It's taken a while, but it's finally happened. "Mad" Jens, Arsenal's crazy German goalkeeper, has finally won over the Arsenal fans and is now firmly entrenched as Arsenal's number one goalkeeper. An outstanding series of performances last season saw Lehmann break the record for most minutes in Champions League football without conceding.
Friday, November 10, 2006
The Gunners' Squad
The Players
1. Jens Lehmann
Profile
2. Abou Diaby
Profile
Poor Abou Diaby will miss most of the season after having his ankle dislocated and broken by a reckless challenge against Sunderland last season. He joined Arsenal in January 06 to bolster a central midfield missing the physical presence of Patrick Vieira. Diaby himself is a strong powerful midfielder, despite his age, and is highly rated by those who have seen him play.
4. Francesc Fabregas
Profile
Cesc Fabregas has certainly repaid the faith shown to him by his manager with some stellar displays in the heart of Arsenal's midfield. Still only a teenager, Cesc's vision, passing and movement are a class apart. If all goes to plan, he is a future Arsenal captain.
Profile | Career Honours | Statistics | Staff table
5. Kolo Touré
Profile
Kolo Touré has really come of age since his move to central defence. He is now regarded as one of the finest centre-halves in the Premiership, and is senior member of a very young Arsenal back four. His pace, power and recovery are amongst the very best in the business.
6. Philippe Senderos
Profile
Philippe Senderos is a young Arsenal player who has really made his mark on the first team. A central defender, he really came into his own when injury and other issues kept Sol Campbell out of the Arsenal side last season.
7. Tomas Rosicky
Profile
Signed for Arsenal in May 2006, Tomas Rosicky was signed as a replacement for the exiting Robért Píres, also inheriting Píres' number 7 shirt. A playmaker blessed with incredible natural talent, Rosicky had an impressive World Cup scoring two goals in the Czech's win over the USA.
8. Freddie Ljungberg
Profile
Freddie Ljungberg, Arsenal stalwart, is slowly beginning to lose his influence on the Arsenal team. Having relied on his goals from midfield for so long, Arsenal will be shifting their focus onto Rosicky and Hleb to find the back of the net it seems. Two seasons ago, Freddie scored 14 times. Last season he was only able to contribute 2 goals.
9. Julio Baptista
Profile
Julio Baptista joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in the last few minutes of the 2006 summer transfer window, with former midfielder José Antonio Reyes moving in the opposite direction. Baptista is a powerfully built attacking player, who can operate in midfield or as a striker.
10. William Gallas
Profile
William Gallas is an experienced and assured defender, capable of playing in any position in the back line. His knowledge of the game and strength underline his value to the current Arsenal team. Joining Arsenal in the last few moments of the summer transfer window, he takes the place and playing number of Ashley Cole.
11. Robin van Persie
Profile
Definitely one of the most skillful and technically brilliant players on our books, Robin van Persie looks like a young man with big things ahead of him. He came to Arsenal with a huge amount of both talent and ego but is starting to settle down now and we're starting to see the best of him.
12. Lauren
Profile
Lauren was signed by Arsène Wenger in 2000 from Real Mallorca as cover in midfield and defence. However, he quickly found himself as Arsenal's first choice right-back, a position he still holds today. After some initial shakiness during the first few times he played in the position, the Cameroonian has really grown into the role and many consider him the best right-back in the Premiership.
13. Alexander Hleb
Profile
Alex Hleb had a rather up-and-down first season in English football, but I think it's fair to say that overall he has shown Gooners everywhere that he certainly has the potential to be a future star for Arsenal.
14. Thierry Henry
Profile
The list of superlatives that describe this modern-day champion is gigantic. As well as being arguably the best player in the world, Henry is now Arsenal captain and marked his first season as skipper by leading his charges into the Champions League final for the first time, picking up the PFA Player of the season award, and becoming Arsenal's all time record goalscorer.
15. Denilson
Profile
Denilson is a talented young player from Sao Paulo with big things ahead of him. He has received rave reviews from fans back home in Brazil and will be hoping to win over his new club.
