Video: Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool - The Penalties

What a finish. A Jamie Carragher injury during the second half saw the injury time soar to 8 minutes, and in the 97th minute, Arsenal won a penalty. It looked to be all over. It looked as if Arsenal would take the points and draw closer to Manchester United at the top of the table. Everyone in the stadium must have thought Arsenal had the win in their pockets when Jay Spearing, who had a fantastic game brought down Fabregas.

For a few minutes, they had that all important goal. But it seems that Emmanuel Eboue - not the sharpest tool in the box at the best of times, felt some sympathy for both Liverpool and Jay Spearing, and, after a free-kick was deflected into the box, he recklessly brought down Lucas. He brought him down in the 102nd minute. 

Wenger was furious, Dalglish was delighted, and the Arsenal fans were positively deflated by yet another League disappointment. Six points adrift of Manchester United, Arsenal have really let this race slip

Watch Goals: Blackpool 1 - 3 Arsenal

After Manchester United's influential Nani orchestrated an easy yet uninspired win and won three points against Fulham on Saturday, Arsenal's game against Blackpool was even more crucial in their race for the title. The Gunners fended off Blackpool's good start, helped by their loud and vibrant home support, cheering at every attack, and, against the run of play, Arsenal were able to carve open the Blackpool defence twice in quick succession to silence Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool were not in the giving up mood however. The second half saw the home crowd have much more to cheer about, with plenty of chances created, mostly in the first 20 minuted or so of the half. About 7 minutes into the second half, Taylor-Fletcher had forced the Tangerines back into the game with a good finish to beat the returning Jens Lehmann who was playing due to the late injury to Almunia in the warm up. Reports that Lehmann injured the Spaniard himself are unconfirmed. 

The German keeper could have been sent off in the lead up to the goal, bringing down an onrushing DJ Campbell to prevent him from scoring. Lee Mason had played the advantage previously when Wilshere brought down a Blackpool player, and he played it again which prevented Lehmann's dream return turning into a nightmare.

For about 10 or 15 minutes after the goal, Blackpool looked dangerous, but as Arsenal began to weather the storm, there looked like there would be only one result. And despite Blackpool's worthy efforts to get the equaliser, the game was killed off by a van Persie goal thanks to Theo Walcott's break in the 76th minute.

The Manchester United optimists and the Arsenal pessimists believe that the title race is already over, with a now seven point gap too much to overcome. But with a game in hand and a big game between the two sides to come, it may not be that simple.

Arsenal In £50 Million Summer Spending Spree

Plagued with injuries throughout the season to the extent that a new/old goalkeeper had to be brought in for back up, as well as being tormented with off form players slipping up a crucial times in massive matches, and Arsene Wenger is understandably frustrated. He must be wondering what he has done wrong to deserve the punishment of seeing his loyal but exhausted players suffer in this way. It isn't all bad when you consider Arsenal's position in the table - three points behind the leaders with a game in hand - but this season could have been about so much more than just the Premier League crown.

It is perhaps no wonder then, that Arsenal are being linked to two big money players to boost the squad this summer - give it some well needed depth, diversity and energy. These two players are Bolton's Gary Cahill and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. I honestly cannot see it myself. It isn't that the two players wouldn't fit into the squad; Cahill, a strong, reliable, often goal scoring centre back would be welcomed in the beleaguered defence, while Benzema will have no shortage of fellow countrymen to communicate with (not to mention being a top class front man).  The rumours really get unbelievable when the price is quoted.

Cahill and Benzema are being valued at £25 million by the news sources. That's £25 million each. Probably around £40 million more than Wenger would dream of spending. His cautious, low profile approach to the transfer market has caused plenty of frustration among even patient supporters, as they await their first trophy for six years. It may yet come this year, but it will undoubtedly be very close, and with all of the teams around them certain to improve their squads in the summer, Arsenal do not want to be left behind at the start of next season in a year which looks to be even more competitive and tight than even this year has been so far.

