We will be fighting…

Hope you had a relaxing Bank holiday.

But the time for relaxing is over. Tuesday’s match is our biggest yet. It is the kind you live to play in, and I believe we will be ready. Mr. Wenger has us ready, and he is confident with our ability to compete and come out on top, and I am as well.

In the first leg, ManU charged ahead early and held on to the momentum. We held them to just one goal, thanks to Almunia and his heroic efforts.

For the second leg, we must control the pace of the game. We hope to have van Persie back in the line up, with Cesc in central midfield, as this will only make more scoring chances.

It will be tough. This we expect. This is against Manchester United to go to the Champions League Finale. But this is not something impossible or even improbable to do. I know it will be much different playing at home in front of our fans, knowing everything is on the line. We still have more than a chance for this trophy and that is all I can ask for. We will be fighting.

- Manu

Challenging the Champions

Hello.

This is the biggest one of the year by far. We are headed to Old Trafford and have a huge test. We know how important away goals are, and it is already our style to play free and aggressive. On the other hand, if we don’t take care on the defensive side first, well I think we all know about their weapons and how much they can score. So we have to be at the top of our game on both sides obviously, playing with the fire necessary for a game like this.

Because this is it. The Champions League is our last chance at a trophy this season. I am excited to be up against guys so good like Vidic and Ferdinand, guys who won this last year. I am ready to fight and do whatever it takes to push Arsenal past ManU, and I know our defense will be fighting too. You have to beat the champions to be the champions, and this is the first step.

See you there.

-Manu

Ready Despite Injuries

Hello.

Well it was certainly a great thing to see Arshevin net 4 against Liverpool. And certainly not so great to see them come back for the tie in stoppage time. Even with so many injuries to our defense, this was hard to see. So we will have to work together, every one of us, to make sure this will not happen again. Especially with the Champions League game against ManU coming up.

It is tough to hear about all the injuries beyond mine. Van Persie, Gallas, Clichy, the list is a long one. But we have been through this before even just this season, so we know what it takes to prepare and be ready no matter the circumstance or the side. This is for a chance to go to the final, and our last chance for a trophy this season.

So we will be ready for them.

-Manu

Big Ones

It seems to me that we are coming together in a good way at just the right time. Even with a lot of our great defenders out we still managed to control the game against Villareal and move on to the Champions League semi-final, where we will meet ManU.

And of course we have Chelsea this weekend in the FA Cup. We have been very good of late at focusing just on the next game, not looking past any opponent, so there is no worry that we will not be ready for Chelsea, especially on a stage like Wembley.

We have fought so hard to get to this point where we have games with meaning, with tension. And we will continue fighting.

-Manu

Fighting for the Semi final

Hello.

These are big games. These are why we do what we do. Games with importance and tension. Games that matter. We are no longer fighting to stay in the top 4, we are playing for trophies.

Even though we have a scoring edge against Villareal, do not think we are playing safe or looking for a nil draw to advance. We are focused and ready to keep playing aggressive, as we have been doing. We are clicking, playing together with purpose, and hungry to advance to the Champions League semi-final.

And especially with some injuries to our defense, we know we must be on the attack from the outset. We are ready for the fight.

See you there.

-Manu

We Believe

Things are coming together. We’ve been playing improved for some weeks now, and it continues. The way Walcott can fight for possessions, Cesc with his ability to make plays others can’t – I feel that adding these things to a great defense will push us to the top.

Getting an away goal at Villareal was of course very important. Cesc has set me up for 3 goals in 2 games back, so we are playing tight together. English teams do not win there, I have heard this, but this feels like a win. We need to go home and hold them on our pitch, which I know what we can do and I feel this will be done. I am happy with the result, and happy to find the net, but all I am thinking about is finding it again and helping us move on to the semifinals.

To all the fans, thank you for your support when I was out, you helped me to come back strong and I’ll keep fighting for all of us.

-Manu

Back and Ready for What’s Next

Hello.

Well, that felt good. Good to be back on the pitch, good to have Cesc back out there too, and good to have him set me up for 2 goals against Man City. We got the 3 points and are in a solid 4th in the premier league right now. This is where we have worked so hard to be, and we are playing very well right now.

And playing well is what we need to keep doing since the Champions League quarterfinals are here. We have been good about keeping our focus from game to game, better with scoring, still tough on defense. This needs to keep going, because Villareal will be ready for us. And this is our best chance for a big trophy this season, something I came to Arsenal to do.

See you there.

-Manu

Around the House

To the Quarterfinals

The unbeaten streak is over, but we are on to the quarterfinals and that is what matters. Going into penalties to settle it, that was close but my teammates did well in such a tight spot. In Roma. After a long match where we did not create much. But again Almunia was up to it.

Moving on to the next round, it is a great feeling. There is much left to play and so we will focus and be ready, but for right now we can enjoy this moment. And be excited for the next.

-Manu

On to Roma

Hello.

