Don't panic, Arsenal fans! Bendtner to the rescue as Wenger solves striking crisis - Daily Mail

By Phil Duncan

PUBLISHED: 03:48 EST, 30 August 2013 | UPDATED: 05:35 EST, 30 August 2013

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Arsene Wenger insists there could be a route back for Nicklas Bendtner at the Emirates as the Arsenal boss refuses to panic over his side's lack of activity in the transfer market.

Bendtner, who hasn't played for the Gunners in over two years following loan spells at Sunderland and Juventus, appeared set to leave the North London club this summer.

Wenger has been left with just two recognised strikers in Olivier Giroud and free signing Yaya Sanogo after Lukas Podolski was ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury sustained in the 2-0 win over Fenerbahce on Tuesday.

A welcome return? Nicklas Bendtner, who played for Juventus last term, hasn't featured for Arsenal since 2011

Yellow peril: Bendtner's last goal for Arsenal in the Premier League came in December 2010 against Wigan

Bendtner's record at Arsenal

Signed: July 1, 2005 from FC Copenhagen
Appearances: 157 Goals: 43

And despite marking a new striker his priority this summer, Wenger has now been forced to turn to Bendtner after failed moves for Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney and Gonzalo Higuain. 

'The chance for him to leave now is very small and if he comes back well and gets fit, I will use him,' said Wenger on the Denmark international.

Injury blow: Lukas Podolski was ruled out for up to 10 weeks after picking up a hamstring injury

Legendary actor Clive Dunn played Lance Corporal Jones (right) in hit TV series Dad's Army. His catchphrase was 'Don't panic! Don't panic!' Wenger insists he won't be panicking as the transfer deadline day approaches

The Arsenal boss is under pressure to make signings following a summer in which he has failed to spend a single penny on additions to his squad. But Wenger insists he won't 'panic buy' before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

'We will not panic buy, that is for sure. You can believe me. It is not my strength to panic.

'I can give you my phone and you will see I have more than 50 players offered to me a day.

'I'm completely happy with what we do and how we do things. I don't share the criticisms that are made of my (transfer) team.'

Don't panic: Arsene Wenger remains hopeful of new additions at the Emirates before the window shuts

While Wenger has made just two additions to his squad this summer in Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini - both on free transfers - rivals Tottenaham have spent over 100milllion on new signings.

Roberto Soldado, Etienne Capoue, Nacer Chadli, Paulinho and Vlad Chiriches have all signed for Tottenham with Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen poised to follow.

But speaking ahead of Tottenham's visit to the Emirates on Sunday, Wenger appeared to suggest that Spurs could encounter problems with so many new faces.

New arrivals: Roberto Soldado (left) and Etienne Capoue are part of Tottenham's new-look squad this season

Welcome aboard: Midfielder Paulinho arrived from Corinthians in a 17million deal

'There is a technical risk when you buy more than three players because you unbalance a bit the stability of your squad,' added Wenger. 

I know all the players they bought, but we will see how well they integrate. It's difficult to predict that. It can click fantastically well but there is a little risk.

'Honestly I must confess I am not too worried about their risk and what they do.'

Wenger added: 'What is important for us is to get on a winning run. We have win the last three so it is important we continue that.

'The game is a good opportunity for us to show our strengths against Tottenham because they have strengthened their team.'

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What was the point of moving to the emirates only to fill it with the team we have we have become a poor side and tomorrow will prove that against spurs.

- Poulter1978 , Burgess hill, United Kingdom, 31/8/2013 17:49

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So Graystar Wenger has lost his marbles? There are 16 other teams in the premier league that hope their manager lose their marbles & qualify for the champions league once let alone 16 consecutive times. The only people that have lost their marbles are the clubs spending crazy money for average players. Wenger is a genius & is showing the world that morals can still be found in the game.

- DorsetG , Dorset, United Kingdom, 31/8/2013 10:57

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The criticism is not of your team Wenger but of you! You are a hopelessly inept manager who has finally lost his marbles and all touch with reality! Time for you to go I feel!

- Graystar , Newton Abbot, 31/8/2013 08:14

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Gallas and Adebyour are free as well, well I am sure we wouldn't mind you having him back, it seems the right thing to do help a neighbour out and all that!

- load of bs , london, United Kingdom, 31/8/2013 08:11

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There is no way Bendtner alone will bring us success, trust me someone we have heard of, will arrive at Arsenal before Monday Nights deadline, and it could be someone like Mesut Ozil, or Kaka.

- Jamesfish , Horley, 31/8/2013 06:00

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Arsenal fans must be very reassured that players like Chamakh, Park Chu-Young, Santos & Squillaci were not 'panic buys' but carefully considered decisions and that Wenger signed 8 players in the summer 2011 transfer window! Good job Spuds haven't been able to get anyone decent 'cos they're only in the Europa league, unlike the Gunners.....

- Muswell Hill Exile , Newquay, United Kingdom, 31/8/2013 00:43

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Here's a haiku: No no no no no, No no no no no no no, No no no no no.

- abdel , london, United Kingdom, 30/8/2013 23:54

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In 43 years of supporting the gooners, never have I felt at a low ebb. We only need a couple of signings to be better than the best. I even fear we won't make 4th unless he pulls a rabbit out the bag when Bale signs and we buy due to the insanity of unreal, Real. I thought once we'd qualified for the CL Wenger would show us his master plan signings. If we lose on Sunday, I'd hate to be Wenger. He'll need a hearing aid.

- Gunner go , Crawley, United Kingdom, 30/8/2013 23:54

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I am very sorry. I could make a comment but it would not be published. ALONGTIMEAGUNNER(65YEARS)

- gregson7 , Mx, 30/8/2013 23:30

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David Bentley is available for free. . . not sure if this a joke anymore

- daplayboy8 , london, 30/8/2013 23:21

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Julian Draxler and Kaka are Arsene Wenger's latest targets as Arsenal step up ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Although several goalkeepers are being considered – and a bid was put in for Valencia's Vicente Guaita – Wenger is becoming increasingly convinced that he has sufficient strength in Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski.

