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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is known to be fiercely loyal to his players but even by his standards, the loyalty he has shown to his two goalkeepers Manuel Almunia and Lukas Fabianski is impressive.

Like his Fawlty Towers namesake, Manuel Almunia’s time at Arsenal has been characterised by confusion and uncertainty. He lacks the basic positional awareness to be a top quality goalkeeper as seen by the failure to cover his near post for David N’Gog’s opening goal for Liverpool on Sunday. Despite being made captain by Arsene Wenger for Sunday’s game, Almunia didn’t show an ounce of leadership qualities and failed to communicate with his defenders. What is probably most frustrating about Almunia for Arsenal fans is that he does have the ability to produce some world-class saves. For example, his first half display against Barcelona in last season’s Champions League tie at the Emirates shows the kind of goalkeeper that Almunia can be on his day. But his evening was spoilt by characteristic poor decision-making when he rushed out of his goal, leaving Zlatan Ibrahimovic the opportunity to lift the ball over him for Barcelona to take the lead.

Poor decision-making is another characteristic of Almunia’s understudy, Polish international goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. The Pole has been routinely criticised for his inability to deal with crosses, leading to the unfortunately nickname of “Flappyhandski” from disgruntled Arsenal fans and opposition fans alike. Fabianski’s uncertainty under the high ball was seen most clearly in Arsenal’s incredible 6-5 preseason victory against Fabianski’s former club Legia Warsaw. For Legia’s second goal, Fabianski tried to come and claim a Legia Warsaw corner from the left, only to trip over his own defender Thomas Vermaelen. The ball fell kindly to Artur Jedrzejczyk who put Legia 2-0 up.

Fabianski was hopeless in the first half against Legia, eventually conceding three goals before being hauled off by Arsene Wenger for fellow Pole Wojciech Szczesny who produced a slightly more accomplished display between the sticks.

The reason for Arsene Wenger’s loyalty to his two under-fire goalkeepers is the recognition that confidence is key to a ‘keeper’s performance. In the face of huge media criticism, it is essential that the manager be seen to publicly back his goalkeepers in spite of their performances or risk destroying any confidence that either of them already have.

In the light of all the negative criticism, Fabianski has responded well. He told Arsenal TV Online that he is determined to prove himself to the Arsenal fans and get them singing his name:

“As a player you have to prove you deserve a chance.”

“I can understand every single shout against me and it can only motivate me to play better and work harder.”

“But of course I am going to do everything in my power to show that I deserve to be respected, then maybe they [the Arsenal fans] will start singing my name – that would be wonderful.”

However, Wenger’s faith in Almunia and Fabianski could be coming to an end as reports are linking the Arsenal boss with a move for Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Manchester City’s Shay Given. If that proves to be the case, Wenger will have gone some way to alleviating some of the fears of Arsenal fans over their desperate goalkeeping situation.

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Porto have said they are open to offers for Newcastle target Yacine Brahimi, according to Portuguese website A Bola.

What’s the story?

Newcastle have been interested in the Algerian wide-man for a number of months following his impressive performances in the Primeira Liga.

Having scored nine goals and made nine assists from the left wing this season, the 28-year-old has attracted interest from a host of clubs, including West Ham.

A Bola report that the tricky winger has a release clause of £53million but it is believed a fee of £26million will be enough to secure the player.

Is he worth it?

Newcastle fans love a player who runs directly at defenders with pace and that is exactly what Brahimi is all about.

Averaging over five dribbles per game this season, he is an exciting player that gets fans off their seats and normally provides a good end product.

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He may not come cheap but this player is in the prime of his career and Newcastle will do very well to see off their rivals to his signature.

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On Tuesday morning, Marca claimed that Newcastle United were prepared to listen to offers for Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.

However, Magpies boss Rafael Benitez denied the rumours during his press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Benitez insisted that the 21-year-old would not be leaving on deadline day despite what had been widely reported by the Spanish media.

The Newcastle fans are unconvinced, however, with many believing that the midfielder could still be sold before the winter transfer window slams shut on Wednesday night.

Merino only made his loan move from Borussia Dortmund permanent in October – signing a five-year contract with the Premier League club.

Merino, who is valued at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, but just 12 of those have been starts.

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There is no question that the Spaniard is a popular figure with the Newcastle fans, and many are extremely fearful that he will be sold on transfer deadline day.

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers launched a scathing attack on referee Lee Mason and his fellow officials after his side slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Manchester City.

Prior to kick off the clash was billed as one of the most important games of the season so far, and it certainly delivered in terms of excitement.

Philippe Coutinho combined well with Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling to give the visitors the lead, before Vincent Kompany’s header and an Alvaro Negredo strike on the stroke of half-time sealed the three points for the Sky Blues.

Before the Reds’ opener, Sterling was adjudged to have been offside after being played through on goal, only for replays to reveal that the English starlet was indeed two yards from being in such a position.

