Arsenal v Liverpool (Big Match Facts & Stats)

It's a battle between two of the biggest names in the Premier League, as Arsenal face Liverpool.

With some help from OPTA, here are some things you should know about Arsenal and Liverpool prior to tonight’s kick-off at The Emirates:

Out of their last 11 Premier League meetings with Liverpool, Arsenal have won six, drawn six and loss one.




The Emirates has seen the most goals in the Premier League so far – 46 goals have been scored.

Santi Cazorla continues to be the most dynamic midfielder in the Premier League since his arrival from Malaga in the summer. The Spaniard has made 15 through balls so far this season, no other player has made more than eight.



Seven goals have been scored in the 90th minute or later in the last eight Premier League games between the two sides.
  In their last 12 Premier League away games against Arsenal, Liverpool have only managed to pick up eight points.

Liverpool have averaged the highest possession in the Premier League so far this season with 59.4%.

Luis Suarez has created more goal-scoring chances from open play than any other player in the top five European leagues this season (61).

Arsenal have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League meetings with Liverpool, but six of these games have also ended in a draw (W4 D6 L1).

No side has won more Premier League away games at Arsenal than Liverpool (6, alongside Manchester United).

Of players to have attempted at least 30 shots (excl. blocked) in the Premier League this season, Theo Walcott (31.3%) has the best shot conversion rate.

Lukas Podolski tops the Premier League assist charts with nine this season following three in his last appearance against West Ham; the first player to assist three in a single PL game since Steven Pienaar in April 2012.


Luis Suárez has created more goalscoring chances from open play than any other player in the top five European leagues this season (61).

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Liverpool 0 Arsenal 2 (Poldoski, Cazorla) Premier League, September 2012

Liverpool 1 (Kolscieny OG) Arsenal (Van Persie 2) Premier League, March 2012

Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2 (Ramsey OG, Suarez) Premier League, August 2011

CLASSIC MATCH...
In recent memory, the two sides have put on highly entertaining games, recording 3-6 and 4-4 scorelines, although in the past seven league meetings, none have seen more than three goals scored.
The thrilling 4-4 draw at Anfield in April 2009, remains the only Premier League game, where a player has scored four times (Andrei Arshavin - Arsenal) and not ended up on the winning team.

My Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool
...feel free to use the comments section below, predict the scoreline.

Arsenal v Liverpool (Big Match Preview)

Arsenal's form in terms of results has been up and down lately with four straight wins followed by a draw, two defeats (albeit to Manchester City and Chelsea) and then a 5-1 thumping of West Ham last time out.
A consistent level of performance has clearly been missing and I've found Arsene Wenger to be much more up front about it in recent post-match interviews than he might have been in the past.
We've won 10 games so far in the league, which is the lowest at this stage of the season since Wenger took over in September 1996. The run of consecutive top-four finishes, currently standing at 15, is under threat.
On the other hand, Liverpool seem to be moving in the right direction and will be delighted with the early impact Daniel Sturridge has made following his move from Chelsea in this transfer window. A goal tonight would see him become the first Liverpool player to score on each of his first three Premier league appearances for the club.
The team have won six of the last nine in the league, but the FA Cup defeat was a nasty jolt at the start of a big week that includes this trip to the Emirates and a visit to champions Manchester City on Sunday. If the margin for error for the rest of the season is small for Arsenal as they chase fourth place, it's even smaller for Liverpool.
Arsenal and England attacker Theo Walcott speaking to Arsenal.com: "It's going to be an intense game. Both teams are fighting for that fourth position and are very close together.

"But I think the way we played at home the other day [against West Ham] shows that we are strong enough to beat them."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday: "It's a very important game. I wouldn't say it was a must-win game, but it's a game where, if we put yesterday aside, the team that has been playing of late in the league has got big confidence.

"We know it's a tough game for us, but it's a game we're certainly going to look to go and try and win - and a game we're capable of winning.

 

                                          Possible line-up (Arsenal)
Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Wilshere, Diaby, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud.

 

                                          Possible line-up (Liverpool)
Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique, Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Downing, Suarez, Sturridge.

Ref Watch

Leicester based Kevin Friend is the referee appointed to take charge of this contest. The 41-year-old has officiated 22 games during 2012-2013 and shown 76 yellow and 2 red cards. Both Liverpool and Arsenal have experienced wins with Friend in the middle this season. The Reds defeated Wigan 3-0 in November whilst Arsenal have enjoyed high-scoring wins over Reading and Southampton.

Match facts and stats to follow...

Wenger: We are okay without new players.

Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal can still have a successful season even if they do not sign any new players as he admitted today the club have failed in their attempt to land Barcelona forward David Villa.
Barca president Sandro Rossell insisted earlier this month that he could “completely rule out the transfer of Villa during the winter market” and it appears Wenger will now have to turn to other targets with time running out ahead of Thursday’s 11pm deadline.
Asked if there was any room for negotiation with Barcelona over Villa, Wenger replied: “No.”

Wenger had confirmed his interest in the Spanish international in December, and it has been thought that he was keen on a move to the former Premier League champions. He has been a fringe player at best during the current campaign, but Wenger said that a deal is unlikely to happen before the window closes on Thursday.