16. Mathieu Flamini
Profile
Mathieu Flamini is a versatile French midifelder who is full of running and never seems to tire. Due to a number of injuries to key personnel, last season he played the majority of games in an unfamiliar left-back role - a position he surprisingly excelled in.
17. Alexandre Song
Profile
Alexandre Song is another young prospect plucked from the obscurities of French club football and may yet go on to do great things. Originally signed on a year's loan, Song has now had that deal converted to a permanent one. A physically gifted footballer, he adds power to Arsenal's midfield.
19. Gilberto
Profile
It was a difficult 2004/05 season for Gilberto Silva, as a career-threatening back injury kept him out from September 04 until April 05.
20. Johan Djourou
Profile
Johan Djourou is a talented young central defender with great things ahead of him. Ivorian born, but Swiss by nationality, Djourou made rapid progress last season with many appearances for the first team.
21. Mart Poom
Profile
Mart Poom joined Arsenal on the last day of the transfer window in August 2005. A veteran of over 200 games in England, Poom is certainly one to add experience in the dressing room.
22. Gaël Clichy
Profile
Gaël Clichy is a hugely promising left-back who has always looked at home in the Arsenal first team when called upon. Equally at home attacking the left flank as defending it, Clichy looks to have a long Arsenal career ahead of him.
24. Manuel Almunia
Profile
The little known Spaniard came to Arsenal after spending a year on loan at Spanish club Albacete Balompié from Celta de Vigo.
25. Emmanuel Adebayor
Profile
Emmanuel Adebayor is a Togolese striker who joined Arsenal in January of 2006. He has been likened to the ex-Gunner Kanu because of his style of play and gangly movements on the pitch. Adebayor has chosen the number 25 shirt because he idolises Kanu, who wore the shirt before him.
27. Emmanuel Eboue
Profile
After initially impressing during a trial period at the start of the 2004/05 season, Emmanuel Eboue joined Arsenal in January 2005 from KSK Beveren for a reported £1.5m fee. He immediately made his debut in Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup win over Stoke City, playing at right back. After being initially denied a move due to work permit issues, Eboue became eligible to join the club after marrying his Belgian girlfriend at the end of 2004.
30. Jeremie Aliádíère
Profile
Jeremie Aliádíère has had a tough time of it in the early stages of his career. Since joining at the beginning of the 1999-00 season, he has had a horrible run with injuries and has struggled to make an impact in the first team.
31. Justin Hoyte
Profile
Justin Hoyte has risen up the youth ranks at Arsenal to be on the fringes of the first team. He can ply his trade at right-back, and has also recently made appearances at left-back.
32. Theo Walcott
Profile
Theo Walcott comes to Arsenal as one of England's most exciting prospects. The young winger/forward caught Arsène Wenger's eye from the young age of 14, before making a name for himself in Southampton's first team, scoring 5 goals in 13 appearances.
41. Arturo Lupoli
Profile
Averaging a goal a game in the Reseves for Arsenal last season, young Italian striker Arturo Lupoli looks like he has a bright future at the club.
The Old Stadium(Highbury)
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Pictures of Arsenals New Stadium(Emirates)
The Emirates Stadium from the Outside
Stands filled with Exited Arsenal Fans
The Emirates Stadium being preparedArsenal Fixtures(2006-07)
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 15 | 3:00 PM | F | BARNET (A) | 0 | 0 | Draw |  |
| Sat, 22 | 5:00 PM | F | AJAX (H) | 2 | 1 | Win | |
| Tue, 25 | 7:45 PM | F | SV MATTERSBURG (A) | 2 | 1 | Win | |
| Mon, 31 | 3:00 PM | F | SCHWADORF (A) | 8 | 1 | Win | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4 | 3:00 PM | F | AZ ALKMAAR (A) | 3 | 0 | Win | |
