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  ¤ CM 00/01

Pre-Season

Here I am, back again at the hot seat of Arsenal FC. A month away from football is really too long and I could see it when the team reported back for training. Well, it was a much-needed break after an all-conquering season. This season there will be some new challenges. First up, the Charity Shield match against Chelsea and the European Super Cup match against Aston Villa. The World Club Cup against Flamengo would soon follow. We will be jetting off to Brazil in January for the FIFA World Club Championship too. A busy season ahead if I might say so.

Instead of raiding the transfer market like I did last season, I made one purchase only for the start of this season. Javier Saviola (River Plate) joined for a club record of £20 million after months of scouting. I recouped half of it through the sale of Nwankwo Kanu, who went to 1860 Munchen for £11.25 million later in the season. Gilles Grimandi and Guy Demel left for free after their contracts had expired. Clint Hill arrived as promised and the whole team set off on a tour in Denmark. 2 identical 1-0 winds over Lyngby and AB respectively allowed me to identify the regulars for the season. Further friendlies were arranged against Wolves (4-0), Brighton (4-2) and Millwall (2-0), before rounding it up with an obligatory trip to White Hart Lane. We won 2-0, courtesy of goals by Kanu and Wiltord.

Chelsea will be our major rivals this season and they showed it by splashing big money to lure Paulo Sousa (£7.5m), Steve McManaman (£5.5m), Nicky Butt (£10.5m) and Henrik Larsson (£10m). It was quite appropriate that they were our opponents in the Charity Shield. 90 minutes later, Arsenal crushed Chelsea's hopes with a comprehensive 4-0 win, with goals from Henry, Lauren and a brace from Bergkamp. The Blues didn't look much of a threat at all. [ScreenShot]

In the European Super Cup, Arsenal started strongly in the match and scored after Parlour was put through by Silvinho's pass. Villa defended strongly afterwards, as both sides failed to find the important breakthrough. In the 24th minute, Bergkamp played a one-two with Henry before unleashing a shot. GOAL! Aston Villa pulled one back on the hour through Richard Johnson who managed to slip the ball past Manninger. Then with 2 minutes remaining, Henry ended Villa's hopes of any comeback when he scored Arsenal's third. 3-1 to Arsenal! [ScreenShot]

This added another trophy for the bulging trophy cabinet. The board of directors was pleased with my handling of the ream and they willingly accepted my proposal to bid for Jonathan Woodgate. Leeds United accepted the bid of £23 million but the player would only discuss his future until the season is over. Team shuffle news, Jonathan Greening was promoted to the 1st team and it looks like Big Dave will have to make way for Alex Manninger.

Pre-season Statistics : Played 6 Won 6 Scored 14 Conceded 2

  CM 00/01
  Season 00/01 :
  Pre-Season
  Part 1
  Part 2
  Part 3
  Part 4
  Post-Season

  Season 01/02 :
  Pre-Season
  Part 1
  Part 2
  Part 3
  Post-Season

  Season 02/03 :
  Pre-Season
  Part 1
  Part 2
  Part 3
  Part 4
  Post-Season


This Page Is Published And Maintained By Wong Kuan Yew
Copyright © 2001 Wong Kuan Yew. All Rights Reserved.
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