Arsenal Step Up Chase For Barcelona’s Toure

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is desperately searching for a central midfielder in the January transfer window after learning that influential captain Cesc Fabregas will be out of action for up to four months with a serious knee injury.

Barcelona-based daily, Sport believes that the Gunners are about to raid the Catalans again, although they are not looking for someone from their cantera (youth system) this time around.

Ivory Coast midfielder Toure Yaya has been strongly linked with Arsenal and Juventus over the past few months and it appears that the London-based outfit are finally preparing to make their move as they seek a replacement for Fabregas.

It is reported that the Blaugrana have set a price of around €8.5 million for the 25-year-old defensive midfielder, who is equally adept at attacking.

Wenger have also been keeping a close eye on Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso, Villarreal’s Marcos Senna and Udinese’s Gokhan Inler.

Top Ten African Players Of 2008

10. Jon Mikel Obi (Nigeria & Chelsea)

The young midfielder showed some battling qualities many thought he did not have at the Nations Cup, where the Super Eagles barely made it to the last eight. Many predicted that he would not have a future at Chelsea following the shock departure of Jose Mourinho, but Avram Grant kept faith with him and this season Luiz Felipe Scolari has given him even more responsibilities, which he has relished in the absence of the injured Michael Essien.

9. Mohamed Zidan (Egypt & Hamburger SV/Borussia Dortmund)

He was unsettled at German Bundesliga outfit Hamburg last season, but his switch to Borussia Dortmund has seen him prove his class. He has already matched his three-goal tally for Humburg last season at Dortmund in just seven games. He was outstanding in his Nations Cup debut in Ghana, showing what a clinical and classy finisher he is, with two superbly struck goals in Egypt's opening group game against mighty Cameroon.

8. Frederic Kanoute (Mali & Sevilla)

He was named Africa's top star for 2007 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Lome, Togo - only because Drogba failed to attend the awards, being just next door in Ghana with Ivory Coast participating in the Nations Cup. Mali partly owe Kanoute their comeback after they failed miserably in the qualifers for the 2006 World Cup and so did not feature at the 2006 Nations Cup in Egypt.

7. Sulley Muntari (Ghana & Portsmouth/Inter)

The Ghana midfielder is back the familiar terrain of Italy, after leaving Udinese for a season at Portsmouth, where he won an FA Cup winners' medal. He has settled down at star-studded Inter without too much trouble. Earlier in the year, he played a major part for his country, too, as Nations Cup hosts Ghana went as far as the semi-finals, despite losing the inspirational Stephen Appiah through injury before the competition had even begun.

6. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea)

Injuries and controversies made sure that the big man failed to match his performance of the 2006/07 season, when he was far and away the best African player. He has yet to reach his high standards again but when he does, it will be to the benefit of both club and country. Still, performed well for Chelsea and proved an asset whenever he was in the team.

5. Michael Essien (Ghana & Chelsea)

The former Lyon midfielder came into his own last season at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea reached their first-ever UEFA Champions League final. He was also the heart and soul of an average Ghana Black Stars side that exceeded many expectations to reach the last four of the Nations Cup they hosted in February.

4. Amr Zaki (Egypt & Zamalek/Wigan Athletic)

Egyptian players are not known to be great travellers, but this Zamalek centre-forward has already made a success of his second shot at glory in Europe with some cracking goals for modest Wigan in the English Premier League. It is little wonder that he has now been linked with some of Europe's top guns by the time his loan deal at Wigan runs out, though Steve Bruce is understandably eager to keep the goal machine at the JJB Stadium.

However, it was his five-star showing at the Nations Cup that really got the world to take notice. He scored thrice as well as taught an Ivorian back-four complete with Arsenal's Kolo Toure a football lesson in the semi-finals of the tournament. Egypt went on to claim their second Nations Cup in a row.

3. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo & Arsenal)

Filled the goal-scoring void left by French legend Therry Henry at Arsenal last season by scoring 30 goals in all competitions. However, the Gunners failed to land any piece of silverware. He has also kept Togo in the reckoning for a second World Cup finals appearance after putting four goals past Swaziland.

2. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon & Barcelona)

Barcelona did not win anything last term and even wanted to make the Cameroonian star one of the scapegoats for this, but the three-time African Player of the Year has since proved he still knows his way to goal, with an incredible 14 goals in La liga already. Last season he was hampered by injury and even came close to leaving Camp Nou this summer.

