who would've thought Montpellier won the Ligue 1 title? i bet most of the people who follow Ligue 1 thinks PSG gonna win it after they spent a lot on players.

a week overdue



This post has been edited by sickx: May 21 2012, 02:48 PM

186 last checked

my mistake! thanks for pointing it.

2011/12 Review: 10 season-defining moments


By Rob Kelly

It has been a season of ups and downs for Arsenal, but after nine hard months the Gunners have sealed third spot and automatic qualifcation for the Champions League. To kick off our season review coverage, we look back at how the campaign unfolded for Arsène Wenger's side.




MAY 13 - GUNNERS SEAL THIRD PLACE
On an almost unbearably tense final day of the season, Arsenal needed a win at West Bromwich Albion to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League. Benayoun gave them the perfect start with an early goal, before Long and Dorrans put the hosts in front to set nerves jangling. But Santos's fine strike and a Koscielny close-range effort put the Gunners in front and, despite some close calls during the final 35 minutes, they held on to claim third place.



APRIL 8 - ARSENAL 1-0 MANCHESTER CITY
Wenger's side produced one of their performances of the season against the would-be champions at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal were in imperious form but spurned a host of chances as Van Persie and Walcott both hit the post, while Benayoun also went close. But with time running out, Arteta strode forward and crashed home the winner from 25 yards to seal a win that proved that the Gunners could beat the very best.



FEBRUARY 26 - ARSENAL 5-2 TOTTENHAM
After enduring a January to forget and then being knocked out of FA Cup and losing 4-0 in Milan, the bad times looked set to continue when Arsenal fell two goals behind in the North London derby. But, with their season hanging in the balance, quickfire goals from Sagna and Van Persie restored parity by half time, before Rosicky and a Walcott brace sealed a memorable win. The result prompted a shift in the balance of power as Tottenham's form deteriorated while Arsenal's improved, and within weeks the Gunners had overtaken their rivals.



FEBRUARY 15/MARCH 6 - THE AC MILAN TIE
A tie that encapsulated the very best and worst of Arsenal this season. The first leg proved a major disappointment for Wenger's men, as they slipped to a 4-0 defeat in the San Siro. They had been written off ahead of the second leg, but produced a stunning first-half performance to lead 3-0 by the interval. Try as they might, they could not find the goal they needed in the second half and they exited the Champions League, but they did so with pride restored.



JANUARY 9 - THIERRY HENRY'S COMEBACK GOAL
There was excitement when Henry returned to the Club on a short-term loan deal in January but surely no one expected such a fairytale comeback? In his first game, against Leeds in the FA Cup third round, the French striker stepped off the bench in the 68th minute to a delirious welcome from the Emirates Stadium crowd. Ten minutes later, Henry collected an Alex Song pass and slotted home the only goal of the game to spark wild, emotional scenes that no one in the stadium will ever forget.



DECEMBER 10 - THE CLUB'S 125 CELEBRATIONS
On an emotional day at Emirates Stadium, the Club commemorated its 125th anniversary with a host of events before the game against Everton. Statues of Herbert Chapman, Thierry Henry and Tony Adams were unveiled, a clutch of Arsenal legends were presented to the crowd and the great grandchildren of Club founder David Danskin took out the match ball. A special occasion calls for a special goal, and Van Persie duly supplied it as he scored the winner with a sensational volley.



OCTOBER 29 - CHELSEA 3-5 ARSENAL
This was the game that proved to the wider world that Arsenal were back. Four successive victories had helped restore confidence, but by half time the Gunners were trailing 2-1 and seemingly heading towards another defeat. But Wenger's side stormed out after the interval and goals from Santos and Walcott gave them the lead, before Mata struck a long-range equaliser 10 minutes from the end. But Arsenal were not to be denied, and two Van Persie goals in the closing stages sent them on their way to a dramatic victory.



AUGUST 28 - MANCHESTER UNITED 8-2 ARSENAL
Wenger's side slipped to the heaviest defeat of his reign after being decimated by injuries and suspensions. The boss admitted afterwards that the result was "terribly painful", but it prompted him to enter the transfer market and strengthen his squad. By the close of the transfer window Santos, Mertesacker, Arteta, Benayoun and Park had all joined the Club, leading to a major upturn in form.



AUGUST 24 - QUALIFY FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Against a rejuvenated Udinese side, and holding a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, Arsenal faced a major test of character in Italy as they attempted to reach the Champions League group stages. Despite falling behind in Udine, goals from Van Persie and Walcott - and a crucial penalty save from Szczesny - sent the Gunners through. They had passed their first major test.



AUGUST 15-24 - CESC FABREGAS AND SAMIR NASRI LEAVE
After a summer of claim and counter-claim, Arsenal lost two of their most creative players within two weeks of each other. First to go was talisman and captain Fabregas, who finally completed his long-anticipated move back to hometown club Barcelona. Then, with two games of the season gone, Nasri followed him out of the exit door to join Manchester City. It was an ominous start to the campaign.


arsenal.com season review


i just noticed that we beat both Champion of England and Champion of Europe this season.

the panels can say what they want but for me and i bet most of the other gunners around will say it is still 229.

naah. i like it big. more comfortable.

what's up with Kalou's name mentioned around? i knew Le Boss interested in him but do we really need him atm? he's no better than Gervy. if indeed we're going for him, then, yes i say, our standard has dropped.

interesting to see RVP playing on the right wing. haven't seen him there for a long time.

well, Holland's total football means their players don't always stick to one position. RVP even put himself in right back position.

suddenly Llorente is linked to us. any opinion?

haihz. i already said before, don't believe in any RVP news since the contract talk reached dead end. Arsenal already warned RVP not to talk about his future in the media. so till then just enjoy whatever we have right now. go or no go, it's up to the club and RVP.

read properly. that's not hackline

Sigurdsson finalize his move to Swansea. i wish we go for him instead.

i see what you did there funnyTONE!

im rooting for both Germany and Holland. Germany, because Podolski and Merte and their gameplay is very interesting to watch. Holland because of RVP. oh, i watched the last 2 holland friendly albeit first 45 minutes only. second half dozzed off. their game is nice as well. RVP back to right wing slot, can watch his dribbling skill. i miss them ever since he moved up top.

if Theo/Ox/both playing, then i will. chance is high though with Milner being total crap in last game against Belgium. oh, and if RH really playing route 1 football, he need pacy winger to do that apart from target man.

what's the top middle in the second pic? pencil case?

dammmm u ordered direct from arsenal store?

i don't get it. when Abramovich and the Sheikhs bought Chelsea and City and give them the titles, most of us said that they bought the title. now got some of us want sugar daddy to come and give some cash. what's got into you?

last time Liverpool sell their ticket first before us iinm.