Despite being given his largest budget since he became Arsenal manager in 1996, Wenger has suffered repeated frustration in the transfer market this summer and is yet to actually make a cash signing.

The club's transfer record still stands at the £15 million that was paid for Andrei Arshavin in 2009, a figure that neighbours Tottenham Hotspur have surpassed three times this summer with the signings of Roberto Soldado, Paulinho and Erik Lamela.

Wenger's priority had been to add a proven world-class striker to the squad but two bids for Luis Suárez were rejected by Liverpool and they lost out on Gonzalo Higuain to Napoli. Arsenal will now hope that Benzema can be persuaded to leave Real.

Midfield is the other priority area and, although Mathieu Flamini has arrived on a free transfer, Wenger wants further options. A dream scenario would be to sign two of Özil, Di Maria or Draxler, with Kaka another possibility.

Long-term injuries to Mikel Arteta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski already this season have highlighted the need for Arsenal to bring in new players.

Bayern Munich 2 Chelsea 2 (aet) Bayern win 5-4 on pens: player ratings - Telegraph.co.uk

Mario Mandzukic 6
Offered only an occasional threat himself but still so important for the way he links Bayern's play. Frequently also dropped into wide positions and was denied by a series of Cech saves in extra time

SUBS
Javi Martinez for Rafinha (56 minutes) 8
Provided Bayern with added balance and drive. Forced wonderful extra-time save from Cech before scoring dramatic equaliser.

Mario Gotze for Thomas Muller (71 minutes) 5
Bayern's star summer signing from Borussia Dortmund but was largely frustrated by Chelsea's rearguard action.

Shaqiri for Arjen Robben (95 minutes) 7
Provided an injection of energy and quality. Was also calm and precise with his penalty Chelsea

CHELSEA

Petr Cech 9
Made a wonderful fingertip save from Ribery during the first-half and then produced a string of magnificent saves in extra time but was unable to stop any of Bayern's five penalties.

Branislav Ivanovic 6
Struggled defensively with the movement of Ribery, especially as Madzukic also regularly drifted to the right. Hit the bar with a powerful header from a second-half corner.

David Luiz 7
Selected ahead of John Terry for the added defensive mobility that he provides. Made a series of important blocks and forced an excellent second-half save from Neuer. Also emphatic with his penalty.

Gary Cahill 8
Continued his hugely impressive start to the season. Made a brilliant first-half intervention to deny Muller and was also largely responsible for negating the threat of Mandzukic for long periods.

Ashley Cole 6
Had an especially difficult first-half against Robben but did improve and increasingly contain his former team-mate. Unable to get forward and offer any real attacking threat but scored his penalty.

Ramires 5
Struggled to make any impact in possession but did work tirelessly in front of Chelsea four defenders to break up Bayern's attacks before being sent off for a second yellow card.

Frank Lampard 6
Also struggled to impose himself in central midfield as Chelsea spent most of the match chasing the ball and trying to restrict Bayern. Did break forward occasionally and was emphatic with his penalty.

Andre Schurrle 7
Preferred to Juan Mata for his pace and vindicated that selection totally. Provided the cross for Torres's goal and caused continuous problems down the left for Alaba as Chelsea played on the counter-attack.

Oscar 8
Asked to play behind Torres but was most impressive for his workrate and willingness to track back. Wasted an excellent second-half chance, however, after dwelling excessively on the ball.

Fernando Torres 7
Took just eight minutes to respond to the signing of Samuel Eto'o with a brilliant finish past Neuer. Worked hard and always dangerous but did struggle to link the play as Chelsea repeatedly lost possession.

SUBS

John-Obi Mikel for Andre Schurrle (87 minutes) 5
Brought on following the dismissal of Ramires but was unable to relieve the pressure.

Romelu Lukaku for Fernando Torres (97 minutes) 5

Bayern Munich 2 Chelsea 2 (aet); Bayern win 5-4 on pens: match report - Telegraph.co.uk

As Lukaku held his head in his hands, Neuer darted to his left to console Petr Cech and then celebrated with his jubilant Bayern colleagues.

This was only the Super Cup, only the early-season loosener between the winners of the Europa League and the Champions League, but this contained all the gravitas of a major final, all spiced with fabulous goals, endless commitment, even a red card.

Both sides gave everything. It meant everything to both managers.

Guardiola delivered two impassioned talks at the end of normal time and then extra-time. Mourinho kept gesturing to Chelsea fans to make even more noise, although they were never going to compete with the deafening Bavarian choirs, who ended the night singing "Football's Coming Home'' after Lukaku's miss.

Lukaku was inconsolable. Michael Essien, showing experience and compassion, man-marked the distraught young striker for 15 minutes afterwards. Demba Ba embraced him, so did Eden Hazard. Bayern's centre-halves, Daniel van Buyten, Jerome Boateng and particularly Dante demonstrated their class by leaving their jubilant colleagues to have a quiet few words with Lukaku.

Dignity in victory should be a staple in sport but sadly it so often fails to surface in football. In truth, and this may be something that needs addressing internally at Cobham, some famous Chelsea names were slow to console Lukaku.

Maybe they were angry with his style. Maybe they were just awash with frustration at this denouement. They had gone so close, gone to within seconds of victory, playing with only 10 men for 35 minutes after Ramires was deservedly dismissed. But then Javi Martínez equalised at the end of extra time with a finish of admirable composure.

They left empty-handed but there were so many positives for Chelsea to take home, from the memory of the exceptional, almost unbelievable goalkeeping of Cech, who made three astonishing saves, to the magnificent resistance of Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and Luiz, to Oscar, lithe of frame but so big of heart. The Brazilian tracked back and tackled and chased and closed down, doing all the dirty work as well as playing some beautiful passes.