So it is a big one for us in Champions League on Wednesday. As you know we will be playing Roma at the Stadio Olimpico – a place we hope to revisit at the end of this tournament, and I know this will inspire us to focus and play to our potential. Even though we take a 1-0 victory into this match with us, I know we must stay aggressive and go for the win.

To be honest, Roma have their backs to the wall, and this is when teams can be the most dangerous. With a win or a tie, we move on to the next round – and the flipside is of course that unless they win, they are out of the tournament. So we know they will come prepared and with passion – but they should expect the same of us. I hope to see a lot of you in the stands there.

-Manu

Baby Kanu

Step One

Hello.
We’re back and we’re on top. Two months of waiting for the knockouts is finally over. Even though I was not going to be on the pitch, I felt the excitement building for this one over the past weeks. We worked hard to get here, and the nil draws in Premier League had been frustrating us all. But we knew that Roma would not come out looking for the draw, and were well on the attack for most of this one.

Van Persie what can you say? He has been scoring all our goals of late it seems, and again buried one right when we needed it. There were a lot of visiting fans there, and I hope all the Gunners fans out there are planning on coming to Rome with us to send us onto the next stage. I hope to be out there for the next one, and am proud to play with men who have put us in this good position.

-Manu

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Hello.

Believe it or not I read things people say about Arsenal in the press that is why you hear me more often than some others, trying to set the record straight about our chances and how we feel and some people over and over like to point out what they think are weaknesses for us. So since we are at the end of our break from Champions League, this is a good time to look back on all of the great players and great plays in the round we finished.

And not just from Cesc either, ha. I mean think of Walcott, Van Persie, Bendtner, Nasri, Gallas. Think of how many times Almunia saved us. It makes me proud thinking how we all played in qualifying, it took every man on our team and every fan wanting it like we did. And we like the draw for knockouts. Roma say we are scared of them, but that is not true. Excited is more like it.

-Manu

First Stretch

Vote for Me!

So some of you might know that last year I won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award.  Well I just found out that I am nominated again this year which, to be honest, is such an honor because the fans vote on this one.  So vote here and tell all the Arsenal fans you know to do it too.  You can do it until January 9.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2008/11/081126_afoy_08_vote_page.shtml

Thank you.

Manu

On the Attack

Hello.

 

The win over Wigan was a big one for us.  After the win at Chelsea we knew we had to stay focused and win the next one too, and that is what happened.  It felt great to score for the first time since my injury, even if I let a few get away after that.  The same for everyone – there were a lot of chances for us, and even though we didn’t finish all of them, it is great that as a club we are on the attack.  And Almunia made sure that my goal was all we needed anyway.

 

We have our last Champions League game for a few months against Porto on Wednesday.  I scored twice against them last time, you know, so make sure to check this one out too.

 

-Manu

Living a Dream

Hello.

It is almost time for the announcement of the African Footballer of the Year award. Did you know I am nominated? Ha. So did I. To be recognized with strikers like Drogba and Zaki, and such amazing all-around talents as Essien and Aboutrika. All these men have such great vision and skill, so this is quite an honor. But now that I am nominated, I of course hope to win.

For me, what greater individual honor could I imagine than to be chosen as the top footballer in Africa? When I was younger people liked to call me Baby Kanu. I think if I win then maybe before I retire I will get to play with or against a Baby Manu. What more could a footballer hope for? When you are young and trying to be like the greatest players, it is hard to imagine that someday kids will try to play like you.

I am excited to see who wins, but we know who should

-Manu

Don’t Count Us Out

It is so nice to get to write not about my ankle, not about what might happen in the future, but what just happened on Sunday. Of course I mean the win at the Bridge. And what a huge win, and a message sent. We were never all the way out but and I know this is what you were all thinking too,­ how quickly a season can turn!

It took just a few minutes for RVP to manage a double that sent us on to the win. Glad I was able to get my head in there for him, and what an impressive finish. And just like that we are still thinking of the title. This win, then Liverpool’s draw, well it does not seem like anyone can write us off just yet.

-Manu

Time to Play

I circled this week on my calendar when I hurt my ankle. At first I could not even stand on it, but the doctors and trainer said to let them care for it and rest it plenty and it would get better each day. And they were right. From when I wake up every day, I have been doing my physiotherapy, getting massages, walking in a pool, doing ultrasounds, stretching it, and resting.

Then last Wednesday I got to play with my selection for a short time. I felt a little pain still, and I know that if you don’t properly heal an ankle it can keep you out for the season, which is why I did not play this past weekend, or against Kiev. But now all the work has paid off and I will hopefully be ready to against Chelsea this weekend.

The whole time I’ve been out I’ve only thought of one thing: come back and help my team. It has been a rough time for Arsenal and I know they need me. And I will be there. I feel ready. I’m back!

-Manu

On to the Knockout Stages!

I hope you were all watching the Champions League match against Kiev. There is so much to be happy about right now after this result. First, and most important, Bendtner’s goal made certain that we are now on the way to the knockout stages. But for me, you know, it was perfect that the pass came from Cesc in his first game as captain. I am so happy for him to have this role, he deserves it to be sure, and has already shown what a leader he can be in the big moments.