Villa has started only seven La Liga games this season as he struggles to regain a regular first-team place after missing the majority of last season with a broken leg.
But Barcelona are adamant Villa is not for sale, a stance Wenger confirmed this morning. “The speculation doesn’t go away but Barcelona don’t want to sell David Villa,” he said. “They have made that very, very clear.
“You respect the desire. If I say that somebody is not for transfer I expect the other clubs not to try to buy him.
“In January, it’s very difficult to find players who strengthen your team when you’re in our position.”


Although many Arsenal supporters are desperate to see additions to the squad, Wenger insisted it would not be a major issue were the club not to make any new signings.
“I don’t see it as a problem,” Wenger said. “When you speak about ‘anyone’ coming in, I could go out and buy someone just to give people hope. What is important is that you bring in players who can strengthen your team, or you do nothing and are strong enough to do nothing.
“That is what is important for us, to bring in a player who can strengthen the squad. ‘Anyone’ to me means exactly what the modern game has become. As numbers we have enough. We have plenty of quality strikers.”

Brighton v Arsenal (Preview, Match Facts & Stats)

The FA Cup looks Arsenal’s most realistic chance of silverware this season but if we are to progress in the competition, we must overcome a potentially tricky test against Championship opposition in the last 32. Arsenal will no doubt want to avoid another upset after their shock exit at the hands of Bradford in the Carling Cup earlier in the season. 

Gus Poyet’s Brighton side are challenging for a place in the second tier play-offs and confirmed their threat in the previous round when they knocked out Premier League strugglers Newcastle.

Arsenal head into the tie on the back of a 5-1 demolition of West Ham on Wednesday which helped lift spirits after the disappointing 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

The win included two goals for France striker Olivier Giroud who has now scored 11 goals for the club since his pre-season move from Montpellier.

But Giroud insists there is more to come from him in the second half of the season.

“It is good thing to reach this number of goals, but I want to keep going and score more,” he said.

“I know my team-mates very well, so I feel really good in games. I have scored 11 goals and I have nine assists but I know I can do more.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s visit will give Brighton the chance to show how far they have come since their 6-1 defeat to Liverpool in the fifth round of the competition last season.

Arsenal Squad (from) : Szczesny, Gibbs, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Sagna, Podolski, Cazorla, Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, Giroud, Mannone, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santos, Arshavin, Jenkinson, Diaby, Rosicky.

HEAD TO HEAD

 Arsenal have had the better of the exchanges with Brighton, winning nine and losing two of the 13 matches between the sides, eight of which were in the top-flight between 1979 and 1983.

The Gunners hold a 100% record over the Seagulls in the FA Cup.

The London side won 2-0 away in the third round in 1935, repeated the result at Highbury in the fourth round in 1980 and were 2-1 fourth round victors in their most recent clash at the Goldstone Ground in 1988.

Newcastle's third round conquerors are looking to claim another Premier League scalp in one of four top-flight against Championship contests in this fourth round, which would give Brighton a place in the fifth round for the third season running.

Twelve months ago, Gus Poyet's side also ended the interest of Newcastle in this fourth round.

The 1983 runners-up have not lost any of the last nine FA Cup matches on their own territory. Mansfield's third round triumph in 2008 is the Seagulls' only loss in their last 13 FA Cup matches in front of the home faithful.

The 10 times winners, seven times runners-up and second most successful club in FA Cup history have only fallen as early as the fourth round in two of the last 12 seasons, and it was top-flight opposition that ejected Arsenal on both occasions.

The north London club, 21 places higher than Brighton, were last eliminated by a non-Premier League club in the third round in January 1996, when Sheffield United of the second tier knocked them out, prior to Arsene Wenger's arrival.

The Gunners, who fell foul of League Two Bradford City in the Capital One Cup, have lost 99 matches in FA Cup history.

BIG MATCH STATS AND FACTS 

This will be only the fourth time the clubs have met in the FA Cup and the third time in the fourth round. Arsenal have won all three previous ties without needing a replay.

Their last meeting came in the fourth round in 1988, with The Gunners claiming a 2-1 victory.

Brighton have won their last two home FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition.

Arsenal are unbeaten in 33 games against lower ranked sides in the FA Cup, not losing since a 0-1 defeat at Sheffield United in 1996.

The Gunners have won none of their last three games on the road, losing one (v Chelsea) and drawing two (v Swansea in the FA Cup and v Southampton).

Brighton and Hove Albion defeated Newcastle United in the third round of the 1983 competition as they did earlier this campaign; they went on to reach the final 30 years ago.

The Gunners have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last seven away FA Cup games, shipping 12 in total in this away run.

Good Luck Arsenal!!!

Picture of the week. (Walcott and Podolski mimicking the act of signing a contract).

Walcott’s goal was arguably the most eye catching of the five thanks to a terrific ball in from Lukas Podolski, the German bending it round the Hammers back line for a finish at the back post.
 Unfortunately the cameras missed it as they played the replay of the goal just as Walcott and Podolski moved into signing mode.

