Villans duo scoop Barclays awards

Martin O'Neill and Ashley Young have claimed the Barclays Manager and Player of the Month awards for December.

The Aston Villa duo continue to make significant contributions to a Barclays Premier League season which saw the West Midlanders lie in the top four by the turn of the year and remain in the hunt for the title. Young becomes the first player in Barclays Premier League history to win the award three times in a calendar year.

Manager O'Neill, a recipient of the monthly award for the sixth time, guided Villa to an unbeaten December which saw his side win four out of five matches, including three away wins at Everton (3-2), West Ham United (1-0) and Hull City (1-0).

team display

The Villans also impressively saw off the challenge of an in-form Bolton Wanderers side at Villa Park (4-2) before a late Zat Knight strike held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw.

Young's emergence as one the most exciting players in the Barclays Premier League continued apace throughout the month, scoring three goals and contributing two assists to end 2008 in style.

Two goals from the 23-year-old in a man-of-the-match display at Goodison Park, including a scintillating injury-time strike, saw off the challenge of Everton, while another goal from the England international capped a fine team display as Aston Villa defeated Bolton Wanderers.

A crucial assist, meanwhile, in the dying minutes of his side's game at Hull City's KC Stadium resulted in an own-goal which claimed maximum points.

The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

Kaka deal takes football further from reality

At a time when cost-cutting, debt repayment, and spending within means are the latterday idioms there can be few industries in which a record-breaking fee is ready to be paid for an asset. But then top-level football lost touch with the rest of human life some years ago.

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Kaka: Part two of City's plan.

Arsene Wenger, as ever, may have tinged his words with self interest when he said "Manchester City are in a different world" but it is hard to disagree with his opinion that "Man City buying Kaka for £100m is an exception to what is happening in our world."

Football's gravy train had shown signs of slowing down, wracked by the problems affecting the rest of the world. And that's a business world, because football stopped becoming a game for anything apart from those 90 minutes on the pitch some time ago. A bid that will more than double the previous transfer record of a previously unapproached £46m signalled City's bank-rolled new regime are prepared to operate completely beyond the parameters of what had long looked bloated and unsustainable.

Kaka">Kaka forms part two of Manchester City's grand plan to prove themselves to football's playing elite. Robinho, who may well be irked by his compatriot's superior salary and standing, was the first part. Will their signings signal a rush of suitors to get on the phone to their agents to request a move to Eastlands? Manchester could be manna for those agents who had begun to wonder where their next Ferrari was coming from.

The arrival on the scene of the shadowy Kia Joorabchian, the fixer for the chaotic Tevez and Mascherano deals of recent times, shows that those businessmen who choose to line their pockets on the back off football's mega-deals have recognised that there be gold in them there small hills of Beswick.

The ten percenters have been concerned of late that economic crisis may cut into their revenue. City's arrival on the scene with oil-soaked money to burn means the fixers and the third parties will soon have Mark Hughes and Garry Cook's number on speed-dial.

Football was thinking of having to cut its cloth accordingly and even Chelsea are cutting costs. There was hope that there might just be a more level playing field. Big clubs have always spent money and always will, some with mixed success. A lack of cashflow gave rise to hopes of young players and settled teams being given their head. City, as their own performances this season show, can unsettle all that.

The arrival of the Roman Abramovich in 2003 was the beginning of football's billionaire era, he made Chelsea into a contender on the European stage. Yet his reign, newly prudent after the bingeing that hits its peak with the £31m paid for Shevchenko, has proved positive that money can never quite guarantee success. Roman's roubles could not stop a slippery sod of grass denying him on that May night in Moscow.

Like Chelsea fans did, City fans have the right to dream about what money can buy them. Hughes, a decent man caught between his instinct of building a team in a gradual fashion and spending petro-dollars like a spoiled Eastern prince, may not end up being the man to lead them to the initial promised land of the Champions League.

As Claudio Ranieri found, money does not buy time. City cannot reach the Champions League next season and it would rely on the collapse of one of the big four for them to be able to reach it for 2010-11. A team of expensive emigres with egos to match can struggle, whatever, the price-tags. Real Madrid's potless galacticos are testament to that.

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Kia Joorabchian: Soon quick on the scene as City prepare to splash the cash.

In a time of deflation, the arrival of Abu Dhabu looks set to inflate prices into a stratosphere in which few other clubs can breathe. The deal for Kaka supposedly includes a hand-written cheque from Sheikh Al Mansour while up the road, Manchester United, saddled with the burden of being bought during the era of the discredited "debt model", are paying for players like Anderson and Hargreaves in installments. Nor can they afford to pay for Carlos Tevez.

Joorabchian's charge had looked hugely over-priced at £32m. The Kaka cash of £107m has given the Iranian extra bargaining chips in his quest to get the best deal for the Argentine. Meanwhile, "super-agent" Pini Zahavi is said to have trousered £900,000 from Wayne Bridge's transfer, further proof that football's vultures soon circle when they smell money. Reported figures place £27m in the hands of Kaka's hanger-ons should the deal go through; money that is unlikely to be fed back in for the good of the game.

Long an admired cult concern, City may soon find the success they have lacked for two generations no longer evades them. Yet they will lose many of those admirers for their owners' willingness to flaunt their money in such vulgar fashion in such a time of economic malaise.

