Flash News - Arsenal Draw Barcelona While It's Tottenham - AC Milan, Manchester United - Marseille & Chelsea - Copenhagen In Champions League Knockout round

Arsenal have drawn Barcelona in the round of 16 in the Champions League while Tottenham will take on Serie A giants AC Milan. Manchester United have been drawn against French side Marseille and Chelsea will meet Copenhagen following the draw in Nyon on Friday.

We have to do the dirty work when necessary - Samir Nasri

Samir Nasri believes that Arsenal have to sometimes sacrifice their flamboyant style of football and do the dirty work necessary to win a game, metaphorically saying that his team-mates "sometimes have to put the bullfighter's outfit in the cupboard".

The Gunners were only recently subject to a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United that saw them lose top spot in the Premier League to their opponents, who now have a two-point lead with a game in hand.

However, the Frenchman has thrown down the gauntlet in the race to the finish line, as he believes that the north London club can win the title despite losing at Old Trafford.

"It was a tactical battle against United, and we needed to do plenty of defending especially with Park and Rooney down the flanks," Nasri told reporters.

"We stood up to them well, but lost the game because of little details. In the first half we were unwilling to commit ourselves too much, but in the second half we were a lot more effective.

"We sometimes have to put the bullfighter's outfit in the cupboard. We have to get down to working hard for the good of the team.

"I do not see any problems with us not playing in flamboyant style, as long at the team wins.

"We proved that we are a good team, but it is futile to talk about it now.

"Let's discuss it again in May - and see who are the champions then."

We can show the world how powerful we are: Says Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called on his charges to show their might by beating Manchester United to stay at the top of the Premier League.



The two sides meet on Monday with the Gunners in pole position, ahead of their opponents by a single point - though United still have a game in hand.
The Frenchman has been discussing the maturity of his young side for a few years, and now believes that the time is ripe to showcase the strength they possess as a team.




"We have an opportunity to show how good we are - that is what you want in life," said Wenger to reporters.
"Let's go without any preconceived ideas, not [thinking] about any weakness of Manchester United, nor about any weakness from us, just let's focus on the day, to give your best, play with belief, play for each other and we have a good chance to beat anybody."
Wenger maintained: "I know that my team will be really up for it, and I always have great belief in my players - I know how hungry they are for success and am sure that will come out in the game."


Wenger and his Old Trafford counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson shared a frosty relationship in the past, but in recent years the pair have expressed a mutual admiration for each other.


"It's always for me in the heat of the moment," added Wenger, on the club's official website.
"I'm not somebody who bears grudges for years. I can forgive - indeed, sometimes I need to be the person to be forgiven - but I'm not somebody who thinks for 10 years, forever, 'I will hate you'.
"Relations with people go up and down a little bit. Why? Because many things happen in the heat of the moment and you know it's not for definite.


"I had [arguments] not only with him but with other managers."


Young star Theo Walcott has started only three games in the league this season, while making five substitute appearances in the process. But the former Monaco boss insists that his four goals so far do not make him an "impact substitute".


"Frankly I can understand that because for me Theo Walcott is doing well," Wenger said.


"For me he is not an impact player, he is a regular player.

"At the moment he does not play as often as he should but he will play soon.

"In fairness, Theo is fantastic. His attitude and behaviour has been absolutely great."

Arsene Wenger Unhappy about the lack of respect shown by Patrice Evra

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is unhappy with comments expressed by Manchester United defenderPatrice Evra.

Ahead of the Premier League clash between the two clubs on Monday night, Evra used an interview with French TV channel Canal+ to label Arsenal as a "training centre" and say that the Gunners' lack of silverware in recent years is "ridiculous".

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Arsene Wenger was keen to avoid a war of words with fellow Frenchman Evra. Instead, he stated that his team will not be intimidated by insults designed to pile the pressure on his side.

"He gave you some good stuff to make it all hot before the game," Wenger said. 
"We are guided by the way we want to play football and not by the statements of anybody who plays against us.
"Personally, I believe if you are a big player you always respect your opponent and that is what we try to do."

Arsenal have the best away record in the Premier League this season and travel to Old Trafford to face a Manchester United side boasting the best home record.

Due to the fact that Manchester United's game at Blackpool was called off last week, Arsenal's 2-1 win over Fulham took the Gunners above United to the top of the Premier league.

And Wenger is adamant that his side have the maturity to ignore Evra's comments and to approach the game with belief in the way they play their football.

"We want to focus on the way we want to play and ignore any provocation before a game," he said.
"We are motivated by the desire to win the game and by the quality of the football we want to play."