Liverpool also has a late penalty call turned down after Suarez appeared to have his shirt pulled by Joleon Lescott.

After the final whistle Rodgers questioned the display and selection of Mason – who hails from the Greater Manchester area:

“Where do you want me to start?” he told Sky Sports.

“I thought we never got any decision. The linesman on the offside one – he wasn’t even on the same cut of grass.

“If you’re working at this level you have to get it right. It’s not even a difficult one.

“It is a perfectly-timed run and he is given offside when he is through one on one on goal. These are big moments in big games.

“There is another incident when Luis (Suarez) doesn’t get a free-kick when Joleon Lescott went right through him.

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“It is arguable it is a penalty at the end. Luis Suarez can’t jump because he is tugging at his shirt.

“I thought it was throughout the evening. Hopefully we don’t have another Greater Manchester referee again on a Liverpool-Manchester game.”

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Stuart Peace is confident that his side will show how much it means to play for England when they take on Serbia.

The U21 team are due to play a two-legged playoff against Serbia with a place in the European Championships at stake, the first leg commencing at Carrow Road.

If they succeed, it will be the first time any nation has qualified 4 times consecutively for this particular tournament. And the need to show passion and determination in order to create this history is certainly not lost upon the manager.

However, a lot of the build-up has been dominated by claims from Manchester City’s football development executive, Patrick Vieira, that young English Premier League players simply do not love playing for their national team.

These assertions have been rebuked by the former City boss who believes he has created a good atmosphere and camaraderie within the camp.

“I can’t give the staff around me enough credit for creating an environment that the players enjoy coming to and representing their country,” Pearce told the Daily Mail.

The England players themselves have certainly illustrated a desire to succeed winning 15 out of their last 23 competitive matches dating back to June 2009.

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There is an acute awareness that the home game will be crucial in overcoming a physical Serbian outfit, and players such as Liverpool’s young prospect Raheem Sterling will be expected to shine.

England U21s play Serbia tonight in an 18.00 BST kick off.

West Ham fans are completely split on a shock summer swoop for Santi Cazorla, after the Arsenal midfielder announced he will leave North London this summer.

Arsenal fans were devastated when Cazorla announced he would leave the Gunners this summer, opting not to renew his contract when it expires at the end of June.

The 33 year-old’s career has been devastated by injuries in recent seasons, only just returning to training earlier this year.

However, there aren’t many players with the technique and ability of the little Spaniard, and any Arsenal fan will tell you exactly how gifted he is.

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Cazorla, who has 25 goals and 35 assists in his Premier League career, can dictate the tempo of a match all by himself, something Manuel Pellegrini could love in East London next season.

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Of course, his injury troubles and age mean he couldn’t be relied upon as the first option, but is there really anything to lose when he’s available on a free transfer?

Just over half of the fans obviously think so, as 52 per cent said they would avoid the classy but injury-prone playmaker, and you can find the full poll results down below…

As reported by The Daily Mail, midfielder Callum McGregor believes the Celtic squad will be hoping that Moussa Dembele stays on in Glasgow beyond the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The paper say that the Frenchman is a £20m target for English Premier League trio Everton, West Ham and Brighton, meaning that Dembele’s days at Celtic Park could be numbered.

Receiving a figure like that would smash the outgoing transfer record at the Hoops, potentially money unable to be refused if offered this month.

However, like supporters, Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor is hoping that Dembele isn’t coming to the end of his career in Scottish football.

As quoted by The Daily Mail, the Scotland international said:

It’s just about him wanting to be here to kick on, work hard and be part of this group. Obviously all the boys love him and want him to stay and to be part of it. I don’t think he’ll be thinking of going anywhere. In the main, everyone is focused on being here and I don’t think they are thinking about getting away. They just want to keep being successful and staying part of this group.

Should the Hoops sell their star striker or is it time to cash in on his transfer value?

Stick or twist?

There are massive benefits to selling Dembele this month. Not only is the player likely at the peak of his value at Celtic right now, the cash rich clubs of the English Premier League notoriously enjoy a January spend during a period of mid-season panic, further driving up the potential fee.

The striker has had his fair share of injury problems this season and he has failed to replicate the consistent scoring of his first term in Celtic colours, perhaps tempting the club into taking the money.

However, keeping him at Celtic Park for another six months has its own upsides, not least helping the Hoops secure a second domestic treble in a row and progressing in Europe past FC Zenit. Dembele is undoubtedly still the best striker at the club and has the quality to make an impact in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.

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While selling him right now makes sense from a financial point of view, selling him is a risk in playing terms, especially without a replacement lined up.

The words comfortable and win are not 2 words that have been associated with Wolves over the last 5 or so years, and so when it happens it makes it all the more sweeter.

With the Backary Sako fiasco of the week just past, there was always a chance that the side would be unsettled, despite Colchester being without 11 first team players for the match up.