At the Nations Cup in Ghana, he put to rest the all-time scoring record of 14 goals set by Ivorian striker Laurent Pokou by scoring a total of 16 and counting.

1. Mohamed Aboutrika (Egypt & Al Ahly)

He was the continent's best player in 2008. He may still be playing his club football in Africa, but no one can doubt the quality of this attacking midfielder, who has made it a habit to score the important goals - whether for his club Al Ahly or the Egyptian national team.

He scored the goal that won the Pharaohs the Nations Cup in Accra for an unprecedented sixth time and has been the heart of an average Ahly team, as they also won an unprecedented sixth Champions trophy. Besides these accomplishments, this 30-year-old has shown great consistency at the top since 2005.

Scolari: Drogba & Anelka Aren't Gelling

Fitting Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba into the same Chelsea team was always going to be problematic. The two strikers both like to be the main man up front, with both preferring to operate as an out-and-out striker rather than in a supporting role or wide on the flanks. In addition, neither player particularly likes being benched.

Their styles as forwards do not necessarily complement each other either, and both Avram Grant and his successor as Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari have struggled to integrate them into the same line-up. Now Scolari has revealed that he has experimented using both strikers as a partnership, but has enjoyed limited success.

"It has been good sometimes but not good at other times," said Scolari, reflecting on the time spent in training on working on the partnership.

"It's 50-50. But this period has been better for the group. They are trying more than before to understand what positions I want them to be in. It has improved and evolved more in the last 15 days."

Anelka is reportedly keen to play in a 4-4-2 with Drogba, but Scolari doesn't feel that much has been gained from the training experiment, other than a slight increase in the flexibility of the side.

"They know more now. They have more confidence than before if they change (the formation) during the game," the Brazilian continued, before adding that more strikers does not necessarily mean more goals, and a lack of goals is often the coach's rather than the players' fault.

"Sometimes you put five players up front but the ball does not arrive there. If they make mistakes, it's my mistake because I give the orders. It's the same with left backs and right backs when they go forward, try to dribble and try to shoot," the Brazilian continued.

Time on the pitch as a partnership has been limited for Anelka and Drogba, amounting to little more than a handful of second-half minutes in five games. With Drogba's season so far shortened by injury and suspension, Anelka has gone about his business and become the Premier League's top goalscorer, netting 14 times in 17 appearances.

Drogba, meanwhile, is yet to score a league goal this season, and is regularly linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, with the names of Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho cropping up regularly in the rumour mill..

"I am Mad"

Emmanuel Adebayor was sent off during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday for a second bookable offense, after raising his elbow and foot against the Reds' defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Spaniard fell, according to the Arsenal striker, as is someone had "put a knife in him", and Adebayor was clearly furious with both the Liverpool player and the referee after the game.

"The defender threw himself on the floor as if I put a knife in him. I hope when the referee goes home and watches it on the TV, he will see it was a foul but I didn’t deserve a card," the Togolese said.

"Of course I’m annoyed. I cannot say he cheated but what he did wasn’t fair play at all.

"It was a mistake by the ref. He said it was for the leg but if I don’t put my body in there I would never score a goal in this league."

His manager, Arsene Wenger, was in complete agreement with the player's views, and felt that referee Howard Webb had cost his team two valuable points.

"It was a very soft sending off," said the Arsenal boss.

"Today we had the ‘Be a Gooner, Be a Giver’ charity appeal — you cannot say the referee was a Gooner today but he was a giver because he gave us yellow cards we did not deserve.

"Every week I sit in front of you when we play away from home and you say ‘People get in your faces and you cannot cope with it’. Have you seen anybody sent off?

"Do you want me to show you our players and the damage done to them after the game? It’s a joke."

Meanwhile, Arsenal also have a massive injury worry over skipper Cesc Fabregas, who suffered medial ligament damage after tangling with Xabi Alonso during the game.

Mourinho: Inter's Adriano/Drogba Switch With Chelsea Won't Happen

Speculation has been rife regarding a potential January swap deal which would take Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Inter forward Adriano in opposite directions.

The pair are unsettled at their respective clubs and some feel they would both benefit from the switch. Drogba would, of course, hook up with mentor Jose Mourinho in Italy, while Adriano has been unsettled this season and a fresh start could be needed.