City deny Kaka deal is done

Manchester City have rejected claims that they have signed Brazilian superstar Kaka.

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Kaka: Waiting on father before any deal can be completed.

Reports had emerged in the United Arab Emirates that the 26-year-old AC Milan star has agreed to join City during the current transfer window.

But City have been quick to dismiss the story, citing its origin as the same source that claimed on Thursday that the deal was off.

In fact, discussions will continue next week when Kaka's father, who is currently on holiday in Brazil, will meet City officials to discuss their proposals.

Earlier, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Eastlands outfit had made a bid, which was now being considered by the Serie A giants.

The sum involved - £108million - would smash the world record transfer that saw Zinedine Zidane leave Juventus for Real Madrid in 2001.

It is thought Milan will accept the bid, leaving City to persuade Kaka of their worth.

Manager Mark Hughes is confident Kaka will be impressed, with the Blues also lodging a bid with Hamburg for Holland international Nigel De Jong as they look to address the other clear deficiencies in their squad.

Hamburg confirm Man City bid for de Jong

Manchester City have made an official approach for Hamburg midfielder Nigel de Jong, the Bundesliga's director of sport Dietmar Beiersdorfer confirmed.

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Nigel de Jong: Subject of City interest.

Beiersdorfer told the Hamburger Abendblatt newspaper the rumoured interest from the Premier League club ''is true''.

''Manchester City have made us an offer,'' he added at the north German club's winter training camp in La Manga.

Beiersdorfer revealed he would discuss the offer with the player and his agent, but early indications appear to suggest the club are ready to accept it.

De Jong's contract, which expires next year, contains a clause that would allow him to leave in the summer for only 2 million euros, while City's offer is a reported 15 million euros (£13.3million).

Beiersdorfer, though, claims he is not convinced De Jong will be keen to join City.

''I have spoken with him about Real Madrid and other clubs in that category, but not about City,'' he told Die Welt newspaper. ''I will now speak with his agent and see what happens.''

De Jong, though, appears rather more amenable to the switch, saying: ''Everybody knows that I would like to play for a big club eventually.

''I count Manchester City in that category. I will take my time and listen to everything and then I will make the right decision for me. But I am a Hamburg player and it could be that I remain so.''

The Dutchman joined Hamburg in 2006 for 1.5million euros from Ajax and has played 66 Bundesliga games for the club, scoring twice.

Rafa rejects terms of new Liverpool contract

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has rejected the terms of a new contract offer, according to the Liverpool Echo.

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Benitez: Yet to commit.

• Hicks backing Benitez to stay

The Spaniard, who has been at the helm of the Anfield outfit since June 2004, has been considering the deal proposed to him by club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and confirmed last week that an agreement had been reached over the length of his contract and the salary.

However, the Spaniard insists he will only agree to the new deal if given more control over football matters - rather than having to answer to club chief executive Rick Parry.

Benitez, who insists money is not an issue, has informed the American owners of his stand and said: "The owners feel that the manager's decisions need to be subject to the chief executive.

"But I know that I am subject to results and to our fans and they are the best judges I will ever have."

The news comes at a key stage in Liverpool's season, with the Reds to play Merseyside rivals Everton in the Premier League on Monday, and the Liverpool manager confirmed he wants more control over the club's academy.

He is adamant too he should be the man responsible for transfers, providing he conducts his business within the restraints of the club's budget.

Benitez said: ''This is solely about being allowed to manage Liverpool Football Club to the best of my abilities as I see them.

''I believe that this club has the potential to improve - and I just want to be able to help this to happen. I will continue to do my job as manager and concentrate on the thing that our fans want me to focus on - winning trophies for them.

''From the first day I came to the club, I have only ever given 100% - and I will continue to do this.''

Benitez's refusal of the deal will inevitably dominate before Monday's derby, but the boss intends to focus all his thoughts on the game and will strive to ensure his players are not affected by his future.

Indeed, he was keen to dismiss suggestions of a rift with the American owners, describing Hicks as ''very supportive'' and the contracts talks as ''positive and friendly''.

That suggests this will not be the end of the matter, club and manager now in a position where they will seek to address each other's issues with the terms of the tabled contract.

Hicks backing Benitez to stay

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks predicts Rafael Benitez will remain manager for the next five years - and insists he has no concerns at all about the Spaniard's decision to reject the terms of a new contract.

Benitez today chose to decline the deal because of an apparent disagreement with Hicks and his fellow owner George Gillett over his level of control.

Benitez explained: ''The owners feel that the manager's decisions need to be subject to the chief executive.''

But Hicks has subsequently told Sky Sports News he has no worries about the situation, and sent a message to Liverpool fans that he expects Benitez to remain at Anfield for years to come.

''I will be working with Rafa to get this resolved - and I am just not worried about it at all,'' he said. ''Rafa is going to be coach of Liverpool for the next five years, and we will work through all this.''

Hicks concedes Benitez has had qualms about the details of his position - but the American is confident there is no reason to fear an impasse.

''Rafa has been frustrated for a long time at the length of time it has taken certain things to happen,'' he said. ''We understand that and are committed to working with him.