Arsene Wenger admits "tough" top-four challenge.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that his side face a "tough" challenge as they battle to finish in the Champions League spots. Arsenal slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, a result which leaves them seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham - albeit with a game in hand.

And the Frenchman believes Arsenal must improve in the coming weeks if they are to qualify for the Champions League again this season.

Wenger told reporters: "We have lost two big games in the last week, and that’s very damaging for us. We can’t drop points any more if we want to be in the top four. That’s a concern.

"We have fantastic quality and spirit, but come into the game when we are 2-0 down. That is very difficult in the big games and at the moment that is worrying for us.”

The 63-year-old also bemoaned his side's poor start against the Blues, a factor which he believes was the main reason for defeat.

"We were stretched, we gave Chelsea far too much room to play and we didn’t defend tightly enough," Wenger continued.

"We didn’t make enough of our chances, which is why we lost. It’s very damaging for our league position and difficult to swallow.""It will be a tough challenge for us to make the top four," said Wenger. "We need to learn to be much more efficient with the quality of game we use.

"Once again we didn't start on all cylinders. We had the first chance in the game, and didn't take it.

"Once we were 2-0 down we came back with a great second-half [performance] and a great spirit. We rushed our decisions in the final third and didn't make enough of our corner and free-kicks in the end."

However, Arsene Wenger criticised referee Martin Atkinson following his side’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea.

“The referee gave a lot of free-kicks today, and some much less than the Coquelin one. It’s frustrating.” He told Sky Sports.

“It doesn’t mean we should have conceded the goal but, in the big games, these decisions have big implications.”

“We only came into the game when we were 2-0 down, that’s worrying.”

The loss to their London rivals made it back-to-back Premier League defeats for Arsenal, and Wenger admitted that his team’s form is a concern:

“We have lost two big games in the last week. That’s damaging for us. We can’t afford to lose more points. It’s a concern.

Arsenal host West Ham United in the Premier League on Wednesday.
 

Chelsea v Arsenal... Full Preview + Match Stats.

Chelsea welcome North London rivals Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on Sunday looking to put a poor run of home results behind them which culminated in a draw against Southampton on Wednesday. Chelsea have failed to win their last three games at the Bridge in all competitions, with their last home victory being the 8-0 mauling handed out to Aston Villa on 23rd December 2012.

Rafa Benitez’s first 16 games in charge have been the worst of any Chelsea manger under the Roman Abramovich regime. Rafa has only won 59% of the 16 games while losing 4 of them, with the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho being top of the table with an 81% win rate, losing only 1 game. Benitez has recruited the services of Demba Ba, exploiting the £7.5 million buyout clause in the Senegalese’s Newcastle contract to help turn the Blues fortunes around.

Arsenal fans were delighted this week to hear the news that Theo Walcott had signed a new 3 year contract, reportedly worth £100,000 a week. It puts to an end an anxious few months for fans who were worried that Walcott would walk away from the club for nothing in the summer. Now that Walcott has signed, he can now push on and cement his position as Arsenal’s no. 1 striker.

Chelsea will be looking for nothing less than three points on Sunday to keep their slim hopes of challenging league leaders Man Utd alive. The Blues currently sit 13 points adrift from United and could fall 16 points behind, kissing goodbye any chance of the title. The same could be said for Arsenal as they currently sit in sixth place, 6 points from a Champions League place, although they do have a game in hand which they play on Wednesday against West Ham United. Both teams go into the game not in great form having won only one of their last three league games.

Chelsea will be without John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses, who are both at the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, and Oriel Romeu who is a long term absentee. John Terry is now fit and available for selection but Benitez may feel that the game is too big to throw Terry in from the beginning.

For Arsenal, they will be without Gervinho as he is also away with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations, and Mikel Arteta who was confirmed as being out of action for up to four weeks with a calf injury. Thomas Rosicky has been rated doubtful for Sunday, while Laurent Koscielny is available after serving his one match ban.

"The team are scoring a lot of goals, as we expect them to, but we have to manage this advantage in a better way," interim Blues boss Benitez said.
"We have to be more clinical. We have to defend as a unit, as a team, be more compact and not give them any hope they can score."
The Spaniard is, however, confident the occasion of hosting their bitter rivals will see his side rise to the challenge, adding: "It's always important when you have a draw at home to have a big challenge ahead of you.
"To have Arsenal is a very good thing for me and the players. They are a rival who are close to us. We have to use that as a positive.
"They are close (in the league) and if we win there'll be a big difference."

Wenger, though, insists when they head to the dugout, all coaches have the same agenda.
'I feel sympathy for every manager until the day I play against him. Then the sympathy goes and comes back after the game - not always straight after the game, sometimes it is some time later. We are all in the same position," said the Gunners boss, himself not immune from criticism from the Arsenal fans this season.
'We know we are in a fragile job and that the confidence is very important, but it is a job where you have to take care of your own team.'

Wenger, however, is expecting an open encounter.
'Both teams have attacking styles. Chelsea is today a team who has many good attacking players so it should be a game with goal chances," he said.
'We will not change our style too much, so we will try to attack and try to create chances.'

