Arsene Wenger’s unique ‘goodbye’ with Sir Alex Ferguson as future role suggested

Chelsea defender Reece James has been reflecting on playing with and against Emile Smith Rowe when he came for a trial with the Blues.

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Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal players after Claudio Ranieri accusation

Arsenal go into the international break as one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League.

Manager Mikel Arteta has steadied the ship after a ropey start to the campaign and although the team were short of their best in the 1-0 victory over Watford, they are now eight games unbeaten in the Premier League and up into fifth in the table.

Emile Smith Rowe was the hero again on Sunday, as he grabbed the only goal of the game at the Emirates Stadium. It was another performance from the midfielder which contributed to his call-up to the senior England squad following the withdrawal of Marcus Rashford.

The Gunners face a huge test when the Premier League returns, as they visit Liverpool. Arteta will be hoping his players can make it through the break unscathed and give a great account of themselves on Merseyside.

Here is the latest Arsenal news after another important win.

Where can Arsenal realistically finish this season? Let us know in the comments below!

James recalls Smith Rowe trial

Chelsea defender Reece James has said he remembers Smith Rowe’s trial with the club, before he eventually joined Arsenal.

The Gunners starlet has clearly had his talents honed well in the Arsenal academy and is beginning to look at ease in the Premier League.

However, James has revealed that Smith Rowe was in Chelsea’s crosshairs, although a deal eventually wasn’t done.

“He came to Chelsea when he was quite young, actually, on trial,” he said. “I remember playing with him and playing against him.

“Even when he moved to Arsenal, I always knew he was a top player and I think this season he’s shown how good he is and why he’s been selected.”

Read the story in full HERE.

Wenger and Ferguson’s rare meeting remembered

Dick Law, part of the Arsenal recruitment team under Arsene Wenger, has detailed a rare meeting that took place between the Frenchman and his fierce rival Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Law revealed that the level of animosity between the duo meant they rarely engaged in the traditional post-match drink between managers.

But at the end of the 2012-13 season, the pair did get together after a clash between the two sides and the timing of it was intriguing to say the least.

“The Manager’s Office that day was set up with two easy chairs against one wall, a coffee table with a sofa on one side and some other chairs on the other.

“Sir Alex graciously greeted the Arsenal coaching staff and before I realised it, he and Arsene went over and sat in the easy chairs. Everyone kept their distance. The moment was unique.

“Long-time rivals, seated together, leaning towards each other, talking. What we saw in the Manager’s Office wasn’t a post-match courtesy call, it was goodbye.

“Ten days later, the 8th of May, Sir Alex resigned as Manager of Manchester United.”

Read the story in full HERE.

Ferdinand makes Wenger MP joke

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has joked that Wenger should go into politics after the former Arsenal boss sat on the fence in response to a question.

The ex-defender asked Wenger who was his favourite player from his time at Arsenal and he said he was reluctant to “single out” any individual.

Who has been Arsenal’s player of the season so far? Cast your vote below!

“You should be an MP, a diplomat,” said Ferdinand in response, before Wenger eventually said the two most talented players he coached were Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.

“But you admire as well the right-back who every Saturday… Lee Dixon for example, I admire him of course,” Wenger added. “These [previous] generations maybe less skilful, less talented because because the evolution of the game has become more technical, but they were accountable.”

Read the story in full HERE.