''I think he's just trying to position himself to do his job better. We will work through it. We can fix it - and we will. Rafa wants to be the manager and will be the manager.''

Hicks expects to meet Benitez at the end of this month to discuss any outstanding issues but has made it clear too that the lines of communication have been open and cordial in recent times.

He is also delighted with Liverpool's success on the pitch this season.

''You can't complain being in first place (in the Barclays Premier League),'' Hicks notes. ''I have had a great relationship with Rafa over this past year. We talk often and email even more often - and I have had a lot of fun watching him do a great job this year.

''There are certainly no issues between Rafa and the owners.''

Real chief Calderon resigns amid vote scandal

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has resigned from his post with the Primera Liga champions, announcing he is stepping down in a press conference.

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Ramon Calderon: Under pressure to quit as Real Madrid president.

Calderon, has been forced out after Marca newspaper published allegations earlier this week of irregularities at the club's general assembly last month.

"Against the recommendations of my board I have decided to step down from the presidency," Calderon said.

"I have committed errors but not irregularities. I go with my head held high."

The 57-year-old lawyer will be replaced by Vicente Boluda, who takes charge until a new presidential election can be held in the close season.

Calderon once again rejected claims of his involvement in the scandal, insisting he walks away from the club with a "clear conscience".

"I have nothing to hide," he said. "I firmly deny all the lies that have been published by various media sources in the past few days.

"I never participated in anything illegal or committed any wrongdoing.

"Over the past two and a half years I have put my body and soul into this club.

"I walk away with clean hands and a clear conscience, and less money and health than when I started."

Kaka Biography

Name: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite
Nickname: Kaká
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Date of birth: April 22, 1982
Birthplace: Brasília, Brazil
Former clubs: Sao Paulo, AC Milan (current)
Honours: Torneio Rio-São Paulo (2001), Campeonato Paulista (2002), FIFA World Cup (2002), Serie A (2004), Italian Super Cup (2004), UEFA Champions League (2006-07), Ballon d'Or (2007), FIFA World Player of the Year (2007).

Fabregas warning for City over Kaka pursuit

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has warned Manchester City that their vast wealth will not guarantee success after their £107-million bid to bring AC Milan ace Kaka to Eastlands.

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Fabregas: Wary of big money deals.

Fabregas, who is currently on the sidelines recovering from a serious knee injury, has followed manager Arsene Wenger's lead and warned fans against expecting instant results.

The Spanish international told The Sun: ''A team is not built by the cheque-book alone. Money is not the most important thing in football. I think the important thing is not to rush into signing a new player just because money is available.

''A good team will develop naturally and trying to speed up this process with lots of money can be dangerous. If the club is well run, and the money they now have is well spent on building a good team, Manchester City will be dangerous. But money cannot work a miracle overnight.

''For example, Manchester United have an expensive team. Yet they won the title because they were a strong group of players, who played good football and had the belief. Their philosophy of attacking football was clear and they were rewarded for that.''

Fabregas prefers Arsenal's approach to the game, where young talent is nurtured by Arsene Wenger, and he insists no team has a divine right to success.

He added: ''At Arsenal we prefer to develop young players and give them their chance, as I was given my chance when I was a teenager.

''Other clubs can spend what they like but we are happy with the way we do things here. I have to say I feel lucky to be at Arsenal and part of the club's philosophy.

''I am sure City will now have bigger ambitions. But only time will tell how successful City become. At Arsenal, we do not have the right to qualify for the Champions League every season. And City do not have that right either just because they are now very rich.

''In the future, City can perhaps be a top four team. With the foundations they have and what may happen in the future, anything is possible.''

No excuses for Wenger's young guns

As Arsene Wenger was finally forced to admit that Arsenal have become 'a selling club', many fans and pundits alike have questioned the credentials of the Gunners for the coming season.

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Ramsey: The young Welshman could be thrust straight into the first-team.