| Fri, 4 | 3:00 PM | F | BOREHAM WOOD (A) | 4 | 0 | Win | |
| Tue, 8 | 7:45 PM | CL | DINAMO ZAGREB (A) | 3 | 0 | Win |  |
| Sat, 19 | 3:00 PM | P | ASTON VILLA (H) | 1 | 1 | Draw | |
| Wed, 23 | 8:05 PM | CL | DINAMO ZAGREB (H) | 2 | 1 | Win | |
| Sat, 26 | 5:15 PM | P | MANCHESTER CITY (A) | 0 | 1 | Lost | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 9 | 3:00 PM | P | MIDDLESBROUGH (H) | 1 | 1 | Draw | |
| Wed, 13 | 7:45 PM | CL | HAMBURGER SV (A) | 2 | 1 | Win | |
| Sun, 17 | 4:00 PM | P | MANCHESTER UNITED (A) | 1 | 0 | Win | |
| Sat, 23 | 3:00 PM | P | SHEFFIELD UNITED (H) | 3 | 0 | Win | |
| Tue, 26 | 7:45 PM | CL | FC PORTO (H) | 2 | 0 | Win | |
| Sat, 30 | 3:00 PM | P | CHARLTON ATHLETIC (A) | 2 | 1 | Win | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 14 | 3:00 PM | P | WATFORD (H) | 3 | 0 | Win | |
| Tue, 17 | 5:45 PM | CL | CSKA MOSCOW (A) | 0 | 1 | Lost | |
| Sun, 22 | 4:00 PM | P | READING (A) | 4 | 0 | Win | |
| Tue, 24 | 7:45 PM | LC | WEST BROMWICH ALBION (A) | 2 | 0 | Win | |
| Sat, 28 | 3:00 PM | P | EVERTON (H) | 1 | 1 | Draw | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 1 | 7:45 PM | CL | CSKA MOSCOW (H) | 0 | 0 | Draw | |
| Sun, 5 | 1:30 PM | P | WEST HAM UNITED (A) | 0 | 1 | Lost | |
| Wed, 8 | 8:00 PM | LC | EVERTON (A) | 1 | 0 | Win | |
| Sun, 12 | 4:00 PM | P | LIVERPOOL (H) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 18 | 3:00 PM | P | NEWCASTLE UNITED (H) | - | - | - | |
| Tue, 21 | 7:45 PM | CL | HAMBURGER SV (H) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 25 | 5:15 PM | P | BOLTON WANDERERS (A) | - | - | - | |
| Wed, 29 | 7:45 PM | P | FULHAM (A) | - | - | - | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 2 | 12:45 PM | P | TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (H) | - | - | - | |
| Wed, 6 | 7:45 PM | CL | FC PORTO (A) | - | - | - | |
| Sun, 10 | 4:00 PM | P | CHELSEA (A) | - | - | - | |
| Wed, 13 | 7:45 PM | P | WIGAN ATHLETIC (A) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 16 | 3:00 PM | P | PORTSMOUTH (H) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 23 | 3:00 PM | P | BLACKBURN ROVERS (H) | - | - | - | |
| Tue, 26 | 5:30 PM | P | WATFORD (A) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 30 | 5:15 PM | P | SHEFFIELD UNITED (A) | - | - | - | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 2 | 7:45 PM | P | CHARLTON ATHLETIC (H) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 13 | 5:15 PM | P | BLACKBURN ROVERS (A) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 20 | 3:00 PM | P | MANCHESTER UNITED (H) | - | - | - | |
| Tue, 30 | 7:45 PM | P | MANCHESTER CITY (H) | - | - | - | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 3 | 3:00 PM | P | MIDDLESBROUGH (A) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 10 | 3:00 PM | P | WIGAN ATHLETIC (H) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 24 | 3:00 PM | P | ASTON VILLA (A) | - | - | - | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 3 | 3:00 PM | P | READING (H) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 17 | 3:00 PM | P | EVERTON (A) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 31 | 3:00 PM | P | LIVERPOOL (A) | - | - | - | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 7 | 3:00 PM | P | WEST HAM UNITED (H) | - | - | - | |
| Mon, 9 | 3:00 PM | P | NEWCASTLE UNITED (A) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 14 | 3:00 PM | P | BOLTON WANDERERS (H) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 21 | 3:00 PM | P | TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (A) | - | - | - | |
| Sat, 28 | 3:00 PM | P | FULHAM (H) | - | - | - | |
| Date | Time | Opposition | F | A | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 5 | 3:00 PM | P | CHELSEA (H) | - | - | - | |
| Sun, 13 | 3:00 PM | P | PORTSMOUTH (A) | - | - | - | |