A few days ago I thought I would be ready to play in this one, but before the match my ankle still gave me apprehension. I will rest it of course and hope to be on the pitch this Saturday for Chelsea. But I have said before here on my blog that with these injuries – to me and all the others – all of us, the Arsenal players and fans, get to see our young guys do great things.

-Manu

Young Gunners

Hello again.

Well, you know, there have been some not so good things in the past few days. Not only the loss to Aston Villa, but the bigger loss of Theo for a while, with a shoulder injury.

But there have been some good things of late too – like the Wigan match. After the huge win over ManU what a great thing it was to see our young guys step up like that. Wilshire was spot on, Simpson was powerful and Vela showed his great control.

We have so much talent coming up, all of these new weapons will keep us dangerous. I can’t wait to be running with these guys, piling on the goals and the victories. It is not a matter of if they can do it, but when.

-Manu

My Tattoos

Injury Update

I am working hard to make it back for our match against Kiev on the 25th. And I see that Keane from Liverpool scored his first two goals in the league, and his joy makes me remember my first goal for Arsenal. I think my first goal back from this injury will make me feel just as good. And to Robbie Keane ­ welcome, but we will see what happens on December 21.

Manu

A Good Victory

Just want to briefly say how proud I am of our team for the win Saturday.
It is early still but a great win for us and a great day for Nasri. What did you all think of that pass from Cesc? Can’t wait until he’s sending them my way again.

Manu

My Superstition

Fans vs Fernabahce

Hello it is Manu.

I am disappointed to tell you that I will not be playing against Fernabahce tonight. When we played Stoke, as you saw, I picked up an injury to my ankle. I will be having more tests, but I am sad to think that I will not be able to play for a few weeks.

It is tough watching my team go out there, without being able to play my part on the field. But you know, that is football, and it is important for me to support where I can and focus on my recovery.

Tonight, my team mates are facing a tough match, and I will be supporting from the sidelines. Some young players will have an opportunity to make an impression, and for the team, I believe they can. We played Fernabahce two weeks ago in front of their passionate fans and as you know, we won. Tonight we are at home and this is an opportunity for our fans to help push the team forward. See you at the game!

Manu

Last night

Hello it is Manu.

You know, I am still a little shocked, about what happened last night. It is difficult to sleep after something like that. I think I watched the game on replay in my head, maybe 20 times. Especially the last 2 minutes. Whenever we play Tottenham it is a big game. No matter what time of year. Or even where we are in the League. To be honest, I felt pretty good going into the game. I’ve scored 7 goals in the last 7 games against Totthenham. And we had a good practice before. When I scored, you know, I thought we had the three points. And then Robin also scored. But that is football. They have a new manager, so they are playing a little harder, all trying to prove themselves. But even so, we scored 4 goals. Next time we must do better. I want to thank you for your support. It helps me and the whole team as we work towards Saturday.

But we will put things right on the 7th of February when we go to White Heart Lane. And I hope we draw them in the FA Cup.  And the Carling Cup. There’s no chance of meeting them in the UEFA Champions League though

My F50 set-up against Fenerbahce

Tonight’s game

Hello, it is Emmanuel.

i hope you’re going to be watching our game against Fenerbahce tonight. We had a good training session today. The team focused on controlling the pace of the game and making sure we play our own style of football.

There has been a lot of talk about the fans in Istanbul and we know that they are passionate. But in the UEFA Champions League, you can’t let that kind of thing affect you, we’ve had a good start and tonight is the next step in our journey.

Manu

I played Fifa ‘09

My game last night

Players + Fans VS. Porto

My F50 setup against Porto

Green Night

My F50’s for Kyiv tonight

Ole, Ole, Ole

Saturday was a good game for Arsenal and the fans. And also for me. To score is always a good thing, but to get a hatrick is special. I am glad the fans appreciated it.

If I think which goal stood out to me, it was my first goal. There were a lot of passes before I shot, I think Denilson’s cross was the 27th. It is important to win, but we need to entertain. And I believe this happens when we are having a good time and playing as a team.

To me this is a good sign for our UEFA Champions League game on Wednesday. Dynamo Kyiv are going to be tough. They are a disciplined side and they have home ground advantage. But after Saturday, I am confident we have a good season ahead of us.

Manu

Woezon honlonyewo

Woezon honlonyewo. We say this in Togo, when welcoming new friends. There is no word for blog, but you understand.

I want to invite you to share my experience of playing in the UEFA Champions League.

It’s been a long journey to play at this level. When I started in Togo, my mother saved for months to buy me boots. Then all our neighbors got mad because their kids also wanted a pair.

We’re in a tough group. Of this I’m sure. But with our squad, I think we’ve a good chance of getting to the knock out rounds.

Watch our game against Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday 17th and I’ll share my thoughts on the match here.

Manu