Arsenal dump Liverpool out of FA Cup. Arsenal to face Everton in quarters

Arsenal sent Liverpool crashing out of the FA Cup, avenging last weekend's rout at Anfield, when they beat Brendan Rodgers's high-flyers 2-1 in a full-bloodied fifth round tie at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.


The Londoners, who lost 5-1 to Liverpool in the Premier League on February 8, won with a 16th-minute goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and a 47th-minute strike from Lukas Podolski before Steven Gerrard halved the arrears with a penalty on the hour. Arsenal meet Everton in next month's quarterfinals after they beat Swansea City 3-1 at Goodison Park where Roberto Martinez stayed on course to become the first manager to win the FA Cup in successive seasons with different teams. He led Wigan Athletic to victory over Manchester City in last season's final and those two sides will face each other again in the last eight after the draw was made on Sunday. On Saturday, Manchester City beat league leaders Chelsea 2-0 while Wigan won 2-1 at Cardiff City. Although Arsenal's victory meant there would be no all-Merseyside clash in the quarterfinals, there could be another derby after League One Sheffield United ended the 16-match unbeaten run of Championship side Nottingham Forest with a 3-1 win at Bramall Lane. United will face Sheffield Wednesday in the competition for the first time since they met in the 1993 semifinals if the latter eventually beat Charlton Athletic in a tie that was postponed on Saturday because of bad weather. The other last-eight clash is between Sunderland, who ousted Southampton 1-0 on Saturday, and Brighton and Hove Albion or Hull City who meet on Monday. The quarterfinals will be played on the weekend of March 8/9.

Premier League - Mourinho is a 'boring bully', says Arsenal legend

The former Arsenal goalkeeper, angry at Mourinho's recent remarks about Arsene Wenger being "a specialist in failure", also described Mourinho's comments as "disrespectful" and "despicable".


And the 72-year-old told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek programme that "boring" Mourinho should behave like the "gent" Sir Tom Finney, who died on Friday aged 91, rather than continue to attack the Arsenalmanager who is "a genuinely good guy and a footballing man". Mourinho made his "specialist in failure" comment on Friday in response to Wenger's claims that the Premier League title is Chelsea's to lose. Mourinho has repeatedly played down Chelsea's chances of winning the Premier League this season, declaring his side are third favourites behind Manchester Cityand the Gunners, despite being leaders with 12 games remaining. "He is a specialist in failure. I'm not," said Mourinho, whose side lost 2-0 to Manchester Cityin the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday. "If supposedly he is right and I'm afraid to fail, it's because I haven't failed many times." When asked about the comments, Wilson said: "I think at best it was disrespectful, at worst despicable to be so dismissive of a genuinely good guy and a footballing man I think, whose presence in England in 17-18 years has opened eyes and ears and created wonderfully entertaining sides. "It's obviously not the first time Mourinho has singled Arsene out. He called him a voyeur which is a disgusting claim and thankfully on that occasion he - although belatedly - he did apologise. "I think it's personal, he is a hugely talented, amazing manager Mourinho but I find - at this moment - I find him boring at the moment. "To call (City boss Manuel) Pellegrini the abuse that he's called him to do with Arsene, this is a weekend when we honour a gent - Tom Finney, Sir Tom, and I don't like bullies." Wilson, who spent his professional career at Arsenal from 1963 to 1974, admitted he endured some banter from former Liverpool boss Bill Shankly when he was at the Gunners, but it was said in good spirit. He added: "I like people who have within them some humility as well. "I think I heard the name (Bill) Shankly in there. Shanks was in a way, in his day like Jose Mourinho. "It was every opportunity to just psyche you out or to come out with things. "On a personal basis, I came out of Loughborough University and I got thrown into the Arsenal first team and I was putting tickets on the door when he took one look at me, knew exactly that I was an amateur school teacher and went to the Arsenal official there, (and said) 'Are Arsenal at full-strength tonight or is that Bob Wilson playing?' "And in 1971, the day before we played in the (FA Cup) final against Liverpool, he was the only guy in the (Wembley) stadium as we looked at it and as we went by, (the lads said) 'See you tomorrow Mr Shankly', (he said) 'Aye, good luck son'. "As I went past and I said 'See you tomorrow Mr Shankly', he said, 'Aye, Bob. Nightmare pitch for goalkeepers eh?' "And he was getting at you, but he was getting at you in a really lovely sort of competitive way."