Manchester United are apparently Arsenal's competition for the 25 year-old Cahill. United have seen a Vidic - Smalling partnership blossom in the absence of the seemingly always injured Rio Ferdinand, and if Ferdinand ever does receive further injures which is highly likely, United will need a top quality replacement. There have also been unsettling murmurings of Vidic's future as a United player as his wife apparently doesn't like it in Manchester. The Wes Brown - Chris Smalling defensive partnership has been poor so far, and Sir Alex will look for a new defender to banish any defensive worries in the future.


A bidding war is something neither side would want however, with Arsenal's reluctance to spend, and United's crushing debts reducing the possibility of big money signings.
The website states;

"The Trotters [Bolton] are bracing themselves for bids in the summer, and both Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to come to the table at some point with an offer for the England international.

Chelsea are also thought to be keen on landing the player, with the west London outfit also interested in the 25-year-old former Aston Villa defender.

Arsenal are still thought to be favourites though, although the Gunners will have to fight hard to see off Manchester United if these claims are to be believed."

Meanwhile, Wenger is supposedly a "big fan" of Benzema who was bought by Madrid from Lyon for £35 million two seasons ago. It is easy to see why, as Benzema has masses of exactly what Wenger is always looking for, craving for, searching for: "potential".

17 goals in 52 appearances this season isn't to impressive, but his previous form is far more impressive, with one season amassing 20 goals in just 36 appearances. A partnership of van Persie and Benzema would also be a vast improvement to what they have at the moment, and would add he depth up front which has been lacking.

Sir Alex Ferguson had tried to bring Benzema to United before he joined Madrid, but I doubt he would be after him again after being turned down already.

Arsenal Accused, Djourou Ashamed & Fabregas Out

Arsenal have had a rough week. If being well beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League wasn't enough to darken the mood around the Emirates, seeing rivals Tottenham progress a stage further really rubbed salt in the wounds. The amount of competitions Arsenal are now involved in has been halved in the space of a few weeks, and with Manchester United just around the corner in another winnable competition - the FA Cup, the next game will be massive for the season.

Manuel Almunia was one of only a few players who had a good game against Barcelona on Tuesday after he came on in the 19th minute for the injured Sczcesny, and from his busy goal, he watched his team mates closely. Like many others, he wasn't impressed. The Spaniard accused his team mates of lacking effort, and believed that if they did more and showed more fight in the game, they may have been able to snatch a win.

"Barcelona bossed us and in the second half we had players that were not running. We only needed one goal and with a bit more effort we could have caused them damage at the end.


"Even at 3-1, we only needed one goal and, well, you can't understand how there can be players that were walking. We were tired.


"It seemed that everything was lost but you can score a goal at any moment. So the only explanation I have is that we were so tired and the players couldn't give any more.


"And down to 10 men, it was double the effort. We came up against a Barcelona side that are the best in the world."

Almunia can't be blamed for his light criticism of the team - the now infamous statistic of a total of zero shots on goal will be and as been brought up by rival fans for years to come and Barcelona's domination in every area of the pitch was clear for all to see.

The match however did not come without it's controversies - the referee's decision to send van Persie off for shooting at goal after the whistle had been blown for offside the big talking point. Massimo Busacca, the referee in question, was called many things after the game, but his Swiss compatriot Johan Djourou even went so far as to claim a sense of shame:

 "I am Swiss and the referee was Swiss. I feel a sense of shame.

"He had no right to take a decision of that kind. It changed the course of the game. At this level of football you can not accept decisions like that.


"But you have to be honest and admit Barcelona deserved their win. Lionel Messi is an exceptional footballer, all the more so when he plays at home, and he does some amazing things.


"It is really hard to mark him. We succeeded in the first half. We were very compact and it was a real pity that we conceded just before the break."

Arsenal's next game will not be as hard as the last - that is for sure, especially in United's current form. United have lost their last two games against Chelsea and Liverpool, and in the absence of Nani after his deep cut on the shin, Arsenal will be hoping to make United's losing streak a miserable hat trick.

Arsenal will be without Fabregas however, after his suspect performance at Barcelona was explained by a recurring hamstring injury, as Wenger said:

"He will be out maybe for the next two games"

Sczcesny's injury - a dislocated finger - will also rule him out for the immediate future, and Almunia will fill in for him for the game against Manchester United. Robin van Persie will be available too, as he went off - admittedly in questionable fashion - but without an injury.