And Frank Lampard? For two hours the 35-year-old was everywhere, mocking Old Father Time, frustrating Bayern, surging upfield and converting his penalty unerringly.

Ditto Ashley Cole. For 120 minutes, the England left-back faced Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben, and occasionally Thomas Müller and eventually Mario Götze, four horsemen of a footballing apocalypse, but he never slowed, never stopped believing. Like Lampard, Cole took his penalty with utter nervelessness. They did not deserve to finish as losers.

Chelsea had started so well. Guardiola had predicted the shape of Mourinho's tactics, praising him pre-match as the "master of quick, quick counter-attacks'' and Chelsea confirmed the Bayern coach's theory after eight minutes. They raced upfield via Ivanovic's throw-in, Torres's linkwork, Eden Hazard's dribble, André Schürrle's first-time cross and then Torres's unstoppable finish. They covered 80 metres in 13 seconds, totally catching Bayern cold.

But Bayern have so much class. They have Ribéry. Chelsea failed to settle quickly enough after the restart. Bayern fans were taunting Chelsea with a fairly caustic chant. Ribéry had been trying long-rangers all night and this one worked, flying past Cech, who was caught napping. Ribéry celebrated by rushing across and embracing Guardiola. Bayern fans somehow increased the noise.

Back came Chelsea, Ramires winning a corner off Dante after good approach work by Schürrle. From Lampard's corner, Luiz flicked on and Ivanovic headed against the bar. Neuer was then equal to Schürrle's follow-up.

Chelsea countered again, this time through Oscar, who was fouled, giving Lampard a chance to lift a free-kick into the box. Luiz met it powerfully but was denied by Neuer. Ramires was then dismissed, earning a second yellow, for going in studs-up on Götze. Chelsea had a chance to prevent extra-time when Luiz had a free-kick but his shot crashed into the wall.

Drawing on their resilience, Chelsea scored in the first half of extra-time. Hazard's run was good but the marking of Philipp Lahm, now at right-back, and then Boateng was really poor. Neuer was embarrassed by Hazard's shot. Mourinho tightened the team, preparing his 10 men for the inevitable siege. Oscar was now right, John Obi Mikel and the superb Lampard central with Hazard left. Torres made way for Lukaku.

Chelsea's defending was remarkable. Ivanovic headed out. Cahill stood tall in the face of a Martínez strike. Lampard blocked from Götze. Cech then pushed away a header from Mario Mandzukic and then from Martínez.

Cech continued to perform miracles, but was then beaten by the calmest finish from Martínez, setting up that shoot-out.

The kicks were of the highest order until the last. David Alaba scored the first before Luiz then slammed in his kick. Toni Kroos coolly slotted his low, Oscar drove his in before Lahm confidently steered his away from Cech.

The Bayern fans whistled as Lampard stepped up but he held his nerve. Then came Ribéry, who made no mistake. Cole's penalty needed a post, and he held a silencing finger to his lips towards the Bayern fans. Xherdan Shaqiri's kick was almost saved by Cech. But then up stepped Lukaku.

AVB in bullish mood ahead of London derby showdown with Gunners, despite ... - Daily Mail

By Paul Hirst, Press Association

PUBLISHED: 09:41 EST, 30 August 2013 | UPDATED: 09:45 EST, 30 August 2013

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Andre Villas-Boas is convinced that Tottenham have what it takes to overcome Arsenal on Sunday as he prepares for his first north London derby without Gareth Bale.

Bale has been a crucial figure in Tottenham's recent derby success over Arsenal, scoring three times in the four derby wins he has tasted since moving to White Hart Lane in 2007.

But Spurs will have to do without their talisman on Sunday as he is nearing a world-record move to Real Madrid.

Sign of the past: Tottenham Hotspur's manager Andre Villas-Boas and Gareth Bale's working relationship looks to be at an end

On his way out: Spurs' Bale looks set to join Real Madrid

Confident: Spurs manager Villas-Boas is certain his side can flourish without Bale

Tottenham have fared well without Bale so far, winning all four of their opening matches without conceding a goal following a summer spending spree that looks set to break the 100million barrier over the weekend.

That has left Villas-Boas in a confident mood ahead of Sunday's game at Arsenal, who are yet to spend a penny in the market so far this summer.

'We have the quality to go there and win,' the Tottenham manager said.

'I think we will set up to try to win the game and hopefully achieve the result we want.'

Tottenham maintained their 100 per cent record on Thursday night with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Tbilisi at White Hart Lane.

Great start: Spurs have won their two opening Premier League games thanks to goals from Roberto Soldado (centre), who celebrates with his team-mates after scoring against Crystal Palace

In truth, Dinamo were hardly tough opposition for Spurs - that much was evident last week when the Londoners won 5-0 in the Georgian capital.

Tottenham have only just scraped by in their opening two league matches too, with penalties from Roberto Soldado securing 1-0 victories against Crystal Palace and Swansea.

Villas-Boas' starting XI still lacks that bit of creative magic Bale brings to the table, but the Portuguese hopes to remedy that in the coming days by signing Christian Eriksen from Ajax.

He has completed the signing of Roma forward Erik Lamela for a club-record 30m.

In at the Lane: Roma striker Erik Lamela, left, has signed for Spurs

Going Dutch: Spurs are hopeful of signing Christian Eriksen from Ajax

When asked whether Tottenham would have to up their game to win on Sunday, Villas-Boas replied: 'Yes. It is a different type of proposition on Sunday but it has special ingredients of a game that is unique in English football and full of emotion.

'Hopefully, if we set up properly, the match for sure will be a great game, because both teams want to play, want to win, want to attack, and hopefully it can be a present for the fans.'

Theo Walcott started the verbal sparring between the two teams earlier this week when he dismissed suggestions that Arsenal have a weaker squad than Spurs, even though his team have only signed Mathieu Flamini and Yaya Sanogo on free transfers this summer.