Piers Morgan backs Chelsea boss Mourinho over Wenger jibe

Failure jab at the Arsenalmanager got the backing of even a Gunners fan. The 'mind games' have turned personal, not for the first time between Jose Mourinhoand Arsene Wenger. The Chelseaboss reacted without hesitation at a press conference when it was put to him that the Arsenal boss said he was in 'fear of failure' at Chelsea. Mourinho's response? "If, supposedly he (Arsene Wenger) is right and I am afraid of failure it is because I don't fail many times. He is specialist because eight years without silverware is very long. If I do that with Chelsea, I leave and I don't come back.’ The comments sparked outrage among fans and journalists with many arguing Mourinho had gone too far, but on the other side of the fence, there were those who felt Wenger took a jab at the Chelsea boss and can't complain at his reaction. One of those was Arsenal fanPiers Morgan, who is famous for his flip-flopping between backing the manager and demanding his removal in charge of the club, dependent on whether the team win or lose. He argued that Jose Mourinho was on fair ground in his response to Arsene Wenger, stating via Twitter: I don't know why Arsenal fans are angry at Mourinho. Wenger provoked him with 'fear to fail' jibe, and he retaliated with a knock-out fact.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 14, 2014 Wenger was right too, Mourinho does fear failure. That's why he's won 12 trophies since Wenger last won one.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 14, 2014 Can you imagine Jose Mourinho ever saying the words: 'Coming 4th is like winning a trophy'? Nope, me neither. #winner— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 14, 2014 Arsenal fans can continue feigning outrage at Mourinho. But Wenger started it, he finished it - and he's 100% right. Trophies = success.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 14, 2014 This appears to be heating up nicely in terms of the title run-in, and now there is extra incentive for Arsenal to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup tomorrow and not prove Mourinho right by dropping out of another chance of silverware. Who knows, if Chelsea beat City, we could be in for an eventual Arsenal-Chelsea final, and that, in terms of build-up, would be worth admission money on it's own.

Gunners chief tells Wenger to splash the cash

Arsenal chairman Chips Keswick has told Arsene Wenger he is free to splash the cash in the next transfer window after the Premier League club revealed cash reserves of over £120 million ($200 million, 147 million euros) in their latest financial results.


The Gunners’ parent company on Friday published figures covering the six months up to November 30, 2013. Although those results showed there was a group loss before tax of £2.2 million, Arsenal’s sound financial footing was clear to see. Arsene Wenger Photo: Arsenal.com Gunners manager Wenger is often cautious about spending large sums on players, but he did shatter the club’s record transfer fee with the £42.5 million purchase of Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in September. And Keswick says the north London outfit remain fully committed to taking the club forwards with further significant investment in Wenger’s squad once the transfer window reopens at the end of the season. “Whilst youth development continues to be an important focus, we fully recognise the importance of getting the balance right between youth and experience,” Keswick said. “As you well know, we signed Mesut Ozil for a club record transfer fee in the summer and, in addition, the signing of Mathieu Flamini has proved to be an astute acquisition. “We will continue to work hard to keep the players Arsene believes can take us forwards. “We will also continue to support the manager in the transfer market when he identifies players he believes can further strengthen the squad.” Arsenal reported football turnover had increased to £136 million from £106.1 million with match-day income at the 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium bringing in £45 million, up from £37.8 million. Although Arsenal’s group loss before tax was £2.2 million, compared to a profit of £17.8 million in 2012, there is no short-term debt, other than related to regular payments on the loan for the stadium move, and the cash reserves are reported at £120.6 million, up from £99.7 million. The club state the “overall result for the year is expected to be fully compliant with all of the requirements of both the Premier League and UEFA financial regulatory regimes.”

Arsenal revive interest in Man Utd ace

Arsenal could make an audacious bid to sign Wilfried Zaha from Manchester United this summer,SportsDirect Newsunderstands.


The 21-year-old, currently on loan at Cardiff City, has become unsettled at Old Trafford this season after seemingly failing to make an impression on United manager David Moyes. Signed by Moyes' predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson, Zaha had emerged as one of the country's top talents during his time at previous club Crystal Palace, when United edged out Arsenal for his signature last January. However, the Gunners could still look to land their man as Arsene Wenger senses an opportunity to pounce on Zaha's uncertain situation with the Red Devils. The England international is already thought to be considering a permanent move away from United for next season, and Moyes could be ready to listen to offers for the player whom he has so far shown no intention of using as part of his first-team squad. A host of other clubs are likely to be in for Zaha as well, and United may well try to avoid selling the youngster to one of their more direct rivals.

Arsenal and Chelsea in tug-of-war for Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng

Doubts persist over captain John Terry’s future at Stamford Bridge, with the towering centre-half’s contract expiring at the end of the current campaign, while Brazilian David Luiz is the subject of interest from Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.


