Arsenalised Planet

Spanish international defender set to sign for Gunners                                                                             1st Feb 2013 Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Spanish international defender Nacho Monreal has agreed to join the Gunners on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee. Monreal (26), who will join Arsenal from Spanish La Liga side Malaga, is predominantly a left full-back and has represented his country Spain at youth level, Under-21s and has made nine appearances for the national team. Full name Ignacio Monreal Eraso, but known as ‘Nacho’, the defender started his career with his hometown club Osasuna, where he progressed through the youth ranks to become a regular in the first team, making 127 appearances for the La Liga side. During that time he was an integral part of the team which reached the Europa League Semi-Final in 2007.   Monreal’s performances for Osasuna earned him recognition on the international stage, fi

Gunners fight back for point Thursday, January 31, 2013 Arsenal fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool in a thrilling Barclays Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium. Both sides knew defeat could prove fatal to their hopes of closing back up on the top four, but neither looked ready to settle for anything other than all three points in an open and entertaining match. Liverpool took an early lead through Luis Suarez after terrible defending by Arsenal, and then looked to be in complete control when Jordan Henderson walked in a second on the hour. However, as so often in a frustrating season, the Gunners suddenly burst into life as in-form Olivier Giroud reduced the deficit with a close-range header and Theo Walcott then rattled in an equaliser. There were more chances at each end, but defeat for either side would have been an injustice. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had recalled his regulars tonight, making seven changes from the

Arsenal vs Liverpool Preview On Wednesday night Arsenal will face Liverpool at the Emirates, in which both teams will be looking to snatch all 3 points and improve their respective league positions. Despite both teams having extremely poor seasons, it may surprise you that a Liverpool win will bring them on level points with 6th place Arsenal, who are currently on 37 points. Arsenal have enjoyed success in recent games with a 3-2 win in the FA Cup against Brighton Hove Albion, following a 5-1 win against West Ham United last week at the Emirates. Liverpool lost 3-2 on Sunday to League 2 side Oldham Athletic. It’s not, however, a game that we can be convinced that Liverpool were poor in, because in all fairness they didn’t play particularly badly and Oldham did very well to secure the win and go through to the 5th round of the FA Cup. It was the same situation for us with Bradford earlier in the season. A team’s performance can quickly change and we shouldn’t be looking at

Brighton vs Arsenal Player Ratings + Highlights Arsenal keeps their hope of a first trophy since 2005 alive as they defeated a brave Brighton side away with the scoreline of 2-3. Giroud scored first two goals for the gunners and Walcott’s deflected finish clinched the tie for them. Player Ratings Szczesny  : A Mixed game for Arsenal’s gloves-man. He produced a stunning save in the first half but his school boy type mistake caused Brighton’s second goal.  5.5/10 Santos  : Typical Santos performance. Never seen a Brazilian play so bad at this level. Almost all Brighton attacks came through Santos.  3/10 Jenkinson  : A good game from the English youngster. He made good overlapping runs and was decent at defense too.  6.5/10 Koscielny  : An average performance from the hard tackling defender. Not much to do but he provided good cover for Santos.  6/10 Mertesacker  : Arsenal’s captain did okay for most of the game but he was left watching zones for Brighton’s second

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Arsenal AMEX Stadium 26th January, 2013 3pm Brighton v Arsenal Match Preview Arsenal make their first visit to Brighton since 1988 as they seek progress to the F.A. Cup 5th Round. The tournament seems to be Arsenal's most realistic chance of silverware. But Brighton will be significant opposition. They comfortably disposed of Premier Legaue Newcastle in the last round and will be buoyed by a 93rd minute equaliser to earn them a point at Ewood Park on Tuesday night. Vital Quotes: Arsene Wenger refuses to countenance Brighton's Championship status as he prepares his team to face Gus Poyet's side. 'They play out from the back, have a lot of possession and a big South American influence with their manager, the players they have, and the way they play. You know you will face a typical away game in the Premier League.' Meanwhile, Seagulls manager Gus Poyet knows Brighton must be smart against their Premier Leagu