However, former Blues boss Mourinho has rubbished the reports.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Portuguese tactician said: "That is not true - it is merely speculation. No way - zero percent.

"At this moment, Adriano has nothing in his hands. We think he will be here on January 2 to work with us.

"Maybe he is not happy at living in an atmosphere that doesn't suit him, but he is a top player and I cannot open my door for him to go unless I have somebody to replace him."

Refusing to rule out an eventual move for Ivorian ace Drogba, who is working his way back into the Stamford Bridge fold after an injury-hit season, the 'Special One' added: "One day, if Didier has a clear situation [with Chelsea] - a club I love - and he is on his way out, then the door will be open for him.

"Everybody knows that he is one of my men and it won't matter which club I am managing."

Nigerian Striker Shot Dead

Club spokesman Cajetan Nkwopara said in a statement that 18-year-old Kelechi Arima was shot dead on Saturday around the Owerri city centre, hours after Heartland beat Gateway FC 1-0 to climb to the top of the league.

"The motive behind this senseless murder is not yet known," said Nkwopara.

Heartland climbed to the top of the league with the home win over Gateway courtesy of a 39th minute goal by Ghanaian striker Azeez Ansah.

Heartland have thus recorded 27 points from 14 matches, two more than second-placed Bayelsa United, whose match away at Nasarawa United was abandoned.

Warri Wolves are third on the table on 24 points even though their away game against Enyimba was postponed.

There were home wins at the weekend for Sunshine Stars, Enugu Rangers and Ocean Boys.

Africans In Europe - Nigerian Stars Banging the Goals Again

SPAIN

Samuel Eto'o starred in El Clasico, scoring the opening goal as Barcelona beat rivals Real Madrid 2-0. The Cameroonian's goal atoned for his penalty miss earlier in the game.

Barcelona are now eight points clear of second-placed Valencia with 38 points from 15 games.

Nigeria striker Ikechukwu Uche was also on target for his club Getafe in their 4-1 trouncing of Mallorca. It was his third goal of the season.

Morocco's Nabil Baha found the back of the net for Malaga in their 2-0 home win over Numancia. Malaga are the 10th on the table with 21 points from 15 matches.

ENGLAND

Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins grabbed one of the goals as Newcastle beat Portsmouth 3-0 at Fratton Park.

The Nigeria international though appeared to have hurt his groin while scoring his club's second goal.

The victory took Newcastle further away from the drop zone.

Togo superstar Emmanuel Adebayor was on target for the second week runnning as Arsenal pulled a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough. It was his seventh goal in the Premier League.

Arsenal are fifth in the standings with 30 points from 17 matches.

GERMANY

Nigerian striker Manasseh Ishiaku came on as a late substitute to net the winner for Cologne in their 2-1 win over Bochum. It was his first goal of the season after a long injury lay-off. Promoted Cologne are placed 11th in the 18-club Bundesliga.

Egypt's Mohamed Zidan opened scoring for Borussia Dortmund as they beat Borussia Mochengladbach 2-1.

FRANCE

Benin star Stephane Sessegnon hit a double for Paris Saint-Germain in their away win at Auxerre. It was the club's 10th win of the season, same number of victories they had achieved all through last season when they barely escaped relegation.

Underachieving PSG are now fourth in the standings with 32 points from 18 games.

Senegal's 21-year-old winger Issiar Dia netted one of the goals as his club AS Nancy beat Grenoble 2-0 at home as

Algerian midfielder Djemal Belmadi scored Valenciennes' second goal in a 3-1 victory over struggling Monaco.

Lorient continued their surge to the top rank with a 3-1 win on the road against Le Havre. Yazid Mansouri from Algeria got their go-ahead goal after 40 minutes.

NETHERLANDS

French-Algerian Karim Soltani scored for Ado Den Haag in a 1-1 draw with Roda while Dutch-Moroccan Rachid Bouaouzan ensured Nijmegen beat Willem II Tilburg 2-1 by scoring one of his team's goals.

DR Congo-born Swiss international Blaise Nkufo scored in FC Twente's 4-1 victory away at FC Groningen.

BELGIUM

Joachim Mununga from DR Congo scored for the second week running as Mechelen beat Germinal Beerschot 2-1. However, Mechelen had to play the last minutes of the game without their Ghanaian midfielder Abdul-Yakinu Iddi, who was given a straight red card late in the game.

