Wenger Statue Unveiled

 Arsenal Football Club today announced the unveiling of a statue in honor of our former manager, Arsène Wenger, at Emirates Stadium, celebrating his truly remarkable contributions to our beloved football club.

From October 1996 to May 2018, Arsène led the team to three Premier League titles, including an unbeaten season, as well as seven FA Cup victories and an impressive 20-year run in the UEFA Champions League.

During his remarkable 22-year tenure, Arsène managed an astounding 1,235 matches for our men's first team, guiding us through the most successful period in our history. His visionary approach to the game transformed our identity, earning him the title of creating the 'modern Arsenal.'

In the 1997/98 season, his first full term in charge, Arsène made history by becoming the first non-British manager to win the league title, swiftly followed by leading the team to FA Cup glory.

Under his expert guidance, we secured three league championships, with notable triumphs in 2001/02 and 2003/04 - a season in which Arsène led us to the extraordinary achievement of an entire campaign unbeaten, setting a top-flight record of 49 league matches without defeat. Furthermore, he holds the record for the most FA Cup victories as a manager, having won the competition an impressive seven times (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, and 2017).

Beyond his impact on the field, Arsène played a pivotal role in the design and construction of our London Colney training center, which opened its doors in October 1999. He also contributed significantly to the design elements of our move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium in 2006.

The magnificent bronze statue, created by the acclaimed sculptor Jim Guy, stands 3.5 meters tall and portrays our former French manager triumphantly lifting the Premier League trophy. Positioned outside the North Bank stand, the statue is now accessible for all to admire at Emirates Stadium.

Tim Lewis, our Executive Vice Chair, expressed his delight in recognizing and celebrating Arsène Wenger's exceptional leadership and career at Arsenal Football Club. Arsène's contributions and achievements have solidified his status as the club's greatest manager, having bestowed us with countless trophies, cherished memories, and a transformative legacy that includes an unbeaten season and the move to Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta, our current manager, warmly commended the club's tribute to Arsène, acknowledging his well-deserved recognition that ensures his presence at our club forever. Mikel also expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to play under Arsène's guidance, being chosen as one of his players and later entrusted as the club's captain.

Arsène Wenger, as our esteemed guest of honor, will grace the Emirates Cup match against AS Monaco on Wednesday, August 2, and take cherished moments to visit his statue in the coming days.

The commemorative statue of Arsène joins five other remarkable figures on the podium around Emirates Stadium: Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar, and Thierry Henry. These statues stand as enduring tributes, celebrating the invaluable contributions of these key figures in the rich history of our cherished football club.

The one and only Asene Wenger https://t.co/SodywLMqIl

— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) July 28, 2023

Arsene https://t.co/ycOyEHQSSv

— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) July 28, 2023

Arsenal Thrills Fans with Impressive Win Over Barcelona in LA's SoFi Stadium

 

Arsenal treated fans to a sensational pre-season match at LA's SoFi Stadium, with Kai Havertz impressively finding the net to secure a 5-3 victory over Barcelona.

The action-packed encounter on the US West Coast saw Barca take the lead twice before half-time, with Robert Lewandowski scoring the opener from the rebound within the first 10 minutes. However, Bukayo Saka responded soon after with a goal, capitalizing on a heavy touch by Andreas Christensen. Saka later missed an opportunity to put Arsenal in front when his penalty shot went astray. Barcelona made them pay for it as Raphinha's deflected free-kick caught Arsenal's goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale off guard. Nevertheless, just before the break, Havertz leveled the score with a well-timed finish from Martin Odegaard's knock-down.

The goal fest continued after the break, with Leandro Trossard delivering a superbly swept finish into the bottom corner, granting Arsenal the lead for the first time. Barcelona came close to leveling the score again, but Ousmane Dembele's attempt was denied by the foot of Ramsdale's near post. Instead, Trossard scored once more with a powerful first-time finish from Kieran Tierney's deep cross, leaving Barcelona's substitute goalkeeper Inaki Pena unable to prevent the goal.