Head-to-head

• Chelsea have lost as many home games as they have won against Arsenal in the Premier League (W7, D6, L7).
• The Gunners won 5-3 on their last visit to Stamford Bridge in October 2011, with Robin van Persie scoring twice in the last five minutes to complete a hat-trick.
• However, Chelsea have lost only four of their last 22 meetings with Arsenal in all competitions (W12, D6, L4).

Chelsea

• Chelsea have won five and lost only one of their last seven league fixtures, scoring 20 goals.
• Chelsea have only won one of their six domestic games under Rafa Benitez at Stamford Bridge, while they have won their last six away matches under him.
• They have kept an unsurpassed nine clean sheets in the Premier League.
• Frank Lampard has scored seven goals in his last nine Premier League starts. He is now the second highest goalscorer in the club's history with 194 goals - eight behind Bobby Tambling.

Arsenal

• Arsenal have fewer points after 21 matches than in any other season since Arsene Wenger took charge in 1996.
• They are unbeaten in their last five Premier League away matches and have only conceded nine away goals all season - the equal-fewest in the division with Swansea.
• Wenger's side have conceded the highest proportion (58%) of first-half goals in the top flight this season, according to Opta.
• The Gunners have yet to lose a game in which they took the lead, winning seven and drawing two.
• Theo Walcott has already scored a career-high 14 goals for the season in all competitions. Eight of those goals have come in the league - one shy of his best-ever tally in 2010-11.

"I've not bid for Cavani..." -Wenger.

Quoted by the Mirror, Wenger has admitted he had no chance of signing Cavani while Napoli were challenging for the Serie A title and well in the mix for qualifying for the Champions League.

The manager suggested he would have to submit a bid worth double the players value to have a chance of persuading the Italians to sell, before confirming he hasn’t made a bid for the striker. 

Wenger said:

“Napoli are playing for the championship and the Champions League in Italy. So what is the interest of Napoli to sell Cavani? None. Unless you say, ‘Okay, we pay twice the price of what the player is worth.’

“He is also cup-tied for the Champions League on top of that – all the players who can strengthen us are cup-tied in the Champions League.

“We can spend the money that we have decided to spend, if it is for a player we think gives us a plus. I do not want to speak about Cavani because we have not made an enquiry for him.

Wenger is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

With the Mirror claiming Cavani has a £45m buy-out clause, maybe we wouldn’t have to pay ‘twice the price’ but it’s still likely to be well out of our reach. I never bought into the whole Cavani excitement yesterday. It was all blown way out of proportion.

Arsene simply said he liked a player and all of a sudden I’m reading reports saying we’ve bid for him. It’s was crazy, and like the boss said, why would Napoli sell mid-season when they’re sitting second in the league?

Make your opinions known in the comments' section below.

Wilshere wants to emulate "hero" Steven Gerrard.

Jack Wilshere has revealed that Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is the player he most wishes to emulate, as the Arsenal star hails the England captain as the complete midfielder, the Daily Mirror has reported.


Wilshere earned plaudits for scoring a late, long-range goal to send the Gunners safely through to the next round of the FA Cup against Swansea City in midweek, the tie having gone to a replay after the first meeting between the sides, at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, ended in a 2-2 draw. Arsenal next play Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion.

But the manner of Wilshere’s goal - a spectacular effort from distance - drew comparisons with numerous Gerrard efforts over the years, as did the way in which Wilshere stepped up and assumed responsibility for winning the match for his side.

Wilshere has been tipped as a future Arsenal captain, the Mirror adds, and the player himself says he one day hopes to mean to Arsenal what Gerrard does to Liverpool. Wilshere said: “Steven is a great role model. He has been the heartbeat of Liverpool for years… If I can get anywhere near as good as him and drive the team forward like he does, then I will be happy.”

While Wilshere acknowledged the similarity between his goal against Swansea and Gerrard’s against the likes of West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final and Olympiakos in a crucial Champions League match in 2004, he insisted that as players there are differences between Gerrard and himself.

Arsenal v Swansea (Preview, Match Facts & Stats)

Arsene Wenger will demand his players be less “timid” than they were in their weekend defeat to Manchester City. The FA Cup represents Arsenal’s best chance of winning their first silverware since 2005, so another limp home performance will not be tolerated by the club or its fans. “I am confident the group will respond [to Sunday’s loss],” said captain Thomas Vermaelen, “and I'm confident we can get a result on Wednesday.”

Victory will be no formality, however, with Swansea seven games unbeaten and on a good run of form against Arsenal, including a 2-0 win at the Emirates in December. Swansea can also look to their recent 2-0 League Cup win at Stamford Bridge to boost their confidence ahead of their latest trip to London.
Arsenal will be without Laurent Koscielny (suspended), Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Lukasz Fabianski (all injured). Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has a full squad to pick from (except for the ineligible Roland Lamah) and – although he admitted he prioritises the league over cup competitions – he promised: “the team I put out will be a competitive one”.
The winners of this tie will travel to Brighton in the next round.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Swansea 2 (Michu, Graham) Arsenal 2 (Podolski, Gibbs), FA Cup, January 2013

Arsenal 0 Swansea 2 (Michu 2), Premier League, December 2012

Swansea 3 (Sinclair, Dyer, Graham) Arsenal 2 (van Persie, Walcott), Premier League, January 2012