Gambia's Mustapha Jarju Toubabo of RAEC Mons scored against AFC Tubize in a 2-1 loss while Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate was on the mark for KV Kortrijk in a 1-1 draw with KAA Gent.

TURKEY

Cameroonian Herve Tum grabbed a brace as Sivasspor beat Hacettepe SK 2-1.

Mikel Can't Risk Chelsea Job For Nigeria

Amodu excused Mikel from Nigeria's last two engagements - a World Cup qualifying match against Sierra Leone in Abuja and a friendly last month in Colombia.

"I have explained to the team (why I left him out) and they understand. I told them it could well be their turn next time. Remember we are not paying these players. If the clubs who are paying them so much money need them, we cannot afford to be selfish and put their jobs on the line. It's give and take," Amodu said in an interview published in FourFourTwo Nigeria Magazine.

"I was not in desperate need of him for those matches but when I am, I will be the first to put my foot down."

Amodu has met twice with Chelsea manager Luis Felipe Scolari and he admitted that they differ on Mikel's best position, whether as a defensive or attacking midfielder.

"Scolari feels he should play in front of the defence particularly in the absence of Michael Essien. I also played him in that position in the friendly match against Austria," Amodu said.

"Scolari admitted that he often has to shout at him to stay back in defence and not go forward.

"I want to believe that with the Eagles his best position is as an offensive midfielder even though he has the potentials to also play defensively."

He added: "The more positions he can play, the better for all of us.

"The problem will be how the player will quickly adjust when he plays for Chelsea and when he plays for Nigeria. That is the big challenge for both Scolari and myself."

Samir Nasri Makes Arsenal Return

Arsenal could close the gap on league leaders Liverpool to just five points should they claim a win when 'Pool visit north London on Sunday.

So far though this season the Gunners have had to battle with numerous injuries to key personnel, but now they are slowly getting their pivotal players back.

Eduardo da Silva, for instance, made a comeback this week in a reserve game, but was taken off at half-time after pulling his hamstring. The Crozilian forward is now expected to be back at the turn of the year.

Nearing Full Fitness

Summer signing Samir Nasri, who made an instant impact on his debut by scoring a goal after three minutes against West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season, will likely make the squad for the Liverpool game, while Ivorian centre back Kolo Toure is a near-certainty to miss it.

"There is a 95 per cent chance that Nasri will be available against Liverpool and a five per cent chance that Kolo Toure will come back," manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday.

"We also have a problem with Nicklas Bendtner, who picked up a knee injury in training. But we don’t know 100 per cent on that."

Chiellini To Sign For Arsenal?

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Juventus could find it hard to hold onto Giorgio Chiellini in the summer as Arsenal are keen on the defender's services.

Reports in England and Italy have been rife with speculation, and Sportmediaset claims the Gunners are keeping a close eye on the Italian international.

Chiellini's consistency and age - he is just 24-years-old - have gone down well with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and a move at the end of the season could take off.

Although the north London side have laid eyes on the stopper, they may be disappointed as it was only on Monday that his brother Claudio Chiellini exclusively told Goal.com that no move is planned.

"Giorgio signed a renewal in July with Juventus and, even though I am not his agent, I can tell you that there is a difference between talking about a deal and actually doing one," Chiellini said.

"I think that a departure is just pure fantasy."

The former Fiorentina man has been outstanding for the Bianconeri, but it's unlikely Juve will consider selling him given their Scudetto and Champions League ambitions this season.

Eduardo Finally Returns From Injury

Eduardo hit the post on his return to action for Arsenal reserves last night.

The Brazilian-born Croatia striker played 45 minutes in a 2-0 win over Portsmouth reserves at Underhill in his first competitive match since his horrific leg and ankle injuries in February.

He headed one chance over the bar and then saw his shot tipped on to the post by Pompey keeper Asmir Begovic before going off at the break.

Eduardo said: "At the moment I am better and I feel very happy.

"I came off at half time because I felt something in my hamstring but I think it will be all right in two weeks.

"The situation with my injury is very hard for me but I have to forget everything bad in my life."

The Gunners won with goals from Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs.

Arsene Wenger Remains Optimistic

"We believe that champions are people who go on when everybody else stops," Wenger said. "That's the way we can show it. Nobody believes in us but we can show we still believe and keep going. I believe at the moment my team needs encouragement more than anything."