However, with new signing from Millwall James Henry starting on the right of midfield, the team looked much more balanced than they had since the arrival of Golbourne, and the subsequent shuffling around of the defence.

Since Richard Stearman was dropped, we have not had anyone who can bring the ball out of defence comfortably, which has had a knock on effect in midfield.

Indeed the names of Stearman and Henry on a team sheet for Wolves would not have been greeted with such pleasure at the start of August in a break from what has been the norm of the last few weeks, Wolves didnt start the game looking like they would sit on the edge of the box and invite pressure onto themselves, letting the opposition have the ball.

Here there was a clear eagerness to get the ball down and actually pass it around. Not just out left to Sako and hope something happens, but to both wings and through the middle.

As early as the 7th minute James Henry was tormenting the Colchester full back and his pass to Price and then Griffiths could have led to an early lead if the striker hadnt fluffed his lines.

However the breakthrough came on 20 minutes when Taylor gave away a penalty when Matt Doherty was scythed down in the area.

And, in the absence of the aforementioned Sako, Griffiths stepped up to slot home.

This is not to say it had been all wolves at this point with Colchester having a few pops at Ikeme’s goal, but none that troubled the Wolves number 13.

Within a minute of the restart the score was 2-0 after Doherty cut the ball back for Griffiths who stroked the ball into the net

The 3rd came when Henry delivered a delightful chip from right hand side but this time the impressive Kevin Doyle was on hand to control and slot the ball into the ColU net.

For all intents and puropese the game was dead and buried, with the remaining 35 minutes being played out as more of a friendly than a Skybet League 1 encounter.

The final piece of action however came 6 minutes from time when a penalty was awarded.

Without seeing a replay I have absolutely no idea what for. And neither did the 300 or so people around me in the stand on the side, or the 1,800 behind the goal.

Ikeme with a double save and a clearance with his fist, the ball had been cleared.

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It made as much sense as the pint of Gladness lager beer I had consumed earlier that day in Braintree.

Regardless, when Freddy Sears stepped up to take the spot kick, no-one in the Weston Homes Community stadium would have foreseen what was to come.

A brilliant 2 handed diving save to his right which has to be up there with one of the saves off the season in any division.

Both Kevin Doyle and James Henry were replaced late in the game with David Davis and Anthony Forde respectively with both receiving standing ovations, not just from the Wolves travelling contingent, but the majority of the Colchester fans who had witnessed their team being well and truly outplayed.

Not since the demoliton of Gillingham in the fledgling weeks opf the season had Wolves looked so dominant and comfortable,and all this without our supposed best player and matchwinner, Backary Sako.

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has admitted that he is considering getting a club emblem tattooed on his arm.

The Germany international has settled into life in north London well, scoring three goals in his first five games for Arsene Wenger’s men.

The forward has a tattoo of form club Cologne and is considering a Gunners’ crest to rival it.

“Maybe on this one – my left arm – in a few years,” he revealed to Mirror Football.

“Cologne meant so much to me because I was there a long time. Maybe I will do the same with Arsenal because I like this club.

“It is a big club and maybe we can do a tattoo. We can speak about this in the next three or four years.

“When I came on the first day to the club everyone made it easy for me. Not only the team around the team, the coaches, the physios, the president and all the staff make it easy for me. I feel happy at Arsenal. It is good for me.

“The team and Arsene Wenger make it easy on the pitch. Last week we played very well. This is the style of football that I like – we play with one or two touches.

“We play straight to the front and this is the style that I like. But we have only played four or five matches and we are not ready to speak about the title or the Champions League.

“We must carry on playing like the last few matches and we must keep on fighting.

“When you are playing up front you want to score goals and like to score goals. when you score goals you are very happy for yourself and for the team.

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“I don’t know about targets – we will see. We have only played four or five matches and I have three goals and I am very happy about the good start for me and for the team.

“We must keep fit and well – it is a long, long season and we don’t have a break in the winter like in Germany. So it is different for me, but I like to play football and be on the pitch,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

Arsenal have made the first step towards building a new era of success at the Emirates with the long-overdue removal of Arsene Wenger, but more action is required.

A new man in the hotseat – and Mikel Arteta is the current favourite – is a good start but surgery to the playing staff, who have become complacent and too used to the ideas of one man, is also required in order to transform the club’s fortunes and change the opinions of a restless fanbase who have become too accustomed to the same old failings.

With it being World Cup year and the transfer window closing earlier than ever before – not to mention many elite clubs looking to close the gap on Manchester City – it looks tougher than ever to get the business done to strengthen.

There are no shortage of names being banded around and we’ve compiled a list of 24 targets – including Leon Bailey, valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, Arsenal may hope to get over the line in a busy summer and asked you to choose the ones you would most like to see.

Let us know by up and down voting below who you would like to see at the Emirates by the start of next season…

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