No trophies in three years have seen the club slip from being seen as genuine title contenders, to one simply content to qualify for the lucrative Champions League. And with mounting debt, departing players and an impatient fan-base, talk of the 'transitional period' is wearing thin. One must remember that the side were only a few games off a title winning season in 2007/08; but, as has been the case in recent years, a lack of experience towards the end of the campaign scuppered any hopes they had of lifting the trophy. Man Utd and Chelsea have launched successful attacks on the Premier League title in recent years with a mixture of experience and youth, while Wenger's faith in his young players has been somewhat blinkered - if not in principle, then in application. The Frenchman's summer signings so far have again been of the 'promising' variety, with 20-year-old Samir Nasri and 17-year-old Aaron Ramsey arriving and there is reason to believe that both will serve the club well in the future. Nasri has done well in his few seasons with Marseille and, despite being tipped as 'the new Zidane', the youngster has kept his feet on the ground to make his mark on the French national side as well. A direct replacement for Barcelona-bound Alexander Hleb, Nasri's style of football suits the Gunners and, having been tracked by Wenger from an early age, he is expected to settle well at the club. Ramsey, too, has been on Wenger's radar since making the breakthrough at Cardiff last year and the French boss will have been pleased to beat the likes of Manchester United and Everton to his signature. However, as impressive as Wenger's growing crop of young stars is, the squad cries out for experience. Losing Jens Lehmann, Gilberto Silva and Hleb has robbed the squad of big-game players, and the absence of a cool-headed veteran may play its part in Arsenal's season, both on and off the pitch. Furthermore, while Wenger has always been happy to let players go as their career starts its descent, this summer has seen a dangerous precedent set. He has lost players he wanted to keep and has had to watch them join other clubs in pursuit of silverware and, importantly, more money. Arsenal have recovered from the departures of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira in recent years, but with their transfer dealings hindered by a £24million-a-season debt to pay towards their new stadium, the wage structure at the club has proved to be something of a barrier. Wenger would have loved to have kept the 24-year-old Mathieu Flamini, fresh from a very impressive Premier League campaign, but was powerless to stop AC Milan doubling his wages when his contract expired. The fact that Milan won't be playing Champions League football next season may suggest a mercenary streak in the midfielder, but Wenger cannot claim to be surprised as he acquired the player in a similar way from Marseille in 2004. Monetary constraints meant Wenger had to sell Hleb in order to bring Nasri in (when the side could have used both of them) and the wage demands of Emmanuel Adebayor played a large part in the drama surrounding his future this summer; yet Wenger remains undeterred in his focus. Believing that a big-money signing would 'kill' the young players at the club, this philosophy was behind the surprise sale of Gilberto to Panathinaikos. While the Brazilian brought valuable experience to the side, he also stood in the way of the development of Alex Song, Abou Diaby and Denilson in the midfield. Song, in particular, looks likely to get more of a chance of first-team football this season after impressing in the African Nations Cup with Cameroon. A good run at the Olympics could see him cement the vacant defensive midfield berth, although Wenger has used him as a central defender to date. However, even with Song's emergence, the squad still looks light of a few players. An experienced defensive midfielder should arrive in August, while Wenger would also like the chance to strengthen in defence. Philippe Senderos, Johan Djourou and Justin Hoyte have not done enough to suggest that they should be fighting for first-team places when the season starts and an injury to any one of Wenger's first-choice of Bacary Sagna, Kolo Toure, William Gallas or Gael Clichy leaves them short at the back. As Sagna's injury against Chelsea last season showed, the Gunners struggle to cope with a defensive crisis. With Wenger unhappy to play Emmanuel Eboue at the back the versatility of Toure has proved important, although with the news that the Ivorian contracted malaria this summer, his fitness has been called into question for the season opener.

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PFA Young Player of the Year, Cesc Fabregas added to his medal collection in the summer, but not with Arsenal.

Yet there is cause for optimism despite the talk of 'crisis' surrounding the club. In Cesc Fabregas, the Gunners have one of the best players in the world at the moment and, fresh from helping Spain win Euro 2008, the 21-year-old continues to improve. Tying together the Arsenal attacks, the Spaniard has helped the club become one of the most exciting teams to watch in the League and has spurned the interests of Real Madrid to pledge his future to Emirates outfit. The emergence of 16-year-old Jack Wilshere in pre-season only adds further evidence to the claim that Wenger has collated one of the best young squads in the world and competing in the Carling Cup this season should only aid his young players' development. The Gunners also boast a potent strikeforce. With Adebayor staying and offering the combination of height and strength that brought him 24 league goals last year, the emergence of Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner means Robin Van Persie and Eduardo (once he has recovered from his horrific injury) will have plenty of competition for places. Theo Walcott, too, will be looking to establish himself in the side after only showing glimpses of his talent since his arrival and the sight of him in Thierry Henry's #14 shirt is an exciting prospect for many supporters. As an attacking force, the style of Arsenal's football is almost unrivalled in world football, but even with external issues hindering their ambition, they cannot afford another trophyless season. With a passing game that surpasses most others, frustration has been at the heart of the club for the past few years. Trying to walk the ball into the net has seen the side dominate possession, but fail to show the killer instinct required to finish teams off. And something has to change. Ultimately, many critics wrote the Gunners off after the departure of Thierry Henry in June 2007 and they came very close to winning the league last year. With more than one departure to overcome this summer, the club is now in its fourth 'season of transition' and only a piece of silverware will stop the dissenters from claiming that Arsenal are not true contenders.

Wenger confirms Arshavin talks, questions Man City

Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal are in talks with Zenit St Petersburg to sign Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin, and expects a deal to be done before the end of the January transfer window.

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Arsenal closing in on Andrei Arshavin

''We are not close to signing him today, but yes were are in negotiations [with Zenit for Arshavin]. I'm very hopeful,'' Wenger told a press conference on Thursday.

Despite interest from various clubs in both Italy and Spain Arsenal have emerged as the favourites to land the £20 million-rated 27-year-old who starred in EURO 2008.

Meanwhile, Wenger believes that Manchester City's £100 million move for AC Milan's Brazilian star Kaka would create a ''disturbance'' in the transfer market and suggest City are not operating in the ''real world''.

City remain hopeful of landing Kaka, with wages of a staggering £500,000 said to be on offer.

With the Manchester club bankrolled by the vast funds of owner Sheikh Mansour of the Abu Dhabi United Group, who took over in the summer, Wenger accepts that they, just like Chelsea in the past, operate outside the normal parameters.