Over to you AVB? Arsenal's Theo Walcott dismissed suggestions his side were weaker than Spurs

Villas-Boas was reluctant to be drawn into an argument with Walcott, but the Spurs manager conceded that Arsenal do have the advantage of having a more settled squad thanks to their inactivity in the window.

'Our objective is to be stronger,' Villas-Boas said when asked about the Arsenal winger's claim.

'The advantage that they have is that they know each other very, very well from the past because they are a side that has been built together for these last years and, without having new faces, they don't have to worry about building something.

'They're already in there, the Arsenal way of playing.

'And we have lots of new faces and still have to build our own style of play.'

Villas-Boas will assess Aaron Lennon over the next 24 hours to see if the winger has recovered from the foot injury that has kept him out of the last two matches.

Pushing for recalls: Lewis Holtby (left) and Jermain Defoe impressed ahead of the game against Arsenal

Jermain Defoe and Lewis Holtby are pushing for a place in the starting XI after impressing in the Europa League on Thursday.

Tottenham will clock up around 8,500 miles on their travels in the group stages after being handed a logistically challenging draw for the group stages on Friday.

Spurs will have been draw in Group K along with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, who are from Dagestan but usually play their European games in Moscow, Moldova's FC Sheriff and northern Norwegian side Tromso.

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Tottenham have signed some good players and have as much or more depth than a team could possibly need. But, you play with 11 players at a time, and the starting 11 that line up for Arsenal at the are of greater quality than the tottenham starting 11. People seem to forget that. I rate some of their new players like Lamela, eriksen and chadli quite highly but no one in their right mind would take them over someone like Santi Cazorla. Arsenal need to bring in multiple players to add depth and back up, but we alreay have a quality line up that can beat anyone on their day. COYG

- simonAFC5 , Adelaide, 31/8/2013 03:50

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Without Bale the spuds shall fail.

- Gunner go , Crawley, United Kingdom, 30/8/2013 23:38

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Yeah, you tell them AVB you rock this year, also we need to beat that behind the back eye poker from oil company

- piratx , Zagreb, Croatia, 30/8/2013 23:14

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AVB is Likely to be sacked if he fails to deliver and especially finish above Arsenal.

- TrueAzure1 , Eindhoven, Netherlands, 30/8/2013 22:48

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Of course he is in a bullish mood, I will be in a bullish mood if I spent all those millions, a brand new team, now all they need is a good manager..

- Charles T. , Jacksonville FL, 30/8/2013 21:48

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Looks like you spuds have bought a whole new team. All you have to do is get them to play as a team

- Bernie , Glos, 30/8/2013 20:13

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a looser always gets ready when the fight is coming close while a winner has been ready for ages waiting to gun the proud down without a single noise.

- debest , Manchester United Kingdom, 30/8/2013 18:42

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im a die hard gooner but you cant help but admire and respect what spurs are doing here .. i hope they play all there new signings this sunday .. will be a great game to watch .. COYG !!!!!!!!

- Bilal Mangera , Auckland, New Zealand, 30/8/2013 18:05

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Look at Berbatov and Modric! Bale will miss Spurs before we miss him. Adios Bale Thanks for the money. COYS

- Linsell , Thailand, Thailand, 30/8/2013 17:24

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Only a few years ago Spurs were simply fighting to get into the Europa for some experience. Now we're about to take Woolwich's place in the CL. That's progress. Next we'll show Woolwich how to win things in Europe. For all the time they've been in the tournament how many times have the Goons come even close?

- napoleon XXiv , London, United Kingdom, 30/8/2013 17:20

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hits out at Tottenham's spending as it ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Was Bale one of them? "If you analyse what I just said, you can find your own conclusion."

Tottenham have signed Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Nacer Chadli, Roberto Soldado, Erik Lamela and Vlad Chiriches in recent weeks. A risk, said Wenger.

"There is a technical risk when you buy more than three players," Wenger said, "because you unbalance the stability of your squad a little bit. "It's always difficult when you bring so many players in to predict how well they will do. You have to integrate more, your squad is always a balance, and there's a bit more risk.

"It can work as well. It can click fantastically well. But there is a little risk in the stability of the squad and the technical consistency."

This is not a risk that Arsenal need to worry about thus far. Wenger reiterated his view that he was seeking more signings before the closure of the transfer window on Monday night, but said: "We will not do anything stupid for the sake of saying we have done something. I can lend you my phone and you will see that I have 50 players offered per day.

"I can understand that it's very interesting for people to read the newspapers and see who goes in and who comes out. But the only thing if you really love football is what happens on the pitch. We have a way to play, we have good players, and let's focus on that."

One player Arsenal have signed is former midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who had been training with the club on a casual basis. "At the start I didn't want to sign him," Wenger said. "I'll be completely honest about that. Circumstances and his attitude convinced me to do it, because I didn't expect him to be in that mental state and physical shape.

"Our job has a great quality. It is a good teacher of humility so you always have to be ready to change your mind. And he changed my mind."

Premier League - Matchpack: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny will return from a one-match domestic suspension. Midfielder Mathieu Flamini is likely to go straight into the squad having rejoined his old club this week on a free transfer from AC Milan, as Aaron Ramsey (groin) has recovered, but forward Lukas Podolski is set for up to three months out with a torn hamstring. Defender Thomas Vermaelen (back) and midfielder Mikel Arteta (thigh) continue their rehabilitation, along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (both knee).

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is a doubt as he is struggling with a foot injury. Defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto and striker Emmanuel Adebayor will not feature as they are not fully fit, while star forward Gareth Bale will also miss the game as he edges closer to a move to Real Madrid. New defender Vlad Chiriches is unlikely to feature while striker Jermain Defoe and midfielder Lewis Holtby are pushing for starts after impressing in Tottenham's 3-0 win over Dinamo Tbilisi.