Former Manchester Citydefender Boateng has impressed at the heart of the European Cup holders’ backline but could feel he has unfinished business in England after an injury-ravaged stint at the Etihad Stadium. French teenager Kurt Zouma officially joins up with Jose Mourinho’s squad this summer but at 19, could be too young to step straight into Terry’s shoes, whereas Boateng, six years older then Zouma, has vast experience already. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also an admirer of the player and will see the player in the flesh this month when the Gunners face the Bavarian giants in the Champions League knock-out stages. Wenger is said to view him as a replacement for club captain Thomas Vermaelen, who is set to leave North London in June.

Arsenal have a lot to answer for - Wenger

Arsenal must quickly find answers to a multitude of questions raised by the Premier League leaders 5-1 thrashing at Liverpool on Saturday, according to their manager Arsene Wenger. The shocked Frenchman cut a forlorn figure during a dismal display by his team as a rampant Liverpool cast serious doubts about Arsenal's title aspirations. "Tonight we have a lot to answer for, and a lot of answers to find," Wenger told a news conference. "We had a very poor day defensively and Liverpool played well to take advantage of it. Only our fans were at the races for 90 minutes and unfortunately we were not. "It wasn't good enough. I include myself in that performance, which raises questions about us. It's how we respond that matters." The match at Anfield was the first of a tough run of fixtures for Arsenal, with an FA Cup fifth round tie at home to Liverpool on Tuesday and a Champions League last 16 first leg clash with Bayern Munich also at the Emirates on February 19. First, though, they host Manchester United in their next league game on Wednesday and Wenger will hope his title chasers can deliver an instant response against the champions. LIVERPOOL DOMINANT Arsenal went into Saturday's match in confident mood having been unbeaten in their previous eight league games and having won on their last two league visits to Anfield. However two quick fire goals from Martin Skrtel, followed by strikes from Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge put Liverpool 4-0 up after a frenetic opening 20 minutes. Another strike from winger Sterling in the second half compounded the visitors' misery, with many of the traveling fans leaving before Mikel Arteta's consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers described his team's performance as "world class" and hailed England under-21 winger Sterling's contribution in recent weeks. "It was breathtaking some of our play. The intensity of our pressing and the goals were fantastic. It gave us a great platform," Rodgers told a news conference. "Raheem Sterling, 19 years of age - I don't think there's a better winger in England right now, (he has been) absolutely phenomenal." Liverpool moved within five points of Arsenal with the victory but Rodgers played down talk of a title challenge, saying they will continue to take one game at a time. "The objective has always been to finish as high as we can. We'll just keep focused and keep our concentration."

Mikel Arteta believes Liverpool are title contenders

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta believes today's opponents, Liverpool, are genuine title contenders this season.


Brendan Rodgers' side currently sit fourth in the Premier League table behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal, and despite there being an eight-point gap between the two opponents today, Arteta still believes The Reds should be considered title contenders. Earlier in the season it was Arsenal that ran out winners at the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta and co. know this trip to Anfield will be a lot harder and despite their own boss ruling them out of the title race, Arteta firmly believes otherwise. "Liverpool are definitely one of our title rivals at the moment," he told the Sun. "They have struggled a bit in recent years but they've managed to build a new team with a new manager and a new philosophy. "They have been very consistent this season, they have been scoring a lot of goals at Anfield and they are a brave, creative side. "They play with two strikers most of the time and they have been the best strike partnership in the Premier League. So it is going to be a very tough match for us. "But if we can open up an 11-point gap it would be very difficult for them to catch us with 13 games to go."

You'd be wrong to leave Arsenal warns Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned Bacary Sagna against leaving the Emirates Stadium, with the France international yet to agree a contract extension.


The 30-year-old, who signed from Auxerre in 2007, is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance for the Gunners against Liverpool on Saturday, but is out of contract at the end of the season. Goal revealed that Serie A side Napoli are one of several teams monitoring Sagna's situation, with the defender free to discuss pre-contract agreements with other clubs But Wenger remains determined to keep the full-back in north London and, with Arsenal challenging for multiple honours this season, is convinced Sagna should not leave. “I believe that his future is here and any other decision would be wrong,” said the French manager. “He is fantastic, not only a great player, but a fantastic attitude. “You know when you start the game that Bacary Sagna will give you 100 per cent commitment, no matter where you play or against whom you play. That is a fantastic guarantee.” Wenger did admit, however, that Arsenal are still far away from finding a breakthrough in contract discussions with Sagna, who is keen to explore his options. “When I say I expect (Sagna to stay), it is more that I want it,” continued the Arsenal boss. “I hope that, in the end, I am right. We are not close at the moment. “Because he is a defender, we are ready to give him more than one year. “It is an important contract for him. He is 31 years old (this month) and I can understand. He wants to keep his options open. “I am not all right with that because I would like him to sign just now, but I have to accept it. It is his freedom, the decision belongs to him.”