''It does not look real to me at all,'' said Wenger.''It does not look in connection with today's world because on one side we have the economic situation which is quite worrying. We live in a football club who lives in the real world. That means we spend the money we make from our income.

''The implications would be disturbance on the market, an inflationary trend in a deflationary world.''

Wenger maintains the traditionally-prudent Gunners will not break the bank to aim to compete with the spending power of City.

''It leaves Arsenal where we are. That means we spend the money we produce and we make,'' he said. ''We are in a world where we live from three kinds of income - gate receipts, the sponsors and the television money. That is the real world of football.

''The rest is exceptional and is not the rule of our world. It is a special income with unlimited resources, but it is not the real world. Manchester City are in a different world because they do not live with their income.''

Diakite not leaving Lazio, says agent

Arsenal target Modibo Diakite will not be leaving Lazio in the winter transfer market, according to the player's agent.

The French defender has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, however, Diakite's agent Pino Letterio claims the 21-year-old is happy at Lazio and will not leave the Serie A outfit.

"He is not moving away from Rome," said Letterio to Italian radio station Teleradioestero.

"Lazio is like his family and he has no intention to leave the (Italian) capital.

"There is no possibility that Modibo will leave Lazio also because he has just signed a five-year contract extension.

"Lazio does not want to see go a player they have helped develop leave."

Diakite has made four starts for the Biancoceleste this season.

Van Persie calls on team-mates to stick together

Robin van Persie maintains Arsenal must stick to their guns no matter what criticism may be thrown at the club - and declared Arsene Wenger's young side will deliver.

When the Dutchman arrived from Feyenoord in the summer of 2004, the Gunners had just completed their unbeaten top-flight campaign and looked set for a period of domination.

However, since then, only an FA Cup triumph has followed as Arsenal - who did reach the 2006 Champions League final - found themselves overtaken by Chelsea and Manchester United.

This season, both current Premier League leaders Liverpool and Aston Villa have also moved ahead of the Emirates Stadium club in the race for the title.

However, Van Persie, 25, insists under the guidance of Wenger, who has now been at the helm for more than a decade, this side can go on to achieve greatness.

"I feel the same as the fans, I want it as badly as them and it can be frustrating when it doesn't happen,'' said Van Persie, who has hit five goals in his last seven games.

"I am a positive person though, and I think positively, and I think the fans should do that as well.

"We did not win everything in the past couple of years, but we are doing absolutely everything we can to change it.''

Van Persie added in the Arsenal matchday programme: "The main thing [in 2009] is to finally get silverware, but there is a clear picture here of how to achieve that.

"We need to stick to it - because this is how Arsenal is. The Arsenal way is in our system now, it grows into you, and I don't think it's clever to change your philosophy.

"Things take time, and you often see clubs sacking managers for fun, and they don't get anywhere. You need a long-term strategy.

"At Arsenal, the players have time to grow into the system, and if we stick to our principles we will get silverware.''

Wenger feels the team is showing signs of renewed confidence following an inconsistent opening to the campaign which saw them beaten five times in the Premier League before Christmas.

Victory over Bolton extended the Gunners' undefeated league run to seven games, although they remain outside the top four, with the gap on Liverpool now down to eight points.

With captain Cesc Fabregas and England winger Theo Walcott both sidelined by injury, Wenger admits he would like to bring in at least one fresh face before the transfer window closes.

The most likely candidate continues to be Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin, with an improved bid of £12million said to be on offer to Zenit St Petersburg for the wantaway 27-year-old.

Wenger bemoans cautious opposition

Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League has "lost something" with many teams now adopting a more cautious approach - but vowed to find the answer as Arsenal look to get themselves back into the title race.

The Gunners finally ended the stubborn resistance of Bolton Wanderers when substitute Nicklas Bendtner struck a winner with six minutes left at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors - who could only name three outfield substitutes following a spate of injuries and suspensions - adopted a very deep 4-5-1 formation, which for the best part of an hour Arsenal struggled to break down.

It is an all-too familiar tactical conundrum which now greets the leading coaches as teams seek to cancel any potent attacking threat rather than attempt to stand toe to toe - which leaders Liverpool discovered to their cost in a goalless draw at Stoke.

"I sit on the bench and I try to put myself in the position of [Bolton manager] Gary Megson and straight away I understand," Wenger said.

"Then after I think we have to be good enough to create the chances if the opposition only defends.

"It is maybe one of the weaknesses of the top Premier League sides this year that teams have learned only to defend away from home, the leading clubs have all struggled with that - even Manchester United, with all their offensive force."

Wenger added: "The Premier League has definitely lost something. When I arrived here in 1996, everybody had a go at you and there was space up and down the flanks. Sometimes you lost the game, but you could see more chances than today.

"You go back 10 years and everybody played a strict 4-4-2. This year I cannot remember any team coming here with two strikers, except Hull who played like that just at the start, but slowly they came back and became like the other teams."

The Gunners boss, though, maintains the new challenge is just how to beat such stubborn resistance with creative flare.

"What is interesting in the game is that every new problem you face the teams have to work to find the answer," he said.

"That problem will only be temporary I think because it will force the teams to work on movement, the technique and the creative side.

"It is important that these teams do not get away with only defending any more and they have to start to take risks as well."