Time for a trophy for Arsenal, and time for a win against a big team. The victor in the weekends game will - I believe - go on to win the Premier League. It's going to be massive.

Arsenal Outplayed & Dominated by Relentless Barca

Watch Goals Here
Barcelona achieved 76% of possession against Arsenal. Need I continue?

When Barcelona have the ball and keep it, which they do tenaciously and in apparent ease, the opposition has very little chance of getting anything from the game. Arsenal attempted not a single shot on target. Not one. The utter dominance of Barcelona in all areas of the pitch meant that the absence of their two centre halves, Puyol and Pique was irrelevant in an easy win for the classy Spanish side (I use classy very loosely with Dani Alves, but more on that later).

Arsenal may say that they were hard done by, with a red card brandished to the hard of hearing Rob van Persie early in the second half as he shot wide after the whistle had gone for offside. His pleas that he could not hear the whistle due to the 95,000 screaming fans - a good defence - fell on deaf ears, and the referee decided to show the second yellow in an extremely harsh move which all but ended any fair competitiveness in the painfully one sided match.
Van Persie complained after the match of his red card:

"I think it was a total joke. How can I hear his whistle with 95,000 people jumping up? How can I hear it? Please explain that?"

"I can't understand the view from the ref. One second from his whistle to my shot is a joke. He has been bad all evening. He was against us. I don't know why he was here tonight, it's a joke.

"We feel betrayed, almost. We tried really hard. When it was 1-1 it was all to play for. But, in my opinion, the ref killed the game."

Even so, Arsenal were being controlled, pinned back, outplayed before the sending off, and if anything, Arsenal spent more time in the Barcelona half after the Dutchman's sending off. It was simply a story of the better side winning; I have never seen a game so one sided in possession and chances in the Champions League.

The first goal was inevitable. Wojciech Sczcesny went off early on after his first save of the game injured his finger. Almunia came on, and had a good game - probably Arsenal's best player, but he could do nothing to stop Messi from dinking the ball over him and swiping it into the back of the net for the opener.

In between the action, there was the odd pathetic dive. Diving infuriates me beyond belief, the replays shown on Sky making my fists clench in anger and jaw tighten in utter fury. Although so many footballers are at fault in this department, Dani Alves is one that so many times throws himself to the floor, clutching some part of his body - any part of his body all to con the referee. He gets away with it too. Maddening.

Arsenals goal was scored by Busquets - from a Nasri corner. Perhaps he felt sorry for them, wanted to give them a fighting chance - something to work with and hold on to. Probably not. But for all the intricate passing from Barcelona, their beautiful football was countered by a simple ball into the box, headed into their own net by their own player. A little ironic.

But Barcelona fought back with their wonderful football. Intricate passing, great vision, umarkable movement, all leavin Arsenal defenders on their rear ends, as the tricks and turns left them flat footed. Carved open, Xavi passed the ball into the net, as if it were his team mate, and wheeled away, jubilant. Onto the third.

The Arsenal box was occupied so often by Barcelona, and so it was only a matter of time before someone went down and won a penalty. To my diving hating relief, it was a penalty, fairly awarded for a Koscielny tackle which brought down the Barca player with a late, trailing leg. Messi duly stroked it artistically home, and the game was won.

The deserved winners march on in the competition, leaving Arsenal licking their wounds in preparation for a crucial clash with Manchester United in a far more winnable FA Cup tie. Time to pick themselves up and push on.

"Massive boost" For Arsenal in Build up to Barca

For every strength someone has, there is always a fault - a weakness. In football, there are many faults in players, and putting aside those misplaced passes, wild, ambitious shots, dangerous, lunging tackles, off the field troubles and terrible temperament that some have, a shared feature for any sportsman is the injury.

Robin van Persie is no stranger to the irritating pests that are injuries. The 27 year-old has only played 15 Premier League games this season because of them, and although not allowing them to destroy his contribution to the team (10 goals, 5 assists), injuries are still an ever present feature to his game.

In the process of scoring another wonderful goal against Birmingham in the Carling Cup final which, as you all know Arsenal were unsuccessful in winning, the Dutch striker injured himself whilst adjusting his knee to bend around the defender to make contact with the ball. There were major doubts as to whether he will be fit for the scond leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie against Barcelona. Wenger said:

"Fabregas will have a final test (on Monday). It is 90% he will travel and be fit. It is vital for us because he is important in the transition between attacking and defending. He is also the leader of the team so we want him there."