Arsenal to make move for La Liga goal machine

Arsenal are reportedly willing to activate Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa’s £32 million release clause Arsene Wenger shocked many when he landed Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in the summer – with the Frenchman prepared to go big again and snare Chelsea to the prolific striker’s signature. The Gunners badly need another striker with their title challenge as good as over if lone frontman Olivier Giroud gets injured. And while Wenger failed to move for a striker in the January transfer market he is prepared to splash the cash again by bringing in Brazilian born Costa in the summer. The 25-year-old, although quiet in the 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid last night, has managed to notch an impressive 19 goals in 21 La Liga appearances this term – fitting the newly adopted transfer policy of Wenger, who believes the club should pay big for guaranteed quality. (SportsDirectNews)

Wenger backs Arsenal to shine

Arsene Wenger has challenged Arsenal to seize control of the Premier League title race as the leaders kick-off a vital period with a trip to Liverpool on Saturday.


Wenger's side retained pole position after second-placed Manchester City missed a chance to go top in their 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on Monday and the Gunners can cement their spot on top of the table with a victory at Anfield. Arsenal, who are two points clear of City and third-placed Chelsea, have repeatedly been written off by pundits who don't believe they have the mental strength to end the club's nine-year trophy drought. But Wenger is confident his players are ready to finally put some silverware in the Emirates Stadium trophy cabinet and sees their next two fixtures as the perfect opportunity to send a message to their title rivals. Arsenal, who host Manchester United next weekend, have already beaten Liverpool in the league this season and head to Merseyside looking for a fourth win in their last five visits to Anfield. "This is a massive month for us," said Wenger, who hopes England midfielder Jack Wilshere can return from an ankle injury. "When you are in a good position to fight for something, the closer you get to the end of the season, every game becomes vital and every point is important. "We have fought very hard up until now to be in this position, so let's enjoy it and do our best. "I told you that one month ago there is no invincible team because there are so many quality sides in the Premier League. "It is just how close you are to your best every time which decides the game." Liverpool's potent attack will pose a significant test to Arsenal's title credentials however. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have 37 league goals between them in 35 appearances. Uruguay forward Suarez has bagged 23 league goals this campaign and although none have come in matches against Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City, manager Brendan Rodgers expects his star to shine on Saturday. "I think he has made an impact; he may just not have scored but he certainly scored in those games last season," Rodgers said. "He makes a great contribution to the team but the onus is not always on Luis to score the goals, it is the team. "As long as he does his best and works hard I'll have no complaints with that." Meanwhile, Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta is confident his side will get back on track at Norwich City as they look to erase the bitter taste of that loss to Chelsea. "We can learn from mistakes and we see how difficult the Premier League is at the moment. Every game is very difficult," said Zabaleta, whose team routed Norwich 7-0 in November. "We need to keep calm. I think the manager is clever enough to work during the week and show to us on video what we did wrong and try to do well in the next game." Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has warned his teammates not to squander the momentum from their win at City when the Blues host Newcastle United this weekend. Shutting out City, who have scored 115 goals this season and were unbeaten at home in the league, was a massive boost to Chelsea's title challenge, but Cahill isn't getting carried away. "We are coming off a positive win away from home so we can't afford to throw that away at the weekend against a tough team," Cahill said. "We are at home, we should be buzzing with confidence and ready to go again." Swansea City begin life after Michael Laudrup with a south Wales showdown against bitter rivals Cardiff City at the Liberty Stadium. Laudrup was sacked by Swansea in midweek after just 18 months in charge and Garry Monk will take over on a temporary basis as the Swans look to avenge their 1-0 defeat at Cardiff earlier this season. On Sunday, Manchester United face Fulham, while Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, both in the race for Champions League berths, meet at White Hart Lane.

Wenger to spend big and land Arsenal £35 million Spaniard

Arsenal are reportedly lining up a move for Real Madrid star Isco The 21-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best young players in Europe, has recently admitted to wanting more playing time at Real, whom he joined from Malaga only last summer. Prior to making the move to Madrid, Isco had been linked with a whole host of top clubs, with Manchester City believed to be the other main contenders to sign him due to his connection with Manuel Pellegrini, his old boss at Malaga. However, Arsenal were also interested in the Spaniard, and may try again for him ahead of next season if he continues to be unhappy with his situation at the Bernabeu. (SportsDirectNews) The lad would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal

Arsenal keen to get shock summer deal done

Arsenal are lining up a sensational move to bring Ashley Cole back to the club at the end of the season. Cole, 33, began his career at Arsenal before sealing a controversial switch to Chelsea in 2006, where he has since won a number of trophies. However, despite his success, the left-back has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, with Jose Mourinho preferring other options. And amid talk that the Blues will not be renewing Cole’s contract, Arsenal are said to be keen on bringing him back to north London. (Metro) It could be a good idea from the Gunners to land him