I would like to take that gamble Wenger laughed recognising that a big performance from Henry was vital

“I would like to take that gamble,” Wenger laughed, recognising that a “big performance” from Henry was vital.He got it And how. Henry was everything Arsenal fans, and fans of football, could have hoped for – showing courage, leadership and devastating skill. The symbolism of him out-muscling the forlorn Ronaldo to set off on the run for the contest’s only goal was clear Henry was serene then, and he was as serene afterwards. “Anyone would like him, including [us],” Soriano said.
In the build-up to Tuesday’s Champions’ League tie, Wenger, whose stock also of course rose further following the result at the club that has long coveted him, had conceded that a stellar contribution from Henry would only add to the demands for his captain’s services And the pressure on Arsenal to conclude a new deal. It was about a job half-done, a recognition that for all his side’s brilliance, and the brilliance of their tactics, they still hold just a slender advantage. But it was also a response to the post-match pleas of his manager, Ars? Wenger, for him to sign that new contract – and the remarks of a salivating Barcelona vice-president, Ferran Soriano, as to what might happen if he did not.

Thierry Henry’s plea for “calm” after Arsenal’s wonderful victory at Real Madrid’s home was multi-purpose. The defender Bruno N’Gotty could return to the side at the expense of Radhi Jaidi after being rested last Saturday.. The 30-year-old Dane proved his fitness on Monday with a 45-minute run-out for the reserves, after recovering from an Achilles injury. Pedersen could be on the bench – while El Hadji Diouf, Ivan Campo and Khalilou Fadiga are all ruled out through injury.Gary Speed looks set to retain his place after a fine display against West Ham United in the FA Cup after a six-week absence with a knee injury.

Marseilles will be fully aware of our potential as well.”
The utility player Henrik Pedersen is set to make his first appearance for Bolton in four months. “They are a strong side, but I would prefer going there with a 0-0 rather than a 1-1. “They are a very passionate crowd in Marseilles – but that is something to enjoy rather than be fearful of,” Lee said. Sammy Lee, the Bolton assistant manager, has told his players to savour the special Stade V?drome atmosphere tonight and secure a place in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup. Defender Emanuel Pogatetz is suspended while midfielder Fabio Rochemback is out for up to 10 weeks with ankle-ligament damage.”The tempo is not as high and as fast and furious as the Premier League, it’s more cat and mouse, and the players, the fans, everybody needs to be patient, not get frustrated and make sure we get the right result,” McClaren said.. Boro resume their Uefa Cup campaign at home to Stuttgart tonight with a 2-1 lead from the first leg, but the Boro manager warned yesterday: “Tomorrow will be one of those European nights that could be frustrating, and I ask everybody to be patient and not to get frustrated – that’s how Europe is.”
Although Mark Viduka, who is over a virus, Ugo Ehiogu, who has recovered from a hamstring problem, and Massimo Maccarone, who broke his nose in training, are fit again, McClaren will allow his players to take nothing for granted.

Steve McClaren knows how difficult Middlesbrough’s task will be if they are to progress to a last-16 Uefa Cup meeting with either Roma or Bruges. Mohamed Sissoko will visit an eye specialist on Merseyside today amid concerns the Liverpool midfielder’s career may have been brought to a premature end at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night. Rafael Benitez’s team returned from their Champions’ League defeat by Benfica in the early hours of yesterday without the Mali international, who was kept under observation in a Lisbon hospital after being kicked in the face by the Brazilian midfielder Beto.. The Spanish defender was sent off with the first leg goalless and although Chelsea then took a shock lead, Barcelona’s man advantage told and the Spanish champions will start the second leg on 7 March with two precious away goals.. Nimbus, the company which paid £352m for rights to India’s home matches until 2010, will reveal the details today.. Jose Mourinho accused Lionel Messi of play-acting last night but he was careful not to say anything which could lead to a referee being hounded into retirement.

However, he left no doubt that he felt Chelsea’s Champions’ League defeat by Barcelona was a result of Terje Hauge’s decision to dismiss Asier Del Horno 37 minutes into the knock-out tie for a lunge on Messi. It might or might not give their tummies some relief, but it certainly reduces their choices by at least half. * A decision on who will broadcast live coverage of the series will be announced this morning. On the food front, it was difficult to know whether it was good or bad news for the players that chicken has disappeared overnight from restaurant menus because of the avian flu scare.