Arsenal forward Robin van Persie felt on Saturday was "not a proper game of football" - but believes the Gunners, who remain outside the top four in fifth place, showed their focus to finally break through a stubborn defensive display.

He said: "The confidence is coming back now because we lost points earlier in the season which was not so clever. I think we will learn from that."

Bolton boss Gary Megson, meanwhile, maintained with the personnel he had available, there were no other options for how to approach the game.

The Bolton boss said: "The way we dropped into our own half is not how we like to play, and we certainly can't do that all the time, but we felt it was something which was forced upon us.

"We wanted to be solid, then go get the ball back and play from there, but you are playing against top class players.

"From a club of our ilk, coming to the top four, you really don't have much choice, especially away from home, in the way that you look to play."

Wenger "surprised" by Benitez's Fergie blast

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tonight expressed his "surprise'' after Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez claimed his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson had openly criticised referees and got away with it.

The Reds boss hit out yesterday at what he saw as Ferguson's complete ignorance of the Football Association's 'Respect' campaign towards officials, and complaints by the United boss about the Premier League fixture list.

Wenger admitted it was a shock to hear the usually composed and reserved Benitez say such things but insisted he did not expect it would have any bearing on the race for the Premier League title.

"It came as a complete surprise, because he is usually a quiet man and I would not like to comment further on that. I do not know what it was really about,'' the Gunners boss said after his side's 1-0 win over Bolton.

"I do not know what he [Ferguson] is doing - you do not know either, nobody knows in the country!

"But if Alex Ferguson, or Benitez or I do something which is not right, you have people around the referees who can make reports.

"I believe it is important we focus on the game, if we see something abnormal we can say it, which I did at Aston Villa after the game (when Wenger claimed referee Lee Mason was influenced after being given 'stick' by Villa staff).

"But apart from that, I couldn't see any deep problem there with English football.

"It is hard to determine what influence this will have on the results of the teams.''

Ferguson has unsettled his rivals in the past, with Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan launching into a finger-pointing tirade after the Scot made remarks about his team in the 1995-96 title race, with some observers suggesting the Magpies lost the championship the moment Keegan lost his temper. Wenger, however, does not believe that was the case.

"There was a famous story with Keegan and Ferguson, where in the end they said that moment where Keegan lost his nerves, that lost the championship - but I am not convinced,'' he said.

"I think it was more their defensive frailty which cost them the title that year, not the manager losing his calm.

"However, it will certainly have an impact on (Benitez and Ferguson's) relationship, but not on Ferguson.''

During his pre-match press conference yesterday, Benitez said: "We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and the Football Association about the 'Respect' campaign.

"And I was very clear, forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was killing the referees, killing Mr (Martin) Atkinson, killing Mr (Keith) Hackett.

"All managers need to know is that only Mr Ferguson can talk about the fixtures, can talk about referees and nothing happens.

"We need to know that I am talking about facts, not my impression. There are things that everyone can see every single week.''

Bendtner's late show rescues Arsenal

Maybe we have all been spoiled by Arsenal's fantasy football down the years.

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Robin Van Persie in action against Bolton

After a decade of witnessing glorious brilliance from Arsene Wenger's team, you can't help but feel a little let down when they churn out tight and nervy 1-0 home wins, but thus has been the scenario against Wigan Athletic, Portsmouth and now Bolton Wanderers in recent weeks.

Instead of glory, glory football, Wenger has come up with a curious concoction that seems to be delivering modest success in a season when many an observer has written the Gunners off as no-hopers. '1-0 to the Arsenal' was a score line celebrated by fans of this club back in the 1990s and they can content themselves with the same old story again at a time when their team clearly have serious flaws.

There is a perception among some Soccernet correspondents that this humble reporter has some kind of agenda against Arsene Wenger and his team, with my recent reports from this venue inspiring the sort of abusive response you might expect if I was promoting the claims of Osama Bin Laden to be the Barack Obama's next Homeland Security chief.

For the record, my admiration of Wenger's attacking style of play is well documented in previous reports, which inspired some to complain I was a little too biased in their favour! I just feel it is a little sad to see Arsenal struggling so badly right now and this game was another story of frustration.

Nicklas Bendtner's late winner kept the Gunners in touch with an Aston Villa side who look increasingly likely to give them a major run for their Champions League money in the second half of this season. It papered over the cracks in a side lacking leadership, but at least it is another win on the board.

Injury-depleted Bolton's chief aim on this bitterly cold North London afternoon was to be as negative as possible. They were never likely to come to the Emirates Stadium with an eye on matching the Gunners in a battle of sparkling football so Gary Megson's team packed the midfield and did little more than try to frustrate Arsenal at every opportunity.

On a day when the visitors could only name three fit outfield players on their substitutes bench, Megson would argue he has little option other than to try and nullify the threat in front of them and the Arsenal of old would have been more than good enough to swat this impostor away with arrogant ease.

As it was, Bolton came within six minutes of a point they probably deserved after a hard working display that denied their illustrious opponents the space they revel in. It seems as if the opposition have found a way to counteract Arsenal's game plan and instead of passing judgement on the Gunners myself, I'll let someone else take the abuse for a change.