Arsenal's former left back Nigel Winterburn summed the situation up nicely:

“A van Persie playing at the Camp Nou is going to be massive for Arsenal and it will give the other players a massive lift as well,”

“It’s a massive boost because it was looking like Robin van Persie was completely out for three or four weeks, so not only for the Champions League but for the Premier League as well.

“If he is fit and can play then, with the goalscoring form that he’s been in, it just gives Arsenal another added dimension that they lack a little bit when he doesn’t play.”

Of course, the situation must be considered as to what would happen if Wenger were to start van Persie only for him to suffer another injury - which seems unfortunately likely. Winterburn added:

"If he’s not 100 per cent fit I don’t see how they can risk him because they’ve also got the FA Cup and a fantastic chance now in the Premier League as well,”

“I’ve got to think that maybe the injury is not as serious as first thought and he’s healed a lot quicker. I just don’t see how they can take that chance.


"I possibly could see him being on the bench if he was sort of 75 per cent fit but not starting because there are two other big prizes to go for if they come up short in the Champions League."

Van Persie's fantastic ability to achieve the improbable was layed on a plae for all to see at the Emirates a cuple of weeks ago when he smashed the ball past a helpless Victor Valdes in the Barcelona oal from the tightest of angles. If Arsenal are to succeed at the Nou Camp, they are going to ned all te improbabiliy and skill they can get. Van Persie therefore, is vital.

WATCH: Arsenal 1 - 2 Birmingham Carling Cup Final

Match Report Here

Arsenal 0 - 1 Birmingham [Zigic]



Arsenal 1 - 1 Birmingham [van Persie]



Arsenal 1 - 2 Birmingham [Martins]

Blues end 48 Year Drought to Keep Arsenal's One Going

Watch all Match Goals Here

Arsenal's 6 year trophy drought had nothing on Birmingham's 48, but it was the team in Blue who proudly walked away knowing that the sorry statistic is no more, and that Alex McLeish is now the proud manager who can place silverware in Birmingham's dusty trophy cabinet. So first of all, congratulations to Birmingham City.

Now to Arsenal. I said before the game, that if Arsenal were to lose, it would be through an individual error, and not the fact that Birmingham's quality was greater. In the end, it proved to be true, as Koscielny hesitated in clearing the ball in front of his goalkeeper, only for the ball to rebound off of Sczcesny into the path of Obafemi Martins for the easiest goal he will ever hope to score. Arsenal threw away their best chance to lift silverware today, and it is that reason why Arsenal fans will be so distraught.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, end to end, with full commitment from both sides as they fought fiercely in front of their passionate and willing fans who created a brilliant atmosphere at a packed Wembley Stadium. The pitch was perfect, much improved from the previous finals, which suited Arsenal's silky passing and quick, intricate play, but the Gunners could not take full advantage of it against the resilient Birmingham defence who stood strong for much of the game.

After Nicola Zigic's headed goal opened the scoring, anything looked possible, only for the stand-in captain Robin van Persie to strike into the corner for the equaliser. But it was the final goal from super substitute Martins that won the game and broke Arsenal hearts.

The man of the match was awarded to the deserving Ben Foster who was once again outstanding in a Carling Cup final win, mirroring his stunning performance for former club Manchester United two years ago. The Englishman told Sky Sports that winning the cup was the best feeling after the birth of his two children, and they would certainly be proud of him, just as the whole of Birmingham, and his former employers Manchester United surely are.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenals wonder kid was excellent again, doing his best to run the midfield in the absence of Fabregas, and doing a very good job. He couldn't lead his side to a win, but he created the goal after bringing the ball forward and striking the bar with a spectacular shot, however, he was left with his hands on has had after the winning goal rippled the net, and Arsenal fell, defeated.

The game may decide Arsenal's future. At the start of play, they were in all four competitions, and favourites to grab at least one. That chance has been blown by yet another defensive error, although very unlucky, and could break their season as they head into the vital closing stages of the title race and Champions League knockout-stages.

