Arsene won’t give up on title or Cole.

Highbury
By Boris Mellor
April 19 2005

Arsene Wenger has made it clear he has no doubts that Ashley Cole will play a good game against Chelsea. He believes that Ashley is now back on form after the disruption of the Colegate scandal.

But he also refuses to concede the title; they might be 90% there but that is no reason to give up. He intends to fight on, it’s not over until it’s over.

Today’s red tops are full of alleged quotes from Arsenal Players. Reyes has become amazingly eloquent describing Chelsea as "conservative"! I find that bizarre, especially during a general election. Others are quoted as saying we will stop their title charge. I assume most of these quotes are garbage dreamed up by the press to raise the atmosphere and drive Chelsea on.

I am not sure if Reyes has said the words attributed to him, I am not even sure if he should start tomorrow. After all Van Persie looks far more likely to score.

That view is not just based on the two goals in the cup – but on his goal against Blackburn in the league. Van Persie has shown that he can score under pressure in important matches, that art has deserted Jose. Yet last season he scored two great goals against Chelski in the cup. Is it the time to persevere with him?

Wenger will be without Thierry Henry and Ljunberg, but the good news is that Sol returns to the squad. But this is another tough decision, for the defence have only conceded one goal in the Premiership with Senderos playing (He was not available for the Norwich game). I have asked this several times now – is it the right time to bring Campbell back? At times like this it’s good not to be the manager.

Vieira and Gilberto have come into fitness and form just at the right time. True we have no Henry, but now is the time for a Reyes or Van Persie to make a big name for themselves.

STOP PRESS

Lauren one of the players allegedly quoted in the press today has issued this denial "

“There are a number of pieces in today’s papers which use quotes from me talking about Chelsea, my opinion of them and their style of play,” he said. “I haven’t spoken to anyone, some freelancer from Spain has conjured up the quotes in my name and it’s completely unacceptable. It is frustrating to see words printed in my name that haven't come from my mouth."