Post by Salem6 on Nov 8, 2003 0:40:08 GMT
LONDON (AP) -- A chance to relax for Arsenal after a draining, emotional win in the Champions League? Not a chance.
The Gunners, who beat Dynamo Kiev 1-0 Wednesday on a late header by Ashley Cole, host North London rival Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.
"You know when you play for Arsenal, there are always big games," French midfielder Robert Pires said. "(Wednesday) it was Kiev, on Saturday it will be the match that's the most important for the fans."
Arsenal, in virtually a must-win game, squandered numerous chances at Highbury before Cole's diving header in the 88th minute snapped an eight-game winless streak in Europe and kept the Gunners in contention for the knockout stage.
"I don't know what physical state we'll be in, but don't worry, we'll show up," Pires said.
Arsenal, the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, leads with 27 points. Chelsea is second with 26, while defending champion Manchester United is third with 25.
Thierry Henry is the top goalscorer with 10, and lively midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is finding his form following an ankle injury.
"It is a derby game, so there should be no problem about concentrating," Ljungberg said.
THFC' bubble finally burst under caretaker manager David Pleat last Saturday. Unbeaten in six games under Pleat, Tottenham lost 1-0 to Bolton at White Hart Lane.
"Now we've got a nice easy game against Arsenal," said THFC' American 'keeper Kasey Keller. "But everyone will be up for Arsenal. It's a big game for our supporters -- and the players."
Source:-
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/soccer/11/06/bc.eu.spt.soc.englishpr.ap/
The Gunners, who beat Dynamo Kiev 1-0 Wednesday on a late header by Ashley Cole, host North London rival Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.
"You know when you play for Arsenal, there are always big games," French midfielder Robert Pires said. "(Wednesday) it was Kiev, on Saturday it will be the match that's the most important for the fans."
Arsenal, in virtually a must-win game, squandered numerous chances at Highbury before Cole's diving header in the 88th minute snapped an eight-game winless streak in Europe and kept the Gunners in contention for the knockout stage.
"I don't know what physical state we'll be in, but don't worry, we'll show up," Pires said.
Arsenal, the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, leads with 27 points. Chelsea is second with 26, while defending champion Manchester United is third with 25.
Thierry Henry is the top goalscorer with 10, and lively midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is finding his form following an ankle injury.
"It is a derby game, so there should be no problem about concentrating," Ljungberg said.
THFC' bubble finally burst under caretaker manager David Pleat last Saturday. Unbeaten in six games under Pleat, Tottenham lost 1-0 to Bolton at White Hart Lane.
"Now we've got a nice easy game against Arsenal," said THFC' American 'keeper Kasey Keller. "But everyone will be up for Arsenal. It's a big game for our supporters -- and the players."
Source:-
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/soccer/11/06/bc.eu.spt.soc.englishpr.ap/