Former Liverpool Stan Collymore was perched just behind me in the press box doing a radio commentary and he grew more frustrated with this Arsenal performance by the minute. Stating his view that they 'sadly lack a plan B', he accused the Gunners of being devoid of the cutting edge they have been famous for in recent years.

"Wenger needs to spend money if he is to have any chance of taking this team onto the next level," stated Collymore. "They were not getting the ball wide and stretching a Bolton side they should be beating easily. This Arsenal team are a hell of a long way off from being title challengers."

Arsenal's passing was crisp, yet the front two of Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie were starved of quality service and the deflated body language of the duo as this game ambled towards a close did little to dispel the theory that both have lost faith in their team-mates.

While Arsenal deserve credit for a late rally in this game, some new faces are desperately needed and signing Russian play maker Andrey Arshavin would be a decent start. Once again, they had so much possession against inferior opposition in this game and just couldn't find a route to feed Adebayor and Van Persie.

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Bacary Sagna of Arsenal battles for the ball with Matthew Taylor

Few players in world football would turn down the chance to work with a manager renowned for transforming players into world beaters, yet Wenger seems to be lacking the cash to compete for the type of player he wants. The word among the French press attending this game was that their compatriot is becoming frustrated by the lack of funds available to him.

Injuries to Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo are hampering the Arsenal cause, yet the facts confirm Wenger's side are 14 points down on the points total they had collected at this stage last year.

Wenger was defensive again as he faced the media. "We gave everything to win the game against a side who only had one intention and that was to draw 0-0," he stated. "They began to tire late on and the chances came for us. A bit of quality has won it in the end and we have to be pleased to have the points.

"A lot of people don't believe me, but I see the progress this team is making. We are looking a lot more solid and need to find the balance between a solid team and an attacking team. Consistency is the key in this league and we are working towards that well. We are focused, resilient and ready to fight back from our problems."

Bolton boss Gary Megson was proud of his players for the effort they had put into cause and 'bitterly disappointed' to leave with nothing, yet this display was proof that his team are working hard for a manager who has overcome plenty of negative publicity himself to make his mark in this season's Premier League.

So long as Arsenal keep winning games, the critics will have to keep reservations over their future prospects under wraps. Wenger must be grateful that the medicine his side clearly need can be administered during this transfer window.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gavin McCann
Sean Davis was the midfield destroyer in chief as Portsmouth frustrated Arsenal a couple of weeks ago and this time it was the all-action McCann halting their progress. He was a giant for Bolton.

FOOD WATCH: Just for once, the sub-zero temperatures left the press room ice cream fridge at the Emirates Stadium redundant. The half time fish and chips offering was most welcome, as well as the supply of hot chocolate.

BENDTNER CREDIT: Many Arsenal fans have thrown plenty of criticism in the direction of Nicklas Bendtner this season, but he made all the difference in this game. His physical threat unsettled Bolton on a day when Adebayor looked less than interested. Maybe he is a decent super-sub.

P.A. MAN RETURNS: The cheesy and perm haired Emirates Stadium P.A. announcer must be one of the most annoying men in football, with his determination to shout the first names of Arsenal players in a bid to get the crowd to shout their surname - a tragic policy. He returned from his holiday for this game and was as irritating as ever!

ARSENAL VERDICT: Poor delivery from wide positions meant Arsenal's predictable attacking threat came through the middle. They only looked genuinely dangerous when Bendtner came off the bench late on. At least they got the three points they so badly needed.

BOLTON VERDICT: With a depleted squad, Gary Megson's team deserve credit for putting their heart and soul into the challenge. The Bolton boss admitted he only had ten fit senior professionals to pick from in his post match press briefing, so it was never going to be easy for them and they came so close to leaving with a point.

Youngsters out to impress in 2009

In 2008 Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero announced himself as a major talent on the world stage, while 21-year-old Barcelona star Lionel Messi cemented his reputation with a third FIFpro 'Young Player of the Year' award; but who will succeed them in 2009, who will use the new year as a springboard for success? Here's a selection tipped to make an even bigger impression on the game in the coming year.

The Brazilian will replace Gary Neville.

Rafael da Silva - Manchester United - English Premier League

The Brazilian right-back has gradually become a regular member of the United first-team after joining the club in January 2008. While his twin brother, Fabio, has yet to make an appearance for the Red Devils, Rafael has scored one goal in his eleven starts so far for the club and is seen as the eventual successor to stalwart Gary Neville. An attacking full-back, the 18-year-old has made such an impression that Neville is no longer an automatic choice even though he is back to full fitness. Fast, strong and boasting a powerful shot, Rafael will surely be seen on the right side of the United defence for years to come.

Sergio Busquets - Barcelona - Spanish La Liga

Bursting onto the scene this season, the 20-year-old midfielder was a product of the Barcelona academy and impressed under the tutelage of Josep Guardiola before graduating to the first-team. The son of goalkeeper Carles Busquets, who played for the club in the 1990s, ''Sergi'' displaced the likes of Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita in the defensive midfield role and was rewarded with a new five-year contract tying him to the club until 2013. An imposing ball-winner, Busquets may have only had half a season of top flight football behind him, but has shown more than enough to suggest he will be a fixture at the Nou Camp in the future.

