WENGER HOPES FUNDS AVAILABLE IN JANUARY

Gunners manager, Arsene Wenger has admitted that he would like to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window to bolster his Arsenal side's faltering title challenge but does not know the club will make the necessary cash available.

 

Wenger knows his side must improve in the second half of the season but is hamstrung by long-term injuries which rule out Cesc Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott. One player Arsenal have been linked with is Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin. However, Wenger refused to confirm he is chasing the Russia forward.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

ARSENAL 1 - PORTSMOUTH 0

Former captain William Gallas came to Arsenal's rescue with a late header in a 1-0 win against Portsmouth which keeps the Gunners in the Premier League title chase. The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when David James flapped at Denilson's free-kick and Gallas rose to head the ball into the Pompey net.

 

The victory was barely deserved but it prompted a wave of Arsenal attacks as they at last took control of a game they had struggled to grasp for great swathes against a Portsmouth team which is going through its own crisis of confidence under another former Gunners captain, Tony Adams.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

ASTON VILLA 2 - ARSENAL 2

Zat Knight rifled home an injury-time equaliser to rescue a well-deserved 2-2 draw against Arsenal. and provide a significant boost for Aston Villa's fight for Champions League qualification. Martin O'Neill's side had battered the Londoners throughout the first half but somehow found themselves two goals down only to mount a superb fightback.

 

Goals either side of half-time by Denilson and Abou Diaby for Arsenal were not a fair reflection of the game and, after Gareth Barry's penalty pulled a goal back, Knight smashed home a stoppage-time leveller to maintain Villa's three-point lead over the Gunners.

 

Villa captain Martin Laursen was missing and Gareth Barry was made skipper for Villa. Arsene Wenger was without captain Cesc Fabregas through injury and striker Emmanuel Adebayor due to suspension.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 

ASTON VILLA CANNOT WIN TITLE - WENGER

Arsene Wenger realised it is a big game, but turned down the idea of Aston Villa winning the Premier League. The Gunners manager however accepted that Villa is a serious threat for the top four positions challenge.

 

Without Fabregas and suspended striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal will travel to Villa Park looking for revenge after Gabriel Agbonlahor helped inflict a shock result when the two teams met last month.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

FABREGAS OUT FOUR MONTHS

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set to be sidelined until April with a knee injury. The Spaniard had to be substituted at half-time in Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday following a challenge with Xabi Alonso.

 

The full extent of the damage has now been revealed, with Arsene Wenger confirming that he has a partial rupture of the medial knee ligament. Fabregas had only recently returned to fitness following a problem with the same knee and he will now miss most of the rest of the season. He will have to sit out a crucial period of the Premier League as well as Arsenal's UEFA Champions League tie against Roma.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 

ARSENAL 1 - LIVERPOOL 1

Striker Robbie Keane dealt a fresh blow to Arsenal's fading title hopes as he secured a point for Barclays Premier League leaders Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal had striker Emmanuel Adebayor sent off in the second half, which hampered their hopes of finding a winner after Keane's goal had cancelled out Robin van Persie's strike.

 

Arsene Wenger's men went into the match eight points off the pace, and perhaps more significantly they were - and remain - out of the top four following Aston Villa's win at West Ham. Despite taking the lead through a fine strike from Van Persie after 24 minutes, it proved a false dawn as the Reds levelled before the break when Keane latched onto a long ball up-field and lashed in a thunderous shot.

 

Arsenal were forced to play the final 30 minutes with only 10 men after referee Howard Webb showed Adebayor his second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL   LIVERPOOL 

VIEIRA: WENGER NEED WARRIORS

Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal must address their lack of midfield bite if they are to challenge for honours. The former Gunners captain, now at Inter Milan, admits to being impressed by the club's free-flowing style when in possession, but feels they are often found wanting when put on the back foot.

 

With the days when he helped the club claim silverware on a regular basis long gone, the Frenchman concedes that the modern Arsenal are suffering the consequences of not possessing enough steel in vital areas. Vieira does not feel that Arsene Wenger needs to completely overhaul his squad in order to bring about the desired results, but admits that experienced heads are needed if the North London club are to fulfil their potential.