MANAGER QUOTES

Arsene Wenger on Flamini: "I didn't expect him to be in that mental state and in that physical shape. Our job has a great quality - it is a good teacher of humility. So you always have to be ready to change your mind, and he changed my mind. The ambition is there and he is hugely fit. He came here for fitness and we tested him quite well. He worked very hard and he knows how we want to play. He is quite versatile. He can play in different positions and when I saw what kind of mental state and physical shape he was in, it was a no brainer."

Andre Villas-Boas on a win over Dinamo Tbilisi: "It was great for Sandro, Younes Kaboul, Lewis Holtby, players who we've missed for a long time and are picking up form. They have all done extremely well recently. I'm pleased with everyone's performance, particularly the players who have recently come back from injury."

MATCH FACTS

Arsenal have failed to score in just one of their last 29 Barclays Premier League meetings with Tottenham.

Spurs have not kept four clean sheets in a row in the Barclays Premier League since January 2010.

There has been a Tottenham player sent off on each of their last two Premier League visits to The Emirates.

Tottenham have failed to hold on to a lead on each of their last two trips across North London, losing 5-2 on both occasions.

13 of the last 14 league matches between Tottenham and Arsenal have gone over 2.5 goals.

There have been 124 goals scored in Premier League meetings between Tottenham and Arsenal; more than any other fixture.

Olivier Giroud has scored in both of Arsenal's league games so far this season and has bagged three goals in his last four Premier League appearances at the Emirates.

All 13 of Giroud's Premier League goals have come in London, 11 at The Emirates, one at West Ham and one at Fulham.

Gareth Bale has scored more goals against Arsenal in the Premier League than any other opposition, five in 10 appearances.

The Welshman scored in both meetings between the teams last season.

Jermain Defoe has scored twice in 18 Premier League appearances against Arsenal. Only against Liverpool (two in 19) does Defoe have a worse record (10+ appearances).

Lukas Podolski has played a hand in eight goals (scoring five and assisting three) in his last seven Premier League starts for Arsenal.

Only Eden Hazard (10) has created more chances in the Premier League this season than Nacer Chadli (9).

MATCH ODDS

Arsenal 23/10, Spurs 5/2, Draw 13/5.

Arsenal wait for Bale after submitting £25.6m Di Maria bid - Goal.com

The Gunners have tabled a formal offer for the Argentina winger after securing Champions League qualification but Real refuse to sanction any outgoings until Gareth Bale is signed

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Arsenal are waiting to hear if a £25.6 million bid for Angel Di Maria has been accepted as Real Madrid refuse to sanction any outgoings until Gareth Bale's signing has been confirmed.

Goal can reveal that the Gunners tabled a formal €30m (£25.6m) offer for Di Maria after securing qualification for the group stages of the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Real indicated during a week of discussions with Arsenal that they are willing to off-load the Argentine winger as they prepare to trim costs and free up space in the team for Bale.

But the bid has not yet been accepted and the Londoners will not be given the green light to hold personal talks with Di Maria until Real's £86m world-record signing of Bale is finally secured.

Arsenal will have to persuade the 25-year-old Argentina winger to cut his ties with the Spanish giants and also see off competition for his signature from Galatasaray.

Di Maria's public stance is that he wants to fight for his place in Carlo Ancelotti's team although his position might change when Bale arrives.

Speaking to the Spanish press after setting up the winning goal for Karim Benzema in Monday's 1-0 win at Granada, Di Maria said: "I understand the club are strengthening and they are precise in what they do. But I signed a contract until 2018 a year ago and my desire is to stay in the Bernabeu."

Ultimately, Arsenal's chances of capturing the player may depend upon Real's desire to raise more money from sales, in which case they may encourage one of their attacking players to leave.

With Isco and Mesut Ozil both starting the new season in the team and taking up two of the three positions behind the centre-forward, Di Maria looks the odd man out for the Spaniards.

One player who is unlikely to swap the Bernabeu for Emirates Stadium is Benzema, who was also the subject of an enquiry from Arsenal last week.

As reported by Goal, Real chiefs told the Londoners they will not sell the French striker unless they first secure a replacement and, with only five days of the window remaining, the chain of transfers is seemingly too complex for Arsene Wenger to land him.

However, the move for Di Maria is now quite advanced and Wenger has also not given up hope of signing a marquee striker, with an audacious bid expected imminently for Wayne Rooney.

Chelsea have abandoned their pursuit of the Manchester United forward as they close in on the signing of Samuel Eto'o but Arsenal have privately been encouragement that the Premier League champions could be willing to sell them Rooney.

Wenger has not spend a penny on transfer fees this summer, with Yaya Sanogo and ex-Gunner Mathieu Flamini both free signings. As revealed by Goal, Flamini signed a two-year, £50,000-a-week contract after reaching an agreement with the club following a final round of talks on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey is struggling to be fit for Arsenal's marquee Premier League clash against Tottenham on Sunday.

The midfielder, who has begun the new season in outstanding form, picked up a groin injury on Tuesday night, when he scored both goals in his team's 2-0 second-leg Champions League win over Fenerbahce, and is doubtful for Spurs' visit to the Emirates.

Eto'o and Mourinho reunited as Chelsea confirm signing of striker on free transfer - Daily Mail

Solution? Samuel Eto'o has sealed his move to Chelsea as Jose Mourinho ends his striker search

Chelsea manager Mourinho was Eto'o's boss at Inter Milan when they won the Champions League in 2010. He became the highest-paid player in the world when he moved to Anzhi in 2011 on an estimated 350,000 a week.

However, he took a 10m pay cut to come to Chelsea sweetened by a pay-off from the Russian club who also sold Chelsea their Brazilian attacking midfielder Willian, 25.

Meanwhile, former Queens Park Rangers defender Christopher Samba, who was linked with West Ham and Tottenham this summer, was among the latest players to leave Anzhi when he, Alexei Ionov and Vladimir Gabulov joined rivals Dinamo Moscow on Thursday.