Arsenal may still be in all three competitions, including that knockout stage with Barcelona fast approaching, but it was Birmingham who delivered an unlikely knockout blow today which saw the Gunners fall to their knees in disbelief and distress. How will they react to such a cruel blow?

Wenger: Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny Out Injured

Arsene Wenger confirmed that Robin Van Persie, Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny will all be out of Arsenal's next game against Stoke City with injuries, although Diaby wold have missed the game with suspension anyway. Arsenal host Stoke on Wednesday, but Wenger is positive that the trio will all be fit for Sunday's Carling Cup final clash against Birmingham where Arsenal have the chance to win some overdue silverware.

Wenger said:

"We don't have Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny available."

"Everybody else is fit. Diaby is suspended. Van Persie has a hamstring problem and Koscielny a back problem."

"Both are short term and they have a chance for the game on Sunday"

Johan Djourou has been in very good form this season, making up for the absence of Thomas Vermaelen alongside Koscielny in the centre of defence, and Wenger will welcome the Swiss back into the side after missing the F.A Cup draw against Leyton Orient.
The Arsenal manager said:

"Johan Djourou is better and will play."

The replay with Leyton Orient in the Cup isn't going to help, as although Arsenal are favourites to win, it is another long 90 minutes and risks injuries or fatigue that they will not want in the lead up the back end of the season, as well as a second leg with Barcelona at the Nou Camp awaiting them.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona: Brilliant Comeback Does Gunners Proud

When Arsenal went behind to a David Villa goal, it looked as if some impressive Arsenal play would count for absolutely nothing as Barcelona looked to keep possession and settle, as they capably do, with the 0 - 1 result. They may not have expected then, that Arsenal, in front of their brilliantly supportive fans who stayed on their side all night would bravely fight back for a memorable win at the Emirates - their first ever win against Barcelona.

It is hard to pick out an Arsenal player who had a bad game. Every one of them did themselves proud, with the young Jack Wilshere doing particularly magnificently among some of the greatest central midfielders on the planet. He was brilliant at knocking the ball around as well as getting out of some tricky and tight situations, portraying a footballing age years beyond his own 19.

The Arsenal defence, often questioned and exposed as their main weakness, was resilient and made very few mistakes - only falling asleep a couple of times, with only one of those instances being punished. Koscielny was very good at the back and coped with the explosive attack of Barca very well.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, and it did fly by, with the football from both sides being typically technically wonderful, and at times was end to end football. The entertaining game was constantly competitive, with Arsenal being spurred on by their excellent fans who played a very big part in the comeback, giving the players the belief that they needed to pick themselves up after some rocky spells.

A blasted Van Persie shot from an impossible angle caught Victor Valdes on his near post as he occupied himself with the prospect of a flashed cross. The Dutch striker caught everyone out with the shot, and it took a moment to sink in for the fans that the back of the net was bulging.

Five minutes later, and the breathtaking comeback was complete with an Andrei Arshavin winner. He popped off the bench late on and in a counter attack which saw the surprise starter Samir Nasri (after injury) roll it back almost in slow motion, the little Russian stroked the ball past Valdes for a second time. He wheeled away to the delight of the Arsenal fans who mustn't have believed the astonishing sight, as Barcelona players held their heads in their hands.

Arsenal should enjoy it while they can. Yes, they have beaten one of the best teams in the world for the first time in Barcelona. Yes, they showed excellent character to come back from behind. Yes they take a lead into the second leg. But, the second leg will be far higher task for them to complete. The atmosphere will be hostile, the players will be up for it, and Arsenal will be desperate to cling on to their win.

It would be absolutely fantastic for English football and Arsenal if they could pull off an aggregate win over Barcelona at Camp Nou. But it will be, as they undoubtedly know, a very tough task. Even if they do not, they can take great solace in the fact that they have improved from last year and shown great character to come from behind and win. They should use this as a spring board for better things, and finally come of age.

Watch: Arsenal 3 - 0 Ipswich

In the end, Arsenal cruised to victory to reach the Carling Cup final. Ipswich, under new manager Paul Jewell, held on for as long as they could to their impressive one goal lead that they brought from the first leg, but the quality of Arsenal was all too much for the Championship side who could do nothing as Arsenal scored three, gliding to the final as strong favourites to win their first trophy sine 2005.