Head-to-Head (Facts & Stats)

• The first meeting between these teams came in the FA Cup in March 1926 – Swansea won 2-1.
• Arsenal have a superior record in FA Cup meetings, winning two to Swansea’s one, but Swansea have the upper hand in league head-to-heads, with four wins to Arsenal’s three.
• Arsenal beat Swansea Town in the fourth round in 1950 on their way to winning the competition.
•  Four goals were shared in the initial tie at the Liberty Stadium, and three of those came in a frantic six-minute spell at the close of the game when Swansea striker Danny Graham got the vital equaliser to force this replay.
• A Swansea win in this match would condemn Arsenal to the 100th FA Cup loss in their history.
• Swansea have scored in their last 15 FA Cup games, last drawing a blank versus Ipswich in January 2007.
• These two sides have conceded the joint least goals away from home in this season’s Premier League – nine apiece.
• The Jacks have won two and drawn one of their last three games against Arsenal - winning 2-0 and 3-2 in the Premier League before drawing the original tie 2-2.
• Arsenal haven't failed to make the Fourth Round of the FA Cup since 1996.
•  Arsenal are the second most successful club in FA Cup history. Their 10 wins are eclipsed only by the 11 of Manchester United and their 17 appearances in the final, topped by United's 18. 
• Under Arsene Wenger, the Gunners have lifted the trophy four times; most recently in 2005. Since then they've been knocked out by Premier League clubs in each of the seven seasons, but they have also ended the interest of six fellow top-flight clubs, including Aston Villa in last season's fourth round.  
• The north London club, who were famously knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Bradford this season, have lost 99 matches in their FA Cup history. 
• If Swansea are to qualify for the fourth round for the third season running, they'll need to eliminate a Premier League club, which they have not done since defeating Portsmouth in the fourth round four years ago.  
• The Swans, just three spots lower than the sixth-placed Gunners, have a 2-0 lead over Chelsea in the Capital One Cup semi-finals to defend, and have twice qualified for the last four in the FA Cup (1926 and 1964), but have never appeared in the final itself. 
• They have found the net in their last 15 FA Cup matches, failing to do so most recently in the fourth round against Ipswich in January 2007. 
• Michu has struck three times in his last two games against Arsenal.
• Five of the six goals scored between Arsenal and Swansea this season have came in the final 10 minutes of matches.
• Danny Graham has scored four goals in his last five FA Cup appearances, including the late equaliser against Arsenal in the last game.
  

CLASSIC MATCH...

These teams’ last meeting saw four goals scored, but there were five in their last Premier League match at the Liberty Stadium. The two sides were (and are) known for their attractive passing game but it was Swansea who outplayed their more illustrious opponents on this occasion.
Arsenal took the lead through a well-executed Robin van Persie goal, although a Scott Sinclair penalty drew Brendan Rogers’ team level ten minutes later.
With Swansea’s passing game causing Arsenal huge problems, Nathan Dyer gave them the lead just before the hour. Theo Walcott equalised, only for Danny Graham to restore the Welsh side’s advantage.
Not even club legend Thierry Henry, introduced as a substitute, could save Arsenal, as Swansea held out for a famous win.
Good luck Arsenal !!!

"We will spend big" - Wenger

Wenger insists Arsenal are in the market to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, but will only do so if they can find the right quality of player.
The Gunners have been linked with a string of players across Europe, with Lyon playmaker Yoann Gourcuff and West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame the latest rumoured to be on Wenger's radar, while a new contract for Theo Walcott is expected to be pushed through shortly.
With the club set to see new commercial deals kick in following their £390million move to Emirates Stadium and with plenty of cash in reserve, resources which were further boosted by last summer's sale of captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United, Wenger insists Arsenal will be able to invest heavily in the playing staff.
"My plan is to keep all of the players we have and then to add maybe, if possible, two new players to the squad. We will spend big (again) because we had restricted finances because we had built the stadium and had to pay that back," Wenger said in an interview with Al Jazeera Sport recorded before the City defeat and broadcast on Talksport this morning.
"You look at any club who has done that, and they have gone down (in performance)."
"We stayed at the top level, yes without winning the Premier League, but we were always at the top level."
"Now we have come out in a much stronger position financial again, so we can spend."
"But our way is a bit like Barcelona as well, to produce the core of the team from inside and add from outside the players who give really a plus."
Wenger accepts Arsenal will always be an easy target for those who claim the board put the balance sheet ahead of success on the pitch.
"The biggest challenge so far is to convince people we have a good team, that we have good quality and that we lead the club in the right way, because many people doubt that," Wenger continued.
"I am convinced this team has a fantastic mentality, fantastic quality and with the right level of confidence, if we can create the momentum, we can be a positive surprise until the end of the season."
Wenger may have transformed the fortunes of the Gunners since taking over at Highbury in September 1996, but the Frenchman accepts his time will soon "be up" as the club must one day look for new leadership.
"It is (time up), because I am 63 years old and will not work at 100. That, though, is not the most important, what is important is that when you are somewhere, you give your best," said Wenger, whose side host Swansea in their FA Cup third-round replay tomorrow night.
"How long will I stay? I have a contract until 2014, and I always respected my contracts."
"It is important is that the club goes the right direction - we have a very young team who have fantastic qualities and [it is important] that I help them to get their qualities transformed into positive results."
"Let's not forget that last year we finished third [in the Premier League], as long as that is seen as a disaster, it is not too bad for the future of the club."