Yoann Gourcuff - Bordeaux - French Ligue 1

Another French youngster to have suffered from comparisons labelling him the 'new Zidane', Gourcuff made his name as a highly-rated attacking midfielder at Rennes before he was snapped up by AC Milan in 2006. Failing to establish himself in the side, the 23-year-old moved to Bordeaux on loan for the 2008/09 season and has shown the depth of his talent, helping the club up to second in Ligue 1 with three goals and seven assists. Milan may yet call him back, but with his future remaining unclear, he could choose to move on in the summer.

Vedad Ibisevic - TSG Hoffenheim - German Bundesliga

The Bosnian striker has exploded onto the world stage with a terrific goal return for his club, TSG Hoffenheim, in the first half of the German season. 18 goals in 17 starts, along with six assists, has put the 24-year-old on the map and he is now seen as one of Europe's best young hitmen. Having started his career with Swiss side FC Basel, he moved to the US and impressed in college soccer before eventually sealing a switch to France. Ibisevic failed to make the grade there, or at Alemania Aachen, but has been central to Hoffenheim's rise up the German league this season and will hope to continue his success with the club.

Marek Hamsik - Napoli - Italian Serie A

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The Slovak has been in great form.

Napoli are slowly building themselves an impressive array of young talent with the likes of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Andrea Russotto and Fabiano Santacroce all looking like great prospects for the future; but the jewel in the club's crown is surely Marek Hamsik. The 21-year-old moved from Brescia in 2007 for a measly fee of €5.5 million and finished his first season as the club's top scorer. This season, however, the Slovakian international has really shown his talent and has bagged seven goals in 15 games; prompting Torino coach Walter Novellino to admit he would prefer to have Hamsik in his side than Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho.

Mounir El Hamdaoui - AZ Alkmaar - Dutch Eredivisie

An impressive 15 goals in 16 games for AZ this season has seen the Moroccan international striker end 2008 as the Dutch League's top scorer. Once on the books of Tottenham (although he never made a start and was loaned to Derby), El Hamdaoui has struggled with injuries in his career but appears to be back on track in Holland. A skilful player with a good turn of pace, if he can steer clear of the treatment table then the 24-year-old could earn himself a move to a bigger club.

Alan Dzagoev - CSKA Moscow - Russian Premier League

Awarded the 'Young Player of the year' award for his performances in the Russian League this year, the 18-year-old playmaker has attracted a lot of interest from Europe's elite. Quick, good in the air and with exceptional technical skills, Dzagoev enjoys playing behind the strikers and became the youngest outfield player ever to play for Russia (goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev holds the overall record), when he came on against Germany in October 2008. Most recently linked with Chelsea, the CSKA star's eight goals for the club this season have made him one of the hottest prospects on the continent.

Anthony Annan - Rosenborg BK - Norwegian Tippeligaen

One of the stars of the African Cup of Nations back in January 2008, in the absence of Ghana captain Stephen Appiah, Annan is yet to seal his big move despite a host of clubs showing an interest in him. The 22-year-old central midfielder has been compared with Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar, but is also a great ball-winner and makes up for his lack of height with tremendous desire and impressive passing skills. Currently plying his trade in Norway, 2009 should hold a move for a player likely to impress further with his national side.

Franco Zuculini - Racing Club - Argentine Primera División

With exceptionally high energy levels, the 18-year-old midfielder has been compared to Diego Simeone due to his combative style of play. Tipped by Argentine coach Diego Maradona to make a real impact on the national side by the time the 2010 World Cup comes around, he only made his debut for his club last April but has already attracted a host of scouts' attention. His excellent passing makes him stand out, but he also has great versatility and can play across the midfield. Seen as the next big thing to come out of Argentina, it should not be long before he moves on from Racing.

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Hernanes was a crucial figure in Sao Paulo's title run.

Hernanes - Sao Paulo - Campeonato Brasileiro

Having led his side to a third successive Brazilian title this season, the 23-year-old midfielder won the Player of the Season award in his breakthrough campaign. Barcelona have shown interest in the playmaker, who is equally at home playing with either foot, but the Spanish side's bid was rejected and he looks set to stay in Brazil. He picked up a bronze medal in the Olympics and was called up by Dunga for the World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia; but many expect the classy midfielder to make the move to Europe in the next year.

Lee Chung-yong - FC Seoul - K-League

Tipped by Korea's top player, Park Ji-Sung, to make an impact on the world stage, Lee and fellow countryman Ki Sung-yong are attracting attention in Asia with their performances in the K-League. Lee, in particular, has attracted the interest of Premier League clubs who are waiting for him to make a few more appearances for the national team so he can meet strict UK work permit regulations. A forward who creates goals as well as scoring them, Lee's temperament is questionable, but his position as one of Korea's shining lights is not.

Joseph Gyau & Charles Renken - United States U-17 team

Part of the residency program in Bradenton, this pair have been courted by various European clubs as they continue their development with the U-17 national side. The 16-year-old Gyau has fantastic dribbling skills and a great turn of pace and has been on trial at Bayern Munich, while also attracting the eye of Manchester United. Team-mate Renken is only 14 but already directs much of the side's attacking play and has been linked with Arsenal. Both have to come out from the shadow of Jozy Altidore and Freddy Adu, who have moved to Europe, but certainly have the potential to succeed.