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."

Nasri on Top form : Watch the double goals scored by Samir Nasri against Fulham

Double Goals scored by Nasri helped the Gunners to reach the top spot of the Premier League for the first time this season.

Aaron Ramsey hopes to regain full fitness at Nottingham Forest

Aaron Ramsey is looking return to full fitness playing forNottingham Forest, before returning to Arsenal early next year.

The young Gunner had been at the receiving end of a strong challenge from Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross last season, which saw the 19-year-old spend nine months on the sidelines with a broken leg.

But having returned to some semblance of fitness, the Welshman has gone out on loan to build his fitness. And only recently he made a debut for Forest by making a substitute appearance against Leicester City.

"I’ve been out for a long time and just to be out there and playing again made me realise how much football means to me.," Ramsey said, according to The Mirror.

"I’ve missed a lot of the year, but it was so good to be back in the swing of things.

"Obviously the first two months after the injury were the hardest, I couldn’t really move much, although I was encouraged to try to get on my feet. My friends and family helped me get through it.

"I’m here to get back to 100 per cent and hopefully win as many games for Forest as possible. I want to try and get them going in the right direction.

"I felt alright and I’m still a way off playing 90 minutes, but my fitness is coming along nicely. I’ve been out for nine months and these are what these games are for."

Former Arsenal Star Robert Pires joins Aston Villa

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has signed a six month contract to join Aston Villa until the end of the season.

The former French international becomes Gerard Houllier’s first signing since arriving at Villa Park.

The 37-year-old, who has been training with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal for the past two months,  will add valuable experience to a young squad.

The one-time left-wing star, now moved to the central ground, signed for Villa as a free agent after being released by Villarreal in the summer.

The world cup winner, who will wear the number eight shirt, will meet his new teammates tomorrow and hopes to make his debut for the club against Blackburn on Sunday.

Pires told AVTV: "I can't wait to play and put on that new shirt. It is very exciting.

"I am very happy to join Aston Villa because it's a big club in England.

"I am also thrilled to have the chance of working with Gerard Houllier. I know him.

“I spoke with Gerard Houllier and like me he is very happy because I need him and he needs me to play with experience because the team is young. We need a good mix.

"Now this move represents a new opportunity and a new challenge for me. I am very happy to start.

"I can't wait to put that
 shirt on and play for Aston Villa. I am proud to play for Villa and to the fans, I'd like to say 'see you soon at Villa Park.”

Pires who spent six years with the Gunners and played 236 times for the North London club insisted playing in England was a big factor in signing for Houllier’s men.

He said: “For me it’s a good surprise but I’m very happy here because I like English football and  it was important for me to work here again.”

Assistant manager Gary McAllister is delighted the club have captured such a decorated player and believes believes the new recruit can have positive influence on the whole squad. 

He said: "He is a proven winner. It gets thrown around a lot these days when people say they are a winner but he is a genuine article. 

"He's a European champion and he has won the World Cup as well. He has vast experience and was a fantastic player in the Premier League for Arsenal. 

"People thought he was coming to the end of his career but he went to Villareal and done well there for several seasons. 

"For all the younger players - what a tremendous addition. The younger players can only learn from watching a guy like Robert on the training field. 

"He will gain respect. But I am sure Robert Pires isn't coming here just to be a player that everyone is going to stand back and admire. He will want to gain the respect of the fact that he is still competitive and still able to do a job at this level."