Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed in his post-match press conference that fullback Bacary Sagna will be out for a ‘few weeks’ after sustaining an ankle injury in his sides dismal Premier League loss to Aston Villa earlier this afternoon.

The 25-year-old was injured in the build-up towards Villa’s opener, and despite Arsenal’s protests, the Villains played on and made it 1-0 after Gael Clichy headed into his own net.

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online:

“Yes it is serious. He will be out for a few weeks; he has an injured ankle.”

It is expected that Johan Djourou or Kolo Toure will fill in for the Gunners’ next league clash against moneybags Manchester City in a weeks time.

When looked at, Arsenal’s current injury list doesn’t appear to be as bad as first seemed with only Eduardo (broken leg), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) Emmanuel Eboue (knee) and now Bacary Sagna (ankle) out injured.

Gooner Talk will continue to provide you with the latest updates on injuries, breaking news and opinions on Arsenal’s first team, so stay tuned!

The loss to Aston Villa all but ends Arsenal’s title aspirations. If they are to be any threat they need to win all of their games to the end of the year, a tall order from this squad.

What the recent games revealed is a Gunner’s team which lacks spine down the middle, has a midfield with no bite, and does not play well when they concede the first goal. They have the ability to compete with the best but they are plagued with inconsistency.

The biggest problem is in midfield where Denilson just isn’t a holding midfielder. Too often he’s in the same area of the field as Cesc and not providing the kind of cover the Gunners need. I really thought Song would play today to stiffen the midfield, but Wenger went with Denilson and we came off second best in midfield. Would Song have made a difference? I don’t know, perhaps a little.

Bendtner has proved that he cannot play the role of lone striker. Wenger sent him on a fool’s errand out there and too often he looked stranded and ineffective. He plays better when partnered with another striker.

The only time we were dangerous was when Walcott had the ball. Nasri had a forgettable game today and Cesc looked tired and harried.

Defensively, we appear vulnerable much too often. Manchester United opened us up five or six times and couldn’t convert. Today Villa did the same thing and did convert. The Gunners lack a solid back four and one watches them play with one’s heart in one’s throat the entire game.

Arsenal have a better chance winning the Champion’s League than the Premier League. The tight aggressive style of English football works against them. The referees in domestic games let the Gunner’s opponents get away with much more physical play.

Arsene Wenger needs to break down and buy a holding midfielder, someone who can add more muscle to the Arsenal midfield. If the team loses another game by December 31st, we might as well kiss this season goodbye.

Welcome to a brand new feature on Gooner Talk called ‘Rewind’.

Rewind will provide you with post-match highlights to every single Arsenal first team game giving you the opportunity to watch the goals you’ve missed, or want to see again.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy the mighty Arsenal on your computer screen.

Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa struck twice in the last 20 minutes to seal a deserved win and dent Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes.

Gael Clichy headed Ashley Young’s cross into his own net after 70 minutes and Gabriel Agbonlahor raced clear to add a second 10 minutes later.

Young had seen a penalty saved by Manuel Almunia in the first half as Villa produced an outstanding display.

Brad Friedel saved well from Cesc Fabregas in the first half and Emmanuel Adebayor hit a post late on.

First Half Highlights

Clichy Own Goal (70)

Agbonlahor Goal (80)

Arsenal’s previous game at the Emirates was a 2-1 over Manchester United. They were firm favourites to win this one as well, unfortunately for the Gunners, it didn’t go to plan.

Boss Arsene Wenger stuck with the same team that beat United, and despite a superb performance from ‘keeper Manuel Almunia, it was Villa who came out the pleased side.

Arsenal Starting XI

Almunia
Sagna - Gallas - Silvestre - Clichy
Walcott - Fabregas - Denilson - Nasri
Diaby
Bendtner

Aston Villa Starting XI

Friedel
Young - Laursen - Davies - Cuellar
Milner - Sidwell - Barry - Young
Petrov - Agbonlahor

Read the rest of this entry »

Burnley’s reward for knocking out Chelsea in the Carling Cup on Wednesday is a home quarter-final clash with Arsenal.

The Clarets beat Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side after a penalty shoot-out and now face the prospect of facing another of the so-called ‘top-four’ teams in the last eight.

A young Gunners side have already thrashed Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic in the competition.

Elsewhere, Championship strugglers Watford, who won 1-0 at Swansea City in the fourth round, have a mouth-watering encounter with holders Tottenham at Vicarage Road to look forward to.

The third Championship side left in the competition, Derby County, make the short trip to the Potteries to take on Stoke City, who accounted for League Two side Rotherham United on Tuesday.

The only all-Premier League tie sees Manchester United entertain Blackburn Rovers. Earlier in the season United beat Paul Ince’s side 2-0 at Ewood Park in the league.

The quarter-finals will be played during the week beginning 1 December