Gooner Talk

Tony Adams is probably the greatest captain Arsenal have ever had – not only for his outstanding leadership qualities, but also for the way he overcame adversity, both on and off the pitch.

In contrast, Arsenal’s players of today are often called spineless and cowardly. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

As this video shows, many of Arsenal’s current players, especially Emmanuel Eboue and Nicklas Bendtner, have overcome adversity themselves and have followed the example of Adams and many other Arsenal greats before him.

Thanks to B05Videos for the video and description.

Arsenal have arguably been handed a favourable Champions League group draw, after being paired with Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, Portugal’s SC Braga, and FK Partizan of Belgrade.

The draw was made earlier this evening and many pundits are already suggesting that the Gunners will breeze through their group.

Shakhtar Donetsk boast a Uefa Cup win in 2009, the biggest problem with the Ukrainians from Arsene Wenger’s point of view will be the travelling distance. However, it will see former Arsenal striker Eduardo returning to the Emirates Stadium with his new side.

SC Braga have also done well in Europe’s second competition in recent years, they have not created waves in the Champions League. Nevertheless, the Portuguese side denied Celtic in the qualifiers for the group stage and will be ones to watch. Arsenal’s third and final opponents will be Partizan, who won the Serbian domestic league last season.

Squillaci signs

In other news, Sebastien Squillaci’s drawn out move to Arsenal has finally been completed but the French centre back won’t be registered in time for Saturday’s match with Blackburn.

“We needed a centre-back of quality and experience if possible, and at the right price – Sebastien was all of that,” Wenger said.

“He is a real defender and is good in the one against one, good in the air, and can score goals on set-pieces as well.

“I believe he will be suited to the English game.

“He will train with us tomorrow morning, but will not be involved on Saturday.”

Arsenal look set to announce the signing of Sebastien Squillaci tomorrow evening, making him Arsene Wenger’s third acquisition of the summer.

Experienced French international Squillaci will sign a 3-year deal after Sevilla accepted Arsenal’s £5.3 million offer for the defender.

Mini-Bio:

Squillaci is a tough, old-fashioned centre back who has a whole host of experience under his belt for both club and country.

The 30-year-old is in the mould of Arsenal legend Martin Keown and isn’t known for being as comfortable on the ball as the Gunners other defenders’.

Renowned for being strong in the air, Squllaci’s natural position is at centre half while he is also right-footed which makes him an ideal replacement for William Gallas.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he would have loved to see Paul Scholes in a Arsenal shirt, but revealed that he doesn’t admire the tackling side of the veteran midfielder.

The Manchester United star has started the season in brilliant form and, while Wenger is a massive fan, he does have issues with the little genius.

When asked about Scholes, Wenger said:

“Paul Scholes was, and still is, one of the greatest football players in England. His contribution to the success of Manchester United is huge.

“The regret I have personally is he was not always the fairest player. There is a darker side to him and that’s something I don’t like.”

Asked if there was a specific tackle he had in mind, such as Scholes’ reckless challenge on Jose Reyes in the 2004 FA Cup semi-final, Wenger told reporters,

“With Paul Scholes you have more than one. I can remember a few. Unfair? Of course.”

United fans seem to think that Wenger’s claims are exaggerated and untrue. So, to give an example of how Scholes has been “unfair” in recent seasons, check out the video below of Scholes’ off-the-ball tackle on Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets (no, we don’t like him either!) in the 2009 Champions League final.

Arsenal trio Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs trained with England today at the Gunners’ London Colney training ground ahead of Wednesday’s international friendly against Hungary.

Both Wilshere and Gibbs were drafted in by Three Lions boss Fabio Capello for the midweek friendly and could win their first caps for their country.

Capello seems determined to inject some youth into his disappointing World Cup 2010 squad, while the decision could be the beginning of a long international career for the pair.

Check out the video below (You may be able to spot Arsenal’s Under-18′s squad training on the pitch behind England)

England squad to face Hungary on Wednesday:

Ben Foster (Birmingham), Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Gary Cahill (Bolton Wanderers), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), John Terry (Chelsea)

Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Darren Bent (Sunderland), Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)

Probable squad to face Legia Warsaw tomorrow:

Goalkeepers: Fabianski, Szczesny.

Defenders: Sagna, Clichy, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Nordtveit.

Midfielders: Eboue, Wilshere, Frimpong, Emmanuel-Thomas, Lansbury, Nasri.

Fowards: Chamakh, Vela, Walcott, Rosicky.