Former Barca striker Eto'o did not travel to Prague for Friday night's European Super Cup clash with Bayern Munich - neither did Willian, whose move from Anzhi was confirmed on Wednesday - but he  added: 'I have had a career where I have been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in different countries, but one of my last dreams as a professional is to come and play in England and see if I can have the same success as in my previous clubs.

'I don't see it as a final challenge, but to have a good time, enjoy my football, and have success with this team.

Target: Mourinho didn't select any strikers at Old Trafford and the chase for Wayne Rooney seems to be over

'I've had a couple of opportunities to come to England before, including the first time Jose was here, but it didn't work out for one reason or another.'

The move might never have happened if Mourinho had received the indication from Rooney that he wanted to join Chelsea.

Speaking prior to confirmation of Eto'o's arrival, Mourinho appeared to have conceded defeat in the bid to capture England striker Rooney, who played for United against Chelsea on Monday and afterwards praised the 'fantastic' reception he received at Old Trafford.

Mourinho said: 'I told you what I have to say. I think I (made it) very, very clear that we didn't start the process (a third bid).

'We have nothing more to say. He's a Man United player and no more than that.'

Capturing Eto'o is at odds with Chelsea's recent transfer policy of signing younger players. It also leaves a question mark over the futures of Demba Ba and Fernando Torres as Mourinho has made it clear four strikers is too many and that Romelu Lukaku is key for Chelsea's future.

Ba's place in the squad seems most at risk, but Torres has still to repay the 50million fee paid to Liverpool, as Mourinho admitted earlier this week.

Reunion: Eto'o and Mourinho won the treble at Inter Milan in 2010

Eto'o became Chelsea's fifth signing of the summer transfer window, following Andre Schurrle, Marco van Ginkel, Mark Schwarzer and Willian, who can be expected to provide the ammunition for the striker to score.

'I think Willian he is one of the best players in modern football,' Eto'o said.

The 32-year-old Eto'o began his career with Real Madrid before, following a spell with Real Mallorca, surging to prominence with Barcelona, scoring 152 goals in 232 appearances for the Catalan club.

He has a controversial history with Chelsea.

Following a bad-tempered Champions League encounter at Stamford Bridge, the striker criticised Mourinho, referee Pierluigi Collina and made a claim in the Spanish media that he was called a monkey by a Chelsea security guard. The allegations were swiftly denied by Chelsea.

All smiles: Brazilian playmaker Willian revealed his delight at completing his move to Stamford Bridge

Eto'o, who also played at Stamford Bridge with Inter, added: 'They were always games between two big clubs. They didn't always finish well, but the most important thing is they were spectacular games every time.'

The striker netted 53 goals in 102 appearances for Inter before joining Anzhi in August 2011.

THE BETTING SLIP: Top tips for Arsenal v Spurs, Liverpool v Manchester United ... - Daily Mail

By Brian Lee

PUBLISHED: 03:02 EST, 30 August 2013 | UPDATED: 04:35 EST, 30 August 2013

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Tottenham were preparing for a dead rubber against Dinamo Tbilisi while the Champions League draw was being made on Thursday and the White Hart Lane faithful probably had a chuckle as Arsenal were throw in with Borussia Dortmund, Marseille and Napoli.

But don't laugh too hard, Spurs fans, it could be you next year.

Unlike their fierce rivals from the other end of Seven Sisters Road, the Gunners have been in Europe's premier club competition enough times (every year since Arsene Wenger's arrival they keep reminding us) to realise the draw could have been kinder.

Stepping up: New recruit Roberto Soldado has fired Spurs to a perfect start in the Premier League

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Bookies don't fancy them - Sky Bet and Boylesports have pushed Arsenal out to 40-1 to go one better than 2006 when they lost the final in Paris - and they're unlikely to find many backers as long as Wenger keeps the cheque book closed.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is showing the frugal Frenchman how it's done, splashing the cash and assembling a squad capable of, at the very least, qualifying for a place at the top table next season.

On Sunday, we'll get an early indication of how he's getting on.

Spurs make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium having lost 5-2 on their last two visits but with a three-point cushion over their opponents and a genuine belief they can double that advantage.

Non mover: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is yet to spend any money during the summer window

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Their perfect Premier League start is down to two 1-0 wins and a pair of Roberto Soldado penalties and if you fancy three in a row, the Spaniard and the narrowest of victories is 50-1 with Paddy Power.

But be warned. When these two meet, goals are as guaranteed and the last 11 clashes have yielded 50. That's an average of... loads.

Over 3.5 is 7-4 with Coral and Betting Slip also fancies a Spurs win at 5-2 with several firms.

Goals galore

For the second week on the spin, one team let us down on both teams to score - hang your heads in shame Aston Villa -  but we're expecting to cash in this weekend. The north London derby looks nailed on while Nottingham Forest's trip to Wigan, Blackpool against Watford and Dundee United v Celtic should start us off on Saturday. All four correct pays around 7-1.

Tasty treble

Liverpool also have two 1-0 wins in the bank - against Stoke and Aston Villa - and Daniel Sturridge has been the main man with the winner in both before a brace in midweek against Notts County. He could be the difference when Manchester United arrive at Anfield. 

Dan the man: Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has four goals in his last three games

Leicester impressed coming from behind to beat Birmingham last week and put five past Carlisle in the Capital One Cup. They should have too much in the tank for Charlton while Derby can see off Burnley. The treble returns just over 10-1 at Coral.

Back to the Champions League

Chelsea and Manchester United are short-priced favourites to win their groups while Manchester City are expected to follow Bayern Munich through at the expense of CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen.

If Arsenal, second favourites in their group, think they've got it tough, they should spare a thought for Celtic.

From this: Lennon and the Celtic players celebrated James Forrest's late effort against Shakhter Karagandy...