Arsenal's display, particularly in the first half, was some way above the dismal midweek performance against Porto in the Champions League, which was hardly surprising with the likes of strikers Adebayor and Robin van Persie, captain Fabregas and first-choice full-backs Bacary Sagna and Clichy restored to the starting line-up. But still it was not the dominant Arsenal of old.

Van Persie was only inches away from giving the visitors an early lead after a fabulous one-touch passing move, the Dutchman seeing his shot go just past the left-hand upright.

Adebayor then unselfishly slid in Abou Diaby on the left-side of the penalty area, the midfielder moving the ball back on to his right foot and forcing Ross Turnbull to parry at his near post.

Arsenal took the lead from the ensuing corner. Robert Huth was attracted to the ball and when he missed his header it left Adebayor unmarked and with the simplest of tasks to head past Turnbull from six yards.

Tuncay saw a tame shot gathered by Manuel Almunia, before creating the home side's equaliser just before the half-hour. The Turkey international pounced on Clichy's charged-down clearance on the right and fizzed over a first-time cross. Aliadiere threw himself at the ball and his diving header was past Almunia almost before he even had chance to move.

Boro should have had a penalty when Clichy felled Johnson, though Van Persie missed an excellent chance to put the visitors ahead again six minutes before the break. Adebayor's cross was slightly behind the Dutchman, who tried a back-heeled effort from eight yards out that failed to trouble Turnbull.

The second half was much tighter, with the ineffective Stewart Downing forcing one save from Almunia and van Persie scuffing a shot across the face of goal for Arsenal.

Turnbull beat away a near-post shot from Gunners substitute Nicklas Bendtner two minutes from time to earn his side the draw.

Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Arsenal

Former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere delivered another blow to Arsene Wenger's flickering Premier League title hopes by denying Arsenal three precious points in a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Aliadiere pounced with a fine glancing header in the 29th minute to cancel out Emmanuel Adebayor's 17th-minute opener and ultimately ensure Gareth Southgate's men a well-deserved share of the spoils.

Stewart Downing was denied a second-half winner by a fine save from Manuel Almunia but the Gunners also had their chances through Robin van Persie and substitute Nicklas Bendtner.

And at the final whistle there was little doubt which side was happier with the point with Wenger facing up to the prospect that his side would be even further adrift of the division's top three by the weekend's end.

Wenger had brought back his big guns after the dismal midweek Champions League loss in Porto with Emmanuel Eboue dropped to the bench - although he was given a cheer by Gunners fans when he warmed up on the touchline.

Boro, whose own form this season has been almost as topsy-turvy as their visitors, bristled with commitment and forced a succession of early corners, Adebayor heading one of them inches over his own bar.

And from another Boro set-piece, the ball eventually fell to Adam Johnson on the right side of the Gunners box but the midfielder blazed his shot high into the visiting fans behind the goal.

Almunia also had to race to the edge of his box to snatch a long ball away from Tuncay Sanli before Arsenal forced their first chance in the 11th minute, Abou Diaby setting up Van Persie who bobbled a low shot inches wide.

Wenger's men were slowly coming to life, largely thanks to the persistence of Adebayor who saw a goal-bound effort blocked by Robert Huth in the box before Ross Turnbull parried an effort from Abou Diaby.

But from the resulting 17th-minute corner the Gunners grabbed the lead when Adebayor stooped to meet captain Cesc Fabregas' set-piece in front of goal and sent a low header past Turnbull.

Tuncay tried a low long-range effort in the 25th minute that was easily gathered by Almunia down to his left while at the other end Diaby's effort from another Fabregas corner was gathered by Turnbull.

But French striker Aliadiere drew the home side level in the 29th minute with a superb glancing header from Tuncay's driven cross from the right which gave Almunia no chance.

Boro had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the 35th minute when McMahon claimed he had been tripped by Gael Clichy just inside the Boro box but referee Peter Walton waved play on.

Van Persie missed a golden chance to put his side back in front in the 38th minute when he mis-kicked completely in front of goal after Adebayor had crossed low from the right.

There was plenty more spirit coming from Southgate's men after the break as they continued to press without quite fashioning clear-cut chances, with the excellent Tuncay at the centre of everything.

