The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Arsenal’s season starts now, says Wenger Posted: 09 Sep 2011 08:15 AM PDT  Wenger reacts during the league match against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium in London August 20, 2011. — Reuters pic Arsenal were crushed 8-2 at Manchester United in their last game on August28 and with just one point from their opening three games are currently 17th in the 20-team table. Wenger, though, told the club's official website (arsenal.com): "We were very disappointed (after losing to United) and we were absolutely down after the game but putting things into perspective, we were really weakened on the day. "We had a very demanding game on the Wednesday against Udinese and then conceded four goals in the last 20 minutes when we were down to ten men. "Of course it was difficult, but maybe the international break came at a good time. In between we could buy some players and could get some players back from injury. The real start of the season, where we can get the whole squad together, is now." Unusually for a man who rarely deals late in the transfer window, Wenger brought in defenders Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker, midfielders Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta and forward Park Chu-young just before the deadline closed. He said he did not react purely because of the United defeat. "What really incited me (to buy) was knowing that (Jack) Wilshere will be out for longer than expected, that (Thomas) Vermaelen needed surgery, that (Kieran) Gibbs having the whole season on his shoulders at left back with (Armand) Traore leaving would be very difficult. "With (Nicklas) Bendtner going out the possibility to buy another striker was also there. "I wanted as well some more experience in the squad because on the bench at Manchester United we were very, very young. In a game of this stature of course it's very difficult for the players." Arsenal will look a different side to the one that featured the now-departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri working in tandem at the heart of their attacks. Wenger will be hoping for an immediate return from his new faces at home to Swansea, who have yet to score in three league games since winning promotion. "Swansea are a good side who play good football, building out from the back," said Wenger. "Possession-wise they are very good, they are a team who plays football which is suited to the Premier League and that is why we must have a good performance." — Reuters |
| Man City CEO quits over email row Posted: 09 Sep 2011 07:40 AM PDT  Cook (right) and City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak attend the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at the City of Manchester Stadium May 5, 2010. — Reuters pic "Following the findings of the review, Chief Executive Officer Garry Cook has offered his resignation, which has been accepted with regret by the Board," the club said in a statement on its website (mcfc.co.uk). Anthonia Onuoha, who acts as her son's agent, had emailed Cook saying that while she was "ravaged with cancer" it would not stop her negotiating on the player's behalf over a contract dispute he was having. She received a reply, which seemed to be intended for the club's football administrator Brian Marwood, saying; "Brian... Ravaged with it!!...I don't know how you sleep at night. You used to be such a nice man when I worked with you at Nike. G" "The club can confirm that there is foundation to Dr Onuoha's allegations and the chairman has written to apologise to Dr Onuoha for any distress caused," the statement said. Local media had reported this week that Cook had denied sending the email, saying that his account must have been hacked, but today he said he had made "an error of judgment". "I am privileged to have held my position at Manchester City Football Club and to have experienced the opportunities that it has presented," he said on the website. "The privilege is in part offset, however, by the significant personal focus which has at times, detracted from the magnificent achievements of those working at the football club. "It is that factor, together with my error of judgment in this matter that has prompted me to reach this decision, which I believe is in the best interests of the football club." City, the world's richest club, said director John MacBeath would take on the role temporarily before a permanent successor was appointed. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak thanked Cook for his contribution to the club for the past three years. "His judgement in this matter should in no way lead to his accomplishments being overlooked," he said. "On every level, the club is unrecognisable from the organisation which he inherited and our staff and supporter services, community outreach and commercial activity have seen unparalleled growth under his direction with yet more projects to be realised on the horizon." — Reuters |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Malaysian Insider :: Sports To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan