PLAYER OF THE SEASON

 

It's time to announce the Arsenal.com Player of the Season - as voted for by the fans.

And the winner is... Jack Wilshere.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2010/11, starting the campaign on the fringes of the Arsenal side and ending it as a regular for club and country. 

Jack received 41.4 per cent of the votes in our poll. Here, Arsenal.com reporter Chris Harris gives his verdict on the young midfielder.

“The thing that is different about Jack is that he is very consistent. You hardly ever see him have a bad game. We have got lots of players in the Reserves that are very good players, in my opinion even as good as Jack on their day. But they don’t have that day as often and that is where the difference is."

Of all the tributes paid to Jack Wilshere in recent months, perhaps the most telling was that one from Emmanuel Frimpong.

The midfielder is nine days younger than Wilshere, has grown up alongside him at Arsenal, won the Youth Cup with him two years ago and has designs on a first-team place of his own in the not-too-distant future.

But like all of the talent bubbling under at London Colney, Frimpong needs to produce the goods week-in week-out to emulate his friend. Because it's consistency, as much as quality, that has transformed Wilshere from a promising youngster into a mainstay for club and country.

Samir Nasri was Arsenal's stand-out performer before Christmas. Robin van Persie was a class above in the New Year. But Wilshere was exceptional from August to May, a midfield metronome for all seasons.

It's hard to believe how far Wilshere has come in such a short period. This time last year he was, in Arsène Wenger's words, "completing his footballing education" with a loan spell at Bolton. The Reebok was perhaps an unlikely finishing school but it hardened Wilshere and gave him valuable time in the centre of the pitch after starting his Arsenal career on the flank.

Even so, if there had been a betting market for Arsenal's Player of the Season in 2010/11 you could probably have named your price if you were backing Wilshere. He was still only 18, for heaven's sake, and Wenger had a battery of midfield talent at his disposal.

That all changed in pre-season. Wilshere was practically an ever-present and his stock climbed again when Fabio Capello handed him his international debut against Hungary in August - partly due to the teenager's promise, partly a reaction to England's World Cup woes and the demand for a 'new generation' to be given its head.

Wilshere did well in his brief Wembley cameo and his next opportunity was just around the corner: a starting place on the opening weekend of the Premier League season at Liverpool. 

Perhaps he would not have featured that day had Cesc Fabregas or Alex Song been fully fit, but Wilshere did not look out of place and gave Steven Gerrard and company a run for their money during the hour he spent on the Anfield pitch.

You might have expected the youngster to take a back seat after that. But Wenger picked him again. And again. And again. And as the weeks and months unfolded, it became increasingly obvious - Wilshere was a bonafide Premier League player and deserved his place in the team.

His position helped his development. Wilshere emerged through the ranks as an advanced, goalscoring midfielder, but for the first team he was deployed in a deeper role alongside Alex Song. It gave Wilshere a chance to see the play in front of him, allowing him to pick his passes and choose his forward runs carefully.

That partly explains why the goals that littered his climb through the youth ranks have dried up. Wilshere did score against Shakhtar Donetsk and Aston Villa but he may need a positional tweak as well as the experience that brings calmness in the penalty area to get back among the goals.

It's hard to pick holes in any other area of Wilshere's game. He is a tenacious tackler, a wonderful passer - remember his assist for Nicklas Bendtner against Ipswich? - and can drift past opponents with a drop of the shoulder. What's more, he's got bottle and lots of it. When the chips are down Wilshere lifts his team - whether he's in the Nou Camp or the local park.

The 19-year-old admitted that he had exceeded his own expectations in 2010/11 and no wonder. He made 49 appearances for Arsenal - more than any team-mate - and was honoured by his peers in April when the PFA made him their Young Player of the Year.

Arsenal's fans have followed suit and you cannot blame them. They love to see a genuine local talent come good and Wilshere's attitude has also won him support. He shows his emotions, he clearly loves the Club and he connects with the supporters more than most players - Wilshere has more than half a million followers on Twitter.

Our Player of the Season was clearly tiring as the Premier League finish line homed into view but his omission from the England Under-21 squad this summer should afford him a long, deserved rest.

That's just as well - Wilshere has been billed as the future of England but, more importantly, he's the future of Arsenal too.

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

 

It's time to announce the Arsenal.com Player of the Season - as voted for by the fans.

And the winner is... Jack Wilshere.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2010/11, starting the campaign on the fringes of the Arsenal side and ending it as a regular for club and country. 

Jack received 41.4 per cent of the votes in our poll. Here, Arsenal.com reporter Chris Harris gives his verdict on the young midfielder.

“The thing that is different about Jack is that he is very consistent. You hardly ever see him have a bad game. We have got lots of players in the Reserves that are very good players, in my opinion even as good as Jack on their day. But they don’t have that day as often and that is where the difference is."

Of all the tributes paid to Jack Wilshere in recent months, perhaps the most telling was that one from Emmanuel Frimpong.

The midfielder is nine days younger than Wilshere, has grown up alongside him at Arsenal, won the Youth Cup with him two years ago and has designs on a first-team place of his own in the not-too-distant future.

But like all of the talent bubbling under at London Colney, Frimpong needs to produce the goods week-in week-out to emulate his friend. Because it's consistency, as much as quality, that has transformed Wilshere from a promising youngster into a mainstay for club and country.

Samir Nasri was Arsenal's stand-out performer before Christmas. Robin van Persie was a class above in the New Year. But Wilshere was exceptional from August to May, a midfield metronome for all seasons.

It's hard to believe how far Wilshere has come in such a short period. This time last year he was, in Arsène Wenger's words, "completing his footballing education" with a loan spell at Bolton. The Reebok was perhaps an unlikely finishing school but it hardened Wilshere and gave him valuable time in the centre of the pitch after starting his Arsenal career on the flank.

Even so, if there had been a betting market for Arsenal's Player of the Season in 2010/11 you could probably have named your price if you were backing Wilshere. He was still only 18, for heaven's sake, and Wenger had a battery of midfield talent at his disposal.

That all changed in pre-season. Wilshere was practically an ever-present and his stock climbed again when Fabio Capello handed him his international debut against Hungary in August - partly due to the teenager's promise, partly a reaction to England's World Cup woes and the demand for a 'new generation' to be given its head.

Wilshere did well in his brief Wembley cameo and his next opportunity was just around the corner: a starting place on the opening weekend of the Premier League season at Liverpool. 

Perhaps he would not have featured that day had Cesc Fabregas or Alex Song been fully fit, but Wilshere did not look out of place and gave Steven Gerrard and company a run for their money during the hour he spent on the Anfield pitch.

You might have expected the youngster to take a back seat after that. But Wenger picked him again. And again. And again. And as the weeks and months unfolded, it became increasingly obvious - Wilshere was a bonafide Premier League player and deserved his place in the team.

His position helped his development. Wilshere emerged through the ranks as an advanced, goalscoring midfielder, but for the first team he was deployed in a deeper role alongside Alex Song. It gave Wilshere a chance to see the play in front of him, allowing him to pick his passes and choose his forward runs carefully.

That partly explains why the goals that littered his climb through the youth ranks have dried up. Wilshere did score against Shakhtar Donetsk and Aston Villa but he may need a positional tweak as well as the experience that brings calmness in the penalty area to get back among the goals.

It's hard to pick holes in any other area of Wilshere's game. He is a tenacious tackler, a wonderful passer - remember his assist for Nicklas Bendtner against Ipswich? - and can drift past opponents with a drop of the shoulder. What's more, he's got bottle and lots of it. When the chips are down Wilshere lifts his team - whether he's in the Nou Camp or the local park.

The 19-year-old admitted that he had exceeded his own expectations in 2010/11 and no wonder. He made 49 appearances for Arsenal - more than any team-mate - and was honoured by his peers in April when the PFA made him their Young Player of the Year.

