They were the fiercest of rivals in the early part of the last decade, but it’s been quite a while since Arsenal versus Manchester United was a title decider.

Arsene Wenger is in the market for defensive reinforcements but is concerned that there are not as many natural leaders in the game as when he arrived at Arsenal.

They were the fiercest of rivals in the early part of the last decade, but it’s been quite a while since Arsenal versus Manchester United was a title decider.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists the fighting instincts shared by Alexis Sanchez and Luis Suarez were honed on the streets of South America.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Arsenal remain confident of pushing through a £30mi deal for Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona and expect to complete the signing of France defender Mathieu Debuchy later this week.

Arsene Wenger will still talk animatedly about almost any subject, but he has definitely grown more guarded and reserved, sometimes tetchy, in recent seasons, believes the man who once wrote his column for the club magazine.

Arsenal’s problems in midfield and up front thanks to a dubious transfer policy may, disproportionately, be dominating the news agenda but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny makes a convincing argument when he underlines a case for the defence.

Arsenal 4 Coventry 0

Conor Henderson has thanked his former Arsenal assistant manager Steve Bould for helping him secure a Premier League lifeline at Hull City.

IT WAS one of those rare perfect moments.

Wojciech Szczesny has reignited his war of words with Tottenham by claiming that Arsenal’s north London rivals do not have enough quality to finish inside the top four this season.

Germany boss Joachim Loew is in the frame to be Arsenal’s next manager, with Arsene Wenger’s current deal expiring next summer, according to reports.

Arsenal could still be without both Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott for their Barclays Premier League trip to West Brom on Saturday.

It’s been a difficult few days for everybody associated with Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger needs only one piece of advice going into transfer deadline day judging by his team’s Jekyll and Hyde performance against Liverpool: forget about David Villa and concentrate on signing a centre-back instead of a centre-forward.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his players answered their critics on the pitch as they steamrollered Premier League strugglers Reading.

George Graham is backing Arsene Wenger to remain at Arsenal “for a few more years” but believes he needs to rediscover the knack of signing unknown talents and developing them into world-beaters.

Miguel Delaney spent some of yesterday in the company of an under pressure Arsene Wenger

This week confirmed again why everybody loves the cup competitions so much, with Arsenal of the Premier League beaten on penalties by Bradford City of League Two.

Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson last night launched a scathing attack on manager Arsene Wenger, saying the Frenchman had become “a dictator”.

Arsenal 3 Fulham 3

Stewart Robson claims Arsenal’s defensive problems could be down to a rift between Steve Bould and Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal assistant manager Steve Bould admitted the Gunners look jaded following their 2-0 Champions League defeat by Schalke at Emirates Stadium.

Assistant coach Steve Bould hopes Arsenal are “back on track” after last night’s Champions League victory against Olympiacos.

Arsenal 3 Olympiacos 1

Assistant boss Steve Bould maintains Arsenal can head to Manchester City full of confidence after opening their Champions League campaign with a battling 2-1 victory in Montpellier.

Montpellier 1 Arsenal 2

Montpellier 1 Arsenal 2

Arsene Wenger admits there could come a time when Theo Walcott’s contract situation may impact on his role within the Arsenal team.

Arsene Wenger has every confidence Vito Mannone holds the "mental strength" to put his Champions League nightmare behind him when he returns to top-flight European action in Montpellier tomorrow.

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna feels the sales of captain Robin van Persie and midfielder Alex Song have left “a lot of questions”.

Alisher Usmanov fears the “pinnacle” of Arsenal’s ambitions next season will be just securing Champions League qualification again, as the Gunners face up to the prospect of seeing captain Robin van Persie leave.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has his sights set on securing Champions League football at West Brom on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger believes Steve Bould will bring continuity to the Arsenal coaching set-up when he takes over as his assistant from “fighter” Pat Rice, who retires at the end of the season.

ARSENE WENGER spends so much time talking about the character of his players and their determination to succeed, you wonder whether he is trying to convince himself more than the masses who doubt whether Arsenal have the winning mentality to overhaul Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title.

THIS was another display of maturity from Arsenal and after another weekend of unconvincing performances from Manchester’s candidates, further evidence that they are the only realistic challengers to Chelsea.

PROMISING Irish midfielder Conor Henderson has earned a new, extended contract with Arsenal.

HAS there ever in the history of football been a league title won quite like this?

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

Arsenal have handed professional contracts to four members of their successful FA Youth Cup team, while confirming Portugal Under-21 international Amaury Bischoff is one of eight players released.