Sagna rallies Arsenal team-mates + Diaby latest.

France international Sagna admits it was always going to be difficult once referee Mike Dean had brandished an early red card, even though Dzeko missed the resulting penalty.
"To play 11 v 11 against City is very hard, even if you are at home, but 10 against 11 is even harder," Sagna told Arsenal Player.
"It is harder to play on the pitch and it is hard to have control of the ball, so we have to look forward to the next game and keep our heads up.
"It is always nice to see a goalkeeper saving a penalty but it is difficult to play.
"City have some quality players, we have some nice players as well, but with one more on the pitch than us it makes it very difficult."
Milner scored a great first goal and Dzeko atoned for his penalty miss by tapping in a second before half-time, although City's day was ruined slightly by captain Vincent Kompany's late red card.
However, Sagna was pleased with Arsenal's general response in the second half.
"Of course we had to keep going and try and score the first goal (of the second half), and we could have come back because it has happened in the past but it didn't happen," he said.
"We knew it would be a tough game with hard tackles and desire, and of course they wanted to win as much as we did."
Arsenal do not have long to wait until they can put things right on the pitch, as they welcome Swansea to the Emirates Stadium for an FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday evening.
The Swans caused an upset when they recorded a 2-0 win at Arsenal on December 1 and Michael Laudrup's side remain in good form, having won the opening leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at Chelsea last week.

Sagna wants the players to be confident ahead of their replay, which will see the winners face Brighton in the fourth round, and then keep the momentum going in the fight for a third-place finish in the league.
"We can't let our heads go down," he said. "First of all we need to rest because we play in two days.
"After that we just need to keep pushing because we have many games to come back and we are not far from third position, so we have to keep the heads up."
The defeat leaves Arsenal sixth in the table, three points behind Everton with north London rivals Tottenham a further three clear in fourth.
The Gunners do have a game in hand over their nearest opponents, however, after their Boxing Day clash with West Ham was rearranged for January 23 following a strike from London Underground workers.
Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger had urged his players to be aware of their own ability and start games quicker.
"The team is desperate to do well and has quality," he said.
"We need to be conscious that we have quality and we have to show more authority from the start in big games. The authority comes with the confidence in your quality."
Wenger confirmed after the match that midfielder Mikel Arteta will be missing for around three weeks with a calf injury.
The Frenchman recalled Abou Diaby, who had not featured since September due to a thigh problem, to replace Arteta and felt his compatriot did a good job for the team.
"Diaby became stronger during the game," Wenger said.
"I feel he was like the team. He started very slowly and became stronger in the second part of the game.
"I took the gamble (of starting Diaby after his injury lay-off) because I feel that it was needed. It's good that he came through well. He will become stronger very quickly."

Wenger admits: "We didn't start with enough confidence"

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his side to fight their way back to form after seeing his side's Premier League aspirations suffer another setback with a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City.

The Gunners lost more ground in their quest to break back into the top four, first failing to recover from the early sending-off of defender Laurent Koscielny.
Arsenal could not get themselves back in contention when City were also reduced to 10 men for the final 15 minutes after captain Vincent Kompany was given his marching orders for a studs-up challenge on Jack Wilshere.
Arsenal -- who must do without midfielder Mikel Arteta for up to a month with a calf injury -- have to regroup quickly for an FA Cup third-round replay against Swansea on Wednesday night, when Wenger is expecting the required response.
"We have to fight to do as well as possible until the end of the season," said Wenger (right). "I feel we need to find in this kind of game more defensive stability.
"The way we gave the ball away, it was a combination of a lack of concentration and a bit of awareness."
ADVANTAGE
City had been handed an early advantage when referee Mike Dean sent off Arsenal defender Koscielny for wrestling Edin Dzeko to the floor after just 10 minutes.
Although the Bosnian saw his penalty saved, via the post as the ball ran back along the goalline to Wojciech Szczesny, City -- who last won in the league at Arsenal in 1975 -- took command with first-half goals from James Milner and then a tap-in for Dzeko after Carlos Tevez's shot was parried.
While Arsenal were a tighter unit in the second half, Wenger felt his team had paid a heavy price for their poor approach.
"Overall we started too timid, with not enough authority in a game like that, and allowed them to dictate," he said.
"We didn't start with enough confidence or authority.
DESIRE
"It is frustrating because the team showed great heart and desire after that, but we were a bit too nervous to play in a serene way at home and that is costing us.
"It is not anger, it is frustration that we do not see from the start what this team is capable of."
Wenger maintained he had not yet reviewed Koscielny's red card, insisting that would not change the outcome.
"What do I make of the decision? That is not really important. You have to live with the decision," the Arsenal boss said.
"I was surprised, but honestly, I refuse to watch it again because what does it help now?
"I will watch it again. I have heard it was a penalty. Was it a red card? I don't know."
Abou Diaby came into midfield for what was a first appearance since September because of a thigh injury.
Wenger revealed Arteta could be set for a length spell on the sidelines.
"Of course (it is a blow). In midfield he gives us stability, experience and tactical knowledge. We will miss that," he said.
Wenger maintains Arsenal are "in the market" for reinforcements during the January transfer window, but will only move for quality men.
"We try very hard, believe me," he said.
"We have a team around me who analyse everything. We select targets, I watch them, but it is difficult to speak about any names."