Arsenal's fans have followed suit and you cannot blame them. They love to see a genuine local talent come good and Wilshere's attitude has also won him support. He shows his emotions, he clearly loves the Club and he connects with the supporters more than most players - Wilshere has more than half a million followers on Twitter.

Our Player of the Season was clearly tiring as the Premier League finish line homed into view but his omission from the England Under-21 squad this summer should afford him a long, deserved rest.

That's just as well - Wilshere has been billed as the future of England but, more importantly, he's the future of Arsenal too.

Jens Lehmann hints at extended stay with Arsenal

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has hinted that he could yet stay on for another season at the club.

The 41-year-old came out of retirement after he was drafted into the team in March as an injury crisis left only Manuel Almunia available for Arsene Wenger with Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski sidelined.

Lehmann ended up playing one match in his second spell at the club but has hinted that it might not be the last time he appears.

"It was not really a comeback, but more of a last resort - actually more of a hobby," he told German newspaper Bild.

"I took three weeks to get really fit - and then I had to play against Blackpool.

"I thought: 'you can do it still. It is not forgotten'.

"From my performance I would be able to continue playing. My team-mates are always asking me if I'll still be here next season."

Even if the veteran does decide to hang up his gloves for a second time, he could still remain in England as he aims to continue his coaching career.

"I can very well imagine a job in football. First, I'll probably end my trainer course," he added.

"When you have such personalities as Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, this [England] is the ideal solution."

Jens Lehmann hints at extended stay with Arsenal

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has hinted that he could yet stay on for another season at the club.

The 41-year-old came out of retirement after he was drafted into the team in March as an injury crisis left only Manuel Almunia available for Arsene Wenger with Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski sidelined.

Lehmann ended up playing one match in his second spell at the club but has hinted that it might not be the last time he appears.

"It was not really a comeback, but more of a last resort - actually more of a hobby," he told German newspaper Bild.

"I took three weeks to get really fit - and then I had to play against Blackpool.

"I thought: 'you can do it still. It is not forgotten'.

"From my performance I would be able to continue playing. My team-mates are always asking me if I'll still be here next season."

Even if the veteran does decide to hang up his gloves for a second time, he could still remain in England as he aims to continue his coaching career.

"I can very well imagine a job in football. First, I'll probably end my trainer course," he added.

"When you have such personalities as Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, this [England] is the ideal solution."

Szczesny - We've beaten the best at Emirates

Wojciech Szczesny believes Arsenal have proved their pedigree with the results attained against “the big boys” at Emirates Stadium this season.

Sunday’s victory completed a hat-trick of wins over both probable Champions League finalists, Manchester United and Barcelona, while Chelsea were put to the sword on a frenzied night in December.

Arsène Wenger’s side were heavily critisised earlier in the season for their record against direct title rivals but Szczesny feels the aforementioned trio of fixtures proves Arsenal can mix it with the best.

“When the big boys come to Emirates Stadium we can show that we are a good side,” he said. “I think we have shown in the big games at home that we can produce terrific performances.

“It was a great result, a terrific performance and was exactly what we needed after last week’s disappointment. We played with the handbrake off because there was less pressure on us and the fans were fantastic.

“Realistically, our title chances were over but we wanted to play for our pride and show that we are good enough to challenge Manchester United. We were the better side and deserved to win.”

In all probability, Aaron Ramsey’s second-half strike will not claw Arsenal back into the title race and Szczesny says inconsistency has proved to be the difference over the course of the season.

“[Manchester United] have been more consistent. They didn’t drop any silly points like we did in the last couple of weeks, which made a difference. I think they have been the most consistent side and that’s why they are top of the table.”

Szczesny - We've beaten the best at Emirates

Wojciech Szczesny believes Arsenal have proved their pedigree with the results attained against “the big boys” at Emirates Stadium this season.