Barcelona's left-back Alejandro Balde also had his efforts thwarted by the woodwork late in the match. However, the LaLiga champions managed to find a second-half breakthrough through Ferran Torres, the former Manchester City winger, who fired in a goal across Ramsdale.

Not to be outdone, Arsenal concluded the scoring with a spectacular 25-yard strike from Fabio Vieira, adding a fitting finish to the exciting encounter in Los Angeles.

After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Folarin Balogun all missed the game due to minor injuries, with Balogun being the subject of interest from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window.

Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona's manager, questioned the unusually high level of intensity displayed by Arsenal during the friendly match, which resulted in three yellow cards being shown – a rarity in pre-season games. In response, Arteta defended his players, stating that the competitive atmosphere was a result of playing in front of 70,000 fans, with elite players eager to win.

Xavi's side played their first pre-season match after a previous game with Juventus was called off due to illness. The encounter between the two former midfield colleagues, Xavi and Arteta, brought about some touchline clashes, with Xavi acknowledging Arsenal's deserved win, attributing the result to their higher intensity compared to his team's defensive lapses.

In summary, Arsenal's impressive display and thrilling victory over Barcelona provided an entertaining show for the 70,000 fans present at LA's SoFi Stadium, despite the match being a pre-season friendly.

Kieran Tierney's Arsenal Future Remains Positive Amid Transfer Speculation

 

Kieran Tierney, the talented left-back of Arsenal, has recently addressed the speculation surrounding his future with the club. Despite being linked with a potential exit, the 26-year-old Scotland international has asserted that his future largely lies beyond his control and expressed his contentment with the club.

Last season, Tierney experienced a significant reduction in his playing time, starting only six Premier League matches following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko as the preferred left-back. Nonetheless, he made a total of 36 appearances in all competitions, indicating his continued relevance to the squad. Although he mostly came off the bench and started in cup competitions after the arrival of Zinchenko, Tierney remained committed to contributing to the team's success.

With reports linking him to clubs such as Newcastle and his former team Celtic, Tierney has made it clear that he is in no hurry to depart from Arsenal. He understands that at a big club, regular selection for every game cannot be guaranteed, but he remains dedicated to the cause and continues to work hard to improve his game.

In regards to his future, Tierney stated, "It's not really up to me. I'm happy, I'm working hard every day and getting minutes. I'm just trying to do as well as I can." When asked if he had discussed his situation with manager Mikel Arteta, he confirmed that he had not engaged in such conversations.

Acknowledging the realities of being part of a top-tier club, Tierney remarked, "You can't play every single game, every single season, every single year. I don't expect that, and I still made a lot of appearances last year." He emphasized that regardless of his role, he always gives his utmost effort and dedication to the team. Even in matches where he came off the bench, Tierney strived to make a positive impact, whether it was to secure a victory or help the team score crucial goals.

Having signed with Arsenal from Celtic in 2019 for £25m, Tierney's current contract extends until 2026, indicating the club's trust in his abilities and potential. As he looks forward to the future, the full-back remains focused on honing his skills and contributing to Arsenal's success, demonstrating his commitment to the team and the sport.

While the transfer speculation continues, Tierney's dedication to Arsenal remains unwavering. As he strives to secure his place in the squad, fans can expect to witness more impressive performances from this talented footballer in the seasons to come

Arsenal Suffered a Disappointing 2-0 Pre-Season Defeat Against Manchester United in New Jersey .

Arsenal experienced a disappointing 2-0 pre-season defeat against Manchester United in New Jersey on Saturday night. Despite fielding a strong starting XI, which included all three summer signings, the Gunners were outplayed by a somewhat undermanned Man United team, who capitalized on two critical errors made by Arsenal in the first half.

The match started on a challenging note for Arsenal, as Aaron Ramsdale, the goalkeeper, allowed Bruno Fernandes to score with a long-range effort. Later, a mistimed clearance by Gabriel provided Jadon Sancho with an opportunity to score, and he made no mistake in punishing the Brazilian, securing the second goal for Manchester United.

