the discussion.&quot; 
 
Once that is ratified the business of finalising the details will take precedence, with personal terms still to be settled and a compensation package for Sunderland among the outstanding issues. 
 
All parties would prefer for a swift resolution, with the new Premier League season on the horizon and England&#39;s World Cup qualifying campaign beginning on September 4, but it is possible an official announcement on Allardyce&#39;s appointment could be held up by negotiations. 
 
The Black Cats, who appeared to have found stability in the dugout after several seasons of managerial strife, have already made their unhappiness clear and could hold out for a sizeable pay-off. 
 
Allardyce took charge of Sunderland for what should be the final time during a 3-0 friendly win over Hartlepool on Wednesday, but did not re-emerge for the second half as news of his impending appointment broke. 
 
(AFP)

Football Association's first choice reportedly was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has confirmed Sam Allardyce will be hired as England's next manager at an FA board meeting at Wembley today. Allardyce has been selected by a three-man panel who decided the Sunderland boss was the best bet on a short-list that also included Hull manager Steve Bruce, Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann. It has been reported that the FA's first choice was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, but when he snubbed their approach, Allardyce, who had received a strong recommendation from former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, shot to the top of their list of candidates to replace Roy Hodgson. Dyke is due to step down after three years as FA chairman today but, although he was not involved in the head-hunting process, he will be present as FA chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill present their reasons for nominating Allardyce. Asked if Allardyce was the man to take over from Hodgson, who stepped down after England's humiliating Euro 2016 defeat against Iceland, Dyke told Sky Sports News: "Clearly the three-man group are convinced he's the right man and I go along with that, yes. "We appointed a three-man committee to go out and look at all the candidates, come back with a recommendation who they thought was the best man. They've taken that decision and obviously we'll agree with them. I think you'd have to ask them but as far as I understand it that's the discussion." Once that is ratified the business of finalising the details will take precedence, with personal terms still to be settled and a compensation package for Sunderland among the outstanding issues. All parties would prefer for a swift resolution, with the new Premier League season on the horizon and England's World Cup qualifying campaign beginning on September 4, but it is possible an official announcement on Allardyce's appointment could be held up by negotiations. The Black Cats, who appeared to have found stability in the dugout after several seasons of managerial strife, have already made their unhappiness clear and could hold out for a sizeable pay-off. Allardyce took charge of Sunderland for what should be the final time during a 3-0 friendly win over Hartlepool on Wednesday, but did not re-emerge for the second half as news of his impending appointment broke. (AFP)

Sam Allardyce set to become England's next manager

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is open to managing England but will not break his current contract with the Premier League club. 
 
The Frenchman, who has one year remaining on his current deal with Arsenal, was linked by British media to replace Roy Hodgson after England&#39;s Round of 16 exit against Iceland at the Euro 2016. 
 
A three-man panel of the Football Association staff began the job of finding Hodgson&#39;s successor last month. 
 
&quot;Could I manage England? Why not? I would never rule that out, but I am happy and focused in club football,&quot; Wenger told British media. 
 
&quot;I have one more year to go with Arsenal and I have been with them for a long time. 
 
&quot;I have always respected all my contracts and will continue to do that. What will I do after that? Honestly, I don&#39;t know. 
 
&quot;England is my second country. I was absolutely on my knees when England went out against Iceland.&quot; 
 
Wenger, who led Arsenal to second in the league table last season, took over as manager in 1996 and has led them to a top-four finish in every season since. 
 
England&#39;s under-21 manager Gareth Southgate, the bookmakers&#39; favourite to be the new England manager, was tipped to take over on a temporary basis but is apparently not interested in the job. 
 
According to local media, Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce will be interviewed for the job this week while US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann&#39;s name is also doing the rounds. 
 
(Reuters)

Arsene Wenger was linked by British media to replace Roy Hodgson after England's Round of 16 exit against Iceland at the Euro 2016

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is open to managing England but will not break his current contract with the Premier League club. The Frenchman, who has one year remaining on his current deal with Arsenal, was linked by British media to replace Roy Hodgson after England's Round of 16 exit against Iceland at the Euro 2016. A three-man panel of the Football Association staff began the job of finding Hodgson's successor last month. "Could I manage England? Why not? I would never rule that out, but I am happy and focused in club football," Wenger told British media. "I have one more year to go with Arsenal and I have been with them for a long time. "I have always respected all my contracts and will continue to do that. What will I do after that? Honestly, I don't know. "England is my second country. I was absolutely on my knees when England went out against Iceland." Wenger, who led Arsenal to second in the league table last season, took over as manager in 1996 and has led them to a top-four finish in every season since. England's under-21 manager Gareth Southgate, the bookmakers' favourite to be the new England manager, was tipped to take over on a temporary basis but is apparently not interested in the job. According to local media, Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce will be interviewed for the job this week while US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's name is also doing the rounds. (Reuters)

Wenger does not rule out England job after Arsenal deal ends

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