Ipswich gave a very good account of themselves, with Arsenal captain Fabregas conceding that it was a tough two legs for them to play in, and despite the Gunners usual defence cutting quality play, struggled against Jewell's side. Ipswich got numbers behind the ball, had their attacking players tracking back and were very resilient in defence, whilst they sometimes tried to break out of their defensive play under enormous Arsenal pressure to venture on a couple of attacks themselves, unfortunately proving fruitless for them.

Arsenal grabbed their first goal through Nicklas Bendtner - a fantastic individual goal, as you can see below.
The two other goals, including a Koscielny header from a corner and a captains goal from Cesc Fabregas, you can watch here.

Leeds 1 - 3 Arsenal - Best Goal?

What an absolute beauty of a goal this was. As I watched, my jaw was firmly rooted to my chest for a good couple of minutes as I soaked up the replays of an unstoppable, stunning strike. He will surely never hit a ball any better than he did in that moment. The only criticism there could possibly be was the celebration - didn't he realise what he had just done?! Its the goal you always dream of when playing the game, and what a stunner it was.

It did not however, stop Arsenal from progressing through to the next stage of the F.A Cup. Goals from Nasri, Sagna and van Persie (which you can see here) wrapped up the win for the Gunners who battled well against a resilient home side backed by their roaring, passionate fans. It was a proper F.A Cup match, great entertainment, great goals, two committed sides, fantastic home support - and even the goalkeeper went up for a corner at the end.

6 Thoughts On The Premier League This Weekend...

Liverpool cant hold on to a lead...

Sunderland, Wigan, Spurs, Blackpool and Everton... All teams who Liverpool have dropped points against after taking the lead. This was during and after Roy Hodgson's tenure as manager two of Kenny Dalglish's three games in charge have ended up with Liverpool dropped points from winning positions.

Aston Villa aren't too good to go down...

Villa have only won 2 out of their last 12 games...

The match was distinctly average made up of long balls, head tennis and generally talentless football. Neither side proved their Premier League credentials. Villa looked toothless bar a few moments from Stewart Downing, Carew lacks pace and work rate and Agbonlahor is better suited to a 100 metre track than a football pitch. They better be looking over their shoulders now they've got Reo Coker and Petrov back in the side no more excuses...

Luka Modric is a world class player...

Darren Fletcher spent most of the game chasing after Modric...

He ran the show against Manchester United, always beating the first man marking him and releasing the ball efficiently. Bale, Lennon and Van Der Vaart are good players but the little Croat was the best player on the pitch in their biggest league game of the season...

Chelsea need to spend some money...

Chelsea can no longer rely on Drogba after his out of Malaria and as a result look toothless...

After threatening an overhaul of the team Carlo Ancelloti held back and it was business as usual with Chelsea. No major changes to their aging first team against Blackburn and a 2-0 victory. Didier Drogba still isn't looking very convincing, I'm not so sure that victory may kick start a title challenge...

Robin Van Persie is back...

Arsenal Vs WestHam United 3-0 Goals and Highlights

Getting two goals against West Ham the Dutchman's return from injury has been long awaited and he seems to have given his side the cutting edge so many say they've been missing. If he can stay fit I think the Gunners can aim for a serious title push...

West Brom scored three and Blackpool scored two...



Ian Holloway's boys have been looking excellent this season. But against Roberto Di Matteo's West Brom side they were beaten 3-2. This doesn't look like a major result but take into consideration that West Brom lost their last five games and now Blackpool have lost four out their five games in January...

Liverpool To Sign £13 million Eljero Elia

Liverpool's search for new players who will help to keep Roy Hodgson's job safe has begun, as the Reds have reportedly agreed terms with Dutch winger Eljero Elia.

Elia has been linked with Liverpool for a while, but up until now it has only been rumours. Now, it looks as if the rumours are finally coming true, as sources in Germany- home of his current club Hamburg, suggest that the pacey winger has been subject to a £13 million bid from the Merseyside club and have agreed personal terms with the 23 year-old.