Sunday’s victory completed a hat-trick of wins over both probable Champions League finalists, Manchester United and Barcelona, while Chelsea were put to the sword on a frenzied night in December.

Arsène Wenger’s side were heavily critisised earlier in the season for their record against direct title rivals but Szczesny feels the aforementioned trio of fixtures proves Arsenal can mix it with the best.

“When the big boys come to Emirates Stadium we can show that we are a good side,” he said. “I think we have shown in the big games at home that we can produce terrific performances.

“It was a great result, a terrific performance and was exactly what we needed after last week’s disappointment. We played with the handbrake off because there was less pressure on us and the fans were fantastic.

“Realistically, our title chances were over but we wanted to play for our pride and show that we are good enough to challenge Manchester United. We were the better side and deserved to win.”

In all probability, Aaron Ramsey’s second-half strike will not claw Arsenal back into the title race and Szczesny says inconsistency has proved to be the difference over the course of the season.

“[Manchester United] have been more consistent. They didn’t drop any silly points like we did in the last couple of weeks, which made a difference. I think they have been the most consistent side and that’s why they are top of the table.”

Szczesny - Wenger flak is 'ridiculous'

Wojciech Szczesny has described recent criticism of Arsène Wenger as “ridiculous”.

The Arsenal manager has been underfire in the past month or so after his side dropped out of the title race. However the team restored some pride with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Afterwards, his keeper leapt to Wenger's defence.

“It’s ridiculous really,” he said. “If you ask any of the players they will stand by the manager. He built this team from nothing and I believe he is the best manager in the world.

“We are a young team, we still believe we have a lot of years ahead of us and a lot of trophies to win. Let’s be patient and show that we are good enough.

“We all take individual responsibilities for our mistakes. Everyone has played their part in this season’s disappointment and I think we have to take it as a team. You can’t blame the boss because he stood by the team the whole season and supported us.

“Next season, we need to prove that we can step up. I believe we are good enough to step up and win the league. Let’s show everyone that we are capable of doing it.”

Szczesny - Wenger flak is 'ridiculous'

Wojciech Szczesny has described recent criticism of Arsène Wenger as “ridiculous”.

The Arsenal manager has been underfire in the past month or so after his side dropped out of the title race. However the team restored some pride with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Afterwards, his keeper leapt to Wenger's defence.

“It’s ridiculous really,” he said. “If you ask any of the players they will stand by the manager. He built this team from nothing and I believe he is the best manager in the world.

“We are a young team, we still believe we have a lot of years ahead of us and a lot of trophies to win. Let’s be patient and show that we are good enough.

“We all take individual responsibilities for our mistakes. Everyone has played their part in this season’s disappointment and I think we have to take it as a team. You can’t blame the boss because he stood by the team the whole season and supported us.

“Next season, we need to prove that we can step up. I believe we are good enough to step up and win the league. Let’s show everyone that we are capable of doing it.”

Andrey Arshavin denies any rift with manager Arsene Wenger

 

Andrey Arshavin has denied rumours of a rift between himself and Arsene Wenger after speculation about his future at the club.

Arshavin has struggled to find his best form this season for Arsenal and was left out of the starting-line up against Tottenham in midweek, leading to speculation that he could be set to leave The Emirates this summer.
Despite admitting he has not been at the top of his game this season Arshavin has denied rumours of any rift with Arsene Wenger.

“It is not true. We have absolutely fine relations,” Arshavin said, according to the Daily Mirror.
Arsenal look destined for a sixth successive season without a trophy and Wenger is reportedly set for a summer clear-out which has cast doubts over the long-term future of Arshavin, who cost £15 million from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2009.

Arshavin has been criticised for his form this season, though he has provided 11 assists in Premier League matches, second to Cesc Fabregas with 13, and has also chipped in with 10 goals in all competitions.

Andrey Arshavin denies any rift with manager Arsene Wenger

 

Andrey Arshavin has denied rumours of a rift between himself and Arsene Wenger after speculation about his future at the club.