 

 

MID'BORO 1 - ARSENAL 1

Former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere spoilt another Arsenal's chance to take home 3 points from Riverside Stadium. The ex-Arsenal forward scored the equaliser with a fine glancing header in the 29th minute.

 

Emmanuel Adebayor had earlier opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a header from captain Cesc Fabregas corner. Though, Arsenal displayed a very promising starts with efforts from Abou Diaby were denied by Ross Turnbull. Wenger sent in Nicklas Bendtner in the 82nd minutes but was not enough for the Gunners to bag the precious 3 points.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 

FC PORTO 2 - ARSENAL 0

Arsenal slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Porto and finished second in the group before challenging in the last 16 of the Champions League. With confirmed qualification to the next stage, manager Arsene Wenger was confident enough to take a calculated gamble with his team selection against the Portuguese outfit, who had never lost here to an English side.

 

Bruno Alves opened the scoring with a header past Almunia. The visitors were soon further behind in the 54th minute. Fernando steals the ball from midfield and feed Lisandro for a smashing shot to the top right corner.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL  

ROSICKY OUT UNTIL MARCH

Arsenal have ruled midfielder Tomas Rosicky out of action until March
''at the earliest'' after the Czech star underwent surgery on the
problem in Germany a month ago.The Czech Republic international has
been out with a damaged hamstring tendon since January and has made a
slower than expected recovery, after originally being told his injury
would be cured in "days, not weeks".

Rosicky missed the European Championships for his country, with the
nature of the problem requiring multiple operations. He is due to
report back to Arsenal later this month but manager Arsene Wenger
admits it will be some time before the 27-year-old will be ready to
play again.

ARSENAL 1 - WIGAN 0

Arsenal recorded back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since October as Emmanuel Adebayor's first-half strike against Wigan Athletic proved decisive at Emirates Stadium.

 

The Togo international hit the woodwork prior to the interval and Denilson then also hit the post as Arsenal aimed to seal the win. Wigan enjoyed the better of the first period but were dealt a setback as Adebayor netted on 16 minutes to set the Gunners on course to build on last weekend's win at Chelsea.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 

WENGER CONFIDENT OF EDUARDO RETURN

Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger believes it will not be long before Eduardo's return to action for Arsenal. The Brazilian-born Croatia striker suffered an horrific broken leg following a hard challenge from Martin Taylor at Birmingham in February.

 

However, the 25-year-old is now closing in on a return to competitive action with the Gunners. Wenger also confirmed that Eduardo has started to join full training and just waiting for the right game.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL  

RONALDO ALMOST A GUNNERS

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was poised to join Arsenal before he accepted an offer to sign for Manchester United in 2003. The winger, recently crowned European Footballer of the Year, has admitted his admiration for Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger and revealed how close he came to becoming part of the squad at the Emirates.

 

However, United's offer of £12.24 million was three times that of Arsenal's, and Sporting Lisbon had no choice but to accept.  Ronaldo said that he met Arsene on three occasions and one of those times was with his mum who wanted to hear what the Gunners' boss was proposing. Since then, Wenger remains someone that he admired and believes that the french manager is a really intelligent football guy.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL   MAN UTD  

BURNLEY 2 - ARSENAL 0

Burnley march into the semi-finals of a major competition for the
first time in the 25 years with a marvellous performance in a 2-0 win
over Arsenal at Turf Moor. Kevin McDonald ensure the Coca-Cola
Championship team booked their place in the last four of the Carling
Cup after showing the young Gunners how to finish.

The Lancashire club also had to thank goalkeeper Brian Jensen, who
made a string of fine saves to keep his side in front. Arsenal almost
took the lead when Fran Merida released Nicklas Bendtner. However
Jensen stayed alert and diverted the striker's effort to safety.

McDonald scored either side of half-time in the match that was locally
billed as `Capital Punishment III'. Chelsea and Fulham were also put
to the sword in previous rounds

VAN PERSIE DENY GALLAS ROW

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has refuted claims that he is the
disruptive influence in the Gunners dressing room identified by
William Gallas in tirade which cost the Frenchman the captain's
armband.