In the second half, Arsenal had a chance to halve the deficit early on, but Eddie Nketiah missed the target with his effort from a smartly executed free-kick routine. As United fielded a weakened lineup, the Gunners gained more control, but they failed to seriously test United's goalkeeper, Tom Heaton. Manager Mikel Arteta eventually made changes, but Arsenal couldn't mount a late resurgence, and Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Here are the player ratings for Arsenal from the match:

Goalkeeper & Defenders:

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 3/10

Jurrien Timber (RB) – 6.5/10

William Saliba (CB) – 6/10

Gabriel (CB) – 4/10

Takehiro Tomiyasu (LB) – 5/10

Midfielders:

Declan Rice (DM) – 4.5/10

Kai Havertz (CM) – 3.5/10

Martin Odegaard (CM) – 4.5/10

Forwards:

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 6/10

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 4/10

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 4.5/10

Substitutes:

Kieran Tierney – 4.5/10

Thomas Partey – 5/10

Gabriel Jesus – 4.5/10

Ben White – 5/10

Jorginho – 5/10

Fabio Vieira – 5/10

Leandro Trossard – 4.5/10

Emile Smith Rowe – 5/10

In summary, Arsenal's pre-season match in New Jersey was disappointing as they were overwhelmed by Manchester United, resulting in a 2-0 defeat. Despite a strong starting lineup, Arsenal's errors proved costly, and they couldn't stage a comeback against the Red Devils. 

Dominant Arsenal Seals Resounding Win in MLS All-Star Match

Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz shined brightly, securing a well-deserved victory in the MLS All-Star match held in Washington. The exhilarating 5-0 win against the MLS All-Stars marked our second triumph in this prestigious fixture since our victory in 2016, and it was undoubtedly a more comfortable one.

The match began with an explosion of excitement, both on and off the pitch, with pre-match fireworks, pyrotechnics, the national anthem, and a flyover setting the stage for the thrilling encounter. Arsenal's star player, Gabriel Jesus, quickly asserted his presence as he delivered a sensational goal just five minutes into the game. A sublime first-time chip over the keeper, just under the crossbar, showcased Arsenal's attacking prowess and set the tone for the rest of the match.

The team continued to dominate possession, and their relentless pressure yielded another spectacular goal. Bukayo Saka, later named MVP, wreaked havoc from the right wing and delivered a precise pass to Leandro Trossard. The Belgian maestro skillfully shifted onto his right foot and unleashed a rocket from 20 yards, leaving the opposing goalkeeper helpless.

The All-Stars, managed by Wayne Rooney, struggled to cope with Arsenal's relentless attack, and they made multiple substitutions in an attempt to change the course of the game. However, Arsenal's impressive display and cohesive gameplay ensured they maintained a two-goal lead going into halftime.

The second half saw new faces grace the field for Arsenal, with Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Karl Hein making their presence felt. Jorginho, renowned for his penalty prowess, did not disappoint as he coolly converted a spot-kick, extending Arsenal's lead.

With 25 minutes left on the clock, Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, introduced Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, both receiving warm applause from the lively crowd. Arsenal remained the dominant force on the field, and their attacking prowess shone through yet again when Martinelli found the back of the net with a well-placed shot after an excellent pass from Odegaard.

In the dying minutes of the game, Havertz showcased his brilliance with a thunderous strike, demonstrating his exceptional ball control.

The final score of 5-0 against the MLS All-Stars was the most significant winning margin since 2000, affirming Arsenal's supremacy on the night. The team's impressive performance was a perfect start to their three-match series in the USA.

With confidence riding high, Arsenal's next challenge awaits in New York, where they will lock horns with Manchester United at the MetLife Stadium. The summer US tour will conclude with an exciting friendly against Barcelona in Los Angeles,

Jesus https://t.co/94BDEtyXXe

— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) July 20, 2023

 

Trossard https://t.co/sGIZmjopYi

— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) July 20, 2023

 

Cool https://t.co/It80TXQwJl

— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) July 20, 2023

 

Kia https://t.co/H78rVmlTfX

— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) July 20, 2023

Arsenal Team Departs for US Tour

 Our men's first team squad, accompanied by fellow colleagues from our club, commenced their journey to the United States from London Stansted airport on Sunday afternoon. They embarked on an Emirates 777 aircraft, embarking on an exciting transatlantic adventure.