And Boro came close to grabbing the lead on the hour when Stewart Downing out-paced Bacary Sagna chasing an Arca ball down the left before rifling a left-foot shot which struck Almunia's arm and went out for a corner.

Just when the Gunners were starting to look worryingly lightweight again, they had a fine chance of their own when Diaby sent through Van Persie who saw his left-foot shot slide across the face of goal from a tight angle.

Diaby sent in a long-range drive which was gathered by Turnbull much to the exasperation of Wenger, who was living every moment of a match his side needed to win on the edge of his technical area.

As the action began to tighten, Boro continued to hold the upper hand and Wenger sought to freshen things up in the 81st minute with the introduction of Nicklas Bendtner in place of Diaby.

And Bendtner almost made a big impression in the 86th minute when he sprang the Boro offside trap and hit a shot from the right side of the box which was well blocked by Turnbull in goal.

Southgate satisfiedMiddlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was delighted to take ''a really good point'' from the 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal but lamented the decision not to award his side a first-half penalty.''We've played really well with a patched together back four and they were fantastic, the four of them. Their contribution was outstanding,'' Southgate told Sky Sports 1.''We created some good chances, Stewart Downing had a really good chance and I'm really pleased, the lads have given everything and it was a really good point for us.''Boro had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the 35th minute when Tony McMahon claimed he had been tripped by Gael Clichy just inside the Boro box but referee Peter Walton waved play on.Asked if he thought it was a penalty, Southgate said: ''Yes. We're not getting those decisions at the moment because we had one given against us at the other end against Hull last week. ''Hopefully it will turn for us.''Injury-plagued Boro defender Robert Huth, who was excellent for most of the game, admitted he was probably at fault for Adebayor's goal.''I think so, I just got dragged too far and it was probably bad positioning by myself,'' he told Sky Sports 1.The defender added: ''We had a plan from the start. It got a bit shattered when we went 1-0 down but we kept going, you could see Arsenal were struggling a bit and it was a great goal to get to 1-1.''

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Middlesbrough Vs Arsenal Preview

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is facing up to a defensive crisis as he prepares for Arsenal's visit to the Riverside Stadium.

David Wheater is suspended after his sending-off at Hull last weekend, while Justin Hoyte and Andrew Taylor are both doubts with knee injuries.

Robert Huth (foot) and Chris Riggott (hamstring) have returned to training, but Tony McMahon, Seb Hines, Matthew Bates and Rhys Williams could come into contention if they are not ready.

Midfielder Gary O'Neil and striker Mido (both hamstring) will miss out once again, but Mohamed Shawky could be involved for the first time since he suffered a thigh injury in October.

Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca has warned his team-mates not to be taken in by talk of a crisis at Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger and his men have found themselves in the firing line throughout a difficult season with results at times not living up to expectations, and the controversy surrounding former captain William Gallas and midfielder Emmanuel Eboue making for unwelcome headlines.

However, the Gunners have emerged from the Champions League group stage to take their place among the Continent's elite once again, and remain a member of the top-four club.

Arca is hopeful of a repeat this time around, but has dismissed rumours of their demise.

He said: "You are always criticised when things are not going well, especially the big teams, because there are so many expectations on them to win cups and do well in every competition they play.

"I still believe Arsenal are one of the best teams. They play good football, pretty football and it's good what they are doing, giving a chance to young players to show how good they could be.

"In a year's time, probably those young players are going to cost millions.

"I know Arsenal fans expect them to win trophies, but it's good that the manager gives opportunities to the young players to play massive games, as they have been doing.''

That is a view shared by manager Gareth Southgate as he attempts to extend Boro's impressive record of having lost only once to Arsenal in their last six league meetings.

He said: "The one thing that's staggering is to hear people questioning Arsene Wenger's position because for me, he and Sir Alex [Ferguson] are the two managers you look up to as a young manager.

"Playing Arsenal just reminds you of the way they play, the style in which he wants to play, the way in which he has built that football club - which has always been a great club - in his own philosophies. He is a fantastic manager.''

Wenger will arrive at the Riverside Stadium having fielded his youngsters in Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat in Porto to meet a Boro side which slipped to a 2-1 league reverse at Hull in a late flurry.

That left Southgate's men just four points above the relegation zone, but equally, as many shy of seventh.

Arsenal expect to have captain Cesc Fabregas (knee) back along with several other first-team players.