Manager Arsene Wenger was left with little choice but to replace
Gallas after last month's outburst in which the defender branded his
team-mates ''not brave enough'' and accused an unnamed 25-year-old of
undermining the squad with his behaviour. However, 25-year-old Van
Persie, who scored both goals in Arsenal's impressive 2-1 win over
Chelsea at the weekend, is confident he is not the target of Gallas'
criticism.

CHELSEA 1 - ARSENAL 2

A dramatic second-half Robin van Persie brace saw Arsenal come from
behind to secure a vital 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The
Gunners imploded to gift the Blues the lead on 31 minutes when keeper
Manuel Almunia collected a corner but threw the ball to Jose Bosingwa,
who put in a great cross from the right which the unlucky Johan
Djourou steered into his own goal.

But Van Persie equalised on 59 minutes when smashing a right-footed
effort into the top corner from the edge of the box, although replays
showed he was offside. He then added a second three minutes later to
stun Stamford Bridge when latching onto a fine header down by Emmanuel
Adebayor and hitting a great left-footed effort on the turn into the
bottom right-hand corner past the despairing dive of Petr Cech.

FLAMINI BACKS CESC

Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini believes Cesc Fabregas deserved to be named the Gunners' new captain after William Gallas was relieved of the duty following his comments about his team-mates.

 

Flamini spent four years at Arsenal before signing for Italian giants AC Milan in the summer on a free transfer, but was back in England on Thursday for Milan's 2-2 Uefa Cup draw at Portsmouth.

 

CECH BACKS GALLAS

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has complete faith in William Gallas' honesty after his former team-mate sparked a row with his public criticism of Arsenal.

 

Gallas stripped of the Arsenal captaincy and dropped for last week's defeat at Manchester City for the outspoken attack when he also questioned his team-mates' fighting spirit.

 

Cech played with Gallas for two years at Stamford Bridge before joining Gunners in 2006 and Ashley Cole went in the opposite direction. The Czech Republic international has no doubt Gallas was only speaking his mind when he made his feelings public.

 

ARSENAL 1 - DYNAMO KIEV 0

Cristiano Ronaldo was the centre of attention as Manchester United
confirmed their place in the next stage of the Champions League. For
the second successive match, the Portugal winger had to endure some
stiff challenges.

United looked the more assured of the two sides throughout the game
but it took them until the 41st minute before they made a real impact.
Villarreal were then reduced to 10 men four minutes later when
Capdevila was sent off for a high challenge on Ronaldo has he tried to
race down field. Despite being a man up, United had little time to
make their advantage pay. However a draw confirmed both teams place in
the next stage.

FABREGAS IS NEW GUNNERS CAPTAIN

Arsene Wenger has ended Gallas' tenure as skipper. However he will be
reinstated to his defensive role for the Champions League clash
against Dynamo Kiev but 21-year-old. Cesc Fabregas is the new
permanent skipper, one of the youngest in the club's history.

Fabregas also realise that it is a big responsibility, but he is sure
that his team have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning
ways and fulfil their potential.

Wenger insists he has no regrets about making the outspoken Frenchman
his Arsenal captain after the departure of Thierry Henry. However, the
Gunners boss accepted the pressures of the role may have taken their
toll in the end.

MAN CITY 3 - ARSENAL 0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger stripped William Gallas of the captaincy
at Eastlands, then saw his team stripped bear after a 3-0 defeat at
Manchester City. A wonderful goal from Robinho after Stephen Ireland
had made the breakthrough gave Manchester City the victory they
deserved on the balance of play.

Substitute Daniel Sturridge completed a miserable day for Arsenal by
scoring from the penalty spot in stoppage time. Gallas did not travel
with the rest of the squad after making critical comments about the
team in midweek and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia wore the armband
instead.

HOLLAND 3 - SWEDEN 1

Robin van Persie scored twice as Holland cruised to a friendly victory
over Sweden in Amsterdam. The Arsenal striker put the London club's
troubles behind him to strike either side of half-time as Holland
picked up where they left off in World Cup qualifying.

Dirk Kuyt gave the scoreline a more accurate look with the third goal
in stoppage time. Holland have won three out of three in Group Nine
and even Kim Kallstrom's goal seconds after coming on as a second-half
substitute to halve the deficit could not hide their dominance.