After engaging in two friendly matches against Watford and 1. FC Nurnberg, our inaugural match in the United States will take place at Audi Field in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, July 19. We will be facing off against an MLS All-Stars team in front of a sold-out crowd. The MLS All-Stars will be under the guidance of D.C. United Head Coach, Wayne Rooney.

Subsequently, we will proceed to New Jersey, where an eagerly anticipated showdown with Manchester United awaits us at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, July 22. This historic encounter marks the first time the two clubs have clashed on American soil. Anticipation for the fixture is high, particularly following our exhilarating 3-2 victory against Manchester United in January, which attracted an average audience of 1.92 million viewers across NBC Sports, Peacock, and NBC Sports Digital platforms, setting a new record for a Premier League fixture in the United States.

The grand finale of our US Tour 2023 is a part of the prestigious Soccer Champions Tour series and will be held in Los Angeles. On Wednesday, July 26, we will face off against Barcelona at the illustrious SoFi Stadium, home of the LA Rams.

Tickets for our matches in New Jersey and Los Angeles are still available and can be purchased by clicking on the provided links for each match.

For further information on how to watch our pre-season matches through pay-per-view, please refer to this link.

US Tour 2023 – Traveling Squad:

1. Aaron Ramsdale
2. William Saliba
3. Kieran Tierney
4. Ben White
5. Gabriel Magalhaes
6. Bukayo Saka
7. Martin Odegaard
8. Gabriel Jesus
9. Gabriel Martinelli
10. Jurrien Timber
11. Alex Runarsson
12. Eddie Nketiah
13. Jakub Kiwior
14. Rob Holding
15. Takehiro Tomiyasu
16. Leandro Trossard
17. Jorginho
18. Fabio Vieira
19. Mohamed Elneny
20. Folarin Balogun
21. Marquinhos
22. Kai Havertz
23. Karl Hein
24. Auston Trusty
25. Oleksandr Zinchenko
26. Declan Rice
27. Amario Cozier-Duberry

We eagerly anticipate the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey, who are expected to join us next week.

Players who are not part of the squad will be diligently working on their fitness and/or recovering from injuries.

Source: Arsenal Football

Declan Rice completes transfer to Arsenal

 England international Declan Rice has completed a move to Arsenal from West Ham United, signing a long-term contract with the club.

At the age of 24, Rice brings with him extensive experience, having made 245 senior appearances for West Ham and earning 43 caps for the England national team.

Rice began his youth career at Chelsea before joining the West Ham academy in 2014. A year later, he signed his first professional contract with the club. On the final day of the 2016/17 season, Rice made his senior debut at the age of 18 and quickly became an integral part of the first-team squad, where he remained for the following six seasons.

In May 2022, Rice was named the captain of West Ham and went on to lead the team to victory in the Europa Conference League in June. He was recognized for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament and was awarded the Player of the Season title by UEFA. Rice has also been a regular fixture in the England national team, representing his country in both Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Expressing his satisfaction with the signing, Arsenal Sporting Director Edu said, "Declan is an incredibly talented player with a proven track record at both club and international levels. The transfer process involved a collaborative effort, and we are thrilled to have Declan join us."

Edu further added, "As a young international player of high quality, Declan will significantly enhance our squad. He perfectly aligns with our strategy of developing and competing with young, talented players at the core of our club."

Manager Mikel Arteta also expressed his delight, saying, "We are delighted to welcome Declan to our team. He is an immensely talented player who has consistently performed at a high level in the Premier League and for the England national team. Declan's arrival adds undeniable quality to the club, and we believe he has the potential to achieve great success here."

Arteta highlighted Rice's leadership skills and experience, noting that at just 24 years old, he had already captained a strong West Ham side and recently lifted a European trophy. The manager expressed his excitement about Rice's role within the team and praised his impressive contributions.

Upon joining Arsenal, Rice will wear the number 41 shirt, and the entire club extends a warm welcome to him.

The completion of the transfer is contingent on the fulfillment of regulatory requirements.