Full-back Gael Clichy (hamstring), Robin van Persie (thigh) and the rested Emmanuel Adebayor also missed the midweek Champions League trip to Porto but should be available again, along with defender Bacary Sagna if he shakes off a virus in time.

Defender Kolo Toure (calf) and midfielder Samir Nasri (ankle) remain sidelined, along with Eduardo (leg) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintains the strength in depth of the Barclays Premier League this season will ensure no-one runs away with the title.

The Gunners head to Middlesbrough some eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool, but boosted by the recent victory over rivals Chelsea.

Rafael Benitez is, though, not getting carried away with the Reds' lofty position - and declared it would need the other big four to "mess up their season'' to ensure a smooth path towards the title come May.

Arsenal have yet to lose to any of the teams above them, and host Liverpool next Sunday.

However, they have been beaten by the likes of Hull, Fulham, Stoke and Manchester City, as well as fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Wenger insists the increased competition among the rest of England's elite clubs proves no encounter can be considered an easy ride any more.

He told Arsenal TV Online: "The level of demands are higher from everywhere.

"People always want top, top quality with top results, but on the other hand you have better teams in the Premier League than ever and that is why it is difficult for everybody.

"You cannot have on one side the best Premier League in the world and on the other side have teams just to turn up and think you will win the game. You will have surprises."

Fc Porto Vs Arsenal Report

Below-par Arsenal slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Porto to leave themselves with a tougher path towards Champions League glory.

With his side already qualified for the last 16 and with several key men - like captain Cesc Fabregas and striker Robin van Persie - carrying injuries, manager Arsene Wenger felt confident enough to take a calculated gamble with his team selection against a well-organised Portuguese outfit, who had never lost here to an English side a European tie.

However, the move back-fired as the much-changed Gunners never really got going and were undone by goals either side of the break by Bruno Alves and Lisandro Lopez.

Arsenal will now be drawn against one of the group winners next Friday - which include Juventus, Bayern Munich and Barcelona - and so must play the second leg away from home.

While the road to the Champions League final in Rome is certainly not blocked for the Gunners, the path has now become somewhat more treacherous after Wenger's 700th game in charge of Arsenal ended in his 129th defeat (he's also registered 406 wins and 165 draws since joining the club in September 1996).

Emmanuel Eboue had been jeered off when he was replaced toward the end of last week's Premier League game against Wigan following some poor touches.

However, the 25-year-old, playing at right-back, was given a warm welcome by the small travelling band of some 1,500 or so Arsenal fans at the Estadio do Dragao, which was far from full.

It was a bright start by the Gunners.

After five minutes, Mexican teenager Carlos Vela drew a foul out on the left. Denilson sent in a deep free-kick, which Diaby headed over.

At the other end, Eboue was penalised for running across Hulk as the striker charged towards the Arsenal penalty area.

The free-kick, some 25 yards out, just to the left of the arc, was taken by Bruno Alves and Almunia had to get down to his right to make a smart save.

With both teams already assured of a place in the last 16, there was something of a low key feel about the match as the quarter-hour marked approached.

The first real chance opened up for the visitors on 25 minutes when Nicklas Bendtner - this week in bright green boots - fed Aaron Ramsey on the right edge of the Porto box.

The young Welshman turned his marker and fired in a low, angled shot, which Helton did well to push around the far post.

Almunia came to Arsenal's rescue when he blocked Lucho Gonzalez's close-range effort and William Gallas hacked the loose ball clear.

Space opened up again in front of the Arsenal box on 33 minutes, this time Raul Meireles drilled a 20-yard strike just wide.

It was no surprise when the home side took the lead six minutes before the break.

A corner from the left was floated into the Arsenal box, and Bruno Alves arrived in front of Abou Diaby at the far post to head past Almunia.

Arsenal, who only needed a point to secure top spot, stepped up a gear as they tried to get back on level terms before half-time.

However, their delivery into the danger area was poor as the Porto defence stood firm.

The visitors were soon further behind in the 54th minute.

Arsenal gave possession away in midfield, with Fernando picking up the ball and feeding it through to Lisandro at the edge of the box.

The striker made no mistake, smashing his shot into the top right corner.

Arsenal again looked to make an immediate response, with Ramsey's neat turn and shot testing Helton.

Wenger made a double change on 59 minutes, when youngster Kieran Gibbs replaced Diaby and 16-year-old Jack Wilshere for Ramsey.