GERMANY 1 - ENGLAND 2

England travelled to the German capital ravaged by injuries and
surrounded by debate regarding the importance of Wednesday's friendly,
but Capello's side produced a thoroughly convincing display to secure
a fifth successive win.

A late John Terry header ensured England continued their resurgence
under Fabio Capello with a 2-1 victory over Germany in Berlin to end
2008 on a high. The Three Lions, who recorded a famous 5-1 success on
their last visit to Germany, took a scrappy lead in the 23rd minute as
centre-back Matthew Upson poked home after Rene Adler had flapped at a
Stewart Downing corner.

After the break, England continued to enjoy the better of proceedings
but substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson endure a horrible mix-up with
Terry to allow Germany striker Patrick Helmes to equalise on 63
minutes. Terry headed a late winner at the Olympic Stadium after
Matthew Upson's first-half opener was cancelled out by Patrick Helmes,
and the Chelsea defender was pleased to secure the win.

Injuries forced Fabio Capello to name an experimental line-up in
Wednesday's friendly in Berlin, with Aston Villa striker Gabriel
Agbonlahor making his debut. But an England side which also included
fringe players such as Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick and
Stewart Downing put on a highly impressive performance.

WALCOTT OUT FOR THREE MONTHS

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed Theo Walcott will be out of
action for three months with a shoulder problem. The 19-year-old
Arsenal player dislocated his right shoulder while on international
duty on Tuesday which ruled him out of England's friendly with
Germany.

He was immediately taken to hospital, where he had the shoulder put
back into place, but he is now set for a long spell on the sidelines.
This injury is a new setback for the player, as it is his right
shoulder.

BENDTNER EYES REGULAR ROLE

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has expressed his desire to become a more regular fixture in Arsene Wenger's starting eleven. The 20-year-old Dane has made 15 appearances for the Gunners this term, recently leading the line in the absence of the injured Emmanuel Adebayor and suspended Robin van Persie. But Bendtner is keen to press for a more consistent role, amid a testing time for Arsenal following their fourth Premier League loss of the season.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 
 

ARSENAL 0 - ASTON VILLA 2

Aston Villa gave Arsenal another shock after a 2-0 win over the
Gunners at their own ground, the Emirates Stadium. It is a huge hits
for Arsenal's title hopes after impressive wins over Manchester United
and Wigan last week.

Bolton however deserved the win with Kevin Nolan returning to the line
up. An own goal from Gael Clichy was followed by a Gabriel Agbonlahor
strike were enough to give Bolton an evening to remember. Furthermore,
Bolton could have won 3-0 if Ashley Young didn't miss a penalty.

YOUNG BELIEVES IN YOUNG GUNNERS

Aston Villa's Ashley Young believes Arsenal have the right blend of youth and experience to challenge for the Premier League title this season. The Gunners manager, Arsene Wenger had come under fire from supporters and critics before Saturday's deserved home success over Manchester United, calmed the situation.

 

Young will be visiting the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with his Aston Villa squad confident  Arsenal will sustain a title bid. He is not surprised with Arsenal's current position in the table challenging for the league crown, as he feels that the Gunners have world class players all over the pitch.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

ARSENAL 3 - WIGAN 0

The Young Guns sent Premier League rivals Wigan crashing out of the Carling Cup with another a magnificient 3-0 wins at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is now determined to stick with his young guns after watching them pass their hardest test against Wigan Athletic.

The Gunners youngsters destroyed Steve Bruce's side with two goals
from Jay Simpson and a third from Mexican teenager Carlos Vela. The north London club despatched Sheffield United in the previous round 6-0 and they reached the last eight with another superb performance.

NASRI POSITIVE ABOUT WINNING TITLES

Samir Nasri believes Arsenal's French connection could steer them to the Premier League title. Arsene Wenger fielded six of his compatriots in the side that revived Arsenal's title hopes with a 2-1 win over
defending champions Manchester United.

The Gunners have been beaten by newly-promoted Hull and Stoke this season but Nasri, who scored both goals against United, insists those setbacks did not dent the belief amongst Wenger's young squad. He also believes that the team will get even better when their injury hit players return to action soon.