Elia would be a ideal addition to the Liverpool side who massively lack natural wingers and players who are actually willing to play on the wing. Joe Cole has again expressed his desire to hold a central attacking role in the Liverpool side, and with Babel also preferring a central role, Hodgson knew he needed a natural wide man. The team have also lacked creativity and pace and after seeing Elia in the World Cup for Holland, he certainly has pace in abundance and the ability create chances for his team mates.

Elia has scored a career total of 27 goals while mounting a good assist total of 22, and in 2009 was awarded the Johan Cruijff Award for "Young Player of the Year" in the Netherlands - an award that has previously been won by Arsenal legends Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars as well as Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Rafael van der Vaart.

Watch: Manchester United 1 - 0 Arsenal

Park Ji-Sung scored a spectacular headed goal just before half time to clinch a Manchester United win which takes them to the top of the table with a game in hand, and a superior goal difference.

The man of the match was Rio Ferdinand, which emphasises the kind of game it was - very close, tight and nervy, which is understandable in a big match. The first half an hour was littered with fouls and stoppages as defence got close to the attack, and passes went astray. United had the best of the chances and the game as a whole, and the goal was well deserved in the 40th minute from Park - even though it may have been a little lucky.

The Arsenal goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny was impressive - he made no mistakes, and made a good save from Anderson in a one-on-one, as well as tipping away a clever Rooney chip near the end. The 20 year-old Polish keeper didn't have to save a penalty however - because although one was given, Rooney uncharacteristically blasted it over.

Anderson too was impressive. His emergence as being a more attacking force than he was when he first joined United and he is becoming a bigger threat - bursting into the box, and playing a much more significant part in the final third of the pitch.

Arsenal tried near the end to create a goal, but their attempts failed as they just couldn't find that final ball or cunning finish to bulge in the net. Both van Persie and Fabregas were risked for the Gunners in the 63rd minute, but even they couldn't summon anything to push their team forward.

It was an exciting 1 - 0, especially as both teams attacked each-other, but the facts are that United are top, unbeaten and have a game in hand, and in their hands lay the Premier League, because with their game in hand being against Blackpool, the Premier League is theirs to lose.

Arsenal the Latest Club to be Linked to Benzema

Karim Benzema has hardly set La Liga on fire since his £35 million 2009 move to Real Madrid. Players like Ronaldo and Higuain have been the main starters up front for the Spanish club, and the Frenchman has naturally been linked to a move away from the Bernabau as his frustration by lack of games has caused him to turn his head in search of new options.

Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson have been well known admirers of Benzema, but lost out in the summer 2009 race for his signature. It was also rumoured that Ferguon was preparing to swap Berbatov with Benzema. Unlikely as it was at the time, it is now even more unlikely after Berbatov almost made history with 5 goals in one game against Blackburn on Saturday.

Tottenham too have recently been linked to him. Since their soar to success in the Champions League, Tottenhams options for players has been broadly widened as they now have the attraction of European football. Yet despite manager Harry Redknapp stating that he liked the player, he said:

"certainly we haven’t made any enquires at all for him".

Aston Villa under their new French manager Gerard Houlier - the manager who has already brought one Frenchman back to the Premier League in Robert Pires is now reportedly interested in bringing in Benzema.

Meanwhile, Houllier's former club Liverpool, in need of a striker to partner Torres have been advised by Jamie Redknapp to snap up the former Lyon striker. His opinion may not mean much, in fact it means next to nothing in terms of Liverpool football club, but he said:

“Liverpool need a striker and they should look no further than Karim Benzema.

“The new Anfield owners have their first challenge: sign him.” 

Arsenal are now said to be prepared to smash their record transfer fee to buy Benzema for £25 million. Persistent injuries to important attackers such as Robin Van persie and Theo Walcott among others, as well as Nicklas Bendter's similar situation to Benzema - in his lack of game time, has apparently caused Wenger to feel the need to build on his attacking options.

Benzema is obviously doing something right to have all of these clubs after him. They are not just any old club either, these are some of the top Premier League clubs. But does the fact that a man who cannot get into a top Spanish team, but could get into any one of five top English teams simply exaggerate the fact that the Spanish League's quality is higher than the English? Maybe, but there is no arguing that the Barclays Premier League is still the most exciting in the world.