Wenger on transfers at the moment


Champs
By Boris Mellor
July 26 2006

SV Mattersberg 1 Patochka 68 Arsenal 2 Aliadiere 5, Hoyte 53 After the game, in answer to a question on possible transfers Arsene Wenger declared that movement in or out was not close at the present. He said there was nothing going on with Ashley Cole at the moment.

The stress here should probably be on "at the moment".

Rosicky played for 30 minutes, as did Toure and Eboue. Slowly the World Cup players are returning to the squad. Wenger believes that Rosicky can play on left, in middle, or even as a second striker. But he is inclined, at the moment, to play him on the left.

The game itself was a gentle run out, which Arsenal mainly dominated, although a few defensive lapses occurred, with which Almunia dealt with very well. The star for Arsenal was Armand Traore, who presented Aliadiere with an easy chance to score after only 5 minutes. It was a great night for full backs with Hoyte scoring the second. Bendtner failed to capitalise on the chances he had, he does not seem that happy with the ball at his feet.

The game was played in stifling heat but Arsenal kept up the tempo, and comfortably cruised to victory.