Arsenal v Man City team news, statistics and match facts

Some good news for us Gooners, as City are still searching for their first win at the Emirates in the league for 38 years, 27 league matches.Their last victory came on 4^th October 1975 when City condemned us to a 3-2 defeat at Highbury in the old Division One.
City also haven’t hit the back of the net for 5 league games at Arsenal, their last goal scored by DaMarcus Beasley in 2007.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have unbeaten in our last 5 league games, winning 4 and drawing one whilst scoring 17 goals in our last 5 home games. We now have scored 40 goals so far, more than last season at this stage. We have also won our last 5 league games that we have had the lead at half time.
However, City have conceded the least goals this season with a mere 19, but Arsenal have only conceded 22, the 4^th least in the league. The last 5 games between the two clubs, home and way, in all competitions have resulted in one draw, one Arsenal win and 3 wins for City.

Team News

For once, injuries and absences seem to be in Arsenal’s favour, as we have virtually our whole squad available. Giroud faces a late battle to be fit, after suffering a small knock against Swansea last weekend.

And Diaby is also a doubt after making his first comeback to competitive football in a reserve fixture midweek after 3 months on the sidelines. We have not seen the tenacious French midfielder since he damaged his hip taking a shot against Chelsea on the 29^th September but since then has suffered thigh problems as well.
However, these two are the only major players that will be missing and there is still a chance they will play, however I expect to see them start the clash on the bench.
City, fortunately for us, are a bit unluckier, missing 7 key players for this tie. Main striker Sergio Aguero misses this clash through injury, as do right backs Richards and Maicon, whilst Kolarov is a doubt.
A huge blow for City is that their pivotal midfielder Yaya Toure misses the game as he is representing Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. His brother and ex-Arsenal defender Kolo Toure will also be away on international duty alongside him.
Another absence will come as mixed news to the fans as another ex-Gunner, although a bit more unpopular than Toure misses out on a return to the Emirates. Samir Nasri is suspended for the clash after head butting Sebastian Bassong in City’s 1-0 victory over Norwich.

Predicted line-up

Szczesny;  Sagna, Vermaelen Mertesacker Gibbs, Wilshere Arteta, Chamberlain Cazorla  Podolski; Walcott

Referee

Mike Dean

Nasri – I owe Wenger but went to City to win titles

Samir Nasri says he owes former manager Arsene Wenger for enabling him to fulfil his dreams in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old was a regular under Wenger at Arsenal, but since his big-money switch to Manchester City in 2011, Nasri has seen himself slip down the pecking order amid fierce competition for starting places at Etihad Stadium.

Nasri said he owes plenty to the Arsenal boss.

"If I'm here today it's because of him. I'll never forget what he did for me.

"I owe him a lot. He gave me confidence not just as a player but as a man as well.

"That is why I really respect him and really like him because he cared about the men, not just about the players.

"For some managers they want you to be on the pitch and that is it.

"For him he wants to talk to you, to know a little more about you to give you the confidence, it was like a second love for me.

"I played fantastic football for three years and I learned how to play at a high level with a lot of Champions League and I was always in the race for the title.

"And I played with great players, a great manager and it was a great experience."

Despite praising his former team, Nasri insisted he made the right choice in leaving the north London club, backing up his decision with a Premier League winners' medal.

"It was a good challenge for me to come here and win titles because that is what I was missing at Arsenal," he said.

"Everything was great but I wanted titles.

"So I went to City because I wanted to make history and be part of history and that's what we did. It was 44 years after their last one and I'm very happy."

Nasri's City side take on his former club Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, looking to keep in touch with Premier League leaders Manchester United.

City will not feel the burden of history when they go out to play at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Keeper Joe Hart says that the Blues will seek to ‘express ourselves’ when they take on the Gunners, despite not having won at Arsenal since 1975.

The Blues have also not scored a league goal at the ground since DaMarcus Beasley scored in a 3-1 defeat five years ago, although they won a Carling Cup tie there last season, with an Edin Dzeko strike.

City have also been criticised for a negative approach to recent games at Arsenal, losing 1-0 on Easter Sunday last season and drawing the previous two 0-0.

But Hart says the Blues, who need to keep up the pressure on leaders United, will be going out confident they can take all three points.

“We haven’t scored there since 2007, which is never great when you want to win,” said the England stopper.

“We feel strongly that we can turn up anywhere and win but that’s not been the case, unfortunately, when we have gone to the Emirates.

“But it’s not a case of walking through the doors and thinking ‘Oh no, not here again, we are going to lose’.

“It’s a great pitch and great atmosphere and it feels like we can go there and express ourselves – hopefully that will be the case on Sunday.”