ARSENAL 2 - MAN UTD 1

Arsenal bounced back from turmoil to defeat Manchester United 2-1 thanks to a brace from Samir Nasri. Gunners manager Arsene Wenger admitted that the at Emirates Stadium breathes life into their campaign and lifts them above United in the Barclays Premier League.

The Gunners had Adebayor injured and van Persie suspended but Samir Nasri provided the attacking threat, taking advantage of slack marking in each half to grab his fourth and fifth goals of the season. Rafael da Silva, on as a substitute, volleyed home a late strike to give Sir Alex Ferguson's men hope, but Arsenal held on after six minutes of stoppage-time for the win they needed..

It was Arsenal's first test this season against their traditional top-four rivals and Wenger's men passed the examination. This clash between two heavyweights had everything, chances, yellow cards,counter-attacking and also four penalty shouts.

RONALDO WANTS TO WIN AT EMIRATES

Cristiano Ronaldo is anticipating a tough encounter against Arsenal on Saturday but feels confident that Manchester United can pick up three points. The Gunners have struggled for form in recent weeks and also have a number of injury problems ahead of the match at Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger's men are already six points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea and Liverpool and have yet to play any of their major rivals. There have been suggestions that Arsenal's title challenge could be over if they slip to defeat against United but Ronaldo is still wary of the threat they will present.

United lost their visits to both Liverpool and Arsenal and also dropped points against Newcastle and Everton this term, and Ronaldo feels Sir Alex Ferguson's side have plenty to prove as they go for a title hat-trick. United had an excellent record at Highbury in its latter years, they have so far managed a single point from two visits to the Emirates, conceding late goals on both occasions.

FABREGAS CHALLENGES TEAM-MATES FOR DEVILS CLASH

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has challenged his team-mates to turn around their recent slump and beat Manchester United at the weekend. The Gunners were held to a goalless draw against Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday, making it three games without a victory.

Boss Arsene Wenger repeated his recent criticism of Stoke's strongarm tactics by again accussing referees and opponents of victimising his side following the stalemate with Fenerbahce. Mikael Silvestre is a fresh injury concern and Almunia missed the Group G clash with an upset stomach, while Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor were also sidelined.

ARSENAL 0 - FENERBAHCE 0

Arsenal remain top of Champions League Group G despite being held to a goalless draw by Fenerbahce at the Emirates. The Gunners started brightly enough but failed to capitalise on a quick start with Robin Van Persie failing to convert a hat-trick of close-range efforts.

 

Fenerbahce picked Roberto Carlos at left-back and the Brazilian endured a nervy start that almost set up the opener for Van Persie. Arsenal showed far greater invention in attack but still had nothing to show for their obvious superiority.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 

ARSENAL HIT BY MORE INJURIES

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott suffered 'very bad injuries' in the 2-1 defeat at Stoke City. Adebayor was replaced by Carlos Vela after 73 minutes of the loss at the Britannia Stadium after picking up a couple of knocks.

 

Walcott had only been introduced as a second-half substitute, but was stretchered off with a suspected shoulder injury in the dying embers of the game. The Gunners boss hinted that Adebayor and Walcott could be out for several weeks.

STOKE CITY 2 - ARSENAL 1

Arsenal's season took another turn towards crisis with a 2-1 defeat at Stoke. It was a case of bad to worse for Arsenal after the dramatic 4-4 draw with Tottenham in midweek and a red card for Robin van Persie, coupled with injuries to Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott, made it a grim day indeed for Arsene Wenger.

 

Rory Delap, whose deadly delivery from the touchline has already proved crucial to the Potters' hopes of survival, found Ricardo Fuller after 11 minutes, then helped set up Seyi Olofinjana for the hosts' second before a defected Gael Clichy effort reduced arrears.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL   SOCCERTALK

ARSENAL 4 - TOTTENHAM 4

Harry Redknapp displayed his magical touch as Tottenham grabbed a last-gasp equaliser through Aaron Lennon to thrilling 4-4 draw with Arsenal 4-4 at the Emirates Stadium. Trailing to David Bentley's stunning opener, Arsenal replied with goals from Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas.

 

Emmanuel Adebayor added his obligatory goal - he now has eight from seven starts against Spurs - before Darren Bent pulled one back. Robin van Persie netted his 50th goal for Arsenal but Spurs Jermaine Jenas' late strike gave them hope before Lennon struck at the death.