A new chapter begins. pic.twitter.com/ha5Btd8I2h

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 15, 2023

Arsenal Officially Signs Jurrien Timber

 Arsenal have made a significant addition to their defensive line by securing the services of Jurrien Timber from Ajax. The deal, valued at around £38m, marks an important acquisition for the Gunners as they continue to strengthen their squad under manager Mikel Arteta.

Timber, a highly regarded Netherlands international, has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal. Having progressed through the esteemed Ajax academy, he boasts an impressive record of 160 appearances for the club. Now, the 22-year-old defender is set to embark on a new chapter in his career at the north London club.

In this transfer, Arsenal will pay an initial fee of just over £34m for Timber, with the remaining amount subject to performance-related add-ons. The completion of his medical examination and the finalization of personal terms have cleared the way for his official unveiling, which is expected to take place over the weekend.

Arsenal's pursuit of Timber has been long-standing, with the player being on their radar for some time. He is their second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Kai Havertz for a staggering £65m. Moreover, the Gunners are reportedly on the brink of finalizing a £105m deal to secure the services of West Ham's talented midfielder, Declan Rice.

While Timber is primarily brought in as a right back, he also possesses the versatility to play at center back. This flexibility adds depth to Arsenal's defensive options and further enhances his value to the team. Notably, his abilities have garnered interest from other prominent clubs, including Manchester United.

With 15 international caps to his name, Timber has already represented the Netherlands on the global stage. His notable performances include starting in four out of five matches during the previous World Cup held in Qatar. Unfortunately, the Dutch team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Argentina.

The signing of Jurrien Timber represents a significant move by Arsenal to bolster their defense. With his wealth of experience, versatility, and potential, the Gunners will be eager to see him make a lasting impact at the club.

The Arsenal family continues to grow ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VovE3Zt24J

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 14, 2023

Arsenal vs FC Nurnberg: Mikel Arteta Post Match Review

 

After FC Nurnberg held his team to a 1-1 draw in Germany, Mikel Arteta engaged in a conversation with several journalists who had accompanied the team. The discussion covered various topics related to the summer period, including the match, transfer activities, the squad's physical condition, and tactical considerations.

Despite the team's inability to secure a victory following Bukayo Saka's early goal, Arteta expressed satisfaction with the effort exerted during the 90 minutes. He acknowledged the challenges faced due to several players having participated in only three training sessions. Nonetheless, he highlighted the positive aspects observed and the opportunity for the players to reconnect and develop understanding on the field. Arteta acknowledged that the quality and control of the game declined, as anticipated due to the extensive changes made.

Regarding the chances created during the match, Arteta commended the team's performance in the first half, believing they could have scored more goals. Even in the second half, there were two significant opportunities to score that were missed. He recognized that such mistakes are part of football.

When asked about Kai Havertz's playing position, Arteta emphasized the need to observe how he adapts to the team and builds relationships. He stated that football is about time and experience, and only then will it become clear where Havertz will be best utilized.

Regarding ongoing transfer dealings, Arteta indicated that the team is currently focused on working with the existing group of players. No announcements have been made yet, but the journalists will be informed as soon as there is progress.

Arteta also commented on Granit Xhaka's departure, explaining that it was a decision made in agreement with the player. Xhaka had a strong desire to move on, seeing it as a significant personal opportunity. Arteta emphasized that it was the right move for all parties involved.

Addressing injuries within the team, Arteta revealed that Martin Odegaard and Leo Trossard were struggling with fitness issues, while other players had picked up minor injuries during the week. Given the preseason stage and the limited number of training sessions for some players, Arteta emphasized the need to exercise caution and take a step-by-step approach to their recovery.

Finally, Arteta praised the performance of the academy players who were given the opportunity to showcase their abilities. Despite the challenges of not playing in their usual environment and alongside unfamiliar teammates, he believed they performed admirably.

🗣️ "We saw a lot of good things"

Mikel Arteta speaks after Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Nuremberg in their pre season game pic.twitter.com/dhbhCMkpvf

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 13, 2023

Pre-season minutes in the bag 💪

📺 Watch the highlights from our friendly against FC Nurnberg 👇 pic.twitter.com/MwD3NR5IaU

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 13, 2023

Source: Arsenal.com and SkySports