Arsenal have joined Newcastle United in the race to sign Marseille striker Loic Remy, according to the Independent. The Gunners are believed to be looking for a forward to replace Moroccan Marouane Chamakh, who has been loaned to West Ham for the season.

The French international is likely to cost the Premier League duo £10m and reports from France suggest Arsene Wenger is favourite to sign the player. There was also interest from Premier League relegation candidates QPR, with Harry Redknapp reportedly flying to France to speak to Remy. However, the 26-year-old has turned down a move to Loftus Road, citing the possibility of relegation from English top flight.
However, the fact the striker will reportedly only consider a move for Champions League football is likely to trouble both the Gunners and the Magpies as well, with neither in the top four of the Premier League at the moment. The Independent's report also links Italian club Inter Milan and Bundesliga side Schalke 04, of whom the latter will be able to offer Remy immediate Champions League football; the Germans have qualified for this season's knock-out stages.

The good news for Wenger is Remy is a fan of the north London club. And the manager himself is an admirer of his younger compatriot.
"Arsenal are the club I want to join. I won't deny they are my priority. Arsenal are a young, ambitious side and I love to watch them play," the striker said two seasons ago, "It is the ideal place for me. I spoke with Thierry [Henry] about them and asked him lots of questions about life there."
Remy has had a poor season so far, making only two Ligue 1 starts all season long (14 appearances) and scoring just the once. He scored 12 from 29 appearances last year.

Wenger will have his work cut out for him though, with the French club's coach, Elie Baup, hinting Remy would probably remain with the club until the end of the season.
"For a year, every transfer window, we have been talking about his departure," Baup told La Provence, adding, "But he is still there. Maybe he still will be in the summer."

Wenger on Transfers
Meanwhile, Wenger also confirmed no more players will leave the Emirates on loan without replacements being signed. The club have allowed Swiss defender Johan Djourou to sign a temporary contract with Bundesliga side Hannover 96, in addition to Chamakh's Upton Park transfer.
"At the moment no, [no one is leaving].We have a good squad, a balanced one. At the moment nobody can go out, unless we buy somebody. At the moment our focus is to keep everybody. In every position we have two players. Three is too many and one is not enough," the club's Web site quoted him as saying.

Arsene... back in the days.

Diaby makes Arsenal comeback in Under-21 game

Arsenal could get a major injury boost with Abou Diaby edging closer to a first team return after putting in an impressive shift for the under-21′s on Wednesday afternoon.

After missing the majority of last season through injury, Diaby made an excellent start to this season and was hugely impressive during the first five or six games, particularly against Liverpool at Anfield when he was virtually unplayable and lead us to a 2-0 win.

However, predictably the Frenchman picked up another innocuous looking injury soon after and has been on the sidelines for the last three months. But after returning the training 10 days ago, Diaby was picked in a strong looking under-21 side that took on West Brom on Wednesday afternoon.

The line-up included the likes of Andre Santos, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson, Francis Coquelin and Emmanuel Frimpong, but it was Diaby who was pulling the strings midfield, according to Arsenal’s official match report.

The Frenchman was subbed in the 65 minute after an impressive comeback that will surely put him in contention to feature against Manchester City on Sunday. We’ll learn more when Arsene Wenger holds his weekly press conference but the signs are that Diaby will be back in the first team reckoning soon. The question will be, how long will he stay fit this time?!

The game against West Brom ended 1-1 with Andre Santos finding the net for Arsenal just before half time, so the Brazilian is also putting himself in contention for a first team return. But with Kieran Gibbs impressive recent performances, it’s going to be difficult for Santos to force his way back into Arsene Wengers plans.

How do you think Abou Diaby fits into the Arsenal midfield? Get involved in the comments section below.

Szczesny... a Gooner for life.

Wojciech Szczesny has no plans to move away from Arsenal because he cannot picture himself playing for any other club.
Szczesny is Arsenal’s recognised number one goalkeeper after breaking into the first team years ago and is just 12 games short of making his 100th appearance for the club.
At just 22 he has a long career ahead of him and the Polish stopper cannot imagine moving away from the Emirates, declaring himself to be a Gooner.
“Ever since I signed for this club, I’ve become an Arsenal fan,” Szczesny told Arsenal Player.
“It feels like it’s more than me just playing and doing my best on a Saturday afternoon. I feel like I have a much bigger part to play at this club. It means that little bit more to me.
“I think there’s a lot of players in this team that are genuine Gooners. You’ve got people like Carl Jenkinson, there’s Jack Wilshere, Emmanuel Frimpong – a lot of young players who really feel it’s the biggest honour they could have, to play for this club.
“I think that’s very important for the future.”
Szczesny came in for criticism in the early days of his Arsenal career but he has grown in confidence and he is determined to continue his progress.
“I think I improve with every single game. I get the experience that is needed for a young keeper, so it’s important for me to play as many games as possible,” he added.
“I don’t think about playing for any other club. I see my future at Arsenal Football Club. I committed to coming here at the age of 16, not to then leave at the age of 24. That’s not how it works for me.

“I think coming over to England at the age of 16 was the most important decision of my life and probably the best one, to date.”