Arshavin has struggled to find his best form this season for Arsenal and was left out of the starting-line up against Tottenham in midweek, leading to speculation that he could be set to leave The Emirates this summer.
Despite admitting he has not been at the top of his game this season Arshavin has denied rumours of any rift with Arsene Wenger.

“It is not true. We have absolutely fine relations,” Arshavin said, according to the Daily Mirror.
Arsenal look destined for a sixth successive season without a trophy and Wenger is reportedly set for a summer clear-out which has cast doubts over the long-term future of Arshavin, who cost £15 million from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2009.

Arshavin has been criticised for his form this season, though he has provided 11 assists in Premier League matches, second to Cesc Fabregas with 13, and has also chipped in with 10 goals in all competitions.

Szczesny hoping Wenger doesn’t need to buy

 

Wojciech Szczesny hopes he has done enough to convince Arsène Wenger that the Arsenal manager doesn’t need to buy a goalkeeper in the summer.

Wenger has already hinted that he may not require a new acquisition following Szczesny’s remarkable, and somewhat unexpected, rise to prominence this season.

The confident Pole turned 21 on Monday and, after starting the campaign as the third-choice keeper at the Club, admits he is relishing his opportunity to impress on the big stage.

“I'm doing my best,” he said. “Whatever decision the manager makes at the start of next season is completely down to him, but I will do my best to cement my position in goal.

“I will always look at this as my ‘breakthrough’ season and I want to cement my place in the team for a long time.

“Whatever happens this year, next year will be very important for me personally and for Arsenal as well.”

Szczesny returned from the finger injury he sustained in Barcelona to make his first appearance in over a month against Liverpool on Sunday. A smart save from Luis Suarez in the second half coupled with a relatively unflustered afternoon saw him fit seamlessly back into the Arsenal side.

“I still felt a little uncomfortable,” he said. “I wear a special protection but it didn't cause me any trouble against Liverpool.

“I had my finger strapped for four weeks and I couldn't do anything with it. I just prayed for it to be fine after four weeks.”

Szczesny hoping Wenger doesn’t need to buy

 

Wojciech Szczesny hopes he has done enough to convince Arsène Wenger that the Arsenal manager doesn’t need to buy a goalkeeper in the summer.

Wenger has already hinted that he may not require a new acquisition following Szczesny’s remarkable, and somewhat unexpected, rise to prominence this season.

The confident Pole turned 21 on Monday and, after starting the campaign as the third-choice keeper at the Club, admits he is relishing his opportunity to impress on the big stage.

“I'm doing my best,” he said. “Whatever decision the manager makes at the start of next season is completely down to him, but I will do my best to cement my position in goal.

“I will always look at this as my ‘breakthrough’ season and I want to cement my place in the team for a long time.

“Whatever happens this year, next year will be very important for me personally and for Arsenal as well.”

Szczesny returned from the finger injury he sustained in Barcelona to make his first appearance in over a month against Liverpool on Sunday. A smart save from Luis Suarez in the second half coupled with a relatively unflustered afternoon saw him fit seamlessly back into the Arsenal side.

“I still felt a little uncomfortable,” he said. “I wear a special protection but it didn't cause me any trouble against Liverpool.

“I had my finger strapped for four weeks and I couldn't do anything with it. I just prayed for it to be fine after four weeks.”

Abou Diaby & Robin van Persie involved in dressing room row during Arsenal's victory over Blackpool

Abou Diaby and Robin van Persie were reportedly involved in a dressing room row during Arsenal's victory over Blackpool.

The Gunners had taken a two-goal lead at the end of the first half, when Diaby - who had scored the opener - was booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle had been blown.

And The Mirror reports that Van Persie was angry with his team-mate, and the pair had to be pulled apart by other players during half-time.