To this: Before the Celtic boss watched his team get thrown in with Barcelona, AC Milan and Ajax

Neil Lennon went radio rental on the touchline when James Forrest's last-gasp effort sealed a 3-2 aggregate triumph over sheep-slaughtering Shakhter Karagandy but he was head in hands when his side landed Barcelona, AC Milan and Ajax. That's 16 European crowns shared among the four teams.

There won't be many silly Bhoys backing their team to go all the way - even at 1000-1 - but anybody who's been to Celtic Park on a European night will tell you the 16-1 (Sky Bet) for them to qualify is worth a few quid.

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Leeds v QPR
Saturday 12:15pm - Sky Sports 1
Neither side has experienced defeat so far in the Championship but it's Harry Redknapp's Rangers who have the better record with three wins to Leeds' two. Neither side have won a game by more than one goal though and it's 16/5 that the visitors prevail by one again.

Motherwell v Kilmarnock
Saturday 5.30pm -  BT Sport 1
Kilmarnock have won just one game since the beginning of April and are winless in this campaign but still aren't bottom of the Scottish Premiership. Their last three trips to Motherwell have been drawn. Expect another. 

Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen
Saturday 5.30pm -  BT Sport 2
Schalke aren't set to improve on their solitary Bundesliga point when they face flying Leverkusen. Sami Hyypia's side have made a 100 per cent start to the league and have scored three goals or more twice already this term.

Juventus vs Lazio
Saturday 7.45pm -   BT Sport 1
These two have already met this season having contested the Italian Super Cup. Considering both sides took the game seriously, Juve's 4-0 win won't have Lazio fans particularly buzzing for a rematch so soon.

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
Sunday 11am - Sky Sports 3
It's that time of year once again. Real Madrid's annual home thumping of Athletic Bilbao is upon us, with Carlo Ancelotti set to continue the ongoing, four-season trend of winning 4-1 or 5-1. Odds of 14/1 and 25/1 are available for those scorelines.

Marseille vs Monaco
Sunday 8pm -  Bt Sport 1
It's the conservative spending of Marseille, rather than the filthy rich Monaco or Paris Saint-Germain, that tops Ligue 1 after three games. Elie Baup's men are yet to do anything bar win and, with just one goal against them in those matches, will be confident of shutting out Monaco, who fired a blank against Toulouse last time out and haven't beaten L'OM in four attempts.

*All prices correct at time of publication - subject to change

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Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye poised to return to starting line-up ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Pardew refused to answer a question suggesting if Arsenal really wanted him they would have already raised their bid, but he did urge supporters to forgive a player he has built his team around over the last two seasons.

"I think it will be a positive reaction from our fans [if he plays]," Pardew added. "The point I'm trying to make is that it's not just Yohan Cabaye involved in this situation. Other people are involved, his agents and we have to let time run its course. It's the same at Everton with Leighton Baines and Maroune Fellaini. We can't say for certain if they are going to stay or go."

The comparison, though, is a flawed one as both Everton players have been playing, even though a bid from Manchester United has been turned down and they would like to move.

At best, Cabaye will get a mixed reception against Fulham, but there is no doubt has behaviour has been reprehensible.

"There's some sympathy from myself towards Yohan for the pressure that he's under from other sources," said Pardew. "I also have a disagreement on some of the things he's done.

"The bottom line is that he's a great player, and our fans love great players and what our fans really love is really creative players. That's what he gives us and that's why he's so important to us."

Champions League draw 2013: Arsene Wenger hit by daunting ties and Lukas ... - Telegraph.co.uk

He cannot be blamed for a brutal draw though. The sun shone in Monaco and the draw burned Arsenal. Wenger's side were amongst the eight top seeds but were given little joy when pitted against Marseille, whose intimidating Stade Velodrome ground is never an easy trip.

Pot Three gave Arsenal the worst possibility, a meeting with last season's finalists Borussia Dortmund, who have managed to retain for one more season the formidable attacking services of Robert Lewandowski.

Hoping for some respite from Pot Four, Arsenal were presented with another firecracker, this time in the shape of Napoli. The Italians are coached by the wily Rafael Benítez, who has spoken frequently of his admiration for Wenger but will relish the chance to prove a point to an English audience.

Napoli's attack will be led by Gonzalo Higuain, a painful reminder of Wenger's failure to close transfer deals. Arsenal were linked with Higuain but became distracted by the possibility of landing Luis Suarez and ended up with neither.

Napoli's quality, and particularly that of their young playmaker Lorenzo Insigne, was seen in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the pre-season Emirates Cup.

Arsenal are working hard to bring in new signings but so far have only the France Under-21 forward Yaya Sanogo and free agent and old boy Mathieu Flamini. "The best years are in front of him now – the next three years,'' Wenger told the Arsenal website. "Physically, he is perfect.

He was tested, prepared and he is physically in fantastic shape.

"He knows how we play football, knows the club and had a huge desire to come back. He was available because he was out of contract and he is a quality player, and a focused player, so those were all the reasons that pushed me to make that decision."

Arsenal are still interested in Yohan Cabaye but will need to improve their £10? million offer substantially to make Newcastle United think about the possibility of selling one of their most important players.

Cabaye could also go to Paris St-Germain. Arsenal have also been linked with three Real Madrid players, Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria, but none has shown much interest in Arsenal. Chelsea are emphatic that Juan Mata, whose father was a guest of Arsenal the other night, "will not be leaving".

Others Arsenal have been linked with include the Juventus forward Fabio Quagliarella and the St-Etienne midfielder Josuha Guilavogui.

As it stands, they will have a very inexperienced bench when Spurs visit the Emirates on Sunday. In recent years, Arsenal have reacted strongly to the "mind the gap" cries in north London but the contrast with Spurs bench will be considerable. Andre Villas-Boas has bought well this summer, using the imminent Gareth Bale money judiciously.

"When you think that we lost three players of the stature of [Mikel] Arteta, [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain and Podolski for three months basically before the season really starts, it's very hard to take. We are in a position where you want some more players," said Wenger.