WALCOTT WOULD DIE FOR ENGLAND

Theo Walcott has said he would be willing ''to die for England'' and play for the Under-21s in next summer's European Championships in Sweden. His declarations could send a worrying message to Arsene Wenger's who fear the youngster could be at risk of burnout..

England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has made no secret of his desire to take the young Gunners to the finals and Walcott insists he would be more than happy to play. Walcott has been in a great form this season scoring three goals for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Champions League.

WEST HAM 0 - ARSENAL 2

Arsenal secure maximum points from a hard-fought 2-0 win at West Ham. The Gunners - fresh from a fine 5-2 Champions League trashing of Fenerbahce in Turkey - certainly had to dig deep for their win. The first goal came in courtesy of Julien Faubert own goal When he deflected a shot from substitute Emmanuel Adebayor late in the second half.

 

And the African later wrapped things up in stoppage time. The Gunners away win at West Ham cement their grip on fourth spot and keep them within touching distance of the Premier League summit.

EDUARDO WILL BE BACK SOON

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes striker Eduardo will return from injury in November and would be eased back into first-team action. The Croatia international suffered an horrific broken leg against Birmingham City back in February by a challenge from Martin Taylor.

His rehabilitation is progressing well and Wenger has confirmed that he may return to action next month. The 25-year-old signed for the Gunners from Dynamo Zagreb in 2007 and has netted 12 goals in 31 appearances before he suffered the injury.

FENERBAHCE 2 - ARSENAL 5

Arsenal recorded another convincing 5-2 win over Turkey's club, Fenerbahce. Both teams defended poorly and the only difference between the two was up front where Arsenal took their chances and Fenerbahce did not. It was the hosts' first defeat in Europe at home in 16 matches but in truth they were the architects of their own downfall.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott put the Gunners 2-0 up inside 11 minutes and although Mikael Silvestre's own goal reduced the deficit, Abou Diaby restored the Gunners' cushion. Four minutes after half-time Alex Song volleyed in a fourth to extend the Gunners' lead at the top of the group. Fenerbahce pulled a goal back in the 77th minute but it was too late to affect the outcome and substitute Aaron Ramsey fired in off a post in the fourth minute of injury time.

 

RONALDO & FABREGAS FOR BALLON d'OR

Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are among 11 Premier League players shortlisted for this year's Ballon d'Or. The trio are the only England players nominated for the award alongside the likes of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, the clear favourite and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The France Football magazine today revealed the condensed list of 30 contenders for their European golden ball award. Spain are represented by seven players after winning Euro 2008 in the summer - Torres and Fabregas being joined by Marcos Senna, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, David Villa and Xavi.

Nominees Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar (all Manchester United), Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack (all Chelsea), Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres (both Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor (both Arsenal), Iker Casillas, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rafael van der Vaart, Sergio Ramos, Pepe (all Real Madrid), Lionel Messi, Xavi, Samuel Eto'o (all Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Kaka (AC Milan), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Franck Ribery, Luca Toni (both Bayern Munich), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow). Karim Benzema (Lyon)

FABREGAS SNUBS NEW CONTRACT

Cesc Fabregas has rejected new 90,000 pound-a-week contract talks to Arsenal, paving the way for him to quit the Emirates at the end of the season. Spanish giants Real Madris and Barcelona have been put on alert after Fabregas turned down the chance to renegotiate his existing deal.

The Gunners wan to offer Fabregas a 35,000 pound-a-week pay hike plus a two year extension to his deal, which runs until 2014. According to 'News of The World', Fabregas, 21, has put off talks as he wants to see what Real Madrid and Barcelona can offer next summer. Lionel Messi has also urged Barcelona to break the bank to lure Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas back to Nou Camp.

ARSENAL 3 - EVERTON 1

Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal had saved their season after beating Everton. The Gunners showed the kind of fighting spirit they will need to stay the course in the Premier League title race after coming from behind to beat Everton 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were facing another home defeats after falling behind to Leon Osman's well taken goal until they were transformed in the second period and eventually cruised home thanks to strikes from Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott. The victory provided a timely fillip for Wenger, whose main concerns ahead of Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Fenerbahce surround the fitness of his key players.