It would have been all over for the Gunners had Cristian Rodriguez not pulled his angled shot wide when played in on the overlap down the left.

As it was, there remained hope of a comeback and slowly Arsenal mounted some pressure.

However, Rodriguez almost got clear of Eboue as they raced towards the Arsenal goal, but the defender did enough to pressurise the striker into a shot off target.

Lucho dragged his close-range shot wide as the Gunners were exposed at the back once more.

Arsenal were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, but Bendtner's low shot beat the wall, the Porto keeper collected it comfortably - which just about summed up a lacklustre display from the Gunners.

Preview: Fc Porto VS Arsenal

Arsenal welcome back William Gallas and Abou Diaby for the Champions League trip to Porto - but will rest captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

As the Gunners have already qualified - and with one eye on Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at Middlesbrough - full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy, strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie and centre-half Kolo Toure are also staying in London.

Youngsters Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs, Gavin Hoyte, Mark Randall, Fran Merida, Jack Wilshere and Jay Simpson all make the travelling squad, which also includes midfielder Emmanuel Eboue - who was jeered off in Saturday's home game against Wigan.

Arsene Wenger will give Emmanuel Eboue the chance to silence the Arsenal boo-boys.

The Ivory Coast midfielder suffered the ignominy of being replaced minutes from the end of the 1-0 win over Wigan on Saturday following a run of poor touches which had the crowd on his back.

Eboue had just returned from a six-week spell on the sidelines and was only brought on to replace Samir Nasri during the first half.

Wenger admitted he removed the 25-year-old from the firing line because he feared another lapse in concentration could lead to his team conceding a costly late goal.

However, he sees no reason why Eboue should not be able to produce a performance in the Estadio do Dragao, where avoiding defeat would see Arsenal - who have already qualified for the last 16 - through as group winners.

"Emmanuel Eboue will start,'' Wenger confirmed. "He is completely in the right frame of mind.

"Of course he was disappointed for a few days but football is magic because you have the next game and in that you have the opportunity to show how good you are.''

Wenger was also quick to remind Gunners fans of how fortunate they were to be watching such an exciting young team, one which deserved their full support during the game.

"You can understand everything when you are in football. However, you want your fans to be behind the team for 90 minutes,'' he said.

"After the game, everyone is entitled to have an opinion. We accept any opinion at the club and are open to everyone's opinion.

"But no matter what happens you still want your fans to be behind the team during the 90 minutes.

"I believe they [the fans] have been swayed by the scepticism from the media which has affected their belief, which can have consequences on the team.

"I believe they are lucky to have an extremely young team with a magnificent talent who can do extremely well.

"These players want to do well, they have the potential to do well, and they can fight against the scepticism.

"There is only one way for the fans to help that. You want your fans to be behind the team because they deserve it.''

Wenger, who will reach another milestone when he takes charge of his 700th game in charge of the Gunners, insists his side will not be over-confident against Porto.

"We know when we travel in the Champions League they are always difficult games,'' he said.

"Maybe Porto will play with a bit less pressure because they are already qualified - and that can sometimes make them more dangerous. We will be completely focused and prepared to be at our best.''

Porto boss Jesualdo Ferreira maintains there will be "no vendetta'' when Arsenal come to Estadio do Dragao to decide who finishes top of Champions League Group G.

The Gunners romped to a 4-0 victory over the Portuguese side at Emirates Stadium in September - a result which actually flattered the visitors such was the dominance of Wenger's men.

Nevertheless, following away wins over both Dynamo Kiev and Fenerbahce, Porto - who won the Champions League in 2003/2004 under Jose Mourinho - have, like Arsenal, now already made sure of their place in the last 16.

Porto have never lost to an English side at home in Europe and Ferreira maintains, with the pressure off, nothing other than three points will be at stake.

"There will be no vendetta against Arsenal. Porto will be just playing with great responsibility,'' Ferreira said.

"It is very important to progress in this competition. It is what every player and coach wants.

"The game will be just to decide who is first or second, nothing else.

"Both teams will come here relaxed because they are already qualified, and so it should be a great game to watch.

"It is in our philosophy to win every game and we will play to do that.''

History would favour the draw, which would send Arsenal through as group winners, given six of Porto's 10 previous home contests against English opposition have finished all-square.

Go Gunners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!