Earlier in the season, the Londoners were cruising with a 4-0 lead at half-time against Newcastle United, but Diaby's red card proved to change the match as the opposition managed to pull off a shock to draw 4-4.

Against Blackpool, however, Arsene Wenger's men conceded a goal a little after the break, but managed to win the game 3-1.

Abou Diaby & Robin van Persie involved in dressing room row during Arsenal's victory over Blackpool

Abou Diaby and Robin van Persie were reportedly involved in a dressing room row during Arsenal's victory over Blackpool.

The Gunners had taken a two-goal lead at the end of the first half, when Diaby - who had scored the opener - was booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle had been blown.

And The Mirror reports that Van Persie was angry with his team-mate, and the pair had to be pulled apart by other players during half-time.

Earlier in the season, the Londoners were cruising with a 4-0 lead at half-time against Newcastle United, but Diaby's red card proved to change the match as the opposition managed to pull off a shock to draw 4-4.

Against Blackpool, however, Arsene Wenger's men conceded a goal a little after the break, but managed to win the game 3-1.

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny reveals he is still training despite injured hand

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has revealed the injury he sustained against Barcelona in the Champions League has not stopped him putting in the hours on the training pitch.

The Polish 'keeper has been sidelined for two weeks and faces a minimum of two more weeks in a splint after rupturing tendons in his left hand.

Manager Arsene Wenger last week stated that he expected the 20-year-old to miss six weeks of action.

The injury prevents him from taking part in a normal goalkeeping routine, but Szczesny is using the time to work on other areas of his game that will improve him in the long-term.

"I work in the gym everyday, working on my lower body and my distribution as well which will be very good for me," he told the club's website. "I'm not getting bored, I can still do a lot of stuff.

"There's nothing you can do when it happens - you have to move on, work hard on your fitness and make sure you come back stronger than ever.

"There's not a lot of joint damage, the tendon is ruptured. So basically I have to keep my finger in a splint for four weeks and let the tendon heal. From then it will be a couple of weeks before I can be back in the squad.

"It's very hard, especially at a time when it was going well for me. We have got some big games coming up."

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny reveals he is still training despite injured hand

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has revealed the injury he sustained against Barcelona in the Champions League has not stopped him putting in the hours on the training pitch.

The Polish 'keeper has been sidelined for two weeks and faces a minimum of two more weeks in a splint after rupturing tendons in his left hand.

Manager Arsene Wenger last week stated that he expected the 20-year-old to miss six weeks of action.

The injury prevents him from taking part in a normal goalkeeping routine, but Szczesny is using the time to work on other areas of his game that will improve him in the long-term.

"I work in the gym everyday, working on my lower body and my distribution as well which will be very good for me," he told the club's website. "I'm not getting bored, I can still do a lot of stuff.

"There's nothing you can do when it happens - you have to move on, work hard on your fitness and make sure you come back stronger than ever.

"There's not a lot of joint damage, the tendon is ruptured. So basically I have to keep my finger in a splint for four weeks and let the tendon heal. From then it will be a couple of weeks before I can be back in the squad.

"It's very hard, especially at a time when it was going well for me. We have got some big games coming up."

Ramsey - Our character earned us a point

Aaron Ramsey says Arsenal's never-say-die attitude spared them a first Premier League defeat of the year on Saturday.

West Bromwich Albion capitalised on uncertain defending to take a two-goal lead at the Hawthorns but Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie struck within seven minutes of each other to set up a grandstand finish.

Arsenal could not find a winner and find themselves five points adrift of Manchester United going into the international break. That was a source of frustration to Ramsey after the match but he admits it could have been worse.

"Obviously we didn’t get the result we wanted but I thought we showed character to get a point of out it," said the Welshman. "It could have been a lot worse, absolutely, but we never give up. At least we got something out of the game.

"We have a game in hand and we play Man United at home so we are definitely not out of it [the title race]. Definitely not. There is a lot to play for and hopefully we can do that and become champions at the end."