Aaron Ramsey (groin) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) "will be involved" against Spurs, according to Wenger, who hopes to have Thomas Vermaelen back after the international break.

Champions League guide to Group E: Chelsea, Schalke, FC Basel, Steaua ... - The Independent

CHELSEA

In 2012, Chelsea became the first London club to win the Champions League. The following year they won The Europa League and became the first team in history to hold both of UEFA's stellar cup competitions simultaneously. Chelsea would have gained automatic entry into The Europa League as champions but after achieving third place in last year's Premier League, Chelsea automatically gained entry into the Champions' League group stage. Chelsea would make history this season if they were to win three UEFA controlled cup competitions in a row.

Key player – Juan Mata (Spain): Mata is a dynamic midfielder with an eye for goal who can also provide defence splitting passes when necessary. Although he is yet to feature this season, Juan Mata was undoubtedly Chelsea's best player in 2012/2013. Mata achieved 20 goals and 35 assists in all competitions.

Manager – Jose Mourinho (Portugal): Jose Mourinho is a two-time Champions League winner with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. He has won The Portuguese league twice, Premier League twice, Seria A twice and LA Liga once. Mourinho will be looking to go one step further with Chelsea in his second spell in charge.

Champions League best finish: Champions; 2012.

Did you know?: Between 2002 and 2011, Mourinho went 151 home league matches as a manager unbeaten. This involved matches for four different clubs; Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan & Real Madrid.

 

SCHALKE 04

Schalke were beaten semi-finalists in 2011 as they lost 6-1 on aggregate to Manchester United and qualify for this years competition after beating PAOK 4-3 over two-legs in the play offs. Schalke boast an impressive attacking force including Dutch goal-poacher Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Peruvian Jefferson Farfan. The German side lost-out to Galatasaray in the round of 16 in last seasons competition.

Key Player – Julain Draxler: Much sought-after 19-year old attacker with outstanding technical ability, pace and a powerful shot.

Manager – Jens Keller: Formerly Schalke's Under 17s coach, the German has recently signed a two-year contract extension.

Champions League best finish: Semi-Final 2011

 

BASEL

The Swiss Super League champions are a team with an impressive recent Champions League history, famously beating Manchester United in the 2011/12 season and advancing to the round of 16 at the expense of the English side.

Key Player – Marco Streller: Capped 37 times by Switzerland, the powerful forward is strong in the air.

Manager – Murat Yakin: The former Swiss international finished his playing career for Basel where he played in their Champions League campaigns.

Champions League best finish: Quarter-Final 1973/4

 

STEAUA BUCHAREST

Romanian Champions Steaua Bucharest are the most successful Romanian team in European competitions and made it to the group stages after qualifying wins against FK Vardar and Dinamo Tbilisi before overcoming Legia Warsaw on away goals after drawing 3-3 on aggregate over two legs. After winning the European Cup in 1986, Bucharest's most recent European success came in the UEFA cup, reaching the semi-final in 2006.

Key Player – Federico Piovaccari: With three goals in his side's Champions League campaign so far, the Italian forward could be a surprise package in the group stage.

Manager – Lauren?iu Reghecampf: The 37-year old was capped once by Romania as a player and began his managerial career in 2010.

Champions League best finish: Winners 1986

Did you know? Steaua Bucharest have only played in the top division in Romania, totalling 62 seasons of top-flight football.

Women's Super League: Arsenal beat Chelsea to close gap at top - BBC Sport

Arsenal moved to within two points of Women's Super League leaders Liverpool with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Chelsea.

Striker Danielle Carter's seventh goal of the campaign gave the Gunners a victory that keeps them in contention for a third successive WSL title.

Sue Smith gave bottom team Doncaster Belles their first win of the season, a 1-0 triumph against second-bottom Lincoln, who had a penalty saved.

Victory put the Belles one point behind Lincoln with a game in hand.

Women's Super League table

	Pld	Won	Pts
Liverpool	10	8	24
Arsenal	9	7	22
Bristol	8	6	18
Birmingham	9	3	12
Chelsea	11	3	10
Everton	8	2	8
Lincoln	10	1	6
Doncaster	9	1	5

Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal

In a bright start by Arsenal, captain Steph Houghton forced Chelsea goalkeeper Marie Hourihan into a fine save from an 11th-minute header.

The Gunners went ahead in the 29th minute, playmaker Kim Little and right-winger Ellen White combining to set up Carter to score from close range.

White and right-back Alex Scott both went close with cross-shots as the visitors looked to increase their lead.

And three minutes before the break Hourihan had to save from left-winger Rachel Yankey after the keeper's intended clearance was blocked by Carter.

White should have increased Arsenal's lead on the hour, but with only Hourihan to beat, the England player lobbed straight into the keeper's arms.

Little was denied a clincher when Hourihan brilliantly saved the Scotland international's 78th-minute drive.

Carter then flashed a 15-yard shot over the bar as the Gunners continued to press for a second goal.

And in stoppage time midfielder Jordan Nobbs missed a close-range chance to wrap up victory.

But Arsenal finished as deserving winners to keep their title chase on course and leave Chelsea fifth in the table.

Doncaster Belles 1-0 Lincoln

Striker Millie Bright almost gave the Belles a perfect start with a third-minute header that flashed just wide.

But Lincoln went closest to a first-half goal, striker Aileen Whelan having a 27th-minute header cleared off the line by defender Ashleigh Mills.

Smith broke the deadlock six minutes after the break, curling the ball home after Bright had forced Lincoln's England captain Casey Stoney to concede possession.

Lincoln squandered a great 69th-minute chance to equalise as midfielder Remi Allen had a penalty saved by Nicola Davies following a Dani Cox foul on Whelan.

And despite late pressure by the visitors, Donny held on to claim a long-awaited victory and a clean sheet after conceding 15 goals in their previous two matches.