Saturday represented Ramsey's first start in an Arsenal shirt since he suffered a double leg fracture at Stoke in February 2010. The 20-year-old almost marked the milestone with a first-half equaliser but was denied at point-blank range by Albion keeper Scott Carson.

"I think I should have scored," reflected Ramsey. "But it was awkward. The ball was around my hip and I had to take a touch, the right-back was getting close to me so I had to get a shot away pretty quickly.

"But it was great to have that opportunity to start again for Arsenal and I thought I did alright. Obviously, it is a difficult atmosphere and the fans get right behind their players - they showed that with their first half performance. But they got tired in the end and we took advantage of that."

Ramsey - Our character earned us a point

Aaron Ramsey says Arsenal's never-say-die attitude spared them a first Premier League defeat of the year on Saturday.

West Bromwich Albion capitalised on uncertain defending to take a two-goal lead at the Hawthorns but Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie struck within seven minutes of each other to set up a grandstand finish.

Arsenal could not find a winner and find themselves five points adrift of Manchester United going into the international break. That was a source of frustration to Ramsey after the match but he admits it could have been worse.

"Obviously we didn’t get the result we wanted but I thought we showed character to get a point of out it," said the Welshman. "It could have been a lot worse, absolutely, but we never give up. At least we got something out of the game.

"We have a game in hand and we play Man United at home so we are definitely not out of it [the title race]. Definitely not. There is a lot to play for and hopefully we can do that and become champions at the end."

Saturday represented Ramsey's first start in an Arsenal shirt since he suffered a double leg fracture at Stoke in February 2010. The 20-year-old almost marked the milestone with a first-half equaliser but was denied at point-blank range by Albion keeper Scott Carson.

"I think I should have scored," reflected Ramsey. "But it was awkward. The ball was around my hip and I had to take a touch, the right-back was getting close to me so I had to get a shot away pretty quickly.

"But it was great to have that opportunity to start again for Arsenal and I thought I did alright. Obviously, it is a difficult atmosphere and the fans get right behind their players - they showed that with their first half performance. But they got tired in the end and we took advantage of that."

Szczesny – We’ll win the League to shut up the moaners!

The young Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is refusing to listen to the moaners who are saying that the Gunners are not good enough to win a trophy, and, although the Pole will be watching from the sidelines for most of the run-in, he believes his Arsenal team-mates can shut everyone up simply by winning the Premiership title.

Arsenal were tamely knocked out of the FA Cup by Man Utd at Old Trafford yesterday, and many pundits believe that Alex Ferguson’s side are the most likely to go on and do the Double after that result, but Szczesny refuses to agree.

Szczesny said : “I don’t care what people say. The only way we can respond is by going out on the pitch and showing people what we are made of.

“We are confident we are a very good team and we believe we can win the league this season – that is the only way to shut them up really.

“Yes, we’re heartened by United losing their last two league games. We’re going to try to take advantage of it.

“They’ve dropped points and we’re going to do our best to win all of our games coming up – then we’ve still got to play them at the Emirates.”

Szczesny – We’ll win the League to shut up the moaners!

The young Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is refusing to listen to the moaners who are saying that the Gunners are not good enough to win a trophy, and, although the Pole will be watching from the sidelines for most of the run-in, he believes his Arsenal team-mates can shut everyone up simply by winning the Premiership title.

Arsenal were tamely knocked out of the FA Cup by Man Utd at Old Trafford yesterday, and many pundits believe that Alex Ferguson’s side are the most likely to go on and do the Double after that result, but Szczesny refuses to agree.

Szczesny said : “I don’t care what people say. The only way we can respond is by going out on the pitch and showing people what we are made of.

“We are confident we are a very good team and we believe we can win the league this season – that is the only way to shut them up really.

“Yes, we’re heartened by United losing their last two league games. We’re going to try to take advantage of it.

“They’ve dropped points and we’re going to do our best to win all of our games coming up – then we’ve still got to play them at the Emirates.”